Kevin Kellam is a producer and co-host of Roast Battle Chicago. If you (still) listen to radio in the Chicago area on Q101 in the past or follow professional wrestling, you probably have heard Kevin’s energetic style and broadcaster voice with Sportskeeda. Kevin is a reliably loud 4th child of 5 in an Irish American family from the Southside of Chicago.
I am a television personality, stand-up comic, writer and producer based out of Chicago. Those are a lot of labels, which suggests either A) I am a prodigious talent, or B) I’m not really excellent at any of those things. I really have no idea at this point.
As a TV guy, I’m the sports anchor for Chicago’s top rated AM newscast, The WGN Morning News. I was also a host of the ABC primetime show Shaq Vs, filled in for Reege a few times on “LIVE With Regis and Kelly,” and have auditioned to host about a half dozen hugely successful network shows, each time acing the audition, but ultimately learning I was not “the right fit, tonally.”
As a stand-up, I perform all over Chicago and the Midwest, headlining clubs like Zanies and the Laugh Factory. And as a writer and producer, I’ve optioned a handful of show ideas to be developed. I’m hoping at least one of them gets a pilot order so I can build an IMDB page.
I have a wife that I like an awful lot, and a dog that’s way more interesting than your kid.
Edmonton’s Rocka-Psycha-Rolla-Billies.
The official music page of Nebraska’s fastest rising hip hop star.
ScribeCash, the multitalented, California-bread female emcee, singer, and director premiered her video “Never Breaking Up” feat. TreVante on BET’s 106 & Park. Soon after, she then aired the video for her single “Get on My Level” feat. Eric Bellinger. Igniting the fire that is her rough edge with refreshing beauty, she lays bars similar to the likes of her predecessors with a unique flare of west coast flavor.After opening up for Kid Ink, Eric Bellinger, Derek Luh, Sammy Wilk, Futuristic and many more, Scribe headlined her first national tour. Recently, Scribe released her project “99+1” and the lead single also titled “99+1” peaked at #34 on the iTunes charts. In June of 2017 Scribe started a video series “Road To One Million” where she’s been dropping a new song and music video every month in pursuit to hit one million views on one video. This young performer is just beginning her trip to the top. Keep waiting at the edge of your seat to see what she does next.
Just some friendly neighbor kids, playing silly tunes.
Imagine The Moldy Peaches and The B-52s listening to the Shaggs ?
Weird Paul Petroskey is one good lookin’ S.O.B. But, more importantly, he writes the damn catchiest songs. Paul began releasing his own cassettes in the late 80’s. In 1991, Homestead Records released “Lo Fidelity, Hi Anxiety”, Paul’s cult classic CD. Since then, Paul has released many more albums of fun indie-pop, including his latest (and 33rd), LIT AF!
The Science Fair has been playing with this line up for a little over 3 years. Their music can be described as the things you loved about 80’s synth-pop that has been modernized and turned up all the way. With Motown quality bass and drums, crossed with the ambient attack of the guitars, the science fair can make you want to rage as much as it makes you want to dance.
Chicago band made up of three night staff workers who met working at The Second City. With soulful and powerful vocals contributed by Gideon Reddic, alongside the classical and blues based roots of John Love (Piano/Keyboard) and Jake Stopar (Guitar/BassRock
Based out of Orange County, CA, Eureka sound is a 6-piece band that contains a potent mixture of conscious reggae with musical elements of jazz.
Eureka’s music attempts to illuminate minds that have been lead astray by blind leaders, leaders who have neglected the solemn matters of the world: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Liberation from the golden pillars/false idols begins with sound; for those who are blind cannot see, but they can listen.
Eureka Sound has been performing locally throughout Southern California since late 2014. The band has performed at venues such as House of Blues, Saint Rocke, Gallagher’s Pub, San Pedro Brewing Company, N.O.S. Event Center – High Times Magazine Cannabis Cup 2016, as well as a live acoustic performance on KCSB 91.9 FM, etc, and have been humbled to share the stage with artists such as John’s Brown Body, Iya Terra, Ital Vibes, Dubbest, True Press, etc.
Josh Heinrichs is a stalwart in the American and worldwide reggae community. Beginning his own reggae band, Jah Roots, in Springfield, Missouri in 2001 as well as forming his own record label, GanJah Records with his wife, Kaytee. Josh wrote and recorded 5 albums with his former band, Jah Roots, and gained a loyal independent following via Myspace and a tireless touring schedule from 2005-2009.
Since leaving Jah Roots in 2009 to pursue a solo career, Josh has released a #1 Billboard Reggae album(Good Vibes 2016) & several other Billboard top 10 debuting albums. As a solo artist, Josh has toured the entire USA coast to coast multiple times & has been a part of many tours & has shared the stage with many headline acts including Bob Marley’s children (Ziggy, Stephen & Damian), Rebelution, Ben Harper, SOJA, The Wailers, 311, Slightly Stoopid and many more. Josh has also made numerous appearances at music festivals all over the USA, Guam & Hawaii including 4 appearances at the largest Reggae festival in USA, California Roots, where in 2016 he also filmed his first live concert video which can be seen on youtube. Josh has also performed for the island nations of Hawaii & Guam multiple times to thousands of screaming fans singing along to every word. With all these accolades, years of touring and constantly promoting positive Reggae music through out the world, Josh’s form of Reggae music and message remain a constant driving force behind the current reggae scene, worldwide.
A new project from Justin and Jimmy from Blue Dream
Buck-O-Nine has been playing it’s unique brand of ska-punk since early 1992. Since then the band has released five studio albums, toured much of the world, and continues to play shows in and around North America.
Inspired by the brooding, slant rhymes of Smino, Kiraly Payne’s unique skillset — and sound — is perhaps the city’s best-kept secret. It’s been a minute since KP dropped a project, sharing singles over the the last two years, one with fellow artist SONNY (“It Is What It Is”). Whether you’re bumping wavy, bar-heavy cuts like “Freez” or electro-infused bops in “You Need Me” and “Back Down,” consider the BLUEPRINT show as a return to form for the eclectic MC — whose long-awaited debut album looms closer each day.
Manasseh Croft known as “Manasseh” was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. He has always possessed the gift of music which started with his mother, whom herself was a vocalist. He is currently working as a background vocalist, vocal/session coach and songwriter – in which lends his assistance and talents to local singers and rappers. He has performed at a number of venues and is a favorite/regular performer with Sofar Sounds. In June of 2018, Manasseh founded Dope Tunes Productions LLC. The artist centered company focuses on assisting creatives with starting and finishing their respective projects. Manasseh is slowly but surely becoming the “go-to guy” for session and vocal coaching and arranging. His album “Monochromatic Dream” is slated to be released Summer of 2020. Artists that Manasseh has worked with: Enyar Wax Roof Nayo Nayo Jalen Anthony Ami Johari Noelle Elton Aura Andrew Bedows Burns Twins Demetruis LA Vangogh Hurley Mower Bella Bahhs Eleven SheepMan Nosidam Synesthesia Daniel Lamar
“Phamous Mockingband aims to recreate the energy, feels, jams and intricate catalog of the jam legends Phish. These seasoned musicians bring their love for music and Phish together to form a unique take on the songs. Their deep improvisational jams, experimental ideas and creative transitions really set this group apart from your typical tribute act.”
3 Days From Dying just finished working on their 2nd full-length album, Breathe, which is targeted to be released in August 2017.
I am that cheeseburger you thought about eating when the tears subsided after your older brother smashed your parakeet against the wall, broke its beak off, moved the dresser out to see that Tom was dead and threatened to murder you if you didn’t go tell mommy and daddy that the bird flew into the ceiling fan. Fuck you. Ya killed the bird and we’re playing.
With riffs and lyrics as bleak and crushing as a Michigan winter, Blackened Doom outfit Temple of the Fuzz Witch bring a unique take on the genre. The Detroit three piece blend multiple styles and influences into a sound completely their own.
Bass Music
Local Denver Dj/Producer. Encouraged and Inspired by Sub.Mission and the Denver underground sound.
△ bass music for your ears
Dubstep
Oux is a synth pop/hip hip duo consisting of Manae Hammond and Natalie Finamore. Inspired by artists such as Sophie, Bjork, Childish Gambino, and Frank Ocean, Oux create exciting sonic landscapes and sultry lyrics that are sure to tantalize your eardrums.
Dyscarnate have long been flying the flag for UK death metal all over the world. Having toured across Australia, Europe, Indonesia, USA, Canade, Israel, Russia and more, the three piece powerhouse’s dominance is now spreading even further around the globe following the critically acclaimed album ‘With All Their Might’. Three men, one purpose, one sound.
Industrial band MissFit Toys was founded by Virus Suriv in Orlando, FL in 2008, began performing live in 2011, and released their first EP on February 11th, 2012. The band continues to evolve and ascend to this very day, integrating new sounds and styles into the music and growing their numbers of fans at each show with high energy performance and intense stage atmosphere.
In the pocket with nuanced, reflective bars or riding atop sunny, soulful bounce, Sacramento-born, Berkeley-bred Caleborate’s sharp, deft flow, gripping narratives, and charismatic, infectious energy paints a vivid portrait of life as a Northern Californian 20-something.
Lauded by Pigeons & Planes as “smart, introspective hip hop” and deemed “one of the most promising spitters out right now” by XXL, the 25-year-old carefully assembles a kaleidoscoping mosaic of love and heartbreak, weed smoke and college loans, family ties and simmering ambitions, triumph and loss – from the cinematic vistas of the Oakland hills to visceral childhood memories.
COCK SPARRER are widely considered to be one of the most influential Street Punk bands in history. 2017 sees them celebrate their 45th Anniversary.
The thing about Sparrer is that they’re not just a band. They are childhood friends and have been making a noise since they got together way back in 1972. They were playing, drinking, going to football and generally making a nuisance of themselves when the late 1970s punk scene started in London. Finally it seemed that there were hundreds of likeminded people with the same attitude.
However, the boys were from the wrong side of town and didn’t quite fit in with the ‘art school’ scene – they were more at home on the terraces wearing jeans and Dr Martens boots than being fashion victims in bondage trousers. They’ve always done things the way they wanted to. As Punk ended up with its own set of rules they were always on the outside as they just didn’t buy into it.
Despite being courted by Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren (who they turned away for not buying a round of drinks), early tours with the Small Faces, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, Slade amongst others and a record deal with Decca, the ‘music industry’ just wasn’t ready for Cock Sparrer.
British music paper SOUNDS sums it up perfectly in a live review from April 1978:
“Musically and visually, the Cock Sparrer crew are just about as motley and uncouth as its possible for a band to project. Imagine five collectively imageless Cockneys with hair length varying from skinhead to Woody Roller, wearing clothes that looked they pool from the jumble sales, and singing about how East End life is tough but fun…(they)…create a good time sound that occasionally approximates to the original spirit of Slade.”
When the Oi! Scene started in 1980 the band found themselves on a number of compilation albums and a new breed of fans discovered them. This was Punk from the streets and Sparrer and their fans just seemed to fit in. 1983 saw the release of the bands first official album, the seminal SHOCK TROOPS which today is a certified classic and regularly features in the ‘most influential punk album ever’ polls.
Never having got (or needed) the critical acclaim they deserved from the music press the band went largely unnoticed by the masses. However, this brought them cult status amongst those that mattered; the real punk fans and the band have kept that spirit alive for the past 45 years.
1992 saw the resurgence of the band to a level that they never expected. Many new bands had come along and all cited Cock Sparrer as an influence or “the Godfathers of Street Punk”. What followed was the ability to go anywhere in the world, any night of the week and play to packed venues all singing their hearts out.
Rarely do a band get the reaction that these guys do. A Cock Sparrer show is an event. It’s like cup final day. A family singalong. Theirs is a career in reverse, they’re bigger now than they ever were. Regularly headlining all the major punk festivals in Europe and occasionally hitting the US to headline events such as Punk Rock Bowling and Riot Fest.
2017 see’s the band release “FOREVER”, their first album since 2007s Lars Frederiksen (Rancid) produced album HERE WE STAND.
Cock Sparrer – 45 years on, still five blokes in a pub, five mates having a laugh, more than just a band.
Dashboard Confessional is an American rock band from Boca Raton, Florida, led by singer-songwriter Chris Carrabba. The name of the band is derived from the song “The Sharp Hint of New Tears” off their debut album, The Swiss Army Romance.
Chris Carrabba: Guitar
Scott Schoenbeck: Bass
Armon Jay: Guitar
Chris Kamrada: Drums
Jack Butler‘s Jones is a powerful combination of contemporary lyrics and arrangements with the raw, dangerous, but comforting fell of old school Chicago blues.
Honest-to-goodness, bonafide, doggone, Ohtucky/Kentio, pretty-dang-decent, original, unadulterated, Rocknrollin,’ Bluegrassin’, Old Timin’, Honkytonkin’, Western Swingin’, Country Blues music from the Ohio River Valley, written and led by Joe Macheret.
The songs are stories of travelling, love, temptation, heartbreak, family, banjo pickin’ tobacco spittin’ women, gas station sushi, and so much more…
We’ve released a handful of self recorded demos and two studio albums, the Free Showers EP in 2014 and American Dreams, which came out in May 2018 to very positive reception.
“”…the song order throughout the album is like a well thought out mix-tape playlist. Throughout the album, Joe’s Truck Stop displays humor, insight, taste, and skill. Songs like “Blues for Two” and “One More Night” will take you to the era when country music’s stories felt timeless. Enjoy the humor in “Banjo Pickin’, Tobacco Spittin’ Gal” and “Knockin’ Boots”, and get lost in the love stories told in “Moon Sang” and “One More Night.”
– CincyMusic
We are a funk/rock fusion group from the North Western parts of Indiana.
Ross Hollow has moved around the country, planting musical roots in New Mexico, North Carolina’s blue ridge mountains, New Hampshire’s upper valley, and now Indianapolis. From Americana music rooted in the south west, to folk music of the Appalachian mountains, his music represents place as much as sound. His original music draws from many old and new artists such as Brandi Carlile, Woody Guthrie, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Shakey Graves, Bon Iver, and friends up the hollers of Western North Carolina. Ross Hollow’s music takes you on a journey through roads, deserts, forests and thoughts.
Indie Rock/Pop band based in Louisville with 3 ex Brandenburg natives. We play many different styles and House shows.
Daydream Review (Elijah Montez) creates dreamy psych pop. His music takes a sonically nostalgic quality, as he weaves classically psychedelic pop sounds à la 1967 Beatles with a synthpop sensibility. After cutting his teeth in the live music capital of the world—Austin—as Laissez Faire Cassette, Montez rebranded as Daydream Review in the advent of his move to Pilsen, Chicago. “Montage” b/w “Then and There” was released shortly after in September 2018, marking a departure from the DeMarcoesque riffs of 2017’s Golden Summer EP into a phase of greater experimentation. Live, Montez is joined by Zac Bron (Breether) on synths and rhythm guitar, Eric Black (Big Blood) on drums, and Jackson Davis on bass. Daydream Review aims to release an LP in 2019.
Hard rocking original music from Madisonville, Kentucky
The members of Big Fucking Idiots met while they were all individually trying to mug the same guy in an alley off Lincoln Avenue. Not only did they hit it off, their mugging target became a bandmate. Rhythmic and sonic discomfort not unlike a Chicago subway station during rush hour.
Electrifying groove that will make your soul move. Blues – Rock – Funk – Pop.
SPIDERS is a Gothenburg based band featuring Ann-Sofie Hoyles, John Hoyles, Olle Griphammar and Ricard Harryson.
SPIDERS was formed in Gothenburg in February 2010. A few months later the band appeared at one of Sweden’s most successful music festivals, Way Out West. It was around this time SPIDERS for the first time as a band stepped into the studio with producer Don Ahlsterberg (The Soundtrack of Our Lives, International Noise Conspiracy) and started recording.
By the end of January 2011 SPIDERS released their debut record, a 10” vinyl EP on Crusher Records containing four tracks. The self-titled release was very well received and noticed in Record Collector as well airplayed on Sweden’s largest radio channel P3. In March 2011 those four previously released tracks came to be released in the USA as two separate 7” singles, one on Kemado Records the other on Valley King Records, the latter with an artwork made by well-known artist Alan Forbes.
Around this time drummer Axel Sjöberg, former drummer, left SPIDERS to work full time on Graveyard and came to be replaced by Ricard Harryson. In May 2011 SPIDERS stepped into the studio for the second time recording a two track single to be released on vinyl by De:Nihil Records in August and digital by Crusher Records in September.
In June 2012 SPIDERS began recording songs for their debut album. In early October the very same year the album, entitled “Flash Point”, was released. The album immediately reached the Sverigetopplistan, the Swedish Sales Charts of most sold albums. In November and December SPIDERS went on European tour together with Graveyard. By the end of the year SPIDERS’ debut album was nominated by P3 Gold (Swedish Radio Award) for best Rock/Metal of the Year.
In 2013 the band appeared on Sweden Rock Festival, the largest rock festival in Sweden, and toured Scandinavia as well as Spain and Portugal. In 2014 SPIDERS supported Kvelertak in Scandinavia and Blood Ceremony throughout Europe. In May 2014 the band released the single “Mad Dog” via Reaktor Recordings / Universal Music.
It’s time.
Eight years have passed since the world of Punk Rock lost one of their greatest. The legendary frontman of Turbonegro, Hank Von Hell, left the scene and stated that he would never come back again. Fans all over the world have craved a return, begged him to reconsider. But Hank have firmly said “No”. Until now.
Like the rise of a Phoenix, Hank Von Hell rises from the ashes and is once again re-born as Hank Von Hell.
Though he is not well known, even to many blues fans, Roosevelt “Hatter” Purifoy Jr. has performed for decades with a who’s who of artists: Buddy Guy, Marvin Gaye, Son Seals, Jimmy Johnson, Willie Clayton; and he appears on dozens and dozens of recordings, likely into the hundreds. He has been the go-to pianist for indy blues and jazz label Delmark Records for years. His talent for adapting his style to best support other artists has led to sessions with Lurrie Bell, Syl Johnson, Sugar Blue, Larry McCray, Eddie Burns, Mavis Staples, the Kinsey Report and many others.
A native of Chicago, Purifoy has worked full time as a musician since he was a young man. Mostly, he has been honored to make others sound their best. For much of his career, however, his opportunities were limited due to his refusal to board an airplane. He decided to fly a few years ago, and as a result, audiences across the country are discovering his talent. He is also stepping out front more often with his own keyboard-driven shows. Purifoy has now taken to the sky regularly as Lurrie Bell’s keyboardist, and he is finally working on a full-length recording of his own.
Paul Wertico: Hailed in the press as “One of the most versatile and musical drummers in music today,” Paul Wertico was a member of the Pat Metheny Group from 1983 to 2001. During that time, he won seven Grammy Awards and he also played drums & percussion on David Bowie’s hit recording, “This Is Not America.” He has played with countless artists in all 50 states and in 70 countries, as well as playing on drums and percussion on hundreds of recordings. For two years, Wertico also hosted his own weekly radio show, Paul Wertico’s Wild World of Jazz, and as Musical Director for the crowdsourced TV video series, Inventing The Future, he was nominated for a 2012-2013 Emmy Award.
New Nostalgia is a Chicago-based fusion horn band specializing in hard-hitting jazz/pop arrangements for a 9-piece instrumental ensemble. Led by saxophonist and composer/arranger Neil Carson, and populated with some of Chicago’s greatest music makers, New Nostalgia straddles the jazz, pop and rock idioms, with a 5-horn frontline and a driving rhythm section.
Performing electrifying originals and one-of-a-kind cover interpretations, New Nostalgia’s 2019 self-titled debut album received 4 stars from Downbeat. Their EP Frankenstein Sessions was released in September 2021.