Darryl “Animal” Williams (Producer, Musical Director, Studio Musician, Arranger, Actor, Bass Player, Pianist, Percussionist and Entertainer):
Darryl received a Bachelor of Arts, Music from Chicago State University and an Associates of Science, Electronics from Wilbur Wright Junior College.
Darryl has over 20 years experience in the field of live entertainment. He has played with Chaka Khan, Shante Savage, Bunky Green, Rick James, Prince’s group Mozaratti, Willie Clayton, the late great Junior Wells, Otis Clay, and many others. He has also acted as musical director and arranger working with M-Doc and Smash/Polygram Records. Other artists he has worked with include Brandy, Kelli Williams, McLyte, Vanilla Ice, and the late great Gerald Levert.
Animal Houze’s musical repertoire is very extensive and their musical ability is phenomenal. Animal Houze is comprised of some of the best musicians and vocalists in the music business. Whatever your musical taste, this group is able to provide whatever you need to make your event a success.
Darryl “Animal” Williams has also been involved with many special products, including but not limited to jingles for national commercials for McDonald’s and Push Expo, political jingles, writing and producing radio spots for Project Vote, David Orr, Cook County Clerk and “Say Yes.”
Polar Island is a musical writing and performing duo. Fusing Rock and Pop melody and structure with Trip/Hip-Hop and Dance backbeats, dark brooding basslines and just the right amount sparkly noise sprinkled on top. Creating thick, loose-yourself kind of soundscapes that are as auraly exciting live as they are in you headphones.
After recently releasing their 2011 EP, “Dreamtiger & Other Tails,” Bethesda has been slated for thirteen shows on Showtime, MTV, Oxygen, VH1, and E! Their music can be heard on over 200 independent and college radio stations nationwide, where they have reached “Top 5 Add” status and have been charted in numerous college markets.
Over the past year, Bethesda has had the privilege to play with bands such as Eisley, Azure Ray, Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, Jessica Lea Mayfield, First Aid Kit, River City Extension, Frontier Ruckus, Suckers, and more. Bethesda has used their energetic live shows and carefully crafted songs to elevate themselves into the same conversation as some of indie rocks best.
These five friends, in hopes of satisfying their snow laden angst, came together in the interest of channeling their desires for meaningful living into the artistic expression of music. The result? Bethesda, an indie rock group that brings together folk roots, indie beats, crafty guitars, and soaring vocals with meaningful lyrics to build songs that move your heart and feet in equal measures.
Blending influences from seemingly unblendable musical genres, these folks paint pictures of human drama, the struggles of life, the beauty of nature, and the few truths they know to be true with poignant lyrics and musical movements that can rip you from your apathetic state and send you whirling. This vibrant combination has aided Bethesda in developing a loyal following.
Bethesda followed up the 2008 release of their self-titled EP with the release of their debut full-length album, “Love in a Time of Tra La La,” in January of 2010. Their new EP, “Dreamtiger & Other Tails,” was recently release in May 2011.
Northland Ghost is a new band out of Chicago playing a blend of original folk rock americana tunes. The band consists of Brian on vocals and guitars, Jeff on drums, and Joshua on bass. The band formed in fall of 2011 to start playing out the songs Brian had written and recorded over the previous year or so. They are currently playing Chicago in support of their new EP “The Trees Are Burning.”
David Prusina is an old, old man who cares a great deal for his family, friends, and music. During his life, he has encountered many styles of music, and he has enjoyed most of them. David seeks to write songs reflecting that wide variety of genres while trying to state simple feelings in a way that all can understand. He is really old….. much older than he seems.
Lou Shields is an Artist, Musician, Teacher and Skateboarder who has been living and working in the Chicago area his entire life. He has also traveled extensively and draws on life experiences when making his work. His music is rooted in pre and post war 20th century America with a 21st century perspective. He has a deep appreciation for Delta Blues, Country Blues, early Country and beyond. Shields continues that tradition with respect in the 21st century and transcends any specific genre. He released his first EP in the Spring of 2011 but has been making music for over 20 years.
Samadhi (Sa-mah-dee) is complete liberation, bliss, concentration, and all that yummy goodness… Samadhi Vibe is a Rock, Funk, Soul and Blues band that: *Explores various music styles, *Strives off that live sound, *Loves the art of writing songs/arranging covers/jammin’ improv, *And playing music for the BENEFIT OF MUSIC AS A WHOLE Samadhi Vibe is more then just a band, we are a family. A family of friends that love to have ourselves a great time, hopefully helping others to do the same. We have all been playing together for more than 7 years, recording, playing shows, open for gigs, and still going strong. All of us are vibrations to make these “Samadhi Vibes”. So lets funk them up and dig our Samadhi Vibe Funk for some fun. Join us in these goal
Hailing from rural Wisconsin, Farmageddon Records artist Owen Mays adds his own touch to American music, while working hard to preserve it’s traditions. Playing classic, honest, simple songs about heartache, hard luck, and hard living, inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, and Molly O’Day, Owen delivers with a sincerity that can’t be faked. Whether appearing solo, or with his backing band, The 80 Proof Boys, Owen can almost always be found on a stage somewhere, doing what he does
From humble beginnings at late-night open jams in a downtown Madison bar, The People Brothers Band have solidified over the past three years into an eight-piece Rhythm and Soul powerhouse. Their eclectic blend of original grooves, conscientious lyrics, soulfully mastered vocal and instrumental work, along with diverse self-tailored covers, holds the crowd on the dance floor and keeps them begging for more. From Funk to Soul, Rock to Reggae, Folk to R & B, they’re guaranteed keep the audience on their feet.
Back in the marshes of the Carolinas came an ooozzze of country pickin’ stank the likes of which had never been seen before. Cochino needed a posse and slunk his way westward to Chicago and found The Pistoleros – a crazed bunch of lowdown scallywags and car theives. The rest is history.
everse Cowgirl have been on the grind for over a 4 years now, and the disc is just another milestone from the multifaceted band. Amongst the group’s four members (Kari, Al, Dave and Julia), they’ve released other solo and side projects. They have collaborated with some of the finest talents in Rock, and blessed stages alongside a long list of luminaries including: The Cramps, Dale Watson, Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats. …. 2007 is poised to be a great year for the group, as they take their raunchy live show on the road, with road trips up & down 35W!! …. The girls are Kari Shaff on vocals and Julia Williams on drums. Kari has long been enthralling Midwestern audiences with her sass and formidable voice. Equal parts pout, purr & growl, she has a hell of a voice and an attitude to match. Julia, laying down a solid musical foundation, has a great ear for playing just the right part when needed. …. The guys are Dave Wolfe on slap bass & Alan Subola on guitar. Dave was a mover & shaker on the Minneapolis music scene, wearing the hats of musician, record label chief, radio host, DJ and booking impresario. Now living in Austin, Texas. Previously nominated as Minnesotas best guitarist, Alan has sung, composed and performed for a bevy of bands, on radio and on record. Both are from Minneapolis’ own Vibro Champs, a Midwestern rockabilly institution and stars of stage and screen… ……
Boreal Hills is a duo rock band that originates from Columbia, MO. Karl Frank picks up the guitar and vocals, while Tom O’Connor hits the drums. With only two members, their sound is tight, thick, and fuzzy, using multiple amplifiers to transfer the energy that both members emit on stage. Live shows carry the crowd through alternating levels of tangible light to enigmatic darkness. Karl and Tom have been playing together for roughly four years, which becomes apparent with the level of improvisation and maturity of their material. The band recently recorded their second full-length album, Trinkets, in August of 2011. Compared to their first self-titled debut, which was recorded and produced by the band itself via 4-track cassette, Trinkets delivers a more clear and full sound made possible by studio recording.
The Roses are a four piece rock outfit that use an electric guitar a bass a drum kit and vocals as it’s main outpouring musically. The Roses tend to transcribe their relevance to the blues into this modern age while combining other miscellaneous influences, whether knowingly or unconsciously.
BROKEN LIGHT
THE IDLE HANDS
It has to be said that band bios are hateful things, best avoided… “The Hearts We Broke On The Way To The Show” available on iTunes and Amazon!
Since his stunning debut, Thunderstorms and Neon Signs in 1995, Wayne “The Train” Hancock has been the undisputed king of Juke Joint Swing–that alchemist’s dream of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and big band. Always an anomaly among his country music peers, Wayne’s uncompromising interpretation of the music he loves is in fact what defines him: steeped in traditional but never “retro;” bare bones but bone shaking; hardcore but with a swing. Like the comfortable crackle of a Wurlitzer 45 jukebox, Wayne is the embodiment of genuine, house rocking, hillbilly boogie. Wayne makes music fit for any road house anywhere. With his unmistakable voice, The Train’s reckless honky-tonk can move the dead. If you see him live (and he is ALWAYS touring), you’ll surely work up some sweat stains on that snazzy Rayon shirt you’re wearing. If you buy his records, you’ll be rolling up your carpets, spreading sawdust on the hardwood, and dancing until the downstairs neighbors are banging their brooms on the ceiling. Call him a throwback if you want, Wayne just wants to ENTERTAIN you, and what’s wrong with that? Wayne’s disdain for the slick swill that passes for real deal country is well known. Like he’s fond of saying: “Man, I’m like a stab wound in the fabric of country music in Nashville. See that bloodstain slowly spreading? That’s me.” Little known fact: Wayne is the only Bloodshot artist to have had their CD taken aboard a space shuttle flight. “A rare breed of traditionalist, one who imbues his retro obsessions with such high energy and passions that his songs never feel like the museum pieces he’s trying desperately to preserve.” —AllMusic.com
Joe Firstman bought an $18 cross-country Greyhound ticket from his home in North Carolina to Los Angeles, arriving with a beat-up guitar and head full of songs. He quickly found the big stage. It all happened quickly: first came the big Hollywood gigs, then the industry buzz, then the big deal with Atlantic Records and national tours with big rock stars like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Willie Nelson.There was ego and excess and beautiful ladies and music, music, music. Firstman wrote it all down and sang his songs like his life depended on it.
“In the songs of Joe Firstman, sensitive young men prowl the hills of Los Angeles, searching for fame and beauty, only to find self-destructive behavior and egos gone wild…” wrote Jim Farber in the New York Daily News. “While Hollywood’s peaks and pitfalls have been prominently charted by songwriters from Don Henley, Stevie Nicks and Jackson Browne to Warren Zevon, Firstman aims to reinvent the milieu for his own generation.”
When the world stopped spinning, he’d landed a regular gig as the bandleader on the “Last Call with Carson Daly” show. For four years, this was his university – playing and writing songs in whatever style the show’s musical guests played and learning how to engage a studio audience, day in and day out.
Firstman released his 7th studio album, “Swear It Was A Dream,” on September 6, 2011. The album features 10 new songs written and recorded over the last year in studios in Charleston, SC, Mexico, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Of the album, Firstman shared, “You can really feel the year in the record, you can feel the whole journey in there and it’s my best piece. It’s my best thing thus far.”
The album’s first single, “Who’s Turning Your Light Out?” is Firstman’s exploration of straightforward, unadulterated songwriting. “It was just a very personal lyric, but I tried to make it into a pop song that everybody would get. Its got lyrics about South Carolina and falling asleep with your head in your hands—I thought the imagery was relatable, “ says Firstman.
“Swear It Was A Dream” is the follow-up to Firstman’s two 2010 releases, “El Porto,” and “Live At The Treehouse,” both released on Rock Ridge Music. In 2009, Firstman’s full-time, four-year job as bandleader on “Last Call with Carson Daly” ended when Firstman shifted his focus to his independent musical pursuits. Prior, Firstman put out a full-length (“The War of Women”) and an EP (“Wives Tales”) on Atlantic, plus another full-length (“DrAma”) and live EP (“Live at The Sandbox”), which were released independently.
As Firstman was wrapping up “Swear It Was A Dream” in Nashville, he formed a new band with longtime friends and collaborators Jaron Lowenstein, Toby Weaver, and John Lloyd, dubbed “Cordovas.” Their debut, self-titled, album features all new songs written and produced by Firstman in his first efforts at writing for a full-band and three part harmonies. Additionally, Firstman is currently producing Lowenstein’s forthcoming solo album.
On September 3, 2011, The Cordovas launched their first US Tour, featuring a solo Firstman as the supporting act. The Cordovas tour wraps November 15 in Yakima, WA and Firstman will immediately jump into his tour with Zach Myers (Shinedown, The Farewell.) Firstman usually spends over 200 days touring per year and has shared the stage with such acts as Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Willie Nelson.
What does SLASH, JAMES KOTTAK, GEORGE LYNCH, PAUL GILBERT, ANDY JOHNS, MITCH PERRY, DJ ASHBA, RANDY CASTILLO & BUDDY MILES have in common?
They’ve all done intense music with heavy metal pioneer, WILLIE BASSE!
orn and raised in several France locations, Boris Paillard a.k.a The Keys has found a new home on stage, winning audiences across Canada and the United States with raw talent and ample doses of charm. With wide-eyed ambition and a strong singer-songwriter work ethic, in three short years, Paillard has released six full length records and found the time to tour coast to coast thrice with the Greyhound Discovery Pass, playing well over 150 dates everywhere from New Haven to San Diego.
At just 24 years old, Paillard’s road tested big collection of folk’n’roll /edgy pop tunes is now backed up in Montreal by a powerful band consisting of a flamboyant three-piece horn section and a solid and groovy rythm section.
With the release of his latest record, Years Are Made Of Seconds (April 2009) Paillard had received some enthusiastic attention from the blogs and media. Paillard’s seventh official release, Long Time No Sea (June 2010) can be seen as a musical diary recorded on the road with half strangers, half friends split in two main roamings : a stay in Guadeloupe (the French West Indies) and a tour in the Us and Canada.
The Keys’ music is a curious blend of pop, world/traditional music and rock’n roll. But while the musicality is spiced and broad with epic song structures and surprising arrangements, the focus is just as much on the lyrical impact with a cutting sense of humour, a hint of cynicism, and songs that span the gulf between the heartbreak and the heartfelt.
Drawing from the rich well of the troubadour tradition, Paillard’s capacity to weave experiences and characters stems from a keen understanding of narrative, phrasing and metaphor, which get tied together by Paillard’s energetic guitar work, catchy melodies and his inviting and intoxicating personality. Paillard’s presence on stage is electric, wandering seamlessly from song into story, painting diverse personal scenes of home hunting, love making and anger brooding.
Now settled in the fertile musical breeding grounds of Montreal, he’s working on exciting new material for a new adventure, this time enjoying the stability and the feel of a nurturing community.
MISSTALLICA is an all girl tribute to Metallica! (With a slightly different line-up we are also QUEEN DIAMOND, an all female tribute to King Diamond!) We started this project in the summer of 2008.
THE MIDWEST’S PREMIER TRIBUTE TO DIO, BLACK SABBATH and RAINBOW!
CLOSE YOUR EYES AND OPEN YOUR EARS: Imagine a BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE centered around the DIO era….include the Sabbath bible of OZZY songs, and fill it out with the timeless work from Dio’s RAINBOW tenure…and of course, the montrous work from the DIO solo career, and you have a sampling of what a night in the clubs is like, when Heaven and Hell (Chicago) comes around. This is the elite of Dio and Sabbath tributes and you’ll simply find none better.
Heaven and Hell (Chicago) has been winning respect from clubs, and fans alike for over 6 years now and has become one of the most respected bands in the midwest… not just for the power and attention to detail from which they deliver the material…but for a sense of class and ultimate love for what they do.
Barring any of that, Heaven and Hell (Chicago) brings a unique rock show that, on each level, goes over and above other tributes.” They bring a concert aura to any venue, and deliver arena-style performance, regardless of location.”
It doesn’t stop. From ubiquitous anthems like Children of the Sea, Holy Diver, War Pigs, The Last in Line, Heaven and Hell, Fairies Wear Boots, Man on the Silver Mountain, The Mob Rules, Don’t Talk To Strangers, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Neon Knights….to deeper die-hard favorites like Stand Up and Shout, Sweet Leaf, Voodoo, Falling Off the Edge of the World, We Rock, Die Young, and Stargazer……
….it all culminates in a great night out for classic rock fans, and Sabbath Mongers alike….
A celebration of Dio-era Sabbath and so much more!!!
It’s simply the BEST NIGHT OF ROCK AND ROLL YOU’VE SEEN IN YEARS.
If you’ve seen or enjoyed Heaven and Hell (Chicago), here is your forum to speak up and share!!!
If you’ve not seen them, then take a look around and schedule your next night out with HnH! You’ll not be disappointed!
Kyle Tasch is an independent artist, musician, filmmaker, writer, radio guy and student living and working in the Chicagoland area. From punk bands, rock bands, jam bands and even an original comedy/music act to indie films like the comedic webseries “Dirty Six Thirty,” Kyle’s done some stuff.
We grew up on the Promise Ring and the Weakerthans, but we traced them back as far as we could and found Johnny Paycheck, Merle, and George Jones.
Our grandparents eloped to Clovis, New Mexico, on the day Buddy Holly rolled into town to begin the first of his sessions with Norman Petty. Bob Wills was a barber in the town our folks hail from. Hank Williams wasn’t from Texas, but he got here as fast as he could.
These are our credentials.
Enough talking, let’s shake it.
Based in Chicago, FuzZz has been making crowds groove since mid-2011. The five-piece funk band merges heavy influences from the Meters, James Brown, and the Greyboy Allstars with strains of Jaco Pastorius and Stevie Wonder to create sounds infused with driving vamps, energetic blues progressions, and fiery solos. The group has made appearances all over their fair city and have traveled as far as New Orleans to play their blend of distinctive originals and reinvented covers, which can be heard on their debut album released in June 2013.
The Velvet Jimis, an Oak Park band, was born at the Friendly Tap (www.friendlytap.net) in Berwyn, Illinois. Jimmy Darley (vox, harmonica and percussion), Randy Hess(vox and bass), Loren Middleton (vox and lead guitar), Rick Renner (vox and rhythm guitar), Jason Edwards (vox and drums), Christopher Styles (vox and percussion) and Emile Williams (vox and percussion), produce colorful and diverse original compositions and a raging party at every show. The Velvet Jimis perform regularly in the West Suburbs(Fitzgerald’s Night Club, The Friendly Tap) and Chicago( Lincoln Hall, Double Door, Elbo Room, Reggies Music Joint, Go to velvetjimis.com for info on gigs and to hear VJ music tune into the velvet jimis at Lojazz Radio at www.lojazzradio.com daily (9-10:30, 12:1:30, and 5-7p). Their Debut album is available through itunes “The Distance Between Us”
Based on the resumes of vocalist Sean Wheeler (Throw Rag) and multi-instrumentalist Zander Schloss (Circle Jerks, the Weirdos, Joe Strummer), you’d expect a rambunctious sound emanating from the Legendary Duo, but you’d be wrong.
The twosome plays a hybrid of folk, country, pop, ragtime, bluegrass and gospel that includes all the frenzied energy and spirit of the duo’s aforementioned bands, but is executed with a soulful dash of Americana charm not often heard west of the Mississippi.
Looking somewhat like Dracula’s nasty little brother who spent some hard years drinking and working as a carnival barker for a second-rate freak show, Unknown Hinson translates that vibe to his style of country and western-tinged psychobilly. The band is now touring nationwide, wowing audiences with outrageous and campy, white-trash persona and freewheeling, sleazy tone.
Hinson’s most recent CD release, “Live and Undead”, melds weepy twang, searing guitar riffs and lyrics that speak of love-gone-bad. Recorded at a sold-out show, an enthusiastic honky tonk crowd sings along with the King on every song.Raucous, theatrical and over-the-top, Unknown Hinson isn’t just for the trailer park set anymore!
Unknown is gaining notoriety in the 18-34 demographic as the voice of lead character “Early Cuyler” in the popular show from Cartoon Network – “The Squidbillies”. The first four seasons were so well-received that an immediate green light was given to future seasons.
Unknown Hinson is a winner in Independent Music Awards for his entry alternative Country track “Torture Town” from the album “Target Practice”. http://www.musiciansatlas.com Unknown Hinson is a featured artist for Reverend Guitars, representing them in many Guitar Player Magazine features. A signature Unknown Hinson guitar is currently part of Reverend’s celebrity instrument lineup. http://www.reverendguitars.com Rockabilly Magazine named Unknown Hinson as their “Find of the Year” http:// www.rockabillymagazine.com Live interviews with Unknown Hinson along with his music are broadcast nationally on XM Radio’s National Lampoon channel. (XM 154 along with FM radio partners). http://www.nationallampoonradio.com/
Sirius XM – Outlaw Radio has Hinson’s tunes in regular rotation. He’s toured with Hank3, Rev. Horton Heat, the Boxmasters and Willie Nelson.Appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and other syndicated programming round out the list.
Hinson seems to collect quite a few celebrity fans. Billy Bob Thornton names Unknown as “one of my favorite songwriters and a genius picker”. Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons) labels Unknown as a “guitar maniac (and funny as hell to boot!)” Hank3 has Unknown’s face tattooed on his bicep! Unknown was asked to join The Rolling Stones for sound check at their last show in Charlotte, NC. You must witness the encounter with Ed King (Lynyrd Skynyrd) in Nashville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbFx0STLKqQ). You’ll find Unknown Hinson’s music everywhere from Snoop Dogg’s movie “LA Spectacular” to the newest version of the action-adventure open world video game “Saints Row 3”.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, singer-songwriter Kirby Kaiser delivers the retro melodies and lush harmonies of a 60’s girl group combined with bubblegum-sweet lyrics, often tinged with the melancholy of teen romance.
Only 19 years old, Kirby’s first-ever EP, both self-released and self-titled was released at the end of August 2011. Her lyrics are inspired by the likes of the Ronettes, Fiona Apple and Lesley Gore— the singer/songwriter prides herself on blending various genres to produce a sound that is all her own.
Deep Cricket Night has come out of the pandemic with a sonic – style shift through the wormhole. We used the roots at the portal’s gate as a ladder, climbing out of our past sound. The present sound regards fulfilling the new, post-pandemic range. For practical cliches, our sound is now akin to Joy Division meets 1970 Pink Floyd with Syd still in the room. The band is comprised of Lance Drake (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Greg MacAyeal (Bass), Dave Buoscio (Piano/Organ), Michael Ressler (drums).
Musically, DCN builds their original sound highlighted by the lead bass hooks of Greg MacAyeal and the vocal-lyrical strength of the band’s primary songwriter, Lance Drake.
Deadbeat is American lo-fi solo artist Jessica Risker, also lead singer of the electro-rock outfit Absinthe & The Dirty Floors. Channeling her songwriting into self-described folk apatheticisms, Deadbeat draws influence from the musical stylings of Beck, the do-it-alone attitude of Bob Dylan, and the poetic musings of Daniel Johnston.
The Half Hearts are an anachronism. Originally from Duluth, MN, this indie quartet combine a mix of anthemic choruses, ’90s grunge and power pop, along with classic rock riffs, and powerful duets. Each member has a unique style – the Vintage Queen, Twee, Mountain Man, and Meta-Nerd. You wouldn’t think this line-up would work, but it comes together like a classic cheese-wine-fruit pairing. You’ll keep coming back for more.
The Half Heart’s first album, After the Flood, graced many Midwestern 2010 year-end lists. Their upcoming sophomore album, Uptown Sound, has production credits from Luke Tweedy (Anti- Records), and Eric Swanson (Retribution Gospel Choir, Low, etc).
Catching your first live performance by The Hi-Tones is a bit like the title of one of their more popular songs, “Hit and Run” (not including the internal bleeding, of course). Everything happens so quickly, you’re left somewhat dazed and confused, and you can’t be exactly certain of what you’ve just witnessed. What you’re sure of is that it will take a little time before you go back to feeling normal after being run over by their retro brand of raw, jangly dance rock.
I’ve been playing American music of one form or another for many years. Played all around the country over those years. I’ve settled in my home town of Chicago, Illinois for the time being. In the last 2 years or so, I have traveled around the midwest and southeast playing shows for anyone that’ll listen and stopping into various recording studios, always with a few friends, to round out a debut album which will be ready and available in early 2012.
Until then, come on out to a show and say hello.
-Woodrow
