Chaos punx de San Jose Cali, with our brand of fast snotty hardcore punk! Sing along, dance, circle pit, be one with us!United!
Todos unidos! Todos sangramos el mismo color! We’re the Underdogs of Chaos! Oí!
Mokosos es:
Nate Desastre- Vox
Josh Kaos- Guitar/Vox
Bill Dozer- Bass/Vox
Elie Cash- Drums/Good times
Dro Kenji’s rise is a testament to the power of the internet. Just a couple years ago, the 20-year-old artist was a senior in high school in South Carolina, releasing a string of captivating singles and mixtapes on his SoundCloud. Now that he’s released his debut album on Mira Touch/ Internet Money Records/ 10K Projects, collaborating closely with the label’s team of platinum-certified producers, he’s hoping to earn some plaques of his own. A true child of the digital age, raised on video games and the lo-fi sounds of rap’s online underground, he has a remarkable ability to capture both the apathy and aspiration of his generation in his songs and a spellbinding voice with which to tell these stories.
Raised in Summerville, South Carolina, a town outside of Charleston, Dro Kenji mostly kept to himself. “There’s not really a lot going on,” he says of his hometown. “Up until I started making music at the end of 10th grade, I really didn’t do shit but play video games and listen to music.” His parents put him on to classic ’90s-era hip-hop and R&B, but some of his earliest music fandom came from an unlikely combination of his two main hobbies: the video game Rock Band. While playing, he heard songs by Weezer, Radiohead, and Soundgarden, bands whose lead singers would go on to influence his own soaring melodies.
In high school, inspired by the DIY recordings he found on SoundCloud from XXXTentacion among others, Dro Kenji decided to start making music of his own. “When I wanted to make a song, I didn’t know how to do anything,” he remembers. “I didn’t have a mic; I just had a shitty laptop.” At first, he downloaded an app that allowed him to use his iPhone 6 as a microphone plugged into his computer but, eventually, his process evolved and so too did the songs he was crafting, reflecting a sound that was more melodic and off-kilter like the music he had always been drawn to online.
After graduating from high school and building a steadily growing SoundCloud fanbase with mixtapes like Introvert and standout tracks like the buoyant anthem “Finnished,” Dro Kenji got a DM on Instagram an Internet Money A&R. A month later, he was in Los Angeles, recording at the Internet Money headquarters recording breakout tracks like “SAVE ME” and “HOUDINI” produced by Internet Money’s resident hitmaker Nick Mira. Mira quickly saw the promise that Kenji carried as an artist, and made him the first signing to MiraTouch, his imprint via 10K Projects. Dro Kenji went on to release a string of successful projects including EAT YOUR HEART OUT and F*CK YOUR FEELINGS, which yielded seminal tracks like “KILL CUPID” ft. $NOT and “SUPERSTAR.” These tapes led him to his first headlining tour with stops at some of the game’s biggest festivals including Rolling Loud, Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash, and SXSW.
Fast forward to 2022, and Dro Kenji is beginning to emerge as one of the most promising young voices in his genre, continuing his ascent to the highest echelons of the rap game. He established himself as a force with the release of his official debut album, WITH OR WITHOUT YOU in January, which featured hit singles like “VANISH” and “FINDERS KEEPERS” ft. Scorey and Internet Money, and netted over 25M global streams across streaming platforms. He’s now putting the finishing touches on his second studio album, ANYWHERE BUT HERE, due out later this summer, which aims to build on the success of his debut and continue to push the boundaries of his creative process and musical potential.
The 18-year-old Indiana native is the next generation’s ideal superstar, capturing all the chaos of a typical modern teen’s life with the artistic intuition of a seasoned veteran. Growing up in a small town, midwxst never felt like he really fit in. It wasn’t until he met an online scene of like-minded kids on Soundcloud that he truly blossomed into the young artist he is today. Among the most standout names within the underground music scene, he is making his presence known as an elevated figure compared to his contemporaries. His singles and projects alike bring an untapped sense of maturity, passion, and pop prowess. He is more than a passing artist within a crowded landscape; he is a generational talent that is ready to burst into the limelight.
Conan Neutron, Tony Ash and Dale Crover play big weird rock music for smart asses and malcontents.. Featuring members of Replicator, MELVINS, Trophy Wives. Coliseum, and more. Live lineups have a revolving cast of players.
Hi, I’ve been playing music around town since the fall of 1985 and I’ve been in a lot of bands. My Bandcamp is kind of a catch all for a lots of those bands records that were recorded and released and are no longer available.
American Beauty is the fifth studio album by rock band the Grateful Dead. Released November 1, 1970, by Warner Bros. Records, the album continued the folk rock and country music style of their previous album Workingman’s Dead, issued earlier in the year.
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. They were invited to play at the mighty Zappanale in Germany in 2023, solidifying their presence in the Zappa universe. The band has also played with Zappa alumni, The Thing-Fish Ike Willis on multiple occasions. They make their return to Reggie’s to perform along with another Zappa alumni legend, the one and only RAY WHITE!
The Breakers are a Surf / Psychedelic / Garage / Punk instrumental combo from the Chicago area. THE BREAKERS ARE: Jim Abrahams – Guitar, Effects Marc Lockett – Drums, Percussion Jayson Slater – Bass & Dan Klapman – Saxophone Gary Kretchmer – Trumpet
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 (she/her) is a Blues, Soul, and Jazz inspired songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, & bandleader of ANDIE & The Bandits. ANDIE’s 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Submission for her song “He’s Not What You Need Blues” was described as “a skillful exploration of the hurt that comes with being betrayed” by NPR. ANDIE’s uniquely queer and polyromantic lens of storytelling draws out a fresh perspective on the topics of love and heartbreak.
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.