DESTROYER OR LIBERATOR
THE Z BAND
THAT’S NO MOON
Since their inception in late 2010, That’s No Moon has been busy destroying dance floors across the Midwest. The band’s infectious brand of indie-rock, which includes elements of pop and electronica, can transform even the most apathetic of crowds into a raucous dance party. With the release of their self titled debut LP in September of 2011, That’s No Moon proved that they are much more than just an energetic live act. While still retaining the excitement of their live performance, the 12 track album showcases the band’s ability to meld pop sensibility with musical integrity. With a full US tour set for the Spring of 2012, That’s No Moon is setting out to conquer the indie-rock scene, destroying one dance floor at a time.
*That’s No Moon is: Ben Wilson (Vocals/Synth), Hayden Cler (Guitar/Vocals), Paul Little (Bass), Kyle Prillaman (Drums, 808s)
**Hometown: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
SKAPONE
Chicago: YOU KNOW US! We have been playing ska on Chicago’s scene for over 20 years now! Performing mostly original compositions, Skapone’s driving rhythm section is complimented by outstanding vocals and horns. The band appears at at many clubs and venues, as well as corporate and charity events throughout the Chicago area and mid-west. The band hit the studio hard in 2007, recording tracks for a new CD. Mixing completed in 2008 and the CD was released to an outstanding and receptive crowd at Abbey Pub – Chicago, on August 16th, 2008. Band History: Mark Callahan was relegated to the bench on his Los Angeles high school basketball team. He had been a starter (as well as the team’s only white player). After the benching, he became despondent and quit the team to play music. He was then uprooted to the suburbs of Chicago. Some friends that helped out in the fine arts department at Main East H.S. borrowed an upright bass. Using that bass, Mark learned two Buddy Holly tunes for the school variety show. Amongst the crotch rocking wanna-be’s, they played two rockabilly tunes and from that humble beginning, Mark decided to form a SKA band. His girlfriend’s sister told him about a drummer named Mitch. Little did Mark know that he was the same Mitch who not only lived a block away from him, but had also attended the same kindergarten with him. The two got together with some other people who were somewhat capable of playing music and formed a SKA band, The Skatones. The band originated in 1984 and died in May 1985 when Mark (again uprooted) returned to Los Angeles. State Of Emergency (1985) State Of Emergency was created in September 1985 after Mark moved back from L.A. Mitch was still on drums, Mark on bass, and the seventh grade Chris Dorff on guitar. Mitch moved on to play with another Ska band and other types of music. Mitch’s departure ushered in Jim Strezewski. From 1987 until 1989, State of Emergency was probably one of the few 3-piece SKA bands to have ever existed. Al Goldman on trombone (Mitch’s brother) and Mitch on trumpet were added for a record release show in 1989 at Medusa’s. Both stayed on for the next 19 years. State of Emergency released a four song EP (self titled) in 1988 and an album titled Skaterbrain in 1991. Jim and Chris took off in 1992 and the band State of Emergency died. Out of those ashes, SKAPONE was born. SKAPONE (1992) SKAPONE took shape in 1992. Mark was on bass with Mitch and Al as the horn section. Lincoln (Link) Seabrooks was the new guitarist. Marie (Mark’s ex-wife), was the drummer. Various horns were added and subtracted. Eventually Skapone discovered Jason Duerr in the produce section of Jewel one Saturday afternoon. Jason joined the band in his senior year of high school and 15 years later, looks pretty much the same. 1996 brought back Jim Strezewski on drums. In 1998 Skapone release the full length CD, Bold New Flavor. Chris Dorff rejoined the band in 2000. Kurt Anderson filled out the horn section on tenor sax in 2001. Tony Dale joined for a stint and recording and has moved on to other projects. Jim Strezewski is back for his 3rd stint with Skapone and we love him!
DOC MINTZ’S VAT OF CHOCOLATE
BAMBIRAPTOR
BambiRaptor is a five piece postcore/dreamo band formed in Chicago 2009. Our music is focused on catchy hooks, guitar riffs and vocal melodies. The group comprises Roger Remillard (lead vocals), Doug Moore (lead guitar, backing vocals), Gary Farr (guitar), Kenneth Kruse (bass guitar, vocals), and Nick Emrich (drums, backing vocals, other instruments). …. BambiRaptor’s material can be compared to acts such as The Killers, Jet, All American Rejects and Taking Back Sunday. The band’s music has been called “Dance Rock”, “Screamo” and even “Reggae” (Greenology).
LEAH DRUZINSKY
FORT WILSON RIOT
As they tumble out of the back of a maroon minivan into clubs, bars, living rooms and festivals across America, Fort Wilson Riot are liable to become a favorite local band, no matter where you live. Splitting their time between unstoppable touring and incessant recording, the Minneapolis-based duo of Amy Hager and Jacob Mullis have no shortness of ambition. In their time as a band they have recorded an indie-rock opera, Idigaragua, and performed it with a full cast of actors and dancers, produced and recorded their full length follow-up, Predator/Prey, and dropped singles, remixes and compilations.
Their ambition doesn’t just include themselves, they actively work to promote other bands who become friends and collaborators on the road. Amy & Jacob will often go out with bands who are perhaps making their first attempts at a tour and Fort Wilson Riot has released several of the Wild-Eyed Scientist mixes to spread the word about the great music and musicians they find all across the country and the world!
In their own music, Fort Wilson Riot isn’t just happy to let it stay the same either. Yes, they make great harmonies, with Amy’s soprano lifting and floating over Jacob’s growl and yelp, but there is nothing easily classifiable about the rest of their sound. From the crashing guitars and keys, to the blasting uplift of trumpet and harmonica lines to the dancing thump of electronic drums, Fort Wilson Riot are an energy that grabs a hold of you and takes you on a journey. The music doesn’t let up, and wherever they are, neither do Fort Wilson Riot.
CHANDELIER BALLROOM
PEEP
FORTY PIECE CHOIR
Forty Piece Choir reunites for a 21st anniversary show playing their entire 1999 debut album Salud, which Jim DeRogatis described as “a smart and sophisticated effort with 10 lilting, atmospheric songs full of sly melodies and enigmatic energy.” Knowing no boundaries with their music, Forty Piece Choir mixes 60’s influences like The Beatles and 13th Floor Elevators with modern day alterno bands such as the Jesus & Mary Chain and The Flaming Lips. While pushing this mixture of musical artistry, Forty Piece Choir’s words evoke positive ideals, spirituality, and the gift of life.
THE LAST DARK SHOW
BAD FORUM
The world’s greatest rhythm section playing with the world’s wrongest guitarist!
BUCKSHOT BULLY
THE CARS “THE CARS”
NO DOUBT “TRAGIC KINGDOM”
FOO FIGHTERS “THE COLOUR & THE SHAPE”
ANIMAL HOUZE BAND
Darryl “Animal” Williams (Producer, Musical Director, Studio Musician, Arranger, Actor, Bass Player, Pianist, Percussionist and Entertainer):
Darryl received a Bachelor of Arts, Music from Chicago State University and an Associates of Science, Electronics from Wilbur Wright Junior College.
Darryl has over 20 years experience in the field of live entertainment. He has played with Chaka Khan, Shante Savage, Bunky Green, Rick James, Prince’s group Mozaratti, Willie Clayton, the late great Junior Wells, Otis Clay, and many others. He has also acted as musical director and arranger working with M-Doc and Smash/Polygram Records. Other artists he has worked with include Brandy, Kelli Williams, McLyte, Vanilla Ice, and the late great Gerald Levert.
Animal Houze’s musical repertoire is very extensive and their musical ability is phenomenal. Animal Houze is comprised of some of the best musicians and vocalists in the music business. Whatever your musical taste, this group is able to provide whatever you need to make your event a success.
Darryl “Animal” Williams has also been involved with many special products, including but not limited to jingles for national commercials for McDonald’s and Push Expo, political jingles, writing and producing radio spots for Project Vote, David Orr, Cook County Clerk and “Say Yes.”
ROSA’S CANTINA
MC
FREELIFE
THE FREE LIFE
WAVVY HANDS
POLAR ISLAND
Polar Island is a musical writing and performing duo. Fusing Rock and Pop melody and structure with Trip/Hip-Hop and Dance backbeats, dark brooding basslines and just the right amount sparkly noise sprinkled on top. Creating thick, loose-yourself kind of soundscapes that are as auraly exciting live as they are in you headphones.
ZVOOV
TO DESTROY A CITY
BETHESDA
After recently releasing their 2011 EP, “Dreamtiger & Other Tails,” Bethesda has been slated for thirteen shows on Showtime, MTV, Oxygen, VH1, and E! Their music can be heard on over 200 independent and college radio stations nationwide, where they have reached “Top 5 Add” status and have been charted in numerous college markets.
Over the past year, Bethesda has had the privilege to play with bands such as Eisley, Azure Ray, Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, Jessica Lea Mayfield, First Aid Kit, River City Extension, Frontier Ruckus, Suckers, and more. Bethesda has used their energetic live shows and carefully crafted songs to elevate themselves into the same conversation as some of indie rocks best.
These five friends, in hopes of satisfying their snow laden angst, came together in the interest of channeling their desires for meaningful living into the artistic expression of music. The result? Bethesda, an indie rock group that brings together folk roots, indie beats, crafty guitars, and soaring vocals with meaningful lyrics to build songs that move your heart and feet in equal measures.
Blending influences from seemingly unblendable musical genres, these folks paint pictures of human drama, the struggles of life, the beauty of nature, and the few truths they know to be true with poignant lyrics and musical movements that can rip you from your apathetic state and send you whirling. This vibrant combination has aided Bethesda in developing a loyal following.
Bethesda followed up the 2008 release of their self-titled EP with the release of their debut full-length album, “Love in a Time of Tra La La,” in January of 2010. Their new EP, “Dreamtiger & Other Tails,” was recently release in May 2011.
NORTHLAND GHOST
Northland Ghost is a new band out of Chicago playing a blend of original folk rock americana tunes. The band consists of Brian on vocals and guitars, Jeff on drums, and Joshua on bass. The band formed in fall of 2011 to start playing out the songs Brian had written and recorded over the previous year or so. They are currently playing Chicago in support of their new EP “The Trees Are Burning.”
PLACEHOLDER
DAVID PRUSINA
David Prusina is an old, old man who cares a great deal for his family, friends, and music. During his life, he has encountered many styles of music, and he has enjoyed most of them. David seeks to write songs reflecting that wide variety of genres while trying to state simple feelings in a way that all can understand. He is really old….. much older than he seems.
LOU SHIELDS
Lou Shields is an Artist, Musician, Teacher and Skateboarder who has been living and working in the Chicago area his entire life. He has also traveled extensively and draws on life experiences when making his work. His music is rooted in pre and post war 20th century America with a 21st century perspective. He has a deep appreciation for Delta Blues, Country Blues, early Country and beyond. Shields continues that tradition with respect in the 21st century and transcends any specific genre. He released his first EP in the Spring of 2011 but has been making music for over 20 years.
SAMADHI VIBE
Samadhi (Sa-mah-dee) is complete liberation, bliss, concentration, and all that yummy goodness… Samadhi Vibe is a Rock, Funk, Soul and Blues band that: *Explores various music styles, *Strives off that live sound, *Loves the art of writing songs/arranging covers/jammin’ improv, *And playing music for the BENEFIT OF MUSIC AS A WHOLE Samadhi Vibe is more then just a band, we are a family. A family of friends that love to have ourselves a great time, hopefully helping others to do the same. We have all been playing together for more than 7 years, recording, playing shows, open for gigs, and still going strong. All of us are vibrations to make these “Samadhi Vibes”. So lets funk them up and dig our Samadhi Vibe Funk for some fun. Join us in these goal
OWEN MAYS & THE 80 PROOF BOYS
Hailing from rural Wisconsin, Farmageddon Records artist Owen Mays adds his own touch to American music, while working hard to preserve it’s traditions. Playing classic, honest, simple songs about heartache, hard luck, and hard living, inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, and Molly O’Day, Owen delivers with a sincerity that can’t be faked. Whether appearing solo, or with his backing band, The 80 Proof Boys, Owen can almost always be found on a stage somewhere, doing what he does
BANJER DAN
THE PEOPLE BROTHERS BAND
From humble beginnings at late-night open jams in a downtown Madison bar, The People Brothers Band have solidified over the past three years into an eight-piece Rhythm and Soul powerhouse. Their eclectic blend of original grooves, conscientious lyrics, soulfully mastered vocal and instrumental work, along with diverse self-tailored covers, holds the crowd on the dance floor and keeps them begging for more. From Funk to Soul, Rock to Reggae, Folk to R & B, they’re guaranteed keep the audience on their feet.
COCHINO Y LOS PISTOLEROS
Back in the marshes of the Carolinas came an ooozzze of country pickin’ stank the likes of which had never been seen before. Cochino needed a posse and slunk his way westward to Chicago and found The Pistoleros – a crazed bunch of lowdown scallywags and car theives. The rest is history.
Hide yer wimmen.
REVERSE COWGIRL
everse Cowgirl have been on the grind for over a 4 years now, and the disc is just another milestone from the multifaceted band. Amongst the group’s four members (Kari, Al, Dave and Julia), they’ve released other solo and side projects. They have collaborated with some of the finest talents in Rock, and blessed stages alongside a long list of luminaries including: The Cramps, Dale Watson, Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats. …. 2007 is poised to be a great year for the group, as they take their raunchy live show on the road, with road trips up & down 35W!! …. The girls are Kari Shaff on vocals and Julia Williams on drums. Kari has long been enthralling Midwestern audiences with her sass and formidable voice. Equal parts pout, purr & growl, she has a hell of a voice and an attitude to match. Julia, laying down a solid musical foundation, has a great ear for playing just the right part when needed. …. The guys are Dave Wolfe on slap bass & Alan Subola on guitar. Dave was a mover & shaker on the Minneapolis music scene, wearing the hats of musician, record label chief, radio host, DJ and booking impresario. Now living in Austin, Texas. Previously nominated as Minnesotas best guitarist, Alan has sung, composed and performed for a bevy of bands, on radio and on record. Both are from Minneapolis’ own Vibro Champs, a Midwestern rockabilly institution and stars of stage and screen… ……
BOREAL HILLS
Boreal Hills is a duo rock band that originates from Columbia, MO. Karl Frank picks up the guitar and vocals, while Tom O’Connor hits the drums. With only two members, their sound is tight, thick, and fuzzy, using multiple amplifiers to transfer the energy that both members emit on stage. Live shows carry the crowd through alternating levels of tangible light to enigmatic darkness. Karl and Tom have been playing together for roughly four years, which becomes apparent with the level of improvisation and maturity of their material. The band recently recorded their second full-length album, Trinkets, in August of 2011. Compared to their first self-titled debut, which was recorded and produced by the band itself via 4-track cassette, Trinkets delivers a more clear and full sound made possible by studio recording.
PROPERTY OF SAINTS
THE ROSES
The Roses are a four piece rock outfit that use an electric guitar a bass a drum kit and vocals as it’s main outpouring musically. The Roses tend to transcribe their relevance to the blues into this modern age while combining other miscellaneous influences, whether knowingly or unconsciously.
BROKEN LIGHT
THE IDLE HANDS
It has to be said that band bios are hateful things, best avoided… “The Hearts We Broke On The Way To The Show” available on iTunes and Amazon!
MAX SIMMONS
FAT CITY REPRISE
BRIAN RIPPS
WAYNE “THE TRAIN” HANCOCK
Since his stunning debut, Thunderstorms and Neon Signs in 1995, Wayne “The Train” Hancock has been the undisputed king of Juke Joint Swing–that alchemist’s dream of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and big band. Always an anomaly among his country music peers, Wayne’s uncompromising interpretation of the music he loves is in fact what defines him: steeped in traditional but never “retro;” bare bones but bone shaking; hardcore but with a swing. Like the comfortable crackle of a Wurlitzer 45 jukebox, Wayne is the embodiment of genuine, house rocking, hillbilly boogie. Wayne makes music fit for any road house anywhere. With his unmistakable voice, The Train’s reckless honky-tonk can move the dead. If you see him live (and he is ALWAYS touring), you’ll surely work up some sweat stains on that snazzy Rayon shirt you’re wearing. If you buy his records, you’ll be rolling up your carpets, spreading sawdust on the hardwood, and dancing until the downstairs neighbors are banging their brooms on the ceiling. Call him a throwback if you want, Wayne just wants to ENTERTAIN you, and what’s wrong with that? Wayne’s disdain for the slick swill that passes for real deal country is well known. Like he’s fond of saying: “Man, I’m like a stab wound in the fabric of country music in Nashville. See that bloodstain slowly spreading? That’s me.” Little known fact: Wayne is the only Bloodshot artist to have had their CD taken aboard a space shuttle flight. “A rare breed of traditionalist, one who imbues his retro obsessions with such high energy and passions that his songs never feel like the museum pieces he’s trying desperately to preserve.” —AllMusic.com
JOE FIRSTMAN
Joe Firstman bought an $18 cross-country Greyhound ticket from his home in North Carolina to Los Angeles, arriving with a beat-up guitar and head full of songs. He quickly found the big stage. It all happened quickly: first came the big Hollywood gigs, then the industry buzz, then the big deal with Atlantic Records and national tours with big rock stars like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Willie Nelson.There was ego and excess and beautiful ladies and music, music, music. Firstman wrote it all down and sang his songs like his life depended on it.
“In the songs of Joe Firstman, sensitive young men prowl the hills of Los Angeles, searching for fame and beauty, only to find self-destructive behavior and egos gone wild…” wrote Jim Farber in the New York Daily News. “While Hollywood’s peaks and pitfalls have been prominently charted by songwriters from Don Henley, Stevie Nicks and Jackson Browne to Warren Zevon, Firstman aims to reinvent the milieu for his own generation.”
When the world stopped spinning, he’d landed a regular gig as the bandleader on the “Last Call with Carson Daly” show. For four years, this was his university – playing and writing songs in whatever style the show’s musical guests played and learning how to engage a studio audience, day in and day out.
Firstman released his 7th studio album, “Swear It Was A Dream,” on September 6, 2011. The album features 10 new songs written and recorded over the last year in studios in Charleston, SC, Mexico, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Of the album, Firstman shared, “You can really feel the year in the record, you can feel the whole journey in there and it’s my best piece. It’s my best thing thus far.”
The album’s first single, “Who’s Turning Your Light Out?” is Firstman’s exploration of straightforward, unadulterated songwriting. “It was just a very personal lyric, but I tried to make it into a pop song that everybody would get. Its got lyrics about South Carolina and falling asleep with your head in your hands—I thought the imagery was relatable, “ says Firstman.
“Swear It Was A Dream” is the follow-up to Firstman’s two 2010 releases, “El Porto,” and “Live At The Treehouse,” both released on Rock Ridge Music. In 2009, Firstman’s full-time, four-year job as bandleader on “Last Call with Carson Daly” ended when Firstman shifted his focus to his independent musical pursuits. Prior, Firstman put out a full-length (“The War of Women”) and an EP (“Wives Tales”) on Atlantic, plus another full-length (“DrAma”) and live EP (“Live at The Sandbox”), which were released independently.
As Firstman was wrapping up “Swear It Was A Dream” in Nashville, he formed a new band with longtime friends and collaborators Jaron Lowenstein, Toby Weaver, and John Lloyd, dubbed “Cordovas.” Their debut, self-titled, album features all new songs written and produced by Firstman in his first efforts at writing for a full-band and three part harmonies. Additionally, Firstman is currently producing Lowenstein’s forthcoming solo album.
On September 3, 2011, The Cordovas launched their first US Tour, featuring a solo Firstman as the supporting act. The Cordovas tour wraps November 15 in Yakima, WA and Firstman will immediately jump into his tour with Zach Myers (Shinedown, The Farewell.) Firstman usually spends over 200 days touring per year and has shared the stage with such acts as Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Willie Nelson.
WENDY COLONNA
PURITAN PINE
ALY JADOS
Armed with her hand-me-down ’78 Gibson Les Paul and powerhouse vocals that could shake walls, Chicago singer/songwriter Aly Jados performs with everything she’s got — her heart and soul and sweat and tears. Her voice is raw, soulful and bluesy with a rough edge, while her lyrics weave a story that almost everyone can relate to. Since the tender age of 13, Aly has been forging her way as a musician, playing screeching guitar solos in punk and metal bands, while dreaming of rock and roll stardom. But her impressive pipes were the reason she was hand-selected to compete in front of a national audience on Fox’s popular talent search “American Idol” in 2011, and NBC’s hit vocal competition “The Voice” in 2012. Still, Aly has kept her eye on the prize and her home-town roots strong, playing monthly residencies to her loyal fans all throughout the city while continuing to write and record. She recently even enlisted a few of her biggest fans to act as extra’s in the music video for her gritty rock single “Waiting,” which has caused an online buzz with its dark imagery and hauntingly catchy hooks. Aly’s debut EP Don’t Come Easy was recorded and released by Cassette Company Records in February 2012, and most nights you still can catch her, with her trusty Les Paul slung over her shoulder by a Kiss guitar strap, rocking rooms all throughout Chicago.
WILLIE BASSE
What does SLASH, JAMES KOTTAK, GEORGE LYNCH, PAUL GILBERT, ANDY JOHNS, MITCH PERRY, DJ ASHBA, RANDY CASTILLO & BUDDY MILES have in common?
They’ve all done intense music with heavy metal pioneer, WILLIE BASSE!
STILL STANDING
KYRMSON KOMEDY
KRYMSON KOMEDY
THE KEYS
orn and raised in several France locations, Boris Paillard a.k.a The Keys has found a new home on stage, winning audiences across Canada and the United States with raw talent and ample doses of charm. With wide-eyed ambition and a strong singer-songwriter work ethic, in three short years, Paillard has released six full length records and found the time to tour coast to coast thrice with the Greyhound Discovery Pass, playing well over 150 dates everywhere from New Haven to San Diego.
At just 24 years old, Paillard’s road tested big collection of folk’n’roll /edgy pop tunes is now backed up in Montreal by a powerful band consisting of a flamboyant three-piece horn section and a solid and groovy rythm section.
With the release of his latest record, Years Are Made Of Seconds (April 2009) Paillard had received some enthusiastic attention from the blogs and media. Paillard’s seventh official release, Long Time No Sea (June 2010) can be seen as a musical diary recorded on the road with half strangers, half friends split in two main roamings : a stay in Guadeloupe (the French West Indies) and a tour in the Us and Canada.
The Keys’ music is a curious blend of pop, world/traditional music and rock’n roll. But while the musicality is spiced and broad with epic song structures and surprising arrangements, the focus is just as much on the lyrical impact with a cutting sense of humour, a hint of cynicism, and songs that span the gulf between the heartbreak and the heartfelt.
Drawing from the rich well of the troubadour tradition, Paillard’s capacity to weave experiences and characters stems from a keen understanding of narrative, phrasing and metaphor, which get tied together by Paillard’s energetic guitar work, catchy melodies and his inviting and intoxicating personality. Paillard’s presence on stage is electric, wandering seamlessly from song into story, painting diverse personal scenes of home hunting, love making and anger brooding.
Now settled in the fertile musical breeding grounds of Montreal, he’s working on exciting new material for a new adventure, this time enjoying the stability and the feel of a nurturing community.
MISSTALLICA
MISSTALLICA is an all girl tribute to Metallica! (With a slightly different line-up we are also QUEEN DIAMOND, an all female tribute to King Diamond!) We started this project in the summer of 2008.