THE PHEROMOANS
Powerful lead vocals by the very entertaining Laura Braun, a Janis Joplin/Grace Slick/ Adele/Duffy kind of singer accompanied by a band that lays down a heavy groove. The Pheromoans are the groove masters.
THE VIDIOTS
The Vidiots are an all original ,exciting ,eclectic ,electric,good time band from Chicago. Hue and Rich played in the band,” Phil n the Blanks”. Lee played in “Bohemia” and Blue Watusis”. The fourth member is the hot singer songwriter, rhythm guitarist Chava Lona bringing with her great talent and beginner’s luck.
BREAKEVEN
BreakEven is an acoustic pop rock band with a touch of country based out of the south suburbs of Chicago. Angelo Manzoeillo, lead singer and guitarist of BreakEven, established the band, BreakEven, in 2011. BreakEven’s music is grounded by harshly honest and entrancingly placed lyrics that carve a perfect bed for the unyielding male and female vocals. BreakEven is made up of Angelo Manzoeillo on guitar and lead male vocals, Juliana Kluever on female vocals, Mike Licari on drums, and Dan Patt on bass.
DJ TEENAGE KICKS
MILYTANT AND THE HAZETONES
A Chicago based reggae band, Milytant and The Hazetones are making waves even as they prepare to release their first set of recordings. Come see what folks are calling “the most energetic performance of the evening!”
FADA DOUGOU
BURKINA FASO WorldArtist (Fada Dougou)The Man of Many Styles.Fada Tours The Us, Canada, Asia and Europe For Years Doing 12 Styles of Music in Four Languages
WARRIOR KING
Like a bolt of lightning from the sky, Rasta messenger Warrior King has burst upon the scene, utilizing his gift of song to spread Jah truth throughout the land.Warrior King was born on the 27th of July, 1979, in Kingston’s Jubilee Hospital, soon moving to Clarendon, then settling in the growing city of Portmore at age eleven. “From birth I’ve always loved music, but it was not until I attended high school at the age of thirteen that I thought about it as something I could do myself,” Warrior King explains. “At that time I followed Bounty Killer’s style, but then my friend Warrior Mark, him said, ‘You have the potential. You have the talent.’ From there I started increasing my own thing, and with encouragement from my peers and inspiration and t’ing, the music started to flow.”
Like many successful Jamaican entertainers, Warrior King gained his earliest stage experience in talent shows. “I started out with school concerts at first,” he says. “At the time when I just came inna music, I used to do some combinations with a yout’ named Likkle Blacks, Marlon Stewart. We used to do Tastee’s Talent Show together, so we could really start getting exposed and gain experience.” When he first started out Warrior King chatted in a hardcore deejay style, like his original hero, Bounty. A switch to the more holistic “singjay” sound came gradually. “It’s a natural thing what just grow inside of me, even without me realizing,” the singer reasons. “People started telling me they hear I can sing now. So, really and truly it’s just a natural change.” Even his name is an extension of this evolution. “I changed my name from ‘Junior King’ to ‘Warrior King’ because it have a more spiritual feel to it. Fighting against oppression, fighting against wrong. I’m Jah warrior, yuh know, fighting a war of rootical love.
Warrior King’s 2001 debut single, “Virtuous Woman,” was an international smash, its righteous lyrics prompting the Jamaica Observer to declare the singer “one of the artistes who made a difference in 2001.” Since that auspicious beginning, Warrior King’s compositions have consistently charted not only in his native Jamaica, but throughout the entire Caribbean, as well as New York, London, Tokyo and beyond. “A Friend Indeed” is currently getting heavy rotation in Jamaica, while “Jah Is Always There” was a recent summer smash on Atlanta’s More Fire chart. The inclusion of “Never Go Where Pagans Go” on VP Records’ compilation set “Reggae Gold 2002” further raised the artist’s profile. Also included are “Virtuous Woman,” “Never Go Where the Pagans Go” and other compositions that have built Warrior King’s reputation.
Now the conscious singer has released his first full-length album. His VP Records debut, Virtuous Woman, features production by such heavy hitters as Sheldon ‘Calibud’ Stewart, Richard “Chabano” Brown, Lion Paw and Penthouse as well as guest appearances by Jahmali and dub poet, DYCR. With titles like “Love Jah and Live” and “Boast Not Myself,” the CD’s seventeen tracks are designed, says Warrior King, to “uplift people’s heart, mind and soul in a positive way. All of the songs are written by me, through inspiration of the Father. Everybody can relate to a song on the album, I’m sure of that.” The album opens up with “Power To Chant,” a spiritual invocation of Jah that neatly sets the tone for what’s to follow. Each song featured on the cd has a different style, but the message emphasizes purity and truth.
Warrior King believes that education is the key to betterment and hopes that his music will serve to convey the teachings of His Imperial Majesty, Hailie Selassie I. “As a Rastafarian you just don’t sing music, you sing music with a purpose and a mission. To the four corners of the Earth,” says Warrior King, “I carry my music, and the message of the King. And the message of love, to all people of all races.”
Photo & text courtesy of VP Records-Walboomers Music.
YABBA GRIFFITHS
A multi-talented musician whose repertoire includes vocalist, song writer, performer, arranger, band leader, guitarist and producer, Marcus Yabba Griffiths was born in Manchester Parish, Jamaica, and from age 11 he lived in Kingston. A member of the vocal group, Gold Tones, Griffiths recorded a single entitled “Girl Exposer” for Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle Label, and caught the attention of Rendford Cogle (songwriter for the Melodians). Cogle wrote “Lock Love Away” for Griffiths to sing on Sonia Pottinger’s Hi-Note label and, in 1969, the song went to #8 on the Top Ten charts in Jamaica. This same year he recorded a song for Clancy Eccles, “Don’t Break The Heart That Love You,” and later re-recorded the song – and another which was never released – for Clement “Coxsone” Dodd of Studio One.
Moving from singing to playing quitar as a studio musician, Griffiths worked with the great musicians and singers of Jamaica – Bunny Wailer, Soul Syndicate, Gregory Isaacs, Roots Radics, Carlton and Family Man Barrett, Winston Wright, Lynn Taitt, Jackie Mittoo, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, The Tamlins, Bobby Colphat, and many others.
Griffiths joines Charles Hannah and The Graduates in 1972, and 1974 found him touring Jamaica with Solid Foundation. During this time, he recorded the first version of his big hit, “Devil Woman,” featuring the Tamlins; Devil Woman was released as a single in the U.S. and U.K. in 1976 and captured “hit song” status in metropolitan New York and Chicago.
In 1976, he toured the U.S. with Big Youth and the band Creation. After the tour ended he joined the Black Eagles (now known as Morgan Heritage), then moved to New York City in 1977 to form Yahtova (God Love). Still based in New York, Griffiths, with Patrick “Shaka” Hochen, founded Traxx in 1979; Griffiths and Traxx relocated to Chicago, IL., in 1980, briefly joining forces with Aligator Records.
GIZZAE
Hailing from the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica, the Ancient and Holy Lands of Ethiopia, and the South Side of Chicago, comes the award winning reggae music of Gizzae.
OUR GLASS
Led by 2011 NIU jazz studies graduate Chris Goranson (guitar/vocals) and David Click (guitar/vocals), a self-proclaimed DeKalb townie and founder of local music festival, Stompkee, Ourglass is complete with Matthew Judson (drums/vocals), junior NIU jazz percussion major, Mark Walters (bass), and Danielle Guilini (violin), 2011 NIU classical violin performance graduate.
Sharing influences from the vast ‘90s alternative rock scene (from Nirvana to Radiohead), Goranson and Click branch out from there. The former brings to Ourglass his love for the modern blues of My Morning Jacket and the Black Keys, the latter, his nostalgia for the psychedelics of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. As if this juxtaposition wasn’t intense enough, vocal melodies are complimented by Guilini, German classical violin scholar, and the beat is kept by Judson, aka Mot Juste, world music avant-garde.
KINDA GOOD
Taking in all the influences that can be found in two brothers from Alexandria, Indiana and a psychodelic drummer from chicago. Stir, salt to taste.
THE BIPOLAR TRANSMISSION
Semi-hollow Epiphone guitars, Big Muff bass pedals, drum machines, reverb, Vox AC30, space, reverb, Echo, Sitar, Brian Jonestown Massacre, 70’s AM radio, road trips, the desert, reverb, analog tape, digital binary, the future of the past
FRESH KILS
From behind the boards to the stage, there’s not a spot of ground Fresh Kils’ prolific career hasn’t touched. And not just hip hop. It’s true, you’ll see Saigon and Ali Shaheed (ATCQ) grace his resume, but you’ll also find the likes of Ron Sexsmith & The Buena Vista Social Club. His prowess on the MPC has seen him share the stage with many of hip hop’s legends (Nas, De La Soul) as well as the best of the underground. With momentum & accolades growing each year, Fresh Kils’ is poised for a sound system takeover unlike any we’ve seen in a long time. You’ve been warned… Price is Right Routine: Fresh Kils – Price Is Right Routine
MAD DUKEZ
Mad Dukez has been steadily building buzz in the Upstate New York indie scene for quite some time now. A versatile artist’s artist, Dukez has a broad belt of skills: from the stamina to freestyle for hours without end, to painting vivid pictures with precise, articulate lyrics and uncanny inflections, to vocally harmonizing across octaves with the soul of a classic Motown record. Additionally, Mad Dukez has opened up for a wide range of headliners — from Aloe Blacc to Sadat X to Blueprint– just more proof that this newcomer is truly a renaissance hip hop emcee. Mad Dukez is currently promoting his upcoming debut, GETTIN’ GATSBY’D, a conceptual album paying homage to the roaring twenties and the short-lived decadence of that decade. Entirely produced by Toronto producer champion Fresh Kils, the unique pairing has resulted in smooth, energetic flows floating over original sample-free hip-hop compositions, with a hell of a live show attached, as you can see: Mad Dukez and Fresh Kils – Enter The Dragon …as well as here: Mad Dukez – Monsters (Official Video)
MR. F
Mr. F is a Ska/Reggae/Jazz Fusion group that was formed by members from the Macomb based band AF7 along with some of their friends from other groups. Using their various backgrounds in musical studies and experiences the main goal is to get you dancing. The influences from many genres help separate Mr.F from what you hear everyday through your headphones.
THE DIGGITY
For nine years their sound has evolved. Following an exchange of musicians and a wave of new musical influences, The Diggity now highlights the talent of eight individuals from Northwest Indiana that work to create an original sound built on the foundation of diverse musical interests. The group has achieved a new sound over the past two years with additional keyboards, backing vocals, drum samples, and songwriting styles. Funky electronic rock music would sum up the sound of The Diggity in the fewest of words. Many genres, including hip hop, blues, and electronica have influenced the music that is not only performed live by the group but recorded locally in northwest Indiana. Following the June 2010 release of “Another Wondrous Conversation,” the band released their third, self produced album titled “Human Skills” in February of 2012. A powerful live performance and unique on-stage antics with crowd participation has found The Diggity touring around the Midwest, playing frequently at music festivals, clubs, and bars in both Indiana and neighboring states. Check ’em out.
THE CHICAGO ROVERS
TAKE ONE CAR
Take One Car is a group of good friends and family, from Upstate, NY, brought together by some collective desire to make music. We’ve spent the last 4 years performing, traveling, writing & recording in some form or another. In February, we plan to release our second full-length album, It’s Going To Be A Nice Day. We have spent the last year working, pretty much non stop, on making it an album that “WE” love…an album we would listen to. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding periods this band has been through. We hope you enjoy it!
LONELY TRAILER
Lonely Trailer is a 3 piece band from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Originally active ~1989 – 1996, reformed as of fall 2009
INGLISH, LOUISE & MCKINLEY
INGLISH, LOUISE & MCKINLEY is a vivacious female folk act comprised of three songwriters, all of whom are consummate musicians and powerful singers.
Over the years, these women have nurtured independent careers as touring songwriters and performers and are now coming together to present a cutting edge progressive folk act informed by the 1970s spirit of Crosby, Stills & Nash. The show is built on excellent original songwriting, packed tight with harmonies, and steeped with musical collaboration. The project began as a duo of Inglish & Louise, but has recently been fleshed out to the full trio sound with the addition of Santa Cruz songwriter Kendra McKinley.
GABRIELLE LOUISE, hailing from Boulder, Colorado, is a nationally touring troubadour noted for her poignant lyrics and lush voice. One moment folkie and ethereal, the next a smoky jazz chanteuse, Gabrielle follows her creativity through many sonic landscapes and topical themes. The through line? A gentle invitation for her listener to release their grip on the status quo. (More information at www.gabriellelouise.com.)
ERIN INGLISH, a native of the California Central Coast, plays solid Scruggs-style banjo, and her unique presentation of voice and banjo is reminiscent of the sounds of John Hartford. Erin has lived in India, Madagascar, Bulgaria and Serbia, and her songwriting reflects her worldly travels and grounding passion for sustainability and social justice (www.erininglish.com.)
KENDRA MCKINLEY – Santa Cruz, Calif. singer/songwriter Kendra McKinley combines captivating vocal melodies with intricate guitar-picking and piano accompaniment, luring in a wide range of listeners. Kendra also specializes in creating refreshingly complex harmonies on a loop pedal, layering her extensive vocal range and bringing the rowdiest crowd to a total standstill. (www.kendramckinley.com)
ALEX HOFFER TRIO
Gritty, soulful and honest. Alex Hoffer is a Joliet based Singer/Songwriter that has been playing all over the Chicagoland area for the past five years. With recent shows at Milwaukee’s, Turner Hall Ballroom and an appearance on Chicago’s, Windy City Live (ABC), Alex has been getting some major attention. Soul/Blues/Folk. Come out, and “Move Your Soul”. You’ll be happy you did.
EXTERMINATE ALL RATIONAL THOUGHT
Exterminate All Rational Thought is an instrumental progressive rock quartet based in Fort Wayne, IN. All of the members have attended various music schools and workshops, thus extending their appreciation of all styles and genres within and outside of the music industry. Their music aspires to be a perfect blend of rhythmic motifs and polyphony that is intellectually stimulating, yet not so complicated as to be inaccessible. Featuring unorthodox chord progressions, strange but beautiful harmonic structures, and an impressive dynamic range all joined together into one cohesive unit, E.A.R.Thought is unlike any other ensemble in their area. They welcome and encourage you to listen and devise your own mental images as to what each individual song is speaking to you. – S.R.
RYAN MIERA
Ryan has been involved in the Chicago independent music scene for 10 years now. He currently fronts local underground mysterious legends, The Limbos. He also has a no-fi solo project under the name Yellow Candy. He’s the head music director at ComedySportz in Chicago’s lakeview neighborhood. He’s played piano aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines and recorded with local audio master, Steve Albini.
CAST IRON SKILLET
ROANOKE
We’re a post-Hardcore / experimental band from Rockford, Illinois
EVERY MINUTE CAN KILL
“Seriously, why the fuck have they not been picked up by a label yet?” – Lexington Music Press
BRANDY ROW
”Brandy Row has been at the forefront of London’s underground rock n roll scene for the last eight years. Never fitting into the mold of posh kid gone bad or mid European desperately trying to emulate a form of British culture that never was, Brandy Row is the real thing. He has come from a broken background in a deadend town outside London and has spent most of his life challenging the identikit mold that has been cast for all around him.
Playing in numerous bands in the last decade his current incarnation is that of acoustic folk chanteuse taking centre stage alone in every dirty bar, street, club venue that England, Europe and America has to offer, earning him the title of the hardest working young man in underground rock n roll today. He also fronts a nine piece band, bringing you high energy rock n roll that clashes from all different genres, and plays lead guitar in 1977 style punk band
Brandy is a creative tour de force that has come equipped with the weapons to cut himself a path from the mediocrity. a one man army. that shows no sign of surrender! get ready”
BLACK TIE ELEPHANT
Black Tie Elephant is a midwest post-rock outfit formed in 2006 that combines lush string arrangements and scattered beats, creating massive post-classical inspired soundscapes. Band member Farsheed Hamidi-Toosi (drums) has a long history playing with electronic/hip-hop groups (Animate Objects, Arthur Hamidi, Agent Mos, Zirafa) and Brendan Finucane (cello) has been playing experimental cello for most of his life and currently also plays with Chicago based baroque-core heavy hitters The Paver. Together they combine their knowledge of soul, post-rock and chamber music to create a uniquely lush combination that is informed and inspired by bands such as Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Slint, Medeski Martin & Wood, and Tortoise. They currently have a newly anticipated EP that will be released in early February 2013, recorded at their cooperative recording studio, Soapbox Music Recording Studios that they share with such bands as Bike Cops, Rabble Rabble, and Orange Drink.
THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS
Formed in June 2009, The Precious Moments deliver a high wire circus act of great pop hooks complete with smart ass lyrics and frenetic show that is certain to delight.
The Precious Moments is fronted by uber-charismatic front man Adam Voss, ex-leader of California’s Adam Has Crabs and Chicago’s own The Sissy Drinkers. Inured in the Chicago Music scene, Lead Guitarist Chris Brandt hollows out the core with his refreshingly musical sensibility, while established tug-boat Dan DeMichele delivers incongruously propulsive bass lines to the hard-to-describe mix and former swimsuit model Pete Nocito pounds home the rhythms on drums.
The band’s love of British pop, rock n’ roll and new wave is clearly evident in their own original material, however it’s hard to put a finger on the Precious Moments experience.
YOUNG DOYAN
23 year old up and coming rapper from Chicago, IL using his talents to be able to openly express himself and engage with anyone who has a love for solid, real music.
DANIEL
Daniel is a band that was formed by accident on a drizzly October day in Kalamazoo, MI. Since then, the band has lived here and there and has never had an official line-up until October of 2012, two years after its founding. After these two years of set-backs, serendipity, irony, circumstance, drama, and confusion, the band finally has both feet on the ground and is ready to proudly wear a sticker nametag that reads “Hello, my name is Daniel.”
WOOD GROOVE
Wood Groove is comprised of musicians with years of experience and have worked together in preview bands who are ready to bring you some of the finest from acoustic instruments!
WILLIAM KURK AND THE ENTERPRISE
William comes from a long lineage of musicians and has himself been performing professionally since the age of 16 beginning with the legendary late Ken Chaney’s big band. He soon began touring with the Dells, Marvelettes, and others while finishing a degree in composition at Columbia. Kurk has since continued to work as a musical director for several local theatre companies as well as accompany names like Paulina Rubio, Dionne Warwick, Martha Reeves, Koko Taylor, Stanley Jordan, and many others. The Enterprise is made up of talented roster of musicians and dancers that explores the outer regions of Kurk’s music.
THE GAMEMEN
The GameMen puts a funky, rockin’ twist to your favorite video game tunes.
SOUL LOW
Started in 2009. We were once children, and now we pay grown up bills.
HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS
New Chicago music outfit known as High Energy Physics. Featuring members of Kerosene Stars, Mooner, Wells-next-the-Sea, & Youngest Son.
FAREWELL CAPTAIN
We’ve all been kicking around town in bands for years – some more popular than others. As mentioned, we like rock, beer and volume. Order optional. We just finished our second record, “Won’t Risk An Explosion.” We’re happy with it. You can listen to it here:
CHRIS MCFARLAND
Since his first release in 1999, Chris McFarland has been a constant force in the acoustic indie/DIY scene. Whether solo, or with backing musicians, McFarland posses an intimate quality that grabs the listener and pulls them into the story of the song.
Chris has shared stages with national acts such as: Neko Case, Bright Eyes, Granddaddy, Rainer Maria, Mates of State, Britt Daniel (of Spoon), The Dirty Three, & Denali just to name a few.
A true road warrior, his tour schedule shows a dedication to his craft, and he can be found crossing the United States several months of the year.
With music being classified as everything from angry folk/singer-songwriter to percussive rock, McFarland’s diverse influences have combined for a truly unique and personal sound.
PAT BROWN
I am a singer / songwriter from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
CHOO JACKSON
After a successful Group career with Phresh Muney “CHOO JACKSON” makes his solo career a reality and ventures out with the blessing from Phresh money! With the strong backing and support from (Mac Miller) MOST DOPE theres endless possibilities for chop jackson! Check out his first video and song as a solo artist and make sure to keep up with his career as it evolves
CISCO ADLER
Cisco Adler is a Singer/Songwriter/Producer from Malibu, California known for bringing back the “California Sound.”. He is one half of the alternative hip hop group Shwayze. The duo have released two records that have reached Number #1 on the US Itunes charts and their self-titled first album debuted at #10 on the US Billboard Charts and gave us the hit singles Buzzin’ and Corona and Lime. Their most recent album LET IT BEAT is in stores now and has spawned the ubiquitous club hit GET U HOME.
Cisco has also co-written and produced songs for Mickey Avalon , Dirt Nasty, Andre Legacy, Cold Flamez, Tabi bonney, The Knux, Lil Jon, G. Love, Roxy Cottontail, Unwritten Law, Big B, and more. He has had songs in The Hangover, Tropic Thunder, Sorority Row, Final Destination, Gossip Girl, The Hills, and is currently music supervising and composing the entire score and soundtrack for a new film called Mothers Little Helper starring James Belushi. He is managed by industry veteran Jordan Schur and Suretone Management whos only other acts are Limp Bizkit and The Cure. He is also an avid cartoonist and painter and overall Bon Vivant. Cisco recently started Bananabeat Records and signed his first artitst Chris Young the Rapper. Chris has release two critically acclaimed mixtapes The Moodswing EP and 619
THE GOLD WEB
The Gold Web is Chicago’s art-glam monstrosity. Known for their highly theatrical stage shows, the group doses audiences with blissful grooves, dramatic songwriting, and an outrageous visual performance.
Brandishing 6-foot wings, glitter, feathers, and face paint, The Gold Web look like they flew out of David Lynch’s dream, or Lady Gaga’s nightmare. Musically things are a little clearer– and even more irresistible; the group’s self-titled debut album traffics a charismatic brand of forward thinking indie-pop marked by surreal synths, rump shaking beats, and futuristic guitar wizardry.
Assembled out of a lineage of Chicago bands and visual artists, members of The Gold Web cut their teeth touring with acts like KISS and Smashing Pumpkins, while other members curated notable galleries and pushed the boundaries of performance art communities. The result is a dreamy freak world which raises more questions than it answers. Where are we going? Will we be safe once we get there? Will we ever want to leave?
SICK/SEA
Imagine a sequestered town at the southern brink of the Lone Star State whose townsfolk claim as much cultural heritage from the bordering country as they do from their own. A place that seems contradictory being such a small town in the largest of U.S. states. It is in this setting that the emerging band, Sick/Sea finds its roots. While their hometown might be small, the music from the Magic Valley is anything but little. The tight-knit music community found there is making waves that are flowing out past the edges of Texas, spilling into the south at large. Several critically acclaimed groups hail from the area and Sick/Sea is a part of the growing current.
The sibling-members Audrey and Cameron Scott joined together to create what might be called a ‘trend-breaking’ type of music, having fused the multi-genre sounds of their childhood into one splendid style featuring elements of Indie, Jazz, Rock and even a breath of Hardcore. Their unique songs are strung together by mellifluous, reverb-laden guitars whose dream-like tones could have easily been recorded in an echoing cave on a deserted island in that longed-for ocean from which the band’s name is derived. Cameron’s dynamically energetic drumming, combined with the succinct and jazz-like bass riffs, create a diverse and mature sound. Perhaps it is the vocals that give Sick/Sea that finishing touch which sets them apart from the rest. The lyrics are honest — every word intentional. The warm, articulate performance of Audrey Scott is easy to sing along with — a rarity when coupled with the caliber of wit present in each and every song this southern Texas band crafts together. Theirs are songs of life and love and the discernment gained through human relationship.
It is child-like adventure that brought Sick/Sea together, cherishing such works of literary fiction as Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island.’ It is this same adventurous spirit that propels them forward as musicians, having completed successful tours, and plans in motion to move to the Texas music capital of Austin. Their course is set and the horizon towards which they sail looks ever brighter.
METALLICA “KILL ‘EM ALL”
Kill ‘Em All is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica.
FAITH NO MORE “ANGELDUST”
Angel Dust is the fourth studio album by American rock band Faith No More.
MIKE FLOOD & CO.
FAMILIES
Families consists of three folk story tellers, with souls of grass and minds made out of the mountains, weaving personal tales from the Bible. Families is about community, folklore, and the Kingdom.
They love to play music with friends, inviting them to pick up instruments and play along, and are used to playing in living rooms, basements, coffee shops, and parks.
DEATHFACE
Named “Artist To Watch 2011” by Beatportal, Deathface (AKA Johnny Love and vocalist Effy) comes at you hard with a sound inspired by Midwest hardcore of the 90’s, Magic the Gathering, woodland bonfire parties, white trash drug debauchery, Atari Teenage Riot, and Aleister Crowley. It’s the soundtrack to The Omen’s Damien Thorn and The Exorcist’s Regan MacNeil dropping 2C-B at Anton LaVey’s first rave.
Scary, right? Now for some history…
Johnny Love is one of the most provocative figures in dance music. A native of Southside Chicago, Johnny rose to infamy in his hometown in the early 2000’s via a series of events he threw at The Jerkstore which shunned predictable-dance-rock for eclectic and loose cuts from minimal techno and French touch house. The parties got so wild that Love was imprisoned by the Chicago police on more than one occasion and was constantly featured in both local and national magazines like Timeout Chicago, URB, and XLR8R.
With things too hot in Chicago, Johnny moved to Los Angeles and formed Guns N’ Bombs. The hard-hitting electro-house duo were quickly offered a contract by Kitsuné founder Gildas Loaec in 2006, making Love the first American to be recognized by the French Electro elite. He soon became a seminal player in the formation of the current American EDM scene, remixing acts like Chromeo, The KLaxons, The Gossip, Junior Senior, The Cult, The Teenagers, and Ghostface Killa.
After a vast amount of critical acclaim and the making of many friends, enemies and frenemies, Guns N’ Bombs disbanded in 2009 and Johnny decamped to a hideaway in Brooklyn to craft Deathface’s swift and deadly takeover.
Recent collaborations include an amazing t-shirt through Mishka (designed by Seattle’s death-rock-obsessed streetwear giants Actual Pain), three releases on taste making label Trouble & Bass, remixes for Marilyn Manson, Creep, Buraka Som Sistema, Huoratron, Blessure Grave, Drop the Lime, Mexican Institute of Sound, autoKratz, Kid606, and tracks featured on the new Max Payne 3 game.
“Put this kid on before The Prodigy and they’ll find any excuse not to go on…Deathface transports hardcore rave into the next decade. Adrenaline driven….and trust me when I say this , it’s not some paid-for opinion which is included in some marketing budget. Awesome & dangerous.”
BILL THOMAS TRIO
Bill Thomas Trio is the embodiment of real Chicago blues. Born & bred from the traditional “West Side Chicago” sound, BT3 puts on a dynamic roots driven stage show that will keep all lovers of all styles of blues coming back for more.
Bill Thomas started playing guitar at the age of 12 and came to the blues at the age of 14 upon discovering Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has been living and playing the blues since that day.
The drummer is always the core that drives any great band, blues or otherwise, and John Martellotta is no exception. As a relative newcomer to playing blues, John brings his New Orleans tinged jazz and rock background to the mix, creating a heavy, poly-rhythmic groove that goes anywhere from delicate and subtle to full bombast. His ability to to take traditionally simple blues tunes and apply deep, moving rhythms that propel the songs forward in unique ways are his specialty. Playing drums since the early age of 7, John cites his major influences as Stanton Moore, Keith Carlock, Jojo Mayers and “Zigaboo” Modeliste.
Ray Somera is one of those musicians that drive other musicians crazy. While most of us strive to play one instrument well, Ray can play the hell out of anything with strings. As the bass player in the BT3, he keeps things anchored and heavy, anticipating Bill’s every musical move and adjusting accordingly. Bill considers Ray his musical mentor and his brother from another mother. Ray is also a virtuosic guitar player and is a master jazz musician.
SCOTT DANGERFIELD & CRASH COUNTY
Crash County was formed during the summer of 2009 with singer Scott Dangerfield, drummer Patrick Gonyo, guitarist Jacob Brenwall, and bassist Chris Bartel. After a year hiatus from their previous band, the members picked up their instruments once again and began to write new music. It began with weekend jam sessions in the basement of Scott and Jake’s house in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. After a few sessions it became clear that their musical chemistry did not depart during their time away from music. Work on their first album began in earnest.
In early 2011, Crash County received an unexpected boost when singer Scott Dangerfield appeared on the Milwaukee audition episode of Fox’s hit TV show American Idol. Following his soulful rendition of Amos Lee’s “Dreamin’,” judge Jennifer Lopez exclaimed “You might be my favorite so far!” Similar praise was heaped on by Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler, and the internet was soon buzzing with Dangerfield’s name. Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment to the UW Milwaukee School of Education, Scott decided to forgo Hollywood week and remain in Wisconsin to finish his college education. However, his brief appearance on Idol gained Crash County numerous followers around the globe who tuned in to their YouTube page every week to watch videos of Scott and the band performing original music and cover songs. Scott again auditioned for Idol’s eleventh season and once more received a golden ticket. This time around, he was able to follow through and made it to the Top 42 round before being eliminated.
Crash County released their self-produced and self-recorded album “Home” in June 2012. Heavily influenced by artists old and new, Crash County’s signature style blends heavy blues riffs with catchy melodies and blazing guitar solos into an album that is all their own. It is available through their online STORE (link), or digitally through ITUNES (link) and CD BABY (link). Crash County has played dozens of shows throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, and is most frequently booked in the Milwaukee area. They are currently hard at work on their second full-length record, which will be released sometime late in 2013.
ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN
When Anneke van Giersbergen started her solo career back in 2007, she had already been the frontwoman of Dutch metal pioneers The Gathering for 13 years. Together with her band Agua de Annique she released several outstanding albums to both critical and popular acclaim in a short period of time which immediately put her in the picture as a solo artist.
She was also involved in several interesting co-operations with the likes of Within Temptation (“Black Symphony” 2008), eccentric multi-talent Devin Townsend (“Addicted” 2009) and long-time friends Anathema (“Falling Deeper” 2011).Over the last few years, Anneke van Giersbergen has been exploring her musical boundaries to the fullest. In 2008, together with Dutch A-list bands Racoon and Bløf, she recorded a song in her native language: “Als je ooit nog eens terug kan”, which shot straight to #1 on the Dutch charts.
THE ALTERNATIVE SOUL SERIES
RITUALS – RFK – P.O.E.T. – TOTAL ELEGANCE
2 SIDES OF SOULFUL ENTERTAINMENT
THE ALTERNATIVE SOUL SERIES
VINCE ADAMS, J. IMANI, KOKO, CHRIS UNDERWOOD
THE CHICAGO POETRY REVIEW
RITUALS – RFK – P.O.E.T. – TOTAL ELEGANCE
2 SIDES OF SOULFUL ENTERTAINMENT
A Collaboration and Showcase of “The Chicago Spoken Word Soul Music Movement” featuring live music by “Soul People”
INNERSIEGE
InnerSiege is a Melodic Power Metal Band from Illinois, USA.
Debut release, Kingdom of Shadows, available from Roxx Records – 12/11/12
GATEKRASHÖR
Violent poser crushing speed assault.
DEMON BITCH
“By the evil and dark spirit of heavy metal we were invoked to come forth cloven hoofed and forked of tongue.. we are the friends of Hell.”
ASHES OF AVARICE
A metal band from the midwest lands of Illinois.