THESE GUYS THESE GUYS
THEY DIE SCREAMING
In January 2007, Jerry Kavouriaris, Steve Uildriks, Stephen Kavouriaris, and Ken Kurasz, decided to start a band that would use their obsession for Horror and mix it with Death metal. In May, 2007, guitarist, Justin Clark, (ex Trench Feeder), joined the band. In May of 2009, Stephen Kavouriaris quit the band. In July of 2009 John Usher, (ex Mordrid and Degradation) joined up. We are in the process of recording our first album, entitled “The Organic Phenomenon of Human Decay”
TIM LARSON AND THE OWNER/OPERATORS
“Now, here is a band I can get behind. Chicago-based Tim Larson & the Owner Operators recently dropped A New Deal, a record lands on the spectrum somewhere between Nebraska and The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, depending upon how much you goose the volume pot. Clearly influenced by the stark lyricism of both Cave and Cash, Larson and his boys fill their bag o’tricks with layers of guitar that will send the meeker Americana stock running for the hills.” – Dodge, My Old Kentucky Blog
TIN TIN CAN
TOBY AND KYLE DJ SET
TONOS TRIAD
Formed in the late fall of 2006, Indianapolis-based trio Tonos Triad has continued to
push beyond the boundaries of genre. The Triad is currently made up of upright bassist
Aaron Ransdell, guitarist Luke Stanley on nylon strings, and accordion / mandolin
player, Rod Schindler, who also plays a makeshift drum kit consisting of a suitcase and
cardboard box, played with brushes. Though primarily an acoustic band that centers
their sound on complex and euphoric melodies, they can shock listeners by plunging into
the intense realms of avant-garde ferocity before settling down into hard groove. If one
were to try to compare Tonos Triad’s music to anyone else, Astor Piazzolla or John Zorn
might come to mind, however, being that their sound is so diverse it is almost impossible
to label them under the school of any one master. They seem to be an enigma that
wanders on the outskirts of genre and classification yet, enters the listener to pluck their
heartstrings with subtle notes weaved with pop nostalgia and the dark unknown.
TOXIC HOLOCAUST
TOXIC HOLOCAUST mutated into existence in 1999, when Joel Grind merged his love for classic punk and metal into his ideal band. Like his influences – Bathory, Venom, English Dogs, Possessed, Broken Bones – TOXIC HOLOCAUST featured blazing riffs, gravel-throated vocals, and a deadly fixation on the evil in man and a post-apocalyptic world. Grind wrapped all of these elements up with a DIY attitude.
TRANSIT
Taking chances is always easier said than done – musically, there’s nothing quite like a risk taken to shine light upon an artist’s growth from their former selves. Boston rock outfit Transit has stirred up a unique recipe for success throughout their career, packing one album after the other with fresh ideas. Their newest collection of stripped down tracks in the form of an EP, Futures and Sutures, showcases the group’s collective ability to take on new concepts and come through flawlessly. Futures and Sutures features 5 musically revamped fan-favorites taken from Transit’s previous two full-length records, plus a bonus instrumental track.
2013 also brought on the anticipated release of the band’s full-length, Young New England, which debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Heatseeker’s Chart and was followed by a U.S. headlining tour. Young New England features a collection of Transit’s signature punk-infused tracks with thoughtful lyrics tying together the overall theme of the album, the band’s hometown of Boston.
Composed of Joe Boynton (vocals), Tim Landers (guitar/vocals), Torre Cioffi (guitar/vocals), P.J. Jefferson (bass) and Daniel Frazier (drums), Transit formed in 2006, signing with indie label Rise Records in 2011.
Transit’s following has grown immensely over the past year alone, many thanks to their ability to move forward musically. This summer, the group took advantage of (hometown) Boston’s lively nightlife and took excited fans along for a bar crawl to film a fun music video for the track “Young New England.” The true power of the internet came to surface when an online post inviting people to be a part of the video shoot sparked interest from a girl to fly across the country from California into Boston to be a part of it all.
Transit wrapped up 2013 in the strongest way possible, headlining a sold-out NYC show, embarking on a nationwide tour with Taking Back Sunday, and announcing their headlining role in 2014’s Acoustic Basement Tour presented by Vans Warped Tour. For a band that treads a notably unique line between indie and alternative, one thing’s for certain – expect the unexpected from Transit in 2014.
TRENTON WILLEY
VAT OF CHOCOLATE
VAUDEVILEINS
Vaudevileins is a rock band from Chicago. Since 2010, the band has toured throughout the Midwest and East Coast using the power of aviator sunglasses, sweat, beards, and a green Ford van.
VENTANA
VESTIGES
VIC MENSA
Born in 93, Vic Mensa is an independent recording artist from Chicago, Illinois who released his mixtape INNANETAPE online last year to critical acclaim. Vic has toured North America with J Cole and Disclosure and Danny Brown on his recent European Tour. Vic is also the leader and co-founder of the SAVEMONEY collective.
VIT
VOYCE G.I. GO
VULTRESS
WELLS NEXT THE SEA
Chance encounters in the frozen foods aisle and at a going away party for a friend of a friend first brought the group together. Mike Medina, Dann Morr, Philip Robbins, and Sarah J Wille were a combination of new acquaintances and old friends; veteran sidemen to many Chicago artists and newcomers to the Windy City music scene. Their common interests in folk and roots music plus the enjoyment and challenge of learning to play new instruments inspired them to collaborate on a sound of their own. The result of this collaboration is Guest House, Wells-next-the-Sea’s debut album.
WHATITIZ!
WHORRID
WINSLOW
THE DEVIZE
THE DIRTY FEATHERS
THE DREADNOUGHTS
THE HANDSOME BANDIT
THE HAPPY TALK BAND
HUSKER DUDES
Hüsker Düdes is the planet’s only Hüsker Dü tribute band. It’s composed of Dan Fanelli, Eric Mahle and Geoff Greenberg.
THE ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
THE JONAS FRIDDLE BAND
THE LAST STRAW
THE LIGHT ASYLUM
THE LIMBOS
Formed in Chicago in 2010, The Limbos began as a two piece with only Keyboards/Vocals and Drums/Vocals under the name “Stu Benedict.” Shortly thereafter Maccabee Kelem joined Ryan Miera and Drew Current adding a bass and back up vocals. Ryan and Drew met studying improv in 2003. Maccabee had met Ryan when they played in a previous band named “Off the Radar” in 2008-09. All three being band veterans began rehearsing weekly at Music Garage in Chicago. Still do in fact. A year after forming, they met Ryan Imboden who jumped on board playing trumpet becoming the fourth full member. The Limbos have two albums titled, “Mmmm..” and “Rodeo Ballet.” They are both available on iTunes, at live shows or at Reckless Records’ locations in Chicago.
THE NOD
THE OLD COMISKEYS
One time, Eric had a wrestling pay-per-view party at his parent’s house when they weren’t home. He was 24.
THE OPPOSITION PARTY
The Opposition Party is a ten-piece Chicago musical collective, centered around performance of polyrhythmic music, particularly the cross-pollination of African music, Jamaican reggae and dub, and American funk and jazz. Heavy grooves and high-energy rhythms come alive in a catalog that features music from artists like Mulatu Astatke, Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Thomas Mapfumo, Jackie Mittoo, and originals that stir up all these influences and bake them into something new.
THE PECULIAR PRETZELMEN
Fronted by the fearless, and occasionally lucid M. Incroyable, The Peculiar Pretzelmen have been kicking, stomping, screaming, and destroying stages, equipment, and minds since 2006. The outfit exists as anything between a two to a ten piece band pounding away at every type of tablescrap instrumentation they can cobble together.
Two full length albums, four EP’s, and hundreds of shows, and tens of thousands of miles have cultivated a band unlike any other. The ethics and musicality of pre-World War II blues and jazz men ignited by the “post-everything” DIY mentality of artists too broke to buy into preconceived notions, and too angry to be convinced this mayhem could possibly fail.
THE PIPE DREAMS
Chicago Rock and Roll
THE POWDER KEGS
THE RIPTIDES
THE SAWYER FAMILY
“Stoner Americana Thunder… like Slim Cessnas Auto club formed a side project that was part Black Flag part Black Sabbath..” Motif Magazine, Providence,RI
THE SHAKER AND THE EGG
THE SHAKES
THE SHAKIN MONEYMAKERS
THE SOMERSAULT FACTORY
Rich Neier—Bass, Vocals
Often compared to the likes of Geddy Lee (ok, so it’s usually for the way he throws back Canadian beer and hangs out in the North Woods…), Rich brings his over 15 years of gigging and songwriting to the band, while still maintaining a “happy puppy” devotion to his craft.
Erik Olson—Keys
The man who makes the golf clubs (sheet music) work so that the rest of the band doesn’t have to think – which is a good thing, since his is the best mind of the bunch. Erik’s influences go back as far as Beethoven and track forward to Porcupine Tree. Betcha can’t wait to hear how THAT sounds!
Larry Crawford—Drums, Vocals
Larry is a bald-headed bundle of energy that makes Animal the Muppet look tame in comparison. A must-see powerhouse of sound.!
Juliann Salinas—Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Once told that she was “completely folked up,” (at least that’s what she thinks he said) Juliann now puts her story and soapbox-stance songs to “da boyz’” rocked-up riffs.!
Pete Rosenberg—Lead Guitar, Vocals
With a voice that could make both Barry White and Freddy Mercury jealous, and licks that Hendrix would die for (oh, wait…) Pete writes, sings, leads and weaves a head-spinning myriad of tunes.!
THE SWAY MACHINERY
THE TUBES
SLEEPY LOU
SONS OF MARY
The SONS OF MARY is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Donald Bond Moreland. The band has had many formation with different members but always with its core Donald and his Brother Dallas. Proficient in an array of styles of music and songwriting the band covers almost every genre in the spectrum. While Blues/Rock is the main influence they feel comfortable in any situation. Never afraid to push the boundaries you will here folk,reggae and hip hop peppered into everything. With recently added Bassist and long time friend John Strand and Santino Carbonaro on rhythm guitar the band feels poised to make a mark on an industry filled with mediocrity.
SOUL THEORY
SOULPHONETICS DJs
SPLATOM
SPREAD
The experimental sound of the four-piece powerhouse known as SPREAD has no boundaries. Formed at SIU Carbondale in 2008, the band has been creating energy-filled musical experiences ever since. SPREAD has made many appearances throughout the region, including festivals such as Summer Camp. Combining originally composed material with a mass of spontaneous improvisation, SPREAD hopes to deliver a unique and interactive engagement with its audience.
SSD
Lead singer of Seminal Boston Hard Core Punk Band SSD Dale Meiners Wesley Willis fiasco Ghetto love producer Frankie Machine Chicago legendary Drummer Ricky Sonic Droog 6 string shredder
STAY GOLDEN
“Although the members of Stay Golden hail from Texas, Indiana and Illinois, the band have become a force on Chicago’s pop-punk scene, thanks to local shows and gigs with groups such as Fireworks, The Graduate and You, Me, And Everyone We Know. Buoyed by the success of their self-released album, Three Day Weekend – which received plenty of positive feedback after hitting iTunes earlier this year – Stay Golden are already hoping to release a new record in early 2012.” – Alternative Press
STEPHEN PAUL SMOKER
A Lancaster, PA native, musician Stephen Paul Smoker began his career at an early age, honing his craft as a touring musician and hired gun. After releasing Violent Sun / Violent Fun, Stephen enlisted musicians Michael Kostal (Guitar), Bethany Smoker (Keys/Vocals/Percussion), Evan DePue (Bass), and Jamie Dull (Drums), to play in his band. Ripe Fruit is the first collaboration involving the full band.
STEREOBOTS
STEVE SEBBY
STICKFIGHT
“Stickfight kicks a motherfuckin’ cheetah’s ass!” – Wesley Willis
SUN SPLITTER
SUPERBIG
Simply put, Superbig stands out. In a city constantly in search of whatever musical movement is next, the polished, pulsating pop/rock sonic landscape of Superbig married with their mission statement is the result of desperate living, failed relationships and obvious bad life choices. It’s astonishing how fluid and potent their delivery and studio work remains. The band paints a radioready picture that keeps its heart on its sleeve and the hooks coming a mile a minute.
Lead Singer, Guitarist, Jim Fountalas was born and bred in Chicago. As a songwriter and recording artist Jimmy’s objective is to connect his songs with the history behind them and share universal experiences of life and love that connect us all. Producer Chris Steinmetz of Stonecutter Records says “Jim Fountalas has a voice that not only draws you in, but captivates you. His ability to please your ears while he engages you in the lyrics is apparent from the first hypnotic listen. He truly brings his multi faceted background to each performance and leaves one wanting more. He is an elusive wordsmith with the skills and ability to connect emotionally powerful lyrics with colorfully commanding melodic phrases.” Where Jim is the brainchild of Superbig, Drummer Dan Hill, Bassist Chip Znuff, Guitarist and Background Singer Pat Serorsky, and Violinist Heather Boehm lend their talents to create traditional Pop/Rock through a powerfully lush live sound that is unrivaled in the Chicago scene.
TD CLARK
TESTIMONY
Hailing from Indiana, TESTIMONY was formed in late 2009 by drummer Taylor Lambacher who later went on to draft guitarist Michael Gawel, his older brother Derek Lambacher on bass and vocalist Adrian Harris. With their line-up cemented, TESTIMONY set out to create complex, challenging metal music that, while rooted in tradition, has a quality and sound all its own.
With influences that range from musical genres like jazz and funk to legendary metal bands such as Death, Voivod, Iron Maiden, Metallica and Megadeth, TESTIMONY combines elements of thrash and progressive metal, yielding a sort of spacey travel through time that rips like any other band from the ‘80s, but has an artistic flair of its own. In January 2012, TESTIMONY released their debut EP, Transcending Reality. The six track album puts a twist on the classic thrash sound that came out of the 1980s with its dazzling and sometimes drawn out technical performances that truly capture the minds of listeners.
Transcending Reality was a hit and almost overnight the name TESTIMONY began to spread like wild fire amongst the legions of underground thrashers around the world. The album’s success opened new doors for TESTIMONY and soon after Transcending Reality was released TESTIMONY went on to share the stage with national acts like D.R.I., Lazarus AD, Vektor and Revocation. While TESTIMONY was enjoying their new found success the band never once lost focus or let things go to their head, instead TESTIMONY remained hungry, diligently taking notes and learning as much as they could from bands that were on the “next level” while constantly looking to improve on every single song, riff, fill and solo.
In late 2013, nearly two years after the release of Transcending Reality, TESTIMONY announced they would be releasing a brand new EP entitled “The Beast That Prays” in 2014. Following the success of Transcending Reality, TESTIMONY is more motivated than ever before and looks to put the progress in progressive with The Beast That Prays by creating an album that is more complex, better thought out, and heavier than its predecessor.
Look for The Beast That Prays to be released on Tuesday, September 16th.