HIGHLONESOME
Highlonesome is a group of guys being as real as can be. They play loud fast music, described as Mountainbilly, a mix of true American roots mountain music mixed with rockabilly influences
IZZY AND THE CATASTROPHICS
BLACK EYED VERMILLION
BLACK EYED VERMILLION New single Box of Pine out now on Itunes!
THE HOOTEN HALLERS
Columbia, Missouri trio The Hooten Hallers are a high-energy blues, rock, and soul band known for hard-traveling and wild live shows, with a seemingly endless tour schedule. The myriad of influences in their music range from pre-war blues to rock’n’roll to honky tonk and a hint of jazz, with a thematic penchant for the strange and the unexplained. In the same vein, the Hooten Hallers’ music isn’t quite Americana and it’s not quite punk, but a bit of both, fused together in a drunken tangle. Their live shows take the listener on a seamless ride from unapologetically raucous blues on the lap steel and bass sax, to a sweet three part harmony country ballad, to a romping dance number.
The Hooten Hallers’ new self-titled album, out April 21, 2017 on Big Muddy Records, is the culmination of their experiences from 10 years of performing and traveling together. They’ve injected the album with the stories and characters they’ve been meeting on the road all this time. Produced by Johnny Walker (Soledad Brothers, All Seeing Eyes) and Kristo Baricevic (Big Muddy Records), the Hooten Hallers’ latest effort showcases their evolution as musicians and songwriters. It garnered attention by Noisey – “This album rules”; Rock’N’Reel (UK) – “This is a band that really understands and exudes the history of rock and roll”; Impose Magazine – “another stunner of a music collection”; New Releases Now – “one of the most dynamic live shows around”; AXS – “This album is sheer madness in the best way”; Ground Sounds – “gritty, groovy, and bluesy”; No Depression – “evokes images of Tom Waits tending to a trotline at Lake of the Ozarks”, amongst others.
John Randall’s demonically-tinged vocals and blues-inspired, manic guitar, and Andy Rehm’s screaming falsetto vocals and steady, pounding drum beat keep the band focused on their unique blend of deep blues and country punk. Kellie Everett brings the power with the deep rumble of her baritone and bass saxophones. When The Hooten Hallers come to town, you know it’s gonna be a party!
MAMIE WHITE
J.B. BEVERLEY AND THE WAYWARD DRIFTERS
Have you ever wondered what happened to REAL country music? Sadly, it has been pushed into the underground by the image-consumed, money-making monster of the corporate music industry. These days, only a few brave souls dare to make the kind of authentic country music that honors American heritage and culture; rooted in the influence of Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and the other all-but-forgotten legends of the genre. Genuine country music reflects real life, and not the latest fashion trends. One of the strongest and most charismatic forces in the real country music arena is J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters.
Originally formed in December 1998, J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters have steadily made a name for themselves in the U.S. and around the world. A “retired” hobo, Beverley took his experiences from the road, the trains, and everyday American people he encounters, and molded those experiences into some of the most heartfelt, real-deal country music to see the light of day in a long time. With driving acoustic rhythm guitar, slamming upright bass slapping, amazing banjo rolls, and other blistering accompaniment, Beverley and his “high lonesome” voice have earned a solid reputation for their live shows.
J.B. Beverley and his Wayward Drifters’ endless life on the road is studded with highlights, including a 7 week tour with Hank Williams III and shows with contemporary greats like Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Dale Watson and Lee Rocker. They have been joined on stage by legendary Commander Cody guitar picker Bill Kirchen, and other friends in the music community. The band also has made fans out of the likes of John Carter Cash, Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats, Bruce Springsteen, and Piedmont Blues great Warner Williams.
J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters have been featured on several radio and TV programs, including the MHZ Network’s “Spotlight”, Austin’s Capzeyes TV, and radio shows like Colorado’s KRFC “Live at Lunch, and Knoxville’s WDVX FM. The band has released two heavily-circulated demos, and a full-length studio CD entitled “Dark Bar & A Jukebox” (Helltrain Records). The band toured relentlessly for over two years in support of “Dark Bar”, and also wound up the subject of an upcoming documentary road film by Wayward Souls Productions out of New Mexico.
In 2008, J.B. opened Rebel Roots Studio in Richmond, VA to record and produce “Watch America Roll By”, the band’s sophomore effort. Described as “an organic road record that may as well have soil falling off it’s roots”, the 2009 release stirred up quite the buzz amongst Wayward Drifters fans and roots-music enthusiasts alike, and took the band across the US and to Europe non-stop from it’s release into 2011.
As of 2012, J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters have re-entered Rebel Roots Studio to begin work on their new CD “The Way We Do It In Dixie”, scheduled for a 2014 release on RUSTY KNUCKLES MUSIC.
ROGER ALAN WADE
Roger Alan Wade has something to prove. Why would anyone who has penned songs for country music’s royalty such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr. and others have anything to prove? A bit of a history lesson may be in order here.
Once upon a time, Wade worked in Nashville writing songs for other folks to record. Hank Williams, Jr. took his song “Country State of Mind” to number one back in 1986 and garnered Wade three gold records and one platinum. When Nashville stopped making country music around the early ’90s, where was a guy like Roger to go? For years he played for next to nothing in honky-tonks and clubs entertaining anybody who would listen. Then in 2005, Wade’s All Likkered Up became the first release on the independent label Johnny Knoxville Records.
Consisting mainly of novelty songs with a satirical nod to rednecks and honky-tonk culture, All Likkered Up brought Wade to a global audience. The tracks “If You’re Gonna Be Dumb” and “BB Gun” were featured in the highly successful “Jackass” films/video game and MTV’s “Wildboyz” TV series. But there were a few songs on it like “Sweet Wine of Sorrow” or the heartfelt “Johnny Cash has Died” that showcased Wade’s ability to stretch out in a more serious direction.
In 2009, Wade released Stoned Traveler, another solid album with about a 50/50 balance of novelty songs and more traditional singer-songwriter material. Stoned Traveler included “D.R.U.N.K.” which appeared in the MTV show “Nitro Circus”.
Then in 2010 Wade released his masterpiece, Deguello Motel.
The inspiration for Deguello Motel may have been thirty years of hard living, but the approach was a sober one. The first challenge was for Roger Alan Wade to get sober. (He did.) The second challenge was to see if he could write a song that way.(He can.) But that wasn’t enough for Wade. He had something to prove. “He was good till he kicked the drinking and drugs” is how the cliche goes. Years of prejudice and misguided notions were waiting to be quashed. Wade quashed them, and then kept moving. He wasn’t satisfied proving the notions wrong, he wanted to prove that the opposite was right.
After hearing Deguello Motel Wade’s fans started asking, “Is this the same guy who wrote ‘Poontang’? Deguello Motel catches people looking the other way. You keep waiting for the next song to be the goofy one, and it never comes, adding gravity to the songs, making you perk up and pay attention saying, “This is serious stuff.”
All this talk of sobriety may have you thinking Wade lost his edge. On the contrary, Deguello Motel is like fighting fire with fire, and telling the hard, cold, ugly truth, with a poet’s wit and wisdom. The album is a catharsis, with the lyrics like toxins being purged out in all their candid rawness bringing Wade out of the shadow of being Johnny Knoxville’s cousin or a writer of silly songs, and into the company of people like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt as a premier songwriter.
In 2011 Wade reached back into his bag of novelty songs one more time and released Too Fat to Fly. Kicking off with the title track, which is based on the dispute between Southwest Airlines and film director Kevin Smith, Wade trades in the bleakness of Deguello Motel for more irreverent humor. More exposure came with “Party in My Pants,” which was featured in the film Jackass 3-D.
The best moment of this brief album comes at the end with the masterful tune “The Sun Don’t Shine on the Same Dog’s Ass Everyday,” which, if you believe the story, was pitched to Cash, Waylon, Willie, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, and others, all in the hopes of Wade being able to afford a box of jelly-filled donuts for his cousin Knoxville’s birthday!
Wade has appeared on “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” and “Howard Stern Show” and Johnny Knoxville and Wade launched their own weekly radio show “Big Ass Happy Family Jubilee” on Sirius/XM Satellite’s Outlaw Channel.
In December 2011, Wade launched his Official Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/RogerAlanWadeMusic with a special gift for his fans. When friend, fan and Jackass Star Ryan Dunn tragically died in an accident earlier in the year, Wade wrote the hauntingly beautiful tribute “The Light Outshines the Star”. Wade gave the song away for free too his Facebook fans as a gift from Dunn and “all the Jackasses that love him”. The response has been overwhelming.
2012 is gearing up to be a big year for Wade. The next CD titled “The Last Request of Elijah Rose” is a prequel to Deguello Motel. Roger states, “This album is more about foreboding than darkness. You will feel the storm coming. It’s about the journey in, when you’re young and everything seems like it’s going to go as you planned. And then, man, it just don’t sing your song no more for some reason. You hit a time when it tests your mettle. You either come out on the other side or you don’t. What’s tantalizing is that I can hear it, I can feel the weather change and I can feel all the characters involved in it.”
Whether he’s writing the dark and poetic tunes of Deguello Motel or “Psycho Bitch from Hell,” Roger Alan Wade is “an American treasure and one of the greatest songwriters we have.”
JESSI COLTER
Jessi Colter is one of modern music’s singular talents, a singer,
songwriter, and entertainer whose influence continues to echo across
musical genres.
An artist talented and versatile enough both to top the pop charts and to be part of the groundbreaking Wanted: The Outlaws album, she is assured a place in the history of both formats. With the release in 2003 of An Outlaw …A Lady: The Very Best of Jessi Colter–which No Depression called “one of the more important and plain necessary releases of the year“-and the 2006 release of “Out of the Ashes” -her legacy has been showcased again both for those who were part of the magic as it happened and for a new generation.
Jessi Colter was born with the name Mirriam Johnson in Phoenix. (She adopted the stage name Jessi Colter after her great-great-great uncle who was in Jesse James’ notorious outlaw gang.) Her mother became Sister Helen, an ordained Pentecostal minister, and Colter became the church pianist at age 11. As a teen, her musical talent
impressed rockabilly guitar star Duane Eddy, who produced her 1961 single “Lonesome Road.” They married in 1963. He wrote and recorded an instrumental, “Mirriam”, while she wrote some of his album tracks, as well as “No Sign of the Living” for Dottie West. In 1967, Eddy and Colter recorded a duet single, “Guitar on My Mind,” but divorced the following year. She married Waylon Jennings on Oct. 26, 1969, at her mother’s church.
In 1975, Colter notched a sizable country and pop hit with the self-penned “I’m Not Lisa.” That was followed a year later by the success of Wanted! The Outlaws, a collaboration with Jennings, Willie Nelson and Tompall Glaser and the first Nashville album to sell a million copies. Her best-known duets with Jennings are “Suspicious Minds” and her soothing composition “Storms Never Last.”
Her re-emergence as a recording and concert artist, bodes well for the future of popular music when it can surely use someone of her vision, originality, and accomplishment.
GOOD GRAVY
Good Gravy’s flavor can be described as a modern approach to American roots music or Americana. Within their recipe, are the remnants of bluegrass, rock, folk, electronic, jazz, and even calypso. This band has an eclectic earthy palette that is even furthered by the use of improvisation, a hard driving rhythm section, and occasional electric instrumentation.
Reaching phenomenal energy levels with their acoustics, they take it to the next level when they do use electrics. The artistry and intermittent use creates a dynamic story throughout their live shows that’s not only tasteful but distinguishing.
Captivating melodies, thick vocals, intriguing dynamics, and intense improv jams, this bands imagination is fresh in the live music scene. Good Gravy is said to “melt the heart, as well as the face.”
Original techniques in the composition of their music is paired with influences that are evident. Ensuing the paths of the defining bands in the “jam” scene of Colorado, artists such as the String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Leftover Salmon are obvious inspirations.
Guaranteed to throw down everything from psychedelic dance beats to slamming bluegrass this contemporary band takes acoustic song writing to new and exciting realms.
RHYTHM ROCKETS
Since 1996, Chicago’s Rhythm Rockets have been delivering 100 shows a year of their brand of vintage Rhythm & Blues, with songs influenced by the sax-driven bands of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. In keeping with that style of music, the Rhythm Rockets’ performances reflect the diversity of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues for which Chicago is famous.
From original compositions to matchless arrangements of vintage classics, the Rhythm Rockets deliver danceable, high-energy music in an authentic stage show that appeals to audiences of all ages. Fronted by veteran vocalist Nicole Kestler, the Rhythm Rockets move effortlessly between torch ballads by Etta James & Dinah Washington to up-tempo numbers by Louis Jordan & Louis Prima. Along with Nicole’s old-school interpretation, the Rhythm Rockets are backed by three saxophones, upright bass, drums and guitar, Ms Kestler transfixes audiences with vocals that are authentic and second to none.
In their home state of Illinois, the Rockets have performed at the Paramount Arts Center, Willowbrook Ballroom, Green Dolphin Street, Rialto Square Theater, House of Blues, Chord on Blues and Chicagoland’s longest-running weekly Swing event at Frankie’s Blue Room for nine years.
In addition, the band has performed in numerous venues across America, recorded and self produced four albums, and had four original songs featured on the FOX-TV show, the Tick in 2001. From their infectious music to their unforgettable stage show, there’s just no telling how high the Rhythm Rockets will soar in years to come.
GET UP & GO
Start with a boil, add 4 cups punk rock, 2 cups of speed, a teaspoon of ska, two pounds of melody and you’ve got a tall glass of Get Up & Go. Four over-caffeinated dudes from Chicago with bad jokes and some tunes that’ll put some bear on your chest and the criminal back in your life.
4 SKEEVY DUDES
From Jefferson City Missouri four musicians came together to form what is now known as 4 Skeevy Dudes. With an exciting mix of Punk and Ska, 4 Skeevy Dudes have started making their mark on the music scene.
The lead singer-Trinity, also known as T to his friends, fronts this collection of talented artists. The energy and enthusiasm he brings to the stage is infectious as the bare footed front man pours sweat giving all that he has in every song to ensure that the crowd feels the music like intended.
Guitarist-Joe with his old school punk thrasher drives the music. He rocks on his low riding guitar slamming the strings with every down stroke, producing a sound that any punk fan would love.
Bassist-Chad, beats on his ax with ferocity, and was known to play a show with nothing but his bass and naked glory. “I never felt like an actual bass player until this band”.
Drummer-Chris pours his heart and sole into every show. Numerous times the drum set is vacated for a quick exhaustion vomit outback and then back on the drums…not missing a beat.
DEAD SPLIT EGOS
Hailing from the Chicagoland area comes the in your face, high energy, punk rock of the Dead Split Egos. Featuring the raw vocals and guitar playing of Nick Toppel, the punchy bass lines of Brett Sullivan, and the hard hitting drums of Dennis Toppel. Dead Split Egos brings you a taste of old school hardcore punk mixed with their own style of new school punk rock. Come prepared for a hard hitting, fast paced, hard-as-hell-core punk show that will blow your head off.
THE WILD FINISH
The Wild Finish are an “adult-contemporary punk” band from Chicago, Illinois. They play music for people who like music. Here is a nice thing that was said about them:
“I have no doubt that The Wild Finish WILL blow me away when their full length is released. I just hope it’s sooner than later.” – Critical Mass
They also love you.
THE MUDVILLE SOUNDS
Known for its lawlessness and freedom from the cops, we have taken residence in Mudville to produce the sounds you will find here.
RELENTLESS
Relentless is a new Heavy Metal band from Chicago, Il. Their debut album “Souls of Charon” is to be self released in November 2013 via Do Or Die Records
SLOPPY J
Sloppy J started in the fall 2010 as the colorful co-host of a local bar’s open mic night. After being 86′d from the suburban (er) ‘hotspot’ for possessing an aesthetic (& other things), Sloppy J soon reformed in 2012 under the name “Sloppy J & the Overdubs”, adding kazoo, whistling, yodeling, & various barnyard sound FX to the olio of oddities. Known far and wide as a legendary siffleur & ardent punk rocker, Sloppy J has played with numerous projects in the past and has opened for such eclectic acts as Marc Ribot, Pere Ubu, War, & The Village People.
Sloppy J resides in all of us. “I am that I am, and if that happens to be that I am chunky, obnoxious and mindless, so be it. I have a moral obligation to my god, yes…but only if that god is a black militant lesbian named Desweetest.”
THE REVOMATICS
The Revomatics are an instrumental hot rod/surf band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The group consists of veteran musicians who have been active in Milwaukee’s local music for many years. The Revomatics had the honor of opening for Dick Dale, the King of Surf Guitar, in 2011. In 2013 the group performed at Ohana – Luau at the Lake festival in Lake George, New York. New album available Spring 2014! For more information or booking, please contact the band at info@therevomatics.com.
STABBED IN BACK
Stabbed in Back is a Punk rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the United States. The band was started in 2004 by Lillingtons drummer Timmy V. In 2006 the band was signed to Basement Records, and subsequently released their Portrait of Noise EP.
BONE JUGS N HARMONY
Bones, Jug, Xylophone, kazoos, steel pan resonator guitar, banjo, double bass, drums, all sorts of noise makers. These are just some of the instruments we play around with at our shows. The group began with the dream of throwing an energetic party with acoustic instruments, a high quality, clearly audible musical experience that could be had on street corners, on the beach, in living rooms, or amplified in a club.
We started with some old xylophone rags, featuring Cody Jensen, and have since built a large repertoire of originals and covers, old and new. As old as Leroy Carr’s “Barrelhouse Women”, Memphis Jugband’s “Sugar Puddin’”, and the classic “Salty Dog Blues,” and as new as the Beastie Boys’ “Girls,” Bone Thugs N Harmony’s “Crossroads,” and Abigail Washburn’s “Divine Bell.” We are highly influenced by jugbands and string bands, both new and old. We also perform calypso tunes featuring Tim Berg on steel pan, Mississippi John Hurt tunes featuring the guitar work of JP Goguen, and a slew of bluegrass standards and not-so-standards. With our extensive collection of instruments, our large spectrum of influences, and our quirky and thoughtful songwriting we embark on our journey of creating a new sound to share with all who will lend an ear.
We pride ourselves on being seriously silly, it’s a commitment to fun. We want to party. We want, we want to party. With you. And your friends. And other people that neither of us know. We’re hoping we can all dance till we fall down, sing till our voices cannot be found, and smile till our faces fall off. Bones.
SLAM DUNK
we’re a band from CANADA whoa!
GHOSTWRITER
Ghostwriter could be the post-punk version of a Harry Smith era self-accompanied singer-songwriter… For the last decade, Ghostwriter has hit the road in true troubadour form; one man traveling, music that is direct and uncompromised. Ghostwriter has shared the stage with icons like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Real Kids, and T-Model Ford, and is currently supporting his sixth album on End of the West records, “Prayin’ all the time” – LP & MP3, 2012.
HEDERSLEBEN
Jai Young Kim – Bass (Secret Chiefs 3)
Arian Jade – Vocals/Violin (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind)
Kephera Moon – Keyboards/Vocals (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind/Brainticket)
Jason Willer – Drums/Percussion (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind/Brainticket/UK Subs)
Nicky Garratt – Guitars (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind/Brainticket/UK Subs)
History
German? British? American?
Actually Hedersleben was hatched in the village of the same name on the outskirts of Quedlinburg, Germany by British guitarist Nicky Garratt yet are based in the Oakland/San Francisco bay area.
In the role of musical director Garratt pulled together musicians to record the Nik Turners Space Gypsy album in Los Angeles. After a short incubation period the prototype version of Hedersleben manifested from Nik Turner’s touring band.
Following the success of Space Gypsy, Hedersleben, worked with original Brainticket Keyboard/Flute/Sitar player Joel Vandroogenbroeck recording a new album for his legendary Swiss band.
Hedersleben recorded their debut album Upgoer back to back with Brainticket’s Past, Present & Future, again working again with engineer Jeremy Goody at Megasonic Sound.
In October 2013 Hedersleben embarked on their first national tour, both opening for and backing Nik Turner. Hedersleben’s second, highly acclaimed, album Die Neuen Welten featured guest vocalist Kati Knox, and was again recorded at Megasonic sound in Oakland in May 2014. Side A of Die Neuen Welten was set to film by San Francisco filmmaker Erin Franklin.
A one off gig On June 3rd featured special guest Captain Sensible on 2nd guitar. The show was filmed at 1234go records in Oakland. On August 26th Hedersleben took to the road again on a repeat of the previous years tour with Nik Turner. Again Hedersleben both opened and backed the ex Hawkwind front man.
Hedersleben have just finished recording their 3rd album The Fall Of Chronopolis.
IN DEFENCE
In Defence has been hitting the road since 2006. Starting as a hardcore band, In Defence incorporated wicked fast riffs with a satirical message. The early days brought the mantra ‘Call More Dudes’ to the basements across America. Calling for social change and bringing together Dudes of all shapes and sizes – no matter your gender, sexual preference, or dietary habits.
Later, In Defence kept that same tongue in cheek delivery and coupled it with ripping thrash riffs. Once In Defence was gaining some attention, it became clear that people needed to be taught proper mosh etiquette, and ‘Don’t Call Me A Moshist’ was born. ‘Fuck That Shit, Let’s Circle Pit’ was the new message for the kids. Then, In Defence started to raise issues that didn’t seem to make much sense: moshing in a circle and tacos instead if pizza. Maybe the fact that In Defence had people debating such meaningless topics was the joke itself. It’s hard to say.
Have you ever seen a room full of punks yell ‘The Police Are Fucking Rad’? In Defence has. Have you ever pissed off black metal fans by confusing them with Juggalo’s? In Defence did. And they did it all while praising Rob Halford. Praising him not only for being in one of the greatest bands ever, but for being out while doing it – especially during a time when Nu Metal was all the “rage”.
Nowadays, In Defence still keeps the van in motion. Crossing the US multiple times a year, In Defence has toured/shared the stage with bands such as: The Casualties, MDC, Toxic Holocaust, DRI, Cro-mags, Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Danzig, plus many, many more.
MIKE VELURE
Although not a DJ by trade, Mike Velure is an all around fan of music specializing in late ’70’s early ’80’s power pop punk. He hobbies spinning records, dropping needles here & there. MVelure rarely disappoints drawing eclectically anywhere from metal to dance and all in between all from his bag of tricks he calls a record collection… Eh, Fame. Whatchya like is in the limo.
CHANEL WEST COAST
Of course, she’s the sharp, smart, and saucy blonde from the MTV hit shows Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, but she’s got a lot more up her sleeve than quick wit on-camera. In fact, her fierce and fiery flow will make you do a double take. Those impressive MC skills belie her sexy street chic style and high-fashion persona. You really want to get close to her though? Take her 2013 mixtape Now You Know for a spin…
Music came first for Chanel West Coast—born Chelsea “Chanel” Dudley. As a child, she took singing and dancing lessons with the encouragement of family. Later on, she’d eventually study violin as well, gaining formal musical training. Growing up, she split her time between North Hollywood with her mom and New York with her DJ father. Dad would even bring the eight-year-old along when he spun at packed nightclubs in the city. “I don’t know what the clubs were thinking letting me in,” she laughs. “I’d be in the DJ booth with him just watching everything. I was the tiniest kid ever so I don’t even think anybody could even see me. I’ve always been around music, and I knew it’s what I’d do for the rest of my life. I didn’t have a choice” Immersing herself in hip-hop and picking up skateboarding in the process, she formally got behind the mic in none other than the legendary Marvin Gaye’s Hollywood Hills studio. A friend had been recording there and invited her by to drop some verses. Despite feeling like the room was haunted, the atmosphere inspired her to go as hard as possible, pursuing that dream. At 17-years-old, she launched her first MySpace Music page under the name Chanel West Coast.
“I uploaded all of my music, and I spent all day every day adding people,” she remembers. “I tried to network as much as I could on there, and that’s how I became friends with Fantasy Factory’s Scott ‘Big Cat’ Pfaff.” As a result, she eventually met Rob Dyrdek who invited her to act as a receptionist and rap during a 2010 Carl’s Jr. promo on Fantasy Factory. Music essentially provided her gateway into television. She killed it on her first episode and joined the series full-time. In between, she tirelessly gigged around Los Angeles and the rest of the country, increasing her fan base dramatically in the process. 2012 proved to be a breakthrough year though.
Lil Wayne personally invited her to his Miami studio to play some of her tracks. She left the meeting with a record deal, signing to Young Money Entertainment/Cash Money Records. The first taste of her YMCMB output is the irresistible “Karl”, the first single from Now You Know. Lagerfeld himself would undoubtedly be proud of Chanel West Coast’s impenetrable delivery and seductive swagger.
She admits, “I’m stepping out of the box and showing everybody who I am as an artist. It’s ironic that people know more about my daily life than my music, but this song is really me. I love fashion, and it’s a tribute to that. I’m not going to be satisfied until I reach the top.”
Elsewhere on the mixtape is the undeniable anthem, “I Love Money”. Coupled with its raw party video, the track remains something of a declaration for Chanel West Coast. “I’m not just saying I love money,” she explains. “I love having a good time and doing dope shit like going to Las Vegas, popping bottles at the club, and looking fly. It’s about having fun, going hard as a motherfucker, and getting money. I’m working my ass off, but I’m having an amazing time. This is the lifestyle. This is Chanel West Coast.” She can do anything as well, whether it’s light up a beat with a head-spinning rhyme or carry a pop hook. Chanel may be all about her fashion, but she grew up as a girl skateboarder amongst a bevy of guy skaters. It’s another side of her. “I went from Tom Boy to Tom Ford,” she laughs.
She relates some of that panache to quite the legendary connection, and it’s the source of her nickname “Young Bonnie.” “I’m related to the real Bonnie Parker,” she smiles. “Bonnie Parker lived her short life to the fullest and did what she wanted no matter what—whatever the cost. That’s how I live my life, sans the bank robberies and shooting. ”
Ultimately though, Chanel West Coast is ready to be finally heard loud and clear. “This is who I am,” she concludes. “I go through the same things everybody else does, and I’m rapping about real shit. I hope people feel that.”
Now You Know Chanel West Coast…
MONKEY JUNK
In their short 5 year existence, Ottawa, Canada-based MonkeyJunk has cultivated a unique blend of SWAMP ROOTS ROCK. Their extensive touring has helped to develop a notable fan base across Canada, the US and Europe. They have been rewarded for their hard work with many awards including:
2012 Juno Award winner – Blues Album of the Year
2008-2013 – 15 Maple Blues Awards
2010 Canadian Independent Music Award – Blues Album of the Year
2010 Blues Music Award (USA) – Best New Artist Debut
“The name MonkeyJunk comes from Son House, who once said ‘I’m talking about the blues, I ain’t talking ’bout no monkeyjunk.’ But I am going to talk about MonkeyJunk – they are brilliant and have produced one of the best albums I have heard in a long time…; Ten tracks that prove that this Canadian band is here to stay. And as Son House would have said if he had seen these boys: ‘I’m talking ’bout the blues, I’m talking about MonkeyJunk!’” – Bob Boncey, Blues Matters (UK)
S.B.E.
C-NELL
GET MONEY CLAN
When one hears the word “Clan” one would probably think of a group, tribe or family. And that’s exactly what Caesar “C-zar”, Nicky Bars and their band of brethrens are. Since 2004, cousins Caesar and Nicky have been rapping together and making a name for themselves in their small, hustle hard hometown, Kankakee, located south of Chicago.
In 2010 the two decided to “Finally” become a group (Hence the name of the first track on their Debut Mixtape “The Investment”), calling themselves Get Money Cliq. Thinking they should have a name that better described their personal bond with each other and the close-knit group of friends and family around them they decided to drop the word “Clique” for “Clan” and separate themselves from the ones who were just a group, instead they’re {G.M.Clan}, a family.
With popularity and street cred the two slowly but surely took over their hometown Kankakee, Illinois gaining major attention from the other local artist in the area who were also looking for their shot at a major deal. Keeping everything real in their music and maintaining a firm value of “Loyalty over everything”, it made it hard for the other artist in their area to deny their movement, so instead, a handful of other prominent local artists decided to join “The Clan” and combine their grind into one.
TWILLA
KORN CAPONE
Young C.E.O/rapper coming from chicago one of the hottest out get wit the movement
NIXTA
BILLS
KENBEN
CHRIS PARKER
His style is undeniably captivating, at 24 years old, this Chi-Town native is secretly plotting his take over to what we know as Hip-Hop. Possessing a flow that sounds rather smooth but yet slick, and charisma to have an addiction for, Chris Parker is the definition of what happens when skills and swagger meet the streets.
ASTERIA
Music listeners, enthusiasts, and professionals around the world have asked what is left of this “Pop Rock/Powerpop” scene? Is anything left? Have we completely moved forward and on to “the next big thing?” The genre we speak of being so lifeless in 2011 was the genre once tagged on Crown Point, IN’s own Asteria. A band that has gained extreme respect in the industry over the past 6 years as being a self-functioning, business savvy group of passionate musicians who have opted over the years to pass on professional industry help and chose to put the fate of their music career completely in their own hands. Recording, producing, album artwork, promotional campaigns, music videos, websites, tours, and everything else most musicians dream of getting professional help with have all been jobs executed by the members themselves. Turning a typical group of 5 twenty-some-odd year old bandmates hoping to be in the right place at the right time … into perfectionists, dream chasers, and experienced young men who have seen the triumphs and tragedies of the industry, together as a family.
With previous success on their 2007 Broken English/Warner full length debut SLIP INTO SOMETHING MORE COMFORTABLE, to their most recent 2008 self produced and released self titled EP, both bridged gaps between uber pop and and edgy funk style proven to be their own. Now in 2011 the band’s most recent LP titled MOMENTUM proves that the “Pop Rock” heart that so many of us have suspected to be beatless, hasn’t flatlined just yet. A new album that has the power to singlehandedly reverse this cardiac arrest of which we speak dropped in September 2010. What most would call a step in the right direction, MOMENTUM’s 13 tracks are a collection of songs compiled by Asteria over the previous 2 years, displaying the utmost diverse collaborations between these Midwestern road worn rock and roll renegades. Salty and sweet, hot and cold, yes, maybe, and no have all come out to play and no card is left unturned when you hear MOMENTUM and its large spectrum of feelings and vibes.
TRAINWRECK SYMPHONY
TRAINWRECK SYMPHONY is the marriage of hard rock style and “NU” flare. Established in the fall of 2008 by a couple of high school friends, Trainwreck Symphony has always prided themselves on playing what they like, and enjoying the fact that they are not bound by the specifics of genres. Pulling from all of their influences to create what they’ve branded “Nu Hard Rock” or “Modern Metal”. In the short two years that they have been together, TWS has had the privilege to grace some of the biggest stages in Chicago. Including, but not limited to Kinetic Playground, Reggie’s, Elbo Room, Angels and Kings, The Cubby Bear, The Metro, House of Blues and more. TWS has also recorded and independently released their debut self-titled album, which was recorded and produced at “The Pilot Studio” in New Jersey by Rob Freeman–of Hidden in Plain View fame– Jake Antelis and Daniel Hubner–Catch Me if You Can. Trainwreck Symphony is poised to turn Chicago’s local music scene on its ears by delivering heart pounding rhythms, bone rattling soul grooves, jaw dropping solos, and emotionally raw vocals coupled with an over the top high energy and dynamic live show. These boys strive to leave every ounce of them on stage. Hard…Fast…Slow and Easy; if it rocks they do it!
RUNWAY BELLA
A native of the turbulent Southside of Chicago, Latonya Sampson “Runway Bella”, is a young lady who is determined to share her story through music. From her fresh image to her soulful sound, the 21 year old artist presents herself as one of the most promising female rapper upstarts in the game. Through her debut mixtape, “Project Runway: The Introduction” (Feb ’13), one can take a closer glimpse into the everyday struggles of inner-city life from the special perspective of a strong woman. Runway Bella finds inspiration from her father who has been a pillar in her musical growth. She aims to appeal to young women, especially, with the intent to empower them to overcome adversity. Honing her craft as a writer and emcee, Runway Bella, is on her way to garnering a name for herself as one of the First Ladies of Hip-Hop!
FUNERAL NATION
Funeral Nation… Metal band from Chicago formed in 1989… From ex members of Funeral Bitch and Abomination
VALASKA
Valaska’s new LP, ‘Natural Habitat,’ just released this April, is a true test to Dave Valdez, the man behind the band. It is a brand new place for him, as this album ramps up to be released. For the first time, Dave has a record that truly has the ability to make an impact in the indie music world. Commitment is a value Valaska has held close, and it has paid off. Just as Valaska returns home from a month long tour in February, there are no breaks. Now is the time for premieres, interviews, shows, photos, videos, and other potential goals to further the awareness and success of Valaska. Slowing down is moving backwards. There is no slowing down when you’re committed to moving forward, through thick and thin.
Beginning his musical career with his Grandma’s acoustic guitar, Dave Valdez became involved in local music in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL. After years of performing and touring in pop/rock bands, Dave decided to take his own approach and started writing. Valaska’s first self titled e.p., released in March of 2010, showed great potential and gained Valaska many opportunities for shows and press, although Dave was unfulfilled.
After some time taken off to write and hone his craft, Dave began changing his style to a much more raw and real sound.
“I didn’t feel like my first record was truly me. After spending time away from the songs and working on what came to me, I realized I had just hit the tip of my writing nature.”
After time well spent writing solid, new, and personal material; Valaska headed back into the studio with Aaron Marsh, Producer/Engineer and lead singer of a popular indie band, Copeland, at The Vanguard Room in Lakeland, FL. With the help of Aaron, Valaska was able to create exactly what Dave had in mind. Not only did he spend many weeks with Aaron, he also spent many weeks at home recording the record through tape. Dave didn’t want to lose the feel and strength behind live home recordings. So it was incorporated into the album, making the new record both indie and polished. Scheduled to release in March of 2012, ‘Natural Habitat’ will be Valaska’s first real album push into the indie music world. With a solid group now settling behind Dave, Valaska is now getting the chance to tour and promote effectively to create awareness of this record.
“People can take this record any way they want, and see in it what they will. I have a lot of faith in this record, but it was a record I created by myself in my room. I was alone with my thoughts and reactions, related to my relationships and life in general. I’ve always wanted to write a record that shows true meaning behind the words and expression it creates. ‘Natural Habitat’ is my first test toward that goal.”
MARK ROSE
Music comes and goes. It arrives in waves, and evaporates in the heat of new trends and is forgotten over time. For Mark Rose, time has allowed him to not only be remembered ‘right now,’ but to also bring forth some of the most charismatic and tasteful songwriting of our generation – and many more to come. You may recall Mark as the charming tongue-in-cheek frontman of indie/emo tastemakers Spitalfield, who spent nearly ten years touring internationally with acts like Fall Out Boy, The Early November, and Minus the Bear. Since Spitalfield’s ’07 departure, a gaping hole began to emerge in the scene. Where has the sincerity gone? Where has the house-show, family oriented, all-inclusive mentality disappeared to? After completing his 2013 solo EP The Sound of a Turnaround with Sean O’Keefe (Plain White T’s, Motion City Soundtrack, Fall Out Boy) at the mixing boards, Mark Rose has surfaced as the answer to those questions.
The 29-year old Chicago native has quite the resume under his belt. Out of pure jealousy of his older sister starting piano lessons, Mark begged his parents to give him a shot at the keys at the ripe age of 5. Fast-forward to pre-teen-Rose at age 11, when he received his very first guitar – and hasn’t slowed down since. Not only has Mark performed over 1,000 shows in 9 countries spanning over 3 continents, but also took the time to truly fine-tune his craft by attending Columbia College in Chicago for music composition. Following his stint at Columbia, Mark signed his first record contract and publishing deal before the age of 19, at which point his career shifted into the Spitalfield era for almost ten fruitful years.
It took Rose some time to re-discover himself after Spitalfield – as it would anyone transitioning from a 9-month travel year to writing songs in their apartment full time. The process began slowly, starting with two solo EPs and a stretch of about 150 shows between 2008 and 2011. The time came to finally put together a debut LP, at which point the momentum immediately shifted into gear after Rose picked up the phone to call his original partner in crime for Spitalfield’s debut Remember Right Now – none other than Sean O’Keefe. “The process of getting back into a rhythm of making records felt so natural with Sean on board,” says Rose. “The initial phone call was meant to test the waters, and we ended up accomplishing more than we ever thought was possible.” Sean O’Keefe went on to produce Mark’s 2011 debut solo LP Wonderful Trouble, referred to by Alternative Press as having the “style and emotion of a John Hughes movie soundtrack.” After some extensive touring and countless re-introductions, Mark went to work on his follow-up 4-song EP The Sound of a Turnaround, released in January of 2013. Turnaround possesses a realness that is not easily compared to Rose’s contemporaries – a realness that looks to reignite not only a scene, but also a way of thinking. Fans of John Mayer, Dashboard Confessional, and Spitalfield (the obvious lightbulb) will find themselves unable to detach from Mark’s soothing melodies and truly heartwarming lyrics. Chicago Examiner wrote, “The impact of this new sound should be a wider audience base for the multi-talented singer/songwriter.” Rose is in it for the long haul, and the songs truly portray that sentiment.
After wrapping up a successful but exhausting 26-day Southern/Midwest tour with JT Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights – where the duo played 33 shows over that span – Mark Rose has quite a year ahead of him. Although the element of his past writings is ever-present, Property of Zack said it best, “…Rose is so much more than Remember Right Now.” Perhaps Mark’s fans have been called upon to do just that.
NICK SANTINO & THE NORTHERN WIND
JERRY REYES
DJ RESISTOL 5000
GUNS AND AMMUNITION
Guns and Ammunition is a Chicago five man Clash cover band bringing the fire and fury of “The Only Band That Matters” to the 21st century.
Punk, ska, rockabilly, and high energy rock ‘n roll, the timeless music of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones gains new life!
Guitarists Tim Burns and Johnny ‘Larock’ Simpson, drummer Dan Quinn, and bassist Dave Martin have been playing together in various Chicago-based bands for years, and new singer Shaun Ingram brings high energy to the gang.
From the primal chords of 1978’s Clash City Rockers, to all the anthems — from classic London Calling (Rolling Stone magazine’s #1 album of the 1980s) to the haunting dub of Straight to Hell, from Combat Rock in 1982 to the sounds of the late great Joe Strummer and his Mescaleros and Mick Jones’ Big Audio Dynamite — prepare for a long, faithful journey through the catalog of one of the greatest rock bands ever!
TOKYO SHAWN
BETWEEN MYTH & LEGEND
THE UNKNOWN PLEASURES
The Unknown Pleasures are Chicago’s premier Joy Division cover band. Formed in the Fall of 2011.
THAT 1 GUY
With an extensive and amazing track record of unique and imaginative performances featuring his curious instrument and copious amounts of originality, Mike Silverman aka That1Guy has supplanted himself as a true one-of-a-kind talent that rivals any other artist currently in the entertainment industry. Averaging 150-200 shows a year all over North America and Canada, he has been a consistent favorite at such festivals as: Wakarusa, Electric Forest, Big Day out, All Good, Bella, High Sierra, Summer Meltdown, Montreal Jazz Festival, and many more. He was also the ‘Tap Water Award’ winner at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for best musical act. His legendary collaboration and multiple tours with Buckethead as The Frankenstein Brothers has further cemented his virtuoso story as a creative visionary as well.
His innovation continues to soar with the announcement of a new tour, That1Guy & The Magic Pipe Present: An Evening of Musical Magical Wonder… The Likes of Which Ye Haven’t Yet Seen, kicking off in the early spring of 2013. Along with his pioneering main instrument, The Magic Pipe, a monstrosity of metal, strings, and electronics, facilitates the dynamic live creation of music and magic in ways only That1Guy can conjure, expect to see magic as well now integrated into the already clever performance. With this addition of incorporating magic seamlessly into his live shows, he has legitimately achieved an all inclusive audio/ visual performance unlike anything experienced before. “So much of my music has miraculous qualities to it because it’s hard to tell what’s going on. There are lots of slights of hand and sonic misdirection. It feels like I was meant to do magic”.
Silverman’s back story is very similar to many musicians that have come before him. He grew up a self proclaimed music geek, soaked in the influence of his jazz musician father, and enrolled in San Francisco Conservatory of Music before joining the local jazz scene himself as a sought-after percussive bassist. This is where the similarities end, though, and where That1Guy truly began. “In my case, being a bass player, I just felt very restricted by the instrument itself,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to sound different and have my own sound. I was headed that way on the bass, but for me to fully realize what I was hearing in my head sonically I was going to have to do it my way”. His influential and innovative double bass style eventually evolved into what we see today as That1Guy and ‘The Magic Pipe’.
As his story continues to develop, Billboard has famously noted, “In the case of Mike Silverman’s slamming, futuristic funk act… the normal rules of biology just don’t apply.” In addition, Silverman also has promised new music and videos for the early part of 2013 that will only further validate his status as an industry trailblazer. “I like being my own person”, he says. “I didn’t set out to be a weirdo but I’m starting to embrace it”.
Ultimately, his motivation can be encapsulated as this: “Human beings do our best work when we’re challenged and pushed up against the wall”. He further explains, “By nature, we’re hunters and gathers, spending each day looking for their next meal. It’s easy to be lazy when you don’t have to come up with something creative right away.”
THE TONY BONDI PROJECT
It’s a country, rock, bluegrass kind of thing. Let’s call it Americana for short.
SHAWN JAMES
Hey there, this is Shawn James.
I’ve had way too many writers think they could sum me up & relay what I’m about from an hour long conversation so they could write my “bio” but I’ve had it. Screw that. I’ll tell it in my own words.
I was born & raised In Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the south side of the city where I attended a gospel church. I was always around a lot of heartfelt soulful music & hardworking, real, down to earth people. Although I no longer abide by any religion, I value the times I had and how they shaped me to be what I am now.
I’ve moved around quite a bit living in all different parts of the US. While absorbing all sorts of different cultures from here & around the world, I’ve developed my own sound.
I started releasing my own music in 2012 and haven’t stopped since. I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, r&b, Gospel to rock, metal & alotta things in between. The main constant amongst all the genres would be that it’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart & a lotta soul. I mean what I say & deeply feel what I play.
I play covers of songs I dig sometimes and although some people may only know me because of those, I’m hardly just a cover artist.
If you come see me play live and expect just one style or aspect of what I do, you may be disappointed to learn that our shows are a roller coaster of emotions, musical styles, intensity & energy. I get bored easily & love to mix things up. Be ready & bring your ear plugs just in case..
I’ve always been the underdog so to speak since I’ve never had the backing of a large record label, big marketing firm or massive PR company & I truly like it that way. I feel as though I’ve earned what I have through hard work, determination, a good bit of luck & the great relationships with people I’ve made along the way. I’ve learned a lot of lessons the hard way being in this “music business industry” and that’s alright by me. I’ve seen that with your support (the listeners out there) I can make my wildest dreams come true.
If you want to listen to an artist that’s authentic, genuine & original then you’ve come to the right place.
I hope you enjoy the music & will join me on this journey that I’m so extremely grateful to be on. Thank you all so very much.
Love,
Shawn James
DUKES OF HANCOCK
A heavy metal influenced country/blues band from a lil river town on the Mississippi! Warsaw,IL
SIRS
Led by screenwriter and activist Rob Warmowski, SIRS is a Chicago noise-rock trio releasing their third record “High Minors”. From high school beginnings in early punk rock, SIRS extends the Chicago tradition of hard, smart and loud reflections of an absurd city. Disturbed crooning, pummeling rhythm, and a fistful of guitar.
WHITE DENIM
White Denim is a four-piece rock band from Austin, Texas.
KEROSENE STARS
Kerosene Stars is an American rock band formed in Chicago, IL. The band is composed of Scott Schaafsma (bass, vocals), Andy Seagram (guitars, backing vocals), Jim Adair (drums), and Tom Sorich (percussion).
The band has released an ep in 2011, an album (digital only) in 2014, and three ep’s titled “Burn the Evidence” and “a million little trees”, and “The Lost ep” throughout 2016 & 2017.
Since Summer 2021 KS has released a series of singles every few months with the first in the series titled “Where have you been?/Don’t Pass Me By” on Big Stir Records. You can find more singles including upcoming releases at https://kerosenestars.bandcamp.com
BOSCO (Hip Hop)
An unknown MC. Will I ever make it ? Maybe. Does it matter ? No. Will i ever stop ? HELL NO ! Its in my blood.