LURRIE BELL

Born in 1958, the son of famed blues harmonica player Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell picked up his father’s guitar at age of five and taught himself to play. He was clearly gifted. In addition, he grew up with many of the Chicago blues legends around him. Eddie Taylor, Big Walter Horton, Eddie C. Campbell, Eddie Clearwater, Lovie Lee, Sunnyland Slim, Jimmy Dawkins and many more were frequent visitors to his house. They all helped to shape and school him in the blues, but none as much as his father’s long-time employer Muddy Waters.

At seven years old, Bell left Chicago to live in Mississippi and Alabama with his grandparents. During this time he played mostly in the church, immersing himself in the passionate expressiveness of the gospel tradition. At fourteen he moved back to Chicago and continued to play in church as well as forming his first blues band while attending high school.

By seventeen Lurrie Bell was playing on stage with Willie Dixon. In 1977 he was a founding member of The Sons of Blues with Freddie Dixon (son of Willie) and Billy Branch. The band recorded three standout tracks for Alligator Records’ Grammy nominated Living Chicago Blues series. In 1978 Bell joined Koko Taylor’s band and stayed for several years, honing his chops and learning the ropes of being a traveling musician. He continued to work with his dad as well, recording the 1984 Rooster Blues album Son Of a Gun and several other titles for UK’s JSP Records. Not only was Bell recognized as an exceptionally talented guitarist and musician, his knowledge of different blues styles, his soulfulness and his musical maturity delivered write-ups in publications such as Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

Battling and defeating a series of personal demons kept him out of the studio and off the road for a long spell in the late 1980’s, but Bell persevered and re-surfaced in the mid-1990’s with a succession of four highly acclaimed records for Chicago’s Delmark label.

Since the onset of the new millennium, Bell’s profile has been steadily rising. 2002 saw the release of the CD Cutting Heads and in 2004 Alligator Records released Second Nature an acoustic duet record with his father Carey Bell that was nominated for a WC Handy Award Acoustic Record of the Year by the Blues Foundation in Memphis.

In 2007 Bell started his own label Aria B.G. Records and released Let’s Talk About Love, which has been called his most accomplished, deeply heartfelt album yet. On the strength of this record, he was voted Most Outstanding Guitar Player in the 2007 Living Blues Magazine’s Critic’s Poll, and in 2008 he was named the magazine’s Artist of the Year. Since 2007 he has received multiple Blues Music Award nominations as Best Guitarist and Best Traditional Male Blues Artist by the Blues Foundation.

2009 found him pairing up with Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch on the recording Chicago Blues: A Living History which garnered him his first official Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Recording. In 2011 a follow-up was released; Chicago Blues: A Living History (The Revolution Continues) featuring Buddy Guy, Magic Slim, and Ronnie Baker Brooks.

And now in 2012 comes the arrival of his second CD on Aria BG Records The Devil Ain’t Got No Music, a collection of acoustic blues and gospel songs that recollect the music he often played with his dad and at church in Mississippi and Alabama as a child. At last count Lurrie Bell has now appeared on over 50+ recordings either as leader or featured sideman.

Lurrie Bell’s elegant and intense guitar playing and passionate vocals have made him a favorite at clubs and festivals around the world and have earned him a reputation as one of the “leading lights” in the future of the blues.

THE SOULBILLYS

The SoulBillys plays American roots rock & originals. The band was formed in 2013 by Ray Ramirez and Lloyd Brodnax King. They are often accompanied by satellite members Sara Allen, Chuck Sansone and Johnse Holt.

AOTEAROA

Aotearoa (A-O-TAY-UH-ROW-UH), the two-man jungle-funk explosion have built their reputation on endless touring. Pointing the van Westward in 2011, the forty subsequent states and countless stages have brought into the world their debut LP “STRANGE WEATHER.” Heralded by the band as an American ode to booty-sweat and a drunken eulogy to apathy, the songs are seasoned by the highway and only truly come alive in person.

The guitar / drum duo is comprised of mufti-instrumentalists Jacob Lerman and Ilan Gitter who by way of sample free live-looping and a notoriously raucous live show have managed to take the familiar dance-rock form back to it’s long dormant animalistic roots.

(They will eat your worries.)

SKULL FOGGER

We are a punk rock band named Skull Fogger from Chicago, IL. We play shows in the city and surrounding suburbs and play songs that are fun and catchy as well.

THE GIVING TREE BAND

Led by enigmatic brothers Todd and “E” Fink, The Giving Tree Band are making their way to the head of a classy class of young American songwriters and performers. The Finks extended their brotherhood to all 7 members and started out with only a collective heart as big as the ocean. They now wield a wide array of instruments from acoustic and electric guitars, slide guitars and banjos to violin, mandolin and pedal steel . A band’s band, they all live together, travel together and do everything as one family, harmonizing their voices and lives on and off stage. The Giving Tree Band is not reinventing but simply reuniting rock and roll. With their down-home style, they emphasize the virtue in their fierce virtuosity – approaching each note with integrity, each part with humility, each song with honesty and each show with gratitude. The most common word among reviews is “undeniable” in regards to the chemistry on stage, the energy in the room, and the feeling that something special is happening. With a rare combination of stirring musicianship and exemplary songwriting, the GTB wheel is in full spin and, like their heroes before them, it’s also on fire.

BLACK FLAG

BLACK FLAG is an American band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, CA by guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member Greg Ginn. Their discography includes seven studio albums and two live albums. The band has released all of their material on Ginn’s independent label, SST Records beginning with 1981’s Damaged. Vocalist, Mike Vallely, first sang with the band as a guest vocalist in 2003, before becoming the band’s fifth vocalist and touring with the band in 2014.

BLACK FLAG is currently recording new material for a future studio release and will be touring in the Summer of 2019 on their 2019 SUMMER TOUR.

DJ STATIK SELEKTAH

Establishing his own spot amongst the ranks of East Coast hip-hop’s seminal figures, DJ/producer Statik Selektah utilized his turntabling skills and ingenuity in PR and promotions to break some of the region’s most promising artists, bearing his own influence on the national mixtape circuit. Born January 23, 1982 in Lawrence, MA, Patrick Baril was exposed to production equipment at a very early age, tinkering with his parents’ eight-track machine, cassette recorders, and turntable. By middle school, he was already DJing school functions, but he was inspired to be a true wheels-of-steel artiste after hearing DJ Premier scratch and mix records on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 radio show. Soon after, at 14 years old, he purchased his first turntables and mixer. Calling himself DJ Statik (the “Selektah” surname came later), he started to work clubs and private parties up and down the New England coast. In 2000, after living in New Hampshire, he moved back down to Massachusetts to enroll in the audio production program at Boston’s New England Institute of the Arts. That same year, Selektah started putting out mixtapes, namely his Spell My Name Right series. With his mixtapes and DJ gigs, Selektah never passed up the opportunity to champion local hip-hop from Boston and the surrounding New England area. In particular, Selektah was responsible for introducing fellow Lawrence, MA, native Termanology to the world, helming his Hood Politics mixtapes in the mid- to late 2000s. Managing all of these tasks became much easier when he established in 2003 his own PR/marketing firm ShowOff. In 2006, he turned ShowOff into an official record label, with Termanology & Producer DC’s Out the Gate LP as its first release. By this time, though, Selektah’s prestige had grown considerably. His radio shows were playing in several places, from London to Mobile, AL; he produced beats for many artists, including Foxy Brown, AZ, and Joell Ortiz; and most importantly, the DJ dished out tons of mixtapes with big name and up-and-coming artists, such as Nas, Q-Tip, John Legend, Royce Da 5’9 (The Bar Exam, co-hosted with DJ Premier), and Saigon. Statik dropped his first LP, Spell My Name Right in 2007, and his follow up Stick 2 the Script album in 2008. Other artists he has produced for following that include Talib Kweli, Bun B, Styles P, Consequence, Freeway, M.O.P. and Jadakiss. Rockstar games reached out for Statik in late 2008 to enlist him as DJ and producer of the Grand Theft Auto IV update “the Lost and Damned”, as well as 2 songs for Midnight Club: Los Angeles. In March 2008, Selektah and Saigon recorded All In A Day’s Work in a 24 hour period, and was acclaimed by critics. He also DJed for Q-tip on his 2009 Renassaince World Tour. Statik just dropped his 3rd studio album, 100 Proof: The Hangover on Showoff/Brick Records. Catch DJ Statik Selektah every Thursday Night on Eminem’s Shade 45 Sirius/XM Satellite Radio Station as well as FM stations across the globe. www.showoffhiphop.com

THE UNDERACHIEVERS

As members of the Beast Coast movement (which includes Joey Bada$$ and his Pro Era crew), The Underachievers are part of the new wave of rappers that have been coming out of New York. But they’re also repping the West: last summer the duo signed to Flying Lotus’ label in LA, Brainfeeder.

JOEY BADA$$

THIS NIGGA WAS BORN AND DIED IN 95. NIGGA IS FROM BROOKLYN LIKE BIGGIE AND THEM NIGGAS. NIGGA IS 16. NIGGA IS NICE. RIP

DECAY A.D.

The bastard sons of rock & roll.

RAW POWER

Raw Power was formed in 1981 by Mauro and Giuseppe Codeluppi (voice and guitar). Since the beginning the band had great troubles finding a stable line-up. As a matter of fact, the only two members still in the band in the 90’s from the original line-up   were the two founders-brothers.

The vinyl debut “You Are My Victim” was released in 1983 through a small independent Italian label. In 1983 the band signed a deal with American indie-punk label Toxic Shock (Skin Yard, House Of Large Sizes…). “Screams From The Gutter” (Toxic Shock 1985) was most likely their best album so far. A rough mixture of seminal punk and sharp hard core. The same year the band flew over to the States for their first US tour (and have since then returned to tour the USA a total of six times). The reaction to the “Italian punk rockers” was great all around the States, and the album sold more than 40.000 copies strictly through independent distribution and shops.

“Wop Hour” (Toxic Shock – 1986), “After Your Brian” (Toxic Shock -1986) “Mine To Kill” (Southern – 1989), “Live Danger”(TVOR -1991) and “Too Tough to Burn” (Contempo – 1992) helped to develop their heavier, more riff oriented sound. Raw Power, with only a small cult following in Italy, were considered in the States as one of the best examples of the “Crossover” sound, the music which evolved from punk and known to a much wider audience through bands like S.O.D., C.O.C., D.R.I., and Attitude Adjustment.

During their long tours in the States Raw Power shared the stage with bands like the Circle Jerks, Adolescents, D.O.A., Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Agnostic Front, Dead Kennedys, Suicidal Tendencies, and in a small club in Seattle in 1986 a then unknown band called Guns’n’Roses opened for the Italian cult.

The band never enjoyed much more than cult status in Europe. Even though the band continued to play explosive live performances all over Europe, they never managed to get a foothold. This was due to the fact that Raw Power suffered from a lack of professional managers and structure, especially in their home country, where they never had the support they deserved and needed. Raw Power never had the chance to express in a studio album the great potential that the band is able to unleash in a live concert. Their first recording for Godhead, “Fight” (1995), with the great interest MTV showed for their clip, was just a step in the process of re-creating in a studio what they can do live, which is the musical equivalent of a nuclear bomb.

This bomb exploded on the 1st of March, 1996 at the Maffia, a club in Reggio Emilia, Italy. That raw, live sound was captured in the only way possible, live, for their latest release, “Live From The Gutter” on Godhead records. Twenty-seven songs, recorded with no overdubbing, perfectly reproduce the barely controlled aggression and raw attitude that recall that “Screams From the Gutter” period, which has been ever-present at Raw Power gigs.

In 1998 the band had several new songs ready for release and began shopping for a label in the U.S. to release them. The end result was “Reptile House”, their greatest album yet, released on their original label Toxic Shock, now known as Toxic Ranch Records. Three American tours in support of the album followed.

Then in the year 2000 they released “Trust Me” through a new, and short lived American label called Hello Records. The record was given fantastic reviews, and at the bands 20 year mark, they were stronger than ever. In the summer of 2001, the band flew to Atlanta, Georgia USA and started the most successful American tour to date. The band was wildly welcomed in most major American cities. No matter how many member changes, label changes, etc., the two brothers that started Raw Power remained the core of the band, and as far as the world knew, would never stop!

In 2002, Raw Power went back into the studio to record yet another full length release. The new material was a celebration of the bands longevity, and the band decided to call it “Still Screaming After 20 Years”. Shortly after the record was finished, on October 6, founding member Giuseppe Codeluppi suffered a fatal heart attack while playing soccer. Many thought the band would not recover from such a loss, but now in 2003 they are more active than ever. There has been no replacement for Giuseppe, the bands leader. Now the band consists of 4 members, carrying on the name and the music and proving the words that Guiseppe wrote…..”Raw Power WIll Never Die!!”” 

2004 and 2005 has seen the band touring again like in the past with  probably especially in Italy more shows then ever , but we have manage to put an appearance again in Morecombe UK for the HITS Festival, followed by 6 shows in the UK , for the first time, then again Europe, Germany , Holland, we went to Prague for the first time, Spain and France. Unfortunately 2005 was also the year where we had to replace for health reason Roberto our drummer, in his place we now have Fabio. Then in 2006 on top of yet another mini tour in Germany we headed back to the West Coast of the US for a two weeks tour, and of course we also did a very good show in New York as part of the Save  CBGB’s campaign. 

2007 started  very well, fist of all we had Tommi replacing our old guitarist Luca. He isn’t new to Raw Power  as he played in the band at the time of Too Tough to Burn.

So, we had several shows again in Italy , and Europe  then in June we managed another 2 weeks on the West Coast , tour that we are going to do again but this time adding in a couple of shows in Mexico and Texas in August 2008, so see you all then.

PUREPILOT

RISING from the bones of “desert rock”, this powerful three peace from NWI promises to deliver a soul gripping welcome addition to what we know to be stonerrock. PUREPILOT is a heavy & melodic, psychedelic assult on the landscape of the dune……

THE E-MICS

Featuring Chris Siebold of (Psycles and Howard Levy) and Wes John on guitars and vocals.

DAVE ARCARI

SLIDE guitarist & songwriter Dave Arcari’s alt.blues sounds owe as much to trash country, punk and rockabilly as they do pre-war Delta blues and have been showcased via eight internationally-acclaimed solo CD releases.

Official showcases at SxSW in Austin, Texas were a highlight of Arcari’s month-long tour of the southern US states in March 2015 and follows successful US tours in 2013 and 2014.

A new album – Givers & Takers – is scheduled for release in Autumn 2015. His last release – Whisky in my Blood – was released on Finnish record label Blue North in March 2013. As well as showcasing

Arcari’s trademark National steel guitars, the release features performances on banjo, regular guitar and and cigar box which help capture the full breadth of Arcari’s song-writing and performance. Arcari’s festival appearances include Glastonbury (UK), BluesAlive (Czech Republic & Poland shows), Moulin Blues (Netherlands), The Great British R&B Festival and Peer Festival (Belgium). He has also played industry showcases at the North by North East (NxNE) music festival in Toronto, Canada and he was a finalist the UK Indy Music Awards reaching the top four in his category (best male solo artist).

With a busy live schedule in the UK plus regular shows in USA, Finland, Estonia, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland and Ireland Arcari is one of the hardest gigging live artists on the circuit. A series of shows with folks including Steve Earle, Alabama 3, Seasick Steve, Toby Keith and Jon Spencer along with his relentless UK and European tour schedule have established Arcari as a formidable international solo performer who is fast building a media reputation as a ‘hell-raising National guitar madman’.

BATTLE FOR BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY

SMOOK DEVILLE

Smook Deville is a chicago Based rapper who was born and raised on the northside of chicago he been a active rapper since 06, he`s here to give you good music and a voice you can listen to. his whole reason is to put chicago on the map

DREEZY

Dreezy, born Seandrea Sledge is a 20 year old female songwriter, rapper and performer from the south side of Chicago. The oldest child of two native Chicago mid class working parents, Seandrea was a natural born poet. She was inclined to music for as long as she can recall and at the tender age of 8 years old, began pinning poems.

As a teenager, and now a child of divorced parents, Seandrea began to live between two worlds, one in the inner city of South Side Chicago with her mom, and one in the south suburbs of Chicago, in the upper middle class neighborhood of Matteson with her dad. It was there, while attending Rich South High School that Seandrea, became Dreezy. Setting her sites on becoming the next “Kanye West” and letting it be known, it was friend that gave her the the moniker that would soon ring through the underground rap world. On April 27th, Dreezy released her first mixtape The Illustration and began making a name for herself on the local scene. But it was the February 14th 2013 release of Business N Pleasure, a  collaborative mixtape with fellow Chicago native Mikey Dollaz that put her on the map. “Break A Band” a song from the Business N Pleasure mixtape, was immediately embraced by the Chicago rap community and gained airplay on Chicago’s top urban radio stations. Enjoying local success but hungry for more, on August 8th of same year Dreezy released DSM, a mixtape that featured Dreamer pt2 and Ain’t For None featuring local Chicago rapper King Louie. It was videos of those songs that catapulted Dreezy to the top of the Chicago rap scene and caught the attention of many around the nation. It was also that project that introduced her to a young talented up and coming producer named D Brooks. Determined to break out of the pack of other rising Chicago rappers gaining a national following, now armed with a lead producer, Dreezy went to work on her latest offering, Schizo.

A thirteen track mixtape that reads more like an album, Schizo has gained national attention and put Dreezy well in reach of her ultimate goal. Released on February 25th 2014, Schizo features the who’s who of the Chicago rap scene and has received a million plus YouTube views of singles released thus far. However, it was Dreezy’s poetics and passion which brought her the national spotlight and gained the co sign of rap giants Common and Fabolous, who both tweeted about the new sensation. In addition to Common and Fabolous, R&B stars Rico Love and Elle Berner as well as national blog magazines such as Spin, Complex, XXL, Fader and more exclaimed her the next Queen of the rap world. Thus, following her remix of Nikki Minaj’s ” Chiraq”, which Dreezy wrote and recorded and released in less than 24 hours after the release of the original track. Dreezy showcased her poetic prowess with clever and witty songwriting, a rapid firing delivery and a believability that has many executives in the music industry touting her services.

   Young, smart, attractive, driven and extremely talented, Dreezy is not only destined to be the next “Kanye West” but the first Dreezy.

QUE BILLAH

“At the end of the day, Q.B.’s clever wordplay, entertaining subject matter and unusual character are what will open the world’s eyes and allow him to introduce himself”-Tory Fredricks ( Source Magazine, Unsigned Hype 2005.)

His reputation for having one of the best live performances in Chicago, as well as his ability to pack crowds into venues with no record deal or radio play has set the stage for Que B.I.L.L.A.H. ‘s entrance onto the global Hip-Hop scene.

In 2005 he was recognized by Source Magazine’s Unsigned Hype. Joining the ranks of Mobb Deep, Notorious B.I.G., and Common, he became the first Unsigned Hype from Chicago since Common. Fueled by this newfound notoriety, Que decided it was a no-brainer and began pursuing his music career full time. In the years following, he has sold over 20 thousand mixtapes and has performed at nearly every concert venue in Chicago. After getting looks from Ludacris’ DTP Records, Que joined Luda on a national tour opening for Rich Boy, Twista, David Banner, Chingy, Rah Digga, Nocturnal, Shyne and many others.

Que B.I.L.L.A.H.‘s aesthetic can be attributed to his love for Hip-Hop and Comedic legends. Redman, Busta Rhyme, Common, Outkast, KRS One, PE and The Roots, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappell, Bernie Mac, and Dick Gregory all equally influence Que’s thought process. The result is the perfect formula for feel good music which has the uncanny ability of organically connecting with the masses while presenting to the youth an alternative way to live and love Hip-Hop.

Both the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune have written articles commenting on Que Billah’s performance prowess and on wax he’s able to ‘bottle’ his live show’s energy, a quality that has been picked up on by the video game industry. In 2006 Que’s music was featured on the highly anticipated video game Scarface: The World Is Yours, and in 2008 on Midway Games Blitz the League.

Recently, Que Billah collaborated with national recording artist KRS One and fellow Chicagoans The Cool Kids on songs which have since garnered massive internet buzz worldwide. And Billah’s buzz grows stronger every day as his 2010 projects near release. An all-video mixtape/DVD titled You Can’t Do That On Television (mixed by Chicago legend DJ 33 1/3) is on deck for July 2010 and his 1000 Words video project is slated for Fall 2010.

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND “LOADED”

Loaded is the fourth album by The Velvet Underground, released in November 1970, by Atlantic Records’ subsidiary label, Cotillion. The album was the final album recorded featuring Lou Reed, though he had departed from the band shortly before the album’s release.

DAVID BOWIE “HUNKY DORY”

Hunky Dory is the fourth album by English singer-songwriter David Bowie, released by RCA Records in 1971.

KENTUCKY KNIFE FIGHT

As the Gateway to the West, the promise of leaving St. Louis was built into the prospect of arriving here; her arch functions as an ironic symbol of something to pass through, that which you don’t look at but look beyond. But for those who stay, like the five-piece punk-blues wrecking crew Kentucky Knife Fight, this unswept city itself finds a voice in their sound. Like the dark side of a postcard, unfamiliar unless you live there, their newest songs are inhabited by the city’s criminals and carrion – its lonely, displaced, and desperate. Their city is poised on the precarious edge between southern hospitality and northern cynicism, between bourbon in a pitcher and lukewarm beers that you have to open yourself.

Kentucky Knife Fight have grown along with the city, returning after relentless touring with an increasingly acute perspective of the hardships inherent in St. Louis life. Like the scene itself, they have seen their own youthful angst become introspection and insight; what were once accidental riffs have become anthems; and opening for national acts have yielded performances that were not only memorable, but mattered. Their music is world-weary but hopeful; grace is never enough to save the unsavory; and just because you love something doesn’t mean that it’s good for you.

Pulling St. Louis with them like an always-almost-broke-down trailer across the country, the band is but one of a growing armada of ambassadors in every medium, renewing the city’s vital voice in American art. As it has nurtured its native son Pokey LaFarge, who can be heard on Jack White’s newest record, the city’s community-based initiatives, collective spaces, and galleries are fostering progressive ways to imagine performance-based art. Newly influential again, St. Louis is listening to Kentucky Knife Fight tell its story; they were named “Best Rock Band” twice by the Riverfront Times, but that feels less like an award than an announcement. Because Kentucky Knife Fight are too hungry to be tired; too restless to rest; and too stubborn to stop.

Kentucky Knife Fight is…
Jason Holler – vocals
Curt Brewer – guitar
Nate Jones – guitar
Jason Koenig – bass
James Baker – drums

AN-SCr(Answer) + M.F.M.

2NSANE & P-DAWG

Urban Guerilla Promotions otherwise known as UG, is based out of the Chicagoland area.  ​UG was founded by an artist for artists, after Jeremiah “Jay Peezy” aka Pazzo of 2nSane had mainly unsatisfying experiences with other promoters.

Last year 2012 was a major year of accomplishments for UG. Working with Alwayz Grindin Ent to bring the “Smokin Drinkin Tour w/Lil Wyte” to life. Promotions and event management for shows with such artists as Twista, Project Pat, Lord Infamous, Boondox and many more. While also providing networking opportunities to local upcoming artists with smaller local show cases.

​

This year 2013 UG has no plans on slowing down within just the first quarter has booked local acts and provided promotional support on shows with Hopsin, Lord Infamous’ “Back From The Dead Tour” w/Frayser Boy, Partee and Miscellaneous of Wyte Music, Anybody Killa and Blaze Ya Dead Homies “Drive By Tour”, Cappadonna’s “Eryth, Wynd and Fyre Tour” and more just to name a few. From providing support to national touring artists; while still throwing smaller events to allow up and coming artists to develop their skills. As seasoned performers the artists themselves are now becoming mentors for those artists interested in pursuing the passion for music one step further; giving real life input into what they’ve overcome as artists. Already in talks with other promoters, artists and DJs throughout the area to build a scene that is a positive movement for those in the independent industry in Chicago; UG is building upon the foundation they’ve already laid down to bring something the Chicago scene lacks unity.

taylor bennett

TAYLOR BENNETT

Chicago-born Taylor Bennett is not just the younger brother of Grammy winning Chance the Rapper, but he’s carving his own path as an independent music artist, entrepreneur and advocate. His career began in high school when he released his debut mixtape, The Taylor Bennett Show. While still prioritizing his studies over music, Bennett was next able to release his debut studio album in 2015 and sophomore album in 2017 which included a 13-minute short film. Taylor’s latest EP ‘The American Reject’ is a completion to his trilogy. In 2019, Taylor performed at diverse festivals and late night shows including Governor’s Ball, Hangout, Outside Lands, Life is Beautiful, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show and many more. Notably he headlined Chicago’s Complexcon.

Taylor started his own record label, Tay Bennett Entertainment which boast singer Bianca Shaw and ZXXK.

Taylor Bennett is a major advocate for the LGBTQ community and homeless youth amongst other initiatives. A statement he made: I think there’s a lot of people — in the music community, especially in hip-hop — that don’t feel okay with being themselves, that feel like being different is to be wrong. I’ve never shared that belief. My parents, my brother, friends and anybody that I’ve ever surrounded myself with, we’ve always accepted and respected each other for who we are. That’s something that I want my music to reflect as well. (The Fader, 2017)

JUDAS BEAST

We are Judas Beast, The Ultimate Iron Maiden Experience! Don’t let the name fool ya, we are an Iron Maiden tribute that does some Judas Priest songs. Our sets are usually an 80% Maiden, 20% Priest mix up. If you are a maiden fan then come check the beast out. We have over 100 years of experience in the music world and practice constantly to bring our fans the ultimate iron maiden experience. We are fans first and for most and do everything in our power to bring our fans a show they won’t forget! energetic stage presence, spot on vocals, a precise guitar trio, galloping bass lines, and thunderous drums is what we bring you at every show. not only do we replicate maiden as close as we can musically, but we try and match them visually as well with on stage antics, props, backdrops, costumes, and…….we even have an Eddie! We play everthing from the self titled debut to The Final Frontier and everything in between, we play deep cuts to the hits. Come to a beast show, close your eyes, and you’ll feel like your in an arena with the metal god we pay tribute to! UP THE IRONS!!!!

The Woggles

THE WOGGLES

For a band to not only last beyond 30 years together but keep scaling more imposing heights, it’s going to need a sense of purpose. In the case of The Woggles, the seasoned garage rockers passed that milestone with a renewed rallying cry to move ever forward!

The Woggles now feature a two-guitar attack with Graham Day (The Prisoners, Solar Flares, Thee Mighty Caesars) and Shane Pringle (Tiger! Tiger!, Bad Spell) on the 6 strings with Shane occasionally doubling up on saxophone.

The band is touring in support of the new single Flesh Hammer b/w The Witch out on Wicked Cool Records (Steven Van Zandt’s label), inspired by the late guitarist, Jeff Walls AKA Flesh Hammer. Both sides of the 7″ feature Pat Beers from The Schizophonics on lead guitar.

The single is from an upcoming album featuring contributions on lead guitar from the likes of Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven), Graham Day, Shane Pringle, Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound), Peter Greenberg (Barrence Whitfield & The Savages), Rick Miller (Southern Culture on the Skids), Keith Streng (The Fleshtones), and Pat Beers (The Schizophonics).

“The band is not as much an institution as a way of life,” says frontman “The Professor” Mighty Manfred. “The main thing is to keep swimming, cause the shark has got to keep moving.”

The band continues to feature the sock-it-to-them rhythm section of bassist Buzz Hagstrom and drummer Dan Eletxro, both also sometime members of savage English rockers Graham Day & The Gaolers.

“Alan Freed once said that ‘Rock and roll is a river of music that has absorbed many streams,’” quotes Manfred. “The Woggles drink from its many tributaries, from early rock and roll and R&B to ’60s garage rock, British Invasion, ’60s soul and forward.”

Fusing pure rock and soul from vintage sources into their own singular sound, The Woggles lay it down hard and loud but with more majesty than recklessness. Their beats and riffs are as strident as Manfred’s swagger and strut onstage. Having played in the past with Johnny Cash, Link Wray, The Zombies and nearly every garage rock group worth its salt, as Meredith Ochs wisely advised on NPR All Songs Considered: “Go see a Woggles show. It will change your life.”

GINA VENIER

It’s a pop song, chopped up with some soul, thrown over a bed of soft guitar chords, and sang raw.

At 24, Gina Venier stylishly combines her soulful blues roots with pop influences to create an original sound that defies fitting into a genre.

Raised in the small town of Dixon, IL, Gina pulls from her family roots to find inspiration behind songwriting, style, and stage presence.

At the age of 6, Venier took after her dad’s musical background as a blues musician, and started singing and playing the drums. At 13, she picked up the guitar and has been playing live ever since. She credits her dad for infusing a passion for music in her at an early age, and he frequently shares the stage with her today.

Now focused on developing her craft as a “young Chicago-based original artist,” she uses her percussive background to heighten her rhythmic movements on guitar, and showcases an expressively raw and raspy vocal tone during live shows, creating an unparalleled live performance of natural soul.

She won Chicago’s largest singing competition “Bar 1 Big Break,” in August of 2012, after showing the judges and audience her versatility, creativity, and inimitable artistry through performances a capella, on the drums, guitar, and keyboard. After making it to the final 2, Venier performed an original song and took home the top prize in the competition.

After winning the competition, Venier is continuing to capitalize on her success and is currently creating quite the buzz around the Chicago-land music scene.

Since then, Venier has been spreading her ‘hybrid genre’ of blue-eyed soul singer/songwriter meets R&B pop musician, performing in staple Chicago-land venues in front of anxious and enthusiastic crowds. Chicago- has been exploiting her distinctive vibe whether it’s an intimate acoustic showcase, or fronting her band, Gina Venier & the Gentlemen, each performance carries a unique dynamic, and not one show is the same as the last.

After receiving her degree in Broadcasting, Gina found more passion from being in front of a microphone on stage, than in front of the camera.

Currently, Gina is performing, writing, and accumulating original works, working toward her first album release. Her theme challenges fitting into a definitive form of music by blending the art of a singer/songwriter who collides with radio-worthy blue-eyed soulful pop music. Music has become her exclusive project and this extraordinary talent holds all the characteristics of a true artist on the rise.

She is currently competing in this year’s season of American Idol, and has favorably impressed the judges of Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Conick Jr. through her unique performances using her soulful voice, and one woman-band set up with cajon, kick pedal, and guitar. Gina has made it through to Hollywood week! Stay tuned!

J HARMONY

The 18 year old Chicago Native goes by the name of J Harmony. This up and coming R&B artist attracts the likes of many and ignores the hate from few. J Harmony believes in creating music unlike any other artist with a dash of commercial flow. According to J Harmony “Nowadays you must have a somewhat commercial flow in order to stay relevant in the game”. J Harmony is not your ordinary R&B artist, heck he’s not even your regular artist. Each and every day J Harmony is striving to better him self artistically to gain the attention he greatly hungers for by the many potential fans out there. J Harmony just wants to put out great music with a great message with his catchy hooks and deep mindblowing lyrics. That’s all you need to know about this hit maker, the music says the rest!!

IVY DYE

Ivy Dye was formed in late 2011 by Chris Adams. Check us out and if you dig the songs maybe we can get together for tacos sometime.

MISUNDERSTOOD

Misunderstood was formed in May of 2006 by Lyn-Z when she was only 15. The band was intially started by Lyn-Z: Vox/Guitar, Jer:Bass, and Brent on drums. Through the years there has been other members in Misunderstood and have played many diffrent shows. They have played venues like Bogarts in Cincinnati Ohio and The Melody Inn in Indianapolis. Misunderstood is very grateful for having a chance to play with some awesome bands such as The Dollyrots,Barb Wire Dolls, Stellar Corpses and The Independents. Misunderstood is back and going with Lyn-Z on Vox and guitar,Lauren on bass and Arthur on Drums!

 

IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION

Imminent Sonic Destruction is the brainchild of Detroit-based guitarist, vocalist and metal innovator Tony Piccoli. Influenced by the raw power of bands such as Strapping Young Lad, Meshuggah and Pantera , as well as the disciplined complexities of progressive groups like Dream Theater and Genesis, Piccoli set out to change the face of metal. His blend of crushing guitars, ethereal overtones, a combination of vocal styles and wonderful melody are wrapped in subtly complex time signatures, skull-crushing guitar riffs, and melodic hooks so memorable that you will need surgery to get these songs out of your head.

After playing in several bands while living Arizona in the 90’s, Piccoli moved back to his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. He began writing songs that would become the blueprint for Imminent Sonic Destruction’s sound. After years of writing the music and working on perfecting the sound, Piccoli hooked up with local musicians to record two demo discs titled The Umlaut Speaks & The Umlaut Doth Spake which Piccoli himself says both are “fucking certified.”

In 2007 Imminent Sonic Destruction made the leap from a recording project to a fully fledged live band. Joining Piccoli is a veritable super group of Detroit area progressive and metal artists. First to sign on was former Tiles drummer Pat DeLeon who has recorded with Tiles on the Magna Carta and InsideOut music labels and well as touring Europe as the opening act for Dream Theater.

Solidifying the rhythm section is Bryan Paxton, who is a powerful metal force in his own right playing with Detroit metal bands JustDefy and Miles Beyond. Next to sign on was keyboardist/vocalist Pete Hopersberger from the Detroit progressive rock group Space Nelson. Pete’s musical knowledge and pure talent takes the Imminent Sonic Destruction sound to the next level. Rounding out the lineup is guitarist/vocalist and all around musical chameleon Scott Thompson. Scott has played numerous instruments in numerous Michigan groups as well as being an established solo artist.

Imminent Sonic Destruction’s live sound is a solidly dynamic onslaught designed to please everyone — from the hardest of hardcore metal-heads to the finicky ears of the progressive rock crowd — all while being easily accessible to the casual listener. Imminent Sonic Destruction’s live performance is a high energy yet disciplined assault that comes off as both brutal and lighthearted like the music itself. Imminent Sonic Destruction is coming. You have been warned.

KINGCROW

Describing the band today is quite a difficult task, but one could state that the influence of such artists as Porcupine Tree, Riverside, Opeth, Orphaned Land or even Dream Theater in their more subtle moments are all present in the music of Kingcrow. With each release Kingcrow has taken a step further away from their original roots as a classic hard rock / metal band and is today one of the most exciting bands that Italy has to offer.

While working in a mostly progressive metal direction in the earlier days, KINGCROW has increasingly expanded the scope of their sound to encompass elements of rock, nowadays rounded-out in a culmination of strong atmospheric component similar to Riverside, Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd but also bearing a heavier, metallic semblance to Opeth and Dream Theater. This is boldly present on the band’s fifth studio full-length, In Crescendo, the new album encompassing nearly an hour over eight epic movements. Produced by the band’s own Diego and Thundra Cafolla at Sound Under Pressure in Rome, the massive album was then mixed by Giampiero Ulacco and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music.

PAIN OF SALVATION

Pain of Salvation is a Swedish progressive rock band headed by Daniel Gildenlöw; the band’s lyricist, chief composer, guitarist, and lead vocalist. Their sound is characterised by powerful, accentuated guitar work, broad vocal range, abrupt switching between heavy and calm passages, intense syncopation, and polyrhythmic experimentation. Another trademark of the band is that each album is a concept album. Some of the topics addressed in the band’s albums include sexuality, war and its effect on family and humanity, environmental issues (such as nuclear power), the forming of the individual, and the nature of God, humankind, and existence.

COUNTRY MICE

Country Mice formed in 2008 in Brooklyn, NY and quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live show. Incorporating heavy drums, poetic lyrics, extended psych jams, blazing guitar solos, and hum along melodies, Country Mice have drawn comparisons to Wilco, Neil Young, The Byrds and Dinosaur Jr. They released their debut album,Twister, in 2011, which received a number of rave reviews and appeared on several top 100 albums-of-the-year lists.

In 2012, Country Mice entered the studio with producer Doug Boehm (admired by the band for his work with Girls, Dr. Dog, Guided By Voices, and The Whigs) to make Hour of the Wolf. Recording bass, drums and guitars in the same room, the band wanted to capture the energy of their live show, but also take a powerful sonic step forward. Starting with the first window-shaking drum rumble of the album’s opening track, “Feathers,” Hour of the Wolf picks up where Twister left off, showcasing a dynamic group of new songs, spanning from heavy psych guitar odyssey (“High Tide and the Sandman”), to pop-rock jam (“Giving Your Heart Away”), to acoustic folk ballad (“Ash”). Hour of the Wolf is set for release on February 19th.

ROCKET

Hailing from the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica, the Ancient and Holy Lands of Ethiopia, and the South Side of Chicago, comes the award winning reggae music of Gizzae.

BOOTSMOKE RHYTHM

Started playing in August 2012. We created a sound that we became familiar with and really enjoy playing. People then started coming to watch us practice more and more each week. We hope that you can enjoy our music too! So get a groovin!

 

AIR DUBAI

Denver band Air Dubai is more than the sum of its parts. It’s not about the exciting combination of eclectic genres or even the explosive onstage energy. The group’s appeal lies in its member’s passion for the music they create, as well as their love for the people who come to see them perform. A heady mix of hip-hop, pop, soul, rock and electronic, Air Dubai exists not to fit into one specific category or sound, but instead to create something new and fresh on each album and even every song.

The band’s roots date back to 2008, when high school friends singer Jon Shockness and rapper Julian Thomas decided to create a hip-hop duo using the name Air Dubai. Originally utilizing pre-recorded beats, the pair collaborated for a year until they both felt the need to create music more organically. By spring of 2009, Air Dubai had its first rehearsal as a live band with instruments. By rounding out the lineup with Nick Spreigl (drums), Lawrence Grivich (guitar), Michael Ray (keyboard/synth), and Taylor Tait (bass), Air Dubai was able to transform itself into a shape-shifting powerhouse of talent, seamlessly blending genres and styles.

To date, the seven-piece has two official releases: 2010’s “Wonder Age” (produced by Andrew Guerrero of Flobots) and 2011’s “Day Escape” (produced by Sylvia Massy, whose credits include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool and Prince). The albums showcase impressive musical dexterity and songwriting ability, but the true magic lies in Air Dubai’s live shows; energetic, soulful performances fueled mainly by the faithful fans that come to see them play.

Air Dubai has received numerous critical and commercial accolades: voted Westword magazine’s “Best Hip Hop Band” of 2010, 2011 & 2012, winner of Channel 93.3 KTCL’s 2011 “Hometown For The Holidays” competition, multiple songs featured on MTV’s hit series Jersey Shore and in Hollister stores nationwide. The band has also shared the stage with a wide array of local and national artists, including OneRepublic, 3Oh!3 and Rise Against.

In 2013, Air Dubai plans to release a new album, continue touring and increase their fan base worldwide.

KURT

A lot of people have complained about the condition of hip-hop right now. With the emergence of less lyrics and a more dumbed down approach to reach the masses, there is no reason to argue.

Luckily, In Aug 1988, KURT was born in long island New York . KURT has a demeanor much would call COCKY, or Hard to love, but once you love him, you understand why. His upbringing in the suburbs of long island has taught him to live with class. However, the discipline of his Haitian parents taught him to fight for his own. These are the things he brings in his music, a classy ruggedness.

In 2011 KURT received radio spins on New york’s number 1 and number 2 stations for hip hop and r&b and continues to build his brand.

KURT’s approach to the game is to bring classy together with the ignorance in the shameful joy of hip hop, and with that he has formed his groups the BougieBoys and BougieGirls who live by the same guidelines.

Follow KURT on the red carpet as he takes his journey to the world premiere of his career.

STICK FIGURE

Stick Figure possesses a unique style of music that combines a creative blend of upbeat roots reggae with the reverberating echoes of dub. Stick Figure’s music is written, recorded, and produced by Scott Woodruff, a young man from Duxbury, MA. The live band consists of members Scott Woodruff (Vocals, Guitar ) KBong (Keyboards and Vocals) Tommy Sulliman (Bass) Kevin Offitzer (Drums).

BENEDICTION

With sales of their albums in the hundreds of thousands and having played just about everywhere in the world BENEDICTION are still as popular today as they have ever been.

They are proud to have been around since the start of what became the “Death Metal” scene and can still give one of the best energetic live shows around today.

Originally formed back in February 1989 around the line-up of PAUL ADAMS (bass),IAN TREACY (drums), DARREN BROOKES & PETER REW (guitars) and MARK (BARNEY) GREENWAY (vox), Birmingham based BENEDICTION drew the attention of Nuclear Blast records with their first demo”THE DREAMS YOU DREAD”.

Their first album “SUBCONSCIOUS TERROR” (info | shop) was released in 1990, this was followed by the departure of BARNEY who went on to be the vocalist for NAPALM DEATH. He was replaced by DAVE INGRAM and the band went out on tour to promote the well received debut album throughout Europe.

1991 saw the release of “THE GRAND LEVELLER” (info | shop) which gained international acclaim throughout the death metal market,they toured on this release with BOLT THROWER, NOCTURNUS, MASSACRA and DISMEMBER. Most of this year was spent touring and the reaction to BENEDICTION live was outstanding. After the last tour PAUL ADAMS departed, fed up with the band’s non stop touring schedules.

This was a bit of a kick in the teeth as they were about to go into the studio to record their next release, the “DARK IS THE SEASON” (info) E.P.. DARREN stepped in on the recording of the bass for this session, which included a punishing cover of the ANVIL classic “FORGED IN FIRE”. The band went back out on tour with BOLT THROWER again and ASPHYX. The reputation of BENEDICTION live was bringing in ever larger crowds and most of their shows were sold out. Upon their return the needed to find a permanent replacement for PAUL on bass (they used a temporary bassist for the last tour). The man for the job was FRANK HEALY who was at the time in CEREBRAL FIX but fitted in so well with the rest of the band that he joined full time in 1992 just as they flew out to Israel to play 2 sold out shows.

In 1993 they released “TRANSCEND THE RUBICON” (info | shop) which was given top marks worldwide upon its release. This album kick started the “WORLD VIOLATION” tour with ATHEIST and CEMETARY as guests.

This tour was their biggest yet and took in Europe, the USA,and Canada. At the end of this tour IAN TREACY left the band due to the famous “musical and personal differences”.

They had collected and recorded some good quality live shows over the last few tours plus the had a few new tunes ready for recording. A new drummer was found, PAUL BROOKES who recorded the two new tracks, this became “THE GROTESQUE/ASHEN EPITAPH” (info) E.P.

The band went back into Europe and then onto the USA with BOLT THROWER. After this tour PAUL departed and another new drummer had to be found, they were getting through as many drummers as SPINAL TAP !!! They found one by the name of NEIL HUTTON, an 18 year old drumming genius, and they went back into the studio and came out with “THE DREAMS YOU DREAD” (info | shop).

The band then went out on the road again headlining the NUCLEAR BLAST FESTIVALS, which saw them selling out every date on these shows. They spent nearly 2 years solidly touring.

At this time they formed a close relationship with the band DEATH. They’d toured with them once and when CHUCK SHULDINER was asked who he’d like out with DEATH he said he could think of no better band to tour with than BENEDICTION and that was the only band he’d have out with him!

Another tour over, another album to do! This was “GRIND BASTARD” (info | shop), a brutal slab of death metal which yet again was well received worldwide, another tour followed which saw them playing most the territories of the former eastern block countries.

After this tour DAVE INGRAM called it a day, he eventually became BOLT THROWER’s vocalist for a while until KARL WILLETTS returned and the “proper” BOLT THROWER returned!

The new vocalist was DAVE HUNT who more than delivered the goods, he was asked to learn the lyrics and sort his passport out one week before going on a major European tour!!! Piece of piss!

Studio time again! DAVE’S first release with the band, “ORGANISED CHAOS” (info | shop). On this release the band went out on the road with IMMORTAL, followed by yet another tour with BOLT THROWER! These 2 bands have a bond and an honesty that has stayed strong throughout their respective careers, “if it ain’t broke don’t try and fix it!” These 2 will tour again together. They took on a shit load of festivals, including the legendary GODS OF METAL festival in Milan which saw them sharing the bill with MOTORHEAD, W.A.S.P, MEGADETH and JUDAS PRIEST. NEIL left to join STAMPIN’ GROUND so another drummer was needed !!!

NICK BARKER the drumming genius got behind the kit but got the chance to go out drumming for TESTAMENT so with the bands blessing went out with them.a few gigs turned into a lot of gigs and benediction needed to get started on the new album.

NEIL HUTTON came in to help out and eventually rejoined the band !

The new album “KILLING MUSIC” (info | shop) was out August (2008). Still raw Death Metal, but this time the Punk´n´Crust influences are definitely more dominant than ever – also resulting in two cover songs of the legends BROKEN BONES and AMEBIX. For these songs, BENEDICTION invited several guests: Jock (GBH), Karl Willets (BOLT THROWER), Kelly Shaefer (ATHEIST), Billy Gould (ex-FAITH NO MORE), The Fog (FROST), Markus Staiger (NUCLEAR BLAST owner) and Thorsten Zahn (METAL HAMMER Germany).

“Killing Music” was produced by ANAAL NATHRAKH mastermind Mike Kenney and sounds raw, dark and pure. The band was fed up by all the “polished” productions from the last years.

Expect nothing less than a dirty bastard of punching Death Metal, crusting punk and in your face songwriting! If an album is worth seven years of wait, then it´s definitely “Killing Music”!

BOLT THROWER

BOLT THROWER were formed at a punk gig in a Coventry pub in 1986, following a conversation between friends guitarist Barry Thomson and bassist Gavin Ward. Inspired at that time by bands such as Sacrilege, Discharge, Candlemass & Slayer, they decided to form a band that was heavy, aggressive, but more importantly, original. They were soon joined by Alan West, a friend of Baz’s, who took the role of vocalist/lyricist . When it came to finding a drummer, Andy Whale was suggested by a mutual friend, and when he met up with the rest of the band to try out, he found he had similar music tastes, and joined immediately.

The four- piece went on to write a number of songs and eventually recorded two demos ‘In Battle…’ and ‘Concession of Pain’ – the latter was sent to the much-respected British radio DJ, John Peel. During this time Gavin Ward decided to switch to guitar and local bassist Alex Tweedy was the temporary replacement. When Alex left – one or two gigs later, they agreed to let Jo Bench try out. She proved she was the right person for the job, and in September 1987 the new 5-piece line-up was complete. A few gigs later and the call came saying John Peel liked the demo and wanted to offer the band a radio session.

Bolt Thrower recorded 4 songs for their first BBC Radio OnePeel Session’ in January 1988. After the transmission was aired on national radio, Vinyl Solution contacted the band and offered them a recording contract, the band agreed to a one-album deal. Unfortunately, at this time, Alan West decided that the band was getting a bit too serious for him, and was replaced by Karl Willetts, who was the band’s backline driver and long-time friend of Andy’s. With this line-up they went on to record their first album ‘In Battle There Is No Law’ recorded at Loco Studios in Wales, which was unfortunately mixed without the band’s knowledge and released in the summer of 1988.

After constant gigging around the UK, Bolt Thrower were becoming more and more popular, and were soon contacted by Earache Records who were at that time, the biggest independant label for extreme music. The band signed a deal with Earache and also at the same time were approached by Games Workshop – a fantasy wargaming company – who’s boss had heard the Peel Session when it was aired, and was impressed enough to be interested in a collaboration with the band. So, incorporating both – ‘Realm of Chaos’ the second studio album was released on Earache Records in 1989, and featured cover and booklet artwork from the artists at Games Workshop.

The band were gaining a much wider audience, but didn’t forget their roots, and were proud to be given the opportunity to record two more Peel Sessions (which were later released as an album). In 1989 the band took part in the legendary ‘GrindCrusher’ tour around the UK, with Carcass, Napalm Death and Morbid Angel, this proved the band’s reputation as being one of the most powerful live acts around. On the back of the success of the UK tour, they made their first tour of Europe in 1990 with Autopsy and Pestilence – where they met Martin Van Drunen and their current tour manager Graham.

At the start of 1991 they were back in the studio. They recorded ‘Warmaster’ at Slaughterhouse Studios, Driffield with Colin Richardson producing, and thanks to the clever scheduling skills of Earache – it was released in the middle of their tour of Europe! Fortunately, the untimely release was unnoticed by the hundreds of fans who got to see the band for the first time – the band also went on to make their first visit to the US this year. The Bolt Thrower name was starting to spread worldwide Next came ‘The IVth Crusade’ – recorded at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall in 1992, it showed the band had continued to create their own unique style of music that was easily identifiable as BOLT THROWER. The band also decided to make the break from their usual fantasy artwork sleeve, and instead used a classical painting by Delacroix. The band promoted the album extensively with their ‘World Crusade’ tour, which took them again around Europe (with Benediction & Asphyx) and in 1993, to Australia.

The recording of ‘…For Victory’ in 1994, (at Sawmills, again), was immediately followed by the bands second tour of the U.S. This unfortunately saw the departure of drummer Andy Whale and vocalist Karl Willetts, who decided they didn’t want to continue in the band. The rest of the band decided to carry on, and the album was released later in the year, and Whale and Willetts were subsequently replaced with drummer Martin Kearns and Martin Van Drunen on vocals.

With this line-up the band carried on the promotion of the album with a full European tour in 1995 and the highly-credible ‘Fuck Price Politics’ festival tour in 1996. The next couple of years turned into an endurance test for the band with the departure of Van Drunen due to illness, the successful ending of the bands relations with Earache Records and the new signing to Metal Blade Records. Although the band themselves are not huge fans of playing open air festivals, they agreed to break with tradition and play the 1997 ‘With Full Force’ festival in Zwickau, Germany. They were greeted by a rapturous audience and with the help of stand-in Dave Ingram on vocals (who stood in for the absent Van Drunen), they managed to win the crowd over with their own brand of ‘heavy metal’.

The next to leave the BOLT THROWER camp was Martin Kearns, who went on to be replaced by Alex Thomas for the recording of the first release on Metal Blade – ‘Mercenary’, (1998). The vocalist on this album was to be the re-instated Karl Willetts, unfortunately he found he could not commit himself to be a full-time member, so Dave Ingram, (who was a longtime friend of the band and had recently left Benediction), filled his position. With the support of new label Metal Blade, BOLT THROWER proved to be more successful than ever. ‘Mercenary’ was greatly received all over the world – in particular Germany, where it made an entry in the German album charts and received 10 out of 10, and album of the month in their biggest selling Metal magazine Rock Hard. The band took ‘Mercenary’ on the road, with the ‘Killing Zone’ tour in 1999. Dave proved to all he was a worthy replacement, and slotted into the vocal position with ease. But when the tour was over, there was to be more upheaval when Alex decided he also couldn’t make the full commitment required by the band. So the vacant position was filled by another familiar face – Martin Kearns, who re-joined the band just in time to do the German ‘With Full Force’ festival for the second time.

Much of the year 2000 was spent rehearsing with the new line-up and writing (and re-writing!) new songs for their 7th album, and when the writing was complete, the band were itching to get back on the road again. So, early into the following year, they re-introduced Martin to the public with a handful of shows around Holland and Germany. The sell-out shows and their apparent increase in popularity was enough to inspire the band when they ventured into the studio to record ‘Honour – Valour -Pride’ in May 2001.

HVP – the first album to feature ‘new’ members – vocalist Dave Ingram and drummer Martin Kearns, was released in November 2001, again on Metal Blade Recs. The album was unleashed upon certain members of the press in Bolt Thrower’s unique way, when the usual studio report turned into a ‘mock kidnap’ with military tasks for the unsuspecting music journalists. Regardless (or maybe because!) of this, Bolt Thrower again received an influx of positive reviews and feedback for the fans. This album also received 10 out of 10 and album of the month in Rock Hard magazine, a great achievement for a band twice in a row and on their 7th studio release. The ‘Ground Assault’ tour followed in January 2002, taking the band around Europe, with Dave’s old band Benediction – dispelling any rumours of bad feeling between the bands. The tour was a huge success, Bolt Thrower again playing to packed venues, and proving they are one of the best live acts around. They also went back to Germany in October to play the ‘Westfalenfestival’, which was enjoyed as much by the 1300-strong crowd as the band themselves.

The band started off 2003 writing riffs for the next studio album.They turned down several festivals so they could exclusively play one summer show The ‘Rock Hard jubilee’ festival. Unfortunately for the band and fans alike, the band had to cancel their performance there because of the (untimely!) birth of Dave’s son. Towards the end of the year, and early into 2004 the band started continued to write new material for their 8th studio album, although things slowed down for BT when it appeared Dave was suffering with health and personal problems. In the middle of the writing, Dave Ingram decided that he was going to leave the band to concentrate on his recovery.

The band were again left again in a situation where they had been on several occasions before of having to find a replacement vocalist. Of course, there was only one choice….it had to be Karl Willetts. Karl was asked and agreed to re-join Bolt Thrower as a permanent replacement late 2004. His return was welcomed by both the band and the fans, and Karl easily slipped back into his old role as he launched himself once again into writing lyrics with Gavin.

The band spent the summer of 2005 recording their eighth album, Those Once Loyal, again at Sable Rose Studios with Andy Faulkner at the helm. The album was released in November that year on Metal Blade Records, and received fantastic reviews across the board. The success was highlighted with a German chart position of no. 76, various magazine covers, and ‘Album of month’ in several webzines and magazines, including Rock Hard for the third time.

The band kicked off the new year with the first of two European tours to promote the album. The first of the ‘Those Still Loyal’ tours featured Malevolent Creation, Nightrage and Necrophagist. Karl’s long-awaited return to the stage was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. The band maintained their uncompromising low-price merchandise and ticket policy and the fans showed their appreciation in return. The tour was a massive success, the new songs went down a storm, and the majority of the shows were sold-out.

After a few weeks break Bolt Thrower set off on the road again on the second leg of the tour – this time the band were supported by God Dethroned & Kataklysm. The remaining opening slot was offered to various local acts and also friends, like Nightrage and Downlord. This tour took the bands to new territories like Spain, Finland, Norway & Portugal as well as re-visiting places they hadn’t played for years, like Sweden & the UK. It was apparent the fans were also ‘Still loyal’ and the reception the band received was exceptional.

Following the huge success of both tours, Bolt Thrower went on to play their only open air festival of the year. The band owed Rock Hard Festival an appearance following the cancellation a few years ago, and kept true to their word. The fantastic venue of the Ampitheatre in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, was an excellent backdrop to a killer show by the band, and was appreciated by BT fans old and new.

In 2007 the band played a handful of shows and went on to spend the majority of the year writing songs for a new album. This proved to be more difficult than they thought, as in 2008 Bolt Thrower released a statement saying they had scrapped plans to record the new material they had written, thinking the songs they were working on didn’t match up to ‘Those Once Loyal’. They decided that they would rather not release any new stuff than what they saw as taking a step back. The decision was a very brave one, but gained Bolt Thrower a lot of respect, and fans are still holding out in the hope that the band will someday write songs they feel good enough to record.

Although no new album followed TOL, the band continued to play live, much to the delight of their die-hard following. 2008 gave BT a lot of special memories, including making a triumphant return to the US for the first time since 1994, to play the Maryland Deathfest. They played both days of the festival, indoors and out, to a packed and euphoric audience, and fans in the US finally got to see Bolt Thrower doing what they do best.

Despite their previous dislike for playing such shows, the band couldn’t deny that the festival environment goes hand in hand with their style of music, and decided to hand pick a few festivals toplay over the coming years. And in addition to the odd European festival, Bolt Thrower also returned to Birmingham to play their first hometown gig for 15 years, played two consecutive shows at the brand new Atak venue in Holland, and flew to Greece for the very first time in the band’s history, to play two unforgettable sell out shows there.

Over the last couple of years, Bolt Thrower have continued their ‘quality not quantity’ approach to playing live and that has definitely paid off. In 2010 they played a number of shows and festivals across Europe, and from playing more intimate underground shows (in keeping with their roots), they can also pull off playing to a festival crowd of 30,000 people. That’s why, as they reach their 25th Anniversary, Bolt Thrower are still at the top of their game… and as always, without compromise.

THE PREMADONNAS

The PreMadonnas are currently one of the hottest and fastest rising original rock acts in Chicago’s music scene. They are often quoted as “a breath of fresh air” and “something the masses just need to get a glimpse of” by the people who get to see The PreMadonnas do what they do best.

The PreMadonnas are an all-original rock band that is doing everything they can to get their songs heard by anyone who has a pair of ears. Currently working on their second EP, The PreMadonnas will go on to extensive gigging in Chicago as well as the surrounding area’s hottest venues to support Chicago’s ‘best there is to offer.’ At the same time, they will continue working on their debut album.

The history of how this band called The PreMadonnas was formed is a fascinating story in itself that stretches across the globe. The PreMadonnas have some of the best musicians from many different camps and styles. They are all in one unique band that now has a sound that is completely their own and unchallenged.

Because of the band’s diversity and unity in the sound they create, The PreMadonnas seem to have the ability to unify the audiences that they attract.

By having a vast array of songs and members who together call themselves The PreMadonnas, there is no doubt of what this band will achieve when they are given a true opportunity to show it to the masses. The PreMadonnas are now ready to take this a step further onto a global scale. Are you ready for us? We’re ready for you.
If you are a listener or someone who can help The PreMadonnas get heard, please visit and share us on the web! Stay tuned for what lies ahead for The PreMadonnas!!!!

Paradoxx

PARADOXX

Paradoxx was the preimer Chicago metal band back in the early 1980’s. They played every club but montly usually the home base was The Thirsty Whale in River Grove.
They opened for Krokus, Ratt, Blue Oyster Cult among otheres.
Members went on to other big bands like Radakka and Man-o-war.
This is a place to share pictures and memories of those great shows from a great live band.

But what’s this? Could it be? They are back rockin? Yes sir!

Wrath

WRATH

The original WRATH from Chicago-land!!!

TYRANT’S REIGN

A Thrash Metal band formed in 1985

CENTRAL DISORDER

We are not your typical metal band.
The most diverse musical backgrounds meet and meld together to form a machine of heavy riffing and ear grabbing beats.

Blazing thrash riffs meet technical and methodical drumming and couple with
snarling vocals to create a sound leaving you wondering why you ever listened
to anything else.

Central Disorder took its early form in 2003. In September of 2008 we entered Apothica Studios to record our debut album, The Awakening. Since then we have played tons of shows to positive reviews. Notables include the 2010 Milwaukee Doomsday Fest, opening for Exodus and Mushroomhead on separate occasions in Ohio, being featured on a sampler on an Alice In Chains book, receiving regular airplay on a local radio station show called Metal Oxide, and we were also featured on a local TV show called ENE Rocks. We have also played with Straight Line Stich and The Butcher Babies.

WINTERHAWK

Internationally acclaimed Hard Rockers Winterhawk, formed in 1977, still kick it out like yesterday was today… “His style is so fluid, smooth and melodic that already, a cloud forms over your once-etched-in-stone list of favorite guitarists…Winterhawk transcend the words passion and melody…I always thought it would be very difficult for me to say that any one album is the greatest ever recorded. I am, however, 100% confident in lauding Winterhawk’s “Revival” with that praise and if I could take any single record with me to a desert island, this would be it. Magnificent”- Ray Dorsey (Enlightened Chaos)

 

OLORIN

Traditional Doom Metal band started in November 2009.

VANLADE

Vänlade is a heavy metal band with roots in Kansas City, Kansas. Over the past several years, the band has forged its brand of fast, heavy, and highly melodic music with an intense passion and energy. The band’s classic influences are worn proudly, yet Vänlade’s music is no clone or throwback. Soaring vocals, shredding dual-guitar acrobatics, and a tight, driving rhythm section are the band’s calling card. In Vänlade’s music, pure power, speed, and melody triumph over today’s metal trends of angst and dissonent chugging.

DARK MIRROR

We are just a group of metalheads who thoroughly enjoy playing. We don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, what’s popular, or getting to the top because we believe the metal movement is about enjoying the music, staying true to ourselves, and supporting everyone else who is doing the same!

Ancient Dreams

ANCIENT DREAMS

Traditional Heavy Metal from Chicago

THE PALMER SQUARES

Ac and Term have shared a number of things over the years, from a plate of nachos one time, to an unhealthy infatuation with polysyllabic rhyme schemes, to their very first mushroom trip. However, these two sissy boys most recently enjoy sharing various stages throughout the Chicagoland area and posting make out videos on YouTube. They can be considered: in the moment, on the edge, over the top, but under the radar. so turn on, tune in, and drop dead cuntface.

ADELAIDE