Gaining the majority of her industry experience writing and touring with other artists as a background vocalist, Chicago’s Alt/Rock singer Esh makes a splash taking center stage. Known for her dynamic, emphatic delivery, Esh moves hearts and hips; with her glam/punk rock sartorial style. In 2010 Esh was blessed to make the top 60 on Fox TV’s American Idol – Season 10. Esh explains, “my own achievements bring me joy, however my true passion is helping others realize their own strength through the songs I sing”.
Esh’s four piece band is anything but ordinary. They pack hard-rock compositions with powerful guitar, bass, and drum-driven punches that commands the stage with an indisputably moving and unforgettable style. All of these components together allow the pint size rocker the freedom to stir up a host of emotions from her multitude of fans, ranging from the affectionate to the aggressive.
You haven’t experienced anything until you’ve experienced ESHLIVE!!!
Music should not simply be heard. Music is meant to be experienced. This is the ideal that inspires the eclectic, high-energy sound of the Lafayette, LA based band Vagabond Swing. The band creates the driving force behind their music with their uninhibited blending of styles and creativity. With their musical roots ranging from bluegrass to ska, the band produces a surprisingly smooth mixture of progressive Gypsy/Experimental/Circus-vibe/Swing tunes. Along with their melodic energy, the band members themselves bring on a show of vibrant, youthful spunk, which gives their performance a thrashing air of excitement.
Singer/songwriter Dave Shanaberger has 10 EPs debuting every two weeks, comprised of leftover songs from his band, Big Livy. Five more follow through March at alberta.bandcamp.com. Alberta inhabits the burred, darkly beautiful fields of Americana, the vocals and electric guitars are equally gristly at times. Alberta’s anti-folk style blends in a bit of gothic blues; some darker, meditative dirges are warmed by hearty vocals, humming organs and yowling lap steel; minimal at some points, epic at others. — JEFF MILO
Stone Senate is a five-piece groove based rock band with a sound as unique as the members themselves. They came together from a variety of musical back grounds including Rock, Country, Blues, R&B, Funk, Jazz, and Metal and have blended them in to the Stone Senate sound. Standing high above any crowd Clint Woolsey commands attention with written lyrics and an unforgettable voice, while Marcus Brown and Mike Thompson share the task of melting faces with a wall of well blended lead and rhythm guitars. All of this played over the rock solid groove based rhythm section of Paul Zettler (bass) and Lucas Caswell (drums).
With harmonious vocals, lively guitars, warm horns, and a tight rhythm section, Ruben’s music harkens back to the soul of a variety of vintage rock n’ roll influences. Their energetic live shows have the bandmates shuffling from instrument to instrument to play any part necessary. On record, or in person, Ruben’s music is the product of pure enjoyment in the act of creating music for anyone who cares to listen.
“It was just a short walk over to the Masonic Temple, where Stillwater, Minnesota’s Ruben were taking the stage. Their Americana-tinged brand of rock ‘n’ roll went over well with the small crowd (which the large room made look even smaller). While the band seemed to be a bit annoyed that there wasn’t a larger turnout, and that a good portion of the people that were there were sitting on the floor, they still delivered a spirited set of songs that had contained echoes of the Band’s well-worn appeal (the band, in fact, dedicated their set to Levon Helm and the singer’s newborn daughter).
“Slow Bleed,” the title-track to Ruben’s new record, Slow Bleed/Let Me Start, was a raucous, bluesy stomp, like a cross between Led Zeppelin’s slower songs and the modern moodiness of the Black Angels. They brought out two saxophone players to augment their sound, as well as a female guest vocalist, Katy Larson, who filled out the simmering rocker, “Things Have Changed.” It would be nice to see Ruben in a smaller club, where their music would take on a bit more urgency and impact, but this was a bold, positive display from the talented young band who still seem to be getting their stage legs under them.”
Our young heroes met over a decade ago at a stifling warehouse job. The mutual hatred was instantaneous. Eventually they discovered they loved a lot of the same music and obsessed over finding and creating new sounds. Years, and a lot of beers later, they officially started creating music together with cronies who came and went. Loud guitars, drums, bass, electronics, vox. Currently writing and recording as a two-piece, occasionally appearing live with Benjamin Marotta on bass. More live shows taking place last quarter of 2012. Hope the world doesn’t end! There’s a lot more fun to be had.
Kevin Daniels can be summed up in just a few words; guy, guitar, drinking, and smoking. Add bouncing bass lines and twangy harmonica, and you’ve got Kevin Daniels & Friends. Kevin Daniels & Friends are from Chicago, but find their music rooted in the south. Bringing different skills and sounds together, Kevin Daniels & Friends has perfected the soundtrack to a great time out. Kevin Daniels & Friend’s live shows are a fast paced rum or wine filled fun time. Enjoy fun, foot-stomping music, have a drink and dance with Kevin Daniels & Friends.
(Chicago, Il) SamIam The MC is an independent HipHop artist, nationally acclaimed Freestyle MC/Battle rapper, B-Boy & event promoter. Sam’s music reflects the 90’s “Golden Era” vibe of positive HipHop music with a current twist lyrically and sonically. Sam has won major competitions such as B.E.T. Freestyle Friday 106 & Park (retired), Finalist for MTV World Rap Championship for $1 Million, Rhymespitters 4 All City Chicago Rap Champion (2007) and much more! He is a member of well known Chicago crews: SAK (Stars Are Kings) & Chi-Rock Chapter 4.
Sam hosts a monthly open mic called “Boom Bap” @ Subterranean in Wicker Park every 4th Monday for all genres. Check out his current album Golden Age 2 on bandcamp and stay tuned for his upcoming album: Birth of A New Era.
*Real HipHop is not going anywhere and SamIam The MC is here to help keep it alive! Follow on Twitter: @samiamthemc
The UC is a Chicago based Hip Hop group consisting of 4 members: Jon De Pledge, D-Flaire, E-Man & Tay Devito. The group formed in the spring of 2011 at Columbia College Chicago when Ernest “E-Man” Allgood met Lavell “D-Flaire” Miller at The Dwight Lofts Dormitory. At that time The UC only consisted of D-Flaire and Jeremy “Jon De Pledge” Johnson. After meeting and working on a couple of songs they both decided to introduce E-Man (and later Deante “Tay Devito” Spencer) into the group. From the winter of 2011 until the spring of the next year, the group finished and dropped The Variety Show which featured appearances by fellow Chicago emcee GLC and St Louis emcee Fresco Kane.
Cellar Rats was formed in 2012 after Cesar Ocampo met Greg Stark and Dario (Wallace) Sanchez after performing a show with his then-current band, Ramona’s Revenge. The original lineup consisted of Cesar on drums, Greg on guitar, and Wallace on vocals. After a few shows, the band brought in Eric Olivo, Cesar’s former bassist in Ramona’s Revenge, to fill in on bass. Cellar Rats played locally in the Chicago suburbs for about a year before Cesar left the band for personal reasons. One of Eric’s friends, Zach Damit, was then brought in on drums. The band began to grow their audience and perform at various locations farther away from their hometown before releasing their first 5-track EP in November, 2012 titled Spacebar.
2013 was a great year for the band. They played 23 shows at favorite local venues such as Reggies, Ashbary Coffee House, and Mike’s Luv ‘N’ Music, while reaching out-of-state audiences in Indiana and Iowa. Greg Stark, the band’s guitarist at the time, left the band in August due to differing opinions regarding the band. However, he helped significantly with the recording process of their upcoming album. Katelyn Correa, a friend of Eric’s, was invited to the band after Greg left. Katelyn took over on bass, and Eric switched to guitar. In October of the same year, they released their first LP, You And Me.
At the start of the new year, Cellar Rats was invited to play Thursday Night Live, a weekly live radio show hosted by Northeastern Illinois University. However, it was difficult for the band to play as many shows as they did the year prior due to lineup changes and differing schedules between the band members. In July, Wallace left the band to pursue other opportunities, and Cellar Rats was without a vocalist until October. Tom Bogdan, another friend of Eric’s, was interested in acting as frontman for the band, and played his first show in February of 2015.
Cellar Rats is now working on creating new songs and merch, playing more shows, and finalizing the tracks for their next EP, which they hope to release in the summer of 2015.
We play like we have played forever. We play in debt to a message. We come with passion and embrace a hard edge. And we do it all.. with a little style.
Kyle Francis Leuck, the music artist known as Yoko Homo, spent his time as a child performing for an invisible crowd. He was a product of a young single mother who worked full time and a large family who took turns to help raise him. When his mother was at home, Kyle was introduced not only to the ’80s new wave music videos she did aerobics to, but also the ’70s glam rock of her vinyl record collection. As he grew, he took to a variety of instruments & began to perform in musicals, plays, choir and marching band.
At the tender age of 17, Kyle experienced his first love and heartbreak with the person who also sparked his interest in esoteric knowledge, a boy from a neighboring town who did tarot readings for him on trailer park gravel. By the age of 18, Kyle was given the name Yoko Homo, by a now-defunct band that cited his love affair with their drummer as the cause of the band’s demise.
Soon after, Kyle and the drummer left the forests of small town farm life to the concrete and high rises of the Windy City. Kyle became immersed in the creative nightlife and made a name for himself as a Chicago micro-celebrity hosting club nights and performing in art spaces, while his lover preferred to spend time out of the spotlight and in the studio. This personality divide ended their romance but began their musical collaboration.
The duo met weekly in a dimly-lit basement full of dusty synthesizers and other vintage instruments, rarely inviting others in on their ritualistic process, and eventually manifested an album’s worth of hauntingly nostalgic yet futuristic pop music.
Kyle then went on solo to perform the material around the country, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn. The live show expanded over time to include a dance troupe, which he formed with the help of choreographer Heather Lynn.
Kyle recently returned from a trip to Europe where he performed and gained inspiration for a new album, featuring collaborations with long-time vocal contributor Sara Fagala & more to come…
“Their open-heart blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll is infectious. Frontlady Mlny Parsonz has always done it herself. As a self-taught instrumentalist who writes plot-driven metaphoric lyrics and works relentlessly to create dynamic on the stage, Parsonz’s music is explosive.” -Paste Magazine
Family Groove Company has been climbing the ranks of the Midwest music scene since 2002, conquering local venues like the Riviera Theater, Vic Theater, and Park West, and electrifying the Midwest festival circuit with regular appearances at Summer Camp Music Festival, North Coast Festival, Summerfest, and many more. At the heartbeat of this band that blends rock, jazz, and funk is electric bassist Janis Wallin.
Nicknamed “The Mistress of Groove” by world renowned bassist, Victor Wooten, Janis has been holding down the low end for well over 1000 live shows in 36 states spanning her 15-year professional career. Whether thundering her way through high energy rock tunes, or holding down an odd-time fusion groove, the response from musicians and fans alike is always the same: “This girl has a deep pocket, and her playing just feels good.”
Janis’ notable side project credits include a stint with Steve Kimock Crazy Engine and regular appearances with The Everyone Orchestra, where she holds down the groove alongside musicians like Jon Fishman (Phish), Michael Kang and Jason Hann (String Cheese Incident), Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck/Dave Matthews Band), and Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band).
The latest project on Janis’ plate is a Stevie Wonder tribute band that made a blowout debut on Halloween and is back for a holiday-time throwdown. Assembling a conglomerate of her favorite hometown musicians, Janis & Friends will take you on a groovy ride through the funk, motown, and R&B classics of Stevie Wonder. This show is not to be missed!
The rustic regions of the Tallgrass Prairies hold a myriad of veiled gems, and budding with roots along the Illinois River is Flannel Mouth, a four-piece rock ensemble with high aims in sight. Hailing from Glasford, a town only a thousand strong, Flannel Mouth has emerged as a vengeful small town boy with big city dreams, evidenced by their debut release, “Pull in Your Horns,” via SwitchBitch Records.
Old-timey for “sharptalker” or “one having a way with words,” Flannel Mouth holds true to definition with searing lyrics still warm from the firing hammers of frontman Luke Myers, who croons of audacious malcontent and paints vicious imagery unto his listeners. His blunt-yet-elaborate rhythms are melodized by Zachary Hartman, intricately woven throughout arrangements characterized by the bouncy bass lines of Ryan Batalon, and the pointed stylings of Tyler Jamsa on drums.
The near future holds exciting and hard work for the boys of Flannel Mouth, and even if the apocalypse truly is nigh, expect the music to cut right through.
The Righteous Hillbillies are an axe shredding, ace dealing, foot stompin’, Southern rock, high-powered Ameicana, boogie blues band that plays with talent and passion. They have built a strong, supportive, and loyal following throughout their hometown of Joliet, Illinois and into the Chicago area, and received three standing ovations while opening for The Charlie Daniels Band. The Righteous Hillbillies baptize their work in the blood of Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, ZZ Top, and the Black Crowes while still managing to create an original and independent style. They make rock “n” roll music for people who still believe in rock “n” roll music. Their well crafted songs and quality of playing has earned the respect of musicians from every genre of music, while many have become an extended family of the band. Lead vocalist Brent James sings with the power to push bodies against the wall and the sensitivity to stir the souls that reside within those bodies. Guitarist, Kev Wright plays with a controlled and confrontational ferocity that is nearly catastrophic, as if the devil himself allowed guitar players in that Georgia picking competition, Charlie Daniels made famous. The Rhythm section of Barret Harvey and Johnny Gadeikis provide the steadiest of foundations to the wildness and acrobatic rock flamboyance in every show.
The Righteous Hillbillies are prepared to raise the stakes from entertainment to that old time rock and roll religion. If it doesn’t get you dancing, moving, and singing, you might as well sign your “do not resuscitate” order at the nearest opportunity.
Chris was recognized in Bass Player Magazine for his bass playing on the CD release of the Chicago band “Amazing Headgear”. Chris released a CD debuting his own band, “Kick the Cat”, featuring his contemporary jazz compositions and bass playing. The first of KTC’s 3 CDs was lauded in Bass Frontiers Magazine as “…spirited and fresh”. “Bassist Clemente funks, swings, and solos with style and ease…” As a result of KTC’s debut CD, I became an official “Famous User”, clinician and product specialists for international bass company Warwick In 2004, Chris was the featured Artist on Warwick’s website. In 2008 Wil Ramirez of Ramirez Bass built the Model ‘CC’ bass guitar, which he helped to design and develop. Clemente was a featured Guest speaker at Northeastern University for its Contemporary Music symposium 1996 and Featured Artist at Northeastern University’s New Music Concert performing an original composition on Solo Electric bass. Chris performed as a musician in Tom Cruise’s break out movie “Risky Business” on Warner Bros and performed with Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (Dream Girls and American Idol) on the Oprah Winfrey Show, 2007. A brief list of names with whom Chris has performed includes; Umpherys McGee, Drop Q, Jon Secada, Randy Brecker, Hiram Bullock, Percy Sledge, and The Coasters. Christian Howes, Bobby Flynn, Kanye West and Jennifer Hudson as well as other numerous artists of varied styles. He has toured parts of Scandinavia and the orient. Other Chicago groups Chris has supported include: Crawl, Drop Q, Kick the Cat, Tributosaurus, Ladies of the Canyon, Willow Creek, Ravinia Music Program, Andrea Amos Project, Day Jams. In June of 2009 he received a Masters degree in Music from DePaul University. During the school year Clemente is a teaching artist for Ravinia. He is a contributing composer for Harpo Studio and Chicago Public Radio’s Vocalo.org project. In 2010 Chris Clemente and his cohorts in Crawl were commissioned to compose and perform original music with the Elmhurst Percussion Ensemble.
JIP established in 2001 by singer / songwriter Jim Gwynn has become an established Chicago rock band. The three piece band includes Joe D’onofrio on Bass and Mike Charbonneau on Drums/Percussion. In 2011 JIP released the album Year X which was well received and created great opportunities for JIP. Sparks, Flames & Names is the 2012 JIP collaborations release that features 7 different artists on the album. JIP is currently in studio working on a 2013 full length rock album.
Pictures of a Floating World, Silver Snakes debut released in August of 2011, is a tribute to free thinking – focusing on societal themes and individuality. It showcases glimpses of rock experimentalists At the Drive In and Fugazi, both major influences on the Snakes’ sound. “Steve and Roger have been good friends of ours for a while. We had always planned to do the record with them since they understood what we were going for in making a 90s influenced, raw rock record,” says Alex on working with Steve Choi and Roger Camero. The album touches on several genres, while not overstaying its welcome in any particular one.
Driving down a highway listening to either metal, hip hop, or country. Getting to the venue. Eating. Drinking. Playing. More Drinking. Heading to our home for the night. Drinking some more. Sleeping. Starting all over again. We’re pretty simple folk.
If you’re looking at our page, chances are that you know what we sound like already. Our history, if you’re interested is all on wikipedia (my favorite website). As of December 2010, we’ve been a band for 5 years. 5 years….5 years is a long time, but as I sit here and type this, it seems like no time at all. I suppose it’s because I never really stop to think about what we’ve accomplished in the past few years. I don’t stop to think, because I’m always looking forward to what comes next. What comes next is a new record. We’re currently right in the middle of the writing process, and I think the new songs are pretty dang good. Actually, some of these songs are in the running for my favorite BC songs ever. Seriously can’t wait for you guys to hear them.
For everyone that has been there since our first show on that cold night in Longview in early 2006, to the kid on his computer right now, learning about us for the first time, THANK YOU! It feels good to write songs, record albums, and play shows, but I don’t want to imagine all this without you guys singing along.
Space of MInd started in September of 2009. Guitarist, Silas Puth, seeked close friend, Rob Borowski as second guitarist for band, primarily playing lead. Kyle Gafron, Drums, was then sought after to play drums for band. Then Adam Saleem would join in band as Vocalist and Bassist. After few months of working on original songs, the band was put on hiatus due to Silas wanting to seek higher education in Florida. The band’s hiatus would last up until April 2011 when Silas returned and the band was revived. Soon after return, Rob Fencl would join and take role of Bassist due to Adam wanting to focus on vocals only. Later after about 6 months of rehearsal and songwriting, the band would debut in mid September of 2011. After debut, opportunities grew and also a steadily growing fanbase. Our EP is also availiable for purchase at shows.
Action Bronson is a Queens breed Albanian bearded rhyme animal of legendary proportions. The former chef turned rhyme smith started rapping in 2009 at the urging of his close friend fellow MC Meyhem Lauren and quickly realized he was a natural. After dropping the Come Up EP for free in 2010 Bronson followed up with the critically acclaimed Dr. Lecter produced in it’s entirety by Tommy Mas (Team Facelift). The song “Shiraz” and the viral video of the said song quickly spread like wildfire and Bronson became a favorite of the hip hop blog cognoscenti after being championed by sites such as Nah Right and 2DopeBoyz. As Dr Lecter continued to grow Action hooked up with DJ/Producer extraordinaire Statik Selektah to craft the soon to be classic Well Done album which was also embraced by critics and the masses featuring such songs as “Cocoa Butter” with Nina Sky and the epic “Miss Fordham Road”. Action is currently finishing up a project with producer Party Supplies for Reebok entitled Blue Chips which will be a free give a way to be released at the end of February. Bronson has toured across the states as well as Europe in a effort to increase the scope of his already short yet prolific career. Bronson has appeared in The NY Times, GQ, Details, The VIllage Voice, The Source, Rolling Stone and several other publications and is currently working on a pilot for the food network. In addition Action is working on several projects to be released in 2012 including a record with The Alchemist, a record with producer Harry Fraud and the follow up to Dr. Lecter titled Mr. Wonderful produced once again by Tommy Mas.
Harmonica Hinds can be heard as a band leader. He can be heard as a duo being accompanied by a guitarist or he’ll do solo performances with guitar and harmonica. Sometimes he accompanies other musicians in their bands.
Alternative hip hop artist, Johnny Polygon, hails from Tulsa, OK and currently splits his residency between LA & NYC. With early collaborations with Nas, KiD CuDi, Dead Prez & Green Lantern, Johnny Polygon had a strong impression on the press while his solo material developed. His First mixtape, Rebel Without Applause, featured a breakout video for his single, “The Riot Song” which premiered on MTV2. It later
fell into rotation on MTVU, VH1 Soul, BET Centric. In Nov 2010, the Catch-Up mixtape dropped in partnership apparel brand, Orisue. That release touts a decade of his signature song writing style dating back to age 17. It also features notable collabs w/ Nas, Adele, Kid Cudi. The Catch-Up mixtape precedes an EP, Wolf In Cheap Clothing sponsored by 2DBz & DJBooth in Dec 2010. Busy in the studio, Johnny
has two projects ready to ship: a mixtape, Safe Word and his debut album, Pussy Gun.
T.S.5 is a musical experience like none other. This jazz/funk band melds feel good grooves with improvisation to create music that is good for the soul. Featuring some of Chicago’s most talented instrumentalists, Drummer Jonathan Marks, Keyboardist Andrew Toombs, Saxophonist Rich Moore and Trombonist Luke Malewicz. T.S.5 has played many major Chicago and Midwest venues including The Green Mill, Martyrs, and The Taste of Chicago.
The Woman,The Music,The Magic,Queen Cheba is on her way to Becoming one of the Most Prolific Female MCs to Ever touch the Mic and grace the stage,giving her gracefulness and giving back her appreciation by Performing for People around.The World!!!!!!! It”s ROYALTY
V.I.R.U. hits the Hip Hop scene with a raw narrative flow focused on critical aspects of his life experience – such as his upbringing on the Eastside of Chicago. Growing up in a drug addicted household and surrounded by the influence of the streets. V.I.R.U. was swept into the hustle at a young age, but it was this upbringing that solidified his creativity as an artist, writer, and also built his great sense of musicality.
With influences stemming from a variety of sources – such as Tupac, Marvin Gaye, Nirvana and Slick Rick to name a few – his music has an authenticity that magnifies the struggle without glorifying the hustle. V.I.R.U.’s goal is to reach beyond the walls cliché and stereotypical artist have created, and with music reflecting his story and comradery between he and his crew through a hustler’s mentality – which brings an observative outlook on progression and advancing to the next plateau – the audience can vibe while listening to his overall message that there is a power in numbers.
For V.I.R.U., music is more than being king or chasing the crown, because to him the word “top” is infinitive. Always learning, always writing and always connecting with his listeners while striving to create authentic music. Verses in Real Understanding delivers his experience in a raw perspective as he advances in the Hip Hop scene.
Artist,director,designer,and editor. Broadway/B’Way expresses his creativity in multiple ways. “I want multiple checks and to be known for more then being a great rapper.
As far back as he can remember he’s had a passion for music. Writing his first rap at the age of 12. Since; it’s been his dream to become a legend in an industry that is designed to break you.
B’Way titled his first solo mixtape “Universal Flow” based on his ability to adapt to any concept and beat, while still delivering masterful lyrics. His style can not be placed into one category. The best way to describe him as an artist is UNIVERSAL.
Broadway is currently working on “This Is For You”(RnB), and “So SciFi” two mixtapes that will drop this summer on the same day!
PriMary (AKA Who’s This Mary?) are a modern beat combo that live and breathe in the Chicagoland area. Performing tip top original power pop as well as inspired cover versions of Britpop and other classics from 60’s to present day. Their sound consists of bright melodies, tight harmonies, upbeat guitar work, and a healthy respect for catchy grooves. Known for their dedicated cover versions they have fully tackled The Jam [known as ALL MODS CONNED], The Beatles and now The Cure [known as PriMARY]. As PriMary they have performed their Cure Show all across Chicagoland to enthusiastic and fiercely dedicated audiences. Come closer and see what PriMary will have in store for you.
The Kurt Michaels Continuum featuring Alain Quinn is band whose resumes include live performances with many legendary acts including The Temptations, The Drifters The Platters, Bobby Vinton, Badfinger, Spencer Davis, Wolfman Jack, The Shirelles, The Syn (featuring Chris Squire and Alan White of Yes) and Denny Laine of The Moody Blues and Wings (Paul McCartney). Recent performances include opening a sold out show at Reggies for Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy. Singer songwriters Kurt Michaels and Alain Quinn provide an original and engaging landscape of new and original music that crosses into multiple genres and coming straight from the heart. The Kurt Michaels Continuum featuring Alain Quinn is: Kurt Michaels – guitar and vocals Alain Quinn – vocals Jeff Sandler – drums Bruce Gordon – bass ‘Jim Gully – keyboards & vocals Another feature of our shows includes live mixing by Jim Nudd who did the house sound at Park West for many years, making us sound so good! The Continuum family of musicians that have lent their talents to our shows along the way include: Wynn Kanten – bass &acoustic guitar; Mike Lundin – keyboard bass; Jackie Mudd – Singer Emeritus (we love you Jackie); Dean Milano – bass; Christ Andronis – bass; Len Szymanski – drums The group of musicians who appear on my latest release “Soaring Back To Earth” are: Kurt Michaels – guitar, synth, lead and background vocals Jim Gully – keyboards Len Szymanski – percussion Christ Andronis – bass Steve Vining – co-producer and engineer, background vocals, bass, percussion & keyboards Special guests on “Soaring Back To Earth” include: Billy Sherwood – drums and bass Michael Sherwood – keyboards & special string arrangement on “Didn’t Get To Say Goodbye” Tom Brislin – keyboards Special thanks goes out to: Eric Rapier who did some singing with us on the early Soaring sessions. Krista Wallhagen who did the first class artwork & layout for the cd and album cover. No man is an island, and it is because of these people, that I have been able to continue on chasing my musical dreams. Thanks again to all of you for helping to make it real!
Bluegrass legend Bill Monroe may have never been familiar with the name, Audio/Rocketry, but when he said “It’s plain music that tells a good story. It’s played from my heart to your heart, and it will touch you. [This] is music that matters,” he could easily have been speaking about them. Combining a DIY punk ethos and a love for roots music, the group has developed a rapid underground following over the past few years.
“Don’t forget the words you’ve sung. Don’t forget what makes you strong.” This March marks the release of their third album, Piloting… Staying true to their roots, the band will be touring heavily across the country in support of the release, bringing their sing along songs to small town honky-tonks, campfires and punk squats, picking up new friends and fans along the way.
The voice behind the poetry is frontman Joe Vickers, who along with bassist Matt Murphy and banjo/mandolin player Blair Drover forms the core of the band. While these two are ever present, live shows have been known to include up to six members who add everything from spoons to washboard to the mix. But one thing that can be said about the live Audio/Rocketry experience is that no matter how many folks may be on stage, the audience is always part of the band.
