Cold canyon winds whip across snow swept summits, whirling down to a sprawling valley floor. A blood red star hangs low over the horizon: the only light that pierces the opaqueparticulate haze. Perhaps it is an omen – a harbinger of good fortune. Or perhaps its presence symbolizes a chaotic and malevolent end. For several weeks the star has grown brighter, swelling in size and reddening in color. As the anomalous Blood Star’s crimson glow encroaches on the cobalt sky above, unease permeates all facets of existence. Anomie and malaise take root. Entropy seems to accelerate at an ever-increasing rate. Madness reigns. The world takes its last labored, heaving breaths bathed in relentless red rays of a sinister star.
Working within the template forged by previous practitioners of the heavy and dark arts, Noah Hadnutt (Bass – Sanctifyre), Jamison Palmer (Guitar – Visigoth), Madi Smith (Vocals), and Daniel Alexander (Drums – Envenom, Deathblow) form the four points of the Blood Star. The tenacious quartet tempers classic heavy metal with take-no-shit rock n’ roll. Their cutthroat riffs take cues from Blue Öyster Cult, Black Sabbath, and Rainbow, while the bone splintering bass tone and pummeling drums evoke the grinding rhythms of Motörhead, Saxon, and Accept. Hungry for conquest, Blood Star embarks upon their first North American tour in August 2018, supporting heavy metal powerhouse Night Demon. No stage is safe from the eldritch blaze of the Blood Star.
Vicious Rumors is an American heavy metal band founded in 1979 in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The band co-created the bay area metal scene in it’s beginning. Brainchild of Geoff Thorpe, the band has been active on the metal scene since forever, actively touring through the last 30 years. Vicious Rumors is recognized for their guitar works and harmonies, as well as the variety of their tracks.
Dopethrone is a three piece band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Active since 2008, this DIY band is known for their abrasive mix of sludge and doom with lyrics based in the self destruction, cannabis, sleazy drug abuse, and the macabre.
Influenced by rock n roll, punk, black metal, and blues, the band refers to their music as “Slutch”, the Canadian term for cold sludge, a.k.a. dirty mud snow. They once described it as “frozen sludge, snow covered in addiction, blood, tears, and broken dreams”.
After their second release, the band started drawing some attention to them and were invited by Voivod to perform at Roadburn 2012. They since haven’t stopped growing their audience in Europe, their adoptive land.
Since their formation, Dopethrone has release five full length studio albums to date, joined some collaborations with other artists, and have regularly toured Europe and Canada.
After a series of massive tours in 2019, the band has not hit the road since, and focused on the ‘delicate’ baking of their new release. The new effort, to be out early 2024, will come with North American tours, and even a return to Europe for select dates.
“Covering the Who’s Tommy in its entirety…was a genius move. The HillBenders, a talented five-piece band from Missouri, proved to be the perfect group to execute this “Whograss” concept.” – Rolling Stone
Frank DiMino is best known to millions of people as the lead singer of 70s iconic rock group ANGEL. The group released a total of 8 albums, toured arenas, and sold over one million albums. In 2015 Frank released his first solo album “Old Habits Die Hard” on Frontiers Records. The melodic hard rock album was produced by Paul Crook (Meat Loaf) and features several guests including ex- ANGEL bandmate Punky Meadows.
The Hanged Man is the critically acclaimed debut EP from Louisville, KY band Pissed On. It imbues the musical veracity of a wide range of metal, punk, and hardcore. Decibel Magazine scored this “grindcore dossier” a 7/10, complimenting the genre experimentation, vocal work, and intense grind; Metal Injection scored it a 9/10 saying “…The Hanged Man certainly marks Pissed On as a band that should be watched and listened to repeatedly. There’s something even more sinister lurking beneath this surface and I can’t wait to see the beast’s black underbelly.”; New Noise Magazine gave it a 10/10 saying “…What Pissed On have unleashed in The Hanged Man is truly spectacular. Not just in a superb blend of instrumental works that reflects various tones, attitudes, and structure, but that also transforms the emotions of the mind… [they] will surely be remembered for putting out one of the most devastating records of this year.”
Martin Lang is one of the world’s finest amplified Blues harp players. His musical vision is carrying on the tradition of Chicago Blues harp. Audiences worldwide have heard his harp as he’s backed legendary Bluesmen from Tail Dragger and Willie Buck to Willie Smith, Dave Myers, Little Arthur, John Primer and more. Lang most recently released Mr. Blues Mr. Blues, his fourth album on NYC-based Random Chance Records. His “Bad Man Blues Band” takes its name from his third album Bad Man. Lang brings over 20 years of experience performing harp with legendary Chicago Bluesmen: soaking up the true Chicago Blues sound from the men who defined it. Lang has performed at the Delta Fish Market, at Chicago Blues Festival numerous times, the Chicago Cultural Center, European tours, stages around Chicago and the nation, and at public and private events.
His recent albums show his evolution as a singer. Lang’s latest album Mr. Blues Mr. Blues is out now!
I was born in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. My father was the great Eddie Taylor Sr., who played with Blues greats such as Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Sunnyland Slim, and others. I started playing guitar when I was about 13 years old. When I was about 18 years old I started hanging out and traveling with artists like Hubert Sumlin, Sam Lay, and Eddie Shaw. I always wanted to play the Blues growing up. Watching all the great musicians in my home was an inspiration. Since then I’ve traveled all over the country backing artists like Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and Billy Gibbons. I continue to play my Blues and share my love and passion for the music.
SAM LAY
Sam Lay (born March 20, 1935, Birmingham, Alabama) is an American drummer and vocalist who has been performing since the late 1950s.
Lay was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, in 2015.
With deep feeling and top-shelf talent, houserocking blues masters The Cash Box Kings play tough, real deal classic Chicago blues with boundless energy. They also deliver raw, passionate Delta blues, jumping proto-rock ‘n’ roll, and steamrolling “bluesabilly,” their original mix of Chicago blues and Memphis rockabilly. As anyone who has ever been to one of the band’s raucous performances will testify, The Cash Box Kings know how to throw a party. They’re fueled by the powerhouse harmonica work of Madison, Wisconsin-based songwriter Joe Nosek and the huge, gritty vocals of Chicago bluesman Oscar Wilson. Their original songs range from humorous stories of Internet love to harrowing tales of Chicago’s violent gun epidemic. Every song they perform—be it a striking original or a scorching Chess, Sun or Vee-Jay cover—explodes with contemporary authority and radiates old-school authenticity. According to Grammy Award-winning blues legend Charlie Musselwhite, “The Cash Box Kings play with real taste and feel. Not only is it good blues but it’s a jumping good time, too! I ain’t lyin’!”
Long renowned as a hard-hitting blues harmonica wailer and forceful vocalist, Rob Stone combines tough Chicago blues tradition with a swinging West Coast rhythmic drive. He’s made a series of widely acclaimed albums over the last two decades-plus showcasing his singular approach to the idiom, the first several cut with his Windy City-based band, the C-Notes. Now based in Los Angeles, Rob has widened his stylistic scope considerably in recent years.
Tenor and soprano saxophonist David Hillyard is one of the innovators of the American ska scene. His group, the Rocksteady7, mixes instrumental Jamaican “roots” rhythms and extended jazz improvisation. His forthcoming cd, Get Back UP!, is a blinding tour de force of his Jamaican Jazz conception. The title track evokes the power of Coltrane’s Love Supreme and is a screaming triumph over adversity.
“There was a certain style of songwriting and performance that I had always wanted to do but had never taken the plunge.” Says Brandon Phillips, central figure in Kansas City, Missouri’s brand new pop-soul group, Brandon Phillips and The Condition. In response to that unscratched artistic itch, Phillips began writing and recording in 2015 with the help of his brothers Zach Phillips (The Architects, The Gadjits) and Adam Phillips (The Architects, The Gadjits, Radar State) and enlisting the help of various KC area musicians along the way to flesh out a sound that was equal parts Get Happy-era Elvis Costello and early Motown.
In 2016, the first, official lineup of BP+C came together and started rehearsing for their first batch of shows. The pedigree of the lineup then, now and always – including members of bands like The Architects, Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type, The Roseline, The Gadjits, Hi Lux and Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – speaks volumes to the force with which BP+C hit the ground running.
On their new two-song single Heartsick/Clean and Sober Brandon Phillips and The Condition squeeze the very juice from their Costello + Motown model and emerge with a playful, swinging power-pop-soul that sticks to you like psychic sugar.
MU330 (pronounced “em-you-three-thirty”, or “muso” as in musically aware) is a ska punk band formed in 1988 in St. Louis, Missouri. The original members met in St. Louis University High School music class 330 (hence the name of the band).
Matt Keen is a multi-instrumentalist from Chicago, IL. He’s the front man of the original rock band, Rebel Soul Revival, and an accomplished solo performer. He has an eclectic catalog and can be seen around the country playing with his various projects.
With one eyeliner-stained eye looking back over a black-clad shoulder, harkening to the dark electronic music of the past, yet seductively mixed with bleeding-edge production drawn from modern EDM, and other electronic genres.
This project is an outlet for the ravaged, the lost and fucked-up souls.
Raw, visceral chronicles encased in a slick dichotomy of infectious Bass Music and Dark Pop/Electro, with even darker emotional themes.
Embrace the delicious somber sonnets and electro-dirge of Adoration Destroyed… The forlorn, the obliterated…this is for You.
Official Page for Chicago-based Artist/Entertainer Fraze. Featuring a Hip-Hop/Pop crossover Vibe, Fraze has an electric energy that will get everyone feeling good and on their feet! The group consists of MC: Fraze, Drummer: Brett Schomer and DJ: Encyclopedia Brown. Since graduating from the University of Kansas in 2012, Fraze received training at The Second City in Chicago and has toured/performed with hit artists such as Bubba Sparxxx, Flynt Flossy and Psalm One at historic venues such as: House of Blues Chicago, Cubby Bear, The Granada Theater (LFK) and more! He spent the Fall in studio crafting his sound and will be releasing all new music in 2018! Give this Chicago kid a Mic and he’ll always bring a show! 2018 Schedule and Tour Dates Coming Soon ! #AimHigh#KeepSmiling#FamilyOverEverything!
I was born and raised in Northwest Indiana. I fell in love with hip hop and its culture at a very early age. I always just loves music that made my head bob. My first big influence was Notorious BIG. The saddest part was that I discovered him right after he died. I instantly fell in love with catchy beats and good lyrics. Growing up I always wanted to play basketball. Due to a lack of height and proper vertical, I reluctantly accepted that I was white. It affects 1 in 2 basketball players and it is usually career ending. But, I never lost love for the game and it has greatly influenced why I love the city of Chicago. Since basketball wasn’t gonna work out, I decided I wanted to perform on a stage instead of a courts. I got really into acting and music in High school. after winning a talent show at Show Choir Camps of America I knew that I had something special. After high school, I took my talents down to Illinois State University. I performed in many plays, while getting high and ripping beat boxes and freestyles at open mics. But, nothing got me more attention than being the best boxer for the School’s premiere acapella group, The Acafellaz. Upon graduation, I knew where I was headed…back to the city that gave us Michael Jordan. I wrote a variety show called Poetry and Lotion which features many of the pieces you hear on Quit Your Day Job. I fell in love and knew that I had finally found my calling. I have been performing all around the city of wind for a couple years now, and I finally just dropped my first full length album. Now that I have a small following and my girls with me, I have no plans on stopping. I’m not here to make a dollar, I’m here to make a difference. I don’t care about money, I only care about expressing myself, inspiring others, and making the world a better place. The more people who listen, the more I can affect. I want to always be evolving into a better person and encourage everyone else to do the same. I want my voice to encourage others to share theirs. And I love my city.
Based out of Chicago, Austin Fillmore consistently creates music that “touches the hearts, minds, and souls of every listener causing them to FEELMORE.”
Passion. Hunger. Determined. Consistent. Just a few words that might come to mind when you hear Chicago Rapper “Taco”. Hailing from Chicago’s now defunct LeClaire Courts housing projects, Taco realized his love for music early on. After receiving inspirational feedback, from an open mic performance, Taco began his rapping career at the age of 14. Influenced by a variety of hip hop artists in the game such as J.Cole, T.I, Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar and more. He started Battle rapping during lunch period in high school and never losing made him want to compete in other areas of music such as creating full length songs.
Pouring out personal thoughts and feelings that many fans can relate to, Taco released his first mixtape “The Truth” January 27, 2015 on datpiff.com for free. After receiving positive feedback with over 60,000 views from his first mixtape he began working on his next project “The Truth 2” released May 16, 2016 which also was a great success he decided to put this project on a variety of digital streaming outlets such as iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Google play and More!
“Taco” has been on a mission to share his craft with the world. With a hunger for music, unique style, and versatility in hip-hop, he released his 2017 Album titled “Hot Winter”, which was both captivating and relatable. Highlighting issues plaguing the city of Chicago, such as gun violence and growing up with no father in a poverty environment. You can also grab his other projects which are an EP titled “Never Doubt Me” released November of 2018 and a Joint Album with another Chicago artist G.S titled “Masterpiece” released in December of 2019 on those outlets as well.
Taco had a successful 2018/2019 having 11 consecutive Sold Out Concerts in Chicago in which he Headlined at major venues such as Wire, Bottom Lounge, Reggies, Subterranean, Bourbon on Division ,Club Red , JC Martini Club and even having a concert on the “Summers of George” Boat. Taco also Sold Out his dream venue “House Of Blues” (Chicago) in 2019 with 1300 in attendance. Taco is also set to release a New Album titled “Underrated” New Years Day 2021 exclusively on TacoMusicOfficial.com with the partnership deal he inked with Sony (The Orchard) in late 2020 you can expect some BIG things to come in the future.
Driftless Sisters are an indie-folk duo rooted in the Midwest’s topographical “dirftless” region, featuring banjo, guitar, harmonica, and percussion. Kat Karberg and Lily Sprengelmeyer produce an eclectic sound, ranging from slow haunting melodies to upbeat driving folk-pop. The two recently produced an original nine-track album “Sparks from the Fire”, produced by Little Scream at Last Songbird Records, featuring four tracks with Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire.
ChinaRose is a midwest musical collective interested with expressing our dirty suburban youth and sharing the music that oozes out of our scattered brains.
“If American Folk Music Had A Rock n’ Roll Soul…And A Punk-Rock Heart”
“The whole record (Long Way Home) marries a country-rock vibe with enough of a punk attitude to not let it all get too sentimental. Simply stated, Long Way Home is fun. You can straight-up dance to the tunes “8-4” and “Take it Easy, Sally” while “Maryanne, Salute the Birds” and “Hawk Stone Way” give you a full-on rock ‘n’ roll feel” – The New Haven Independent The sound of Pat Stone & The Dirty Boots is one that is constantly evolving depending on the context of the performance. This quartet is capable of being a traditional all-acoustic band complete with glimmering mandolin, woody upright bass, tasteful percussion, and dynamic vocals complete with rich harmonies. On the flip side of the coin, the band is a rock n’ roll four piece featuring dual electric guitars, bold drum fills, aggressive, catchy vocal lines and a contagious energy. Their debut LP, “Patterns In The Rain” is available for streaming and purchase on Itunes, Spotify, Google Play and many other common streaming services distributed through Sony’s “The Orchard”. The band is currently recording their sophomore LP set to release online in early 2018.
Members: Ben Ruth: upright bass, sousaphone, backing vocals; Chad Boydston: trumpet, backing vocals; Ryan Wurtz: electric and acoustic guitars; Trevor Turla: trombone, backing vocals; Fritz Hutchison: drums, backing vocals; Bryan Redmond: lead vocals; soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones.
FORMED IN 1998, GRAND MARQUIS HAS SINCE BECOME SOLIDLY ROOTED IN THE KANSAS CITY MUSIC SCENE AS ONE OF THE HARDEST-WORKING BANDS IN THE REGION, PLAYING OVER 100 SHOWS PER YEAR! THE GROUP HAS PERFORMED FROM COAST TO COAST, RELEASED 7 ALBUMS, INCLUDING A 7″ 45 RPM VINYL RECORD/CD COMBO RECORDED AT THE LEGENDARY SUN STUDIO IN MEMPHIS, TN. WITH THEIR OWN VERSATILE AND THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING BRAND OF AMERICAN ROOTS, BLUES AND PROHIBITION-ERA JAZZ, THE GRAND MARQUIS ARE CONSISTENTLY FINDING THEMSELVES IN HIGH DEMAND.
We as musicians are all destined to expand musical boundaries,creativity and push the limitations of mans understanding of music continuing to evolve every second of every day… from the intense highs to the absolute lows … from the extreme technical brutality to the smooth melodies… from positive to negative and everything in between… music is just our canvas and we are artists trying to create a masterpiece… in our music there is no right or wrong… no bullshit or politics… just an ongoing progressive force striving for perfection and sounds of extreme emotion through our instruments…
“Based in Orange County/Los Angeles, California, The Last Of Lucy are back with a new offering of chaotic and memorable technical death metal on their upcoming full-length, Ashvattha. Which is set for release on November 17th. The Last Of Lucy has been active since 2007 and incorporates various elements of Grind, Jazz Avant Garde and Classical music into their own unique style of tech-death.” -Metal Temple
Ohio’s Justin Payne is a singer-songwriter that carries with him a troubadour’s soul and a seasoned musician’s skills. Whether its crafting a clever turn of phrase, lighting up the fingerboard of his guitar, or blowing wigs off with his soulful voice, he’s got the goods. Justin has toured all over the United States with a fire burning in his soul, and has performed in many markets nation-wide. Intense, witty, and down-right incendiary, he sings his songs like they’re the last ones he’ll ever get to sing, pouring sweaty, passionate performances into his shows, and his heart’s truth into his words.
The Hawkeyes of Pittsburgh PA are one of the fastest growing bands in the Mid-Atlantic region, forging an honest and unique sound with a pure blend of Heartland rock, Rustbelt grit, and Americana soul. The band puts on an incredibly exciting live show displaying a full-throated passionate sound, unforgettable songs, and pure rock n roll swagger.
The Hawkeyes have logged thousands of miles nationally for the past 4 years and have shared stages with such household names such as Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Marcy Playground, Lit, Blackberry Smoke, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes), Bob Mould (Husker Du), Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real, The Clarks, Bonnie Bishop, Puddle of Mudd, Two Cow Garage and Wild Adriatic.
The Hawkeyes are currently working on their 3rd full-length record with acclaimed producer Sean McDonald at Red Medicine Recording Studio (the Clarks, the Damnwells, Cowboy Junkies).
The Hawkeyes Are:
Jay Wiley on lead vocals and guitar.
Michael Grego on guitar and vocals.
Colin Bronnenkant on drums and vocals.
Tylar Parker on bass guitar.
WarCry is a melodic “Heavy Metal” band, singing in Castilian and whose lyrics touch a wide range of issues like universal history, principles and human values, social problems, etc. Born in March 2002 with their first self titled work ‘WarCry’, and in December of that same year “The seal of the times” went on sale, which would be the second of their, so far nine studio albums, live two DVDs (one of them is gold DVD due to its sales volume), and a DVD documentary that recalls one of their multitudinous Latin American tours.
WarCry, throughout their long career of 15 years, has numerous awards and national and international nominations, both individually and corporately, among which we highlight the AMAS, MIN, RockReferendum, awards etc.
Christian Galvez, popular television presenter, is the director of which is to date the only studio music video of the band: “Huelo el Miedo” in which the actor Jesús Olmedo and the actress Nerea Garmendia participated, and already has with more than 4.5 million views on Youtube.
With more than 340,000 followers on Facebook, more than 40,000 on Twitter, more than 35,000 on Instagram, almost 100,000 Youtube, over 100,000 Spotify, etc., from various countries, WarCry is one of the Spanish bands with the most presence in the digital environment, which makes it a clear example of our country in today’s globalized world.
In 2017, the band released their ninth studio “Donde el Silencio se Rompió …”, involving Tim Palmer in the project, who has worked with bands like Pearl Jam, Ozzy, Bon Jovi, entering directly into the podium of sales of iTunes and Amazon, and standing for several weeks among the 20 best selling albums of Spain in all musical genres.
Currently, already in 2018, the band prepares what will be an extensive tour of concerts and performances both nationally and internationally.
Miles Maxwell started in February 2017 after lead singer and songwriter Miles Baltrusaitis decided he wasn’t quite finished sharing his emotional and darkly humorous songs with the world.
Inspired by a thirty-something suburban life rattled out of cruise control, he wrote a dozen new songs and enlisted the help of old friends Matt and Dan Stankiewicz to bring Miles Maxwell to life. With their respective vintage keys and drums, the boys began to play the Chicago club scene and eventually hit the studio to tell their tale.
In late 2017, bassist Steve Kingwell joined the fold to round out the lineup and prepare for the album release and the summer 2018 live circuit.
These prophets of the descent, with a vocal call to arms for the disaffected and downtrodden, all set to a combustible blend of sharp synths, droning dark-indie guitars and a glam-slam beat.
METALFIER is a NYC Heavy Metal band formed by Andrew Janda (guitars/vocals/composer). Our mission is to transform everyone into a Metalhead.
When you listen to Metalfier you get the sense that these guys love Metal. Not just the music but also the lifestyle. Their anthemic style takes you back to the 80’s style Judas Priest and Metallica played.
We play our music loud and We love Sex, Drugs & Heavy Metal Live \,,/
Metalfier’s line up is:
Andrew Janda – Guitars/Vocals
Jorge Styrtet – Drums
Reda Woodcock – Bass
Shadowside – heavy and angry guitar riffs and powerful female vocals! A band with power, energy and intensity. These three words define Shadowside’s career path very well. With 3 albums out, the Band has toured 30 countries, having played in front of a total audience of over 250000 people.
Formed in Chicago in the dark, cold winter of 2015, Bolthorn began to craft their unique tomes of riff-heavy, crushing black metal for their first recording: Menslich Dämmerung, a six song EP. Bolthorn’s norsk-tinged, at times progressive take on apocalyptic black metal speaks cautionary tales that morph from the voice of the egregiously victimized masses of our suffering planet, to the personal fires of struggle that haunt all living beings, our petty ancient gods forever lurking in the shadows, cackling at our condition. Bolthorn stand in solidarity with all those battling bigotry, homophobia, and sexism. For fans of Bathory, Dark Throne, Gorgoroth, Mayhem, Agalloch, Behemoth, Enslaved, Satyricon, and Black Sabbath.
In the cutthroat world of music, where friendships fade like one-hit-wonders, emerges Motel Breakfast. These Midwest misfits navigate adulthood through emotional anthems that live somewhere between Hot Mulligan, Dr. Dog, and Bruce Springsteen. But Motel Breakfast is more than a band; they’re a tight-knit crew of small-town souls who found solace and lifelong connections in their shared passion.
The indivisible bond between Motel Breakfast’s members is what sets them apart. Led by vocalist and guitarist Jimmy Denovsky, alongside lead guitarist Mick O’Donnell, Conor Brennan’s keys, Drue deVente’s bass, and Jesse Nasadowski’s drumming, together they are an unstoppable force and seamlessly blend the gravity and playfulness of life through their output.
Formed in 2017, the members of Motel Breakfast have never lived in the same place at the same time. Despite the geographical divide, with members scattered across Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, they have thrived in conquering the challenges of growing a band that can’t even have regular weekly practices. As a result, every time they get together, it is intentional. When members aren’t at their day jobs, they’re pouring their nights and weekends into Motel Breakfast, and so, their story is not one that is entirely their own. It’s a story of community, a vibrant ecosystem of friends, artists, and peers who have rallied behind them, affording the band their own platform of creative expression. From meticulously curated cover art to captivating photography and more, every detail helps foster inclusivity and the growth of those around them.
Simply put, Motel Breakfast is the kind of band you want to hang out with. Together they can silence a packed bar with anthemic vulnerability and then crack a dad joke mid-set. Balancing humor with poetry, they’re not afraid to take their craft seriously while staying true to themselves, too––and it’s working! Fans are drawn in by Motel Breakfast’s charisma and camaraderie, magnetically pulled into this world where authenticity, dedication and genuine magic coalesce.
With a name like Mouth Captain, one might expect to be brought back to that time you first tasted the vinyl interior of a ’74 Dodge Dart. But these two Blue Man Group alumni have weightier matters to lift, namely understated melodies coolly set in coppery reverb. Eric Gebow specializes in vintage drums and other assorted percussive rarities, while Mike Burns distills the truth of Americana into spare lap steel loops. Mouth Captain embraces the vastness of slow and purposeful dreamyness, but with a confidence that only comes with the ability to play ten notes in a space, but selecting the most effective three. Somewhere in the space between Bill Frisell’s country offerings, an instrumental Portishead, and a southwestern minimalist cowboy, Mouth Captain finds a warm blanket of lush to carry you over the horizon of space time.
-Weird Beard, 2013
Middle Western was formed out of a long friendship and discussions the various members had while playing on each others’ recordings and the occasional band show organized as a way to play and sing songs written and recorded by other members. The band is made up of singer/songwriter and Anti Records artist William Elliot Whitmore on bass guitar and vocals; singer/songwriter/session keyboardist and founder of legendary Iowa roots music label, Trailer Records, David Zollo on keyboards and vocals; Chicago multi-instrumentalist Stephen “The Kid” Howard (James McCartney, Pinebender, Mississippi Heat) on electric guitars; Stevie Doyle (The Hoyle Brothers) on electric and slide guitars; and in-demand Iowa City drummer Brian Cooper on percussion. The fact
that members live in Chicago (Doyle, Howard;) rural Iowa City (Cooper and Zollo;) and rural southernmost Iowa (Whitmore;) Middle Western brings together the influences and talents of its members to create something at once unique and familiar. Mixing New Orleans piano stomps, Crazy Horse-era guitar epics and proto-garage boogie, Middle Western is at work on their debut record, at Lone Tree’s Flat Black Studios, with Luke Tweedy engineering and mixing, and a summer 2017 release planned.
In the early stages of writing the follow-up to 2014’s I Must Find You, singer-songwriter Eric Marshall (Young Oceans) became captivated with the Eucharist. His fascination is understandable. Whatever the language, whatever the time, whatever the culture, participation in this sacrament provides an intimacy and solidarity founded not in prosperity or political power but in brokenness, humility, and surrender. Stretching across centuries and cultures in an unbroken line for 2000 years, the Communion pulls the participant, in a sense, outside of time and space, in connection with the universal Church eternal. “Past and future come rushing into the present, pouring an ocean of meaning into the little bottle of ‘now’.”*
The result of Marshall’s inspiration is Suddenly (or The Nuclear Sunburst of the Truth Revealed)**, a collection of recordings that doubles as a Eucharist liturgy and as the new Young Oceans album. Marshall’s songs weave echoes of ancient prayers that Catholics and Protestants will find familiar, forming an arc from invocation (Lord come as the Lion or come as the Dove) to benediction (We pour out ourselves before You).
But, just as every believer lives in the tension of the ‘already and not yet’, the posture feels every bit the next Young Oceans album as the songs also address a modern context. The anguished pilgrim wrestles to maintain the transcendence of Communion in a world hell-bent on violence and the seeds of strife (“Out Here”). He pleads for the voiceless (“Walls Come Down”) and ponders the heart of Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 (“Are We Not One”). It is a struggle between the constant groaning from the original curse, and yearning for the way the world finally will be (“This Wild Earth”).
It is a turmoil seen in Israel and Palestine, where Marshall joined a political and humanitarian pilgrimage over the Spring of 2016. The experience was a searing one. “There is nothing simple about the Middle East, in any respect,’ remarks Marshall. “The slightest elements of that experience haunt me. ‘Every Heart Is Open’, for example, originated with the melody of a Muslim call to prayer that came blaring out of the local mosque at 5am my first morning in Galilee. There is a lot of that trip in this record.”
Crescendo is reached in the title track; an anthem for the doubter. Christ in Gethsemane questioning the plot. Or, the believer plagued with a recurring sense that his faith is nothing; there is no God, or at least He doesn’t care. How can it be otherwise in a world so overrun with pride, pain, division, failure, and hatred? Why is He silent? And suddenly, in a moment, suddenly… He is there. Not always in the same or expected way, but there nonetheless. He is the transcendence. His is the body and the blood which sustains us. His is the peace that will always surpass our present understanding.
Suddenly we’re waiting
Suddenly You’re there
The blueprint for The Heavy Sounds is simple: Keep the people dancing. Steeped in the tradition of 60’s and early 70’s instrumental Soul and Funk, The Heavy Sounds have quite literally created a band that can say everything while saying nothing.
Loud music from Chicago. No Men can be described as queer, femme-fronted, the androgynous opposite of “yes men”, and anti-everything. Equal parts 69, 420, and 666. One bass, dueling vocals, dual drums. No “guitar rock” allowed.
Vol. 4 is the fourth studio album by English rock band Black Sabbath, released in September 1972.
Performed by: After Forever
Four musicians gathered together to do one thing, bring Black Sabbath tunes to YOU. They call themselves After Forever and are dedicated to create a musical flow just like Sabbath did and still does. In the days of auto-tune, perfect recordings, and backing tracks galore, the music of Black Sabbath needs more appreciation. After Forever is a BIG slice of Black Sabbath and features songs you know and amazing songs you have never heard before. Relive the birth of metal with After Forever.
The name Bölzer is difficult to translate into one word in English. It can be approximated to something like “smasher” or “bulldozer”. bölzen is a Swiss German verb deriving from Bolzen (a bolt); bolzen(verb, without the umlaut) can also mean “to drive fast” in other parts of the German-speaking countries as well as being a term related to football (“to slam”). The band themselves describes the meaning as “a powerful force or blow or strike that has no regard for the consequences or the repercussions. And in that sense it’s not directed either, it’s just a chaotic strike of energy…. a force of chaos, and a force of life and death and anything.”
Born in Brooklyn and of Guyanese descent, JHN grew up listening to a lot of Caribbean music. With his father absent, JHN tried his hand at drug dealing but didn’t like it. After this, he followed his older brother into rapping. He said of the experience, “my older brother felt like a father. He was only two years older than me so that was all I had. Whatever he would’ve done I was going to do.” In the beginnings of his music career he went by his birth name, Carlos Saint John. He describes his earlier rapping style as more aggressive and less melodic than his current output. He also used this name for a brief time when he put rapping on hold to spend time writing songs for other artists. JHN has co-writing credits on songs like Usher’s 2016 hits “Crash” and “Rivals.”
Multi-Grammy Award winning artists Robert Sput Searight and Nate Werth take percussion out of the shadows and into the spotlight with their new project, Ghost-Note. World renown for their ongoing catalog with international sensation Snarky Puppy, this dynamic duo expands their rhythmical voice into a celebration of music in all its forms. This is music that takes listeners on a mind-blowing journey, inspired by the influences of James Brown, Prince, and J Dilla to name a few.
Since forming, Ghost-Note’s sound has evolved to a state that can best be described as ‘conscious funk’ – an elaborate and sonically powerful surge of the tremendous talents that each of the players provides, with the bandleaders leaning back and letting the band go. The core lineup is a rotating cast of heavy hitters – all stretching to meet the expanding nature of the band. The explosive rhythm fueled band, deeply rooted in neck breaking funk, is comprised of the industry’s best and quickly becoming one of the most anticipated live shows of today.
Band members include A.J. Brown (Fred Hammond) on bass, internet star Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas (Prince) on bass & guitar, Sylvester Onyejiaka (Prince, Quantic) baritone sax, tenor sax, & flute, Xavier Taplin (Prince) on keyboards, Jonathan Mones (Funky Knuckles, RC and the Gritz) on alto sax & flute, Mike Jelani Brooks (Kirk Franklin, RC & the Gritz) on tenor saxophone & flute, Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy) on keyboards, Vaughn “V-keys” Henry on keyboards, Daniel Jones (Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake) on keyboards, Nick Werth (Galaxe, Yak Attack) on xylosynth, and Alvin Ford Jr. (Pretty Lights, Dumpstaphunk) on drums.
The beat hits you in the chest like a jackhammer…your head starts bobbin’…the bass attacks with no mercy…now you wanna’ dance! You look around and people are groovin’ everywhere! You don’t know what’s going on, but it feels good! Don’t be alarmed! It’s a natural reaction to the force of nature called Chip Ratliff & The DirtyBluCrue!!! The band offers fans an unforgettable live experience steeped in the Chicago tradition of a good time!
Throughout the country’s music venues including Chicago’s Navy Pier (Chicago), Buddy Guy’s Legends, California’s Fender Center, and more, people have experienced the colossal low end and tasty grooves that this band dishes out routinely, and with a vengeance! Bassist/vocalist Chip Ratliff and his band is dedicated to not just rehashing classic funk, but to taking his own unique style of Funk, Soul, and Blues to new heights. Fueled by his own original releases, Chip takes his talent, infuses it with the sophisticated funk and showmanship of Prince, the tightness of any one of James Brown’s bands, the grit and excitement of Chicago Blues, the extended live jams of a Parliament-Funkadelic show, combines it into one big pot, and serves it hot!
Every show is different. “The set list is a guideline!” says Chip. “We keep it spontaneous and free flowing throughout. Makes it fun for me, the band, and the audience can feel it! They go on the journey with us. It always comes out good!”
“I just want you to get down and have a good time! If you leave the show happy, exhausted, and wanting more…mission accomplished!”
Winner of the 2017 Ameripolitan Music Award for Best Female Rockabilly Artist, and named the “Best Up-And-Coming Band” by Hudson Valley Magazine, Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones are New York’s premier roots rock n’ roll, rockabilly, rhythm & blues outfit. Born from a hybrid of Lara’s former rockabilly band The Champtones, and upright bassist Matt’s international psychobilly act, The Arkhams, The Ark-Tones hit the ground running in 2012 and haven’t slowed down since.
Lara Hope was featured on the cover of UK Rock n’ Roll magazine in March 2015, and New York’s Ulster Magazine in March 2016. The band has shared the stage with many well-known acts including Tiger Army, Gary US Bonds, America, Big Sandy, and Wayne Hancock, amongst others, and has performed at at a variety of national festivals including Viva Las Vegas, Ink n Iron, and The Nashville Boogie. The band is also known for their visually arresting videos – “Whiskey Pick” (from their debut album) and “I’m the One” were official selections in the 2014 and 2016 Woodstock Film Festival.
Just when you thought Southern rock was said and done, along comes Beitthemeans, swaggering out from a dark shed somewhere deep in the pines of Sylacauga, Alabama. The name is fitting for a power trio that is all about boot straps, whether it’s pulling them up or using them to beat their way out of a smoldering genre that could benefit from a whipping or two. With swelling riffs, bluesy throwbacks and a lead singer with a screech that must be part owl, BITM certainly cracks the whip on Southern rock.
Formed in the North Carolina coastline community of Wrightsville Beach in 2001, the riff-fueled, distortion-driven rock of ASG that can be found on their latest effort has actually been at the band’s core since its inception.
Initially forming as a three-piece instrumental project, due to the lack of a dedicated vocalist, ASG were intensely focusing on devising tight, driving guitar riffs, locking guitarist Jason Shi in with the rhythm section of bassist Andy Ellis and drummer Scott Key.
But as time passed and no vocalist was found, Shi was eventually forced to step up to the mic.
With Shi becoming more comfortable as a frontman, the group found themselves connecting with Volcom Entertainment, who signed the band and put them in the studio in 2003, to record their debut album, …The Amplification of Self Gratification.
In 2005 ASG found themselves in a proper studio with proper producers, Matt Hyde and Phil Caivano, recording their sophomore album, Feeling Good Is Good Enough, an album that summoned all the band’s potential and spawned a thunderous hard rock creation that equaled what the band had been working towards for the past 3 years.
Shortly after completing Feeling Good Is Good Enough, second guitarist, Jonah Citty, was added to help recreate the album’s sounds live, which was none too soon as the band quickly found themselves on the road with the likes of Motorhead,Fu Manchu,Saviours,The Sword, Torche, Dwarves, and CKY.
In June 2007 ASG returned to Los Angeles to record their fourth album, entitled Win Us Over, with Matt Hyde again.
Win Us Over, is a vivid, psychedelic, and panoramic thrust that is just as much for the ears as it is for the aura; an experience in a colorful and dense cloth of abrasiveness.
Big beefy guitar riffs and melodic foreboding are soaked in Southern roadhouse whiskey, that just might be laced with psilocybin, and are hazed out through a kaleidoscopic squall that packs a walloping sonic punch.
While the ingredients of stoner rock, psychedelic metal, and angst-ridden punk rock are apparent, ASG doesn’t fit under any particular category. Be you a fan of plain ol’ rock and roll and don sleeveless flannels while sucking down 22 ouncers and gettin’ rowdy – or enjoy waxin’ deep on the bong, Win Us Over lives up to it’s namesake and ensures that come January 22nd 2008, ASG won’t be knocking on any doors; they’ll be knocking them down.
Win Us Over is available now digitally and is set for physical release (CD &am; 2XLP) on January 22, 2008
