Hailing from Chicago, Shokker has become one of the most formative and enthralling live acts in recent years, having shared the stage with the likes of Queensryche, Saxon, Y&T, Warrant, Manilla Road, Diamond Rexx, Unleash the Archers, and Striker. With twin guitarists Casey Termont and George Sizos, Jorey Guillermo on bass, Dan Dash on drums, and David Kraus on vocals, the band is a force to be reckoned with.
This is a band bio. Its where we try and tell you what we think we sound like and what bands are our influences and so on. And this is where we try and convince you to buy shirts and come to all of our shows. But obviously, we aren’t very good at being discrete businessmen, so, might as well be honest.
We love playing music. For anyone who is willing to listen.
Funeral Suits come from Dublin, Ireland and make rock music. Sometimes they make it dark, brooding, intense and monolithic. Sometimes they make it life affirming, surging and adrenalin charged. It’s beauty and beast combined in schizophrenic glory and it’s this duality which sets Funeral Suits apart.
Their debut album ‘Lily Of The Valley’ has been produced by Stephen Street, best known for his work with Blur and The Smiths. Just released by leading Irish independent label Model Citizen, the album is a spellbinding showcase of shadows and light.
Following a brace of well received limited edition EP’s, the final band line up of Brian James, Mik McKeogh, Greg McCarthy and Dar Grant released their debut single ‘Colour Fade’ on London based Friends Vs. Records in 2011. Along with the follow up ‘Health’, the song enjoyed support from Zane Lowe, Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens. Following support slots with Franz Ferdinand, Passion Pit, The Macabees and Local Natives, the band played SXSW, The Great Escape and Leeds / Reading in 2011, before signing with Model Citizen.
With three successful UK tours this year, ‘Lily Of The Valley’ has been warmly greeted by fans and critics alike. Recent single ‘All Those Friendly People’ with its stunning video, has enjoyed over one million views on YouTube. Current single ‘Hands Down’ has a thrilling sequel clip and can be picked up on very scarce Spanish 7” vinyl import. Radio support for the band continues to flourish at BBC Radio 1, XFM, BBC 6 Music, Q Radio, Absolute Radio and Amazing Radio. Meanwhile over in America, ‘Colour Fade’ is currently one of the most added tracks on the vast and influential US college radio network.
Cauldron started summer 2006 when Goat Horn stopped. We play real metal as we see and enjoy it.
Ted & Glenn from International Recording Artist , IMN Group Duo Of The
Year , 3 years running Thadeus Project will be performing a acoustic
set of songs from their Cd releases.
Matthew Kopecky first started Oblio And Arrow in 2009. The Chicago native wrote, recorded and performed all the music on the debut album and 2011 release of “Thank God For Photons”.
At it’s core, Oblio And Arrow is a ‘rock’ band, yet very far from your typical sounding ‘rock’ group. With heavy layers of percussion, a chorus of vocals, catchy pop hooks and a warm, ambient back drop, Oblio And Arrow definitely set themselves apart from the crowd.
When it came time to perform the music of Oblio and Arrow, Matt’s natural choice was to approach long time friends, and musical collaborators, Zach Biggus ( guitar ) Brian Whitebread ( guitar ) and Mike Krieglstein ( Bass ).
Each of these players has brought his own unique flavor and talents to the group helping to bring all the energy, subtleties and passion of the Oblio And Arrow song book to life.
The group is currently playing throughout and around the midwest and is recording and preparing for their next album. Check them out and keep the pulse at….
Rock band from Austin, TX
Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Lindsay moved to Los Angeles to attend and graduate from the Musician’s Institute of Hollywood. Upon graduation, she toured as a back-up singer in L.A. before joining “Dropzone International” and touring southeast Asia. Lindsay now lives in Chicago where she performs as a singer / song writer and a member of “Think Floyd” and “Reely Dan” cover bands.
“Singing for me has always been something I am extremely passionate about, but writing and being able to create something so personal, share a piece of yourself and have people connect with words and songs is what really inspires me.”
Max Deveau will be featured in our ARE YOU MAN ENOUGH? series.
Wendy George Valasso began in the entertainment world with TV, film,
theatre, and then radio. Music came with performing with the group
“Hi-Tec”and with their dance hit “Move Your Body” hitting the top ten
charts in Europe. She went on to join various local bands in Chicago
and signed with several Chicago based talent agencies. She was
featured in The American Cancer Society commercial, The Susan G. Komen
print ad and has a cameo role in Ron Howard’s “The Dilemma.” Wendy
continues being involved with charities such as The Ronald McDonald
House/Lurie Children’s Hospital and will be an emcee for the St.
Baldrick’s event in Schaumburg this spring. She is currently
performing/singing in “Dinner With The Family,” a 1930’s-based
dinner/comedy in Lincoln Park. Check them out on Facebook for future
dates.
Dana Rose started singing at Old Town School of Folk performing with different bands. From Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago to Davenport’s performing cabaret and blues songs. Her favorite styles are blues, classic rock, pop and pop/country. Currently, her band, “Whiskey Road,” plays covers for classic 80’s rock and newer country rock performing at charities and clubs.
Wendy and Dana met several years ago though their mutual voice teacher
and friend, Linda Sams and the band, “The Chiclettes.” They have been
performing/singing together for years. Both have been on the CSN stage
before and tonight, they share the stage as a duo. Friends ‘til the
end!
Since the start of her solo career in the fall of 2011, Jennifer Ligaya has had the opportunity to co-write and record with many different artists, including Grammy Award winning producer Ricco Lumpkins. She is currently working on the completion of her debut album which is yet to be titled. “I’ve lived all over Chicago…that’s where I developed my roots. From the people I met, the sounds I heard, the food I’ve tasted, the communities of dancers, thespians, artists, poets, musicians, the community leaders, the activists, the ‘menaces to society’…I’ve been inspired by it all. I want to speak from the cultural dynamic that not only can separate, but can unify. Love, Money, Family…you name it. We call the experience, “Life.” That’s what I intend to capture with the music I create. Peace and blessings” – Jennifer Ligaya
Meet Emma Pfeiffer. She is a twelve-year old girl with a passion for singing. Emma has been singing since she was two years old. She has been studying voice seriously for six months with her teacher, Cassandra Vohs-Demann. Emma has a four-octave range and enjoys singing everything from country music to R&B. She has performed in many open mics, in Nashville Tennessee at the Silver Dollar Saloon and with the band Chasing Amy, in Genoa City, Wisconsin and Mexico. Emma has also done recording work with Roger Adler, of Adler Music. She regularly sings the Star Spangled Banner at Barrington High School sporting events.
!mindparade began as a recording/songwriting project in a humble bedroom studio within a small country home outside of Bloomington, Indiana. Originating a solo endeavor, !mindparade has grown to an orchestrated 8 piece electro-acoustic outfit to execute it’s alchemic amalgamation of indie art pop, experimental rock and electro-pop. They released their debut LP “Everything is Happening” in September 2012, and are based in Bloomington, Indiana.
On February 26, SST Records will release Life is Too Short to Not Hold a Grudge, the debut album from GOOD FOR YOU, the brand new band featuring influential guitarist and bandleader Greg Ginn and professional skateboarder and musician Mike Vallely (aka Mike V). Featuring eleven uniquely distinct high-energy rock songs blistered with themes of betrayal, regret, disillusionment, resolve, determination and independence propelled by Ginn‘s distinctive, stun-gun guitar, Life is Too Short to Not Hold a Grudge sets a new course for both musicians and delivers a strong statement of intent that begs to be heard.
Recorded at Ginn‘s Casa Destroy Studios in Taylor, TX, Life is Too Short to Not Hold a Grudge teams the singular guitarist — named as one of Rolling Stone’s ”100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” — with the creative, aggressive Vallely for the first time since BLACK FLAG‘s 2003 reunion shows in Los Angeles where Mike V performed the entire My War album from start to finish with the world renowned punk rock band at the invitation of Ginn.
As the founder, guitarist and driving influence behind BLACK FLAG, Greg Ginn defined the west coast punk sound and the DIY ethos of punk rock. In many ways, Vallely is the perfect frontman to lead Ginn‘s first hard rock band since the dissolution of BLACK FLAG. A strong-willed, determined, intense and inspirational figure, Vallely (owner and creative mind behind Elephant Brand Skateboards) has earned a devoted, worldwide following over the course of his two decade plus career as a professional skateboarder and years fronting the bands Mike V and The Rats and Revolution Mother. The vocalist first saw BLACK FLAG perform at City Gardens in Trenton, New Jersey in 1984, crediting it as a life changing experience. Greg and Mike first met in Long Beach, CA in May 2003 when Mike V And The Rats started a supporting run of shows for Greg that would eventually lead to the guest vocal spot at the BLACK FLAG reunion shows. A friendship was formed and the two have kept in touch through the years with the intention of collaborating on new music at some point. In February 2012, Ginn presented Vallely with new music and the singer spent the next five months filling notebooks with lyrics. The duo’s intense songwriting chemistry generated both a solid set of dynamic songs that would become Life Is Too Short To Not Hold A Grudge and the formation of an entirely new band: GOOD FOR YOU. Life Is Too Short… features the traits of a benchmark release. Rarely is rock so pure and hard-hitting.
“Greg and I had been talking about writing music together for many years, comments Vallely. “There was no real plan in place to “team up” or anything like that. It was more so just about the music. Creatively and artistically we just found a common road and from that came an output that became this new music and this new record.”
“Working with Greg really opened me up as a writer and vocalist, he continues. “His approach to writing, recording and producing was so free that for the first time I feel I was really able to honestly express myself in the studio.”
“I can’t wait to deliver these songs live with Mike,” said Ginn. “I have the feeling that things are going to get wild.”
SONS OF FAMINE emerged from the razor-winds and salty streets of Chicago, during the winter of 2012. Embracing the path of lawlessness, they secrete the sounds of chaos, blackness, and death, without bowing to rules of genre or typical structure. It’s founders- current/ex/session members of Corpsevomit, Yakuza, Kommandant, Nachtmystium, Lividity, Gigan, Summon, and Cum Christ.
Death/Crust/Booze influenced Punk Rock. EP written and recorded over a six day period in December of 2011 by five fucking scumbags.
Carlos Elliot Jr. is a Colombian Bluesman inspired by Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Blues Music linked back to African American dance traditions. He brings it from its most basic form playing it in his own way and combines it with different elements of Rock.
He got his hypnotic rhythmic style playing in Delta Juke Joints and Backyard Blues parties in North Mississippi where he fell under the spell of local Blues and had played with Blues legends with whom he’d learned and lived in their culture, permeating their musical expression and primitive Hill Country Blues tradition. He made up a unique style and a unique mixture between his backgrounds and this juke-joint beat with rhythms of rural dance music from Mississippi.
Carlos has played with many of the Mississippi Blues Legends as well as the new Hill Country Blues artists. He has made two US Tours and played in important festivals and clubs in Mississippi, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis and New Orleans as well as Winnipeg and Toronto in Canada and all over his Country, Colombia.
Carlos just made a record with “The Cornlickers”, the house band at Red’s – the most historic Juke Joint Blues club in the world – located in Clarksdale, Mississippi and last band of the legendary Big Jack Johnson. The album was recorded at the State-of-the-art vintage studio. Produced by Bobby Gentilo, and with presence of Dave Natale and Dave Wilkerson (Sound engineers of Rolling Stones and YES, respectively). It was made in the old vintage way, on magnetic tape and analog process.
The album is called “Mystic Juke Joint Blues” and they are going to start a promotional tour all over his country and a US tour starting middle march 2013. The music of the new generation with the legacy of the Mississippi Blues.
Known for having never performed with setlist, Gypsy Lumberjacks prefer to rely on each other’s leads and changes. This isn’t to say that the songs fall into a set pattern. The Lumberjacks rarely play a song the exact same way twice or in the same order. Even after touring relentlessly for nearly four years now, the older songs are still evolving and finding new life any given night they are performed. Not to mention that new songs are consistently being introduced into the repertoire (which now boasts nearly four hours of original music and countless covers). With a sound consisting of a mix of World Beat, Flamenco, Caribbean, Gypsy Jazz, and Bluegrass, there is something there for everyone to latch on to.
“One of the best sounds of the season.” Conrad Magalis of the University Chronicle
Dainjah Rus (ReBEL United Society), the winner for Best International Artist of the Year (Afro Entertainment Awards), has been nominated Best Reggae Entertainer of the year in 2011, and again in the 2012 Chicago Music Awards. With the release of his acclaimed “Dainjah Rus 16” mixtape; he has enjoyed huge successes. Currently on tour, he is finishing up his studio album with lead singles “Dainjahrus Love” and “Want Your Love”. Focused on the international stage, his songs are well received the world over. Dainjah Rus is an unsigned artist with plans to be signed to a major record label in 2013. He prepares for the release of his first studio album due soon.
Pagan Death Metal
TrollfesT are a Norwegian folk metal band.The band released their first full-length album, Willkommen Folk Tell Drekka Fest, on the Solistitium Records label on 15 March 2005. The album name translates roughly to “Welcome Folk to the Drinking Feast” in English. Their second album, Brakebein (2006), was released by Omvina on 24 May 2006. The band performed at the 2007 Barther Metal Openair festival in Germany, which was their first-ever live appearance; in 2008 they played at the pagan metal Ragnarök Festival. On 10 January 2022, the band were announced as an act in Melodi Grand Prix 2022 with the song “Dance Like a Pink Flamingo”.
Few could have envisioned the bright future that the Norns had in store for HEIDEVOLK back in 2002. Since its inception in Arnhem (The Netherlands) a decade ago, HEIDEVOLK came, saw, and conquered stages throughout Europe with their very own brand of folk metal. The instantly recognizable dual clean male vocals and irresistibly catchy songs have ignited the pagan fire in the souls of many on the continent. They deliver their songs on divine matters and profane pleasures with equal integrity, fueled by a folkloric fire and pagan pride.
With a repertoire ranging from epic to raging, captivating live shows, and an undying desire to perform, HEIDEVOLK has become a familiar face in Europe. HEIDEVOLK stands for an uncompromising attitude, intense shows, and the transcendence of barriers between performer and audience… Even if your Dutch sucks!
In 2003, HEIDEVOLK released its first CD, “De strijdlust is geboren”, followed by the “Wodan Heerst” EP in 2005. Both releases were re-released on one CD by Napalm Records in 2008.
The sophomore full-length CD “Walhalla Wacht” (Napalm Records) also saw its worldwide release in 2008. With their third full-length, “Uit oude grond” (2010), HEIDEVOLK combined its folk roots and raw energy with more mature songwriting. The album was their most varied release to date, and opened many doors to tours and festivals. It also set the bar high for its successor. Yet HEIDEVOLK now deliver their heaviest, most aggressive and powerful album ever: “Batavi”
The band travels 2,000 years back in time to an era in which numerous Germanic tribes struggled for dominance against the Roman Empire in Northwest Europe, along the shores of the river Rhine. Caught in the middle of it all were the Batavians: the protagonists and namesakes of HEIDEVOLK’s latest album.
“Batavi” is a concept album that deals with the early history of the Batavian tribe: from its beginnings to its daring revolt against one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Set against the backdrop of war, alliances, intrigue, and betrayal, the nine songs relate the struggle of a people needing to redefine themselves in order to survive this turbulent time.
While HEIDEVOLK’s musical path continues to explore traditional pagan metal, it proves to be much more resolute and aggressive than ever before. The characteristic clean sound of both Heidevolk vocalists recounts the stories comprising “Batavi”, while heavy guitars, thundering drums, and folk melodies build the foundation of each track: at times sweeping and at others melancholic. Peter Tägtgren’s mix has masterfully defined the band’s sound on this 2012 release. “Batavi” catapults the listener directly onto the northwestern European battlefields of the Roman Empire.
Victor Lemonte Wooten is a unique human being. Born the youngest of five boys, he began learning to play music at the tender age of two. He started performing in nightclubs and theaters as the bassist with the family band at age five, and at age six, was on tour with his brothers opening shows for legendary soul artist Curtis Mayfield. Soon after, he was affectionately known as the 8-year-old Bass Ace, and before graduating high school, he and his brothers had shared the stage with artists such as Stephanie Mills, War, Ramsey Lewis, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Dexter Wansel, and The Temptations. But, this only begins to tell the tale of this Tennessee titan.
Wooten, now a five-time Grammy winner, hit the worldwide scene in 1990 as a founding member of the super-group Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Continuing to blaze a musical trail with the band, Victor has also become widely known for his own Grammy nominated solo recordings and tours.
Among other things, he is a loving husband and father of four, a skilled naturalist and teacher, a published author, a magician and acrobat, and has won every major award given to a bass guitarist including being voted Bassist of the Year in Bass Player Magazine’s readers poll three times (the only person to win it more than once.) In 2011, Rolling Stone Magazine voted Victor one of the Top Ten Bassist of ALL TIME.
“I was born at the right place and the right time to a wonderful family.”
Victor Lemonte Wooten was born September 11, 1964 to military parents on an air force base outside of Boise, Idaho. Soon after, the family packed up and moved on as military families often do. It was during the years stationed in Hawaii that the brothers began performing as a five-piece band. With Regi on guitar, Roy on drums, Rudy on sax, Joseph on keys, and Victor on bass, the Wooten Brothers band was born. Performing in their front yard, the band immediately began honing their skills. Victor credits the brothers’ early ability to play a variety of musical genres to the experience of relocating frequently, the diversity of 1960’s radio stations, and the unwavering support of their parents who provided many opportunities and booked all of their performances.
“My brothers, who were already playing music, knew they needed a bass player to complete the family band. Regi started teaching me as soon as I could sit up straight, and my parents let him do it.”
Victor has been heralded as “the Michael Jordan of the bass” and “one of the most fearless musicians on the planet.” These qualities were evident when, in 1981, his older brother, Roy, recommended him as a bluegrass fiddle player for a job performing at a nearby amusement park. Victor, having never played violin in his life, was thrilled to meet the challenge. He borrowed an instrument from his high school orchestra teacher and immediately began practicing. Quickly learning the most popular fiddle tunes and techniques, he took the job at Busch Gardens’ The Old Country in Williamsburg, VA playing fiddle and bass in the Good Time Country Show.
“I remember getting that call from Roy. He trusted me. I had to learn to be a fiddler real quick, almost over night. I don’t think the people who hired me ever knew I’d never played before.”
What they soon found out was that the brothers were quickly becoming star attractions.The Wooten Brothers rapidly became staple figures and star attractions at the park throughout the 1980’s working in the German, Italian, Country and Bluegrass, and Americana shows.
The years 1980 and 1981 found the brothers performing for US troops overseas as the band for the Busch Gardens USO show. Traveling the world was an eye-opening time of learning for young Victor, but it was one summer performing in the country show that, unbeknownst to him, changed his life forever. That was when he became aware of a unique banjo player named Béla Fleck.
“My brothers and parents were the foundation. They prepared me for just about anything by teaching me to keep my mind open and to learn to adapt.”
While messing around with a friend’s banjo between shows, the friend commented on Wooten’s unique banjo sound. Because the instrument is tuned different from a bass, Victor’s lines came out sounding pretty strange when he played his friend’s instrument. With a thick southern accent, the friend told him that he sounded just like a banjo player named “Baylor Fleck”. Wooten couldn’t imagine anyone playing a banjo that way, so he sought out to find out who this Baylor guy was. When he finally heard a recording of Béla’s band New Grass Revival, he was hooked.
In 1987, Victor traveled with his friend to Nashville, TN. During their short visit, he connected with the banjoist Fleck for the first time. After their initial meeting, Wooten and Fleck kept in touch and continued sharing musical ideas. In 1988, Wooten found himself living in Nashville. Later that year, Béla and Victor, along with Victor’s inventive brother Roy “Future Man” Wooten, and harmonica & piano wizard Howard Levy, formed the eclectic ensemble Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. With a dozen recordings under their belt, the band has created a completely new sound and has become known for its genre-defying music. Currently, over twenty years later, the band is still going strong.
“Musically, that means not being rigid and not having to play in a certain way.”
A few years after he began touring with the Flecktones, Victor released his first solo project, A Show of Hands. Recorded with only a 4-string bass, no multi-tracking, and a lot of groove and soul, this revolutionary CD was voted one of the most important bass records of all time.
Musicians wanting to learn Victor’s unique style and elusive techniques began seeking him out for lessons and seminars at music stores and schools around the world. These workshops became the training ground that lead to the formation of his acclaimed Bass/Nature Camp in 2000, which eventually expanded into Victor Wooten’s Center for Music and Nature. These “intensive” style programs, now in its thirteenth year, welcome all instrumentation and vocalists, and have helped thousands of people of all ages from all corners of the world enhance their musical and personal lives.
Inna Vision is back, presenting to the public their third full length album timelessly titled No Stopping! Their album delivers a full-fledged original sound that encompasses all the beauty involved with everyday struggles. No Stopping is created to inspire listeners in following dreams, and their passions despite life’s many challenges. Each song is chosen with purpose, created with passion, andpresented with righteousness.
No Stopping has a positive holistic message that permeates the idea to keep striving. Inna Vision faced tough times in 2011 as the drastic falling-out of vocalist Bengali and saxophonist Jahson took occurrence. Despite the changes, the group continued with their 2011 Upliftment Tour playing in Oregon, Vegas, Utah, and the Hawai‘i Islands. The attitude Inna Vision adapted was: “no stopping”.
The 2011 Upliftment Tour developed an opportune space for the Inna Vision band, allowing them to reconnect with their fans and providing proof that they could pull through as one solid original sound. Fans traveled near and far to witness and partake in Inna Vision’s tour. Kokomon performed a double set while Pokimon and Kaya made up for lost saxophone melodies. Kamakoa sang background vocals and Calvi-dread held it down with prominent percussions. Inna Vision arose to the challenge with dignity and consciously focused on keeping the positive in every situation.
Life works in mysterious ways and as doors close others open up, changing dynamics and allowing for chance to build on foundation. David Bailey, who started with Inna Vision playing drums, guitar, and singing back in 2005, made his return helping push the band with his signature vocal harmonies and powerful stage presence. David Bailey was a big part of Inna Vision’s first album Music on my Mind. Also adding to the albums dynamics is bassist Kamakoa. As a growing artist, Kamakoa adds lead vocals on feature tracks “Bless Me” and “Beautiful,” and has two collaborations with Kokomon, “Solutions” and “Roots Daughtah.” Kamakoa recently released his first single, “Shacks and Shakas” under the InnaVision label getting recognition in Hawai‘i, Tahiti, Austrailia, USA, and France. Lead singer Kokomon continues to represent Polynesian roots and culture with his unique riddim attack and unmatchable flows. Kokomon gains recognition from albums such as: Music on my Mind, Ashes for your Urn, Koko meets Ooklah, Vaults, as well as recent collaborations with Josh Heinrichs, Mr. 83, Ooklah the Moc, Skank Records and Father Psalms Studio. This album will showcase the best in hard-core roots reggae and features Jamaican influences of Bob Marley, Jr. Reid, Barrington Levy, Jr. Gong, Hugh Mundell, Musical Youth, Half Pint and Michael Rose.
The outcome of this re-construction is a 13 track full length album rightfully titled, No Stopping. No Stopping is a representation of the band’s growth and maturity, and love for authentic reggae music. All members have grown in a level of superior musicianship, which you will be able to hear in the recordings and see in live performances. No Stopping was recorded at Cultural Vision Maui Studio, released under Inna Vision’s label Cultural Vision Maui and will be available world-wide in Spring 2012.
“In the realm of life anything can happen. The lesson learned is to adapt and be in control of your actions, attitude, and destiny. No matter what happens in every day life, time never stops and in the pursuit of happiness and sustainability there is No Stopping.”
Fortunate Youth is a collaboration of South Bay Reggae stand-outs. Rising from various bands, they’ve created a phenomenal 7-piece masterpiece bringing more fire to the stage than ever before. Combining rootsy vibes and unique bass lines united with multiple harmonies, boisterous guitar solos, and heavy keys separates Fortunate Youth from every other mainstream Reggae band. With their high energy approach and positive stage presence they provide an unforgettable show to every music fan. Fortunate Youth’s objective is to ensure a performance that leaves you feeling euphoric and curious of what might happen at the next show.
In 2011 they supported Tribal Seeds on their nationwide Tribal Youth Tour to spread their conscious music to the nation. F.Y. linked up The Green, from Hawaii, for a Midwest/Westcoast run before jumping back in the studio to record. They have hit the masses promoting only their 6-song EP titled “Up-Lifted EP” and just released their full-length album, “IRIE STATE OF MIND” on July 1, 2011. Fortunate Youth will also be touring very heavily through 2011 including a Naitonwide CD Release Summer Tour.
Upon Releasing their full-length album they quickly rose to #2 on the iTunes Reggae Charts and also locked in a #13 position on Billboard Top 100 Reggae Albums. Receiving great praise for early success Fortunate Youth strives to spread their interpretation of Reggae music to Music Lovers worldwide.
They have had the honor to share the stage with bands such as Groundation, Toots & The Maytals, The Green, The Wailers, Katchafire, Tribal Seeds, The Expendables, Pepper, Dirty Heads, Natural Vibrations, Tomorrows Bad Seeds and Sashamon.
Chicago’s Eitarnora have been pouring out tiny pools of inspired, improvised Americana since 2009.
Made up of two outstanding young musicians, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Val Dorr and his companion, the classical guitar virtuoso Jon Rosenthal. Rosenthal’s playing is a evocative river of lyrical tranquility, moving constantly in the seemingly thoughtful phrases of a woebegone troubadour, while Dorr simultaneously pushes Rosenthal with a pulsing undercurrent of various instrumentation, while also following him in a gorgeously mournful falsetto lead vocal. Despite their current urban station, this duo seems to be staring intently out the window, painfully yearning for communion with the ancient expanse of our midwestern homeland as it speeds past us at 65mph. Not unlike a more centered take on the post-industrial animist folkways of the Jewelled Antler Collective, who created similar organic fantasy within the seething metropolis of San Francisco. Eitarnora have constructed their own transcendent mythology and musical pathworking which inspire both themselves and the listener along the crooked ways to ones own astral temple, where a certain natural harmony can be realized, no matter what your surroundings may be.
Guitarist and composer Luke Polipnick is a modern guitar virtuoso Luke Polipnick is a modern guitar virtuoso and musical polyglot who is gaining a reputation as a fearless improviser and genre-bending composer. His playing encompasses the jazz, blues, and rock and roll traditions, and incorporates elements of Americana and world music with an experimental bent. “Luke Polipnick is one the finest new generation jazz musicians on the scene today. Hip and carryng the torch of tradition, Polipnick blends americana, jazz and contemporary improvisation into a seamless whole.” –Fareed Haque www.lukepolipnick.com
Lasers is a 4-piece Latino band from the South side of Chicago.
ENJOY
Once upon a time, two of the classiest young gents from Chicago set out on a daring journey into the mystical land of electronic dance music. The fellows, while known separately as Tsunami & Bobby De Maria have over the years been hard at work, crusading across Chicago and many other neighboring kingdoms such as Miami, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Portland, Detroit, New Orleans, Indianapolis and Seattle. After having a slight drink from the goblet of success, these two young knights have now deemed it necessary to join forces and launch their biggest campaign on the EDM scene to date. Thus, The Kings Of Class are born.
The Kings Of Class have been working together in the electronic dance music scene under the individual aliases of Tsunami & Bobby De Maria for close to 5 years. During this time, they have shared the stage and toured with some of the genre’s biggest acts, co-founded Chicago and Portland based entertainment group “United2Nite”, created the international clothing and music tour brand “House Music Saved My Life” and have released original tracks and remixes on labels such as Hatrax Recordings, Movement Music, Murky Beatz Recordings & Sheeva Records. Keep a lookout for when the Kings Of Class invade your city soon!
Robots on the run was formed in 2010 with two Chicago based djs PDA and Daniel Jay. We have been working on many new records together and are ready to start releasing our music soon. We have been collaborating with many Producers and Singers from all over the country. You can catch some of our music that we give away from free on our sound cloud page. Many of our remixes and bootlegs have been rocking cities from Vegas to LA all the way to New York. They have also been featured in podcasts and been played on the radio all over the country.
Milk N Cookies: Two identical twin EDM DJ’s and Producers, based out of Chicago. 22 years old and taking over the Nation.
Much love to all.
“MIX.” A word Daniel Crespo has been familiar with since birth. Born to a Filipino father and Puerto Rican mother, Crespo was raised on the North Side of Chicago with the perfect blend of the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Otis Redding, salsa and merengue. Upon moving to Miami in the late 90s, Crespo’s love for music grew as he was exposed to all new sounds, including Miami Bass, Reggae and Southern Hip Hop. Each summer, Crespo would return to Chicago, not only his birthplace, but the birthplace of house music, igniting his love for electronic music.
At the age of 23, Crespo has spun alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Diplo, Steve Aoki, Tiesto, Avicii and ?uestlove, with multiple performances as an opening act for Wiz Khalifa. He has rocked the mainstage at massive electronic music festivals such as Electric Daisy Carnival and DAYGLOW. His club resume runs deep in venues such as Mansion (Miami),Space (Miami), Wall (Miami), 1OAK (NY) and Aura (Bahamas).
Head deep into production & music composition, Crespo’s style aims to blend the lines between all genres,sending his audience on a journey through the music that has shaped him.
There used to be a time when rap music had b@!!$. A time when rap didn’t fear being politically incorrect; unafraid to challenge the status quo. A time before the glamour of Hollywood stifled the voice of a culture born from the injustice and social inequalities of American society. A time when the rapper took that voice from being the proverbial fallen tree with no one around to hear it, and shared that sound with the world. If the once unapologetically honest culture has lost its voice, then Avian Nalej is breaking the silence.
At just 24 years old, Avian Nalej (born Joshua Najee Muhammad) has the ability to bring balance with words of wisdom coupled with melodic pop & soulful music sensibilities. A native of Chicago, IL, Avian grew up on rhythm & blues and house music that played from the radio of his Mother’s car where he formed an interest in the songs of Michael Jackson and R. Kelly. His tastes in the soul of music grew as he listened to Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield. In later years, he immersed himself in the world of rap, largely inspired by poetic rapper Nas and fellow Chicago-bred artists Common, Kanye West, & Lupe Fiasco in which traces of each can be found in Avian’s own music.
Avian likens himself to those he believes are ushering in a new bronze era of Hip Hop, such as Kendrick Lamar or Big K.R.I.T. Avian Nalej, who names mean “Higher Learning”, is bringing soul and social awareness that Chicago is known for from artists like Kanye West & Common, but also the political commentary and edge that came out of the east coast from Ice Cube and Public Enemy in the early 90’s.”
Rise of a Rebel is Avian Nalej’s first independent release, and his first attempt at the genre blending sound that he is progressively defining for himself. Released on November 6, 2012, the project is the lead in to three already self-produced releases to follow. His first single “The Shining” is a short, gritty introduction to the young rapper’s vivid world of self-proclaimed rebellion.
Philmore Greene – L.O.G. – Dope Ass Rapper
Natureal is a true American hip hop group who’s sound is fresh and ever-changing. The group consist’s of Jay Barz and Ignit Beatz, a blood cousin duo who’s sound was cultivated from streets of chicago. Natureal’s music has been released independantly and to date they have produced five projects including there most recent “Earth Tones”.This blend of hip hop and soulful tunes opened the door for the group and soon they getting radio play and shows around the city of Chicago. Barz and Ignit have made appearances in numerous forms of media, as well as in collaborations with other artists such as GLC, Jay Dilla, Tom Schraeder and His Ego, R. Kelly, Joe Blow The Sample King, 9th Wonder, Eloh Beatz, Sleepy will, and Charlie brown to say a few.
Natureal’s sound can best be described as versatle; while riding the line of hip hop they seem to blend with elements of rock, pop, alternative, electronic and a splash of soul. Priding themselves on breaking barriers, staying original and being true to their creativity, Natureal hey have been performing throughout Chicago and Los Angelas at such venues as: Lincoln Hall,The Double Door, Subteranean, Lilly’s, The ultra violet music festival,The Tour Defat, The Festival at Four Corners and Chicago’s Rib Fest and many more.
Natureal is currently recording their latest project entitled “Everything” which is a blend of futuristic hip hop, pop, Electronic and drum and bass. “Everything” also has “Alternative Rock” influences with collaboration from Tom Schraeder and His Ego.This project is on pace to be their best yet and is sure to brand their stamp of creative originality. In the words of Jay Barz himself “We’re here to share our unique sound and everchanging styles with the world, i just hope the worlds ready”.
Brickwall Vultures are from Chicago. They take pride in their work, their lives, and their country. Brickwall Vultures are putting forth all of their efforts to spread their hymns of shame, regret, hope, and debauchery. They pride themselves on writing music that the average man can relate to, and can find support in.
A manipulation of many genres with its core embedded in rock. You don’t know a band that sounds like them but you know many they remind you of. If one word explained their sound it would be “so intense.”
PARTY MILK. It’s milk. It’s pure. For PARTY.
Blondie banged New Order. They had kids. We are them. Now we make music.
Felix Reyes is one of those rare people in this world with a natural gift for inspiring the next generation of musicians. He has always approached his music with the highest standard of excellence. His recent successes include penning the title track for Susan Tedeschi’s Grammy Nominated “Wait For Me” album.
He’s also shared the stage with B.B. King on five different occasions, as well assJimmie Vaughan,
Gregg Allman, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, ZuZu Bollin, Little Joe Blue, Sam Lay, Eddie Cleartwater, Susan Tedeschi and the list goes on. And, he was mentor to the late Sean Costello.
Bands he has either led or been a part of over his career include: The Weebads, The Joy Drops, The Maceos, Felix and The Cats, Lotssa Poppa and The Down To Earth Blues Band, the Grady “Fats” Jackson Band and The Sil Austin Band.
Felix has been playing guitar, singing and songwriting professionally for more than 30 years. He hails from Dallas, TX, and over the years has also lived and played in Atlanta and now in the Chicago area. In addition to playing with the band, he produces at his studio, the House of Tone, in Oak Park, IL.
Currently, Felix is with Dave Herrero & The Hero Brothers Band. He’s been collaborating with Dave for a long time. Their first record produced together was “Austin To Chicago” (2008), and they will be officially releasing a new album — Corazón — in 2012, after an exclusive kickoff tour of Europe.
Nikki Hill’s self-titled EP released in June of 2012 created a heavy and sudden international underground buzz that the band has traveled with from state to state and overseas. Those 4 tunes penned by Hill herself, proved that they have an energy that appeals to everyone who is ready to dance, drawing crowds from every avenue at their shows. One club advertisement will call Nikki “The Southern Fireball”, “the new soul sensation”, “amazing R&B shouter”, and even “the new Queen of Rock and Roll”. Moving into 2013 with more songs, more energy, and a desire to play their music for the world, the band is still gaining momentum and appear to have no plans of stopping, as they are continuing to tour all over the United States, Europe and Australia after Hill’s newest debut full length album Here’s Nikki Hill, released in April 2013, helps them spread their message of rock ‘n’ soul to believers and new converts everywhere!
If you haven’t heard of her yet, prepare for your ‘whiplash moment’—you have been warned.
Nikki Hill has arrived!
Daniel Hutchens and Eric Carter met each other when they were eight years old. They solidified their early friendship based on a mutual love of baseball, comic books, and rock n roll music. They grew up in West Virginia; much time during their high school years was spent on Skull Run Road, where Eric’s family lived, a few miles outside Ravenswood. The boys recall that road as being the site of their first garage band practices.
After high school, they started getting a little more serious about their blossoming songwriting partnership. Their road wound through Huntington, WV, and eventually on to Athens, GA, which they soon came to call home. They continued to concentrate on their songwriting, and by the early ‘90s they had a catalogue of over 300 compositions. By this time Hutchens and Carter had given their musical collaboration a “band name”: Bloodkin.
People started to notice, and some even started covering some Bloodkin compositions, most notably Widespread Panic, who wound up recording three Bloodkin songs, and who continue to play those and other Bloodkin songs live. Panic’s cover of “Can’t Get High” peaked at #27 on the Billboard AOR charts. Other songs in Panic’s regular rotation are “Makes Sense To Me”, “Henry Parsons Died”, “End Of The Show”, “Who Do You Belong To”, and occasionally “Quarter Tank Of Gasoline”.
Daniel also wound up playing with ex-Velvet Underground member Moe Tucker in the early-to-mid ‘90s; he played on three of her albums and several of her tours.
In 1994 Bloodkin released their first official CD, GOOD LUCK CHARM. The project was produced by Johnny Sandlin (legendary producer of the Allman Brothers, Eddie Hinton, and so many others). Bloodkin recording projects over the years have also featured producers John Keane (R.E.M, Cowboy Junkies, etc.) and David Barbe (Son Volt, Drive By Truckers, etc.). All the while, the Bloodkin boys have continued to play live all over the Southeast and beyond.
The CD releases to date are:
GOOD LUCK CHARM, 1994
CREEPERWEED, 1996
OUT OF STATE PLATES, 1999
ALL DOLLED UP, 2000 (live)
THE BLOODKIN COMMUNITY GOSPEL REHAB, 2001
RAVIN’ BEAUTIES, 2002
LESSER, 2003 (Daniel Hutchens solo)
LAST NIGHT OUT, 2005
LOVESONGS FOR LOSERS, 2006 (Daniel Hutchens solo)
BABY, THEY TOLD US WE WOULD RISE AGAIN, 2009
ONE LONG HUSTLE (5 disc box set) 2012
From the basement, to the garage, to your hearts, the tonellis have become favorites in clubs, dives and mooses halls across the land.
original, distinctive alternative pop music for your listening pleasure.
the tonellis believe that peter sellers could breathe underwater…..
Going To California is Greg Firak on guitar (Fifth World, Dirty MF and the Smokin’ Sextion, Mano) and Jimmy Cobb (The Snake Oil Salesmen) on vocals. Both are avid Led Zeppelin fans who decided to infiltrate open mics around Chicago and play strictly acoustic Zeppelin songs. The audiences were amazed at how well this duo performed. Firak and Cobb mimic the powerful yet delicate dynamics of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant and can recreate everyone’s favorite Zeppelin songs . The open mics proved to be successful and paid gigs followed, playing Reggie’s Music Joint opening for Mr. Blotto, Reggie’s Roof Top, and Sylvie’s. Going To California also performed these influential songs to a bunch of young aspiring rockers at CampJam 2012. You won’t believe your ears.
Imagine what American rock and roll would sound like if the British Invasion never happened. Or, imagine what a punk rock band would sound like if it were 1933. That’s The Sundresses. They’ve taken Rock & Roll to the next level. That level is best described as: FUCK YES.
Lester Jenkins, musically known as Lester Jay, grew up in Bellwood, IL, a small suburb outside of Chicago. At the tender age of five, Lester Jay began singing at New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, IL where his late father Lester Jenkins Sr. was pastor, and his mother was choir director. From this upbringing Jay’s passion for music was realized, and a star was born.
Gospel music consumed Lester Jay’s early musical interests until a pivotal moment in high school when a classmate introduced him to the art of secular music. In 2002 Jay began to take his musical career seriously and was introduced to small indie label ILL Entertainment in Melrose Park, IL.
“I was never really into the Chicago rap scene, so it was cool to be exposed to hardcore rap. ILL Ent wasn’t a major label, but they carried themselves like they were. When I first came to the label, the owner had an initiation process and I had to prove myself. He asked the producer to play a beat and I had to freestyle sing over it like a rapper. I did it, and I became part of the label.” -Lester Jay
Lester Jay’s melodic freestyle was so well received by the label that it earned placement on ILL Entertainment’s mixtape “Any Nigga Can Get It Volume One.” Once Jay was officially part of the label, music became his life. Initially, he and the label’s other songstress Ashley B recorded hooks for other artists and with each song recorded, Lester Jay’s passion for music grew deeper. He spent so many countless hours after school recording that he literally began waiting for the label’s in-house producer to finish tracks everyday. Lester Jay began discovering his “studio voice” and was ready record to his own project. In 2004 Jay released his first solo project entitled “The Motions,” however ILL Entertainment dissipated before it ever had its chance.
In 2005 Lester Jay began attending Columbia College Chicago and his journey continued. While at Columbia, Jay learned the fundamental principles of live music, being in a band, booking shows and live performances. Some of his most noteworthy performances occurred while he was in “The Down and Dirty Blues Band,” a student-band comprised of the best performers from a blues class Jay attended. Jay performed at a myriad of events and venues including Buddy Guy’s, Navy Pier, Chicago’s Blues Fest, and the Donald Lawrence showcase of the Arts 2007 but his personal favorites are more intimate venues where he can reach out and touch his audience.
“It’s a lot of shit I done been through/But all that I can do is continue.” – Wax, “Continue”
Continue… is more than just a name for the new album from L.A.-based emcee Wax. It’s a declaration — one that lets everybody know that after a few detours he is excited to move forward to the next phase of his career.
About those detours… After five years fronting and playing guitar for touring act MacGregor from 2000 to 2005, Wax and his twin brother, Herbal T, started posting videos to You Tube. Utilizing Wax’s humor, penchant for infectious hooks and skill at writing, rapping, producing and arranging, the videos made him a rising star on the site. The 30 million plus views on You Tube earned him the dream of every aspiring rapper, a contract with Def Jam in 2011.
It was the culmination of a decade’s worth of work, a decade that had earned him a solid reputation and a devoted fan base. “I feel like I’ve developed a friendship with my fans,” he says of his loyal followers who tune in regularly to hear his weekly podcast, where he opens up about himself about all subjects.
“I think people appreciate I let them in,” he says of why his admirers are so devoted.
It was a seemingly perfect scenario for both Wax and the label, he got to work with industry greats and be home to hip-hop royalty. They brought in an artist that had a built-in following of millions. Unfortunately the relationship didn’t work out.
“Generally as a person I used to be really happy, especially once I didn’t have to work a regular job and I could just do music and be creative,” he says. “Then you just get locked into this box, I started to get depressed and I didn’t really know why and then I started to realize what makes me happy is making the music. Not because it makes money and not because it makes me some kind of superstar, I just like doing it.”
Dropped by Def Jam, it turned out to be the best thing for the artist, who got to continue using the relationships he established there while making the album he wanted to make. With a mix of long-time friends like EOM and people he met through Def Jam like Supa Dups (Eminem), Wax has crafted an eclectic, impressive collection that displays his full range.
The Spanish-tinged viral smash “Rosana” is an engaging hybrid of pop and Mariachi, while the humorously venomous “She Used To Be Mine” features a fast-paced punkish energy. He goes the opposite route with the soulful rhythms of the slow jam “Stupified,” one of four tracks produced by Greg Wells.
Ironically, one of Def Jam’s concerns was the lack of a radio single. But Continue… is laced with them, starting with “Rosana,” whose video has drawn over four million views for its blend of humor, a catchy chorus and a gorgeous woman.
“I wouldn’t have put it on the album but I think just because of people that were attracted from that song we’re gonna put it on there,” he says of the song. “Rosana” is hardly the only radio ready joint on the album though. The exuberant dance energy of “Outta My Mind” screams to be blasted at full volume from headphones, car speakers and stores. Again showing his versatility though, Wax then goes for a down and dirty riff on the intro to the slightly bluesy “Get It In” and on the confessional “Tomorrow” he turns his past partying into a fun sing-along ditty.
The key to the song’s success is the way he can poke fun at himself. “I’ll probably end up living like Rick James in the ‘80s,” he sings at one point. And all of this partying happened. “I take stuff that really happened and I’ll exaggerate it for comic purposes, but it’s all based on stuff that really happened. Funny shit happens to me,” he says.
Wax draws heavily on his love of comedy. “I kind of write from the same way a comedian writes,” he says. “I’m definitely influenced by comedy, even more so now than I was when I was a kid. As far as old-school comedians probably my favorites are Eddie Murphy, I like Chris Rock, I really like Bill Burr, he’s kind of newer, but he’s one of my favorites now.”
There’s no question a great part of Wax’s internet appeal is his ability to infuse humor into everything he does. But this is no novelty act. A gifted musician who started playing guitar at age ten, he found the right people to bring out his musicality on Continue… Among those lending their talents to the album are EOM, Supa Dups (Eminem), King David and Greg Wells (Adele, Katy Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith). The multiple Grammy nominated Wells is one of the producers Wax met through Def Jam, for which Wax is very grateful to his former label.
“They introduced me to some very talented producers, people I wouldn’t have been able to work with without them,” he says. “I give Def Jam credit forever for introducing me to so many people.”
That’s particularly true of Wells, of whom Wax points out, “As far as I know he’s never made a song with any other rapper ever.” Working with the veteran producer Wax learned a great deal.
“When I first started working with Greg Wells me and my manager came to the studio as we always do and the first thing he did is like, ‘Yo, you can’t be here to my manager,’” Wax recalls. “The only people allowed in the room are him, people who are working on the song technically, his engineer obviously has got to be there. Greg is older than me and it comes from experience. One thing I learned from him is if there’s a way that you’re comfortable, fuck everybody else, get into that way.”
There are a lot of lessons that went into Continue… If it’s taken a year longer than expected to get here that’s alright, because Wax isn’t looking for a quick fix or to capitalize on a bit of momentum. As someone who’s wanted to make music since he saw MTV at the age of three, he’s looking at this as something he’ll be doing all his life.
“I don’t want to be somebody who just does one big thing and that’s it,” he says. “Longevity is important because I love what I do. And I will express myself honestly for as long as people will listen.” With Continue… Wax proves unquestionably he has the skills to be around for a very long time.
Chris Orozco- Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Organ
Rich Mihalovich-Drums, Backup Vocals
Ryan Thompson- Bass
Kyle Hardin- Guitar
Lead Vox/songwriter/guitar/washboard- James “Jim Dandy” Mangrum
Vox/songwriter/guitarist- Rickie Lee Reynolds
Vox/washboard- Sammy B. Seauphine
Lead Guitarist- Arthur Pearson
Drums- Johnnie Bolin
Bass- Micheal Walls
backup drums-Victor Lukenbaugh
Black Oak Arkansas is an American Southern rock band named after the band’s hometown of Black Oak, Arkansas. The band reached the height of its fame in the 1970s with ten charting albums released in that decade. Their style is punctuated by multiple guitar players and the raspy voice and on-stage antics of vocalist Jim “Dandy” Mangrum.