In 1995, Sinner formed The Chop Tops so he’d have a way to share his love
of rockabilly music – but he also enjoyed other musical styles (like punk, surf,
and psychobilly) and didn’t want to stop playing them completely. So the band
blended all of their favorite music genres together to create their own special
sound. The Chop Tops even coined the phrase “Revved-Up Rockabilly” to
describe their unique combination of rebel music styles. As the band progressed,
Sinner developed his wild style of lead vocals combined with drumming while
standing up. When guitarist Shelby joined in 1999, his talented riffs and high-
energy stage presence were a perfect fit for The Chop Tops. Shelby brought a
wealth of experience from previously playing in many San Francisco Bay Area
bands and jamming with the likes of Chris Isaac. In 2008, Brett became the
upright bassist, having formerly played with several popular Los Angeles ‘Billy
bands. Brett’s string-slapping skills added the finishing touch to the “Revved-
Up Rockabilly” trio. Together, Sinner, Shelby, and Brett have turned The Chop
Tops into one red-hot rockin’ act. The band takes their breed of rockabilly music
across the U.S. to perform more than 200 shows every year. Thanks to their
music’s unique style, blurring the lines between genres, they’ve shared the stage
with the likes of Adolescents, Agent Orange, Alvis Wayne, Angry Samoans, Big
Sandy, The Blasters, Brian Setzer, BR549, Chuck Berry, Danny B. Harvey, Dead
Kennedys, Deke Dickerson, Demented Are Go, Dick Dale, D.O.A., Dr. Know,
Dwight Yoakam Band, Guana Batz, Gene Vincent’s Original Blue Caps, Glen
Glenn, John Lee Hooker (R.I.P.), Lee Rocker, Levi Dexter, Link Wray (R.I.P.),
Los Lobos, Los Straitjackets, Nekromantix, Mad Sin, The Paladins, The Planet
Rockers, Marky Ramone, Ray Campi, Ray Condo (R.I.P.), The Reverend Horton
Heat, Rip Masters, Royal Crown Revue, Rusty York, Suicidal Tendencies,
Wanda Jackson and many more legendary greats! So get in your ride, step on
the gas, and race down to see them play…you’ll be glad you did!
After 20 years of outlier success in the music industry, The Birthday Massacre continues to grow their art and their fan base. Millions of streams attest to the legions of fans who are added to the Imaginary Monsters Army daily. From their earliest work, Nothing and Nowhere through their iconic Walking With Strangers,( which has been called the Sgt. Pepper’s of Dark Wave), and 10 other mysteriously fascinating albums, the band defies all attempts to label them. But that is because they came at their music from an Art College perspective and not as a band thing. The band was one way to express their art and it remains that way today. There is both a continuity and an exploration to the music they release. Easily recognizable as The Birthday Massacre but stretching the boundaries within their own mindset, each new release is eagerly anticipated by tens of thousands of very loyal fans. Fans as loyal to the band as the band is to them.
Now the band is poised to have their most ambitious year ever with the release of a new album, the unveiling of a website that is another “work of art” and a full slate of live shows. From clubs to festivals The Birthday Massacre will be engaging their old and new fans with a mix of the familiar and the new music that is uniquely them. Now is your chance to see and hear the band that you have heard so much about. 2022 is going to be a good year to see and to be seen. The Birthday Massacre is ready to live up to your expectations and more. That is why they continue to grow in popularity.
Since mid-2008, Chicago’s Bitter Wigs have been committed to carving out the tightest, loudest, rock grooves imaginable. Their dynamic stage performances have garnered them a large cult following around the city, even without the release of an “official” recording. “The Wigs” harbor roots steeped in early 70’s punk simplicity, but always with an eye fixed on the future. Their first studio recording will be available in early 2010. Some of the test versions of those recordings can be heard here now, with the final versions being posted after the album is released. Enjoy.
The Black Tape has been taking Chicago by storm with their unique mix of sixties influenced rock, Motown sound and power-pop flare. Brooklyn native Rashid Lamarre (guitar, vocals) began the Black Tape as a way to bring new life to musical influences of the past while adding a modern kick to the mix. With the addition of Oregon native Kyle Hartman on guitar, U.P. transplant Ryan Staples on bass, and Iowa born powerhouse drummer Nic Dell, the band’s sound has come together and what continues to develop is a series of addictively catchy songs that fans are happy to have stuck in their heads. As a reviewer from The UnCool.com wrote, the Black Tape is “delivering music that is as accessible as a high-five, as bright as the sunlight reflecting off of rolling waves”. The Black Tape is eager to keep the waves rolling as they continue to make their mark in Chicago and beyond.
The Blind Staggers play the kind music that rattles around your brain at 4am after a long, lonely night at the bar. Singing songs of heart ache and hangovers, the Blind Staggers have been impressing live audiences with the knockout dynamic between Damien Christian Wilburn and Laura Loo as the band plays heart felt rock Americana that captivates and haunts while rocking you in the now. Check out their new EP “This Times a Charm” on Seven Dead Arson Records.
The Blue Dragons are a “power duo” from Chicago featuring Hershyl Edwards on drums and Justin Lewis on Guitar and Vocals. The Blue Dragons play a brand of Rock-n-Roll rarely heard today – it’s LOUD and ANGRY and full of REBELLION in the punk rock vein, and DRIPPING WITH SOUL that they soaked in from the blues. But for The Blue Dragons ROCK-N-ROLL IS MORE THAN MUSIC, IT’S A WAY OF LIFE that they learned the way the bluesmen of the past did it – through hard times and harder living! Be watchful! The Blue Dragons are here and they are not peaceful creatures!
THE BOLLWEEVILS
Led by the sneering vocals of lead singer Daryl, The Bollweevils are direct inheritors of a Chicago hardcore tradition handed down from acts such as Naked Raygun and The Effigies.
Undisputed as one the finest Chicago punk outfits during the 1990s, The Bollweevils were, and still are, defined by their spirited live performances and a song catalogue that demonstrates both their roots and creative ability as a band.
“If the Ramones had ever decided to make a children’s CD this is what it would have sounded like. There will be no stoppin’ the kiddies from hoppin’ after listen to this music.” – Monte A. Melnick, Ramones Tour Manager & Author of “On The Road with The Ramones”
“In the kids’ rock world, nobody’s rockin’ it harder than The Boogers” – ChiIL Mama, Chicago Parent
“Slamdance kids! The Ramones spirit lives on…in a children’s band.” – Cookie Magazine
The Brains have never been a band to follow the rules. In fact, they’ve made a point of utterly destroying every one of them with each album they release and every show they play. These hardworking road warriors have brought their eye-popping live show to the four corners of the globe. The band has played packed houses throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico and the United States, alongside acts like Rancid, Mad Sin, Nekromantix, The Offspring, The Reverend Horton Heat, and many more. They stand out as a group to watch, by constantly striving to increase proficiency in their craft. It hasn’t been enough for The Brains to earn countless awards and secure number one spots on music television programs; they are now hell-bent on world domination. Raise your glass and join them in their battle cry for MORE BRAINS!
The Break is your new favorite band. Homegrown real sound straight out of Chicago. A true to form great rock band. The next hook in your head. The Break has played every major venue in Chicago to a constantly growing fan base and despite their youth, wants to buy you a beer and sing you a song.
The Brokedowns started a long time ago in the hills around Elgin, Illinois. What began as friends jamming in Jon’s parent’s basement morphed into four out-of-shape Midwestern working-class dudes who love playing music together and soaking their livers.
The Brokedowns are:
Kris Megyery: Guitar, vocals Jon Balun: Vocals, bass Eric Grossmann: Guitar, vocals Mustafa Daka: Drums
The Bronx formed in 2002, releasing their self-titled debut album the following year. Over the Los Angeles-based band’s 19 year career, The band has released six original albums as The Bronx, and three albums under their alter ego, Mariachi El Bronx. Both iterations of the legendary SoCal outfit have been hailed for harnessing the “unleashed cries of youthful blue-collar anguish” (Los Angeles Times), and for writing “hard-hitting and catchy hard rock tracks” (Loudwire). The Bronx is Matt Caughthran (vocals), Joby J. Ford (guitar), Ken Horne (guitar), Brad Magers (bass) and Joey Castillo (drums).
The Brothers Gross have been involved in music for over 10 years now. After a few attempts with other projects, the Brothers decided to do their own thing. In the Spring of 2008 The Brothers Gross arrived, taking their vast musical knowledge of all things ROCK N ROLL and mashing it up to create their original tunes. Their number one goal is to put the excitement back into music, amidst all the other over-done, watered-down crap that’s out there nowadays. They are total supporters of DIY as well. The Brothers write, record and produce all their music (videos too) from a tiny room in the middle of nowhere Indiana. Currently, they have a 7″ release out on Silly Girl Records and are in the process of recording for another release. They’re planning to have more videos and songs, originals and covers, posted all the time on the myspace so be sure to check back for new updates…
