Chicago, IL Kataplexy are up-and-coming band to watch for in the brutal death metal scene In 2011 the band released there Extreme Hockey Metal Theme Promo titled “Intermission Zamboni Disfigurement” consisting of three songs which was released independently by the band. The promo was intended to give the fans and death metal community a idea of what we want to sound and accomplish in the scene. The promo was tossed around from local shows to Maryland Deathfest. It was very well received throughout the death metal community. In 2011 the band once again independently released their first-length “Mind Deterioration”. So far has received very positive reviews.
Wannabe Heroes tour throughout Chicago and its surrounding cities using a five piece live band. The Wannabe’s hard-hitting, yet ultra melodic arrangement of sounds energizes their fans in a way that keeps them wanting more. Their music reflects the up’s and down’s of everyday life and the coping with those events using music as a channel to connect, motivate, and inspire those who relate. They make it a personal mission to upkeep hip-hop’s true meaning in an attempt to keep the music and the culture it represents from becoming solely a tool of capitalism. In fact, you can find ALL of Wannabe Heroes music FREE for download at: www.wannabeheroes.net
Junior Smalls and the Criminals are a catchy new power pop outfit from the Midwest, fronted by producer John ‘Junior Smalls’ Randall, who is an odd music machine to say the least. With childhood fascinations ranging from The Smiths to NWA; Dinosaur Jr to Public Enemy; Junior Smalls is a musician formed through years of experiences so varied and polarized that even he struggles to understand how they all came together.
After over a decade of playing in various punk rock and hardcore bands, in 2004 Riley returned to his roots and began playing country and folk music in the bars and cafes of St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City and every little Midwestern town in between. In 2006, Riley self-released his debut album Whiskey, Ramblin, and St. Louis Nights (James Whitlock, Homeset Studios), which contains songs of sorrow and redemption.
Born from the sweat and blood of determination and obsession, Ryan Mumby and the Hundred Year Rain blends a rich variety of blues styles with its own version of Chicago style grit.
Ryan Mumby has worked tirelessly to master his craft as a guitarist and songwriter for over fifteen years. At times, he’s nearly worn out the pause and playback buttons on his stereo—not just for the sake of being able to master the solos of his guitar idols, like Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but in order to gain a deeper understanding behind the notes. He strives to capture the heart and soul embedded in the music. Mumby’s ability to play with such feel landed him sit-in spots, at age seventeen, with the likes of Chicago blues musicians Nellie “Tiger” Travis and Andre Taylor. He’s gone on to share the stage with The Steepwater Band and Mr. Blotto.
By age twenty-one, Mumby had formed his own blues trio, which focused primarily on blues standards and related covers, and was playing gigs throughout the state of Illinois. His talent caught the eye of another Chicago-area bluesman, Michael Charles, who recruited Mumby to play in his band. In the five years that Mumby played in The Michael Charles Band, he got the chance to tour Australia, Canada, and the United States, in addition to performing at Chicago’s House of Blues and on JBTV. After a five-year stint with the band, Mumby decided to embark on his own creative vision, where the emphasis was on creating original music steeped in the blues.
In order to create this sound Ryan recruited the rhythm section of brothers Steve and Brian Baxter—on bass and drums, respectively—to lay down a tight groove on top of which Ryan’s soaring solos could take place. The Baxters have been jamming together ever since they picked up their instruments nearly 25 years ago. They have never shied from a genre, experimenting with an eclectic array of music. They joined Mumby, and as a power trio they honed their sound by playing the songs of their heroes, such as Muddy Waters and Peter Green. The band wasn’t satisfied there; they wanted to avoid becoming stagnant, so they began searching for ways to define themselves musically. What followed was an explosion of creativity. From the smokey blues club feel of “Poundin Ache” to the bluegrass/country influenced instrumental “Big Country” the Hundred Year Rain’s originals owe much to their influences without sounding derivative.
Not wanting to rest on their laurels, Ryan and the Baxters recruited guitarist Nick Bellezzo. Nick’s arrival added another dimension to the band’s sound. Whereas Ryan’s playing is firmly rooted in the blues, Nick’s playing is influenced from a number of sources including Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townshend. When Nick Bellezo isn’t satisfied with the tone of his instrument—or when he simply gets bored with it—he does what every guitarist would like to do: he builds a new one. He’s able to fine-tune his sound to compliment Mumby’s, creating interplay between the two guitars that makes for richly layered improvised single and dual solos, one of the band’s live staples.
Ryan Mumby and the Hundred Year Rain has been wowing crowds since December 2010 with an exciting and always growing live repertoire of originals and covers. The band thrives on challenging traditional boundaries, always having one foot in the blues, and the result of their tireless effort shows. They quickly are becoming a staple in the Chicagoland music scene, having performed at the Buddy Guy’s Legends, Double Door, Reggie’s Music Joint and Rock Club, The Elbo Room, Abbey Pub, Hard Rock Cafe (Chicago), and Brauerhouse, among others. If you are a fan of good blues and rock, Ryan Mumby and the Hundred Year Rain should be on your radar for bands to see in 2014!
Steve Barnes debut album Newspaper Ads is a refreshing movement toward what we all want singer/songwriters to be. From the low-fi feel to the flashback affect of his album title, evoking the image of newspapers, a now dyeing art, we think of a time when music was not about one-hit-wonder pop sensations or commercial appeal. Newspaper Ads is a throw back to a classic 90s singer songwriting-style, putting Steve Barnes into a category where the likes of Shannon Hoon and Jeff Buckley have already been. The simple sounds and classic feel of this alt-rock album are both poignant and refreshing.
Steve Barnes gives us storytelling through classic rock sounds and these stories consist of a realized isolation, painting pictures of time, the drifting and waiting of our generation. His lyrics are perfectly prosaic and his simple harmonies work. Tracks like “Snowstorm” and “Roots” offer heated electric guitar solos while a track like “Alone In My Head” offers smooth melodies and definable lyrics. This album flows from one song to the next uninterrupted and creates the soundtrack of a modern man and his guitar, offering blues to country, while referencing some of the greats who have come before him such as Ryan Adams and Iggy Pop.
Newspaper Ads makes you remember when things were simple, where life is a long trip and solitude not tormenting. You find yourself swept away to dusty roads and big skies, where life is spread out before you in all its charm, and beauty and desperation. The honesty and stability and soul that come from Steve Barnes Newspaper Ads can only be the product of a fresh Chicago alt-rocker, new to the scene and ready to make his mark
Ben Scholz is a drummer/percussionist who lives and works in Chicago, Illinois. Living in Chicago has given him the opportunity to work with jazz innovators such as Roy Hargrove, Bill Watrous and Aaron Neville.
Pearl and the Beard.. is three voices, one cello, one guitar, one glockenspiel, one melodica, several drums, one accordion, ninety-six teeth, and one soul….. Former strangers Jocelyn Mackenzie, Emily Hope Price, and Jeremy Styles were united in the great city of New York. Each had migrated there from a far corner of the nation with naught but food in their pockets and money in their bellies. Each had the same true love. Since then the three have nested, and their unique brand of brightly melodic songcraft continues to blossom of its own accord….. ..Pearl and the Beard.. loves you the way you’ve always been.
“The Wisconsin troubadour has a penchant for playfulness when it comes to her music; however, when she gets serious, few craft a better folk song.” – The Huffington Post Anna Vogelzang, unavoidably soulful singer/songwriter and newly-transplanted Midwesterner sings the best kind of songs, the ones about feelings. She has shared stages with awesome folks like: Regina Spektor, Franz Nicolay (The Hold Steady), Mirah (K Recs), Wye Oak (Merge Records), Deer Tick, Nat Baldwin (Dirty Projecters), Casey Dienel (White Hinterland), Amanda Palmer, Kyp Malone (TV on the Radio), and tons of other peeps. She also spent some quality time performing as a vocalist with The Dresden Dolls, notably at Lollapalooza 2006 & on NPR’s World Cafe. After releasing her college thesis as a CD and following up with home recordings that sold out of their handmade sleeves, Anna released her 5th album, Paper Boats, on the Slothtrop Music label in April 2010. The record combines the fun, sing-along aesthetic of Anna’s live shows with a professional cast of musicians, resulting in her most cohesive work yet. The record was met with invitations to the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and National Women’s Music Festival’s Emerging Artist Stages. Based in Madison WI, Anna has been on 9 DIY tours in the last 3 years and plans to keep at it until her 98 Nissan falls apart. Anna is a member of ASCAP. 2010 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist | 2010 National Women’s Music Festival – Talent Competition Winner | 2010 Folks Fest Songwriter Showcase – Honorable Mention | 2010 Madison’s Favorite Folk/Bluegrass Act – 3rd Place | January 2010 Madison Songwriter Showdown Winner (“Guilt”) “Her voice will blanket you with awe… Do whatever you can to see her live.” – The Deli Magazine “Pittsburgh’s indie-folk scene said goodbye to one of its brightest singer-songwriters when Anna Vogelzang took off for Chicago.” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Anna Vogelzang is one of the promising young female artists who puts her money where her mouth is. This girl won’t stop until she gets the attention she deserves, and believe me, she deserves it.” – Amanda Palmer, The Dresden Dolls “Combine sweet, early-jazz warbling, classic female singer-songwriter acoustics, girl-with-a-guitar aesthetics, and indie-folk quirk (imagine Kimya Dawson if she could really sing) with a dash of slightly angsty girl-rock (Ani DiFranco if she’d mellow out), and you’ll have an inkling of the unique style cultivated by vocalist Anna Vogelzang.” – Brick Weekly, Richmond, VA FOR BOOKING..: please contact booking(at)theanna.com. myspace is whack. way more at ..www.theanna.com
Jaw Potato combines a blend of well known tunes with unique instrumentation to create a sound all their own. Playing many different styles of music from rock, disco, funk, reggae and even rap, Jaw Potato consistently throws twists and turns at their audience making each set the band performs different from the last.
The sound that Jaw Potato creates comes from the combination of the experience of the members of the band and the instrumentation and arrangements of the music. Electric violin along with a driving rhythm section and strong vocals give Jaw Potato the ability to tackle songs that most bands wouldn’t even think possible to perform with just five members.
If you have seen Jaw Potato perform you will feel the depth of the styles and the excitement of the grooves but most of all you will remember the fun you had dancing and grooving to the music!
Hogtown Packing Co. was born to bring a modern concept to the high standards of the classic rock sound. Together, eloquent lap steel and slide weave in and out of melodic guitar harmonies, while explosive and expressive bass lines, savvy drumming and polished percussion is used to construct their collection of down-to-earth original creations. They are an ever-changing mix of classic and fresh rockin’ blues with a pinch of Americana and a dusting of Texas metal.
Organ Yank formed in 2007 at Oberlin Conservatory, one of the premier music schools in the world, with the goal of bringing jazz to the people. Organ Yank melds infectious grooves, catchy melodies, and intricate textures into the unique entertainment experience of the century.
Currently based out of Chicago, Organ Yank has been hard at work on their follow up to 2010’s “We Are Organ Yank.” Set to drop Summer 2013, Organ Yank “Hard” will lift spirits and melt faces with its unbridled energy and unparalleled beauty. In short, you will like the way you feel. We guarantee it.
“Songs flowed from a controlled chaos to a smooth and melodious tone with incredible ease.” –The Oberlin Review
“Great energy! I loved every minute of it!”–Pat Martino
“Organ Yank is awesome!”–Ruth Underwood, former percussionist of Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention
“If there ever was a band to embody the term ‘auditory orgasm,’ Organ Yank would be it.” –fearlessandloathing.com
Boston is the debut studio album by American rock band Boston. Produced by Tom Scholz and John Boylan, the album was released on August 25, 1976, in the United States by Epic Records. Scholz had studied classical piano in his childhood and became involved in the Boston music scene in the late 1960s. He subsequently started to concentrate on demos recorded in his apartment basement with singer Brad Delp, and although their previous group, Mother’s Milk, had received numerous rejection letters from major record labels in the early 1970s, by 1975, the demo tape had fallen into the hands of CBS-owned Epic Records, who signed the band.
Epic wanted the band to record in Los Angeles with a record producer, but Scholz was unwilling and wanted to record the album in his basement studio, so he hired Boylan to run interference with the label. In an elaborate ruse, Scholz tricked the label into thinking the band was recording on the West Coast, when in reality, the bulk was being tracked solely by Scholz at his Massachusetts home. The album’s contents are a complete recreation of the band’s demo tape, and contain songs written and composed many years prior. The album’s style, often referred to as the “Boston sound”, was developed through Scholz’s love of classical music, melodic hooks and guitar-heavy rock groups such as the Kinks and the Yardbirds.
The album was released by Epic in August 1976 and sold extremely well, breaking sales records, becoming the best-selling debut album in the US at the time, and winning the RIAA Century Award as best selling debut album. Boston’s style was appropriated by label executives and imitated by bands to create radio-friendly “corporate rock”, the creation of which the band was also accused of. The album’s singles, most notably “More Than a Feeling” and “Long Time”, were both AM and FM hits, and nearly the entire album receives constant rotation on classic rock radio. The album has been referred to as a landmark in 1970s rock and has been included on many lists of essential albums. The album has sold 17 million copies in the United States alone and 25 million worldwide.
The Album will be preformed by The Sellouts
I-57 SOUTH
I 57th South is a band that doesn’t fit into a single category. They can shift gears from Cash/Waylon to Buddy Holly/Carl Perkins to Skynyrd/Allman Brothers to Beatles/Springsteen. From the largest city to the smallest town – just like I 57 they travel as far as possible with an Illinois perspective on music.
Daniel Payne is certainly no stranger to the life of musical gypsyhood. His savage exploits of rambling and rounding have landed him onto stages, police radars, and detention chambers all over the United States and Europe. He started a solo project to record a few songs and save a few people’s lives- including his own.
Chicago native, singer-songwriter Britt Dignan has the ability to capture your heart with his talent for writing meaningful lyrics placed smoothly over his slick Acoustic melodies and impromptu jams. He paints a picture with his folky story telling, soulful rooted voice and extraordinary stage presence, placed a top a high energized passion and love for music!
Joining the midwest music scene in early 2005, Britt has shared the stage with many nationally touring bands and playing a plethora of well known Venues and establishments. He has become an accomplished Singer/Songwriter throughout the Midwest and its surrounding states. Also taking part in his share of touring and multiple projects over the years. His band is made up of some the finest musicians in Chicago and has the benefit of having many guest musicians at any given show.
His first full length album “Ordinary Life” was released in late January, 2014 and has concert goers of all ages raving over his fresh southern folk style and old timey blues jams with a jazzy twist. You will find yourself singing his catchy songs over and over again. Such as, “Friendly Neighbors”, Get’s You High”, and his hit single “Lover’s and Sinners”. Britt Dignan was voted “Chicago Deli Magazine’s, Artist Of The Month” August 2014, and plans to release another album in late 2015.
Hailing from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Bridges of Königsberg was born in 2009 from the minds of frontman Paul Petrosyan and guitarist Matthew Brakel. With the recruitment of drummer Aaron Krause and keyboardist Beth Hoffman, Bridges of Königsberg came into being as a skillful and capable four-piece group. Blending elements of rock, electronica, and a number of obscure genres, We Have Many Faces (EP) was released in June of 2010 and demonstrated the bands diverse sound and emotional range. Ever since the initial release Bridges of Königsberg have been playing shows and writing new material. Their debut full-length, The Five Colors, was released in December of 2011.
The Paver blends strong female and male vocal work with electric cello, electric violin, synth and drums to create an explosion of sound and melody. Throw in their aluminum bass and you get a sound that really resonates. With their brand new EP and their live shows reaching newer heights, The Paver will blow both your face and mind off right off.
A live band bringing you a mash up of recording era classics and original hip-hop, this modern-day re-interpretation of pop music will take you to the past, and back again.
Glen Matlock needs little introduction. As well as penning arguably the most famous punk song ever, Pretty Vacant, Glen wrote the music to the Sex Pistols classics, including Anarchy In The UK and God Save The Queen, creating the benchmarks for any aspiring rock band. The Sex Pistols reunions have given the world the chance to see Glen reaffirm his rightful position as the cornerstone of the Pistols music. However, the Sex Pistols represent only a fraction of what Glen has achieved. His next band, the Rich Kids, put out one of the most influential albums of the late 70s, Ghosts Of Princes In Towers, packed full of rock ‘n’ pop gems. Working with Iggy Pop, (who recorded Glen’s song Ambition), during the 80s, kept him in the limelight and at the top of his game.
THE BUCKSHOT HOUNDS
The Buckshot Hounds are : Aaron T Heindel – rhythm guitar and lead vocals; Jason Hiland – lead guitar and vocals; Andy Sivwright -drums; Ted Yi -bass guitar; Chris Bartley – keys and vocals.
Having laid a foundation on a sound that blends the stories and songwriting of country and folk with the grit and punch of blues & good old fashioned rock-n-roll, The Buckshot Hounds have carved themselves a place to stand where few have stood before them. Basically, five hicks playing some kick-ass rock & roll. Hope you like it.
Corbin Marsh has been stomping out country blues across the United States for only the better half of a decade, but at just 26 years old, he has the voice and playing style one would expect from a seasoned veteran. Channeling legends like Son House, Lightnin’ Hopkins and contemporary inspirations like Justin Townes Earle and Lucinda Williams, Marsh pens timeless ballads of death, deception and barroom laments of love lost.
In November of 2010, Corbin joined blues guitar veteran Mike Flynn and longtime collaborator Chris Lee on drums to form Corbin Marsh Band. Joined later by Jeff Stritholdt of Makebelieves’ fame on bass, the group brought explosive and dynamic energy to Marsh’s tunes. The group also breathes new life to century old traditionals and blues songs by Robert Johnson, Elizabeth Cotten and others. In July of 2012, they released their first official EP, “Wheel Spinning ‘Round.”
Intelligent Trunk Music marks a new turn for Stalley, the up-and-coming Bruce Springsteen of rap. After sharing the personal story of his transition from Ohio to New York City with The Autobiography, Stalley is taking it back to his small town roots in Massillon, Ohio. Massillon is a town known for its blue collar work ethic, steel factories, American muscle cars and a love for hard 808 kicks. Stalley linked up with producer Rashad to create a sonic aesthetic to match.
With Stalley’s sharp songwriting and poetic lyricism and Rashad’s cinematic Midwest-tinged production on ITM, Ohio may have to anoint a new King. The first video from the project, “Slapp” recently premiered on MTVu and MTV Jams. As a kid living around the steel mills, Kyle Myricks earned his nickname, The Stallion, because of the grit and determination that characterized his youthful athleticism. The Stallion later became Stalley and left Ohio for Brooklyn to pursue dreams of becoming a timeless musician.
In 2008, Stalley made his mixtape debut, Goin Ape, with fellow Ohio-native Terry Urban; 2009 followed with the release of MadStalley: The Autobiography, and a newfound reputation as a force on stage with performances alongside hip hop heavyweights such as KRS-One, Ghostface Killah, Jay Electronica, and Mos Def, as well as select dates on the Rock The Bells and Sneaker Pimps tours. In early 2010 Stalley performed several shows at SXSW and headlined shows in Columbus, New York City, and New Orleans. Stalley was also selected to participate in the 2010 Iron Mic Competition in Beijing as the featured MC.
With a polished sound that spans far outside the boundaries of hip-hop- ProbCause seamlessly jumps from dubstep – to glitch-hop- to R&B than back to a classic boom-bap gritty rap sound. With stories that make you reminisce and a percussive delivery that highlights his unique production ProbCause is one of the most exciting and versatile touring acts.
James Crist (J. Crist) is an American recording artist from Los Angeles, California. Originally from “The Region” (Northwest Indiana), his musical style is a mixture of Hip Hop, Rap, Rock, and Pop combined with powerful and dynamic vocals that immediately grab your attention with every verse, bridge, and chorus. His love for music started at an early age as he recorded songs in his bedroom singing and using Frisbees as percussion. At a time where music is dithering between contemporary genres, J. Crist brings emotion and energy back into the music scene establishing a new sound for the new generation. From his mind-altering metaphors to his powerful, emotional delivery, J’s aggressive melodic flow takes contemporary Hip Hop, Rock, and Pop to a whole new level. J released his independently distributed album “Grown Man Street” in January 2011 and in December 2011, J released yet another inspiring single titled “Feelin Fine.” The record reflected on being broken-hearted and ultimately overcoming a strenuous time in his life. Produced by Jon Redwine, the track features an addictive guitar riff, life like drums, and soul screaming vocals.
Anthony Struck and Joey Metallo were both born and raised in Chicago Illinois. They have dealt with adversity to make it where they are today. Both developed a love for music at a young age. Today they use Hip Hop as an outlet for there emotional struggles. They can be seen bouncing around Chicago “Doing what it takes.”
When the IRONFINGER pokes you, you will step back at first. Immediately after, you will step forward to accept the challenge and take a better listen at exactly what the FINGER is telling you. IRONFINGER will blast you to the core with its direct assault on the senses. IRONFINGER is hard-driving rock, chock full of relentless guitar riffs and jagged instrumental and vocal melodies.
P.K. Ripper, guitarist of Chicago progressive metal legends Slauter Xstroyes, assembled IRONFINGER along with guitarist Jerry Buczko and bassist Bill Dixon. Their intent is to burn down an audience as if a scorching 85 mile-an-hour wind of fire were charging from the stage. Their front line of blistering guitar runs are precise yet unpredictable, serving only as a full-throttle thrust into one of their many blasting groove-heavy rhythms. Drummer John Ashe antagonistically encourages them to forge forward with his heavy-handed slamming, pushing and pulling without remorse. With the addition of vocalist Fred Morg, IRONFINGER stretches melodies up and over the entire machine, as well as weaving a melodic thread through the counterpoint. Their lyrics, bringing insight to a world losing touch with its human element, are made more meaningful when the IRONFINGER audio assault pushes it forward.
IRONFINGER’s sound is derived from its members’ varied backgrounds. Each members is a seasoned veteran of the hard rock music scene, having merged together from different corners of Chicago’s rock scene. Whether it be Rock, Punk/Pop, or Metal; and the interaction is still seamless and honest without sounding like a dysfunctional melting pot. IT JUST ROCKS.
The FINGER is on the trigger, and its shooting will be rapid and focused. Every IRONFINGER live show wins over its audience, and their soon-to-be-released debut will do the same in 2014. With its seemingly endless arsenal of musical ideas and conquered goals, IRONFINGER WILL POKE AT YOU.
LIZ PHAIR “Exile in Guyville”
With Androgynous Mustache
JOY DIVISION “UNKNOWN PLEASURES”
Unknown Pleasures is the debut studio album by English rock band Joy Division, released on 15 June 1979 by Factory Records.
FREEWAY
Leslie Edward Pridgen (born on July 8, 1979), better known by his stage name Freeway, is an American rapper. Best known for his tenure on Roc-A-Fella Records and his affiliation with Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel, he is recognized by his high-pitched delivery (akin to that of Ghostface Killah) and for the long beard he keeps due to his Muslim faith. His moniker is derived from the name of the infamous drug trafficker “Freeway” Ricky Ross. He was a member of the rap group Ice City, is a member of the rap group State Property and recently signed to Cash Money Records but only lasted one and a half years with the label. The only record label Freeway’s with now is Rhymesayers Entertainment and G-Unit Philly.
NOTRYDO SINCERE & THE KAOTIC DRUMLINE
Notrydo.Sincere is his name and his mantra. Born Phalair Carter, one summer one mother no father to the winds of the Southside streets of Chicago. Mutli talented in various ways; songwriter, Mc, designer, business onwer & marketing, notry is alsoa self taught producer, keyboard player & drummer. While muti-facet his strong point has always been the LIVE SHOW.
