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
SEARS TOWER OF FOLK
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.
Naïka is a singer/songwriter born in Miami, Florida who developed an interest in music from an early age while living and traveling internationally with her family.
With parents hailing from Madagascar and Haiti, and growing up around the world in countries such as Guadeloupe, Kenya, France, South Africa and Vanuatu, Naïka’s multicultural background has shaped her both musically and individually which resulted in defining her unique sound she refers to as “World-Pop”.
In 2018, Naïka graduated from Boston’s prestigious ‘Berklee College of Music’ with a degree in Professional Music. Her songwriting abilities were first recognized when she won a scholarship in BMI’s annual “John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship”, where she was awarded first runner up in the nation-wide competition.
In 2017, she took the Haitian community by storm after releasing her take on the forgotten traditional song “Papa Gede Bel Gason”, which accumulated over 1M views online. Attention began fueling around Naïka after she released her first single “Ride” which organically amassed over 5 million streams on Spotify alone.
The song reached #2 on the ‘Spotify Viral Global’, and made its’ way to viral charts in over 12 countries around the world including the US, Canada, UK, France, Australia, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic and Argentina.
The success of ‘Ride’ led Naïka to sign a record deal with Capitol Records DE (a division under Universal Music Group) while she was still in her last semester as a college student. Two years later, after completing her contract with UMG, Naïka began to release her music independently.
In July 2020, Naïka released Part 1 of her debut two-part EP project entitled ‘Lost in Paradïse’, which garnered nearly 4 million streams across Spotify and Apple music.
In September 2020, Naïka released a cover of ‘Don’t Rush’ by Young T & Bugsey on Tik Tok that had a big viral moment. With over 20 millions views in just 3 months, Naïka quickly became an internet sensation, gaining the attention of some big names like Jason Derulo and even the original creators of the song, Young T & Bugsey who created a remix version featuring Naïka.
Following the success of ‘Don’t Rush’, Naïka’s song ‘Water”, which is the first song released from the Lost in Paradïse Part 2 Project, was featured in EA Sports Game Fifa 21’ and also placed on the soundtrack. The song accumulated over 40k Shazams in just 2 months.
Naïka’s dream is to bring people together through her music, to shatter stigmas and encourage human connection that goes beyond race, religion and gender.
Rhythm Ninja Drums is a version of myself. It’s the other side of me that I hold tight amongst most company. There is just something about being behind a drum-set that just sets me free.
Danceable noise hip-hop jazz funk monologue-core. We are a Chi-based band that combine hip hop, punk, funk, and free jazzelements into tight arrangements that implode into chaos while incorporating critical and satirical social commentary on police, conspiracy theories, and cults.
Mutated from the chaos cloud that engulfed the early 2020’s, John Gaetano and Tim Chambers locked themselves away withintheir Bridgeport, Chicago panic-room audio-sensory laboratory.
Their broad atmospheric range of sonic vibrant highs and melancholy melodic lows reminds us to …stop and smell the roses … before lighting them on fire.
Like Murder… started in 2019 by a group of local Cleveland, Ohio musicians and longtime friends, who gathered to celebrate and perform the underground heavy metal cult classic album “When The Kite String Pops” by Acid Bath. This happened on the 25th anniversary of the albums release. Long since defunct, in 1997, Acid Bath had grown into a cult following, bigger after the bands break-up then during its short lived gigging years. Like Murder… had intended to be a “one-off” show paying tribute to Acid Bath and their debut album. But with the resounding success of the show, to a sell out capacity audience in Cleveland, Ohio, it was clear that another show must happen. Two years later, Like Murder… resurfaced to celebrate “Paegan Terrorism Tactics”, the unfortunate final album of Acid Bath, to yet another sold out show.
Gig opportunities have surfaced for this band throughout the United States, making it clear that an audience exists. Like Murder… has begun the adventure of becoming the first ever, road ready Acid Bath tribute act.
The goal of Like Murder… has been the same throughout, to bring audiences, many who never got the opportunity to see Acid Bath, a live and raw experience of the music of Acid Bath. We very much grew up on this music, lived it during its existence and want to share and keep the music alive for fans of Acid Bath, both past, present and future.
Liturgy is the project of Hunter Hunt-Hendrix, whose yearning, energetic “transcendental black metal” exists in the space between metal, experimental, classical music and sacred ritual. The band is simultaneously a platform for fine art and theology
Blackened death metal band based out of Chicago. With lyrical inspiration rooted in existential abjection and terror, Selenoplexia blends stream-of-consciousness songwriting with the brutality of the genre’s staples.
Founded in 2021 by guitarist Daniel and drummer Jonathan, and completed with the merciless vocals of Courtney and backbone of bassist Sawyer, Selenoplexia has created a haunting and intense live experience.
Selenoplexia released their first full-length album “Exalt and Despair” on October 13, 2023. The album was engineered and mixed by Spenser Morris at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, IL and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.
Cheap Monarchy has emerged as an exciting addition to the storied Chicago alternative music scene. A bright, alt-rock sound influenced by The Strokes, COIN, and Saint Motel coupled with energetic live performances make Cheap Monarchy a band to watch.
In 2021, Cheap Monarchy played shows at HVAC Pub, The Store, and Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern and were selected to play a set in Glen Ellyn’s SparkFest. In 2022, the band headlined a sold out show at The Store and performed at Chicago’s legendary Subterranean in Wicker Park. They will be releasing their debut EP in August. The boys look forward to seeing you on a dance floor near you soon!
Band Members include Nick Barella – Vocals / Keys, Gordon Utendahl – Lead Guitar, Justin Macmillan – Bass, Adam White – Drums, and Michael Taylor – Sax / Guitar
Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.
The Buncha Bastards are an acoustic harmony duo from Peoria, Illinois.
HULDER
Hulder’s darkness began to spread through the underground beginning in 2018 with the release of the Ascending the Raven Stone demo tape. A few more heavily traded and widely regarded cassette releases later, the band signed with Stygian Black Hand Records to release the first vinyl offering in the form of the EP, Embraced By Darkness Mysts…This solidified Hulder’s influence within the international metal scene but it wasn’t until the debut full length album, Godslastering: Hymns of a Forlorn Peasantry (Iron Bonehead Records), that both underground and more broad audiences were captivated by Hulder’s black metal craft. The long awaited first live performances took place in Olympia, Washington and New York City in the autumn of 2021. It was on the Winter Solstice of 2021 that a new partnership was announced with 20 Buck Spin Records, and plans for a new mini-album and second full length album were unveiled. The year 2022 will mark just the beginning of Hulder’s powerful live performances throughout the United States and, eventually, to lands beyond.
A roots-infused, internationally touring folk duo, Crowes Pasture performs sometimes joyful, and oftentimes, poignant, songs that reflect a mutual passion, sense of discovery and celebration of the human connection.
Platinum-selling South London collective D-Block Europe announce their highly-anticipated album, Lap 5, along with the release of their brand new single, ‘Fantasy’.
A summer anthem in waiting, ‘Fantasy’ arrives with a William Thomas-directed visual, displaying Young Adz and Dirtbike LB venturing into a high-spirited trance, enjoying the entertaining atmosphere.
Dropping on 16th September, Lap 5 magnifies D-Block Europe’s meteoric rise as they set their sights on global domination. Consistent in carving their own lane, Lap 5 is a celebration of the last five summers. Their upcoming record is the pinnacle of Young Adz and Dirtbike LB’s distinctive artistry and compelling penmanship. It will include previous servings, ‘Black Beatles’ and ‘Elegant & Gang’, both permanent fixtures in the Official Singles Chart, alongside a wealth of brand new material.
For the first time in over 40 years, EXTC – featuring XTC’s original iconic drummer, Terry Chambers – is bringing the phenomenal XTC songbook to the stage. Fans can expect EXTC (named and approved by band leader, Andy Partridge) to equal the fire and passion of the original XTC line up, storming through hits and classics like Making Plans for Nigel, Senses Working Overtime, Sgt Rock, and many more.
Beach Goons is an alt-rock trio based out of San Diego, CA. They have described themselves as “Californian high school kids who love Bleeding Knees Club and watching Palo Alto while crying” and “Los vatostristes de Barrio Logan” (loosely translated, “the sadbois from Logan Heights”). They primarily make music in a genre they’ve dubbed “surf punk,” with lyrics in both English and Spanish.
As a result of journeying into his mind and collecting a wide range of emotions, 鬼 has included many lighter and more uplifting passages than previously on “Beautiful Ghosts”, although dark twists are balancing the score. New elements include a significant use of clean vocals throughout the album and there are even playfully progressive rhythms as in the opening track ‘All Is Lost’. The core elements that have shaped UNREQVITED in the past remain active as well. The massive anthemic refrains from “Mosaic I: L’amour Et L’ardeur” (2018) are equally present as the simple melancholic melodies from the 2016 debut album “Disquiet” and the orchestral grandeur of “Empathica” (2020). Ever since 鬼 conceived UNREQVITED as a special musical vehicle for his multi-faceted creative output and brought it to light in 2016, his project has been a constantly shape-shifting and stylistically wide roaming creature. With “Beautiful Ghosts”, the Canadian is at the same time gathering the strands of his previous works and taking an innovative step forward that makes it even harder to slap just one label onto his sound. “Beautiful Ghosts” applies a rich palette of musical colours, hues, and shades that are passionately blended together by the theme of “love”.
Harakiri for the Sky is an Austrian post-black metal band formed in Salzburg and Vienna in 2011 by vocalist JJ and multi-instrumentalist Matthias Sollak, formerly of black metal band Bifröst.
