Grood is super-colorful, extra-emotive rock and roll from Chicago. Grood used to be called Savvy. Grood = Savvy. Savvy = Grood.
We don’t really do anything besides make new music and videos for you to consume. Every once in a while, we work really hard on playing these songs and videos in show format. We would like to consume the music and videos and also come to the show formats.
Canada’s legendary Punk Kings,who helped spread punk rock counterculture around the world, approach a momentous milestone. For nearly 25 years D.O.A. has been happily slashing away at all manner of philosophical enemies. They’ve travelled the globe almost continuously since they formed in 1978; they released their first snarling piece of vinyl, the “Disco Sucks” EP in June of that year. That slab of plastic opened the door to international prominence, riots, rip-off record companies and three generations of fans.
In 1981, D.O.A. made the term “hardcore” their own and pushed it into the common vernacular with their legendary album “Hardcore 81” and subsequent tours. Consequently, D.O.A. has been cited as a major influence for tons of bands ranging from The Red Hot Chili Peppers to Green Day to Rancid to The Offspring. They followed that up with their ground breaking EP “War on 45” and “Bloodied But Unbowed.”
D.O.A. has always worn their politics on their sleeves.They’ve done a lot shit disturbing along the way.They’ve been harassed and busted and survived all that crap. D.O.A.’s blatant slogan,TALK-ACTION=0 sums it all up.
The stuff the band’s worked on through the years; they’ve played benefits for Rape Relief, anti-racism, rock-for brains, anti-globalization, OXFAM, first nations rights, anti censorship and environmental causes amongst many others.
D.O.A.’s sound and philosophy has been held together by Canada’s Godfather of punk Joey “Shithead” Keithley’s songwriting, singing and guitar playing. D.O.A.’s sound, although always rooted in punk rock, has managed to create a fair bit of consternation for those who would like to choose musical boxes. It’s punk, but it incorporates rock n’ roll, reggae, metal,and ska. Whatever the hell their sound is, it’s pulled out a “Yeah, that’s the shit!” from the likes of Henry Rollins, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sonic Youth, Jello Biafra, Bif Naked, John Doe, Randy Bachman, Dave Grohl, Pete Seeger, Yada, Yada, Yada, you get the picture.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, Sudden Death has released the definitive D.O.A. album, “War and Peace,” a 25-track compilation of D.O.A.’s greatest recorded moments. War and Peace starts at the roots of “Disco Sucks”, “The Enemy” and “Liar For Hire” right through to their modern blitzkrieg sound of “Dead Men Tell No Tales” and “Just Say No To The WTO.”
D.O.A. will blast through live shows with their new rock solid lineup of Joey, Floor Tom Jones on drums and bassist Randy Rampage. Watch for extensive touring in Canada and around the world in 2007 and beyond.
In 2003, Shithead’s first book “I Shithead,a life in punk” came out on Arsenal Pulp Press. It is a definitive and raunchy look at punk and the spread of counter culture throughout western society. Sudden Death has also released “Let’s Start The Action,” an electronic tribute to D.O.A. performed by 20 different artists from around the world and inspired by the anti-globalization movement. As well, Sudden Death has recently re-released D.O.A.’s 1st two albums”Something Better Change” and “Hardcore 81”, recently picked as two of the top 5 Canadian punk rock albums of all time. A full length documentary on D.O.A. “Talk-Action=0” is being developed by filmmaker Marcus Rogers [The Widower].
D.O.A. has travelled a long, tough road that has taken them around the world and the raw energy continues. The band has never been more active, having recently released their second DVD, D.O.A.’s “Greatest Shits” and a split album with metal legend Thor entitled “Are U Ready”. Recently Mayor Larry Campbell of Vancouver declared December 21st to be “D.O.A. Day” in Vancouver.The band has also been featured in punk and political books published around the world.
Come join in the power and non-compromise that is D.O.A.
The 44’s are a Los Angeles-based band who play blues-roots-rock music.The 44’s are one the brightest rising stars on the American blues roots scene. Make no mistake about it. The raw rough and tough sounds generated by these four expert musicians during live performances and in the making of their Sophomore album Americana, on the Rip Cat label, demands to be heard by Blues music fans World Wide. They evidence a genuine gift for creating blues in the moment while at the same time showing loyalty to a remarkable blues-and-r&b tradition that goes back decades through the James Harman Band and the Red Devils to storied greats like Howlin’ Wolf, Albert Collins, and Muddy Waters. They’ve become a favorite band of club and festival crowds across North America.
The 44’s seem to be literally exploding across the Blues scene as a fully formed and functional unit commanding audiences with their in your face, yet highly contagious musical sound. Their first Release “Boogie Disease”, Was self produced for $800 with the Help of Guitar Great Kid Ramos (The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Mannish Boys) and was quickly snatched up and issued on Rip Cat Records, hitting a peak position of No. 12 on the national Living Blues radio charts and No.2 on BB King Bluesville Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. Critical praise and industry recognition from the blues community soon followed. American Blues News Awarded the Band with The Best Blues Band of 2011 and Blues Underground Network Awarded the Band with Best Debut Album.
They play vintage instruments and channel a blues style of days past, but there is a distinct Rawness to this blues award winning quartet. Each band member is in fine form. Johnny Main grounds his outstanding singing and guitar playing in real experience–his talent’s as honest as the day is long. Tex Nakamura has forged his own stirring voice from studying Little Walter and other legendary harmonica mentors. Drummer J. R. Lozano, behind his Vintage Ludwig Kit, is as solid as any you’ll hear, calibrating rhythmic flow with alertness and intelligence. For their one-of-a-kind blues, The 44’s successfully mine the tension.
Kid Ramos say’s of his experience with The 44’s “They play like their life depends on it and you can quote me” American Blues News Says “One of the Hardest working, hardest playing blues outfits anywhere.”
Touring Non-stop since 2010, they’ve garnered a whole new generation of first-time young blues- roots fans, as well as older ones who recognize the talents of these four musicians. The 44’s are at the top of their game and with the much anticipated Sophomore Release “Americana” on Rip Cat Records. They have brought together a top notch cast of characters. Kid Ramos joins the band in the producer’s chair and Guest Guitar Appearances. The Mixing Chair is being filled by the Legendary David Z (Credits Include Buddy Guy, Etta James, John Mayall).
The 44’s were awarded the hardest working band of 2011 for a reason. Playing 200 Club and festival Dates in 2011. They will be continuing the same in 2012 in support of “Americana” Stay Tuned for 2012 the year of the Blues
Estrin has created some of the finest blues songs of any artist on the planet. His carefully wrought lyrics penetrate human weakness with the precision of a boxer, though more often than not, he chooses to leave you laughing after the blow’s been struck.” – Blues Revue
Rick Estrin, according to The San Francisco Chronicle, “is an amazing harmonica player, a soulful lead vocalist and a brilliant songwriter.” The award-winning musician, another critic said, “sounds like Little Walter playing and singing Leiber and Stoller.” Along with The Nightcats- jaw-dropping guitarist Chris “Kid” Andersen, singing drummer (who plays standing up) J. Hansen and dynamic multi-instrumentalist Lorenzo Farrell (electric and acoustic bass, organ and piano)-Rick Estrin serves up fresh and modern original blues injected with a solid dose of gritty roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll. Since the 2009 release of their celebrated Alligator Records debut, Twisted, the band has toured non-stop, honing their creative synergy to a razor’s edge. Night after night, the band blazes their own innovative musical path while still remaining true to the blues. The results of all of this natural chemistry can be heard on their irresistible new album, One Wrong Turn.
One Wrong Turn is an up-to-the-minute and totally accessible slice of original deep blues with a simmering, funky rock edge fueled by Andersen’s blazing genre-hopping guitar and Farrell’s and Hansen’s lively keyboard and rhythm work. The album features 12 new songs, most written by Estrin, with all the band members also contributing originals. One Wrong Turn effortlessly slides from the sly D.O.G. to the wry and ironic title track, from the laugh-out-loud (I Met Her On The) Blues Cruise to the spaghetti-western-while-surfing instrumental The Legend Of Taco Cobbler to the stellar solo harmonica and vocal delivery of Old News. The lowdown blues Broke And Lonesome and the outsider observations of Lucky You find Estrin personalizing political issues, telling universal truths in the process. One listen makes it clear that this is a group comprised of four world-class musicians, who together form one of the tightest and most original bands in any genre.
Rick Estrin ranks among the very best harp players, singers and songwriters in the blues world. His work on the reeds is deep in the tradition of harmonica masters Sonny Boy Williamson II and Little Walter Jacobs, while at the same time pushing that tradition forward. The Associated Press calls his harp playing “endlessly impressive.”
In addition to his harmonica and vocal skills, Rick Estrin is a songwriter of unparalleled talent. Critics have compared his original songs to the work of Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, Willie Dixon and Leiber and Stoller. And his hipster, street-smart vocals are the perfect vehicle for driving those songs home. Blues Revue says, “Estrin has created some of the finest blues songs of any artist on the planet. His carefully wrought lyrics penetrate human weakness with the precision of a boxer, though more often than not, he chooses to leave you laughing after the blow’s been struck.”
Estrin won the 1994 Blues Music Award for his composition My Next Ex-Wife and has written songs for a growing legion of other musicians. Three of his songs found their way onto Grammy-nominated albums: Don’t Put Your Hands On Me (on Koko Taylor’s Force Of Nature), I’m Just Lucky That Way (on Robert Cray’s Shame + A Sin), and Homely Girl (on John Hammond’s Trouble No More). “I like songs that tell stories,” Rick says, “songs that are well-crafted and meaningful.” Along with Dixon and Leiber and Stoller, Estrin cites Sonny Boy Williamson II, Percy Mayfield and Detroit bluesman Baby Boy Warren as his major songwriting influences. Billboard says Rick writes “fabulous, remarkable original material.” Besides Estrin’s streetwise songwriting and musical skills, he is among the most entertaining and colorful showmen around. His quick wit and his signature look-coifed hair, pencil-thin mustache and sharply pressed, custom made suits-add even more color to his performances. “People don’t go out to see people who look like themselves,” says Rick. “They want to see something special. I was schooled in this business to be a showman, and that’s what you get when you come to see me perform.”
Estrin was born in San Francisco, California in 1949, and grew up following his own path. He discovered an entirely new lifestyle when, as a 10-year-old boy, he made his way to the tough Market Street area and befriended many of the neighborhood characters. He found another new world when his older sister gave him a copy of Ray Charles’ The Genius Sings The Blues when he was 12. Albums from Jimmy Reed, Champion Jack Dupree, Mose Allison, Nina Simone and others soon followed. By the time he was a teenager, Estrin had completely identified with the urban, African-American culture surrounding him.
Rick got his first harmonica at age 15, and by age 18 was proficient enough to begin sitting in at black clubs around the city. He first jammed with blues master Lowell Fulson and almost immediately was hired to open five shows for R&B giant Z.Z. Hill. He worked five nights a week for almost a year with guitar legend Travis Phillips in a band fronted by famed pimp/bluesman Fillmore Slim (who was the centerpiece of the acclaimed Hughes Brothers documentary American Pimp). Phillips introduced Estrin to Rodger Collins, the man who would become Rick’s first real musical mentor, and who schooled Rick on the finer points of songwriting and show business. Estrin moved to Chicago when he was 19 and worked with South Side bluesmen Johnny Young, Eddie Taylor, Sam Lay and Johnny Littlejohn before meeting and jamming with Muddy Waters, who told Rick, “You outta sight, boy! You got that sound, boy! You play like a man, boy!” In fact, Muddy wanted Estrin to go on the road with him, but due to nothing more than a missed phone call, it never happened. Rick eventually moved back to the Bay Area, met Charlie Baty and formed Little Charlie & The Nightcats.
For more than 30 years and nine albums, Rick fronted the band, featuring Baty’s one-of-a-kind guitar acrobatics. The band won international acclaim and toured the world repeatedly. They were nominated four times for the prestigious Blues Music Award for Band Of The Year. With Charlie’s retirement in 2008, Rick rededicated himself to his craft. Hansen and Farrell wanted to keep the band going. Estrin knew the only way to replace Baty’s crazed and unique guitar style was to find someone with an equally insane and individual approach, and he knew that would be a tall order to fill.
As luck would have it, Kid Andersen, who had been working with another harp legend, Charlie Musselwhite, became available. “Kid’s a fearless nut on the guitar,” says Estrin. “He’s really the only guy who could fit in with us.” With an unpredictable, no-holds-barred style that perfectly meshed with Estrin’s wildly imaginative original songs, the new band charged out of the gate in 2009 with Twisted. Living Blues said, “Outstanding…most definitely twisted- in the finest sense of the word.” Blues Revue declared, “Rick Estrin & The Nightcats are one of modern blues’ most versatile and original bands.” Live, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats take their ever-growing legion of fans on a seriously fun and musically memorable twisted ride. They have electrified crowds across the U.S., and on hugely successful tours of South America, Turkey, and cities all over Europe. As a testament to their talent, the audiences at their performances are always peppered with musicians wanting to glean a lick from these musical masters.
Now, with One Wrong Turn, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats continue to reinvent, redefine and revolutionize modern blues. Constantly pushing each other to new heights, Estrin, Andersen, Hansen and Farrell are blazing a trail for all to follow. “We’re more inspired to push the envelope,” says Estrin, “to take more chances.” With One Wrong Turn, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats have clearly turned in the right direction.
Dam That River is a Tribute to Alice In Chains.
The band is an ever evolving mixture of original compositions and incredible musicians. Each show has a slightly different lineup and interpretation. The music is a blend of jazz and funk with a cerebral emphasis on groove and improvisation.
Formed in 2008 and fronted by vocalist Larado Romo, ANTI-MORTEM’s line-up includes older brother-guitarist Nevada Romo, guitarist Zain Smith, bassist Corey Henderson and drummer Levi Dickerson. With over 300 shows to their name, these Chickasha, Oklahoma natives (aged between 18 & 22) spent their formative nights and weekends woodshedding their sound on the concert stage they built themselves in the Smith family barn (originally intended to store an old car collection).
While Zain’s parents were away working on the weekends, ANTI-MORTEM would turn their barn rehearsal space into a makeshift venue and hone their chops by inviting friends and family in Chickasha over for an afternoon of gravel-throated vocals, crunch-laden riffs, thick grooves, and some good ol’-fashioned Southern hospitality.
Nuclear Blast Entertainment President Monte Conner states: “ANTI-MORTEM connect with a fist-to-the-face, combining the power of American heavy metal and the down-home flavor of the classic Southern rock and blues they were raised on. I’ve been watching them develop for the past two years and they are now ready to show the world how a good ass-kicking is delivered.”
The story of The Hot Mollies is a long and often misunderstood one. It all began one year in high school. Wheeling High School, to be specific. Three young boys, two of whom knew eachother before, and the other just a loser, met under some strange circumstances: a school variety show. From there, they formed the power trio known as Suttree, performing at several other High School variety shows. It was not until their guitarist, a young fellow named Joseph, came up with the idea to change the name to “The Hot Mollies”.
The Hot Mollies? Yes, and they were from then on known as The Hot Mollies, and have been bringing the Wheeling Countryside rock and roll for the past several years.
Born & bred Downriver, singer/songwriter Ryan Dillaha is truly a product of Detroit. Educated at Wayne State, he worked at Rouge Steel while working on his PhD in American Literature. Growing up he was surrounded by Motown and the classic country music his father brought with him as he made his way up the “Hillbilly Highway” from Tennessee to Detroit for work. These influences are unmistakable in Dillaha’s heartfelt self-released, “Love Alone”. As the cover promises…”solid gold heartbreaking hits”.
Loud, melodic punk. Always urgent, sometimes-psychedelic and never happy. Shit’s tasteful.
Super-fast melodic skatepunk from Rhode Island!
FACTS ABOUT THE DOWN AND OUTS
*Together since 2006
*Have played shows in RI, MA, ME, NH, CT, NY, PA, NJ, MD, NC, GA, and FL.
*Have shared the stage with: A Wilhelm Scream, GBH, Big D & The Kids Table, The Flatliners, The Swellers, The Queers, Off With Their Heads, Heartsounds, Flatfoot 56, Smartbomb, Emily’s Army, We Are The Union, Riverboat Gamblers, Murphys Law, Ashers (members of The Unseen), Defeater, Have Nots, Spanish Gamble, The Holy Mess, Left Alone, Far From Finished, The Tossers, Larry and His Flask, Patent Pending, Eyes Set To Kill, Mayday Parade, and many more.
*Appeared on select dates of the 2010 Vans Warped Tour (Ernie Ball and Kevin Says stages).
*2 EPs and a 15 song full length released and distributed completely independent of label help.
*Over 800 records sold worldwide via Interpunk.com, Newbury Comics, and national Japanese distribution via DiskUnion (US, Canada, France, Belgium, UK, Russia, Japan, Australia).
*Honored with several local accolades including nominations for “Best Punk Act” in both Providence Phoenix Best Music Poll and Motif Music Awards as well as postive reviews from both publications, regular rotation and routine in-studio appearances on 95.5 WBRU, and participation as semi-finalists in the 2009 WBRU Rock Hunt (previous participants include The Schemers, ZOX, John Linnell of They Might Be Giants, Gail Greenwood of Belly and L7, Monty Are I).
*We love playing music above all else.
Noah Gabriel, a mainstay in Chicago’s suburban scene since 2004, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Aurora, Illinois. Drawing from the musical styles of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Ryan Adams, John Mayer, Lucinda Williams, Chris Whitley, and BB King, to name a few, Noah’s music rests uniquely on blues/rock with nuances for R&B/soul, folk, and alternative country.
Noah Gabriel seems to be in constant evolution as a singer, songwriter, guitarist. Already a prolific songwriter, and never wanting to be comfortable, he keeps on pushing himself. Embarking on his first ever solo acoustic tour this past July, Gabriel made his way back from Austin, Texas to Chicagoland via the west coast. Upon return, he linked up with new drummer Justin O’Connell and bass player/vocalist Chad Watson, now known as the trio Noah’s Arcade. The new trio helped release Gabriel’s seventh album, Austin Bound, on December 28, 2012. They’re currently recording album number eight.
I am a solo acoustic artist who started performing my original songs about 6 years ago in New York. I moved to Nashville in 2008 where I still live. I recorded my first album ‘A Sides’ here in Tennessee at Boutique Recordings and released it on April 30, 2011. After the summer of 2011 tour I have been writing and recording my new album. So far I’m hoping to start touring again towards the beginning of 2013. More updates to come!!!
Chicago-based folk singer Spitzer Space Telescope brings his booming voice and mesmerizing energy to every stage he plays. This is not the whispery, watered down folk music you’re used to, SST does his songwriting homework and delivers rich, clear, powerful folk songs that will demand your attention.
PIMPBOT blares infectious tunes out of Honolulu’s nightlife capital… Waikiki. PIMPBOT balances their audiences between Hawaii’s tourist industry, and it’s thriving underground music scene. In a world of cover bands, they have always stayed true to their original material, carrying humorous stories from everyday life – from having a breakfast after a one night stand to driving with an empty gas t…ank. The members of PIMPBOT are alumni of the University of Hawaii and Berklee College of Music. Homegrown but well traveled, the band blends their acquired influences of reggae, dance rock, hardcore and rocksteady into their signature brand of ska/punk. Their sound has been quoted by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin as “a tribute to the flexibility and open minds of the members.” PIMPBOT has shared the stage with many celebrated groups such as Train, Third Eye Blind, Candlebox, The Ataris, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, The Toasters, General Public featuring Dave Wakeling, The Aquabats, Save Ferris, Buck-O-Nine, The Pietasters, Go Jimmy Go, The Aggrolites, The Skeletones, the One Man Ska Band-Chris Murray, Los Furios (Canada), and Oi-Skallmates (Japan), to name a few.
Formed back in September of 2012, Grae is quickly becoming known around Columbia College campus as the band with the “catchy hooks”. All seasoned professionals with in the Chicago music scene, each members musical style and influences range any where from Pop, R&B, Rock, and Gospel, making up Grae’s unique sound. When asked about the band they often respond with, “most of us started out having already worked together in various ensembles, so our chemistry was already there. We don’t like to limit ourselves to only one genre, and the result has been amazing. We like to joke around with people and say “you want pop, we got it, R&B, we got that too, rock, we can try that too.” But whatever we do, we strive to make it memorable, original, and full of energy. Something people will hopefully not be able to forget for years to come.
Born from Columbia College’s Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music program, Upsin Hounds is a blend of rock, pop, and soul music. Their lush three part harmonies help to create a timeless, atmospheric sound while maintaining their roots as a rock trio. With McKenna Shelly on vocals/piano, vocalist Catherine Poulos, Emily Nichols on vocals/organ, Chris Kaczmarek on Bass, Aaron Tanning on guitar, and Ben Decoba playing the drums, Upsin Hounds is bringing you the eclectic and fun sound you’ve been missing in your life.
Upsin Hounds plans to record their first ever EP in the Spring of 2013.
A melodic mix of pop, rock, classic blues, and soul, Bigspeak will grab your attention and refuse to let go. Nate Niederkorn (vocals/guitar), Meg Thomas-Cary (vocals/keyboard), Nick Fane (bass), Harley Gingras (drums), and Adam Allison (vocals/guitar) bring their separate styles together in a collage of different genres to create a sound unlike what you’ve heard before. Brought together by a love of innovation, creation, and music itself, Bigspeak’s members effortlessly combine their different styles into songs so catchy you won’t be able to stop listening.
The Lucky 3 Blues Band is a new group of Chicago music veterans exploring the blues in the 21st century. Their unique style of “Blues Confusion” draws from a deep reservoir of original songs, blues classics, & the odd left turn. Featuring electric & acoustic guitar, harmonica, archaic drum machine sounds & vocals – The Lucky 3 play “old school” blues with a modern sensibility.
Cedric Burnside is the grandson of the legendary R.L. Burnside and renowned as one of the best drummers in the world. If you are looking to revisit R.L. Burnside’s performances, his presence is undeniably on stage with the Cedric Burnside and his band, The Cedric Burnside Project. The Cedric Burnside Project is a collaboration of Cedric Burnside, his “little, big brother” (Cody Burnside) and talented guitar and bass player (Trenton Ayers). The Cedric Burnside Project introduces a new and original genre of music by infusing Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Funk, R&B and soul that will keep you on the dance floor all night long. This electric combination of North Mississippi musicians that were raised playing Hill Country Blues on the front porch does not allow one to wonder about what blues was or what direction The Cedric Burnside Project will take it next. Cedric, who began playing drums in his grandfather’s band at the age of thirteen, has taken his music to a whole new level by adding his new set of guitar solos to his performances. Cedric showcases his mastery of his open tuned guitar to warm you up for the treats he is planning to amaze you with when he steps behind the drums. Cedric’s original music along with songs that he played with his grandfather transports you to the small town in Mississippi, where Cedric grew up surrounded by Hill Country Blues pulsing from R.L. Burnside’s or “Big Daddy’s” front porch.
Brand new Metal band from Queens, NY
Palisades, formerly known as Marilyn Is Dead, has further reinforced and redefined their sound. Armed with a combination of post-hardcore and pop-punk influences, Palisades adds an entire new element of emotion to their rich, big sound. Strong, catchy choruses, along with aggressive melodic screaming are combined with more contemporary breakdowns, adding a very unique and distinct character to their music. Having recently recorded at Chango Gridlock Studios in Orlando Florida, Palisades plans to release their EP, and continue frequent touring.
Durrell Mohammad, better known by his stage name Hell Rell, is an American rap artist and a member of rap group The Diplomats. In 2007, he signed with Koch Records and began working on his debut album, For the Hell of It.
THE STORY OF THE DEAD ON….
Many bands are born from the ashes of previous bands but try to shake their pasts. Well, The Dead On embrace their previous musical lives and set out to shake the rafters instead. Formed from Chicago stalwart greats Woolworthy and The Reputation, The Dead On embody modern rock n roll with big, dirty guitar hooks, snotty slash and burn riffs and ultra catchy melodies. They are on a mission to make great Rock N Roll and to make Rock N Roll great again.
Rudy Gonzalez (ex-Woolworthy), singer, guitar player and songwriter for the band unleashes his wild, weary spirit and introspective songwriting. He writes songs that sound good in bad places. Greg Mytych (ex-The Reputation) on bass, brings the right amount of powerhouse attack, catchy bass fills and harmony vocals to the gang. With Charley Ryan (ex-Empty Spaces), on lead guitar, the ante is raised. He blazes through each song like it’s his exorcism. He is the dangerous Keith Richards to Rudy’s ragged Mick Jagger. The addition of drummer Loren Guzik (ex-Penthouse Sweets) completes the action pact. His drumming slams and bashes yet is precise and tasteful all at the same time.
The debut album by The Dead On, The Way It Feels When It Feels This Way will knock you out and then hold your hand and make it all better. Guitar riffs catchy enough to work their way into your pleasure spot; all done with heart-pounding energy. With the right blend of The Replacements gutsy rock, the grit of CBGB and the intensity of the Foo Fighters, they have a bash & pop masterpiece. They sound like an 80’s post-punk band dipped in 70’s Thin Lizzy raunch and transported into the future. With simple and melodic songs like She Is All The Rage and You Make My Love Grow, the band revitalizes the power pop genre with power chords and infectious drum beats. On tracks It’s Lonely Where You Are and the punchy You Can’t Do Anything About Anything (You Can’t Do Anything About), the ringing guitars and haunting spaces show the band’s depth. Hold Me In Suspension and We Are All Alive allow the band to stick a flag in the Rock N Roll Handbook for future generations to come.
The Dead On, simply put, is a breath of fresh air for Rock N Roll. They wear their hearts and guts on their sleeves in equal measure. They own it and want to give it away. The band is on to something and it is dead on. Or shall I say, it is The Dead On.
Sean K. Preston doesn’t get gussied up for the show…he wears his cowboy hat, dirty jeans and shitkicker boots everyday. If it sounds like he sings about hard luck, lost love, long journeys, dark secrets, damnation and redemption like he’s lived through them…it’s because he damn well has.
He’s quick with the wise cracks between songs while gulping down whiskey and bantering with the audience…but when the next song starts you better believe he’ll be sweating blood to deliver the best performance. It’s Blues- Punk -Country, Rock’n’Roll….Amen
Nu-Betsy Wells
I only live for me.
Not trying to reinvent the wheel.
We keep it simple. We keep it real.
Riffs, Beer, Touring, Friends.
An edgy, metal-influenced sound while popped up a bit with vocal leads and harmonies. Aggressively controlled yet naturally uncontrived. We often have been compared to late 90’s hard rock/metal. We have been told we sound like a punky Led Zeppelin, so that’s cool.
The Quick & Easy Boys are a power-trio from Portland, OR. They play rock and roll…and they do it well.
The Copper Gamins is comprised of two unique 20-something rockers. The two formed the band last year in January. Jose Carmen, the guitar and vocalist of the band, began playing music by himself, and then recruited drummer Clau (Claudio) Lafinia, who he knew from high school. This was perfect timing because Clau had just returned home from studying abroad in France.
Even thought the band is only a little over a year old, they are already signed to Saustex Media and are playing the famous SXSW festival next week. They stated by playing a few shows in Mexico, and then came to the states, playing at least 30 shows so far.
Hi, we’re a band.
Syahi – (SEE-YAH-HEE) – (defn): Long time musical collaborators Raj Soni and Steve Nawrocki have joined forces to create an eclectic meld of experimental world, dub/reggae, and post rock sounds into a sonic experience that defies classification.
Find them on Facebook
Chicago based dub reggae band plays originals and classic dub tracks from King Tubby, Scientist, Lee Perry, Roots Radics and others.
Corey Jay Pieper (born March 11, 1990) also known as C-Piepz, is a 22 year old Hawaiian recording artist & songwriter. His music is often described as a cross between pop and hip-hop. His clean lyrics, energetic presence and island influence attracts fans from all demographics.
Raised in Milwaukee, he developed a strong passion for music at age 15. He spent the next few years experimenting with local shows and performances. After several early successes, he decided to pursue music as a career. In September 2010 Corey landed his first recording deal with a company called The Good Fight Studios. His debut album was released in June 2012 and is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and more.
He’s performed at several sold-out shows in front of crowds as large as 2000+ people and has also shared the stage with big names such as Iyaz, Jojo, Time Flies, and Outasight. He has 5 professional music videos accumulating a total of 1.7 million views and counting. One of them, caught the eye of NBC’s “The Voice” and led to him recently being flown out to LA.
With momentum building, he’s looking for new opportunities.
The Avantist- Four Brothers. Decendants of Mariachi. Decided one day to actually play together. Now we make music.
Their newest CD, “TRANSRADICALMASH”, was recently released on April 30th, 2013.
Born in the hallways of Butler University in Indianapolis, IN just over a year ago, the Coyote Armada feeds upon our primal urge to stomp. The group has drawn comparisons ranging from the Lumineers and Mumford & Sons to Radiohead and Led Zeppelin. Being led by lead-vocalist Bob Barrick’s songwriting, the group brings a darker and more surreal air to contemporary folk, and are certainly not something to miss.
Pale Horseman is a 4 piece metal band from the Chicago area which combines elements of sludge, doom, and death metal. Featuring a dual attack of guitarists/vocalists and a pummeling rhythm section, their live shows have been most often described as “crushing” and their studio recordings have been handled by the mixing boards of some of their biggest influences including Dennis Pleckham of Bongripper, Noah Landis of Neurosis, and Justin Broadrick of Godflesh.
Thee Rockefeller Sheiks are a band I’m super excited about. You can tellt hey have a deep love for The Stooges and The Velvet Underground, but with plenty of modern punk and psycho-garage influences as well. Their Dog City EP is rough around the edges and brilliantly uninhibited. Fans of locals like Vacation Club, Apache Dropout, or Psychic Feel who haven’t checked this band out should really get on it
A long time ago in a record industry far, far away… Dean III had his debut album, “Liberty”, released by Waterdog Records. It was billed as Dean Goldstein & Coin but the players on the disc were assembled by the producer, Bad Examples leader Ralph Covert. Then musicians around Chicago heard the songs, became fans, and a real band was born. And played. And what started out as a singer-songwriter project morphed into rockin’ Americana-with more than a nod and a wink to the Faces and the Stones. Coin was courted by the big guys and even commissioned for some movie music (and therein lies a tale for another time).
Concurrently he built his own log cabin in rural Illinois and promptly filled it with triplets. Parenting precluded performing until recently. The superb songwriting never stopped and now with a little help from his friends, Dean’s back, ready to rock live. He’s got a new rhythm section called The Wagers and they’re just starting to bring “Dirty Souls” to the soon-to-be-devoted fans in the Midwest.
Lord Bishop Rocks for sure is the most exciting and musically gifted Rock trio of the 21st century. They are mixing their brand of 70s influenced Hardrock, Funk, Blues, Jazz, Reggae and Punk – meshing it into a sound they call Sex Rock.
There have been many trios before them: Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Blue Cheer, Nirvana, Motörhead, Muse, Them Crooked Vultures, Green Day – all of these groups stand out because they brought a new life and a new perspective in how to make sonic expression in Rockmusic. Lord Bishop Rocks has lifted this stylistic template to new stratospheric levels. Imagine Beatlesque melodies, Sabbath’s heaviness and James Brown’s funk all rolled into one. What is for sure is that sooner than later Lord Bishop Rocks will be rock music’s most well known and sought after pure rock trio in the history of the music world.
Entertainer, Promoter, Dreamer…
We are a true american roots band. We take the sounds of the past and re-energize them to todays set of ears. We play the most down home delta and Chicago music that was popular in the 1950’s. If you like to dance and have a good feelin in your gut then I suggest checking us out!!
From Muddy Waters, Guitar Slim to originals in the vintage style as the kings before us we pay great tribute to this music. The world needs to stop and have a good time sometimes so we hope to achieve that emotion in people.
The Flaming Mudcats are a band that swings, shuffles and gets low-down in their devotion to the sounds of the Blues, R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Anyone who argues that good blues is getting hard to find has never heard of these guys… chances are you couldn’t find a tighter good time band. This four piece band swings, playing great grooves fused with burning harp and smoking guitar; this is no-frills party music.
The Royal Hounds, a high energy rockabilly trio from Knoxville, TN have been wowing and entertaining audiences with their unique approach to live music. Known for their on-stage antics and humorous approach to music, The Royal Hounds offer a live show that is unlike anything seen in the area. Not content to merely stand there and play, The Royal Hounds successfully marry quality musicianship with stellar showmanship. They have opened for Travis Tritt and have shared a stage with Kingsfoil.
Six dudes and one chick from the keystone state with all the energy and booze fueled antics that u can imagine in a band whos as young and hungry as Weese, Paddy! has, decided that the music world needs a dangerous, rocking, ass-kicking band, to save the world from the boring electronic vibe that is music nowadays. Theres no standing still at a weese show. Circle pits, stage-diving, and snot nose adolescent angst is what Weese, Paddy brings to a crowd. The party just starts when weese, paddy walks in through your door. It might get loud, it definately will get rude, and there definately will be some regrets about what u did when Weese, Paddy! came to town.. So hold onto your g- strings, lock up your wives and daughters. Weese, Paddy is coming to rock you in your face. And were not going anywhere anytime soon. It all started in early December 2012 when Chris Brill and Shane Hobensack posted an add/status looking for band members Matt Amend bass player had been looking for a group for quite sometime. Matt gathered up some fellow dirt bags he knew like drummer Trevor Scott, and they decided to scrape up old friend/guitarist Chris Dromboski off his couch and peel vocalist Ryan Williams out of the gym and started jamming. Shit started flying but they knew they were missing something. They later picked up female vocalist Karly Klein out of the back of a dominoes and brought her over to the hell hole this ass kicking music is created. They jammed one day and it became apparent that the world needed to hear what they were conjuring up. Chris Dromboski had a longtime friend, Matt Straubel, who plays fiddle and brews the best beer the world has ever tasted, violin and viola. He came over to jam one day and the rest is weese, paddy history. Keep the volume high, the beer flowing and the funny cigarette stash at hand. Were are Wesse,Paddy! Our new album is soon to come along with our east coast summer tour! Hold on tight! It’s gonna be one hell of a ride…
TnJ is a 7 year old professional improv psychafunk project, started as a Jason and Toast / drums and synths improv power duo act, with some new blood that will knock your socks off with lazer guitar solos, funked out bass lines, dance beats from heaven and synth magic that will melt your mind! Jason and Toast, who was the last drummer for The Heavils, decided after an improv duo jam session one night to present their brass balls to the world! The music sounded so raw that night that they decided to Just Do IT and book a show a month, for a year, and did it! At the time they were both playing in The Reggie, a rockin reggae group in Rockford, IL with two RAMI awards. They only practiced once more as TnJ in that whole year! They also invited a different guest artist or two, that they knew could handle it, per show to add to the fun. They pulled it off Gloriously with radical reviews then took a break for a few years as they concentrated on other projects.. Jason completed his first solo album last year which definitely kicked TnJ back into high gear! They’ve recently added Shawn Williams and Jose Suarez who fit right in with their improv skills, style and killer imaginations! Let’s dance!!
As the one of longest playing members of Frank Zappa’s bands, Ike is still upholding his promise to Frank. That promise is to continue on, playing the music of which Zappa had taught Ike oh so well. To this day Ike fulfills Frank’s wish by playing with some awesome Zappa tribute bands from around the world.
2012 was a very exciting year for L.A.-based band Flavia & the Red. They were chosen from hundreds of bands nationwide to go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and perform on one of the main stages at Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival. There, they won 2nd place at the “Land the Big Gig” competition. In L.A., they gained bi-monthly residencies at two of the hottest clubs in the city—Pour Vous in Hollywood and Nic’s Martini Lounge in Beverly Hills. Last, but not least, they released their debut album, “Too Late to Cry,” for an energetic audience at the Bootleg Theatre on December 14th.
Flavia, 22, has shot onto the music scene like a bullet, bringing her band—The Red—with her. As the principal singer and songwriter, Flavia’s stage presence is the personification of the color red—emotional, fiery, and passionate. However, a talented front woman is only as good as her band. After gigging for a few years and going through some lineup changes, the band now consists of Chris Pucher on guitar, Isaac Watts on drums, Rich Brown on keys, and Max Benson on bass. Each member contributes his and her own unique qualities and influences to the secret recipe that is The Red’s musically energetic and soulful brew. The band’s overall sound contains elements of classic and modern R&B, pop, and bluesy rock. Anchored by a tight rhythm section, the music exhibits memorable melodies and interactive improvisation with Flavia’s emotional and poetic lyrics at the forefront.
Besides performing twice a month at both Pour Vous and Nic’s Martini Lounge, Flavia & The Red have performed at countless other venues, including The Four Seasons Hotel, Harvelle’s, House of Blues, Bootleg Theatre, and The Key Club.
Flavia & The Red are excited to see where 2013 will take them. They have already been featured on various blogs and magazines, and are being played on radio stations around the U.S. They are constantly writing new material, looking for new places to play, and have a tour in the works.
Formed in 1998 the Cocktail Preachers have been conducting a sermon by spreading great surf and instrumental music around the US. The Cocktail Preachers consist of Stevie Martini on Guitar, Phil Tiki on Bass, Vitamin “B” Bruce on Guitar and Steel Guitar and Dr Ben on Drums. Check us out at one of our up coming show and you too can help spread the good word of the Big Kahuna
Ron Platzer from Liar’s Club
ISH is a blend of soulful, sultry voices and purposeful lyrics. Though ISH is composed of a young couple, traces of old school, feel good music can be found in their style and in their live show. ISH’s sound is heavily influenced by R&B, Jazz and Gospel. The married duo has played the main stage at The Shrine Chicago, headlined a sold out show at Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, shared the stage with Grammy award winning R&B singer Faith Evans and Soul Singer Frank McComb. In addition, the group was a featured act in Michael Jackson’s Memorial concert held at his childhood home in Gary, IN. The duo’s single “The Vows” was featured in the film Still Standing, which also features Kindred The Family Soul and “Speech” Thomas of Arrested Development. Currently, “The Vows” is in regular rotation on radio shows based in the US, the UK, France, Egypt, and Japan. ISH normally plays to the “grown and sexy” crowd, but has expanded into the college market. The group has performed concerts at Ivy Tech Community College, Wabash College, and Depauw University. ISH has been featured on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 ranked Parenting and Relationships site BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com.