KEVIN GATES

It’s not often the music industry is graced with an artist like Kevin Gates: Southern-bred and raised by the streets with unmatched lyrical creativity, universal appeal, boyish good looks, college educated, a knack for learning, and an unexpected desire to love those around him. Press play on a Kevin Gates record and you’ll instantly know he’s the truth.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kevin discovered his musical talents at an early age. His grandmother, grandfather and mother all played music, so it was no surprise when the young artist started writing his own raps while in 7th grade. With a passion for rhymes and academic intelligence beyond his years, Kevin was well on his way to becoming a budding star. But, his life took a drastic turn during 8th grade when his grandfather died. As the only solid father figure in his life, the loss hit young Kevin hard and he took to hustling on the streets to cope with his emotions. After brief stints in and out of juvenile detention, Kevin set up a studio inside of his grandmother’s house and started recording his raps at 17 years old. He eventually put out three well-received mixtapes titled “Pick of Da Litter,” “All or Nothin” and “All In.” Kevin recalls, “The All or Nothin mixtape is one of my favorite mixtapes I ever did. But if you go back and listen to all of them, it’s really my bio because everything I was going through at the time, I did it.” However, his progress abruptly came to a halt when he caught a 3-year prison sentence and later released in 2011.

Kevin immediately took to the studio to express what was going on in his life and walked out with his fourth street mixtape titled “Don’t Know What to Call It Vol. 1.” The project attracted regional attention and created a fast-spreading buzz hyping Kevin as a Southern force to reckon with. Never one to cause a problem and always respectful of others, Kevin gained respect while growing up in his neighborhood streets which subsequently turned into widespread support of his honest music. “I really used music as my diary. Everything I rap about I did. I go rap about what happened today then leave out the studio and go back to my little block that I run,” explains Kevin.

With his buzz spreading from the streets to the suburbs throughout Louisiana, Kevin caught the attention of rap superstar Lil Wayne who flew him out to Miami to record a few tracks. Soon after, Young Money Cash Money became Kevin’s official representation and his new manager “Fee” would help catapult Kevin’s career to the next level. In April 2012, the certified artist put out his hottest mixtape yet titled “Make Em Believe,” with his highly praised singles “Satellite” and “Love You” that garnered over 2 million hits on YouTube. The southern emcee went on to work with the likes of Master P, Akon, Birdman, Young Scooter, Lil Boosie, Jim Jones, Pusha T and Nut Da Kid and paired up with heavy hitter producers including Kane Beatz, ID Labs, Justice League, The Maven Boys and Jim Johnson.

Riding the wave of his recent mixtape success, Kevin dropped his debut full-length album titled “In the Meantime” on iTunes in late 2012. The compilation of street bangers established Kevin Gates as a new artist to watch, converting fans young and old, of different cultures and backgrounds. He will release new projects every 90 days starting with his upcoming mixtape “The Luca Brasi Story” slated to drop in February. “This is a commitment I made to my fans. I realized how big of an impact my music makes to them and I know what it was like for me when I needed music the most, so I’m going to keep putting it out for people who love it,” says Kevin.

While maintaining his growing star power, the Southern street king also makes executive decisions at the helm of his own record label “Breadwinners Association,” home to two budding artists Percy Keith and Terrence Hines. He also finds time to take part in an achievement academy in his hometown where he speaks to young middle and high school students about the importance of making right choices in life. “I think my greatest attribute is I love people. It’s not difficult for me to put myself in the shoes of another person. I love people and that’s my niche. I believe my music is very honest, brutally honest.” And that’s why we can’t get enough of Kevin Gates.

 

RAY CASHMAN

Ray Cashman is a Texas Bluesman and Roots Rock -n- Roller, an interesting person as the man fits into the American roots scene perfectly. His original compilations are a Texas Gulf coast musical gumbo of sorts. His amplified sound is solid, reminiscent of a Muddy Waters presentation and his lyrics extremely expressive.

CHRIS PADGETT

Leo Kottke, Al Di Meola, and Clarence White are just a few guitar players that come to mind when you hear Chris Padgett play. This young road-hog has been touring nationwide the last five years with powerhouse duo, The StereoFidelics, and has performed well over 1,000 shows in that time. It’s hard to believe someone so young and not classically trained can have such ingenuity and craftsmanship over his instrument. Classical, Flamenco, American Primitivism, and folk… syncopated finger picking style, thrash flat-picking, and a unique voice; always an amazing performance and a real treat in a world of so many synonymous solo performers.

JADAM JAMES AND THE MULTIFELONS

What began as a handful of acoustic songs from the twisted mind of Jadam James morphed into a full-on band with the addition of the Multifelons and a damn near full length recording, “Smokin’ Guns and Broken Hearts”, recorded in 2010 and completed in 2011….fast forward to 2013 and 3 more high energy songs from Jadam James and the Multifelons. Stay tuned to see whats next…

THE MICHAEL HARPER PROJECT 1967

The Michael Harper Project 1967 (TMHP1967) is a hot new retro rock reggae rhythm & blues band! WOW! What an exciting mix of musical genres… and it works and appeals to everyone.

We love to have fun and keep the party going with high energy. The band is reminiscent of great American, and International Stax & Motown artists of the 1960’s like The Rolling Stones, Otis Redding & Temptations.

TMHP1967 cover’s the hottest song of various artist on our show with our high energy original hits that
are already proving to become the fan-favorites.

DEEP FAYED

Alternative hip-hop group Deep Fayed is multi-faceted, heavy-hitting, party rocking, soulful, raise your hand up and get down with us, urban-anthemic, truth-filled, lyrically conscious, ready to lift you up in the whirlwind of electric, enthralling sound that’s redefining the Chicago music scene. Deep Fayed fuses funk, rock, neo-soul, synth, folk, and dub into their music, while keeping hip-hop as the group’s core.

Little Atlas

LITTLE ATLAS

Little Atlas has really carved out its own unique sound amid the current progressive rock landscape, creating compositions that range from haunting and dark, to frolicking and frenetic. Little Atlas is a work in progress – an ever-changing sound reflecting the mood and will of its creators. Their music has been described as “Music for Musicians” (Miami Herald) and as “Esoteric, yet familiar, complex yet catchy, a thoroughly unique sound and approach to song crafting” (Florida Jam Magazine).”

IMPLODES

Implodes is a Chicago quartet that has coalesced around guitarists Matt Jencik and Ken Camden in the last few years, with the group settling on their current lineup in 2009. The group has been hunkered down in a secret location, hard at work honing their craft, and occasionally venturing out for for signs of intelligent life in the real world, as well as the increasingly frequent live show. The first pronouncement from the group was a 2009 self-titled cassette, followed by a solo album from guitarist Ken Camden on kranky entitled Lethargy & Repercussions in early 2010.

 

VPN

Consider a band in 2013 hailing from Chicago, the one time Dance Industrial mecca of America. VPN is just such a band.
Driven by seasoned veterans with forward vision, VPN maligns the integrity of their sound with projects such as Depeche Mode and Garbage.
Turn off your mind, Turn on your head…Enter VPN

KUBLAI KHAN

Energetic, aggressive, and passionate music. A four piece metalcore band based in north Texas. We say whats on our hearts to express how we feel, who we are, what we stand for, and wont stand for, as well as the problems of our generation. In hopes of tapping into the underground and revealing the unseen lives and feelings of the youth in modern American society. We are fighting to make an impact in a music scape bogged down with meaningless lyrics and recycled with mindless music. Trying to push messages that often get overlooked or ignored in the nation today, hoping to use our music as a vessel to relate with people and emit hope.

THE LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE

Formed in April of 2010 and making music ever since.

I DECLARE WAR

For Seattle’s I Declare War, one of the new heavyweights in the deathcore scene today, there are conflicting stories as to where the band’s name actually originated from. All five members can agree that hip hop was the influence, either based on the Jay-Z tour or the Pace Won album, both of which bear the same name. The fact that the deathcore band’s name is inspired by hip hop is not ironic at all, as I Declare War will concur that their diverse musical influences help keep their sound unique and fresh.

After a few lineup changes while growing the band, they eventually evolved into their current lineup as members were introduced to each other through the local Seattle music scene. As other bands began to disperse, the I Declare War lineup was solidified and grew stronger with each lineup addition. Guitarist Chris Fugate had the ultimate experience, beginning as a fan of the band who was eventually asked to fill in on a brief tour, and later asked to permanently join the band.

While on tour in 2007, the band crossed paths with well-known death metal band Whitechapel and formed not only a mutual respect amongst each other, but a lasting friendship. Two years later, Whitechapel’s Alex Wade approached I Declare War to join The Artery Foundation for management and become part of the yet-to-be-launched Artery Recordings roster. “Being signed to Artery Recordings was the best thing that could have happened to us. They’ve been great to us along with everyone at Razor & Tie, and I’m extremely excited for our future,” said bassist Brent Eaton. “We feel really connected and close to everyone there,” agreed guitarist Evan Hughes.

As heavy as I Declare War’s sound is, their message is just as poignant and serious. “Our lyrics are based on a lot of what we think is corrupt in the world today – government, religion, and the self-inflicted downfall of humanity,” stated Hughes. “We have elements of a lot of different styles but try to stray from sticking to a formula and to keep things interesting by not writing the same song 11 times.”

Touring is fundamental to the growth and development of I Declare War, and has proven to be key to their success. The technical skill of the band is showcased when they find themselves in front of fans and fellow musicians. “We feel the intensity just as much as someone watching, usually even more so,” Hughes explained. The band has already been touring nationwide for the past few years, but hopes to find themselves out of the country in the near future. “I hope to be an international band. I would like to reach out to more fans and really push to get our music out there,” drummer Ryan Cox stated in summation.

A force to be reckoned with in the deathcore scene, I Declare War shows no signs of slowing down. As Alternative Press said, “Five years in, they know exactly what they’re doing and they do it without hesitation or mercy.”

13 MONSTERS

Riffs, big beats, angelic singer..and a big muff guitar pedal.

THY ART IS MURDER

Rising from the unhallowed wastes of Western Sydney, extreme metal outfit Thy Art Is Murder have carved a trail of bloody mayhem since their inception in 2006. With an acclaimed EP and debut album in Infinite Death and The Adversary to their name, the band have traversed the highways and autobahns of Australia, the UK and Europe on a relentless crusade to destroy every venue and audience they can with like minded peers in a who’s who of heavy metal.

2012 brings a new ritual offering of darkness from the five piece. Simply titled Hate, the band’s second full length is the pointed result of Thy Art Is Murder’s growing dissatisfaction with all aspects of modern life – political, religious, social and environmental – everyone is to blame. Fusing the blasting technicality of metal luminaries The Black Dahlia Murder with thunderous breakdowns and the intensity born of their nascent hometown scene; the blackened grandeur of Behemoth and the pit churning groove of Tampa originators Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse, the furious musical arrangements provide a bloody canvas for vocalist CJ McMahon’s outpourings of bile.

No strangers to stoking controversy and criticism, the band have not toned down their art for the sake of palatability and have introduced a morose melodicism into their maelstrom – the rumination before pulling the trigger. With their best work to date ready to be unleashed on an unsuspecting world, Thy Art Is Murder will once again take to the road to unleash the Hate with one simple message – get in the pit or get out of the way.

ELECTRIC SKYLINE

An energetic four-piece, South Chicago based rock band with indie, new wave and punk influences.

DIAMOND JIM GREENE

When I was about 7 or 8 years I saw Blind Arvella Gray playing a National Steel resonator guitar on Ellis avenue near 63rd Street on the south side of Chicago. This was around 1958 or ’59. There was a large crowd of adults around him and when he finished the song he was playing, the adults begged him to play it again. Mr. Gray told the crowd ” I cain’t keep playin’ dis stuff fo’ nuthin’ now, dis is how I make my livin’!.” The adults around him could not get their hands inside their pockets fast enough. Arvella had a tin cup clipped to the lapel of his jacket pocket which the adults filled up with half dollars and quarters. Some of the coins spilled onto the sidewalk. Me being the closest person to the sidewalk, began picking up the overflow of coins and stuffed them inside Mr. Gray’s jacket pocket. Of course, I was taking my little cut for my labor, after which Mr. Gray launched into the tune again. I have not been the same since. After that day, I made it my mission in life to see and hear every guitar player who came into view on the streets and taverns in Chicago and there were plenty. My sound today is a combination of those guitar players, singers, harmonica and piano players. My Biography:

“Diamond” Jim Greene

I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago until I was 12. My family moved a lot spending time in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Kansas and West Virginia. I have performed in numerous blues band configurations over the years including with the Southern California-based, all acoustic, “Blues Ambassadors” during the mid 1980’s. Even while with the Blues Ambassadors I performed gigs solo or with just a harmonica player.

For the last 25 years, I have pretty much performed unplugged and solo, or with a harmonica player and/or upright bass and sometimes piano and tuba. The late John Cephas with Phil Wiggins, the late John Jackson, the late Archie Edwards, Paul Geremia, Roy Bookbinder, all of whom I had the pleasure of meeting and playing with during the mid 1980′s, remain constant influences as does fellow Chicagoan, the late “Honeyboy” Edwards.

I have toured extensively throughout Europe since 1995, spreading the good news about acoustic blues on major festival stages in the U.S. and abroad, including multiple years in the Chicago Blues Festival; the Long Beach Blues Festival and several years in the International Blues Festival at Lucerne, Switzerland, to name but a few.

My instruments of choice are prewar National Steels and 12 string guitars. At most of my gigs I play my Nationals plugged in or in front of an SM-57 Microphone. I have had the unbelievable pleasure of opening shows for James Cotton, Buddy Guy, the late Ike Turner, Otis Clay, the late KoKo Taylor, John Hammond, Duke Robillard, the late John Cephas & the still alive Phil Wiggins, Saffire (the Uppity Blues women), Sherman Robertson, Joe Louis Walker, Mississippi Heat, Lonnie Brooks, and a host of other well-established blues performers.

At the present time I am based out of Chicago, and I am looking forward to playing engagements both large and small all across America and the world just as I have done for over 20 years. I have a brand new CD, it’s called “Surrounded” and it is available now at CDbaby.com or by visiting www.diamondjimgreene.net. For more information including booking, please contact: Cooling Board Records P.O Box 940 Evanston, Illinois 60204 or email to fingerpicker@sbcglobal.net 

BEN BURNS

Ben got his start hauling is 70 lb Marshall stack to teen centers in suburban Wisconsin at age 15 – enthralled with the release live music offered, and the connection that came with good songwriting. Ten years later, he now lives in Chicago- where he started off playing open mics and has worked his way up to playing gigs at famed venues such as Subterrannean and the Beat kitchen.

MICHAEL ONEILL

Michael ONeill. Showcasing a new collection, this singer/songwriter with a “roots-rock” history and a soulful ease carries his listener into a time and place reminiscent of steel strings, guitar heroes, and great story-tellers like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. A living music legend, ONeill comes armed with vignettes of open-eyed romance, highway drama, and hard-earned tenderness – vocalized with the assurance and attitude that comes only from experience.

One of 13 children, he got started in music early. At the age of 24, he cut his teeth opening his first tour for a then-unknown band called U2. By the time the tour ended in Los Angeles, ONeill found himself signed with legendary manager Don Arden (father of Sharon Osbourne). A record deal followed soon after. ONeill put together a band that featured a young John Shanks (now superstar producer of Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrisette, Vertical Horizon, etc.), Kenny Gradney (Little Feat), and jazz saxophonist, Boney James. He spent the better part of the next ten years touring with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and penning songs with Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Steve Cropper (Booker T. and The MG’s), and Jason Scheff (Chicago). His band held down a weekly gig at the hottest club in town, The Central (now The Viper Room), playing to packed houses. As the ’90s approached, ONeill left Southern California for his hometown in the Pacific Northwest to raise horses and focus on his family. “I retreated to gain some perspective and try to keep my family together,” ONeill says, “I did pretty good on the perspective part.”

Quietly working on material for nearly a decade, ONeill found himself happily remarried and content. In 1999, he released “Dream On” to critical acclaim, garnering nation-wide airplay. His current work, “From the Beginning” is an uncommon album that documents an artist in his prime, a man who knows himself, strengths and weaknesses alike. Part country crooner, part haggard storyteller, ONeill makes a noise that is refreshingly classic. Drawing on heroes like Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan for inspiration, “From the Beginning” plays like old-time rock and roll, deceptively simple yet focused on craft and execution.

R. MUTT

Born in a Milwaukee basement in a puddle of stale beer, R. Mutt has been delivering their own brand of Rock and Roll in the Upper Midwest for some time now. While the list of influences is long and wide, the music is resolutely Rock and Roll.

DAN HUBBARD AND THE HUMADORS

Since 2003, Illinois-based singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard has released six albums and toured extensively through the Midwest and both coasts. In the process, he’s built a strong fan base, become a refined songwriter and earned critical acclaim for his efforts. With his foundation in the classic sounds of Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Neil Young and Jackson Browne, Hubbard carries songs of love, loss and soul searching (and occasionally getting drunk enough to forget it all). Like the influential front-men before him, Hubbard delivers a message that people can relate to in good times and bad.

Dan got his first taste of success when the release of his 2010 album See You Again received airplay on over 120 radio stations nationwide. His popularity continued to grow in 2011 when he and his band “The Humadors” released their most accomplished record to date entitled The Love Show. The album appeared on the Top 50 Roots Rock Chart and continues to receive national acclaim and radio play.

Hubbard’s latest project, a solo effort entitled Livin’ in The Heartland, is an album he describes as “an opportunity to get back to basics.” “I grew up on acoustic music,” Hubbard explains, “so occasionally I have the desire to strip everything away and let the songs stand on their own. It’s my best work so far, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.” Livin in the Heartland is set to release on Dead Letter Records in September 2013 with a Fall Tour to follow.

BODEGA BAMZ

A “bodega” is Spanish slang word for a “corner store” open practically 24/hours a day. It carries all the goods you would ever think to need and comes in handy when most needed. “BAM” is the common acronym for “by any means”. Ladies and gentlemen. MeetBodega Bamz, born Nathanial De La Rosa.

In 2010 Spanish Harlem birthed the TANBOYS, a movement created by rapper Bodega Bamz and others close to him such as brother Ohla and rapper WILLIE HEX – who you can listen to on some of Bamz’ tracks such as “P.A.P.I.”   However, before we continue, I encourage you to think about what a “tanboy” is.

We were all very familiar with Terror Squad back in the late 90′s right? You know, the Bronx-based hip-hop collective originated by the late great Big Pun, Fat Joe, Cuban Link and Triple Seis? In case you aren’t familiar, have been living in a box or were born just a few years ago,  they were the epitome of Latin rap. They formed in 1998 and in 2007, Terror Squad signed to Koch Records. They represented the Hispanic culture for every Latino that indulged in the lyricism of rap, but like many movements the squad would eventually part ways and venture off into other directions. Consider this history lesson concluded.

Inspired by the demeaning words used when referencing the bunch, rapper Bodega Bamz and the rest of his squad cultivated a movement that’s been making quite the noise in NYC. Today Latins all around the nation wear a “tandana” (a tan bandana) to represent the Latin pride, while some have even tattooed the word “P.A.P.I.” on themselves in order to represent. Consider it a modern day Terror Squad if you will, though not to compare the two.

CLAY BAIL

Boots with Spurs is a four piece progressive rock band from Chicago, IL. The band just finished it’s second album, entitled “Voodoo or Die: The Sun Never Sets Part 2” released May 5th, 2012. This album is the second installment of their two part conceptual project and features a new member in vocalist, Ty Wyffels. Ty joins original members: Clay Bail, Matt Gonzalez, and David Lugo as they plan on bringing their hard hitting, psychedelic approach to progressive rock to the Chicago music scene.

“{Boots with Spurs music} makes Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ look like a nursery story, whilst Coheed & Cambria can no longer be deemed the most imaginative band on the planet.” “I’d hazard a guess that the world just simply is not ready for these kind of ludicrous tales.”

– album review from music blog, “The Only Thing I Know For Sure”

 

FOX MOUNTAIN

Fox Mountain is movin’!

 

Prof

PROF

No artist has emerged from Minnesota this decade and walked his own private catwalk quite like Prof. After spending the early part of the 2010’s having amassed a strong loyal following, distributing nearly 200,000 records through his own imprint, Stophouse, his 2013 signing to Rhymesayers Entertainment helped propel him to the next stage of his career before releasing his landmark 2015 Rhymesayers debut, Liability. Additionally, his annual self-headlined Prof Outdoors festival has repeatedly sold out a 4,000+ capacity for years. While there’s been a perception that the eccentric Minneapolis MC is out-of-control, Prof’s undeterred, unwavering commitment to his mission has revealed the detailed craftsmanship behind the perceived chaos. Today, as his latest album title states, the newly sophisticated Prof is more accurately referred to as Pookie Baby.

While Prof may be best known for his show-stopping live performances, with this album he pulls back the curtain, inviting the listener to join him for the most private of moments, all with a sleek touch of sophistication. As much of a showman as he is a shaman, Pookie Baby was poured out of the perspective of a man known for wild live shows, whose rigorous touring and performance schedule led to debilitating injuries. Grounded for months and undergoing multiple surgeries, Prof returned with a new perspective, and a new pair of gators. This new Pookie Baby persona is all cleaned up, teeming with unbridled sexuality, and suited with a multitude of styles that run the gamut from triple-time Chicago drill to emotive, bluesy crooning. Pookie Baby helps clarify where this passion and the essence of Prof come from, and he’s never been better dressed for it.

As Prof continues to become more refined in crafting songs, Pookie Baby showcases a spectrum of moods, ranging from infectious absurdity to earnestly introspective. “Focus” highlights Prof’s well-buttoned dedication to perfectionism behind the anarchy. “No” unflinchingly gives aggressive self-preservation the anthem it’s always deserved. “Be Around” touches on the most satisfying comforts of dependability in relationships. “Send Nudes” finds reward in the vulnerable intimacy present in exposing oneself via text message, when done consensually. Pookie Baby culminates in the one-two punch of “Minneapolis” and “Eulogy,” with the former asserting his love for his hometown, while the latter affirms his keen awareness of the ever-present fragility of life and the specter of mortality.

From cynically skewering the authenticity of artistic statements, as on “I’ve Cooked Crack Before”, through the heartfelt reminiscence of “Designated Hitter” recounting the place marijuana holds in his happier memories, to ultimately knowing how he wants to be remembered once he’s left the world’s stage, Pookie Baby is just as much the crowd-pleasing party animal’s moment of prideful self-reflection, as it is the blueprint for making the most out of life while navigating the hardships. Please remember to enjoy Pookie Baby responsibly.

IKE SAV

In an industry that can be so over-saturated with either too much of what’s in or too much of what sells, Ike Sav is that bit of fresh air when you can’t seem to breathe. With a style that beautifully integrates both Hip-Hop and R&B, his flows many times can come through both rap and melodic or as a straight rap as they tell their story. The emotion in his artistry is unmatched. It doesn’t stop there, he also composes and produces each and every one of his songs. His beats, flows, and lyrics hit the soul like none other. The stories, the heartbreaks, the sound his music contains all speak to the human soul with high connectivity. When have you heard of a rapper that can also be thrown into R&B? Ike Sav is that beautiful integration as he naturally does it, making him a pure artist. Ike Sav is definitely here to stay. His music is commercial enough for everyone’s ear, and emotional enough for the soul to take as real. Ike Sav is Hip-Hop.

EPMD

Once described as “the rap equivalent of a rock & roll garage band,” EPMD (stands for “Erick and Parrish Making Dollars”) got into the hip-hop business not to spout its political agenda, but to have fun and get paid.

Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith grew up together on Long Island, home to rappers Eric B. and Rakim, De La Soul, and Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav. In 1987, while on a college break, Smith (who played tight end for Southern Connecticut State University’s football team) recorded with Sermon the duo’s raps, which they had first performed together the previous year. EPMD immediately released the songs as a 12-inch single (“It’s My Thing” b/w “You’re a Customer”) on Sleeping Bag (a subsidiary of independent Fresh Records), which sold 500,000 copies. Within six weeks of its release, Strictly Business had topped the R&B LPs chart (#1, 1988) and gone gold. Hits included “You Gots to Chill” (#22 R&B, 1988) and “Strictly Business” (#25 R&B, 1988).

EPMD’s initial sound blended suburban angst with the hardcore edge of their inner-city rap brethren. The group’s self-produced raw, bass-heavy rhythm tracks were fortified liberally by sampled loops (Steve Miller’s “Fly Like an Eagle,” Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”). Critics pegged Sermon’s slurred vocal delivery as everything from “cotton-mouthed” to sounding like he was “rapping through a mouthful of marbles.”

As its title suggests, Unfinished Business offered more of the same. By the early ’90s, with the vast popularity of gangsta rap, EPMD acknowledged the style by injecting Business as Usual with a harder edge, and it paid off. The album went to #36 on the pop chart and scored hits with “Gold Digger” (#14 R&B, 1991) and “Rampage” (#30 R&B, 1992), the latter a collaboration with L.L. Cool J. In 1992 the duo released Business Never Personal (#14 pop, #5 R&B), which contained the hit “Crossover” (#42 pop, #14 R&B, 1992). Sermon and Smith formed a production team, working with K-Solo, Das EFX, and Redman, and put together the Hit Squad package tour.

In early 1993 EPMD called it quits, according to Billboard, reportedly over financial disagreements so severe that one member of the duo allegedly hired people to break into the other’s home to resolve the matter. Both Sermon and Smith then launched independent careers that included Sermon’s Def Squad posse of acts (Redman, K-Solo, and Keith Murray) and the management of Das EFX and other acts via Smith’s Shuma Entertainment. Sermon’s No Pressure (#16 pop, #2 R&B, 1993) charted with the single “Stay Real” (#92 pop, #52 R&B). Smith (now just PMD after his moniker, Parrish Mad Deep) continued to stay in the business with Shadé Business (#12 R&B, 1994). Sermon also joined Redman and Murray for a Def Squad album, 1998’s El Nine O.

The MC duo reunited as EPMD to record 1997’s Back in Business (#4 R&B), which featured a more stripped-down sound and earned mixed reviews. It was followed two years later by Out of Business (#13 pop). By 1999, both had also become devout Christians. And that same year, Sermon launched his own Def Squad label (in a deal with Dreamworks/Universal), debuting with Dave Hollister’s Ghetto Hymns. He also worked as a producer on new discs by Redman and Murray.

PEARL JAM “VITALOGY”

Vitalogy is the third studio album by the American alternative rock band Pearl Jam, released on November 22, 1994 through Epic Records. Pearl Jam wrote and recorded while touring behind its previous album Vs. (1993). The music on the record was more diverse than previous releases, and consists of aggressive rock songs, ballads, and several experimental tracks.

Vitalogy was packaged in a booklet that replicated material from a 1920s medical book.[8] The album was first released on vinyl record, followed by a release in other formats two weeks later on December 6, 1994. Upon its CD release, Vitalogy became the second-fastest-selling album in history, behind only Vs. The album has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA in the United States.

 

SEARCH THE CITY

We are a rock band from Detroit, Michigan.
“Light the fire, let it burn bright…”
When one door closes, another one opens, and that statement echoes strongly with Detroit’s own Search The City. After a three year hiatus, Search The City is back with new gusto, new faces, and a yet-to-be-named follow-up to 2008’s A Fire So Big the Heavens Can See It. The original members of the group, Alex Sheldon (Guitar) and James Czech (guitar), are now joined by new recruits Chris Jenkins (drums), Joseph Marks (bass), and Travis Bobier (vocals).
The process of writing fresh material began in 2011, when the band reconvened after time apart. The new tunes feature the band’s signature slick guitars, pulsing bass, heavy-hitting drums, and smooth, pop-ridden vocal hooks, but adds now genre-bending variety and new lyrical depth.
As the fire burns once again, Search The City is poised to make their mark once more within the scene, and plan to take their sonic architecture to listeners both new and old.

QUIET OUT LOUD

Quiet Out Loud is a pop rock band out of Chicago, Illinois. You can pick up “Songs About Your Girl” on iTunes NOW. The band is releasing their EP “What I Really Meant To say…” THIS FALL. Working with producers/writers Tom DeGrazia (That’s Outrageous, 1985). Mark McKlusky (Hit The Lights), Morgan Dorr (Boys Like Girls) and Steve Aliperta (The Color And Sound). They have been played on numerous radio stations. Recently SOLD OUT the House Of Blues for their first show ever and is heading out on Tour this summer! The buzz is already building. Make some room on that iPod, you’re gonna want to hear this.

PARK

Indie rock band from Springfield, IL.

Jigsaw

JIGSAW

Jigsaw is a blues/jazz trio with three talented Chicago music veterans. Guitarist/ Vocalist RB Green – Rock, Industrial, Blues, Funk, Punk, Hip Hop / Jazz, Fusion,Experimental, and Dance Remixes. Currently performing with the rock band WIZZO, the Blues band Dr. Malort, the AC/DC tribute Black Angus, and as a solo acoustic artist and session/side player.

MISS DEMEANOR

The band that is currently known as Miss Demeanor was formed in the summer of 2010 by Nick Cameron and Luke Clohisy. The two met at the beginning of high school and, after a few conversations, discovered that they both had similar tastes in music and eventually decided to start jamming. The two started off as a garage punk duo, constantly making noise in Nick’s basement.

However, though the two had lots of fun playing together, they felt something was missing. They needed a bassist. Conveniently enough, Luke ran into this kid who he described as “literally just a cool looking guy” at lunch. His name was Gabe Gonzalez and he liked punk rock. The two started eating lunch together, discussing music from the 90s every chance they had. Soon enough, after he met Nick, Gabe was in the band.

The power-trio remained a three piece set for quite a while, but still felt as though something was missing. One day, after Gabe and Luke finished taking a winter final for school, the two were walking around campus when they ran into a kid playing an old Avenged Sevenfold song on guitar. The three began talking, but unfortunately, the mysterious guitarist left before either of the two could catch his name.

The band played their first show as a power-trio under the name “The Singularities”. However, about two days before this show, the band again ran into this mysterious guitar player and found his name to be Andrew Holowka. After an impromptu audition in the lunchroom of their school, he was in. Though since he did not have enough time to practice with the band before that show, they played it without him.

After going through several name changes, the band decided on the name “The Machines”. They continued to play together for nearly a year, playing shows with underground hardcore punk bands Crude Humor, Shoebomb, When Flying Feels Like Falling, and Foreign Policy.

Sadly, after about a year of being a complete band, Nick Cameron left the band due to differences with the other band members. The band officially changed their name to “Miss Demeanor” soon after. Since his departure, the rest of the members have been searching for drummers tirelessly.

Recently, the band’s great personal friend and manager Luis Dubon came into contact with the band Haki. Their drummer, Ruby Dunphy, said that she was interested in the position and would love to be a part of the group. Once the band saw her style was exactly what they were looking for, she was in the band in a heartbeat.

Since the new lineup has now solidified, Miss Demeanor is eager to gig as much as possible. Anywhere. Anytime. All the time.

MANNIE FRESH

Byron O. Thomas, professionally known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is a rapper and hip-hop producer who is best known for his work with Cash Money Records from 1993 to 2005 and one half of the hip-hop duo Big Tymers.

Z MONEY

GIFTZ

LUCKI ECK$

Chicago’s Westside is having a full blown rap resurgence at the moment and at the forefront of this wave is Lucki Eck$, one of the most unique voices emerging from the Chicago scene. Lucki is relatively new to the music business, as the 17-year-old MC has only been recording music for under a year. 2013 finds the phenom prepping the release of his debut project, Alternative Trap, which he describes as his own “subgenre.” Lucki mixes tales from the streets with cleverly crafted rhymes that Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive calls “incredibly cerebral.” It’s smart, it’s witty and it’s unlike anything else being created in hip-hop today. Alternative Trap is a lifestyle.

RUSSOUL

AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artist)

When it comes to performing, singing, songwriting, and entertaining, an amazing talent that definitely needs to be recognized and heard, is Russell Pike, Jr. Known as Russoul (russ–Soul!!!!!), this artist, fusses jazzy soulful vocals over rhythmically grooving, syncopated beats. His melodic songs of love, inspiration, and dance will sooth the ears, inspire the mind, and move the hands and feet of anyone who has a true appreciation of good music.

Currently Russoul, is a vocalist and songwriter for Cajual Records. Alongside Cajmere, also known as, Green Velvet, Russoul has written chart topping dance tunes in the House Music genre. In January 2011 Russoul released his First music video, entitled Let it Ride. In January of 2010 Russoul performed @ the Jamaica Jazz Blues Festival in Montego Bay!! In October of 2008 Russoul won the IMWS Midwest Regional Showcase, beating out 2000 bands in his region. Russoul has opened for artists Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, LL COOL J, New Edition, Eryka Badu, Chaka Khan, Cameo, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and Sam Salter. He also has performed for major events such as the Taste of Chicago 2004-2008; the Winter Music Conference 2006-2008 in South Beach, Miami, with world-renowned house dj Dj Mark Grant.

Attending church, practicing piano, and singing created the foundation for Russoul’s talent. His mother was the Minister of Music at several different churches. He attended Chicago public schools, participated in school choirs, and he loved performing in school plays.. After auditioning and becoming a member of the Soul Children, he continued to grow musically and spiritually. His passion and drive for singing was enhanced as he watched other soloists perform. In the spring of 2000, he later received a Bachelors in Music form Clarke Atlanta University.

ROGIZZ

Innovative, Exciting, Conceptual, Motivational…these are a few of the words that can be used to describe RoGizz, the artist and musician. After turning his love for poetry into hip hop music, RoGizz signed a record deal with Dreamworks. After moving to Los Angeles and witnessing many of the label’s resources being diverted to other areas, he decided to gain a release and put out his own music independently through his self promoted company Gizz Entertainment. His first project was called Worldwide Domination Volume I. It was a compilation disk featuring other Chicago independent artists where he utilized his skill at connecting people and providing strength in numbers.

Through a mutual friend, GIZZ also met his rap partner Pask-1. They formed a group called “Worldfame” and released a mixtape called “Cut the Games: Chi to L.A.” to much critical acclaim. After that, RoGizz moved back to Chicago and went on to collaborate more with some of the most accomplished producers in the game: TREE, S.C., Streety Wonder, Paperboy, Tony Baines, Matt Hennessy, 110% Pure, Sherm and Ekim Pahkwah. Currently, RoGizz resides in Miami and has released two more volumes of his Worldwide Domination series where he collaborated with artists from all over the country. The recordings famously took place over a Memorial Day weekend in Downtown Miami with all day and night studio sessions. These albums were titled Worldwide Domination II: The L.U.A.U and Worldwide Domination III: The Union.

At one point, RoGizz sought to diversify his entertainment portfolio by stepping back from his own music to do management deals for other artists, mentor up and coming artists, establish a clothing line and pursue different philanthropic opportunities. His love for creating timeless music though has brought him back to the mic with his new project titled “RoGizz vs. Black Blago.” In his own words, Rogizz stated: “This is one of my best works to date. I think it’s very layered because of the elements it involves. I think people can definitely relate to the battle one may have between the good and evil inside us. It can be sparked by what we experience in our daily lives. Politics have a lot to do with the creation of our daily lives. Thats what I wanted to convey with this work.” Now, the story continues with his latest mixtape release: “Interview with a Schizo”…

 

WE’S US

5 piece multi-genred rock outfit based out of Denver. The band has two records with multiplatinum Dave Aron who is noted for his work with Sublime, Prince, U2, Snoop, and Moe. to name a few. We’s Us has supported acts like Matisyahu, Collective Soul, Aqueous, Tea Leaf Green, Thundercat, Slightly Stoopid amongst others. Please let me know if you would like more of our press kit.

RENO DIVORCE

With equal parts Orange County punk, honky tonk country, and a tip-jar full of rockabilly swagger, Reno Divorce strikes a unique chord of their own with their brand of punk rock and roll. The band’s longevity is no accident. Their fans simply won’t allow them to quit and pursue real careers. The fact that they’ve been voted the best punk band in Denver by The Westword Magazine in 2011, 2012, and 2013 can attest to their stalwart status in their home state. A successful Kickstarter campaign and a growing number of their faithful willing to have the band’s name tattooed on their bodies keeps them climbing back into the van for tour after tour. They’ve never been ones to rest on their laurels, though. To the contrary, Reno Divorce has 7 European tours and several US jaunts under their belt, supporting Reverend Horton Heat, The Queers, and US Bombs, among others.

51ST & UNION

Sugar, spice, and everything nice.These were the ingredients chosen. To create the perfect little rockers But Professor Utonium accidentally Added an extra ingredients to the concoction– Chemical X

Thus, 51st & Union was born Using their ultra-super powers Dan, Zach, Matt, & Craig Have dedicated their lives to fighting crime And the forces of evil

JACK CASSIDY

Jack Cassidy has toured the world, and recorded /performed with, Blues Legend JuniorWells, “Better Off With the Blues” (Polygram/Telarc 1993). Van Morrison, Grover Washington Jr., Lou Rawls, Buddy Guy, and The Mighty Dells, Jazz Artists’ Bob Mintzer and Jimmy Haslip of the Yellowjackets, and Mike Stern.

In addition, he has performed for Her Royal Highness Princess Ann of Great Britian, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Billy Eckstein, and Jaco Pastorius.

BARBARIAN

Barbarian lurks in a dimension of futured nostalgia via proto and postpunk & modern reverb drenched melancholic pop. Ethereal Soundtrack to your Eternal Summer.

BOX JELLYFISH

Commonly referred to as the Sea Wasp.

 

BURLESQUE- DEANNA DEADLY

Deanna is an Internationally known Pin Up Model and Burlesque Performer of 7 years.

SAINT VITUS

Saint Vitus are a highly influential American doom metal band from Los Angeles. They have been regarded as one of the first bands of the genre, starting out as early as the late 1970s, along with Pentagram and Trouble. For most of their career, the band comprised vocalist Scott Weinrich, bassist Mark Adams, guitarist Dave Chandler and drummer Armando Acosta. After breaking up in 1996, Saint Vitus briefly reunited for a tour in 2003, and are back together again as of 2008.

The band was formed in 1979 under the name Tyrant, with Scott Reagers (vocals), Dave Chandler (guitar), Mark Adams (bass), and Armando Acosta (drums), but soon changed their name to Saint Vitus after the song “St. Vitus’ Dance” by Black Sabbath. Their main influences were Sabbath and Black Flag, the latter of which Saint Vitus toured with during the 1980’s.

Unter this line-up, Saint Vitus recorded 2 albums (Saint Vitus & Hallow’s Victim) and an EP (The Walking Dead). After The Walking Dead Reagers left the band and was replaced by The Obsessed frontman Scott “Wino” Weinrich (at this time, The Obsessed had only released one 7″).

Weinrich-era

Wino recorded three studio albums (Born Too Late, Mournful Cries & V), a live album (Live), and an EP (Thirsty and Miserable, featuring the Black Flag cover of the same name) with Vitus. Weinrich left Saint Vitus in 1991 to reform The Obsessed after Vitus’s label, Hellhound Records, released an album of older Obsessed recordings.

Post-Weinrich period and breakup

Following Weinrich’s departure, Saint Vitus went on hiatus. The band finally found former Count Raven singer Christian Lindersson as Weinrich’s replacement. He would record only one album, C.O.D. before being replaced by original Vitus vocalist, Scott Reagers. Reagers recorded vocals for the band’s final album, Die Healing. After this, Saint Vitus decided to call it a day in 1996.

Reunion(s)

On July 1, 2003, the classic Born Too Late line-up (Weinrich, Chandler, Adams, Acosta) played a gig at Double Door in Chicago.[1] The performance was recorded and released on a DVD that is distributed through Chandler’s current band, Debris, Inc., which features former Trouble bassist Ron Holzner. Following the reunion, Saint Vitus parted ways again.

As of 2008, Saint Vitus have reformed again. The band will headline for Friday’s April 24 date at the 2009 Roadburn Festival.[2] The 14th annual Roadburn Festival will take place April 23-26, 2009 and will be held at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Netherlands. The lineup for this reunion was the same as the 2003 reunion.

Sadly Armando Acosta passed away from ongoing health issues soon after.
R.I.P. Armando, you will always be in our hearts and missed.

Saint Vitus moved forward with heavy hitter Henry Vasquez joining the band
as drummer for a headlining main stage performance at Hellfest in France and has sat behind the drum kit ever since.

As of this moment the band plans to record new Saint Vitus material.

WHITE HOUSE BURNING

In Early March the guitarist/vocalist quit an ill-fated metal band after 2 weeks of “membership”.That same day the guitar player/vocalist called the bass player and the drummer. They created the 3 piece metal band, “Whitehouse-Burning”.A couple of weeks went by before their 1st rehearsal on

March 18, 2013 @ 6:p.m. when they wrote their first song together.

March 20, 2013: first 2 track recording and 2nd song written.

March 25, more 2 track recording and 3rd song written. Impromptu performance video filmed. Song lyrics begin to take on a very violent, contrarian, revolutionary tone.

March 27, lead vocals are worked into the songs. More 2 track recording. Another casual video filmed.

April 1, the last of the 2 track recordings of the first 3 songs. Website, logo and artwork begin to take shape.

April 3, more sophisticated recording environment is set up with both guitar cabinets mic’d, vocals, bass recorded direct, and full drum set mic’d. Multiple recordings made while finalizing settings, levels and EQ. More artwork and web design created.

April 8, bass player not available for rehearsal but continues to work on the music from home. Drummer and guitarist rehearse new song together and experiment with microphone placement. Decisions are made about additional gear/mics that are needed.

April 8-14, The vocalist/guitarist continues to write and rehearse striving to get the vocals right in time for rehearsal.

April 15, Full band rehearsal. Song structure of 3rd song is solidified and the vocal melodies begin to take shape. We had a guest at rehearsal. Gear conflicts emerge.

April 16, gear conflicts resolved with some shuffling of inputs and outputs. Phantom power going to the passive bass output and passive vocal processor was the problem. Bass guitar signal will now be split between p.a. and bass amp by utilizing a digitech bass modeler with stereo output. More gear arrives. Microphones, stands and cables to finalize the live recorded sound. Digital converter arrives but is D.O.A. New one ordered from Musician’s Friend. Getting closer to releasing a commercial recording and video.

June 17 Wow…holy shit. Here it is the middle of JUNE 2013 already and we have been very busy. Our first single and video came out just a few days ago. “Dead Man’s Son” by WHITE HOUSE BURNING and me (Damon), Mikey and Dean are fuckin stoked. GOOGLE PLAY and the ANDROID market always get this shit first for some reason. It’s also available on ITUNES right now but I can’t provide a link until we have at least 2 releases with them. I know it sounds fuckin retarded and it is…just like apple. AMAZON should have it up and running in a few days too.

The 2nd single “Here I Am Free” by WHITEHOUSE BURNING is on deck now for release. The music is all done and mixed and mastered and shit. We’re just fucking around with the video now. It’s another video that shows us during the recording process mixed in with awesome footage from our favorite friends and independent fil-makers.

The 3rd single “White House Burning” by WHITEHOUSE BURNING is next to be recorded at our top secret bunker/studio facility deep in the bowels of Chicago’s underground. It will be avaialable in about 3 weeks or so and as usual will have a kick ass video to go along with it.

After those 3 songs we have also been regularly rehearsing and perfecting the music on 6 others…lol…this isn’t a game….

HEY HEY we are going to start doing shows around Chicago this Fall so we’ll see you out there.

July 2nd 2013. We just finished up the drums on our 3rd single so it should be available soon. We hope everyone is enjoying the music and videos from “DEAD MAN’S SON” and “HERE I AM FREE”.

July 27, 2013. We are holding off on the 3rd single until the physical release of our 1st 3 song CD which is exclusively distributed by ZAP DISTRiBUTION here in Illinois. In a few days we are shooting the band shots for a new video to go along with our 3rd single.

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE FROM DAMON CHRISTOPHER: My music is my life. My life is my music. I don’t have anything else. I don’t have anyone else but the 3 humans I trust and love (outside of my immediate family from which only 1 really qualifies at this point). Mikey, Dean and her. When I say trust I don’t mean what you think I mean. I trust them to be themselves. I trust them to say and do what they are free to do without my judgement. I love them unconditionally and I will always be DAMON for them. Which brings us to her. If I thought that I was capable of what most of the poor fools in this world call love, then I would say that I am hopelessly, madly in love with her. But, I don’t believe in love because of Queensryche and my own personal experiences. In all of my time on this Earth I have never met a woman more deserving of my respect, my regard and my trust. (see the above statement regarding trust). But (and I really fucking HATE using the word but) BUT there is another dimension to my fascination with her. Within that additional dimension is another dimension with unlimited universes exerting their influence upon our shared experiences. In other words, when she pays attention to me, it makes me feel like a God. So I remain alone for an average of 14-16 hours a day in silent, utter devotion to what and who she is. This is my weakness. This is why I hide sometimes. I am weak and imperfect without her regard and I fucking hate myself for it. The only time I feel really REAL. Like I am ACTUALLY in this thing you call your world is when I am playing music with Mikey and Dean or if I am in her presence. Any other time I feel completely imbalanced and utterly alone. Unless of course I have work to do such as mixing a song or recording guitars or vocals or mastering or promoting or editing a video. I also feel balanced and in the world when I am doing those things. This world is sick. This society is sick. There are far to many people who are inconsequential. They are not even real. The things that are important to them are fucking laughable when put into an historical perspective. I am not here to bring peace. I am here to bring the Sword. I am here to cut away the lies and show the people that everything they believe in, everything they have been taught and everything they are FORCED to do is a motherfucking LIE!!!! You are blind but someday I will make you see. My music is not a weapon. My music is the voice of God himself speaking through me. I am invincible. I challenge you to bring me low. Your laws no longer apply to me. No man can ever judge me. And in turn I will judge no human. You created me, now you have to live with me. Shit is about to get very interesting in this world. Yes, I tend to knowingly manipulate myself into situations in life where I know I will be angry, frustrated….passionate. This is who I am. I am chaos. I am pain. I am everything you fear because what I bring is true, sacred, holy, honest and pure.

July 29, 2013. We did a video shoot today for our 3rd single. It should be edited and uploaded in less than 2 weeks. We had a great time on the set. Mikey, Dean, Damon and the crew all did an outstanding job out in the hot July sun. Special thanks to Highland Entertainment, Zap Distribution, Midwest Guns, Mike Antonacci, Ken Bickerstaff, Jerry Riggo and all the shooters with the guns singing along. Great inspiration.

08/11/2013 I just wat to say we are grateful for all the good things happening for us right now and special thanks to John Page for booking our first show.