The Bad Reputation is an ALL FEMALE tribute band to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Based out of the Chicago area, founding member and lead singer, Loretta Remington, captivates audiences with her uncanny ability to capture the looks and sound of Joan Jett, bringing the ultimate Joan Jett experience. Being a part of the Chicago music scene for years, the band members will charm the audience with their experience and talent, creating a family-friendly show–full of power, fun and energy! The band consists of the following musicians:
Seddy Hendrinx bobs and weaves between moments of unfiltered emotion, upbeat elation, and undeniable excitement. Through flaunting unmatched unpredictability, the Duval County rapper and singer presents a slick signature style unlike anything else in the game. He asserts himself as a dynamic and diverse disruptor whose uncanny melodic sensibility matches his unbridled intensity. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, music always spoke to Seddy. He immersed himself in records by Tupac, Lauryn Hill, André 3000, DMX, Future, and Erykah Badu. While dying from a gunshot wound, his best friend Johnell urged Seddy to “Ball out for me.” So, Seddy picked up a microphone and did just that. Making waves on Soundcloud, he unleashed music at a prolific pace with projects such as The Roots, Just Cause EP, Death B4 Dishonor: Loyalty Over Everything, Roots II, and B.H.D. (Black Hearted Demon). However, he leveled up on 2020’s Sayless powered by collaborations a la “Plus 10” [feat. Jack Harlow], “Run It Up” [feat. G Herbo], and “45” [feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie]. In addition to plugs from REVOLT, Respect, and more, Earmilk raved, “Hendrinx has quickly become a creative force to be reckoned with, releasing a series of superb albums including Sayless and Roots II.” After racking up tens of millions of streams and views, he perfects this vision on his 2022 mixtape, Well Sed [Generation Now/Atlantic Records].
Even without considering themselves such, the Falcon are still something of a Chicago punk rock supergroup, resulting from the union of vocalist/guitarist Brendan Kelly (the Lawrence Arms, Slapstick, the Broadways), bassist Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio, Slapstick, Tuesday), drummer Neil Hennessy (the Lawrence Arms, Colossal), and guitarist Todd Mohney (Rise Against). Friends from over the years, the members of the Falcon initially came together after Kellyhad written some songs that he didn’t feel quite fit his current band, the Lawrence Arms. He got to talking with Mohney about starting a band together, but aside from coming up with their name, not much happened until about a year later. Needing a bassist, Kelly showed Andriano the songs while hanging out one day and he immediately signed on. A phone call to Hennessy later cemented the group. Haphazardly recording their rowdy debut EP themselves with no budget, the resulting God Don’t Make No Trash or Up Your Ass with Broken Glass was finally issued in December 2004 on Red Scare (the label’s first release); the guys also donated a track to Fat Wreck’s 2005 compilation Protect: A Benefit for the National Association to Protect Children. Members all continued work with their separate bands before getting back together to record their follow-up release, the rawkin’ full-length Unicornography, which appeared in late September 2006. By that point, the Falcon was down to a trio with Mohney gone from the lineup. For the next eight years, the group remained largely inactive, reuniting in 2014 to celebrate Red Scare’s tenth anniversary. The re-formation eventually inspired the Falcon to return to the studio, where they produced their sophomore LP, 2016’s Gather Up the Chaps. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi
Brendan Kelly has been voted “Best Twitter” by Chicago Reader, was a TV Host, is the guy behind Nihilist Arby’s, sings in The Lawrence Arms, works at The Onion, makes weird art… the list goes on. Now after a couple years crafting deviant songs he has something new for his cult to consume: a 10-song album called Keep Walkin’ Pal. He releases his “solo” material under the name Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds, but this is not some emo boy with a guitar or another “punk goes acoustic” outing, this is an artist collective like Wu-Tang Clan or Crass. It involves musicians, visual artists, studio nerds, and even a college film professor. We’re not sure how to describe this wild record (Space Rock? Chiptune?), but we know it’s a likable mix and a real departure from what you’re used to hearing from Brendan and this scene.
Lifes Rich Pageant is the fourth studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on July 28, 1986. R.E.M. chose Don Gehman to produce the album, which was recorded at John Mellencamp’s Belmont Mall Studios in Belmont, Indiana. This was the only album the band recorded with Gehman, who moved them from the more obscure and dense sound of their earlier albums to an accessible, hard rock-influenced quality. The album was well-received critically.
PIKE VS THE AUTOMATON
The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that’s the guardian of the Gods, basically. It’s a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that’s working against mankind at this moment. In ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island. Basically, what the album title is saying, metaphorically, is ‘Pike against the World.’”
From reverent youth to Grammy-winning riff-wielder, Pike has always housed a boundless enthusiasm for the six-string and the stupendous sounds that – in the right hands – the instrument can produce.
“I wanted to play guitar since I was born, basically,” proffers Matt Pike when asked about the formative years of his musical maturation. The iconic guitarist of High on Fire and Sleep seemingly came into the world with inherent talent.
Established in a blizzard and during a pandemic in January 2021, The James Dean Joint, is bringing their weird mix of rockabilly/garage/soul/God knows what to you, through recordings and live performances.
In 2009, two hundred people crammed into a tiny black box theater at the University of Michigan to see a parody musical about wizards, and witches, and magical beasts. The show was made on a shoestring budget, free to attend, and ran for one weekend. One of the four performances was recorded and uploaded to YouTube as A Very Potter Musical (because that was easier than making DVDs for the cast and crew). And thus, ten years ago, StarKid was born. Little did we know that much more than just the cast would be watching.
StarKid has been creating musical comedies and uploading them to YouTube ever since. Over the last decade, StarKid has produced 11 full length musicals (including parodies of Disney, Star Wars, Batman, and The Oregon Trail), gone on national concert tours, had #1 albums on the Billboard Charts, performed sketch shows with The Second City in Chicago, and performed at conventions, meeting fans all over the world.
Individually, members of StarKid have gone on to star in Broadway shows like Book of Mormon and Sunset Boulevard, been on TV in Glee, American Crime Story, and The Flash, written their own books, plays, music, films, and more!
“STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION” is the sound making project of RON, who is also active as a music producer.
He is in charge of theme songs of animes popular outside of Japan too, such as the TV anime “Kyoukai no Kanata” and “Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma”and “Moriarty the Patriot”and “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”. RON’s music with strong digital taste and his famous stylish and cool music have made his works popular both in Japan and abroad.
He is an artist who consistently takes in trends of the music industry into his own music, who continues to attract attention worldwide!
Toward the end of 2021, Dehd shared stages with Julien Baker, their first substantive chance to take Flower of Devotion on the road. Every night after their set, fans would tell the band how those songs had helped during the toughest times of the last two years. Those listeners had recognized what makes Emily, Jason, and Eric so compelling — they put their individual experiences on the page, then project them together with heart and empathy into instant hooks. Those post-show admissions could be a lot to process for the band, but they provided galvanizing confirmations that they’d made the right decision with Blue Skies. They would keep pulling light out of the dark with songs that feel so fucking good to hear right now.
The writing is sharper and smarter on Blue Skies. The harmonies and rhythms are more sophisticated and considered. The moods are deeper, the swings between them more inspiring. But this is still Dehd, just more wild and wonderful than ever before. “This is all we get,” Emily shouts with relish on the record’s last lines, during a song about the ways geologic deep time should free us all to live more. “Best to take the risk.” Heard, loud and clear.
The Rolling Clones were born on the corner of Armitage and Halsted at
Nick’s in the early 1990’s. A well-known financial analyst used to frequent
Nick’s on Friday afternoons after battling the financial markets all
week. This analyst would come into Nick’s looking for a few pints, a few
laughs, and lots of Rolling Stones songs on the jukebox.
This was the genesis of the The Rolling Clones, an eight piece ensemble
of musicians and friends who all love the music of the Stones. They have
played such venues as Martyrs’, the Subterranean, Tommy Nevins, Club
Lucky, Around the Coyote, Piece Brewery and Sylvie’s Lounge, among
others. Always a hit with high energy rock, everyone is singing along and
dancing – from ages 5 – 95. With a very deep set list and first rate
musicians, The Rolling Clones can guarantee something for every Stones
fan.
Quality Control Music’s newest signee Lakeyah is putting on for both the Midwest & Atlanta with a versatile sound that bridges that gap between velvety R&B and hard-hitting bars that contest even her most veteran QC counterparts. The Milwaukee-born singer, rapper, and star in the making came from humble beginnings in the midwest. Growing up in Milwaukee raised by a single Mom with four children, Lakeyah was shy and studious, spending her days at the park and her nights reading acclaimed novels given to her by her Grandma like Rich Man Poor Man and The Help. As she came into her teenage years her lyrical chops and songwriting prowess began to emerge. Her rise into the spotlight kicked off in 2019 with a remix of a City Girls track for the viral “First Day Out” Challenge, which gained traction online and caught the eyes of Quality Control and City Girls’ JT, who reposted her track. After honing her craft playing local shows in Milwaukee, in September of 2019 Lakeyah rolled the dice on a permanent move to Atlanta with her girlfriend. In early 2020, Lakeyah followed up with The Keymix IIproject which introduced the world to her unmatched range, effortlessly swinging between aggressive, braggadocious rap and soulful, earnest R&B tracks.
From somewhere deep within the jungles of St. Paul Minnesota, a band with a stellar new take on horn-driven, high-poweredrock has emerged: Space Monkey Mafia. Their 2018 debut album “Sorry For Your Time”, features 10 original songs, capturing the band’s infectious live energy. Their sophomore release “Captain Crook EP” is available now!
“Couch crafted folk songs brought to rock life via the barks, noodlings, jangles, clatter, and thump of the dankest Chicago southside basement. Cater to the song! Turn up the plaid! weepers to screamers it’s the Grand Slack!”
Sometime during the summer of 2021, through the vision of Monsieur Brendan Cawley, the band know as Cody Lee’s Last Detail, came together in the glorious city of Chicago. Featuring the talents of aforementioned Brendan on Fender Bass, Caleb Ramos revealing the mysteries of the guitar, Larry, “ain’t no beat, I can’t beat” Beers on the drums, and songwriter Cody Lee on guitar & lead vocals. It was a match made in heaven. Bringing together the disparate influences of the last 60 years of music, a true ability to listen to each other when they play, and a behind human desire to bring forth Cody’s songs(as well as, young Messrs. Cawley & Ramos), this is the the band the Illinois Music Monthly just wrote “The Chicago band to watch in 2021/2022. Please check Instagram & The Book Of Face for the band’s live schedule.
“I remember sitting at the intersection of 150 & 130 on a Midwestern winter night. Not much to look at but barren, frosted-over fields as far as the eye cared to look. The heater never really worked and the only thing that seemed to keep me and my dad warm was the radiant orange glow emitting from the radio display of an 88′ Toyota Tercel (hatchback). The dial mechanically and faithfully set to an independent local station (the WHIP); playing songs I thought for certain only me, my dad, and the man in the radio had ever heard. It’s there that my burning appetite for music began, and where I’m always driving back to.”
Rory Book
Not far from that intersection I have been fortunate enough to find some of the finest musicians around – Chad Honeycutt & Paul Frieh. Although we have enlisted the services of some other incredibly talented musicians on record, we are historically a three piece. We are Rory Book & the Volumes and we hope you enjoy the western, blues, jazz, and rock n’ roll sounds you hear all mangled up into something starkly unique.
Forming in 2006, Concencia Total takes root from old school Punk Rock/ Street Punk. Through music, our goal is to be an added voice on the issues of Immigration, Racism, Poverty, Education and Gender Inequality.
Conciencia Total se formó en octubre del 2006 Nuestro interés en formar esta banda fue a raíz de crear una voz más fuerte en nuestra comunidad sobre las inconformidades de estos tiempo
Chaos punx de San Jose Cali, with our brand of fast snotty hardcore punk! Sing along, dance, circle pit, be one with us!United!
Todos unidos! Todos sangramos el mismo color! We’re the Underdogs of Chaos! Oí!
Mokosos es:
Nate Desastre- Vox
Josh Kaos- Guitar/Vox
Bill Dozer- Bass/Vox
Elie Cash- Drums/Good times
Dro Kenji’s rise is a testament to the power of the internet. Just a couple years ago, the 20-year-old artist was a senior in high school in South Carolina, releasing a string of captivating singles and mixtapes on his SoundCloud. Now that he’s released his debut album on Mira Touch/ Internet Money Records/ 10K Projects, collaborating closely with the label’s team of platinum-certified producers, he’s hoping to earn some plaques of his own. A true child of the digital age, raised on video games and the lo-fi sounds of rap’s online underground, he has a remarkable ability to capture both the apathy and aspiration of his generation in his songs and a spellbinding voice with which to tell these stories.
Raised in Summerville, South Carolina, a town outside of Charleston, Dro Kenji mostly kept to himself. “There’s not really a lot going on,” he says of his hometown. “Up until I started making music at the end of 10th grade, I really didn’t do shit but play video games and listen to music.” His parents put him on to classic ’90s-era hip-hop and R&B, but some of his earliest music fandom came from an unlikely combination of his two main hobbies: the video game Rock Band. While playing, he heard songs by Weezer, Radiohead, and Soundgarden, bands whose lead singers would go on to influence his own soaring melodies.
In high school, inspired by the DIY recordings he found on SoundCloud from XXXTentacion among others, Dro Kenji decided to start making music of his own. “When I wanted to make a song, I didn’t know how to do anything,” he remembers. “I didn’t have a mic; I just had a shitty laptop.” At first, he downloaded an app that allowed him to use his iPhone 6 as a microphone plugged into his computer but, eventually, his process evolved and so too did the songs he was crafting, reflecting a sound that was more melodic and off-kilter like the music he had always been drawn to online.
After graduating from high school and building a steadily growing SoundCloud fanbase with mixtapes like Introvert and standout tracks like the buoyant anthem “Finnished,” Dro Kenji got a DM on Instagram an Internet Money A&R. A month later, he was in Los Angeles, recording at the Internet Money headquarters recording breakout tracks like “SAVE ME” and “HOUDINI” produced by Internet Money’s resident hitmaker Nick Mira. Mira quickly saw the promise that Kenji carried as an artist, and made him the first signing to MiraTouch, his imprint via 10K Projects. Dro Kenji went on to release a string of successful projects including EAT YOUR HEART OUT and F*CK YOUR FEELINGS, which yielded seminal tracks like “KILL CUPID” ft. $NOT and “SUPERSTAR.” These tapes led him to his first headlining tour with stops at some of the game’s biggest festivals including Rolling Loud, Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash, and SXSW.
Fast forward to 2022, and Dro Kenji is beginning to emerge as one of the most promising young voices in his genre, continuing his ascent to the highest echelons of the rap game. He established himself as a force with the release of his official debut album, WITH OR WITHOUT YOU in January, which featured hit singles like “VANISH” and “FINDERS KEEPERS” ft. Scorey and Internet Money, and netted over 25M global streams across streaming platforms. He’s now putting the finishing touches on his second studio album, ANYWHERE BUT HERE, due out later this summer, which aims to build on the success of his debut and continue to push the boundaries of his creative process and musical potential.
The 18-year-old Indiana native is the next generation’s ideal superstar, capturing all the chaos of a typical modern teen’s life with the artistic intuition of a seasoned veteran. Growing up in a small town, midwxst never felt like he really fit in. It wasn’t until he met an online scene of like-minded kids on Soundcloud that he truly blossomed into the young artist he is today. Among the most standout names within the underground music scene, he is making his presence known as an elevated figure compared to his contemporaries. His singles and projects alike bring an untapped sense of maturity, passion, and pop prowess. He is more than a passing artist within a crowded landscape; he is a generational talent that is ready to burst into the limelight.
Conan Neutron, Tony Ash and Dale Crover play big weird rock music for smart asses and malcontents.. Featuring members of Replicator, MELVINS, Trophy Wives. Coliseum, and more. Live lineups have a revolving cast of players.
Hi, I’ve been playing music around town since the fall of 1985 and I’ve been in a lot of bands. My Bandcamp is kind of a catch all for a lots of those bands records that were recorded and released and are no longer available.
American Beauty is the fifth studio album by rock band the Grateful Dead. Released November 1, 1970, by Warner Bros. Records, the album continued the folk rock and country music style of their previous album Workingman’s Dead, issued earlier in the year.
Spare Change Trio is known largely for their eclectic live performances that incorporate the Australian Yidaki (didgeridoo) into flowing soundscapes of reggae, funk, and jazz-fusion. Deeply rooted in the positive message of reggae music, the band has grown to realize their calling: to spread peace, love, and harmony… while laying down an infectious groove.
Spare Change Trio has been fortunate to open for their idols Mike Love, Dirt Wire, Satsang and The Wailers. As well as playing some of their favorite iconic venues, 7th St Entry in Minneapolis, Schubas in Chicago, Shank Hall in Milwaukee, along with a coveted set at the Eagles Ballroom in the Rave opening for 311. Their recent festival appearances include Summerfest, Peacetree Music Festival, People’s Fest, Vibe HIgh, Galactic Get Down, and Shangri-la Music Festival.
As always Spare Change Trio is eternally grateful for the support of their family and friends!
The Dream of the Blue Turtles is the first solo album by English musician Sting, released in June 1985. The album reached number three on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the US Billboard 200.
UNDERCOVER ORGANISM
Blending electronic loops and sounds with a live band in a unique live performance, Undercover Organism creates a sound thatsome call jamtronica or live electronic music. With influences in jam, funk, jazz, hip-hop, and many different types of electronic music, UO strives on exciting the crowd with sounds they don’t normally hear from a live band.
Ricky Liontones is the musical project of the Chicago-based musician by the same name. A band that mixes the funky pop-rock sensibilities of David Bowie, Prince, Unknown Mortal Orchestra with the psychedelic grit akin to Queens of the Stone Age, T-Rex, and Soundgarden. We’ve shared the stages with Joanna Connor, Blacktop Mojo, Blue Dream, Lavisher, Boulevards, Mike Zito, Cuevo, Krantz, Local Motive, Kelroy, Shi la Rosa, Fundamental Kink, The Kings Rising, Groovy Louie and the Time Capsules, Goose Corp., The Lunar Ticks, Matt Hendricks, Bailey Dee, Daisychain and even thrown after-parties for White Denim. Stages we’ve played include Reggies, Liar’s Club, Cobra Lounge, Emporium, The Empty Bottle, Livewire, The Burlington, The Exit, HVAC Pub, Honky Tonk BBQ, The Virgin Hotel, G-Man Tavern, Cheer Up Charlies, and The Owl. We’ve also been a part of Ruido Fest and Pilsen Fest. Links to the tunes and social media can be found below:
Hello! I’m Fraser. I play music under the name Wrong Life, and a bunch of my friends are kind enough to play with me. I tried fooling people into thinking it was a proper full band with a somewhat steady line-up but it didn’t work, so here we are.
Someone described Wrong Life as “power-pop-punk-rock genius”, which sounds pretty cool and will hopefully shift a few units. However, someone on a podcast sounded particularly dejected when asked what they thought of the stuff I’ve put out so far and said something like “I don’t know what the guy’s doing”, so probably best checking the songs out yourself.
With artistic inspirations ranging from dreampop to psychedelia to classic rock, Daylongsigh is the musical project of 22-year-old Chicago native Aaron Cruz. Cruz first broke onto the scene with his debut EP, “To Be Singled,” which was released in August 2020. The record finds Cruz’s impassioned vocals sitting comfortably between washy guitars and homespun 808s. The record’s second track “Clinger” proves to be a standout, with hints of the modern production stylings of Hippo Campus and Still Woozy.
2021 saw the release of “Tsunami Girl,” a four-track EP that develops on these influences while continuing to hone artistic originality. The latest from Daylongsigh is the 3-track EP “Homage,” which dropped on January 21, 2022.
In the early days, man created fire. He invented the wheel. He developed the birth of sound and noise. And on December 10, 2010, he created Sid Yiddish And His Candy Store Henchmen. And the world gasped.
The Henchmen’s arsenal of instrumentation includes guitars, odd animal horns, double-belled trumpets, discarded agent devices and the occasional canine vocalist.
The music Yiddish creates, simply put is called “The Henchmen Method,” drawing from 75-plus gestures he developed over a period of three years, which he teaches throughout the world, including such diverse places like Mexico and Denmark.
Yiddish’s method it is said is comparable to a baseball manager’s secret hand signals, visual Morse code and a bit of colorfully scenic hillbilly narrative. His band’s sound is best described as catatonically captivating conductible washes of atonal assonance inside harmonic improvisation, bridging the gap between new music, theater, comedy and performance art.
The Candy Store Henchmen have performed at several Chicago area venues, festivals and broadcast outlets, including the Museum Of Contemporary Art, Green Mill Jazz Lounge, Columbia College’s Manifest, Make Music Chicago, college radio stations WNUR, WZRD and commercial radio station WGN and TV appearances on America’s Got Talent and The Mancow Experience.
His mission is to bring organized chaos to the universe, one human at a time. Sid Yiddish And His Candy Store Henchmen are your most obedient servants.
For further Sid Yiddish And His Candy Store Henchmen adventures, go to: www.sidyiddish.com
The Smudge is a multimedia artist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin active since 2001.
GOZORTENPLAT
Gozortenplat is a Frank Zappa tribute band hailing from Milwaukee, WI. For over 15 years, they have been performing as the headlining act for the longest running annual Frank Zappa tribute concert in America known as Milwaukee Zappafest. With almost 100 Frank Zappa songs in their catalogue, they deliver a unique setlist every show as well as an ever changing cast in their ensemble. The band embraces the high octane antics and comedy that permeated Frank Zappa’s live shows, and bring their own style of it to the stage. Last summer, the band took a gimongous leap forward and performed at the legendary Zappanale in Germany. They make their return to Reggie’s with their good friend and Frank Zappa alumni legend, Ike Willis!
Son of legendary drummer Ginger Baker, Kofi Baker is a name synonymous with drumming excellence. Without question, Kofi not only continues, but extends the family legacy, with outstanding skills, drive and dedication to his craft.
Kofi’s first live performance was with his father on the cult UK tv music show “The Old Grey Whistle Test” – at just six years of age he proved he had inherited more than just his father’s name. In the early 80’s, Kofi and his father played drum duets throughout Europe, amazing audiences with complex African polyrhythms. Later, Kofi toured with John Ethridge (Soft Machine) and gigged in London with Steve Waller (Manfred Mann) and Randy California (Spirit). He also toured Europe with Steve Marriot’s Humble Pie.
During the 1990’s Kofi toured with Jack Bruce in Budapest, signed with Scotty Brothers Records and recorded the album Lost City, cut Abstract Logic with Jonas Hellborg and Shawn Lane and toured extensively – including more drum duets with Ginger Baker.
In 1994, Kofi headed off to the USA and for some time lived with his father in Colorado. Footage of this can be seen in the highly regarded documentary ‘Beware of Mr Baker’
In 2015 Kofi joined The Extreme Guitar Tour with Uli Jon Roth -former Scorpions lead guitarist, with Vinny Appice (John Lennon, Rick Derringer, Black Sabbath, DIO, Black Sabbath) and Vinnie Moore (UFO.
Later that year he attended the CREAM reunion concerts at Madison Square Garden and following these historic shows, started to develop and evolve his ‘Cream Experience’ band.
After leaving Colorado for LA, Kofi continued to play extensively and also set up his own drum school which spawned many loyal fans and pupils. Anyone taking lessons or attending his clinics can testify to his easy, friendly manner and the excellent way he communicates his passion to others.
In 2017 he was invited to become an integral part of The Music Of Cream 50th Anniversary Tour, which began in Australia & New Zealand and has subsequently played hundreds of shows across Australasia, the U.S.A and the U.K.
“Baabes are a car crash waiting to happen, irresponsible hands on the wheel. They are a party when it gets out of control. Which could mean police involvement or just a really good fucking time.”
Aurin Woods is a Chicago based singer-songwriter from Memphis, TN. She began her career as a recording artist at twelve years-old and released two albums (“My Reality” and “Reinvented”) by the time she turned sixteen.
Now, at 24, Aurin has established a unique sound blending R&B, Neo-soul, Hip-Hop, and Pop. With her live band, Aurin creates a sound and space that is rooted in the soul of Memphis fused with the legendary grit of Chicago. Aurin’s band, The Human Experience (also known as The Hex) formed at Columbia College Chicago in 2017 while studying Contemporary and Popular Music. Since then, they have been combining their collective influences of rock, punk, and soul music to give voice to the complexity of the human experience. She delivers a new synthesis of sound to the R&B world and recently brought it to life with this electrifying five-piece band as the artist in residence at Uncommon Ground Lakeview. The residency resulted in many positive reviews including The Chicago Tribune’s. Artistically, Aurin pushes boundaries and goes outside of her comfort zone to find meaning where others may not and tell stories. As now an international performing artist through her musical studies at PopAkademie in Mannheim, Germany, she uses her compositions to share interesting takes on the human condition, and the relatability and sweet soul of it all makes her music a must listen by everyone, everywhere.
Andie uses her electric guitar and Winehouse-eque, sultry voice to draw in her audience and create originals with a unique sound influenced by jazz & soul
An acclaimed indie folk band whose influences include Americana, country-rock, and classic Beatlesque pop, the Head and the Heart was formed in Seattle by a group of Northwestern transplants. They broke into the mainstream in 2013 with the release of their sophomore outing, Let’s Be Still, which peaked at the number ten slot on the Billboard 200 and shot straight to the top of the U.S. Folk and Independent Albums charts. Subsequent efforts Signs of Light and Living Mirage reached the upper echelons of the U.S. and Canadian charts. In 2022, the band issued their fifth LP, Every Shade of Blue, which included the hit single of the same name.
The lineup formed in 2009, when songwriters Jonathan Russell and Josiah Johnson met at an open-mike event at Seattle’s Conor Byrne Pub. Pianist Kenny Hensley, bassist Chris Zasche, violinist Charity Rose Thielen, and former Prabir & the Substitutes drummer Tyler Williams rounded out the roster, and the Head and the Heart spent the first half of 2010 touring the Pacific Northwest before self-releasing their eponymous debut in June. By the end of the summer, they’d created enough buzz to entertain offers from several record labels, eventually signing with Sub Pop that fall and reissuing their album — this time with remastered tracks and one new song — in early 2011.
The Head and the Heart spent much of their time on tour in 2012 and subsequently began the writing process for their second album while they were on the road. The bandmembers eventually returned to Seattle to record their sophomore release, 2013’s Let’s Be Still. Enjoying continued success, they moved from Sub Pop to Warner Bros and, after taking a break to recharge their creative batteries, returned to the studio and recorded their third full-length album (and first major-label release), Signs of Light. Featuring their second U.S. Adult Alternative chart-topper, “All We Ever Knew,” the record was released in September 2016 and soared to number five on the Billboard 200, their highest showing to date. Co-founder Joshiah Johnson left the group amicably shortly after the album’s release and was replaced by Matt Gervais, the husband of Charity Rose Thielen. The companion Stinson Beach Sessions, a collection of unreleased demos from the making of Signs of Light, arrived the following year.
Steady touring followed until the Head and the Heart returned to the studio to record a follow-up. Their fourth effort, Living Mirage, was issued in 2019 and peaked at number 16 on the U.S. Billboard 200. Early 2022 saw the release of the stirring single “Every Shade of Blue,” which appeared on the album of the same name later that April. ~ Andrew Leahey, Rovi
Philadelphia’s DEVIL MASTER have been spitting in the face of convention since forming in 2016 with their raw, twisted brand of death rock meets black metal punk mayhem. Manifestations is a compilation of DEVIL MASTER’s full catalog, two sold out demos from 2016 & 2017 (S/T & Inhabit the Corpse); remixed, remastered, and sounding more malevolent than before; plus available on vinyl together for the first time. The vinyl version of the self-titled demo was originally released on America’s Leather Doomsday Records followed by both being pressed by Germany’s Erste Theke Tonträger.
Now in 2019, DEVIL MASTER stake their claim as one of the most venomous, twisted entities in the underground with their hellish debut, Satan Spits on Children of Light. The album, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Arthur Rizk (POWER TRIP, MAMMOTH GRINDER, OUTER HEAVEN, and more,) rattles the very gates of hell with a vile dose of black metal-infused punk mayhem. Commanding the steel of VENOM, the fury of BATHORY’s earliest years, and the raw, uncompromising nature of the notorious GISM, Satan Spits on Children of Light sees DEVIL MASTER emerge from the grave and reach new blasphemous heights. Give in to the Satanic panic and obey your DEVIL MASTER!
Long before playing hundreds upon hundreds of shows and sharing the stage with countless venerable icons of their craft, the members of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown were just wide-eyed, attentively mesmerized kids listening to records; knowing early on that music would guide their journeys through life. Perhaps it’s for that very reason that the last few years have urged them to ask a question that has become so ubiquitous in our culture, both in America and abroad: “What am I meant to do with my skills? How can I best serve myself and the people I care for? How do I keep the enthusiasm of a kid hearing rock and roll for the first time alive?”
Following the release of their last album on Snakefarm Records (Pressure) in 2020, TBSD decided it was time to return to their independent roots. This change in course was inspired both by urgency and an enduring sense of commitment to their audience. The hope ultimately being that having a greater degree of ownership over the recording, promotion, and release of their music will strengthen the conviction of the band, while tearing down any barriers that could prevent fans from hearing their most earnest work. The decision was made and Rattle Shake Records was born.
“We spend so much time writing and recording, it’s time we start spending more time sharing our art with the people who care. We’ve seen how the soup gets made and are confident that any ingredients we are missing will be obtained. That’s the spirit of this band and has been since day one. We’ve built our fan base in such a grass roots way that it only makes sense. They want to support us and OUR collective cause. When I say “our,” I’m including the fans. They are the reason we feel confident enough to make this leap. This is the next logical step in our trajectory as a band and we are thrilled to offer up “Shake The Roots” as the first release from Rattle Shake Records.”
Bryant remains grateful for the journey thus far, and brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. In his mind, he, Caleb Crosby, & Graham Whitford are neither too far removed from the early days of the band playing clubs overseas, or an enduring ‘DIY’ mentality for what lies ahead. Bryant says, “The “Do It Yourself” mentality is very close to the heart of rock and roll. Oh you say no? Well, we say yes, so look out.”
Although the band has shared the stage with artists such as AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Aerosmith & Jeff Beck, to name a few, one doesn’t get the sense that any of these guys are above driving all day, pushing their own cases, and leaving it all on the stage when given the chance. This is a band that has something to prove and will go to great lengths to do so.
The first single Shakedown fans can look forward to from “Shake The Roots” is “Ain’t None Watered Down.” It’s a song penned by Bryant and Rebecca Lovell. “When Caleb, Graham, and I started talking about what we wanted to do next, we kept kicking around the idea of getting back to our initial roots as a band. So much of that was steeped in low down blues and rock and roll. One morning I was kicking around a little song idea with my wife and “Ain’t None Watered Down” was born. Everything fell into place so naturally. Once the Shakedown got hold of it and it served as a road map of sorts for the new album.”
“Shake The Roots” is the bands fifth full length album. It encompasses the energy of their live show and is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Shakedown. The edges are not sanded down, but the attention to detail is not lacking one bit. It sounds as if they approached the writing and recording of this record with the same intention they approach their live performances with. It is evident that the band means it and wants it to mean even more to their fans.
“Ghostrider” is another standout on the the album. The no frills approach makes you think, “If I was a sound guy, I would want to mix this band loud!” “Roots” is a classic tip of the hat to the band’s inspiration and you can hear that they’ve diligently studied at the school of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. “Learned to swim in muddy waters, learned to walk on rolling stones.” The track “Sell Yourself” says, “If you don’t sell yourself, you’re gonna get sold by somebody else.” So many of the lyrics on this record feel as if they are telling the truth and nothing but the truth.
As the Shakedown embarks on relatively uncharted waters at this stage in their career, Bryant feels fortunate to have such a wide-ranging and evolving education. These days, the lessons have come courtesy of the frontman’s studio in Nashville, TN. Tyler & Caleb recently contributed to the new Larkin Poe record, “Blood Harmony.”
“I got to do some engineering and co-produce a new record for Larkin Poe! Over the last few years, I really started focusing a lot of my energy on producing records. Caleb, Graham, and I all spent so much time in the studio. Our writing got better and my skills as an engineer/producer have certainly developed in a positive way. I started working with a bunch of artists that I love. I felt I could bring a certain danger to the process. Getting to co-produce “Blood Harmony” with Larkin Poe most certainly proved that investing in a bunch of old microphones was well worth it. Caleb played drums on the majority of the record and all of the time he and I have spent over the years makes us a force in the studio. We can look at each other without saying a word and the conversation gets had. To me, it reminded me of the team spirit that I always imagined and admired in so many bands that I love. To have that in my own band and be able to harness it to make music… That’s a powerful feeling.”
Tyler puts this pivot in their business model simply, “We want to release MORE music and we want our fans to know that their support is what is fueling it.” It’s one thing to choose to become the master of your own destiny, but it’s an entirely different animal to identify the adversity that may come your way in the process. Bryant has grown into the type of person who no longer sees that as a red stop sign. For him, it’s often a useful indicator to keep pushing forward. “I’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety over the years and there are certain techniques that you use to manage it. You learn how to breathe properly. That’s sort of what the Shakedown is doing right now. We’re learning these techniques that will allow us to breathe and thrive as a band. Sure, there’s some insecurity in what we’re doing, but that insecurity is fuel. If you know what you’ve gotta do in your heart, you’ve just gotta do it.”
For a band that’s stood on too many decorated stages to count, and seen first hand how the greats always seize the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zone, we shouldn’t be surprised by their new endeavor. It’s just the latest in a long list of lessons learned. If there is one thing we know for certain, the roots run deep with Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown.
Gary Camaro, frontman for the Chicago rock outfit The Wabash Cannonballs.The Poet Laureate Of Ashland Ave. Dipsomaniac Of The Highest Order. Proprietor Of Black Jackal Studio
AMY MYERS
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AltFolk/Country band from Chicago, formed in 2021.
A powerful trio showcasing catchy riffs, creative songwriting, and a brand of energy that could be canned and sold, Diet Lite is gritty, feel-good rock ‘n’ roll at its finest.
Hailing from Milwaukee, WI, Diet Lite started in 2017 as a collection of various recording projects between drummer Evan Marsalli and guitarist Kelson Kuzdas. The band quickly brought guitarist Max Niemann into the fold, and they’ve been hammering out tunes across the Midwest ever since.
The band’s eclectic style has been described as where “garage rock meets power pop,” showcasing sweet hooks, pungent absurdity, and the spirit of drunken collaboration. The group takes pride in active bass lines, melodically forward verses, and familiar yet fresh material.
Julius the Mad Thinker is a dynamic producer and must- see international DJ talent. Since the age of 17, Julius has worn many hats while distinguishing himself in the dance music industry. He is a true visionary with infectious energy and amazing music. In 2017, Julius produced his debut album “Perspective”. “An album of epic tunes for the dance floor, ranging from soulful vocals, deep to the classic Chicago sound. A wide array of variety and substance – Osunlade” Julius’ reputation for uniting music communities and launching premiere DJ music events has attracted worldwide acceptance and respect as well. His most recent event production to gain international awareness is Mi Casa Holiday (MCH). In 2009, Julius and business partner Jenn Hurst bridged DJ entertainment with unique travel concepts to co-found MCH (Mi Casa Holiday – www.micasaholiday.com). In 2012, MCH achieved sold-out status, and since has evolved into the most exciting travel and music community in the US. Stay tuned and be ready to experience the next wave of JtMT!
Lori Branch is a Chicago native that begin her life-long affair with music in 1980 as the DJ for a Chicago-based, social club named Vertigo. Vertigo, founded by Eric Bradshaw, Craig Loftis and Steven Moore hosted dozens of teen parties from 1980-1984 in such iconic locations such as Sauers, the Loft, the Penthouse, Aragon Ballroom and McCormick Place.
