PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY
PGRA is the only rock school dedicated to serious musicians. Students ages 10-18 are selected based on their dedication to music, showmanship, love of performing, and ability to rock with actual pros.
JON ANDERSON
Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in music as the lead vocalist and creative force behind YES. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album “Fragile” as well as the series of epic, complex pieces such as “Awaken,” “Gates of Delirium” and especially “Close to the Edge” which were central to the band’s success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group’s biggest hits, including “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Owner Of A Lonely Heart.” After 50 years of success in the music business, Jon has worked with many variations of YES, as well as collaborations with Vangelis, Kitaro, Roine Stolt and Jean-Luc Ponty. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums including “Olias of Sunhillow,” “Song of Seven,” “Animation,” “Three Ships,” “Toltec” and “Survival and Other Stories” to name just a few. In 2017 Jon reformed YES with former band members Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman. YES Featuring ARW toured the world to rave reviews and released “Live At The Apollo” CD/DVD in September 2018. Never to stand still musically, in 2019 Jon released an album he started 28 years ago, now called “1,000 Hands,” a reference to the fact that numerous guest musicians perform on the album, including Ian Anderson, Billy Cobham, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Zap Momma, Chris Squire, Alan White, Steve Howe and many more.
FIDDLESTICKS
Acoustic duo from Chicago
THE SHAKES ALMIGHTY
The story of “The Shakes” began at the bottom of an empty bottle of wine sitting on a porch in the fall of 2017. From the beginning, the goal was to combine original music with classic rock n’ roll cover songs. Trying to label the “sound” has been a difficult task. Identifying influences has been only slightly easier. The music, either written or covered, is often rooted in the 12 bar blues, the story telling folk rock of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, and the “indie” rock bands of the 1990’s and 2000’s.
Beyond that, The Shakes are friends who tiptoe through the delicate balance of rock star daydreams and joy of adulthood searching for the perfect three chord song…
WYLD RYDE
Wyld Ryde is an all original hard rock band whose live performance has a showmanship and energy that is like no other!!! Once you experience the music/performance of this band, you will be instantly hooked!!!
CONSUMER
MATT PALENSKE DONS THE MONIKER CONSUMER. TO HARNESS AN ALIENATED OPTIMISM WITH A REACTIVE, BODILY PERFORMANCE USING A SOULFUL BLEND OF APOCALYPTIC VOICES TO CREATE VEXING, THRASHY DANCE MUSIC.
CURRENTLY LIVING AND PERFORMING IN CHICAGO, IL
ROYCE
Ruthless rhythms and backyard beats weave between heart-tugging ballads. Subtle, alluring vocals sit atop warm, glowing bass and percussive tremors that have become signature to Royce’s rumble and snap sound.
The continued success of their first release, “Subtleties of the Game,” in addition to tours with Galapagos4 in Europe and the U.S., Royce has harvested fresh fuel for their sound. The quartet returned to the studio to produce a record that captured the heart and soul of growing up in the Windy City. Amidst this alchemy of sound called TUFF LOVE, Royce continues to carve out its niche in popular music and looks forward to their third release in 2009.
“Chicago’s Royce is the live band for all the hyper-electric record collectors out there, solemn heads that dig on blues, psyche, prog and hip-hop.” URB
“Evoking a combination of Sam Prekop of The Sea and Cake and Chris Martin of Coldplay. . .disco-era beats. . .hallmarks of the Isley Brothers or Can.” Chicago Tribune
“Royce trudges through all the boring, arcane bitscrafting something more sublime.” The Wire
“a band woven so intricately into Chicago’s hip-hop scene that it requires attention.” Chicago Sun-Times
Royce has recently toured the U.S. and Europe, opening for Qwel, Typical Cats, RJD2, Denizen Kane, Outerlimitz, Mestizo, Awol One, Pit-Er-Pat, The Shapeshifters, 2Mex
ROBUST & MAX
A veteran of Chicago’s burst in underground hip hop, Robust is known in the Chi town scene for his past collaborations with groups such as Scam Artists and The Molemen. His 2000 independent release “Freelance Gynecologist” got attention worldwide from fans and critics of dope punchlines and humorous rhymes. Soon Bigga would appear on projects like Sage Francis’ “Still Sick Urine Trouble” & Qwel’s debut “If It Ain’t Been In A Pawn Shop, Then It Can’t Play The Blues”, where he showed his growth into a more serious lyricist.
After success with 7″ single “Flibbertigibbit” (also on Meaty Ogre’s recent “Leo vs. Pisces”), hip hop was definitely ready for Robigga to step up the game. Enter “Potholes In Our Molecules”, the brand new full length on Galapagos4.
Things get very serious on this deep album, as Robust bares it all from the inside out, with his intricate flows & creative rhyme schemes intact. Of course he comes off with some humor, wit & straight rap savvy as well. The supremely crafted beats, handled mostly by Meaty Ogre & east coast producer Prolyphic, create a solid moody backdrop to keep your head stuck on nod. Dreas, Maker, Sun Spark & Bless also contribute heat to this 17 track album. Here’s to life’s flawless imperfections, flawlessly perfected as hip hop potholes.
HORSEBURNER
Stoner metal. Sludge. Doom. Call it what you will, Parkersburg, West Virginia’s Horseburner creates riff-heavy rock n’ roll to shake your insides.
SUGARMAN ALLSTARS
SILVERIO
BARRAGOON
Chicago DJ, producer, & event curator.
WARFIELD
* DJ at house parties in the SFV as well as some very dubious Hollywood Teen clubs. (2 Technics and a mixer, 2 crates of records, and a love of hip-hop).
* MC/Lyricist – “Season Of The Vic” from the LP, QD3 Soundlab, produced by QD3 (I had dreadlocks & rarely wore a shirt, but I was all over the radio, MTV-Raps, BET & Pump It Up in high school, so fuck it).
* Signed by Quincy Jones to Qwest/WB at 16 (After 2 years of working with and learning from QD3 his father signs me and the two become mentors to me, off to a good start).
* MC/Lyricist/Producer – Debut solo album, “My Field Trip To Planet 9”. (A classic in the UK, too bad no one told me, stateside I was massive in Boulder and a few college campuses).
* Singer/Lyricist/Guitar/Keys – The Justin Warfield Supernaut, S/T Debut album. (An endearing but confused classic rock/grunge/pop band which had we had time to gestate could have been great).
* MC/Lyricist – Bomb The Bass, “Bug Powder Dust” and “Braindead” from the LP, “CLEAR”. (First of an ongoing collaboration with the man who would change the course of my life, Tim Simenon. Respect).
* Producer/Guitarist/Singer – One Inch Punch (Secrets Of The One Inch Punch EP, Tao Of One Inch Punch (Rising from the ashes of Supernaut, consisting of Gianni Garofalo & myself, signed by Tim Sim).
* Remixes – Depeche Mode, “Barrel Of A Gun”, The Boo Radleys, “Joel”, Kylie Minogue, “Confide In Me” (so fucked up), Korn, don’t remember the song, but they hated it.
* Guest Vocalist – The Chemical Brothers, “Not Another Drugstore, “Pretty Piece Of Flesh” & “The Montague Boys” on OST Romeo And Juliet, The Freestylers, “Broadcast Channels”, Cornershop, “Candyman”, Placebo, “Spite And Malice”, LHB, “No Transmission”,
* Vocals/Guitar – Tape (Garage-gaze LA based band who only ever played in NYC & LA, was subject to a label frenzy, only to burnout after 2 great EP’s and several years of blinding shows. Awesome).
* Vocals/Guitar/Lyrics/Production – She Wants Revenge (S/T LP, This Is Forever, Save Your Soul EP, Up And Down EP, Valleyheart. (Finally worked with childhood friend Adam 12 to great results).
* Vocals/Lyricist/Guitar – Timbaland, “In Time”.
* Remixes – Placebo, “Meds, Ringside, “Tired Of Being Sorry”, Tatu, “Outer Space”,
* Vocals/Lyrics – Crystal Method, “Kling To The Wreckage”.
* Various Remixes – (Kimbra, “Settle Down”, Jason Derulo, “Breathing”, Childish Gambino, “Heartbeat”, Depeche Mode, “Heaven”. (I feel like I’m forgetting something).
* Producer/Executive Producer – Nova Rockafeller (My little sis. Your new favorite artist).
* Secret projects coming….(Plural).
I’m really tired, so if this doesn’t make sense or is incomplete, bear with me, I’m switching to Sanka.
SAMMOE
Sammoe is a quartet led by Swiss guitarist Samuel Mösching. The band combines Funk, Rock, Blues and Electronica like Dub and Drum’n’Bass with a strong guitar lead. Samuel Mösching studied composition in Europe and has worked as a regular guitar player for Zeshan B, Subhi and Maggie Brown and performed for Ravinia, Electric Forest and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
INFECTED RAIN
Infected Rain are far from the overly manufactured metal many of us have grown accustomed to.
Their style is an energetic blend of some of the best modern metal styles.
A combination of female screaming, hard riffs and samples created the individual style of Infected Rain. The band was formed in 2008 and made their first appearance on stage on August 3, 2008, performing in a concert dedicated to Slayer. At the end of the same month Infected Rain recorded their first demo CD, which consisted of three songs: With Me, Parasite and No Idols. Over the next 2 years the band appeared in several concerts in Moldova, Romania and the Ukraine. Infected Rain took 1st place at the Big Up! Urban Fest in 2009 and continued the stream of its successful performances at the Forest Kap in 2010 and 2011. In summer of 2009 the band released their EP, which included six songs: Judgmental Trap, Panika, No More, Escape, Go Away and Homeless. Their first music video was for the song Judgmental Trap and was shot in winter of the following year. November 25, 2011 was marked by the release of the band’s first album, entitled Asylum. After that the band went on a tour in Romania to support the album. In January 2012 the band released its second music video for the song At the Bottom of the Bottle and shortly after that performed at the Metal Special Fest as a headliner. In June, the band played at OST fest 2012 in Bucharest on the same stage with Dimmu Borgir and Motley Crue.
Shortly after that they released a new music video for the song Me Against You, collaborating with Moldova Extreme Moto Cross. Then on March 8th, a music video for the single Stop Waiting came out. In the autumn of 2013 the band toured Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria as their first big tour. May 15th of 2014 the band released the second album called “Embrace Eternity”. Later, in September and October was their big European tour in which they visited 12 countries. January of 2015 was marked with the release of 2 more music videos for the album “Embrace Eternity”. At the same time the band never stopped concurring new countries and headlining big festivals in Europe. 2016 started with the release of their new music video for the single Serendipity that gave a start to a new, heavier era for Infected Rain. Serendipity, Mold and Orphan soul music videos were released in 2017 and are part of the third album called “86” that was released on April 20th 2017. The next year was dedicated to touring and composing of new music. 2018 was a beautiful and intense year for IR. A year of exposure and interesting work and collaboration proposals. In fact 2019 started right away with big announcements. Announcements of upcoming tours around the world and new music. After being independent for 10 years the band signed a record deal with The Austrian label Napalm records on February 13th and announced it on the Valentine’s day with the big release of the new music video for the song Passerby. Passerby is the first single, then fallowed by The Earth Mantra, Lure and Storm, from the upcoming album called Endorphin that seen the light in October 2019.
BUTCHER BABIES
Butcher Babies is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, consisting of frontwomen Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey, guitarist Henry Flury, bassist Ricky Bonazza, and drummer Chase Brickenden.
THE ELECTRIC BLUES JUNKIES
Electric Blues Junkies Inc. (EBJ) featuring RB Green on Guitar, Adam Arling, bassist for rock band The Last Vegas, and guitar powerhouse Tony McQuaid of Loudmouth fame! Bob Spelbring will be on the drums! The band combines a mix of traditional, electric, and improvisational blues! For more info, check out heavyblues.com
BERNARD CRUMP
The renowned Bernard Crump has over 40 years of experience playing and singing a variety of genres, including but not limited to: Blues, Jazz, R&B and Gospel music. Although he’s shown strong musicanship since the age of 7, his professional career began at the age of 17 playing with the legendary gospel group, The Pilgrim Jubilees. He’s played with various artists, such as:Tyrone Davis, The Funky Nassau band featuring Raphael Munnings, Willie Clayton, Albertina Walker, Fantasia Barrino.
He’s also served as opening act for: James Brown, Millie Jackson, Z.Z. Hill, Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Manhattans, Joe Simon, The Ohio Players, The Mighty Dells, The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
After 50 years of affluent musicianship, Bernard Crump founded the Musicians Network Mecca, a program aimed at mentoring and continuing the education of young musicians and the economic empowerment of musicians throughout the Chicago area. Currently, Bernard Crump is the lead guitarist for Chicago’s own Legendary Gentleman of Leisure Band.
ACME
ACME is a visual kei band that formed in 2017 consisting of former DIV vocalist CHISA and guitarist SHOGO, former ARTEMA drummer HAL, and bassist RIKITO.
The name of the band means “the vertex of evolution” and the band concept is “Delinquent boys from another world”. Well known for their post-hardcore sound and colorful “oshare” style visuals, ACME are quickly rising in the visual kei scene.
Their first mini-album release in August of 2017, “SENKOU”, sold out first press copies nationwide. ACME’s second single release “ROTTEN ORANGE” also had the track “CALL MY NAME” featured in the movie “Namae no nai onna tachi: Usotsuki Onna,” starring Mitsuru Fukikoshi.
At Anime Expo 2018 in LA, CHISA walked the AX Fashion Show runway for Harajuku fashion designers KINGLYMASK, LISTEN FLAVOR, and HYPER CORE. ACME made their overseas debut performance at Anime Milwaukee 2019 and returned in June of that year at A-Kon in Dallas. ACME headlined a tour in January 2020 in 4 cities along the US west coast.
FRANK BANG 3
Willie Dixon once said, “The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits.” As true as that is, it still doesn’t explain the blues, because the blues cannot be explained.
When one thinks of the blues it’s easy to think of Robert Johnson, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, or Muddy Waters. Connoisseurs of the genre will mention Son House, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Leadbelly. Others will mention Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield, and Eric Clapton. All would be correct.
The blues is raw. It knows no culture. Its brutally honest and uncompromising. It’s your worst feelings and your best moments all at once.
The blues will never apologize.
Nor will Frank Bang. And he doesn’t need to. He is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet, but when he picks up a guitar, he’ll slice your throat, woo your woman, make you cry, and might even make you dance. Ultimately, he will just make you feel. Something or everything. The real shit.
Born with the Bohemian Irish name of Frank Blinkal into two generations of Chicago police officers and a mother that often worked three jobs, Frank learned at an early age about the grit and sometimes stark reality of the world he was born into and turned that into his own brand of the blues – weaned from years of trying to learn everything he could by putting himself into the middle of everything that the Chicago music scene had to offer. And it paid off.
In his twenties, Frank found himself working at Buddy Guy’s Legends club, while making a name for himself fronting bands of his own. He was soaking up invaluable knowledge from the clientele and getting an education that not many have a chance to experience. Numerous touring bands came through the club, but amongst the club’s regulars were Junior Wells, Otis Rush, and Lonnie Brooks.
And then he became Buddy Guy’s touring guitar player for five years. No late night conversations with your heroes will prepare you for that, if you don’t have the chops to pull off the gig. You have to work your ass off, which Frank did as an employee of Legends, while working through the ranks.
As Buddy’s guitar player, his work ethic paid off. Hard work is a big part of what makes up Frank Bang, He never stops playing. He never stops honing his craft. And he never takes any bullshit. Some of that was learned from his environment at Legends, but most of it has been ingrained in him since he was born.
With Buddy, he toured the world and shared the stage with the likes of Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton, but that’s only semantics that make up pieces of a scene.
As a solo artist, Frank has released four critically acclaimed albums under the names Frank Bang and the Secret Stash and Frank Bang and the Cook County Kings. He currently has 14 songs in regular rotation on B.B. King’s Bluesville Station on Sirius/XM.
Whether it be dirty blues that sounds like Led Zeppelin through a beautifully blown speaker or the faithful tribute to his hometown Chicago blues, Frank Bang knows how to read a room.
And there’s a good chance that on any given night in America, you might find yourself in a room where Frank Bang is making you feel something. Or everything.
It’s the roots and the fruits. It’s rock and roll. And it’s definitely the blues.
However you define it.
PYRRHON
“Outré as they get, everything Pyrrhon do emanates from an obsidian death metal core – just that this music is that much more expressive, its impact that much more disquieting than almost anything else in the genre.”
-Decibel
THE WOOLLY RHINOS
We are a Chicago band made up of Jack Swain on vocals and guitar,Tom Valenzano on vocals and guitar,Jay Lysaught on bass and Chuck Harling on drums.
MCLUHAN
McLuhan was a concept and a mixed-media group where no particular musical venue or style would necessarily prevail. The creator of the idea was David Wright who composed most of the music and wrote the lyrics on their only album, Anomaly.
ZAKO RYAN
Hailing from Beaufort, SC, Zako Ryan is one of Chicago’s premier standup comedians. This tall drink of moonshine headlines clubs all over the country, was featured on Keenan Thompson’s Road To New York, and can be seen regularly at Chicago’s Laugh Factory, Zanies, or producing and hosting his own wildly popular independent showcase “Sorry For Killin'” at Chicago’s Lincoln Lodge.
SARAH PERRY
Sarah Perry is a Chicago-based comedian/writer whose fearless delivery and subject matter is highly relatable and resoundingly funny. In March 2021 Sarah was voted Best Stand-Up Comic by The Chicago Reader. That same month, she was featured on the virtual SXSW Festival. Sarah has opened up for Natasha Leggero, Lynne Koplitz, Michael Kosta, Chris Redd, Jeremy Piven, Esther Povitsky and more. She recently performed in The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta, GA in May 2019 and in June 2019 she was named a semi-finalist for StandUp NBC. In November of 2019 she performed a TEDx Talk for her Alma Mater, Columbia College Chicago and in January 2020 she performed at Team Coco House in Chicago.
VON ROBURTS
Von Roburts is a funny, cool and smart stand up comedian with a commanding delivery and honest demeanor. You can’t help but listen to him, respect his perspective and laugh at the comedy that comes with that truth .His care free, casual style is very insightful . Von performs stand up all over the United States impressing audiences everywhere.
Von has worked with everybody from Bone Thugs n Harmony to Funny Or Die writers. Von is inspired by a hand full of comedians, but there six he looks to most are: Jerry Seinfeld, Patrice o’ Neal, Rick Shapiro, Dave Chappelle, Dave Attell and Bobbie Oliver. Expect great things from the bright young comic.
JAY WASHINGTON
I do a lot of things on stages, on tv, in movies, hosting & in wrestling rings.
THE ROLLING STONES “LET IT BLEED”
Performed Live By: Sonic Currency
Let It Bleed is the eighth British and tenth American album by English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States. Released shortly after the band’s 1969 American Tour, it is the follow-up to 1968’s Beggars Banquet and the last album by the band to feature Brian Jones as well as the first to feature Mick Taylor.
THE DOZEN BUZZIN’ COUSINS
A collective of passionate musicians playing an eclectic mix of covers as well as some Ian Leith originals all over Berwyn and Chicagoland.
BUTL3R
With music ranging from house to funk to heavy-hitting bangers, Butl3r is sure to make you groove and have an unforgettable night.
GLITCH GATSBY
Brass, bass, and bombastic beats
HIGH STEP SOCIETY
When the honeyed tones of the Jazz Age meld with the hottest bass drops of the new millennium, you get High Step Society’s elixir of Electro Bass Jazz. Merging dance music from our past with sounds for the future, High Step Society features sultry vocals, a blasting sexy horn section that soars over syncopated high hats, rat-a-tat snares and dirty synths. The cats in the band are electronic music producers as well as educated jazz musicians. High Step Society is rethinking jazz with unorthodox arrangements, and bringing a touch of elegance to electronic music.
The band is “at once groovy and raucously tight, High Step Society’s tunes growl to a Cotton Club vibe that plunges the depths of the EDM trench.” (Eugene Weekly, 10/8/15). They ”take it to the next level with live horn sections, sultry singers and energetic dance beats that capture the excitement of the jazz age and rocket launch it a century into the future.”
(Eugene Weekly, 4/9/15) Their live shows are classy affairs where everyone is encouraged to dress their best, so the band and the crowd are looking top notch while the dance floor sizzles.
DUKE
My voice is my strength. Let me a sing a song for you
STONER
Rad stays rad.
A few ideas are timeless.
Stoner is Brant Bjork (guitar/vocals), Nick Oliveri (bass/vocals) and Ryan Gut (drums), and from flowing jams to all-out punker blasts, they know what they’re doing. It ain’t anybody’s first time at the dance, and you don’t call your band Stoner if you’ve never heard the word before. Stoner, however straight-ahead their moniker, encompass varied styles and the songwriting of Bjork and Oliveri – both founders of Kyuss, also Mondo Generator, Ché, Fu Manchu, Bloodcot, and more between them. Atop the classic-style swing and flow from Gut (also of Bjork’s solo band), Stoner keep it casual and wear the name as only those who helped create the sound could
SPIRIT MOTHER
Spirit Mother is a heavy rock band with their sound anthologized through a folk-informed and classical lens. Their dynamic and imposing wall of sound, coupled with a driving backbeat, grips through atmospheric strings and haunting vocals. Initially from Long Beach, CA, the band relocated across the United States residing in Buffalo, Los Angeles, and the high-desert of Eastern Oregon.
Vocals, Bass / Armand Lance
Violin, Vocals / SJ
Violin, Vocals / Camille Getz
Guitar / Sean McCormick
Drums / Landon Cisneros
MAD ALCHEMY LIQUID LIGHT SHOW
Analog liquid lightshow
in the San Francisco tradition pioneered by Bill Hamm,
and Brotherhood of Light,a main stay of the 60’s ballroom
scene.
EL PERRO
EL PERRO is a brand new band led by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter/producer Parker Griggs of RADIO MOSCOW. The sound contains elements that fans of Radio Moscow will recognize, but this is rock music with a new, fresh spin and feel. You could say that EL PERRO plays psychedelic funk rock, and you wouldn’t be wrong.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN “NEBRASKA”
Nebraska is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on September 30, 1982, by Columbia Records. Springsteen recorded the songs as demos on a 4-track recorder, intending to rerecord them with the E Street Band, but decided to release them as they were. Nebraska remains one of the most highly regarded albums in his catalog.
The songs on Nebraska deal with ordinary, down-on-their-luck blue-collar characters who face a challenge or a turning point in their lives. The songs also treat the subject of outsiders, criminals and mass murderers with little hope for the future—or no future at all—as in the title track, where the main character is sentenced to death in the electric chair. Unlike previous albums, which often exude energy, youth, optimism and joy, the vocal tones of Nebraska are solemn and thoughtful, with fleeting moments of grace and redemption woven through the lyrics. The album’s reverb-laden vocals and mood combined with dark lyrical content have been described by music critic William Ruhlmann as “one of the most challenging albums ever released by a major star on a major record label”. Because of the album’s somber content, Springsteen chose not to tour in support of the album, making it Springsteen’s first major release that was not supported by a tour, and his only such release until 2019’s Western Stars.
ZERO SIGNAL
Chicagoland’s Premier Fear Factory Tribute Band comprised of TJ (vocals), Dan (guitar), Jon (bass), Analise (keys), and Mike (drums)
PRETTY TIED UP
Guns N Roses tribute band based out of America
THE SECRET LIVES
The Secret Lives is an up and coming americana/folk rock band out of the southwest suburbs of Chicago. TSL is comprised of Andy Victory, Rachel Darling, and Mel Flowers. The trio provide a unique Southern Gothic tinged Americana sound with powerful, engaging, and retrospective lyrical content.
THE MONKEY MAN
GOREMONGER
Depraved underground cybergrind!! Blending a bunch of styles and influences into a sound I hope can
SACRIFICIAL MASSACRE
BITRU
Bitru – Black Metal Colombiano
KNOXIOUS
Hard hitting, fast, charged Hardcore Punk from Chicago! featuring members from Alley Slob Service and Oi! Story
KNOXIOUS-
Ernie Slob- Drums
Sean “Mail Man” Murdock- Guitar/Vox
Marty Rodriguez- Bass/ Vox
Fabian BarBa- Guitar/ Vox
Henry Martinez- Lead Vox
USER UNAUTHORIZED
Driven, fast-paced, and to the point, they bring the voice of the youth kicking and screaming to the ears of the complacent world, their sound reflects tenets of 80’s hardcore through the lens of the modern experience and the current cultural landscape where the resulting sound is one that transcends the traditional labels associated with punk in search of pure, unadulterated representation.
STOLEN WHEELCHAIRS
Fast, anthemic, hardcore-punk straight from the depths of Hostile City. “The Robin-Hoods of Healthcare”.
THE STICKUPS
Streetpunk band from Denver, USA.
THE FIENDS
LA’s own, The Fiends! debut LP brings you the sounds of early American Hardcore Punk featuring members of Long Beach streetpunk legends Clit 45. 13 loud riffy bangers for fans of Bad Brains, Wipers, TSOL. The sounds of yesterday for today’s fucked up world!
GEN WHY
Dirty – Guitar / Vocals
Bugs – Bass / Vocals
Jimi – Drums
-Texas Street Punk-
ROTTEN FEW CREW
CHEAP SEX
In March of 2000, Mike Virus left The Virus to pursue a job offer in San Diego, CA. “I missed my old band a great deal, and kept in constant contact with those guys, and something just felt like it was missing in my life” says Mike. After two years of searching for band members Mike finally found the right people. “The first guy I met was Gabe when i first moved here in 2000 at an Agent Orange show in San Diego. We started talking about starting a band then but it never materialized, partly due to the fact that Gabe moved out of San Diego for several months. Once Gabe moved back to San Diego, talk of the band heated up again, but it was not until Mike met Johnny O. that talks really got serious. Mikemet John at club one night, John was playing with The Worthless at the time. “It just clicked. The guy was into the same shit as me, and he was real anxious about getting a band together.” After that Mike talked to Derek who was a friend of his and a friend of Gabe`s. Things were now set. We set out looking for a second guitarist and found Beau through an ad. Cheap Sex was now born. The band immediately got a great reaction, and within 2 months of forming had a record contract with two differnt labels having shown interest. The bands first show was with Mike’s previous band The Virus, and shows since then have included Defiance, 999, Slaughter and The Dogs, Lower Class Brats, Anti Nowhere League and English Dogs to name a few. “Punk Rock is everything to me, It’s what I live, breathe, and eat. I truly believe that even to this day, it is a true alternative to a life of complacency” says Mike, and I think that sums of Cheap Sex best.
LURID
Black Metal from Chicago, IL.
P.K. – Guitars, Vocals
R.G. – Guitars
A.K. – Bass
D.O. – Drums
PETE CAUTIOUS
Pete Cautious exists in a bizarro indie soft rock world, slowly burning shimmering guitars over a crackling synth dumpster fire. It is deceptively simple music, with strange harmonies and textures, but always anchored by a melody that takes you somewhere. Maybe a sun bleached Stevie Ray Vaughn playing on an acid warped Billy Idol tune…..
Pete and his band are veterans of the Chicago scene, having played in too many bands to list (Hanalei, Archaeology, and Bear the Bell are some honorable mentions). Through the years, Pete has got to open for some great bands, like Tobacco, Karate, Russian Circles, and more. If sleeping on floors was worth anything, he wouldn’t need a credit card anymore.
Pete is currently playing with a 4 piece band (Brad Smith, Paul Nixon, Erik Sowa), promoting the debut album, Pete Cautious. The album is a solid listen front to back, and plays like a great movie. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and throw in a couple surprises too.
CLOUD HOUSES
6 piece indie rock band from Chicago with aspirations of world domination
Kendall Parchman- Vocals, Keys, Guitar
Katie Stack- Vocals, Trumpet, Keys
Trent Henry- Guitars
Bianca Barcenas- Guitars
Erol Hasanof- Drums, Vocals
Bryan Lesser- Bass
PRESENT COMPANY
Indie Alternative band from Minneapolis, MN.
Lead vocals, guitar: Christian Nelson
Lead vocals, guitar, synth: Eddie Chisham
Bass: Seth Lemmon
Drums: Berin Joseph
THE SOUNDS
The Sounds are a Swedish indie rock band. Formed in Helsingborg in 1998, the group’s musical style has been compared to new wave acts such as Blondie, The Cars, the Epoxies and Missing Persons. Their debut album, Living in America, was released in 2002, with the follow-up Dying to Say This to You on March 21, 2006
CREEPING DEATH
CREEPING DEATH is on a quick and furious ascent from the underground. The Texas death metal crew repeatedly delivers a relentless bludgeoning summoned from the furthest reaches of the genre’s past, present, and future. A triumphant celebration of the style itself, the Lone Star State fivesome whips up gruesome riffage and Southern grooves with an improbable cathartic glee.
As Revolver Magazine observed, CREEPING DEATH “assemble hulking riffs, screaming guitar solos, and ghastly vocal lows, and play them with the urgent momentum of a sterling hardcore band.”
The band’s formula hits perfection with the brilliant Boundless Domain, a sophomore slab of spectacular weight, dimension, and might. Produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz (As I Lay Dying, The Acacia Strain, Underoath), Boundless Domain is a certified ripper, top to bottom.
“We’ve never sounded better,” guitarist Trey Pemberton shares enthusiastically. “We love the people we’ve recorded with before, but we’ve never had anybody challenge and push us as Adam did.”
In the wake of the passing of local heroes Riley Gale of Power Trip and Wade Allison of Iron Age, the band (Pemberton, singer Reese Alavi, bassist Eric “Rico” Mejia, drummer Lincoln Mullins, and guitarist A.J. Ross, III) found themselves digging back into some of their metallic hardcore favorites.
“We made it a point to bring in more influences from hardcore bands we came up loving, especially Texas hardcore,” Pemberton explains. “There’s a lot of Mammoth Grinder, Iron Age, and Power Trip influence. Having Riley and Wade pass so close to one another left a huge hole in the scene. We all went on a kick of listening to the Texas stuff for a while, and it definitely seeped into our writing.”
Early into the band’s career, MetalSucks encouraged headbangers everywhere to “get your old school death metal fix with new school band Creeping Death.” Naturally, the crushing brutality akin to Gorguts, Grave, Blood Red Throne, and similarly legendary bands remains part of their foundation.
Originally hailing from Denton, Texas, and now situated in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, CREEPING DEATH summons a vibrant sound that is somehow both familiar and fresh. Their initial outburst, 2016’s three-song Sacrament of Death, introduced them to death and thrash metal audiences, followed two years later by the Specter of War EP. By the time they unleashed 2019’s Wretched Illusions album, Kerrang! hailed Creeping Death as “an underground juggernaut” that “channels all the raddest aspects of metal without getting shoehorned into any clichés.” 2021’s The Edge of ExistenceEP further demonstrated the power, fury, and revelry at the heart of their identity.
Tours with High On Fire, The Acacia Strain, Rotting Out, Terror and The Warriors spread the CREEPING DEATH message. Crowds succumbed to the group’s combination of endlessly catchy riffage, precise percussion, and storytelling lyrics.
Early 2023 saw Creeping Death travel overseas to the UK and Europe with Revocation and Goatwhore. A US trek supporting Carcass, Municipal Waste, and Sacred Reich is on the books.
“We’ve freely admitted that we are a selfish band, in so much as we really only write music for us,” guitarist Trey Pemberton explains. “We make music that’s fun for us to play and that we like to listen to ourselves. After all, we’re the ones who are going to hear these songs the most, night after night.”
Boundless Existence boasts future death metal classics like the super heavy, fast, and groovy “Intestinal Wrap” (which features George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher of Cannibal Corpse). “Vitrified Earth” showcases Creeping Death’s increasing skills at songcraft, most evident with the cadence and phrasing of Alavi’s vocals while never neglecting the sick riffs. Toward the album’s end, there’s even a bit of a spaced-out atmosphere, with guitar effects, harmonies, and heady time signatures.
“We just want to be heavy and fun,” Pemberton says without apology. “You’ll hear a natural progression from Wretched Illusions to Boundless Domain. Each release will be at least a little bit different from the other, but they will all still sound like CREEPING DEATH. That’s who we are.”
LINEUP
- Reese Alavi – Vocals
- Trey Pemberton – Guitar
- J. Ross III – Guitar
- Eric “Rico” Mejia – Bass
- Lincoln Mullins – Drums
SELECT DISCOGRAPHY
- Boundless Domain (2023)
- The Edge of Existence EP (2021)
- Wretched Illusions (2019)
- Specter of War EP (2018)
Sacrament of Death EP (2016)
BACKLASH
Thrashing from the Chicago Southlands, Backlash indoctrinates audiences to their live performances with diverse heavy riffs, robust bass, powerful and guttural vocals accompanied by precision drum grooves. Releasing their debut LP in 2021, “Colossus”, Backlash have since played throughout the midwest with bands such as: Cavalera Conspiracy, Warbringer, and Exciter. Crowned the victors of the fall 2022 Dirtbag Michigan Metalfest competition, Backlash have since released their emphatic thrash anthem “False Flag” to commemorate the achievement. Slated to release their second full length LP in 2024 – Backlash continues to raise the bar in terms of authentic live performance, songwriting and imagery.
For fans of Metallica, Megadeth and Pantera
EVIL INCARNATE
Death metal from Illinois, since 1997
THE SUFFERING
The Suffering is Jeff Holmes guitars, Jon Billman bass, Scott Davidson Drums & Casey Loving vocals
DJ TRAVIS MILLS
THE BOBBY LEES
Upstart garage punks the Bobby Lees formed after guitarist-vocalist Sam Quartin moved to Woodstock, New York, and took a suggestion from a friend to recruit her new bandmates from the local School of Rock. Now in her mid-20s, Quartin is an established actress who’s played alongside the likes of Crispin Glover, Michael Pitt, and Marilyn Manson, but in the Bobby Lees she gives you the idea that she might prefer basement shows to red carpets. On the new album Skin Suit (Alive/Natural Sound), produced by Jon Spencer, the band show they’ve got the chops and the weirdness to refresh vintage rock, punk, and blues (they do a gritty take on Bo Diddley’s “I’m a Man”) without the commercialism that has plagued other prominent garage bands of their generation. Quartin’s unpolished vocals often recall Richard Hell (the record closes with a rousing cover of “Blank Generation”), but the music is memorable enough in its own right to make you want to put highlights such as “Coin” and “Guttermilk” on repeat. The swaggering, minimalist “Ranch Baby” is equally funny and gross, with lead guitarist Nick Casa taking a turn at the mike to ponder a mysterious (and apparently sexy) creamy white substance. On “Last Song,” with its backdrop of sweet, 50s-flavored pop, Quartin delivers a take on “crooning” that sounds like Bobby Darin as a serial killer. Like so many other bands, the Bobby Lees had to cancel their spring tours, but with help from a little word of mouth they’ll surely be playing packed punk shows as soon as social-distancing measures allow.
NIGHT SPICE
Night Spice is a synth based electronic project from Miami, IL. Positive vibes only.
FALL OUT BOY “FROM UNDER THE CORK TREE”
From Under the Cork Tree is the second studio album by the American rock band Fall Out Boy, released on May 3, 2005, through Island Records as the band’s major label debut. The music was composed by lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, with all lyrics penned by bassist Pete Wentz, continuing the band’s songwriting approach they took for some songs on their prior 2003 effort Take This to Your Grave. Neal Avron handled production duties. Commenting on the record’s lyrical themes, Wentz said the lyrics were about “the anxiety and depression that goes along with looking at your own life.” In support of their release the group headlined tours worldwide and played at various music festivals. For their Black Clouds and Underdogs tour the album was re-released as From Under the Cork Tree (Limited “Black Clouds and Underdogs” Edition), featuring new songs and remixes.
Laini Marisa
| Laini Marisa is a singer/songwriter and an International Recording Artist. She has recently performed in Kaiserslautern, Germany and recorded in Frankfurt, Germany. She had the pleasure of touring in Japan and most of the major cities in the US with the Steve Arrington Band (former lead singer of Funk Band Slave), and has performed on stage, singing background and opening up for such acts as: Ronnie Laws, Tom Browne, Marzette Griffith, Dee Alexander, Garland Green with the Chi-Lites, Gerald Butler, Lil’ G of Silk, Frank McComb, The Average White Band, The Temptations, Musiq Soulchild, and Rachelle Ferrell, Mikki Howard, Jodeci and Brian McKnight just to name a few. Laini is Afro-Cuban born in Chicago, Illinois. Being Afro-Cuban, Laini was musically influenced by Tito Puentes, and Celia Cruz who were favorite artists of her mother’s growing up, among many other Latin artists. Other favorite artist influences of hers are: Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, Natalie Cole, and Brazilian artist, Rosalia de Souza. Laini has also performed jazz and created a buzz amongst her listening audiences in appearances all over Chicago with Imagine That Jazz Duo, the John Wright Trio, Crosswinds Jazz Band and was great vocalist in a tribute to the late jazz musician Eldee Young. |
BIG SHOULDERS BRASS BAND
Formed in Chicago just after the turn of the century by a couple of Colorado transplants, the Big Shoulders Brass Band has been a staple of a prodigious New Orleans second-line groove scene in the Windy City for close to two decades. Mixing traditional Dixieland with street funk sensibilities, Big Shoulders brings a tight horn sound to the stage.
SUNLESS SKY
Power Metal band from Cleveland, Ohio on Pure Steel Records featuring:
Juan Ricardo – Bass and Vocals
Ed Miller – Guitar
Ewell Martin – Drums
LIZ TOUSSAINT
PUBLIC SERPENTS
Skwert – Curses, Threats, Truth-Telling
Keith – Banging (Drums)
Ben – Giant Slidey Whistle/Computer noises
Weftin – Big Strings
Ferris – Loud Little Strings
Kyle – Aggressive Little Strings
PUSHING DAISY’S BAND
Pushing Daisy’s Band. Psychedelic Funk from Outer Space.
Max Heyob (guitar, vocal), Michael Mead (guitar, vocal), Ethan Rupert (keys), Mark Stinnett (bass), Tony Stinnett (drums), Chris Willsey (percussion, vocal)
QUINTON GRIGGS
JXDN
Rockstars may look and sound different from generation-to-generation, but the attitude remains the same. Defying any rules, jxdn authentically bridges subcultures, exuding reckless charm and boundless ambition to position himself as a rockstar for the new generation. Generating 15 million streams within a month on his self-released debut song “Comatose,” he became the first artist signed to Travis Barker’s DTA Records. jxdn’s label debut single “Angels & Demons” notched the top spot on the iTunes Alternative Chart upon release and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Hot Rock Chart, allowing the 19-year-old genre breaker to present his signature style and a glimpse of what’s to come on his forthcoming full-length debut.
“Music was always therapeutic for me,” jxdn explains. “Instead of simply listening to what I make, I want people to really feel it.”
Born Jaden Hossler in Dallas, TX, he grew up with two older sisters. He spent his formative years in Texas before his family relocated to Chattanooga, TN. Adjusting to the new surroundings and high school offered its own set of challenges.
“I didn’t enjoy high school. So I began to explore social media. It gave me the ability to control my life.”
In 2018, he developed a presence online through a consistent stream of engaging and clever content. He quietly exploded on Tik Tok, attracting 5.9 million followers and 202.3 million likes. He utilized it as a platform to introduce his voice. Packing up and heading to LA, he holed up in the infamous “Sway House” alongside a crew of rowdy influencers, and finally dove head first into his own artistry. Catching an arena show by the late Juice WRLD would be the tipping point.
“I was moshing to ‘Empty’,” he recalls. “I had the biggest revelation in my life. Music has the power to change us individually. It’s the most beautiful thing. So, I decided to really give it a shot. I had just graduated, and I wanted to do something for myself. I finally went after my dream.”
He pursued the dream full force with the single “Comatose.” The track caught fire, racking up over 15 million streams in a month and caught the ear of Barker’s son Landon Asher. He shared “Comatose” with his dad just as Russell Ali, the track’s producer and a friend of Barker’s, sent it to him too. A further coincidence, Ali used a Travis Barker Splice Drum sample pack for all of the song’s drums. Blown away, Barker signed jxdn to DTA. Now, the next chapter is ignited with the single “Angels & Demons,” co-produced and powered by drums from the legendary label founder himself.
“It talks about the duality between the light side and dark side of my brain,” jxdn states. “I’m getting into my mental health struggles,” adding, “I believe music can change culture. That’s what I care about. It’s the best way to express love and who you are.”
JOEY J. SAYE
When you look at Joey J. Saye, you see a promising, young musician with his entire life ahead of him. When you hear him, his sound and his musicianship far surpass his age. The way he attacks the strings with finesse embodies the roots of blues as if he was around when the Blues were born.
Joey grew up just west of Chicago and music has been a part of his DNA since he was child; living in a household that provided him with a multitude of music genres and styles. Hearing his grandmother break out in song at any given moment helped him to appreciate music and its art of bringing people together, soothing the soul.
Even though he was introduced to the blues community at 16, he first heard the haunting melodies and guitar licks at 13 years of age when he was already dabbling in music and creating songs with his friends. But hearing Muddy Waters and Memphis Minnie’s music ignited his passion for the blues and he traded in his athletic gear for his guitar. And we are so glad he did.
Joey is making a name for himself throughout Chicagoland and all over the US, he is being recognized abroad, becoming an international artist with audiences embracing him with open arms.
His love of blues is infectious, and he shows the audience that the blues are alive and well and will still live on for years to come.
BILLY BRANCH AND THE SONS OF BLUES
Billy Branch was discovered by Willie Dixon, the “father of modern Chicago Blues,” while Billy was still in college. Willie encouraged Billy to finish his college education, which he did, but instead of going to law school after receiving his political science degree, Billy began touring with the Willie Dixon Chicago AllStars. This gave Billy the unique opportunity to travel and work as an under study for the legendary Carey Bell who was planning to leave the All-Stars and form his own band. When Carey took his leave, the young Billy Branch took his place, touring with Willie Dixon for
6 years.
Since those early days, Billy has played on over 150 different recordings, including 12 under his own name. He’s recorded with Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Lou Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Honeyboy Edwards, Syl Johnson, Lurrie Bell, Ronnie Baker Brooks, John Primer, and Taj Mahal, just to name a few. In addition, he has received three Grammy nominations (losing one nomination to BB King and Eric Clapton). He served two consecutive terms on the Grammy Board of Governors, and founded
the Grammy Blues Committee. In addition, he has won multiple W.C. Handy Awards from the Blues Foundation, an Emmy Award, an Addy Award (this is like an Oscar for TV ads), two Chicago Music Awards, and numerous humanitarian achievement awards. Billy Branch has become the ambassador of the Chicago Blues. During his 6 week tour of Turkey, he represented the USA in Turkey’s Parliament, teaching political party leaders to play harmonica! Thousands of fans showed up every night of the week
to experience the authentic Chicago Blues! He and his band, the Sons of Blues have delivered this cultural legacy around the world, having made over 70 international tours. The 2007 Chicago Blues Festival honored the thirtieth anniversary of Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues with a 3 hour performance. In fact, they also headlined the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival. Billy is a Blues education pioneer. He was one of the first artists to develop a Blues in the Schools curriculum. Since 1978, in addition to recording and performing, he’s taught thousands of children around the world. His internationally recognized “Blues in Schools Program,” is committed to teaching both young and old about the Blues as the roots of America’s music. He has brought his interdisciplinary
program to Europe, South America, Asia, and most recently to Mexico where he taught his two week program in Spanish. In addition he teaches in the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project.
INDIKA REGGAE BAND
Indika Reggae Band is one of the most innovative and influential reggae bands in the Midwest, having won numerous recognitions and awards. By incorporating and expanding their musical repertoire to include genres such as soca, calypso, punta, reggae, dancehall, R&B, jazz, and even some kompa they have market themselves to reach a larger and more diverse audience. Indika, with their highly energetic, multi talented, and versatile front man, Uroy Mushla, has entertained at venues all over the Midwest and southern United States. Recently, Indika has perform at Chicago venues such as The Wild Hare, United Center, Navy Pier and festivals in Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota just to name a few.
NANETTE FRANK & FRIENDS
Nanette Frank is a vocalist, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer with a successful international career. She has an impeccable five octave vocal range giving her many commercial recording opportunities. While her success has crossed many areas of the music industry, her foundation in jazz and her love and history in the world of jazz is at the core of this wonderful new release, Nostalgia.
Carl Brown and The Solid Gold Reggae Band
Truly Mr. Solid Gold, Carl Brown is a performer that has been fascinating audiences for some time. His signature style and presentation cannot be mistaken. This sweet-voiced vocalist has had great success singing with his band Solid Gold International since 1988.
Carl Brown’s showmanship and vocals are unmatched, a gift that has earned him a record 17 consecutive years Best Male Vocalist at the Chicago Reggae Music Awards.
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE “THE BLACK PARADE”
The Black Parade is the third studio album by American rock band My Chemical Romance. Released in Europe on October 20, 2006, through Reprise Records, it was produced by the band with Rob Cavallo, known for having produced multiple albums for the Goo Goo Dolls and Green Day. It is a rock opera centering on a dying character with cancer known as “The Patient”. The album tells the story of his apparent death, experiences in the afterlife, and subsequent reflections on his life. It is the band’s only studio album to feature drummer Bob Bryar before his departure in 2010.
BUDDY HOLLY “BUDDY HOLLY”
Buddy Holly is the debut studio album by Buddy Holly. It was released by Coral Records on February 20, 1958. The album collects Holly’s four hit singles released on the Coral label; “Words of Love”, “Peggy Sue”, “I’m Gonna Love You Too”, and “Rave On!”. The backing group was Buddy Holly’s band, the Crickets.
R.E.M. “FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION”
Fables of the Reconstruction, also known as Reconstruction of the Fables, is the third studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on I.R.S. Records on June 10, 1985. The Joe Boyd-produced album was the first recorded by the group outside the United States. It is a concept album with Southern Gothic themes and characters.
WHT.RBBT.OBJ
wht.rbbt.obj (“White Rabbit Object”) is a rock ‘n’ roll reckoning. Lauded by Rolling Stone for their “late-night decadence and velvet tones,” this femme fatale fronted powerhouse blends garage rock, blues, and soul with an unapologetic edge. What started as a covert side project between married duo Frank and River (Toussaint) Rabbitte has evolved into a four-piece tour de force, crafting music that lives on the edge of chaos and melody, delivering a sonic gut punch with every note.
Their sound defies easy categorization—described as “Bluesy, Smoky, Sexy, and Raw,” wht.rbbt.obj has been likened to “Amy Winehouse meets The Black Keys in a game of strip poker” (James Van Osdol, WKQX’s Car Con Carne) and “Heavily distorted roadhouse raunch” (NPR’s Sound Opinions). UpToHear Music claims, “wht.rbbt.obj will blow everything you own out of Earth’s orbit,” while Music Republic Magazine put it bluntly: “If Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin are your bag, then get a load of River Rabbitte.”
wht.rbbt.obj was recently named one of Do312’s Chicago Bands You Should Be Listening To.
wht.rbbt.obj isn’t here to blend in. They’re here to bring back the danger, the romance, and the raw, electric thrill of rock ‘n’ roll.
MUDFLOWER
Close your eyes and Burn Down Reality! Which is exactly what your ears will be doing as they take in the heady sounds of Tim Bernard, Dan Lopez, Tom Scofield, and Danielle Spence. Their newly emerging sound of modern rock drumming, grunge-kissed guitar riffs, and sumptuously moody vocals create a unique blend of rhythm and blues influenced by the likes of Junior Kimbrough, The Black Keys, and Gary Clark Jr. Hailing from the Chicagoland area, Mudflower was conceptualized in August of 2019 when Tom and Dan, friends and band-mates had the brilliant idea to venture on their own and create a new sound. After the first jam session with Tim, the music chemistry between the trio was immediate. They knew they were onto something fascinating with their raw, gritty, modern blend of soul rock fusion. After months of collaborating they were ready to take to the studio, but before that, they wanted to experiment with adding a female vocalist in the mix. To their good fortune they just happened to meet Danielle Spence, whom they officially declared the fourth member of the band after hearing her soulful jazzy vocals that even Amy Winehouse herself would applaud. The final ingredient they fondly refer to as their “secret sauce.”