FONZ-E MAK
Solo. 1 member of Super Group Brkf$t Club. 2008ighties
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JULIAN MALONE
TRENTINO
Trentino is a Beatport charting recording artist and musician who plays turntables and drums (in one performance). In addition to performing twice a week on the biggest current music station in Chicago, 103.5 KISS FM, he performs across the US, including tours with Red Bull. His compositions have received radio airplay across the world, and have been featured on TV networks such as MTV, VH1, ESPN, and Oxygen and more. “Spectrum,” his debut EP, was released in April 2011 with a release party at Mansion Miami, and his sophomore release “SQRM” was released in December 2011 with the single “Strength” dominating the number 1 spot on Movement Music for 6 months straight.
MADDJAZZ
Young Chicago upstarts Ghetto Division have been said to be making their “own lane in the club music game.” Integral to the group is MaddJazz, a SouthSider by way of Guadalajara, Mexico. MaddJazz has been honing his innovative style for nearly fifteen years. By 18 years old he was already DJing at raves, loft parties and clubs. Influenced by these early raves as well as his start in the turntablism scene ‐ where he placed 3rd three years in a row at the DMC Chicago heats. MaddJazz blends his favorite House, Techno, Rave, Hip Hop, Bmore, Electro, Booty, Juke, and latin elements in the attempt to find new inventive ways to showcase the emergent Chicago sound. Maddjazz helped form the DJ/production crew known as Ghetto Division, and together have brought their signature sound to the dance music scene. And the scene is listening. MaddJazz has shared the decks with celebrated talent by the likes of Diplo, Kingdom, Paul Johnson, Little Louie Vega, Drop The Lime, The Crookers, Dubbel Dutch, Kaptain Cadillac, DJ Rashad, Blaqstarr, DJ Tameil, Tim Dolla, Mike Dunn, CZR, Bad Boy Bill, Ron Carroll, NIck Catchdubs, AC Slater, Jubilee, Distal, DJ Sega, The X-Ecutioners, DJ Qbert, Keys N Krates as well as opening up for Hip Hop heavy weights such as UGK, Jadakiss, Styles P, Daddy Yankee, Maluca and Chicago’s own Kid Sister. He’s made raves and clubs bang across the Midwest, as well as WMC and SXSW. Maddjazz has even recently brought his sound to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Poland, Germany, France, Spain and has collaborated and remixed for a list of well respected individuals such as Club Cheval’s own Canblaster (Sounds Of Sumo), DJ Kesmo (Booty Call Records), The Amplid (Tracy Recordings), Proper Villains (Nightshifters), Ultravid (Silverback Recordings), Modabot (Rot10 Musik) Acid Jacks (Idiot House Records) and fellow Chicago peers Rampage & Nader (T&A Records).
BOI JEANIUS
Recognized By Many Legendary DJ’s As “The Future”, He was givin his name “Boi Jeanius” to accent the nickname perfectly. Boi Jeanius is very involved in every aspect of the dj word and takes pride in his Profession and displays the love, attitude, and passion every night. With That, He Still Practices His Sets and Strives To be Better then the day before. Now proving himself to Chicago, going live every weekend on 1035 Kiss Fm, Mixing the ONLY Mixed Count Down on Radio, The Top 8 @ 8:48 is only a sample of what you can expect from Boi Jeanius! “Omg it’s Boi Jeanius” is the famous tag line, the brand has grown and spread like wild fire through the streets of Chicago all the way to New York City Where Boi Jeanius was named, by Latin Mixx, The 2010 Best Mid-West DJ! At 23 Years old and 4 years on the #1 Station In Chicago, Boi Jeanius Has continued to out do his opposition by always being just 1 step ahead. The Story of Boi Jeanius Has Just begun and is one for the history books! Stay Tuned!
TYPESETTER
Typesetter formed out of love for Midwestern punk rock in 2008, When a few friends and veterans of the St.Louis, Missouri punk scene began trading songs. The project languished while we were separated throughout the region, often the topic of late night conversations; “someday we need to start this band…” In 2012, we reunited in Chicago and began polishing off the old songs and writing new ones as well. We’re stoked about em, hope you are too.
TERMINAL MAN
Terminal Man is the newest musical incarnation of Scott Berhens, Daniel Wintercorn, Mike Graff, and Alex Kreller (ex-Call the Medic/ Dearest Fae/ Break The Silence) The quartet bring their grassroots hardcore background to a noisier, more experimental platform. The end result is something like the sonic equivalent of being executed by a firing squad while on heavy psychedelics.
SHAWN PITTMAN
“Dallas-based blues/rock trance-inducer Shawn Pittman puts down some garage-blues dynamite on his new album Hard Road: a no-frills, gravel-crunching set of American guitar music tracked live in the studio. It’s a mix of new and old material, a creative decision that allows Pittman to give his fans a chance to hear how his current band handles certain songs from his considerable body of work.” -Mike O’ Cull
Vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Shawn Pittman was born in the small town of Talihina and raised in Norman, a city in Cleveland County, Oklahoma. At eight years old, he began taking piano lessons under his mother’s encouragement but later began sneaking into his older brother’s room to play on his drum kit. Shawn’s first concert was watching his grandmother play boogie woogie piano in her living room.
By the age of fourteen, he had switched to guitar and was soon introduced to the mysterious sounds of Lightnin’ Hopkins and Muddy Waters by Bracken Hale, a good friend and member of his seventh-grade football team. Their friendship would prove significant as Hale later collaborated with Shawn on writing material for many of his albums.
Pittman moved to Dallas, Texas, when he was seventeen years old to attend the Booker T. Washington High School of the Performing Arts, picking up his music education courtesy of his uncle who would take him to the Schooner’s jam in Dallas. This is where he first met and learned from musicians like Brian ‘Hashbrown’ Calway, Sam Myers, Mike Morgan, Jim Suhler, Tutu Jones, and many others. His first album, “Blues from Dallas,” was recorded in 1996 and later picked up and retooled for his national debut in ’97 as “Burnin’ Up” on the Cannonball Records label. His second album, “Something’s Gotta Give,” was produced by Jim Gaines and released in ’98.
Pittman toured as rhythm guitarist for Susan Tedeschi briefly in ’99, just long enough to make a television appearance with her on the Conan O’Brian Show. The following year he relocated to Austin and recorded his third album, “Full Circle,” backed by Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rhythm section, Double Trouble. In 2004, a more experimental and adventurous album titled “Stay” was released. After a much-needed break from the music business and some serious soul-searching from 2005-2008, Pittman returned to performing and planned to record one album per year. By mid-2010, he already had five independently released recordings under his belt. This flurry of activity eventually led to a new record contract with Delta Groove, and plans were immediately set to record another album.
“Edge Of The World” marked Shawn Pittman’s tenth release and contained an inspired program of original material by an accomplished singer, songwriter, and guitarist, recalling all the vintage tones and ambiance of the great blues recordings of the 1950s and ’60 s. Even more astonishing is that Shawn plays virtually every instrument on the CD, handling everything from vocals and guitar, to bass, drums, and piano, on top of doubling as the album’s producer and engineer. Special guest Jonathan Doyle (Mighty Blue Kings, Jimmy Sutton’s Four Charms, White Ghost Shivers) represents the album’s only other personnel by contributing tenor and baritone saxophone on four songs. When asked to comment about the inspiration behind his latest and most ambitious project, Pittman stated, “I’m just playing the music I want to hear!”
After seven years in Dallas (1993-1999) and fourteen years in Austin (2000-2013), Pittman moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he resided for five years, finishing a degree in Information Technology. During that time, he also released his 11th album, “Backslidin’ Again” (2015).
In January 2018, Pittman recorded his 12th album, “Everybody Wants to Know,” with longtime friend and drummer Jay Moeller. In the Spring of 2020, Pittman returned with ‘Make It Right,” in partnership with Netherlands-based Continental Record Services (CRS).
Opening for B.B. King twice, B.B. shared his secret for longevity with Shawn: “Treat people how you want to be treated — and remember everybody has a boss.”
In 2021, as an adaptation to the pandemic, he expanded his repertoire to include solo acoustic music and released ‘Stompin’ Solo,’ his first all-acoustic album on the CRS subsidiary Must Have Music. In May of 2022, Pittman toured Europe with Anson Funderburgh and Mike Morgan as part of the Texas Blues Guitar Summit, totaling fifteen countries where he’s performed.
He just released a raw new album, “Hard Road,” recorded live in studio in Austin with his new trio — with no overdubs, adding more than 100 original songs to his repertoire. His tight trio, including Jason Crisp on bass and Mike King on drums, is now touring regionally in support of the release.
Jason, born in Colorado, moved to Dallas in 1989 and currently resides in Austin, TX. His innovative, and old school approach to playing bass guitar is distinctive, mimicking the sounds of an upright bass. He achieves this sound by strumming with his thumb across the strings. Jason’s talent also crosses to guitar playing, allowing him to hold down the bottom end of the team’s dual guitar showcases. He has performed with Shawn for over 20 years and can be heard at live shows and recording projects. Jason comes from a musical family: His father, also a bass player, sharing the stage with Jackie Wilson and the Doc Serverinson Band. Music is in his blood and has led him to perform with other musicians including: Omar and the Howlers; The Moeller Brothers; Joe Jonas; Ronnie Bramhall; Paul Osher; Pinetop Perkins; The Fabulous Thunderbirds; Eric Johnson.
Mike, a native of Dallas, has been playing drums since he was old enough to sit behind the drum kit. He is also a multi-instrumental talent, starting with playing piano at the age of eight. Mike continued his musical career by playing shows with guitar, and shared the stage with Jim Suhler, Texas Slim, and Charles ‘Sugar Boy’ Myers. His influences include Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, Fred Below and Earl Palmer.
THE NICK BELL BAND
Nick Bell’s background comes from Moscow, Russia. He is originally from Chicago, IL and that gives him a tremendous feel for the Blues. What better city than Chicago!? With a mix of spending his childhood in Europe, and living in Chicago, his musical admirations spanned between two continents. Growing up on cassettes and CD’s of Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, Rainbow, Nazareth, and countless others, introduced him into the music we know as the Blues and artists such as Gary Moore, Walter Trout, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and likewise, this loop stretches on and on and on.
Around the time he was 16 years old, he was introduced into a Blues based band out of the Suburbs of Chicago. For a few years the band spanned with little direction of where they were headed. Countless musicians walked through the group, and the main focus was the enjoy the music they were playing. In due time the group picked up tremendous steam, and got the notice of the Chicago music communities, and Legendary Illinois musicians all over. All the while, the young guitarist’s skills were being fine tuned and honed through personal ambition and replication of the music from his heroes. With no formal musical training, Nick has shown to audiences all around, that music does come from the soul. With notice from organizations such as “ROCK CHICAGO MAGAZINE” and “NEW LIFE RADIO”, the talents of the young guitarist has been featured on the Air Waves, and pages of prominent sources of entertainment. The endorsement and ability to share the stage with some of Chicago’s finest established bands prove that shows from this guitarist are not something you want to miss.
KELLY ZULLO
Cleveland based musician Kelly Zullo has been around the world playing music since the late 90’s. Moving briefly to NYC, Europe & Nashville, as well as experiencing great wanderlust, this lyricist and guitarist molds the gypsy-esque mantra with philosophical bite over a riotous acoustic guitar.
Not often has a more energetic acoustic music emerged which features a female guitarist shredding acoustic guitar riffs over a percussive bang, which not only highlights a unique style, but showcases an ability to blend the drum set in a loop with the top shelf songwriting.
Recently winning the International Acoustic Music Awards for “Best Female Artist, comparisons from Ani Difranco to Kaki King are drawn.
DON’T SPEAK
Don’t Speak non-apologetically owns the stage as they whip into highly energetic frenzies – skanking through every show while loyally producing every note, lyric and cadence. Fans of No Doubt, wait no more; the ultimate live experience is here!
LAST YEAR’S WINNERS
Last Year’s Winners is a rock band. Three guys that love to play. Carl Johnson is the writer, singer, the lead (and only) guitar player. He is as at home singing and playing acoustic in a coffee shop as he is on stage playing as loud possible. Luke Leeman is a bass player’s bass player, perfecting not only a bass line, but a counter melody or a hook that the song grabs onto. Zach Dresser has the task of making this power trio groove, keeping it feeling good whether it’s a spacey acoustic driven number or a loud, bombastic rock song. Last Year’s Winners started as a collection of Carl’s songs that begged to be recorded, and a couple friends that were as much fans as collaborators. As children of the grunge and alternative rock filled 90’s, Last Year’s Winners takes that straight forward yet personal sound in a modern and original direction.
STEELY JAMES
On Independence Day in The United States of America, Nashroc Records released what could be the most powerful political album of all time-Free Speech Experiment by Steely James.
This incredible, incendiary and important release by Steely James has made a statement that will reach far beyond the limits of the pop world. His mission with Free Speech Experiment seems not for fame, money or the trappings of success, but to get a message out from The People… to The Politicians. Through his incredible talents as a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist, he is speaking for the masses in a way few are able to do. In many ways, Free Speech Experiment continues the US tradition of great protest singers from Woody Guthrie right through to Chuck D. Now the modern day protester, Steely James pulls no punches with songs such as Unmanned Police Drones, Things That Kill People, No More War, The Corporation, and Black Gold.
People have eagerly embraced the message and are buying into James’ music. A nationwide acoustic tour is already in the cards. Bit by bit, town by town, his voice is being heard. James is not only singing a lament for the terrible wrongs that have been done to America by political corruption, but is, more importantly, uniting the people. It takes many together as one strong voice to bring positive changes, the Free Speech Experiment has begun…
THE AMERICAN SCENE
We are five gentlemen from the great state of California. These are the songs we couldn’t trust anyone else to sing. Come hell or high water we intend to play them for whoever will listen for as long as we’re allowed. We want to be your friend.
CITIZEN
We’re Citizen from Ohio and Michigan. Young States out now.
TONIGHT ALIVE
It’s an unlikely tale. Rising from the fevered hotbed of Sydney, Australia’s underground hardcore scene, boy meets girl. Or rather, two boys meet girl to make kick-ass rock music.
Try to keep up – the story goes something like this…
Guitarist Whakaio Taahi and his compadre bass player, Cameron Adler, needed a frontman for a rock project. Scrap that. Frontwoman. Enter ingenue-with-attitude, Jenna McDougall – as soon as the sixteen-year-old songstress’ soaring contralto and sweet strains took the mic to their songs, something clicked. Already onboard, rhythm axeman Jake Hardy and new recruit, drummer Matt Best – a childhood buddy of Whakaio’s. One jam later, the writing was on the wall. Tonight Alive were up and running, pedal to the metal.
The band stepped up, and fast. Songs honed, stagecraft already a dead cert, they entered Sydney’s subterranean circuit of metalcore and heavy bands, playing their own brand of catchy-as-all-hell pop-punk… and promptly took the scene by storm, developing a rabid young fanbase in thrall to the band’s ebullient, fist-pumping anthemery, arena-sized hooks and high-voltage live performances. Right from word-go, it was clear Tonight Alive were going somewhere.
A year on, courted by labels and management secured, with two stellar EPs (‘All Shapes & Disguises’ and ‘Consider This’) under their belts, a demo of Tonight Alive’s new material landed on producer-extraordinaire Mark Trombino’s (Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, The Starting Line) desk. He rang the band immediately, wanting in.
“For him to contact us, and say he was interested, was a big deal,” says Jenna, now 19. “We couldn’t believe he’d put himself out like that. He’s amazing. Mark created the albums we all grew up listening to – the albums that launched the careers of all these great bands.
Whakaio weighs in. “Yeah, it felt right that he do our first album, that he be the one to kick-start us off. As soon as we got over there, we found Mark felt the same.”
Recorded at LA’s infamous NRG Studios over two months, Trombino’s personal interest in the project played out in other fortuitous ways. “Nothing was left to editing or over Pro-Tooling,” notes Whakaio. “Jenna sang every line until it was right. I played every guitar part. The drum sound is natural and not heavily sampled. There was no copy-pasting. That was really important to us, as well as Mark. That it sound real. Natural.”
“It was great because it made us really step up as musicians,” says Jenna. “I know I definitely came back from the experience a better singer.”
What you’re listening to now is the inspired result of that auspicious partnership between a bunch of Aussie kids and an auteur with a canon of classic records already to his name. What Are You So Scared Of? is one more album to add to that list.
THE STORY SO FAR
A band from Walnut Creek, California
MAN OVERBOARD
Man Overboard is a 5 piece pop punk band from New Jersey
TURKUAZ
The Brooklyn-based funk army known as Turkuaz “is like tossing a lit match into a dumpster full of fireworks” (bestnewbands.com). Their stage show combines influences from Sly and the Family Stone to Talking Heads into an explosive auditory and visual circus, a full-frontal assault on the senses. After multiple residencies at NYC’s Brooklyn Bowl, two blowout performances at Bear Creek Music Festival, and tours spanning the east and west coasts, Turkuaz has developed a reputation from NYC to San Francisco as the band that plays louder, faster, and harder than all the rest.
THE RUN AROUND
Your Friendly Party Punk rock Hooligans from Chicago
The year was 2006. The day was no different than any other Fall Day in Normal, IL. Five guys got together for the first time in a cramped basement to start what can be described as a true underdog story that they only slightly remember. Fueled by Admiral Nelson and a desire to write uninhibited Party Punk The band started playing house parties, winning numerous local battle of the bands and the hearts of every college kid they played in front of. To them this was success, they wanted to drink for free, and play one hell of a party every night. However, in the back of their minds they knew there was a great big world out there and if they ever wanted their brand of debauchery to reach the masses they’d have to expand on their college circuit.
In the Spring of 2009 frontman Jason Fein was surfing the world wide web, for what he still refuses to speak of, but in doing so he stumbled upon an International Battle of the bands. The winner of this contest got to play one of the main stages at SummerFest in Milwaukee, opening up for Blues Traveler and Tom Petty. Jason, not thinking much of it, decided for the hell of it he would enter their latest single “Runaway Mexico” into the contest. He didn’t even tell his band he did so for the first couple weeks. After all, there were 776 other bands across the world in this contest and they were just a small time College band. After the second week of being in the contest the band had climbed from the bottom to the 223rd spot. Thinking this was news worthy for his band mates he decided to mention it at that point. Within a month, the band had reached the top 50, two months, the top 10 and by the end of the first round the band had over 100,000 votes and was firmly locked in the number two spot. The top 4 bands went on to the final round which was three weeks of the world voting on their favorite band based on their entire catalog. Still, forever the underdogs the band knocked off three other more experienced bands to put them from a college basement band to playing the biggest Music Festival in the world.
Many bands would have peaked at this point. After all, how do you top that? Well, within a month of them playing the festival they had signed their first Management contract. This contract put them on stage at The famous Congress Theatre in Chicago. Shortly after that they signed their first record deal with the now defunct Window Licker Records but before that they released their most successful album up that point entitled Side Effects May Vary. The album’s biggest single “The DEA” got them nation radio play including Chicago’s late/great Q101. The band took this album and hit the road playing twenty different states across America and gaining hundreds of fans a night helping fund their completely DIY tour schedule. For This band, being independent and doing it themselves was never an issue. In fact, it’s what felt most natural. After all, in their heads they were still the band playing in that cramped basement in Normal, IL.
A year later and many management, artist development and record label conversations the band finally got tired of handling everything themselves. At this time they met Rafay Qamar, a young but driven band manager who immediately saw and fell in love with The Run Around brand. For the band, going to someone unknown but eager was exactly what they needed. Now, they could focus on writing the long awaited follow up album to Side Effects May Vary that their fans were growing more and more impatient for by the day.
In The Fall of 2012 The Run Around released what would easily be their most impressive and impactful body of work yet in Welcome to the Circus. Their CD release show was to a sold out Hard Rock Café in Chicago and they haven’t looked back yet. At the same time they released a video for their biggest single to date “Chicago” that has over 30,000 plays. Everyone that has heard that song has said the same thing “I can’t wait to hear that song in Chicago sport stadiums.” Since the release the band has helped pack and sometimes sell out The House of Blues, The Metro, Reggies, The Cubby Bear and Durty Nellies just to name a few.
Just like their music, The Run Around fans are rowdy and dedicated. One thing that hasn’t changed from the frat party basements, this bands stage show and energy goes unmatched. Their albums will draw you in, there live show will make you a lifelong fan.
CHUCK INGLISH
He is best known as the reserved half of the Cool-Kids. With a relaxed rapping style and an interesting lyrical foundation in his verses, it probably shocks most that he is also a very talented producer.
His tracks have been related to summer jams from the 80’s and with no sampling noted to date, he draws his audience mostly from the Chicago and LA rap fans. Having done a large portion of the cool-kids releases as well as featuring in other illRoots releases, he is considered a force to be reckoned with.
JOE FILISKO & ERIC NODEN
The blues and roots music duo— Joe Filisko and Eric Noden make an unforgettable impression. Their jaw-dropping virtuosity enables them to create more layers of sound and feeling than most full bands can summon, and both are high-energy, ultra-rhythmic performers. The collective result— in both their live shows and their recordings— are charged, dramatic performances that are simultaneously powerful and sophisticatedly subtle.
“Two marvelous musicians who have captured not only the sounds but the emotional spirit of some of the richest bloodlines of American music.” — Kim Field, author of Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers
“Joe Filisko and Eric Noden make a thoroughly convincing case that this music is the real deal and their spirited performances make it sound both fresh and contemporary.” –Dirty Linen
“Eric and Joe are possessed by the spirits of Howlin Wolf, Sonny Terry, Robert Johnson, Johnny Woods, Sonny Boy Williamson, Gwen Foster and transported listeners back to the 1920′s Delta.. We love Eric and Joe. Please send them back. —–Mickey Raphael, harmonica player for Willie Nelson
Just a few short years after their first meeting, Filisko and Noden are displaying their compelling musicality on the world stage. They’ve performed at the legendary Chicago Blues Festival, the Paramount Blues Festival in Grafton, Wisconsin (where some of the greatest of the early blues recordings were made); Sweden’s Eslov Blues Festival; and the Festival Ecaussines in Belgium. The duo also recorded the theme song for the “Sweet Folk Chicago” on the legendary Chicago radio station WFMT. Joe and Eric are expert practitioners of harmonica and guitar styles that defined the blues in its earliest days but are now all too rarely heard. Both of these standout performers also teach and make it a point to share the insights they’ve gained from two lifetimes of deep research into the history of the music. For several years the city of Trossingen, Germany—the home of the Hohner harmonica company—has invited Filisko and Noden to conduct master workshops, and the pair has also offered joint workshops and performances at Australia’s Playmakers Festival, the Harmonicales Festival in France, and at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
BILLY BRANCH
Billy Branch has followed a very non-traditional path to the blues. Unlike many blues artists, he isn’t from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and immediately began to play simple tunes.
Billy returned to Chicago in the summer of ’69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the Blues. He soon became immersed in the local blues scene. He spent a great deal of time at legendary blues clubs such as: Queen Bee’s and Theresa’s Lounge; he learned from such stalwart harmonica players like: Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell.
His big break came in 1975 during a harmonica battle when he beat Chicago legend, Little Mac Simmons at the Green Bunny Club. He made his first recording for Barrelhouse Records and began to work as an apprentice harp player in Willie Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars. He eventually replaced Carey Bell and worked with Willie Dixon for six years.
During this time, Billy formed the Sons Of Blues (S.O.B.s) featuring musicians who where the sons of famous blues artists. The original S.O.B.s consisted of Billy, Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon and Garland Whiteside. They toured Europe and played at the Berlin Jazz Festival. Shortly afterward, they recorded for Alligator Record’s Grammy-nominated Living Chicago Blues sessions, and Billy has been a regular studio player appearing on over fifty albums.
Billy has recorded and/or performed with an incredible list of Blues legends including: Muddy Waters, Big Walter Horton, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, and Albert King. In 1990, he appeared with three harp legends:Carey Bell, Junior Wells, and James Cotton on W.C Handy Award winner, Harp Attack! His most recent recordings for the Polygram label are entitled The Blues Keep Following Me Around and Satisfy Me.
Billy is also passing on the blues tradition to a new generation through his Blues In The Schools program. He is a dedicated blues educator and has taught in the Chicago school system for over twenty years as part of the Urban Gateways Project. In 1996, some of his finest students opened the Main Stage at the Chicago Blues Festival which was broadcast throughout the U.S. on National Public Radio.
Blues producer, Chicago Beau has written, “Billy Branch has become a beacon, and model for his times; as an artist, and social/cutural activist… Billy Branch is a Bluesman; Billy Branch is the Blues.”
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LIL MOUSE
ALLISTER
Allister is a four piece pop punk band based out of Chicago, IL formed in 1996 consisting of members Tim Rogner, Scott Murphy, Kyle Lewis, and Mike Leverence.
They were one of the first bands signed to Drive Thru Records and worked with the label
through many transformations and label deals with MCA, Geffen, and Sanctuary. They have released 5 full length studio albums, 1 EP and 2 seven inches. They have played thousands of shows across dozens of countries touring with some of the largest bands/ festivals in their scene. Allister has sold hundred of thousands of records worldwide and have had one of their releases certified gold. They played themselves and had their music featured in the 2004 MGM movie “Sleepover” starring Alexa Vega, Steve Carell and Jane Lynch.
They went on Hiatus from 2007 and 2010 to return with a new deal with Universal J and release their two latest albums “Countdown to Nowhere” (2010), and “Life Behind Machines” (2012).
Singer Scott Murphy also recently released an album with “Weezer” singer Rivers Cuomo.
They are currently playing shows and writing for their sixth studio album.
ESH
Gaining the majority of her industry experience writing and touring with other artists as a background vocalist, Chicago’s Alt/Rock singer Esh makes a splash taking center stage. Known for her dynamic, emphatic delivery, Esh moves hearts and hips; with her glam/punk rock sartorial style. In 2010 Esh was blessed to make the top 60 on Fox TV’s American Idol – Season 10. Esh explains, “my own achievements bring me joy, however my true passion is helping others realize their own strength through the songs I sing”.
Esh’s four piece band is anything but ordinary. They pack hard-rock compositions with powerful guitar, bass, and drum-driven punches that commands the stage with an indisputably moving and unforgettable style. All of these components together allow the pint size rocker the freedom to stir up a host of emotions from her multitude of fans, ranging from the affectionate to the aggressive.
You haven’t experienced anything until you’ve experienced ESHLIVE!!!
VAGABOND SWING
Music should not simply be heard. Music is meant to be experienced. This is the ideal that inspires the eclectic, high-energy sound of the Lafayette, LA based band Vagabond Swing. The band creates the driving force behind their music with their uninhibited blending of styles and creativity. With their musical roots ranging from bluegrass to ska, the band produces a surprisingly smooth mixture of progressive Gypsy/Experimental/Circus-vibe/Swing tunes. Along with their melodic energy, the band members themselves bring on a show of vibrant, youthful spunk, which gives their performance a thrashing air of excitement.
ALBERTA
Singer/songwriter Dave Shanaberger has 10 EPs debuting every two weeks, comprised of leftover songs from his band, Big Livy. Five more follow through March at alberta.bandcamp.com. Alberta inhabits the burred, darkly beautiful fields of Americana, the vocals and electric guitars are equally gristly at times. Alberta’s anti-folk style blends in a bit of gothic blues; some darker, meditative dirges are warmed by hearty vocals, humming organs and yowling lap steel; minimal at some points, epic at others. — JEFF MILO
STONE SENATE
Stone Senate is a five-piece groove based rock band with a sound as unique as the members themselves. They came together from a variety of musical back grounds including Rock, Country, Blues, R&B, Funk, Jazz, and Metal and have blended them in to the Stone Senate sound. Standing high above any crowd Clint Woolsey commands attention with written lyrics and an unforgettable voice, while Marcus Brown and Mike Thompson share the task of melting faces with a wall of well blended lead and rhythm guitars. All of this played over the rock solid groove based rhythm section of Paul Zettler (bass) and Lucas Caswell (drums).
RUBEN
With harmonious vocals, lively guitars, warm horns, and a tight rhythm section, Ruben’s music harkens back to the soul of a variety of vintage rock n’ roll influences. Their energetic live shows have the bandmates shuffling from instrument to instrument to play any part necessary. On record, or in person, Ruben’s music is the product of pure enjoyment in the act of creating music for anyone who cares to listen.
“It was just a short walk over to the Masonic Temple, where Stillwater, Minnesota’s Ruben were taking the stage. Their Americana-tinged brand of rock ‘n’ roll went over well with the small crowd (which the large room made look even smaller). While the band seemed to be a bit annoyed that there wasn’t a larger turnout, and that a good portion of the people that were there were sitting on the floor, they still delivered a spirited set of songs that had contained echoes of the Band’s well-worn appeal (the band, in fact, dedicated their set to Levon Helm and the singer’s newborn daughter).
“Slow Bleed,” the title-track to Ruben’s new record, Slow Bleed/Let Me Start, was a raucous, bluesy stomp, like a cross between Led Zeppelin’s slower songs and the modern moodiness of the Black Angels. They brought out two saxophone players to augment their sound, as well as a female guest vocalist, Katy Larson, who filled out the simmering rocker, “Things Have Changed.” It would be nice to see Ruben in a smaller club, where their music would take on a bit more urgency and impact, but this was a bold, positive display from the talented young band who still seem to be getting their stage legs under them.”
– Gimme Noise (City Pages Blog)
WHERE THE HAT FELL
Our young heroes met over a decade ago at a stifling warehouse job. The mutual hatred was instantaneous. Eventually they discovered they loved a lot of the same music and obsessed over finding and creating new sounds. Years, and a lot of beers later, they officially started creating music together with cronies who came and went. Loud guitars, drums, bass, electronics, vox. Currently writing and recording as a two-piece, occasionally appearing live with Benjamin Marotta on bass. More live shows taking place last quarter of 2012. Hope the world doesn’t end! There’s a lot more fun to be had.
KEVIN DANIELS & FRIENDS
Kevin Daniels can be summed up in just a few words; guy, guitar, drinking, and smoking. Add bouncing bass lines and twangy harmonica, and you’ve got Kevin Daniels & Friends. Kevin Daniels & Friends are from Chicago, but find their music rooted in the south. Bringing different skills and sounds together, Kevin Daniels & Friends has perfected the soundtrack to a great time out. Kevin Daniels & Friend’s live shows are a fast paced rum or wine filled fun time. Enjoy fun, foot-stomping music, have a drink and dance with Kevin Daniels & Friends.
LONESOME TONY
Lonesome Tony French has been playing blues and roots music in and around Chicago for the last twenty years.
SAMIAM THE MC
(Chicago, Il) SamIam The MC is an independent HipHop artist, nationally acclaimed Freestyle MC/Battle rapper, B-Boy & event promoter. Sam’s music reflects the 90’s “Golden Era” vibe of positive HipHop music with a current twist lyrically and sonically. Sam has won major competitions such as B.E.T. Freestyle Friday 106 & Park (retired), Finalist for MTV World Rap Championship for $1 Million, Rhymespitters 4 All City Chicago Rap Champion (2007) and much more! He is a member of well known Chicago crews: SAK (Stars Are Kings) & Chi-Rock Chapter 4.
Sam hosts a monthly open mic called “Boom Bap” @ Subterranean in Wicker Park every 4th Monday for all genres. Check out his current album Golden Age 2 on bandcamp and stay tuned for his upcoming album: Birth of A New Era.
*Real HipHop is not going anywhere and SamIam The MC is here to help keep it alive! Follow on Twitter: @samiamthemc
UPTOWN CELEBRITIES
The UC is a Chicago based Hip Hop group consisting of 4 members: Jon De Pledge, D-Flaire, E-Man & Tay Devito. The group formed in the spring of 2011 at Columbia College Chicago when Ernest “E-Man” Allgood met Lavell “D-Flaire” Miller at The Dwight Lofts Dormitory. At that time The UC only consisted of D-Flaire and Jeremy “Jon De Pledge” Johnson. After meeting and working on a couple of songs they both decided to introduce E-Man (and later Deante “Tay Devito” Spencer) into the group. From the winter of 2011 until the spring of the next year, the group finished and dropped The Variety Show which featured appearances by fellow Chicago emcee GLC and St Louis emcee Fresco Kane.
PHILOSOPHA
SINCERE
A rising star on the hip-hop scene, Sincere is taking on the world through his music, his life and hislove and admiration for women:
DUKE
Duke, a Chicago based rapper, whose motto, Dreams Take Full Commitment (D.T.F.C.)
MAESTRO
CELLAR RATS
Cellar Rats was formed in 2012 after Cesar Ocampo met Greg Stark and Dario (Wallace) Sanchez after performing a show with his then-current band, Ramona’s Revenge. The original lineup consisted of Cesar on drums, Greg on guitar, and Wallace on vocals. After a few shows, the band brought in Eric Olivo, Cesar’s former bassist in Ramona’s Revenge, to fill in on bass. Cellar Rats played locally in the Chicago suburbs for about a year before Cesar left the band for personal reasons. One of Eric’s friends, Zach Damit, was then brought in on drums. The band began to grow their audience and perform at various locations farther away from their hometown before releasing their first 5-track EP in November, 2012 titled Spacebar.
2013 was a great year for the band. They played 23 shows at favorite local venues such as Reggies, Ashbary Coffee House, and Mike’s Luv ‘N’ Music, while reaching out-of-state audiences in Indiana and Iowa. Greg Stark, the band’s guitarist at the time, left the band in August due to differing opinions regarding the band. However, he helped significantly with the recording process of their upcoming album. Katelyn Correa, a friend of Eric’s, was invited to the band after Greg left. Katelyn took over on bass, and Eric switched to guitar. In October of the same year, they released their first LP, You And Me.
At the start of the new year, Cellar Rats was invited to play Thursday Night Live, a weekly live radio show hosted by Northeastern Illinois University. However, it was difficult for the band to play as many shows as they did the year prior due to lineup changes and differing schedules between the band members. In July, Wallace left the band to pursue other opportunities, and Cellar Rats was without a vocalist until October. Tom Bogdan, another friend of Eric’s, was interested in acting as frontman for the band, and played his first show in February of 2015.
Cellar Rats is now working on creating new songs and merch, playing more shows, and finalizing the tracks for their next EP, which they hope to release in the summer of 2015.
THE FASTER
We play like we have played forever. We play in debt to a message. We come with passion and embrace a hard edge. And we do it all.. with a little style.
YOKO HOMO
Kyle Francis Leuck, the music artist known as Yoko Homo, spent his time as a child performing for an invisible crowd. He was a product of a young single mother who worked full time and a large family who took turns to help raise him. When his mother was at home, Kyle was introduced not only to the ’80s new wave music videos she did aerobics to, but also the ’70s glam rock of her vinyl record collection. As he grew, he took to a variety of instruments & began to perform in musicals, plays, choir and marching band.
At the tender age of 17, Kyle experienced his first love and heartbreak with the person who also sparked his interest in esoteric knowledge, a boy from a neighboring town who did tarot readings for him on trailer park gravel. By the age of 18, Kyle was given the name Yoko Homo, by a now-defunct band that cited his love affair with their drummer as the cause of the band’s demise.
Soon after, Kyle and the drummer left the forests of small town farm life to the concrete and high rises of the Windy City. Kyle became immersed in the creative nightlife and made a name for himself as a Chicago micro-celebrity hosting club nights and performing in art spaces, while his lover preferred to spend time out of the spotlight and in the studio. This personality divide ended their romance but began their musical collaboration.
The duo met weekly in a dimly-lit basement full of dusty synthesizers and other vintage instruments, rarely inviting others in on their ritualistic process, and eventually manifested an album’s worth of hauntingly nostalgic yet futuristic pop music.
Kyle then went on solo to perform the material around the country, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn. The live show expanded over time to include a dance troupe, which he formed with the help of choreographer Heather Lynn.
Kyle recently returned from a trip to Europe where he performed and gained inspiration for a new album, featuring collaborations with long-time vocal contributor Sara Fagala & more to come…
ROYAL THUNDER
“Their open-heart blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll is infectious. Frontlady Mlny Parsonz has always done it herself. As a self-taught instrumentalist who writes plot-driven metaphoric lyrics and works relentlessly to create dynamic on the stage, Parsonz’s music is explosive.” -Paste Magazine
PINKERTON
JANIS
Family Groove Company has been climbing the ranks of the Midwest music scene since 2002, conquering local venues like the Riviera Theater, Vic Theater, and Park West, and electrifying the Midwest festival circuit with regular appearances at Summer Camp Music Festival, North Coast Festival, Summerfest, and many more. At the heartbeat of this band that blends rock, jazz, and funk is electric bassist Janis Wallin.
Nicknamed “The Mistress of Groove” by world renowned bassist, Victor Wooten, Janis has been holding down the low end for well over 1000 live shows in 36 states spanning her 15-year professional career. Whether thundering her way through high energy rock tunes, or holding down an odd-time fusion groove, the response from musicians and fans alike is always the same: “This girl has a deep pocket, and her playing just feels good.”
Janis’ notable side project credits include a stint with Steve Kimock Crazy Engine and regular appearances with The Everyone Orchestra, where she holds down the groove alongside musicians like Jon Fishman (Phish), Michael Kang and Jason Hann (String Cheese Incident), Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck/Dave Matthews Band), and Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band).
The latest project on Janis’ plate is a Stevie Wonder tribute band that made a blowout debut on Halloween and is back for a holiday-time throwdown. Assembling a conglomerate of her favorite hometown musicians, Janis & Friends will take you on a groovy ride through the funk, motown, and R&B classics of Stevie Wonder. This show is not to be missed!
FLANNEL MOUTH
The rustic regions of the Tallgrass Prairies hold a myriad of veiled gems, and budding with roots along the Illinois River is Flannel Mouth, a four-piece rock ensemble with high aims in sight. Hailing from Glasford, a town only a thousand strong, Flannel Mouth has emerged as a vengeful small town boy with big city dreams, evidenced by their debut release, “Pull in Your Horns,” via SwitchBitch Records.
Old-timey for “sharptalker” or “one having a way with words,” Flannel Mouth holds true to definition with searing lyrics still warm from the firing hammers of frontman Luke Myers, who croons of audacious malcontent and paints vicious imagery unto his listeners. His blunt-yet-elaborate rhythms are melodized by Zachary Hartman, intricately woven throughout arrangements characterized by the bouncy bass lines of Ryan Batalon, and the pointed stylings of Tyler Jamsa on drums.
The near future holds exciting and hard work for the boys of Flannel Mouth, and even if the apocalypse truly is nigh, expect the music to cut right through.
RIGHTEOUS HILLBILLIES
The Righteous Hillbillies are an axe shredding, ace dealing, foot stompin’, Southern rock, high-powered Ameicana, boogie blues band that plays with talent and passion. They have built a strong, supportive, and loyal following throughout their hometown of Joliet, Illinois and into the Chicago area, and received three standing ovations while opening for The Charlie Daniels Band. The Righteous Hillbillies baptize their work in the blood of Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, ZZ Top, and the Black Crowes while still managing to create an original and independent style. They make rock “n” roll music for people who still believe in rock “n” roll music. Their well crafted songs and quality of playing has earned the respect of musicians from every genre of music, while many have become an extended family of the band. Lead vocalist Brent James sings with the power to push bodies against the wall and the sensitivity to stir the souls that reside within those bodies. Guitarist, Kev Wright plays with a controlled and confrontational ferocity that is nearly catastrophic, as if the devil himself allowed guitar players in that Georgia picking competition, Charlie Daniels made famous. The Rhythm section of Barret Harvey and Johnny Gadeikis provide the steadiest of foundations to the wildness and acrobatic rock flamboyance in every show.
The Righteous Hillbillies are prepared to raise the stakes from entertainment to that old time rock and roll religion. If it doesn’t get you dancing, moving, and singing, you might as well sign your “do not resuscitate” order at the nearest opportunity.
BATTLE FOR METHOD MAN
Open For Method Man on Jan 25th at the Double Door.
(20 minute set, Must be 21+)
SOUL SUMMIT DJ’S
Soul Summit DJs:
DAVE MATA – Impala Sound
DUKE GRIP – Spectrum
SLOPPY WHITE – Lick my Gimmick
CHRIS CLEMENTE TRIO
Chris Clemente – Bass Guitar/Producer
Chris was recognized in Bass Player Magazine for his bass playing on the CD release of the Chicago band “Amazing Headgear”. Chris released a CD debuting his own band, “Kick the Cat”, featuring his contemporary jazz compositions and bass playing. The first of KTC’s 3 CDs was lauded in Bass Frontiers Magazine as “…spirited and fresh”. “Bassist Clemente funks, swings, and solos with style and ease…” As a result of KTC’s debut CD, I became an official “Famous User”, clinician and product specialists for international bass company Warwick In 2004, Chris was the featured Artist on Warwick’s website. In 2008 Wil Ramirez of Ramirez Bass built the Model ‘CC’ bass guitar, which he helped to design and develop. Clemente was a featured Guest speaker at Northeastern University for its Contemporary Music symposium 1996 and Featured Artist at Northeastern University’s New Music Concert performing an original composition on Solo Electric bass. Chris performed as a musician in Tom Cruise’s break out movie “Risky Business” on Warner Bros and performed with Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (Dream Girls and American Idol) on the Oprah Winfrey Show, 2007. A brief list of names with whom Chris has performed includes; Umpherys McGee, Drop Q, Jon Secada, Randy Brecker, Hiram Bullock, Percy Sledge, and The Coasters. Christian Howes, Bobby Flynn, Kanye West and Jennifer Hudson as well as other numerous artists of varied styles. He has toured parts of Scandinavia and the orient. Other Chicago groups Chris has supported include: Crawl, Drop Q, Kick the Cat, Tributosaurus, Ladies of the Canyon, Willow Creek, Ravinia Music Program, Andrea Amos Project, Day Jams. In June of 2009 he received a Masters degree in Music from DePaul University. During the school year Clemente is a teaching artist for Ravinia. He is a contributing composer for Harpo Studio and Chicago Public Radio’s Vocalo.org project. In 2010 Chris Clemente and his cohorts in Crawl were commissioned to compose and perform original music with the Elmhurst Percussion Ensemble.
JIP
JIP established in 2001 by singer / songwriter Jim Gwynn has become an established Chicago rock band. The three piece band includes Joe D’onofrio on Bass and Mike Charbonneau on Drums/Percussion. In 2011 JIP released the album Year X which was well received and created great opportunities for JIP. Sparks, Flames & Names is the 2012 JIP collaborations release that features 7 different artists on the album. JIP is currently in studio working on a 2013 full length rock album.
SILVER SNAKES
Pictures of a Floating World, Silver Snakes debut released in August of 2011, is a tribute to free thinking – focusing on societal themes and individuality. It showcases glimpses of rock experimentalists At the Drive In and Fugazi, both major influences on the Snakes’ sound. “Steve and Roger have been good friends of ours for a while. We had always planned to do the record with them since they understood what we were going for in making a 90s influenced, raw rock record,” says Alex on working with Steve Choi and Roger Camero. The album touches on several genres, while not overstaying its welcome in any particular one.
MIXTAPES
We are a band that plays songs!
RED CITY RADIO
Driving down a highway listening to either metal, hip hop, or country. Getting to the venue. Eating. Drinking. Playing. More Drinking. Heading to our home for the night. Drinking some more. Sleeping. Starting all over again. We’re pretty simple folk.
BROADWAY CALLS
If you’re looking at our page, chances are that you know what we sound like already. Our history, if you’re interested is all on wikipedia (my favorite website). As of December 2010, we’ve been a band for 5 years. 5 years….5 years is a long time, but as I sit here and type this, it seems like no time at all. I suppose it’s because I never really stop to think about what we’ve accomplished in the past few years. I don’t stop to think, because I’m always looking forward to what comes next. What comes next is a new record. We’re currently right in the middle of the writing process, and I think the new songs are pretty dang good. Actually, some of these songs are in the running for my favorite BC songs ever. Seriously can’t wait for you guys to hear them.
For everyone that has been there since our first show on that cold night in Longview in early 2006, to the kid on his computer right now, learning about us for the first time, THANK YOU! It feels good to write songs, record albums, and play shows, but I don’t want to imagine all this without you guys singing along.
-Ty 11/29/10
SPACE OF MIND
Space of MInd started in September of 2009. Guitarist, Silas Puth, seeked close friend, Rob Borowski as second guitarist for band, primarily playing lead. Kyle Gafron, Drums, was then sought after to play drums for band. Then Adam Saleem would join in band as Vocalist and Bassist. After few months of working on original songs, the band was put on hiatus due to Silas wanting to seek higher education in Florida. The band’s hiatus would last up until April 2011 when Silas returned and the band was revived. Soon after return, Rob Fencl would join and take role of Bassist due to Adam wanting to focus on vocals only. Later after about 6 months of rehearsal and songwriting, the band would debut in mid September of 2011. After debut, opportunities grew and also a steadily growing fanbase. Our EP is also availiable for purchase at shows.
ACTION BRONSON
Action Bronson is a Queens breed Albanian bearded rhyme animal of legendary proportions. The former chef turned rhyme smith started rapping in 2009 at the urging of his close friend fellow MC Meyhem Lauren and quickly realized he was a natural. After dropping the Come Up EP for free in 2010 Bronson followed up with the critically acclaimed Dr. Lecter produced in it’s entirety by Tommy Mas (Team Facelift). The song “Shiraz” and the viral video of the said song quickly spread like wildfire and Bronson became a favorite of the hip hop blog cognoscenti after being championed by sites such as Nah Right and 2DopeBoyz. As Dr Lecter continued to grow Action hooked up with DJ/Producer extraordinaire Statik Selektah to craft the soon to be classic Well Done album which was also embraced by critics and the masses featuring such songs as “Cocoa Butter” with Nina Sky and the epic “Miss Fordham Road”. Action is currently finishing up a project with producer Party Supplies for Reebok entitled Blue Chips which will be a free give a way to be released at the end of February. Bronson has toured across the states as well as Europe in a effort to increase the scope of his already short yet prolific career. Bronson has appeared in The NY Times, GQ, Details, The VIllage Voice, The Source, Rolling Stone and several other publications and is currently working on a pilot for the food network. In addition Action is working on several projects to be released in 2012 including a record with The Alchemist, a record with producer Harry Fraud and the follow up to Dr. Lecter titled Mr. Wonderful produced once again by Tommy Mas.