OTTER FINN
Haunting vocal harmony, hand-crafted composition, battered rhythm, and renegade dynamics guide the unfiltered, manic performance of Otter Finn.
CAT CLUB
ICE ROD
Michael Gaughan has a BFA in Painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and an MEd from the University of Minnesota. He was awarded City Pages’ 69th most creative person in the twin cities 2010, and L’etoile’s Best Artist of 2011. He has been a visiting artist at the Walker Art Center, and at the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art. He has exhibited his paintings in numerous group and solo shows including Deitch Projects at Art Basel Miami, Deplayer in Rotterdam, Portland Institute for Contemporary Arts in Oregon, the Ace Hotel in New York City, at the Soap Factory, Soo Vac Gallery, and the LACE Museum in Los Angeles. His paintings have recently been used in a neurological medical study of aesthetic experiences at Liverpool John Moores University. He has been interviewed and featured in The Onion, Irish American News, 89.3 the Current, and Radio K. He has made illustrations for Nike, American Apparel, Andrew WK, Diplo, Rhymesayers Entertainment, Jagjaguwar Records, Troma Films, City Pages, Flaunt Magazine, Good Magazine, Surface Magazine, the Seattle Weekly, Dining Out Magazine, and other musical, arts, magazines, and film projects. Michael has orchestrated over ten city-wide scavenger hunts as performance art/public art in Minneapolis, MN and Portland, OR.
SIMPLE MACHINES
European transplant Samir Merchant, local Chicagoan Patrick Hiller, and California native Connor Lynch formed the first incarnation of Simple Machines in 2009, working out of Hyde Park. In the time since then, the trio has been writing material and honing their craft, as well as adding a keyboardist and a full time drummer to their line up. Hinging their musical influences on such acts as Radiohead, Blur, Coldplay and Foo Fighters, Simple Machines work to create quality songs, never settling for anything less. Spirit of the Shoreland (2011), is the band’s first release, receiving good initial acclaim and establishing themselves into the local scene.
KATY NEEDS A LIFE
Katy Needs A Life started as a basement recording project in 2007. After hearing all of her older brothers recordings, Katy May decided to take on her own DIY entertainment project. In 2009, Katy Needs A Life debuted at Lowell Senior High School’s annual variety show. By 2010, an entire demo was made with bassist Sean Burrows. Sadly, Sean was abducted by man-eating aliens that June. With shows already booked for later that summer, Katy asked her brother to join the band to generate new creativity. When Scotty May joined, it instigated a steady flow of new and improved music. Scotty isn’t in any studio recordings, but he brings a level of excitement to the live experience.
THINGRIN
ThinGrin is a band comprised of former and current members of the legendary Chicago pop group Slammin Watusis, Green and Raving Mad. Bassist Clay Tomasek and guitarist Steve Zahradnik, have emerged on the scene with songs that blend great pop hooks with a little bit of alt-country soul mixed in. Drawing inspiration from bands like the Kinks, Cheap trick, The Rolling Stones and Gram Parsons, ThinGrin is looking to stake their claim in the tradition of other great midwestern bands, with songs that stick in the subconscious.
SNAKEOIL SALESMEN
With grooves swung and grooves straight, exploring the highest of peaks, and the lowest of valleys, The Snake Oil Salesmen blend the intensity of punk with the soul of funk and blues. A visceral and cerebral venture through the ancient catacombs of future endeavors, The Snake Oil Salesmen take a fearless approach to their performance, righteously playing the hell out of whatever is on the set list that night.
PANDAMONIUM
PANDAMONIUM started originally as The Dirty Dentist in October of 2011..It all started with the idea of having something for everyone to do on those boring weekends in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, and quickly, a small following started. My goal now is to create some of the funkiest, dirtiest bass music known to man added with some of the most epic live experiences people have ever seen before in their life…stay tuned because this is only the beginning…
NEGATIVE ZETA
“So dirty, that when my mom walked in on me listening to this i quickly changed it to porn”
HUEY MACK
19 year old rapper out of West Virginia. Currently a sophomore at WVU.
CATCH PHRASE
MAYO+ALEX JORDAHL
DIRGE WITHIN
Making a dent onto a competitive heavy music scene, Dirge Within quickly made a name for themselves through extensive touring and earning rave reviews from the press and public alike. Already seen touring with such acts as Trivium,Fear Factory,Static X, Devildriver,Gwar,Kittie,36 Crazyfists and Nonpoint.They have shown their versatility towards playing in front of a variety of crowds and holding …their own. Following up their highly acclaimed debut release, ‘Force Fed Lies,’ Dirge Within issued a three song Digital EP titled ‘Absolution 2011 EP’ (out August 16, 2011) Giving a taste of what’s to come from their forthcoming sophomore release “There Will Be Blood” due out in April 10th 2012. via Rocket Science ventures/Sony red.
ELYSION FIELDS
In Greek mythology, the Elysion Fields serves as the final resting place of the heroic and virtuous men upon whom the gods have bestowed immortality. Enter these five brave souls, destined for greatness and steadfast in their duty: to defend these fields and guard the gates, opening them only for those that prove themselves worthy. The broodingly epic and melodic metal created by Elysion Fields matches this philosophy. This five piece metal band from Chicago recently released a self-titled EP that showcases their obvious talent as musicians and songwriters. Heavy machine gun drum patterns support dynamic soaring guitars, relatable lyrics, commanding vocals, and plenty of sing along choruses.
WOODROW HART & THE HAYMAKER
Woodrow Hart & the Haymaker like to kick around all the strange little corners of American music that have crept up throughout the last century. They like to soak up old rusty sounds & wring them out in new places. They play country songs & city songs; banjo stomps & accordion shakes; love croons & murder ballads – It usually depends on the weather.
Woodrow Hart – Guitar, Resonator, Banjo, Harmonica, Vocals, Bullhorn
Tom Elliott – Mandolin, Accordion, Fiddle, Guitar, Lap Steel, Piano
Graham Stephenson – Trumpet, Melodica, Piano
Ben Brundage – Drums, Percussion, Stumpf Fiddle, Washboard, Kazoo, Whistling, Suitcase, Pomade Can, Piano
GRAHAM LINDSEY
“Well-traveled folk that’s both hick and haunting. There’s something strange in the water and Lindsey’s drunk it up,” writes Rollingstone of acclaimed Americana folk-rock artist Graham Lindsey. Known for his dark razor sharp lyrics, or what the Chicago Sun Times has called his “roadmap of the human condition,” Lindsey’s most recent offerings, 2009’s We Are All Alone In This Together and it’s counterpart The Mine EP, earned praise from the likes of Uncut and Q Magazines for the raw, stripped down approach he takes to American roots music.
At age 12, The Onion explains, Lindsey “was a member of the world’s youngest punk band, Old Skull. His solo material couldn’t be further from those days, though: He now plays dark Americana informed by his travels around the country.” The now 33 year-old Lindsey first garnered widespread critical acclaim for his 2003 folk-rock debut, Famous Anonymous Wilderness, and achieved similar success with the world-wide release of follow up Hell Under The Skullbones in 2006. His songs have been featured in several independent films and appear on a slew of compilations, most notably Bloodshot Records For A Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot Records, and Danielle Colby Presents: The Music of Farmageddon Records Vol. 1.
Lindsey’s music has been said to fall somewhere in the middle of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and ‘if Gillian Welch had a male counterpart,’ while following in the traditions of Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. But it does so with plenty of his own punk rock sensibilities in tact. Armed with a guitar, banjo, and an arsenal of harmonicas, Lindsey also performs with a drummer, his wife Tina.
UGLY VALLEY BOYS
Coming out of the ugly valley of salt lake city, Ugly Valley Boys bring you a steady beat of American Roots music, with a unique mixture of Rockabilly, Hillbilly Blues, Punk Rock and Americana, Ugly Valley Boys are here to keep you partying all night!!
NA PALM
In recent years, hip-hop and electronic music have inched ever closer to each other, cross pollinating healthy scenes for a fresh sound that is winning over countless fans of both genres. Yet few rappers have effortlessly melded true lyricism with house and electro-infused beats….until Na Palm.
Beginning his musical career deep in the Chicago house music scene, Na Palm took the clubs by storm with his lyrical prowess and live element that routinely complimented electronic deejay sets abound. Over the past two years, Na Palm has taken his message from the underground Chicago club scene to the rest of the country: performing live to new and older fans alike via opening up for larger artists and headlining college shows. Having 100+ national tour stops under his belt in just over two years, the future MC of the EDM generation has managed to procure over 260K Facebook fans. After performing at Ultra Music Festival in 2011 and being a chosen as a featured artist at SXSW in 2012, Na Palm is helping pave the way for electronic MC’s and beyond. His mainstream edm-inspired banger Two Days Straight has been a staple in DJ sets all over the globe while also getting regular spins on BPM.
With his new game-changing Electronic Chronic Podcast series set to release Summer 2012, Na Palm is ready to take his burgeoning national presence to a another level. The party is rapidly heating up for Na Palm this year, and all of the world is invited.
COLLEGE BATTLE OF THE BANDS
The only national College Battle of the Bands with partners Live Nation and GrammyU! Prizes include cash and gear plus a trip to LA to record with Grammy award winning producer for semifinals and a shot at National title!
Winners also get a slot on our Textbooks & Tickets Tour, opening for national acts on bigger stages around the country (with artists like T-Pain, Big Sean, Big Boi of Outkast, Dev, MNDR, Chiddy Bang, etc) Former winners include Mike Posner (Duke), Local Natives (Pepperdine) and Rozzi Crane (USC) (she recently signed with Adam Levine, now featured on a Maroon 5 track on Hunger Games soundtrack)
PAUL CAPORINO
Paul from MOTO doing a solo set.
MIKE FELTEN
“MIKE FELTEN IS THE REAL DEAL” -Illinois Entertainer Mike has been playing since the 1960’s. That’s right. A veteran of rock, country and blues bands. Mike sat in Muddy Waters bedroom, had Buddy Guy show him around the blues clubs where Willie Dixon, Junior Wells and Mighty Joe Young among others were hanging out. The 1970’s found Mike playing folk gigs at places like the Fifth Peg and Orphans in Chicago, alongside guys like Steve Goodman & John Prine
YOUNG DUBLINERS
Seamlessly blending their rock and Celtic influences into a high energy, anthemic and lyrically poignant mix, the band whose lineup since 2002 includes co-founder Keith Roberts (vocals, guitar), fellow Dubliner Brendan Holmes (bass, vocals), American-born members Bob Boulding (guitar, vocals), Chas Waltz (violin, keyboards, harp, mandolin, vocals) and Dave Ingraham (drums, percussion)–jumps energetically from ballad to barn burner, documenting as they go the vibrant yet chaotic world they find themselves in. From edgy political tunes to the travails of life in an internationally touring band, Saints and Sinners chronicles and tackles it all with joy, wit, enthusiasm and a profound belief that things can get better. They’re joined once again by Uillean pipe and pennywhistle master Eric Rigler, famed for his film work on the Titanic and Braveheart soundtracks, who has appeared on the bands last three albums and is a regular touring member.
MIDNIGHT
MIDNIGHT 20 YEARS OF THE FILTHIEST BAND AROUND 20 YEARS OF SPEED AND DARKNESS
“Rebirth By Blasphemy is a rebirth,” states Midnight’s sole driving force, Athenar . “It’s a change in life and it’s a rebirth of doing whatever the fuck you want and seeing what happens after that. It’s about saying yes, taking opportunities, taking a fucking chance.” These sentiments are backed up by the notorious – and prolific – unde rground band’s trademark blend of speed metal, black metal and punk rock, sounding both fuller and more raucous than ever before. “Overall, I would say the sound is pretty vicious, vicious but I keep things hooky, and that’s what I like it to be. I want to still keep it raw but at the same time I wanted this record to be a little more hi – fi, which was my only plan when I started making it.” Dating back to the band’s inception in 2002, vocalist/guitarist/bassist/drummer Athenar has always known exactly what he wanted Midnight to be, and over the course of countless demos, EPs, compilations, splits and three full – lengths he has stayed true to his roots. Building up a strong reputation and a rabid following in the underground, Midnight’s most recent opus, 2017 ’s Sweet Death And Ecstasy, stood as their most accomplished work to date. “Looking back on that record I think it’s a fantastic piece of work, really. It’s pretty varied, it has a nice bookend front and back song. I think the lyrics are thought provoking, and I think it’ll be a pretty important piece of work over time, up there with the Mona Lisa.” Making the jump to Metal Blade Records did not mean any change in the way Athenar went about making Midnight records. “I never really thought about writing a fo llow up to Sweet Death . If a song comes it comes and where it goes is wherever it goes, but nothing is ever really intended as ‘this song will be on the new album’.” There is also no denying that, like its predecessors, Rebirth By Blasphemy is a ruthlessly catchy collection, every song, vicious as they are, wielding the kind of hooks that sink deep and don’t let go, and this too came naturally. “There’s no real intent. I think a rock song in general should be catchy, so if someone thinks it’s catchy that’s a good thing. If they don’t think it’s catchy then they probably don’t have ears.” While the likes of opener “Fucking Speed And Darkness”, “Escape The Grave” and “Warning From The Reaper” are all d – beat – driven thrashers they don’t lack when it comes to hoo ks, and “Rising Scum”, built on a titanic stomping beat, reins in the speed but is easily one of the standout tracks on the record, Athenar referring to it as being “quite 1979 Priest – like, just with its drum and vocal.” When it came to penning lyrics for the record, Athenar’s perspective shifted over the course of the writing process. “I would say I started out in a very positive frame of mind. One of the first tunes Midnight Bio.docx written was “Escape The Grave”, and from there I went on the positive path – and then it turned negative by the end of the album. The title track is very negative lyrically, so I ended it again with complete and utter disgust for humans in general, but then you want that to come out of you. Just like you take a poop and you take a pee you want the rotten shit to come out of your body, because if you keep the rotten shit in your body it’ll rot you internally.” Handling every instrument himself and being quite unfussy when it comes to production typically means that the recording process is a str aightforward one for Midnight, and this time was no different. Staying in his home town of Cleveland he opted to record at Mercenary Studios with the assistance of Noah Buchanan, laying the drums down in a day, the guitars in a little more than that, bass in a few hours and then tracking the vocals to two or three songs a day, depending on how his voice was holding up. “I think there’s really no production value on the album, it’s really just get in there, press record and see what happens. Maybe you can te ll that the sessions went pretty quickly when you listen to it. There are so called mistakes, of course, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He also wouldn’t have it any other way when it comes to touring this latest collection hard , with a lot of dates with a variety of bands already locked down. “It’s the rebirth, it’s saying fuck it and getting out there and doing what you’re supposed to do, and we’re supposed to play music. If people want to damage their ears by listening to it that’s welcome.”
NICE PETER
Nice Peter is a rock singer/songwriter turned Youtube sensation best known for his hit original series The Epic Rap Battles of History. Hailing from Chicago, Nice Peter made a name for himself playing every small club and open mic in the Windy City. In 2008 he shipped off for LA, where he got his big break in the emerging online entertainment business. He and long-time comedic partner EpicLLOYD (Chicago Native #2) started the Epic Rap Battle Series which pits two quasi-unrelated characters against each other in a musical battle of wits and rhymes. See: Darth Vader VS Adolf Hitler. For his live set at Reggie’s Rock Club, Nice Peter combines his original songs, a medley of popular rap battles and the unique crowd interaction and improvisation that first put him on the map.
DEEPSPACEPILOTS
Deepspacepilots: heavy rock with an almost sub-underground/early
stoner Sub Pop vibe, this Chicago-based band blends a unique style of
psychedelic, stoner rock with elements of doom, ambient, and early 90s
British-shoegaze. Unlike a lot of bands in this same subgenre of music
who yell and scream over the riffs, deepspacepilots employ a melodic,
and, at times hypnotic-style of lead vocals that aren’t paired up too
often with music this heavy. Add that to the band’s wall-of-sound
rhythm section and you get a mix of heavy guitar, bass, and drums with
vocals that at times seem to float on top of the music. The band has
released two self-titled albums and is working on new material in the
studio for an upcoming release.
“Southside Veterans of Intergalactic Ear-Bleeding Ambient/Psychedelic
Rock Excursions…” -Renato Brujo
“If you consider yourselves fans of either stoner, doom or psych and
you like a very small touch of ambient in your listenings then you
HAVE TO check this out.” -Stoned Sun Vibrations.
“…all killer/no filler heavy with an instantaneous-catchiness
trip…” –deathstar330.blogspot.com
JOHN WETTON
He has been a professional singer/songwriter/musician since the late 1960s as a member of such progressive rock bands as Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson (working with childhood friend Robert Fripp), Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry band, Uriah Heep, UK and Wishbone Ash. Wetton found worldwide fame in 1982 with the band Asia, whose self-titled debut album sold millions and became Billboard magazine’s #1 album of 1982.
INCUBUS “S.C.I.E.N.C.E.”
WEEZER “PINKERTON”
Pinkerton is the second studio album released on September 24, 1996. After finishing tours in promotion of their 1994 album Weezer, the band originally planned to record a space-themed rock opera entitled Songs from the Black Hole. However, this project was eventually abandoned and the group used some of the songs from the discarded album on Pinkerton. Much of the album was written while frontman Rivers Cuomo was studying at Harvard University, which influenced the themes addressed on the record.
MENDER
KRYSTAL LAFIANZA-PITZEN
STONED CITY REBELS
“We want to play music all year and meet cool people and make some money and not live with our parents. Ryan- Lead guitar,vocals, piano – Collin-Lead vocals, guitar – Averil-percussion instruments – Matt-Bass – Alex -Drums
DEVIN MILLER AND THE DEAD OR ALIVES
From Rick Saunders at the Deep Blues blog: “Devin Miller ain’t nothing but trouble. He’s a hellraisin’, honkytonkin’, ‘stone lovin’, guitar slangin’, singin’ songwritin’ babyfaced grandson of a pig farmer. Twenty-five percent equal parts Jerry Lee, Keith, R.L., Hank, Elvis, Carl, Johnny, and Jack. That adds up to two hundred percent all American badass.”
DASTARDLY SOLO
The marriage between old west folk and the ambiguous genre of “indie rock” makes the songs of Dastardly a palatable playlist for those who aren’t normally attracted to cowboy crooners. In fact, by the sound of the screaming girls heard at Subterranean, we’re pretty sure the band was responsible for converting quite a few pop princesses into banjo loving broads. Experimental enough to feel fresh but traditional enough to feel familiar even to first timers, Dastardly is band that asserted itself as notable early in the game and now can enjoy the steady rise to local fame they’re guaranteed. —reviewsic.comDastardly is a Chicago outfit that plays americana music with just the right ratio of “sticky-sweet” to “fuckin’ shit up.” Every note is deliberate and controlled, but just barely masks an urgent and immediate sense of existential, frantic terror that must be slowly driving them mad. ..-am3r1cank1ds.tumblr.com..Their indie-folk, Americana sounds is perfect for a 2010 Hoedown (meaning PBR and cigarettes). The band has no shortage of instruments including lap steel, dobro, or accordian. Their tunes have a top side of bluegrass, finger-lickin’ pickin’, but there’s always a seemingly modern undercurrent whether it’s the echo-y lead guitar line of “Excercises In Self Loathing” or the big, tribal beat outro of “Brief Thoughts On Death” —loudlooppress.com
AARON KAMM AND THE ONE DROPS
Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Aaron Kamm and the One Drops merge flavors of Roots Reggae, Mississippi River Blues, Improv-laced Jams, and Soulful Vocals. With a High energy performance and a unique sound this band is a must see.
MUSICAL CHARIS
Let the songs write you! Musical Charis formed in the summer of 2008 as a male/female 4 piece with the intentions of creating an encouraging, light-hearted atmosphere for songwriting and creativity. “Charis” is the Greek word for gift, so the name literally translates to “Musical Gifts” Since then, the group has grown into a cabaret of multi-instrumental musicians who constantly tour, write and record new material. The band even made time to open “Musical Charis Music School” for low-income families in Sacramento. Members of the band teach private piano, guitar, and voice lessons to over 50 youngsters in the area. “People People” (JMB Records) the 10 song full length album released on July 23rd, 2010 was co-engineered by John Baccigaluppi (Editor of Tape OP Magazine) “Forward” may be the highlight of the ten track record, a catchy indie rock number that is in a class of its own on this album. The instrumentation here and throughout the record is extremely impressive, as each band member know their own roles. This makes for a wonderful chemistry that is audible even in a studio recording.” [Absolute Punk]
YELLOW DUBMARINE
Forty years after four legendary musicians crafted a classic album named for the studio they made famous, another group of supremely talented musicians is re-imagining that same album in their own unique way. For Dub-Reggae rockers, Yellow Dubmarine, who formed in the fertile music community of the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas, the choice to take on the Beatles masterpiece, Abbey Road, was a simple one. There was a natural vision for it, they explain, “It is more of a concept album, and we knew it would be the perfect place to start. The resulting album, Abbey DUB, is an aural journey through the history of reggae with The Beatles as your guide. From “Come Together” through “Her Majesty,” Yellow Dubmarine finds new life in all of the legendary album’s 17 songs, keeping the heart of each tune present, but simultaneously re-creating them in an entirely new light. Producer Kenny Liner of The Bridge, crafts a sonic landscape that in one instant recalls traditional Nyagbinghi drumming, before becoming a simple Rock-steady cadence which subtly evolves into a horn-laced, Ska groove full of Caribbean and Calypso overtones that gives way to a bass heavy Dub “riddim” that sways and bounces and gets everyone up and moving. The decision to work with Liner was an easy one for the band, proclaiming, “There is no one we would trust more musically or professionally with this concept than him. The development of the identity of Yellow Dubmarine’s horn section as a strong singular voice and separate entity within the band helped create a wholly unique sound that allows the instantly recognizable tunes from Abbey Road to take on a whole new personality, a personality that is full of intoxicating, deep, danceable grooves. Abbey DUB is a shockingly original take on the legendary album. Horns where there were once voices, a slinky groove where there was once none, and a smooth mellow essence that seems to find the long lost island-roots soul of Abbey Road. A blissfully exuberant, rock-steady, Jah-worthy celebration of the Fab Four, Abbey DUB is quite simply a chance to hear this much loved classic again for the first time.
STAGEDOOR CANTEEN
Stage Door Canteen is a legendary big band out of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, the southernmost tip of Cape Cod. Dedicated to “The Big Band Sound,” the Stage Door presents a musical tour-de-force spanning classic swing tunes, repertory big band music, and horn-fueled, dance-driven rhythm and blues. In celebration of their twentieth anniversary, the band is traveling to Chicago on the iconic Lake Shore Limited rail line, in homage to the great big bands who came before. In 2007, celebrating their fifteenth anniversary, they toured Ireland, playing gigs in Dublin and at several beautiful rural theaters, as well. An institution on their native Cape Cod, Stage Door Canteen has headlined every major music festival in that area and have opened for the Boston POPS. They bring the unbridled energy and swinging style of perfect summer party on the beaches of Hyannisport with them everywhere they go.
GREEN GENES
Jack designs the Green Genes as a hard rock band with elements of blues and post-punk to reflect the various moods of his story.
THE CORDOVAS
JULIA KLEE
A packed house at Schuba’s (Chicago) for the release of her release, “Big Charade” was a great start to a great year and a glimpse into the future of Julia Klee. …”Every once in awhile, we see a live show that’s so transcendental in its scope, that takes the live venue and transforms it into a singular experience, where the voices of the crowd drops away, and the artist becomes a singular focus.”… -The Real Big Rock Candy Mountain- Being featured on Chicago’s key radio stations, WLUW & WXRT and highlighted in The Chicago Tribune & Time Out Chicago, the word was out. …”She’s got pipes that rival Neko Case and Kelly Hogan.”… -Timeout Chicago- Prior to her full length debut- “Big Charade”, Julia made waves in the Chicago music scene as the female counterpart of critically acclaimed songwriter, Joe Pug. In 2009 she was invited to sing with Pug and his band at Lollapalooza and several sold out shows at Schuba’s, The Hideout and also the album “Messenger”. Then, after being invited to sing on the record, “The Best of Times,” with Austin native Colin Gilmore, amongst country greats Willie Nelson, Rhett Miller, Shawn Colvin and The Flatlanders put her on the map and into the studio to make her own record. “Big Charade”, is a brilliantly crafted collection of piano driven songs with a cast of alt-country musicians that have a tour history ranging from The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Head of Femur, Merle Haggard and ZZ Top.
COLIN GILMORE
Lubbock, Texas, the birthplace of Buddy Holly, has been harvesting a good crop of talent for many generations. The birthplace of Delbert McClinton, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock and Joe Ely (collectively known as The Flatlanders), Mac Davis, Terry Allen, Lloyd Maines and his daughter Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, makes you wonder if it’s in the water. Colin Gilmore, born the son of Jimmie Dale Gilmore and raised in Lubbuck, was surrounded by acoustic guitars and harmonies from birth. Stories of falling asleep to late night singing and waking up on the front porch with the singing now at low keel, the sunrise imminent are shared by all. Not only were these folks born in the same small city, but they’re close friends who still get together to play their guitars and sing songs. You can hear the “Lubbock Twang” in Colin’s vocals and witness his Southern charm in his lyrics.
RUMBLE SEAT RIOT
First off, we are a band and not journalists, so spelling and punctuation will not always be correct. Second, we are a band and not big internet goorooes so sometimes it takes us a little wile to respond to post. Now, with that out of the way. Here’s a little about us.
O’l Larry Kaster is the reason why this band started. Just arived into town from Nashville TN and was on a hunt to find mu…sicians to start up a Rockabilly band. Well after frequenting some bars asking anybody that remotely fit the part , “Hey, do you play any music?” He found me. I really didn’t play much but had been messing around with song writing months after a hard break up so I said “a little. ” I let him listen to a couple songs I was working on and confessed I haven’t been playing guitar for very long but he was alright with it. I think it didn’t bother him because he himself had just picked up playing a stand up bass. Now he’d been in a few bands and has played multiple instruments but this was new, so in a way we were in the same boat. I never expected to really play a show in front of people. And with no expectations I guess I’m a little taken back that not only are we still playing, but playing with some of the best in out genre. Don’t know haw long it will last but as long as people still want to listen to what we have to say we’ll be playing the best we can. And as of right now we haven’t even begun to tap our full potential. Part of that has to do with our sec drummer Brian. He has definitely brought inspiration to the lineup. But I wont forget about Butchie, who helped kick this whole thing off. I learned a lot about song breakups and drum fundamentals from him. Not to mention much help with all the non musical aspects of starting a band.
Like I said, we’ll do this as long as we have listeners and people willing to support. Been a hell of a start, but its just a start.
Thanks for showing interest and support.
-RSR-
SHAPES AND COLORS
Formed in August 2011, Shapes & Colors emerged from the dust of funk-fusion band, “Raoul Duke” (2007-2011), and began knocking down all barriers within the Live Electronic Music community.
Consisting of Ramsey Zabout aka RamZ (production/ableton), Matt Rezetko (drums/percussion/samples), Jeremy Williams (bass/moog/EFX), Lucas Ellman (EWI/Sax/EFX) and Dan Cantone (guitar/slide/EFX); Shapes & Col
ors continue to evolve and develop their unique blend of electronic production and live instrumentation.
The squad delivers a collage of Glitch, Funk, Electro Soul, Down-Tempo & Hip Hop beats. Lyrical samples from our favorite MC’s are often found within a S&C set, along with growling bass lines, crackin’ live drums, and captivating melodies.
OWEN
In the past decade, Chicago’s Mike Kinsella has played a variety of instruments in a handful of bands including Cap’n Jazz, Joan of Arc, The One Up Downstairs, American Football, Owls, Maritime, and Aloha. Owen is his solo project.
N.O.R.M.
WINDY LAWLOR
MIKE REDDICK
BERSERKER
REMEMBER THE PASSION
THE RECENTLY DECEASED
“Rock, psychobilly, metal, horror punk, hardcore, blues, country, rockabilly, pop” music… it quickly became very hard to throw the band in one catagory since there were so many influences in the style it became “all of that and none of that”. The sound has a raw blues rock foundation, with metal inspired guitar riffs, traditional rockabilly bass walkin, punk rock drum beats, and pop vocal harmonies that make up the original sound that is The Recently Deceased.
LUCKY STRIKES
Left on the door stoops of several saloons and brothels on Beale street as infants, the current members of The Lucky Strikes grew up in the center of the red hot cauldron of Rockabilly. Roaming the back alleys of Chicago for the last decade or so, brings a gritty urban edge to their decadent brand of Hillbilly Bop. If you are truly concerned about any of the important females in your life, leave them at home. The loss of innocence would be much too profound.
ZEKE
ZEKE established a nasty disposition while cutting teeth on their own brash hardcore punk. ZEKE formed in 1993 with an original lineup of Blind Marky Felchtone, Donny Paycheck, Mark Pierce, and Dizzy Lee Roth. The band’s first release was 1993’s ‘West Seattle Acid Party’ single on Wrecking Ball Records, followed by the ‘Holley 750’ single on IFA Records. ZEKE then set out to bring their energetic recordings to the stage and established a more than formidable reputation as “the live band to beat” via concentrated regional touring.
The self titled single ‘Zeke’ was then released on Scooch Pooch Records and was followed by the 1995 release ‘Super Sound Racing.’ ZEKE then hit the road again, unveiling a devastatingly high-octane live assault. The band was heralded as “Rock and Roll outlaws,” playing every conceivable venue that would have them. The release of the next full-length, ‘Flat Tracker’ a year later ensured ZEKE had enough audio ammo to stay on the road for months on end. And tour they would…
In 1997 Man’s Ruin Records issued the live album ‘PIG’ to a rousing response. ZEKE then signed to Epitaph Records in 1998, releasing, ‘Kicked In The Teeth.’ ‘Kicked In The Teeth’ was mixed and engineered by Jack Endino and the album’s increased distribution and availability found the band legions of white-knuckled new followers.
ZEKE recorded the follow up to ‘Kicked in the Teeth’ – ‘Dirty Sanchez’ – with Kurt Bloch of THE FASTBACKS. ‘Dirty Sanchez’ was released in early 2000. ZEKE’s second Epitaph release, ‘Dirty Sanchez’ rocked like a motherfucker. From the beginning quote of “Hey, he’s acting weird, it must be drugs!” to the last roar of the FLEETWOOD MAC’s “Rhiannon,” ‘Dirty Sanchez’ bludgeoned with tireless energy. Following ‘Dirty Sanchez’s’ release, bassist Mark Pierce left the band and was replaced by Jeff “The Kid” Matz.
Throughout the time that ZEKE called Epitaph home, they toured relentlessly. The band paired up with anyone and everyone who would have them, hitting the road with the likes of JERRY CANTRELL (ALICE IN CHAINS), ALL, THE VOODOO GLOW SKULLS, DOA, THE SUPERSUCKERS and even a few dates with PEARL JAM. The band toured the U.S., Europe, Japan and Australia, spreading their rock while breaking all the rules. ZEKE played everything from stadiums with 50,000 people, to bars with 10 people, but the spirit remained the same; rock like this might be the last show ever.
The band’s fifth full-length, ‘Death Alley’ was released in 2001. Even after a solid stretch of similarly themed and arranged albums, ZEKE’s ‘Death Alley’ began with the premise that “fast is just not fast enough.” ‘Death Alley’ continued the band’s full-throttle approach, utilizing ZEKE’s essential formula – a manic, methamphetamine lab distillation of early American hardcore and classic rock – to full effect.
When you’re a punk band that is eternally touring, strange things are bound to happen that will have as much of an influence on the band as the music that got them started. KISS, BLACK FLAG, THE RAMONES and BLACK SABBATH all get a run for the money when it comes to ZEKE antics. When asked about some specifics, vocalist / guitarist Marky Felchtone rattled off a brief list: “Drum sticks in eyes, broken bones, incidents involving cake, drugs and under-aged females, Black Metal homicides, etc…you name it” Felchtone went on to note that the reason he and ZEKE love touring so much is that it’s “it’s the best reason to avoid real responsibility.”
After leaving Epitaph and releasing 2003’s ‘Live and Uncensored,’ ZEKE began writing new material and set out looking for a suitable label that they could not only feel at home with, but one that could handle their “balls to the wall” rock and roll and enjoy the band as fans first. A contract with Relapse was inked in October, 2003 and saw the band join an artist stable (MASTODON, HIGH ON FIRE, ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY, BONGZILLA, etc) that are at once musically mated and touring compatible. ZEKE found their new home.
ZEKE set the cruise control to “white hot” on their Relapse debut, ”Til the Livin’ End.’ A relentless ride of rock and roll abandon, ZEKE’s ”Til the Livin’ End’ mixes punk nihilism with a hard hitting metal extravagance. ”Til the Livin’ End’ burns from start to finish, as super-charged guitars, electrifying leads and a raucous punk attitude race full- throttle down a highway to Hell.
Thank the gods of rock and roll, you’ve just met your new favorite band.
JAR’D LOOSE
Jar’d Loose is a metal/sludge crossover hybrid from Chicago featuring members of Chicago bands past and present, including The Muzzler, Centaurus, The Derbys, and Eunuchs. They draw influence from such bands as Corrosion of Conformity, The Jesus Lizard, Helmet, Zeke, Strapping Young Lad, and whatever the Hell else they want to.
AGAINST THE GRAIN
Against the Grain is a 4 piece band out of The Motor City. They are a Speed Rock band blazing through the US with their brand of Gear-shifting Balls to the Wall music that incorporates all things heavy from Punk, Rock n roll, Doom and thrash culminated together for one huge sound of a rock n roll musical speed-ball. Putting rock music at the forefront, and leaving behind any pretentious gimmick to the side ATG plans on being being heard.
After just starting in 2009 they have spread their brand of intense rock and roll across the US with many tours, and show no sign of slowing down. Over 150 tourdates a year keep this rock n roll machine out and in your face.
LOMA PREITA
While Loma Prieta’s sound is difficult to describe, it is clear that they come from the rich tradition of creative Bay Area hardcore bands such as Mohinder, Funeral Diner, Bread and Circuits, Yaphet Kotto, and Indian Summer. Eschewing sub-genres in favor of organically writing songs that are personally fulfilling, each Loma Prieta record is substantially different from the last. Nonetheless, Loma Prieta have managed to forge a distinctive form of expression that is entirely their own.
DAVID ALLAN COE
Coe’s musical style derives from blues, rock and country music traditions. His vocal style is described as a “throaty baritone.” His lyrical content is often humorous or comedic, with William Ruhlmann describing him as a “near-parody of a country singer.”[15] Stephen Thomas Erlewine describes Coe as “a great, unashamed country singer, singing the purest honky-tonk and hardest country of his era […] He may not be the most original outlaw, but there’s none more outlaw than him.” Coe’s lyrics frequently include references to alcohol and drug use, and are often boisterous and cocky. Coe’s debut album, Penitentiary Blues was described as “voodoo blues” and “redneck music” by Allmusic’s Thom Jurek. It focused on themes such as working for the first time, blood tests from veins used to inject heroin, prison time, hoodoo imagery and death. The album’s influences included Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Tony Joe White. Coe’s first country album, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, has been described as alt-country, “pre-punk” and “a hillbilly version of Marc Bolan’s glitz and glitter.” Credited influences on the album include Merle Haggard. Coe’s albums Nothing Sacred and Underground Album contained profane, sexually explicit material, including songs making reference to an orgy in Nashville’s Centennial Park, sex with pornographic film star Linda Lovelace and insults directed at Jimmy Buffett and Anita Bryant. The album Rebel Meets Rebel featured an anti-racist song, “Cherokee Cry,” which criticizes the United States government’s treatment of Native Americans. In his early career, Coe was known for his unpredictable live performances, in which he would ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle onto the stage and curse at his audience. Coe has also performed in a rhinestone suit and a mask which resembled that of The Lone Ranger, calling himself the “Masked Rhinestone Cowboy.”
EUFORQUESTRA
The band is known for their diverse sound and eclectic repertoire, covering a number of traditional and progressive sounds ranging from (but not limited to) reggae, dub, afrobeat and samba to ska, highlife, funk and jazz.