BEN BABBIT
PARANOID SOCIAL CLUB
Call them psychedelic dirt-rock or a garage band with a soul. By any definition, Paranoid Social Club is an incredibly talented group of musicians who write brilliant songs that combine elements of funk, punk, soul, and ska. Paranoid Social Club’s Dave Gutter and Jon Roods have been writing songs together since they were 12 years old. The two went on to form the now legendary Rustic Overtones. After building a large and loyal fan base by playing 150 incendiary live shows a year, the band was signed to Arista Records in 1998. Circumstance prevented the release of the band’s Arista album. Following the departure of label president Clive Davis, the band was granted a release from their Arista contract. With a handful of self-produced demos in hand, the group quickly negotiated a deal with Tommy Boy Records. In 2001, Tommy Boy released the Viva Nueva album to critical acclaim and moderate sales success. But that’s in the past… With the addition of Marc Boisvert on drums, Paranoid Social Club released Axis II in 2002, and has steadily climbed into the hearts of it’s fans. An almost unheard of double-disc, Axis III & I followed up the debut and was heralded by critics and fans alike, as well as catching the attention of many in the industry. The hit “Two Girls” remained on top of radio request lists for the entire summer of 2004 and landed on the Top Ten Songs of 2004 on several radio stations.
AO
GOD AND THE ARCHITECTS
A five-piece alt/art rockish outfit originating from Jackson, Michigan. A truly original sound that has already separated them from many other acts. God and the Architects… because everyone else forgot how. “For a band in its collective early 20’s, God and the Architects has a surprisingly mature sound.” “…the band is beginning to gain notice around the state for its ability to blend the old, the new, and the irreverent into a style that can be appreciated by…well, the old, the young, and the irreverent.” “If everything continues to progress as it has so far for God and the Architects, you will be hearing quite a bit more from them soon.” -The Lansing City Pulse
L.A. LOOKS
.A. Looks is a 5 piece indie rock/indie pop band from Chicago, IL. With strong melodies and vocals, this band cuts through the monotony of standard powerpop.
APRIL VENTURA
Ranging from the deep south to the snowy plains of Minnesota, April Ventura’s roots are as expansive and eclectic as its members’ influences. From Black Sabbath to Neil Young and Tom Petty, this band takes its cues from some of the most widely distinguished and enduring names in music.
ASUMAYA
A single throat and four appendages attempting to multiply themsleves like cells. Loops and limbs. Mbira and Bass. A polyrhythmic, mono-member musical entity.
FUNKMNKYZ
“FunkMnkyz hit the DMV (DC, MD, VA) live scene and fell in love with playing loud and raucous shows without taking themselves too seriously. Known for mixing rap/hip hop, rock, jazz, blues, electronica, funk, and other styles on a whim, FunkMnkyz graced some of the biggest stages in their surrounding area: Merriweather Post Pavilion, 9:30 Club, State Theatre, Rams Head Live, Recher Theatre, GMU’s Mason Day, Jammin Java, Bourbon Street Ballroom, Jaxx, Velvet Lounge, Adams Morgan Day 2008 & 2009, HFStival 2010 & 2011, Miami Music Festival, and TT Reynold’s. The band will be touring in 2012 in support of their debut album Which Way Is Down.”
BLACKFOOT GYPSIES
Matthew Paige and Zack Murphy ARE the Blackfoot Gypsies. They are the amplifier for your heart and soul, your love and hate, your on and off, your push and pull. With caution being checked at the door, there is no room for thinking… only feeling. Breaking the lines between hipsters, punks, posers, dads, normies, cowboys, rockers, and burnouts; everyone gets stripped to the core on the floor. And no one leaves the same as they came before.
Scouting the future of the American music that has been progressing since the dawn of time. There’s no stunting the Blackfoot and there’s no stopping the Gypsies. The torch has been lit and will be carried with pride, speaking up for a generation unlike any other. It’s all happening here, and it’s all happening now.
THE BISHOP
THE BISHOP PLAYS HIGH ENERGY ECLECTIC ALTERNATIVE ROCK WITH IT’S HEART AND SOUL ON IT’S SLEEVE. THIS VERSATILE AND TALENTED GROUP DELIVERS A HIGHLY CHARGED PERFORMANCE THAT SHOWCASES THEIR EXCEPTIONAL SONGWRITING DEPTH. WHEN YOU LISTEN TO THE BISHOP, YOU HEAR INTROSPECTIVE LYRICS WITH INTELLIGENCE, SUBTLETY, AND A SENSE OF HUMOR. THE MUSICAL BACKDROP IS UNIQUELY THEIR OWN, WHILE THERE REMAINS A TRUE CONNECTION TO ARCHETYPAL MUSICAL ROOTS AND INFLUENCES. THESE SONGS MOVE YOUR SOUL. THE BISHOP’S LINEUP IS AS TALENTED AS IT IS INSPIRED. THEY ARE ANCHORED BY PRINCIPAL SINGER/SONG WRITER/LEAD GUITARIST BILLY GIRICZ, WHO IS THE DRIVING MUSICAL FORCE BEHIND THIS POWERFUL BAND. THE SOULFUL VOICE AND MULTI-INSTRUMENTAL EXCELLENCE OF PAULETTE BERTRAND GIVES THE BISHOP AN ADDED UNEXPECTED DIMENSION. DAN PASSARELI’S ROCK AND ROLL SOUL PROVIDES A LETHAL, JAGGED EDGE. SEASONED CHICAGO DRUMMER LUKE SMITH DRIVES A SOLID, HARD CHARGING SOUND WHILE NEVER LOSING SIGHT OF THE CONCEPT OF SONG. DARIN GREGG PROVIDES SONGWRITING DEPTH AND ENERGY THAT IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS BAND. THERE IS A CREATIVE BOND AND TRUST AMONGST THE GROUP. THEY HAVE EACH OTHERS BACKS. AND WHEN IT IS TIME TO PLAY LIVE, MAKE NO MISTAKE, THE BISHOP ROCKS WITH A TIGHT VITALITY THAT ENGAGES THE AUDIENCE.
ROB SCHULZ
A singer/songwriter and guitarist originally out of the State of Iowa, Rob Schulz has been performing in and around the Chicago area since 1989. He released his self titled debut in 1990 followed by “Something To Believe In” in 1992. In 1994, he teamed up with fellow songwriter Mike McGlaughlin to form the power pop quartet Swinger. Their first release, “Half Day Road” was in 1996, followed by “The Walk” in 1999.
Released in August, 2008, a new 11 song record, “Tragedy & Comedy”. The opening “Guantanamo Bay” is a beach rocker with a decidedly “Kink’s/Beach Boys” feel, creating a satirical advertisement for an imaginary luxury resort on the south east side of Cuba. “Anyone But Me” is a song about longing for the days of old, while the rest of the world passes you by. “I Gave My Soul To You” yields a slowed down girl group rhythm evoking sounds of Elvis Costello’s “Party Girl” or “Man Out OF Time”. On the soaring “Gonna Rock You”, swelling guitars lift this existential angst song up to the heavens. Despite apparent influences, Schulz is no cipher, bringing his own unique personalities and sensibilities to the fore. His work displays a wealth of hook-packed classic power pop that is earnest, tuneful, sincere, dynamic and accessible. His frighteningly memorable melodies and precise guitar motifs are terrifyingly catchy.
DOM KENNEDY
RICH HIL
POLY
TURISAS
As technology and intensified communication bring us all closer together, making the world seem smaller in the process, our need as human beings to look out towards ever-broadening horizons becomes ever more integral to our evolution. As a result, music fans will always look to the mavericks, the outlaws, the eccentrics and those touched by the hand of sublime genius for sounds and sensations that transcend the everyday and the mundane. This, of course, is precisely where the inspirational cinematic battle metal brilliance of Finland’s TURISAS comes in. Carving their own unique and momentous furrow through the European metal ecosphere, these proud storytellers and masters of the bombastic epic are poised to return with their most monumental sonic saga to date…
ALESTORM
Alestorm are a power/folk metal band from Perth, Scotland, formed under the name Battleheart in 2004. Their music is characterised by a pirate theme, for which reason they describe their style as “True Scottish Pirate Metal”.
HUNTRESS
Huntress was birthed in the underground of Highland Park, California, clawing at the roots of heavy metal. Lead singer Jill Janus is an operatic banshee with an unparalleled four-octave range and lust for the occult. Born and raised in the Catskill Mountains of New York, she toured Europe as a teenage opera starlet. Upon her return to the States, Janus embraced Manhattan nightlife, creating Felliniesque cabarets and parties in a nihilistic club scene. Years later, Janus moved to Los Angeles and began the gestation period of Huntress. In 2009 she met underground metal band Professor. The universe spread her legs and delivered Huntress to Janus, combining former members of Professor, Dark Black and Skeletonwitch.
THE END OF THE OCEAN
The End Of The Ocean is an instrumental post-rock band from Columbus, Ohio. From their start in early 2009, The End Of The Ocean has had a penchant for crafting soundtrack-esque athems that move freely from beautiful to trippy to heart-tugging to fist clenching. Heavily influenced by mid 90′s emo and shoegaze (My Bloody Valentine, Mineral, The Appleseed Cast, American Football, Planes Mistaken for Stars), and their post-rock contemporaries (Mono, Envy, Explosions In The Sky), The End Of The Ocean utilizes intricate drumming, subtle guitar arpeggios, and a vast range of effects to craft beautiful, nostalgic and refreshingly unique memorable songs.
BILE
Spewing from the bowels of the NYC underground, BILE is considered one of the most ferocious pioneers of industrial metal. With a blacklight stage show to match their uncompromising sound BILE stands out like a turd in the punch bowl. With their “live band” cameo appearance in the cult horror film “Strangeland”, their inclusion on the first “Mortal Kombat Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” (5 million sold) and the 8 years lead singer Krztoff spent as guitarist/vocals for Chicago based supergroup PIGFACE, BILE has paved a road setting them miles apart from their competition. Since 1992 BILE has been a festering globule of audio terrorism; a bastardized synthesis of subversive values and deviant sophistication completely devoid of the mainstream pop culture. BILE has become the alternative. In the shadows, we are legion.
THE DEMERITS
A three piece rock-n-roll band where simple trashy guitar, driving bass & caveman drums are the foundation for the noise we make.
MOUNTAIN SPROUT
Mountain Sprout is a highly energetic hillbilly music machine, spitting original tunes and blowing minds with whitty lyrics and face melting musicianship. The Sprouts are a full-time working band and play shows all year round for anyone who will listen. Whether it be Grayson VanSickle playing his machine gun banjo, singing out the novel of our lives or guitarist Adam Waggs, who yanks up the melody up by the ear and keeps you kickin’. With a smile on his face, Daniel Redmond pulls out cannon fire notes pounding the stand-up dog house bass, and Blayne Thiebaud gives the crowd a spectacular show, burnin’ rosin and bendin’ air, exploding the fiddle while bursting into flames. Together, they are MOUNTAIN SPROUT.
CLETUS GOT SHOT
Started around a bottle of whiskey in the summer of 2007, Arkansas-based Cletus Got Shot has been growing and polishing their sound at hundreds of shows around the Midwest. With passionate songs ranging from slow burning emotional intensity to raging calls to action, Cletus Got Shot has been bridging the gap between folk protest songs and punk rock rebellion.
DEERERLAND
Darryl Leroy Harper Jr., better known by his stage name Deeder tha H.G./Deeder tha Hood Great born to parents Darryl Harper Sr. and Regena Meals on August 5th 1987 Being the oldest of 5, Deeder coped with a lot of responsibility and hardships at a young age. Constantly changing residence along with his father in and out of their lives, his mother provided for him and his younger siblings with limited resources and no outside support. At this point in his life, Deeder felt it was time to make his transition from a boy to a MAN. Maintaining his marks in school by staying enrolled in honors half his school career trouble followed him like a shadow. Gang fights, felonies and fast living all became stellar elements of his young life. Deeder’s motto was “Fuck It, If One Fall, We All Fall.” Living as rebel, Deeder dropped out of high school his senior to pursue his GOD given gift, to speak through music. In and out of A&R offices such as Geffen, A&M, and Interscope, Deeder geared himself to speak power and deliver like a king. Deeder has performed with heavy hitters such as T.I.(Grand Hustle/Atlantic), Young Dro (Grand Hustle/Atlantic), and Tyrese. Collaborating with artists such as Twista(Atlantic), Lil Boosie (Asylum), and Sly Polaroid, Deeder looks to make an everlasting impact with the anticipation of his first Major mixtape release. ..
DJ GEMINI JONES
Gemini Jones is already leveraging relationships as a career DJ, headlining multiple night life events, preparing to release a monthly mixtape series, in addition to being endorsed as the official DJ for several projects.
SPECIAL EVENT
TEST BAND FAKE 1
Fake band bio.
GERI X
Bulgarian-born Geri X is a composer, a musician and a singer hard to put a label on. Fans and critics spotted it from the moment she broke onto the Tampa Bay music scene: Geri is an artist with a singular sound you have not heard before. One can see it in the way she confidently plays her Babicz guitar, eyes half open and soul pouring out with a rich, crisp and mesmerizing voice. What started with a classical training in piano, guitar and voice, evolving out of a broad and eclectic blend of influences, has become wonderfully her own. In the process of sharing her songs, Geri bares her soul to ease the audience’s emotions. It is the strength of the voice and the charge to each word that draws them to a halt. “Geri X is a poet, rebel, and a singer with a voice that is demanding to be heard. She carries the intensity of a Mike Tyson punch with the serene beauty of one of the best female vocalists of this era” (L.A. Post) She has received countless accolades for her work, including Creative Loafing’s Best Singer Songwriter for 2 years in a row, as well as playing Summerfest and Steel Bridge Song Festival in the last few years. Aside from being a workaholic and an alluring performer, often carrying out few shows in a day, Geri is a prolific songwriter. This is a fundamental quality, which combined with her work ethic and the gift of sharing make her a true artist: one you can connect to. Whether with a full band or on stage with just a guitar, she is simply captivating. One only needs to experience it.
PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES
Make no mistake! Peter And The Test Tube Babies have written some of the best punk songs ever. In the early ’80s they stood out, above all other bands to emerge, with their tales of the hazards of being young punks in Brighton – “Banned From The Pubs”, “Intensive Care”, “Run Like Hell”, the list goes on…all had the Test Tubes hallmark, combining personal experiences, real cool tunes and, most important of all, maintaining a great sense of humour.
ONSLAUGHT
This is the Sound of Violence
UK Thrash Legends
M:PIRE OF EVIL
In 1979 a dark formation occurred, a black ripple that would soon become a wave: one which made a huge impact on the metal world. Taking the name of Mantas, the legendary guitarist Jeff Dunn formed an outfit that rivalled the stage shows of bands such as Kiss and challenged the occult themes that Black Sabbath had pioneered. He took the knife edge that had made Judas Priest dangerous and the volume that had made Motörhead so intense, and rolled it into a big, black dirtball called Venom. With renewed hunger and inspiration, Mantas joined up with the Demolition Man, bassist/vocalist Tony Dolan, in 1988. The duo penned Prime Evil, an album hailed as a return to form with its cleaner sound and the mighty vocal attack of Dolan. After Demolition Man’s exit in 1992, drummer Antton (Antony Lant) took up the sticks for the powerful Resurrection album, after which Mantas departed from Venom. In 2010 Mantas’s work with his own band, Dryll, seemed to be paying dividends, and following his drummer’s departure, Antton – who played in his own outfit, Def Con One – joined Dryll. It didn’t take long before the mutterings began. What if Mantas and Antton could coax The Demolition Man back? The call went out – and in came Dolan once more… The trio decided that they needed to produce something befitting of their musical prowess. Something unashamedly heavy and without restraint; free of ego, deception and unreasonable behaviour – and fulfilling for them as musicians. The band’s die-hard fans were left to chose a name for the new group, as it was they who had pushed for the new group to form. Naturally, in hindsight, Prime Evil was the name they chose – and so the band were free to make the music that they had always wanted to make, without pretending that it was 1982 all over again. After announcing themselves to the world the band were asked to reconsider the chosen name out of respect for another act who had named themselves after the self same Venom album title. Without hesitation and with understanding and the respect to be expected by this honorable trio, they changed their name… and so to the future… Mpire Of Evil’s debut mini-album, ‘Creatures Of The Black’, will be released October 25th 2011 on Scarlet Records. The CD will feature cover versions of four songs that influenced the members of the band (‘Exciter’ by Judas Priest, ‘God Of Thunder’ by Kiss, ‘Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be’ by AC/DC and ‘Motörhead’ by Motörhead) plus two brand new original tracks, ‘Creatures Of The Black’ and ‘Reptile’. A full-length effort will follow sometime in early 2012, with a full tour planned for the same year. This is MPIRE of EVIL. This is Mantas, Antton and the Demolition Man. This is 2012.
PERVERSION
Archaic & Cacophonous Steel from Detroit.
ABSCONDER
The rumble comes. It starts right away and is violent. It shakes the foundations of whatever building you are in. It crushes the ear drums of you and anyone else within a few miles of you. Next thing you know, everything in sight is totally destroyed. Only shreds remain of flesh and everything else that once stood. This is what happens once you put this demo on. ABSCONDER is a band from the Champaign, Illinois area, formed in 2009. Brad Buldak put this beast together. He was the singer/bass player in the great old school death metal band MORGUE, and he does the same here. Absconder have the feel of both Swedish and Finnish old school death metal. But they also have an old American vibe thrown in. So you can hear traces of NIHILIST, GRAVE, CONVULSE, ABHORRANCE, MASTER and MASSACRE in the death noise. It is so heavy and low end at times, there is a little bit of ROTTREVORE thrown into the death metal stew on here. There is a lot of CELTIC FROST in the music as well. In the end, it is all crushing and totally awesome!
SEVERED
Formed in 1995, Severed came together as an excuse to play music and get drunk. Consisting of members from Dogod, Impulse Manslaughter, and Maldicion, Severed quickly found a niche, and in 1996 released their seven song demo, Dearly Departed. Severed played throughout the Midwest with such bands as Incantation, Cianide, Disinter, Cenotaph, Skinless, Usurper, and many others. In 1998, original vocalist Bill decided to leave the band. Tom took over vocals in addition to guitar duties. More material was written and solidified for a planned release, which never occurred. In 2001, due to everyone’s hectic schedule and distance apart from each other, Severed was put on hold. In late 2004, Severed got rolling again, and it felt as though we have not missed a beat. A free promo release which outlined our past songs was recorded, but never released for a variety of different reasons. In September of 2008, after 13 years, Vince decided to quit the band. John stepped in on bass as his replacement. And Severed rages on.
DAVE DAYS
Taking over the world with music – parodies, covers and originals.
From crushing on Miley Cyrus, to making fun of Justin Bieber, watch all of my music videos right here.
Thanks to all my fans for the support.
DESTORM
RICKY FICARELLI & WELLINGTON
I drum cover the Pop, Rock & Rap songs you request ~ Ricky
ALEX GOOT
BOOBOO & FIVEL
ASHER MONROE
THE KEY OF AWESOME
MICHAEL BUCKLEY
What the Buck is one of the most popular channels of all time on YouTube with 1 million subscribers and 300 million views! Michael Buckley writes/hosts/produces/edits/writes his own bios. He occasionally covers sports and politics but would much rather talk about what happened on X-Factor or Glee. Thank you for subscribing and watching all these years! I am so happy to be here just doing something I love! Tell your friends! Thanks for your support/love since 2006!
GET F*CKED
DJ EEP
NIGHT VISION
BASS N LACE GOGO CREW
JON WAYNE AND THE PAIN
Midwest reggae rockers Jon Wayne and The Pain have been carving a sizable niche in the reggae-rock genre. Their 2010 sophomore release “Follow Through” builds upon the success of the group’s self-titled 2008 debut album, once again showcasing their unique mix of reggae, rock, and dub that fans can’t get enough of. Reliably packing dance floors, the perpetually touring act has really evolved in the past year on the road. Their sound continues to morph with their live Dub-Step experimentation and high energy renditions of their original and catchy recorded tracks.
DR. ED & FRIENDS
Doctor Ed & Friends is a band that falls into reggae, funk, and sometimes, more often than not, topples into psychedelic rock. Confused yet? Don’t be. This band established in 2004 has experienced transitions from its ska-punk beginnings to the funk rhythms and heavy rock jams that cultivate its progression. A long history and connection between these musicians brings an original style molded over the years and yields a tight performance that is almost effortless between these musicians. As a nine-piece band that rolls on funky bass-lines and toppling horn melodies, the troop of musicians create an ecstatic atmosphere of durty funk that gets you on your feet with heavy rock settling down on sweet reggae music. The band has a deep love and connection to all of our wonderful friends and fans that make every show such an amazing experience, always. We invite all to come out and dance, laugh, live, and love among our raging community growing to define the rhythm of support in the music scene. We love what we’re doing and welcome everyone to be a part in it!
IFDAKAR
Ifdakar’s pursuit of musical growth and experimental improvisation create an experience not to be forgotten. Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this five piece band has garnered recognition for their live performances, where the band channels elements of psychedelic rock, funk, jazz, and electronica. The result is a mind bending, dance infused, pedal to the metal sound that it is unmistakably their own.
ALLISON OROBIA
Special Guest Performance by singer/songwriter Allison Orobia- This Chicago performer will showcase her original music including a song co-written by Robby Celestin.