THE LONG LOST
Fiercely spirited and relentlessly authentic, The Long Lost write songs laced with both bleeding heart optimism and bitter cynicism. The Chicago Americana/Alt-country group blurs the line between happy and sad, creating misleadingly upbeat songs about the dark and disheartening times in life. Above all else, the music of The Long Lost centers around the intuitive harmonies of front-women Avalos and Burke. This distinct vocal pairing is shaped by influences across the decades – the glamour of early rock and roll, the theatrics of mid century country, as well welcoming the guidance of the modern folk-rock genre. The band succeeds in capturing a singular, unique sound.
DANIEL YOUNG
Inspired by a wide array of musicians ranging from Robert Johnson to Ed Sheeran, Daniel Young has crafted an exceptional set of songs that speak directly to a generation of music fans disillusioned by the meaningless pop songs of the day, seeking something smarter, deeper, and more universally relatable. Though he is only 20, Daniel has already pushed himself to new places with his music. Starting out playing in small coffee shops he formed the band Terraplane. With Terraplane he worked his way from occasional minor gigs to a steady stream of shows and competitions. Due to demand Terraplane traveled to Oklahoma and recorded an album titled Shades of Love (2014). Now, stepping out as a solo artist for the first time, Daniel has taken all of the elements he learned while playing with Terraplane and created some of the most personal, reflective songs to hit a track in a while.
THE PHONOGRAPHS
Intertwined within the depths of Rock N’ Roll, Pop, Folk, and Blues births a new band who strives to connect old souls with new souls. Binding humans together and uniting people of all levels of society is an aspiration of these four musicians. Writing, performing and recording their songs on a fresh bed of 60s-70s style rock n’ roll with an ever-evolving eagerness to experiment, to expand minds and hearts with sonic fusion.
THE CASIMIR EFFECT
The Casimir Effect was founded on a simple belief: That music can be both catchy AND artistic. It can be rich and complex, and still be accessible. The same song that can make a crowded room want to tap their feet and sing along can also satisfy the fans who demand more from their music than 4 chords and a poppy hook. The Casimir Effect will appeal both to serious musicians, who can appreciate the musicianship and bold, out-of-the box writing style, as well as to the everyday music-lover who enjoys a catchy, well-written song.
The Casimir Effect boasts progressive song forms that include elements of rock, hip-hop, pop and jazz. Expect to hear unexpected turns, dramatic key changes, shifts in style and odd time signatures juxtaposed against pop melodies, rich harmonies, catchy beats and infectious choruses. The result is food for your brain as well as your ears, and will have you bobbing your head and singing along. You’ll hear deep lyrics about love and loss and redemption, but more than anything about realizing your potential and pursuing your dreams, no matter who or what tells you you can’t. The stories are wholesome and uplifting but also passionate and raw, as is the dynamic energy at a live TCE show. More than anything the music is diverse, covering a wide range of styles and sonic textures. There’s something for everyone at a Casimir Effect performance- come on out and experience it for yourself!
DEMONNEY GRIMMES
DeMonney Grimmes is a four piece rock band from Fort Wayne, IN formed in 2011. The band consists of Jordan Kortenber (Vocals, Guitar), Sayge Kortenber (Drums), Kevin Dye (Bass), and Malakai Bisel (Guitar). DeMonney Grimmes have been on television, radio, and performed extensively throughout the midwest.
Jordan Kortenber has been playing guitar and singing for 13 years. Jordan has taken inspiration from bands such as Tool, Mars Volta, and Led Zeppelin. He has been sorted into the house of Hufflepuff.
Sayge Kortenber has been playing drums for 7 years. Her influences include Josh Dunn and Rian Dawson. She has been sorted into the house of Ravenclaw.
Kevin Dye has been playing music for 20 years drawing inspiration from Cream, Bosnian Rainbows, Deantoni Parks & James Brown. He has been sorted into the house of Hufflepuff.
Malakai Bisel has been playing guitar for 10 years. He has been influenced by Nirvana, John Frusciante, and Hall and Oates. He has been sorted into the house of Ravenclaw.
DeMonney Grimmes have been spending the past year writing their latest album.
ACHILLES
Originally formed in 2008 by brothers, Alex (Lead Guitar) and Esteban Nambo (Rhythm Guitar), their cousin, Jesus Pacheco (Bass Guitar), and Andrew Bonczkowski (Drums), Achilles’ core group and foundation was set. Throughout the years, the band went through several lineup changes, often cycling in and out multiple singers, with breaks in between as each individual band member often pursued different musical careers. In the summer of 2016, the original members; Alex, Esteban, Jesus, and Andrew recruited singer, Rob Ochoa, to round out their lineup. Based out of the Chicago-land area, Achilles is a hard rock band which combines elements of music ranging from; classic rock, metal, grunge, and alternative music in an attempt to be unlike anything you have ever heard.
Achilles’ debut EP, “Revelations” was released in April 2017. The word, “Revelation” is described as a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. From start to finish, the EP was designed to showcase the bands strengths; utilizing duel guitars, provide deep/meaningful lyrics with captivating hooks/melodies, and an all around Rock N’ Roll roller-coaster ride. Throughout the album musical influences such as; Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Alter Bridge, Chris Cornell, and Scott Weiland are often heard.
RED DEATH
DHD- Vocals
Ace- Guitar
Alfredo- Guitar
Robin- Bass
Connor- Drums
FURY
SHEER MAG
A tear in the firmament.
Beyond the noxious haze of our national nightmare – as structures of social justice and global progress topple in our midst – there lies a faint but undeniable glow in the distance.
What is it?
Like so many before us we are drawn to the beacon. But only by the bootstraps of our indignation do we go so boldly into the dark to find it.
And so Sheer Mag has let the sparks fly since their outset, with an axe to grind against all that clouds the way. A caustic war cry, seething in solidarity with all those that suffer the brunt of ignorance and injustice in an imbalanced system.
Both brazen and discrete, loud yet precise, familiar but never quite like this – SHEER MAG crept up from Philadelphia cloaked in bold insignia to channel our social and political moment with grit and groove. Cautious but full of purpose.
What is it?
By making a music both painfully urgent and spiritually timeworn, SHEER MAG speak to a modern pain: to a people that too feel their flame on the verge of being extinguished, yet choose to burn a bit brighter in spite of that threat.
With their debut LP, the cloak has been lifted. It is time to reclaim something that has been taken from us. Here the band rolls up their sleeves, takes to the streets, and demands recompense for a tradition of inequity that’s poisoned our world. However, it is in our ability to love – our primal human right to give and receive love – that the damage of such toxicity is newly explored.
Love is a choice we make. We ought not obscure, neglect, or deny that choice. Through the tumult and the pain, the camaraderie and the cause, the band continues to burn a path into that great beyond.
But where are we headed?
On NEED TO FEEL YOUR LOVE, they makes their first full-length declaration of light seen just beyond our darkness. Spoken plainly, without shame:
It is love.
This – is SHEER MAG.
SARIN
hardcore punk from Chicago/NWI
TELEKINETIC YETI
Based out of Iowa, Telekinetic Yeti is a two-man band that delivers sonic brutality melded with psychedelic doom wizardry, forged by the worship of the almighty riff and honed by relentless touring and dedication to their craft.
Creating music as cryptically enchanting as it is heavy, you wouldn’t guess that the impressive cacophony pouring out of the speakers like molten, metal syrup is being produced by only two people. Founder and guitarist Alex Baumann explains, “Originally I decided not to have a bass player purely for logistical reasons, itwas just another schedule to work around, another person who’s boss could tell us we can’t tour, but then I started seeing it as a challenge, like let’s see how heavy we can make it with just two people.”
That started grabbing peoples’ attention. Relentless touring and playing pretty much any club that would have them, the band set sail on their epic voyage, selling their debut album Abominable out of their van and cutting their teeth in the underground playing hundreds of shows. All the while receiving rave reviews of their live performance as well as their first release, which landed at #2 on the doom charts and stayed right there formonths. The Sludgelord called the eight-song album “a f***ing monster from start to finish,” and The Obelisk, including the album in their year-end, best of list, dubbed it the “debut of the year,” and said “it could have been another band’s second or third record for the level of cohesion on display.” The video for “Stoned and Feathered” quickly racked up a few hundred thousand views and counting. It was at this time that Telekinetic Yeti caught the attention of Ozzy Osbourne bass player, Blasko, who named Abominable on his “5 favorites” list. People were starting to catch on, and soon thereafter Telekinetic Yeti would be invited to tour extensively with some of the best heavy rock bands in the business, including Clutch, Black Label Society, Red Fang and Weedeater.
Now the band finds itself in a much different, auspicious position, and with the help of famed producer Phillip Cope (Baroness, Kylesa, Damad, Black Tusk et al), Telekinetic Yeti returns with their eagerly-anticipated, second full-length album, Primordial.
With this release, the band takes their game to a whole new level. Primordial explores themes as diverse as evolution, sorcery, black magic and the contradictions of the gloriously uplifting yet simultaneously melancholic human condition. “I wanted to write something that was an appropriate intro to the album, that brought to mind an early earth setting and featured atmospheric elements as well as some droning, sparse simplicity and lyrically, simple imagery regarding the dawn of humankind and creation of the first tools.” explains Baumann of the title track.
As it unfolds, the album evolves into a cathartic exploration turning themes into tangible sounds and haunting fugues. Says Baumann regarding the inspiration behind “Beast”: “This song is about wanting to escape thesocietal constraints that keep us on the wheel, toiling away, indefinitely. It’s also about questioning authority figures, or really
anyone that claims to have all the answers.”
Matured songwriting, creatively brutal riffs and an exercise in monstrous tones make this listen an immersive experience taking you back to explore and appreciate the primordial ooze that we all came from. Telekinetic Yeti has partnered with stalwart Indie label, Tee Pee Records.
Telekinetic Yeti is:
Alex Baumann – Guitar/Vocals
Rockwel Heim – Drums
1000MODS
In the past decade, 1000mods have risen from smokey basements to packed arenas, and from pioneers of the heavy/ stoner rock movement to one of the most promising European rock acts. In their latest breakthrough record “Youth of Dissent” they break the spacetime continuum and perform a time travel to the glorious 90s, resulting in their best and most mature material to date
INTEGRITY
Known for being one of the most incendiary and influential bands in hardcore and modern metal history, apocalyptic heavy music icons INTEGRITY return with their highly anticipated, 12th studio album entitled Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume. A conceptual foretelling of the final days of Armageddon, Howling… is a manifestation of pentecostal nightmares and religious depravities, wrought with fire and brimstone sermons and occult prophecies bathed in waves of destruction. Now with almost 30 years of creating dark and terrifying anthems under their belt, INTEGRITY have honored their past musical legacy while fearlessly moving forward into unchartered territory on what is undoubtedly their most elaborate and ambitious effort to date.
LIARS TRIAL
Crossing the genres of classic country-western and old-school rock and roll, Liar’s Trial is one of the latest bands to come out of the midwest to represent the outlaw country spirit that was founded by the likes of Jennings, Kristofferson, Haggard and Nelson. Barn-burning tempos, gallows humor, shout-a-long choruses and eerie balladry comprise the heart and soul of Liar’s Trial’s repertoire. This band is just as comfortable pounding out anthems to a packed rock and roll club as it is wailing that lonesome sound to a honky-tonk full of good ol’ boys. In fact, Liar’s Trial has done just that… having supported everyone from country legends, David Allan Coe and Billy Joe Shaver, to Opry newcomers, The Steel Woods and country-punk mainstays, the Waco Brothers.
VELVET STALLION
Chicago’s most dangerous Comedy Team.
NEF
Nèf is an up and coming Chicago based Jazz fusion band lead by Chicago drummer/Jazz percussionist, Jeremy Joel Warren. The band consists of majority DePaul jazz students and other Chicago native musicians.The meaning behind the band’s name derives from the number nine in the language of Haitian Creole, referring to there being nine original members. This young group of very talented jazz musicians composes and performs many styles of Jazz fusion, pulling from other genres such as hip-hop, blues, funk, latin and so on. Many of their influences include Snarky Puppy, Chick Corea, Weather Report, Stanley Clark and many more.
BOBBY ZONIT
My name is Bobby Zonit. I’m a musician from Baraboo, WI.
POLYSCI
PolySci, hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois deliver songs that are an eclectic mix of jam infused grooves. We are JamSoul. Give us a listen!
ALABASTER
Described as “Snarky Puppy meets Led Zeppelin”, Alabaster is Chicagoland’s hidden gem. Since 2015, Alabaster has been steadily performing at festivals and venues across America, growing and developing a unique sound that attracts music fans from all around. Alabaster takes the principals of jazz improvisation and melts them with grooves from around the world with a rock and roll attitude.
The band points a focus on composing interesting, thought-provoking music and danceable grooves, while exploring uncharted territory through improvisation every night, assuring no performance is ever the same. The band knows no boundaries. Alabaster has shared the stage with members of the Grateful Dead, Parliament Funkadelic, and been on lineups with acts like Billy Strings and more.
In 2019, the band released the first single on their self-titled debute EP. Alabaster released their single “Excellent Idea” in December, 2022. A new series of singles are slated to come out for the rest of 2024. Alabaster is available for performances and would enhance any show in the rock/fusion/jamband/jazz genres.
INFAMOUS MARTYRS
The perfect blend of badass rock’n’roll and sadboy lyrics.
“Makes me want to do heroin!”-crazed fan
MEMBERS
Christian,Michael,Joel,Dominick
WHERE’S FERNANDO?
Where’s Fernando? is an alternative rock band that fuses 90’s grunge rock with the subtitles of jazz and funk, channeling the sounds of System of a Down, Cage the Elephant, and Nirvana while maintaining a sense of classic rock.
SOCIAL QUE
A 2 piece hard driving alternative rock band from Chicago Illinois, creating as much sound as possible as we fuse the sounds of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. So far two EP’s have been released “Square One” and our newest one “Dream Chaser” now available on Spotify:
BLIZZARD OF OZZ
The Blizzard of Ozz is a well-established Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne tribute band featuring some of the best musicians from the Chicagoland area. The Blizzard of Ozz was formed in 1996 by guitarist Kevin M Buck, and they have played well over a thousand successful shows since. The Blizzard of Ozz plays clubs and theaters nationally, and they are available for various festivals, colleges, and other events.
The band plays over sixty songs from Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, from giant hits like Paranoid, Iron Man, and Crazy Train to more obscure songs like A National Acrobat and Under The Sun. With such an extensive set list, the band is available to play anywhere from fifteen minutes to five hours, and can range from more traditional sounding classic rock to more modern sounding heavy metal (depending on the need of the buyer). One can expect a professional concert experience that leaves the crowd in awe.
The Blizzard of Ozz has been featured on many television shows and has received much positive press from magazines and newspapers over the years. The Blizzard of Ozz was voted top three tribute artists by the Midwest Beat Magazine in their 2004 readers’ poll. The Blizzard of Ozz was also nominated for the best tribute band by Suburban Nightlife in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
VISTA KICKS
Vista Kicks, originally from Sacramento, had released 3 tracks on their own between 2014 and 2015, which have amassed 3.4 million Spotify streams and over 3.2 million YouTube plays. They’ve since relocated to Hollywood and in early 2016, released the self produced 6 track collection, ‘Chasing Waves’, on their own imprint Little Hook Records.
About ‘Chasing Waves’, vocalist Derek Thomas says, “We made it in Sacramento in the presence of our closest friends and family, this first EP is the most honest representation of ourselves currently.”
Chasing Waves (2016) made Apple Music’s Featured New Artists page and lived on the homepage of iTunes for four consecutive weeks. They’ve toured the US with Swim Deep, and now they’re touring the West Coast and Southwest this spring with Save Ferris. Vista Kicks’ music is a fast blend of good ol’ Rock N’ Roll, Funk, and Pop. Their shows are electric, they make impossible not to dance and have a great time.
About ‘Chasing Waves’, vocalist Derek Thomas says, “We made it in Sacramento in the presence of our closest friends and family, this first EP is the most honest representation of ourselves currently.”
Chasing Waves (2016) made Apple Music’s Featured New Artists page and lived on the homepage of iTunes for four consecutive weeks. They’ve toured the US with Swim Deep, and now they’re touring the West Coast and Southwest this spring with Save Ferris. Vista Kicks’ music is a fast blend of good ol’ Rock N’ Roll, Funk, and Pop. Their shows are electric, they make impossible not to dance and have a great time.
“…Chasing Waves has all the warmth, the fun, and the strife of a young band reeling from the unadulterated struggles of being twenty-somethings just trying to get by in a fucked-up twenty-first century world..” – Mitch Mosk, Atwood Magazine
LOW SWANS
The state of things today is very much on the mind of frontman Jon Scarpelli and bandmate Scott Simon on the latest record by electronic-rock duo, Low Swans. “The Whole World Has No Clothes” is a 10 song meditation on the waning of modern society set to ambient 80’s tinged synth textures, neo-prog electronic beats and dexterous vocals. Released on November 1st of 2014 to a sold out show, the new Low Swans record has only begun to permeate the scene. With influences as far and wide as EDM, classical minimalism and post-rock, the record is a stylistic leap from their past records. Carrying the thread is Scarpelli’s take on the complexity of the human situation and the underlying tragic beauty. While songs like “Cannibal” and “What you Wanted” harken to specific catastrophes in recent history, they ask the wider question of whether or not the calamities of the past or the future are avoidable. Other songs like “Not Today” and “All of the Lies You Settle For” complement this idea by suggesting that we can be redeemed by our relationships even while the world spins out of control. “Little Boy/Fat Man” goes so far as to suggest the massively destructive power of unexamined conflict between two people.
Low Swans has been a long time coming for frontman Scarpelli with some of their material dating back over a decade, and on this new record, their sound seems to have finally coalesced. Starting in earnest in 2013, the Low Swans sound had been forming Scarpelli’s mind over several years and in a way completes a circle. Jon started out experimenting with electronic music in his formative years in a very primitive form and on a computer that struggled to keep up. Recording raw sounds and editing them into a full composition was his first foray into the medium. Taking inspiration from Radiohead, Bjork and Sigur Ros, this thread of musical interest seemed to get buried over the years by multiple projects in vastly different styles. Over the next 12 years, from punk rock to alt-country, he focused on song craft rather than sonic craft. Building up a huge repertoire of songs all the while leaving the appetite for more elaborate and synthetic texture unsatisfied and confined to files on a computer. Emerging from these other bands an accomplished songwriter, the opportunity had come to put together the production aspirations with the songs to start creating the Low Swans sound which would end up featuring long time collaborator, vibraphonist and multi instrumentalist, Scott Simon. Starting with a 10 song demo in 2011 called “Before & After Disasters”, Low Swans began to develop into what we hear on 2014’s “The Whole World Has No Clothes”. Though preceeded by a notably acoustic EP “Blood & Tolls” in 2012, “The Whole World Has No Clothes” arrives as a moment of synthesis where experience, craftsmenship & spirit emerge as a distilled, genre-defying statement
THE CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD ALL STARS
Clyde Stubblefield All Stars is a Clyde Stubblefield tribute band based out of Madison Wisconsin and led by musical director and Grammy nominated drummer Joey B. Banks. The band plays a monthly “Funky Monday” happy hour show at Madison’s High Noon Saloon and features an All Star Band of local, regional and nationally known musicians. The band performs all of Clyde Stubblefield’s hits with James Brown, and songs from “The Original” and “Revenge of the Funky Drummer” albums. The band also performs some of Clyde’s favorite Funky Monday jams. The band will be performing tribute shows all over the Midwest region and will be working to keep Clyde’s musical legacy alive for years to come.
A TRIBUTE TO OLD BLUE EYES
“A Tribute To Old Blue Eyes” is Chicago’s premiere Frank Sinatra Tribute Show. Entertainer & Performer – Bill Pantle brings his baritone sound to the classic Sinatra standards we all know and love and many selections from The Great American Songbook. The act started in 2013 in small clubs and restaurants that had a need for some live music. Since then, the show has evolved into a full fledged Variety style show of the 50’s & 60’s. Now the group consists of vocalist – Yaz Shamanreh and piano player – Bane Djordjevic.
Yaz has brought a soulful sound to numbers from artists like Etta James, Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee. Bane brings his classical and Jazz background to the keyboard and adds a live element to each show. Every show contains classic standards, comedy, audience participation and lot’s of laughs and has grown to fill music venues, clubs and festival grounds.
THE HAZYTONES
The Hazytones is a group of stoner rock founded in 2015 in Montreal. The trio stuns the audience with his stage presence and intensity. Riff after riff, the group is known for his fat sound and heavy destructive saturation.
The band is acknowledged for the powerful voice and guitar playing of Mick Martel (former founding member of Madcooks). Supported by the accuracy of their drummer Antoine St-Germain (current member of God Bless America) and the rigor of the bassist Frederic Couture (former founding member of Reckless Ride), The Hazytones are sanctioned for their energetic rhythm section.
In September 2015, The Hazytones began the production of their debut album recorded and mixed at ReelRoad studio located in Rosemont – La Petite-Partie in Montreal. After a few month of labor, the band launched his first single ‘’Living On The Edge’’, followed by a music video. To mark the imminent release of their first titled album, the trio got on the road across Canada(23 shows) from August to September 2016.
The band launched their first titled album on September 22nd at La Rockette bar in Montreal at the Pop Montreal festival. The album was well received by the stoner/psychedelic community in Canada, USA and Europe.
More recently, the band toured Europe (UK, Belgium, Switzerland and France) for 28 days and 10 days after they embarked on a Canadian tour that led them all the way to Vancouver and back.
Coming back from tour Frey Coaster parted ways with the band to pursue his career. The Hazytones luckily found Adam Gilbert to join the band on bass and back vocals. Since then, the trio has been playing a couple of shows and writing songs.
For the Hazytones future, a full U.S.A tour is scheduled in January and a second album is on it’s way. The band has been signed to two labels, Ripple Music and Kozmik Artifacts. Both labels will produce Cd, Vinyls and handle the digital distribution. Everything is set to be release on November 3rd.
THY ANTICHRIST
I’m THY ANTICHRIST founder, vocalist, and manager.
I’m a student of psychology in the United States. I study closely
through the scientific research of the different complexities of human behavior, its strengths and weaknesses. In the philosophy and ideology that marks the band you can find a consistent message, from the reality of our own existence.
I do not want to spread ignorance through the messages and lyrics of the band, only a reflection from a different perspective on human responsibility for our actions.
Antichrist 666
DARK FUNERAL
THE INEFFABLE KINGS OF BLACK METAL
Sweden’s Dark Funeral are without doubt one of the most notorius and highly regarded of the Black Metal genre. They epitomize the dark essence that is and always will be at the true heart of the European scene.
FREQUILIBRIUM
Frequilibrium is a 4 piece blues/roots rock fusion band based out of Chicagoland. A relatively newer act, the four naturally harness the power of the Southern rock greats, drawing influences from The Allman Brothers Band and The Marcus King Band, while offering the progressive ingenuity of the next generation and a solid understanding of multiple genres. Their music is formed playfully but with much precision and care, intending to have the listener feeling their vibes within the first few bars.
The band’s main goal is to leave their audiences vibrating on a higher plane, which is evident by the heartfelt, soulful lyrics and melodies they deliver. You won’t want to miss them when they roll into your town – the crowd always has just as much fun as they do; trust ’em when they say that’s a lot.
RICHIE KOTZEN
Richie Kotzen has never been an artist known for playing by the rules. And for this ever-adventurous triple-threat songwriter/guitarist/vocalist, that meant putting on the brakes after a nonstop flurry of band-related activity in order to refuel the creative process for the ten heartfelt and hard-hitting songs that comprise his vibrant new solo album, Salting Earth, out April 14 via his own custom label, Headroom-Inc. In other words, Kotzen tossed convention on its ear by actually taking one step back in order to move two steps forward. “It’s something I really needed to do in order to reset myself,” Kotzen explains.
Kotzen’s “charge to recharge” was officially put into play following the mega-success of the 2015–16 tour behind his band The Winery Dogs’ sophomore effort, the oh-so-appropriately named Hot Streak. And the man’s reset manifesto wound up hitting all the right buttons too. The proof is on display deep within the grooves of Salting Earth, which veers from the balls-out, heads-up declaration of the opening track “End of Earth” to the burning-sky harmonic thrust of “Thunder” to the Prince-like funk-jazz swing of “This Is Life” to the acoustified take-me-as-I-am self-reflection of the album’s final song, “Grammy.”
Once Kotzen caught his creative breath, the ideas for Salting Earth just kept on a-coming. “I have a theory about writer’s block,” he offers. “Basically, I don’t believe in it. In my experience, when I don’t feel inspired or I don’t have any ideas, it equates to not having any output. In order to have output, you need input. So it really comes down to the balance between your artistic side and your life side. You need balance between the two, and that’s why it’s so important for me to take long breaks from music.”
Kotzen’s reaffirming commitment to that life/work balance soon begat vibrant, new music. “It’s in that time when I’m away from it where ideas begin to take shape,” he continues. “Then, when I find myself coming back to music, I end up in a situation with a wealth of ideas and creative energy. When I’m in that zone, the music literally writes itself. Lyrics, music, production, performance — it all happens simultaneously on its own.”
The majority of Salting Earth is the result of Kotzen’s one-man production machine, with the exception of Julia Lage adding background vocals to “Make It Easy,” a tasty, sing-along groove stew. “It’s really not deliberate when the record is finished and suddenly I’m the only performer on it,” Kotzen admits. “It actually comes out of my process of writing and documenting my ideas. It started back in the late-’80s when I had a makeshift studio in my parents’ barn. I grew up fairly isolated, and I soon realized in order to get this music out of my head and onto a format where I could listen to it, I’d have to figure out how to do it alone.”
Part of Kotzen’s Salting Earth reset process also meant having a commitment to challenge himself. “I’m not sure I can totally define how or why my creative process works the way it does, but I will say once again that I believe long breaks help me stay inspired musically,” he reiterates. “I do know that on this record, I wrote a lot more on the piano. The song ‘My Rock,’ for example, has absolutely no guitar in the recording — it’s just piano, bass, drums, and vocals. Not that that is an odd choice, but being that for most of my career I’ve been highlighted as a guitarist, I suppose for people who never bought one of my CDs in the past, this would be surprising. But it’s not so surprising to me.”
For the artist within, the music mined for Salting Earth ultimately came down to being about the relationship between song and vocal. “That’s really it,” Kotzen agrees. “Every other choice is made based on what I feel suits the composition and what will support the lead vocal. That is the foundation on how my music is built. I suppose it’s just how I hear things. If you think about it, when your mind hums a tune, you are humming the melody. When you sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ you don’t sing the drumbeat, do you?”
Kotzen’s previous solo release, 2015’s diverse, far-reaching Cannibals, was a well-received hit among his core fan base, and Salting Earth cuts like the aforementioned “End of Earth,” “Thunder,” and “Divine Power” all showcase the scorching guitar solos and soaring vocals that one would expect from a Kotzen solo album. That said, there’s also quite a vulnerable side on display here that’s perhaps best demonstrated in the stripped-down approach to the album’s closing salvo, “Grammy.”
“That song came to me in the oddest way at the most inconvenient time,” Kotzen reveals of the track that can be filed in the “first thought, best thought” category. One night when he was home alone, “I basically woke myself up with the chorus melody in my head, and in my haze, I knew that if I didn’t at least record the idea, it would be forever lost,” Kotzen explains. “I ended up programming a simple drum beat, and then recorded the acoustic guitar. The lyrics pretty much wrote themselves. By 6 in the morning, the song was finished. I was going to do more overdubs, but I kept playing it over and over, and I just felt like there was something so personal coming out of the speakers. By messing with it, I’d likely destroy the magic — so I left it as it is.” (Good call on that one, Richie!)
Bringing Salting Earth live to the people is Kotzen’s next holy mission. “My real outlet is touring — playing live as much as I can, wherever I can, whenever I can,” he says enthusiastically. “It’s one of the few things you can’t copy, steal, or download. It’s an engaging human experience that’s a give-and-take between both the performer and the audience, and there is nothing else like it on this earth.”
To that end, Kotzen will launch his Salting Earth Tour on April 21 at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, and then the man and his band will tour extensively throughout the United States and continue their journey into Mexico, South America, and Europe. Further tour details will be posted on Kotzen’s official website, www.richiekotzen.com, and additional information regarding upcoming shows and releases can be followed on Twitter (@Richie_Kotzen) and Instagram (richie_kotzen).
Kotzen is clearly eager to hit the road. “I know this is going to be a long album cycle of touring, and already we are talking about going to places I’ve never been before — like Australia, for example,” Kotzen notes. “With the new record being done and knowing dates are being booked around the world, I can feel my creative energy surging once again.”
Said energy surge has been seeded quite liberally all throughout Salting Earth, an album that shows Kotzen as the pillar for how to harness newfound creativity in the best light imaginable. Come and dig his Earth.
JASON BIELER
I was born at a very early age, songwriter, guitarist, hand model, amateur surgeon, producer, Owl Stretching, Saigon Kick, quipster, director of frivolity & music freak.
JU
MENTALITY THE REDEFINER
The Chicago music landscape is changing. It is not only Chicago and the Midwest that have taken notice. This evolution takes place on a national stage, where the world awaits what is next to come. The sounds of the Windy City now belong to a new generation, a REDEFINED generation. Leading this movement is a young artist: Mentality the Redefiner. Since the age of eight, MTR has had a goal to bring a brand new approach to authentic, an innovative guide to genuine, and a pioneering perception of today’s hip-hop. MTR has a unique perspective on the music scene he immerses himself in. Originality is what he chooses to stick to. Introspective thoughts combined with smooth beats is what makes his sound so distinct.
THE BELIEF CYCLE
When clients laud you for your passion and energy and your work is streamed millions of times and performed at festivals and venues across North America, it’s hard not to bring the good vibes. Drew Mantia’s musical style is a feel good blend of Pop, Soul, EDM, Rap, Jazz and Rock, the culmination of various career incarnations. From University graduate in Jazz studies to singer/songwriter, composer, to Chicago beat producer known for collaborations with the likes of ProbCause, Saba, The Palmer Squares, Chance the Rapper, Psalm One, Twista and more. Drew’s skills include professional grade audio recording and mixing, songwriting, and a multi-instrumentalist production style utilizing guitar, bass, keyboard, vocals, programming and the aid of other talented studio musicians. Drew currently leans towards producing and engineering Dance, Pop and R&B, music directing live shows, and fronts Electropop/Alternative Dance band The Belief Cycle.
MATT MUSE
CODY JOHNS
Cody Johns is a recording artist, actor, influencer and entrepreneur. Cody was born and raised in South Florida and began his career as an social media pioneer. With early viral internet success in 2013, he generated millions of fans and brand deals with Coca-Cola, Disney, Microsoft, Sony & more. Cody was also instrumental in the creation of Niche, a startup business that links brands with social media influencers — which would eventually be acquired by Twitter. Cody also worked on a variety of projects in the theatrical space, including Hulu’s original “Dimension 404,” Hey USA X, YouTube Red Original “Alexander IRL,” Maker Studios “Summer Forever,” and independent feature “FML.” Even with this early success, Cody’s first love is music. Growing up in the church, Cody was always a singer and songwriter. In 2017, Cody penned an iTunes #1 Songwriter single for his brother Marcus Johns. Later in June 2017, Cody released his solo debut single “There You Are”, followed by “Tropical Romance” in September 2017 (premiering with Entertainment Tonight) and then “Trust Me” in November 2017 (premiering with Access Hollywood). Cody has received coverage from Forbes, BuzzFeed, AdWeek, NBC News & more.
JACK HARLOW
Louisville, KY native Jack Harlow has been rapping since he can remember. There’s never been a doubt in his mind that this was going to be his career. Now that he’s graduated high school, his tunnel vision to success has reached an all-time high. He obsesses over making music at the highest level possible, pushing everyone around him to be competitive and reach their potential. With his unsuspecting look, he causes jaws to hit the floor when he starts to flow. Jack built his following on Soundcloud and Youtube early on, and has since gathered a collective around him comprised of like-minded artists and producers called, Private Garden Records. Private Garden’s debut release and Jack’s newest mixtape, 18, is his most personal work to date – but there is more on the way. His talent and passion are more visible than ever, and this is just the beginning.
NIGHT VERSES
Nick DePirro – Guitar
Reilly Herrera – Bass
Aric Improta – Drums
NICK JOHNSTON
JASON RICHARDSON
Jason Richardson is an American guitarist. He is best known as the former guitarist of All Shall Perish, Born of Osiris, and Chelsea Grin. His playing style is known to be extremely fast and technical.
BLACK SABBATH “PARANOID”
Paranoid is the second studio album by the English rock band Black Sabbath.
VAN HALEN “FAIR WARNING”
Fair Warning is the fourth studio album by American rock band Van Halen. Released on April 29, 1981, it sold more than two million copies.
DJ DUSTY WINDS
Tough times call for smooth tunes. This is a gathering place for fans of Yacht Rock. Stay tuned for Yacht Rock events hosted by DJ Dusty Winds, live-band shows, karaoke, polls, contests, and plenty of easy, easy updates.
“Yacht Rock” is the popular term for soft-rock, singer-songwriter tunes, one-hit wonders, and “Album Oriented Radio” (AOR) hits from the seventies and eighties.
Think Michael McDonald. The Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan. The Eagles. Orleans. Hall and Oates. Kenny Loggins (with or without Messina). Lionel Ritchie. Bread. America. Seals and Crofts. Toto. Gerry Rafferty. Asia. The Commodores. Bob Welch. Ambrosia. Earth, Wind & Fire. 10cc. Billy Joel. ELO. Al Stewart. Stevie Wonder. Fleetwood Mac. Early Michael Jackson. Gordon Lightfoot. Paul McCartney and Wings. Styx. Supertramp. Carly Simon. Boz Skaggs. Bill Withers. Ace. Air Supply. The Little River Band.
The list goes on and on.
Yacht Rock evokes a time and a place where the shirts were polyester, people met at singles bars instead of match.com, and people enjoyed—or dreamt about—an breezy, easy Southern California lifestyle.
So set sail with us. And get smooth.
MARINA
Yacht Rock, Soft Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Swinging
Dusty Winds – Vocals/Guitar
Barnacle Bill – Vocals/Guitar
Brian Trout – Bass
Sunset Steve – Drums
Ivory Dee – Keyboards
Barnacle Bill – Vocals/Guitar
Brian Trout – Bass
Sunset Steve – Drums
Ivory Dee – Keyboards
MEDS
In 2010, the acoustic duo known as MEDS ascended from the ashes of art-punk quartet Phistine Verona. Guitarists Chocolate Danny and Kurtis E. Flush (nee Ed Shafer and Mike Greaney) found a new vehicle in MEDS for their unique blend of harmony and humor.
MICAH SCHNABEL
THE STEADY 45’S
Traditional Ska and Rocksteady music based out of Los Angeles, CA.
THE DUPPIES
Ruddies in search of traditionalism and the smooth rock steady sounds that aspire to be kin to all that is the founding sounds of Jamaican/Brixston Rock Steady Ska Reggae. The Duppies are a high powered seven piece rocksteady ska band of eleven years from Gainesville FL. Their sets include an attention getting rhythm section prone to causing fits of dancing fury backed up by rip roaring horn solos from the sax and trumpet. Top it all off with smooth vocals and stream lined percussion.
With a minimum of 600 shows under the belt The Duppies have played with such acts as The Slackers, The Toasters, Less than Jake, King Django, New York City Ska Jazz Ensemble, Pato Banton, Westbound Train, members of the Skatalites, Whole Wheat Bread, Void Union,Slightly Stoopid, etc. Tours have included playing venues such as Middle East in Boston, Trash Bar in Brooklyn, Churchills in Miami, Dragons Den in New Orleans, The Social in Orlando, The Mohawk Place in Buffalo and many more plus the Fest 3,fest 13, Sun Fest, Suwanee Music Fest and The 12th & 13th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival.
The Duppies are a unique Florida gem keeping the rocksteady alive in the Southeast with a loyal following and a level of professionalism that keeps people wanting more.
THE NATIVE HOWL
The Native Howl is a four-piece band. Their music is “Thrash Grass,” a blend of rock, bluegrass and experimental genres that give it a uniquely rustic and
REZN
“Coming across like a psychedelic Electric Wizard, REZN are making a huge noise on their debut full-length record; the guitars are tuned to their fuzzy maximum while the drums echo from the gut and the vocals drone into a tripped out phenomena. . . . It crushes your soul, and that’s all we can really ask for.”
~ Heavy Planet
THE DITCH AND THE DELTA
“Musicians often get shuffled like a deck of cards until the right hand comes up aces. Case in point: Salt Lake City sludge trio the Ditch and the Delta. Guitarist Elliot Secrist and drummer Charles Bogus have been honing their steel for years in various outfits. Enter bassist-vocalist Kory Quist of Making F*ck, and here is a lineup to be reckoned with. Musically, it’s a refreshingly original take on territory that has otherwise been tread into the ground. It’s heavy as hell (a la Neurosis), rhythmically twisted (a la Melvins), and keeps things hooky and melodic without ever going soft (a la Lost Goat)”. -Nate Carson
CONAN
Conan’s doom is singular. Carved of granite. Yes, of course there’ve been changes since guitarist/vocalist Jon Davis founded the group in 2006, but the intention at the time toward superlative heavy – tonal extremity wrought with impressionist lyrics stripping ideas to the core where sometimes the whole line is just one word; they’ve always called it “Caveman Battle Doom” – remains at the root of everything they’ve done since. And across five studio records in the decade from 2012-2022, Conan have set the standard by which much of “heavy” anything is judged. And in comparison, most is found wanting.
But for every time you’ve heard about Conan’s music being like galloping steeds or frost-covered sharp-peaked mountains, etc., imagery of largesse and violence, the truth is Conan are an exercise in frequency. It’s the low resonance that shakes your chest, the depth of the bass – now handled by David Ryley (ex-Fudge Tunnel) – the push of air from Johnny King’s kick drum, or the way the dark-fuzz distortion of Davis’ guitar is offset by shouting vocals cutting through that sometimes punishing onslaught, rarely to offer comfort so much as add viciousness to the crash, plod and pillage.
In 2024, Conan sign to Heavy Psych Sounds as a recognized name and one of the foremost acts of their generation, wildly influential in their home country of the UK and well beyond; headliners in practice and theory alike. Their fifth LP, 2022’s ‘Evidence of Immortality,’ brought a dark ambience to coincide with its outright attack. With experiments in darkwave and synth adding breadth to the stated root purpose of aural force, it’s never been harder to guess where the next few years might take their sound, but whatever’s coming, Conan will make it kill. The better part of two decades later, their reliability remains unshakable. Which you want when your band is so heavy that the floor and your ribcage both start to vibrate.
– JJ Koczan / June 2024
BEASTMAKER
Old Vintage Metal
MOTHER NATURE
MOTHER NATURE IS THE IRRESISTIBLE FORCE OF KLEVAH AND TRUTH—EMCEES DEVOTED TO BUILDING A LEGACY FOUNDED ON DEFIANCE AND SELF-DISCOVERY. THE CHICAGO AND HOUSTON-BASED DUO IS THE ANSWER FOR LISTENERS SEEKING BOTH SUBSTANCE AND SIMPLICITY. AS EDUCATORS, THEY HAVE MASTERED THE ABILITY TO DELIVER WEIGHTY CONTENT THROUGH UPLIFTING BARZ THAT PIERCE THE CONSCIENCE. MOTHER NATURE HAS INDEPENDENTLY TOURED GLOBALLY WITH THE MISSION OF REBUILDING TRUE HIPHOP CULTURE, AND IMPACTS YOUTH THROUGH THEIR NONPROFIT WORKSHOP SERIES THE MISEDUCATION OF HIPHOP. WITH PEACE AND LOVE AS THEIR WEAPON AND COMMUNITY AT THEIR FOUNDATION, THESE THINKAZ ARE ON THEIR WAY TO PROVOKING A PIVOTAL SHIFT IN THE NEXT GENERATION.
BOJO’S MOJO DUO
BoJo’s Mojo is a band from central Wisconsin, playing original & cover music that all crowds will enjoy. A wide variety of influences and genres can be heard in the original material. Our long but engaging songs can be attributed to our love of musical masterpieces by such greats as The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead and our strong passion for music & song chemistry. From blues to rock and folk to reggae, each member brings an experience with a unique and enjoyable style to the group. Already making appearances at some well known venues in Wisconsin and beyond, the band is looking to grow their fan base and share their music. Most importantly they have a great time doing it. Separately each band member is a skilled musician but combined the chemistry is undeniable.
FLOWTATION
Flow is the mental state in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus and enjoyment in the process of the act
THE SMOKIN’ TONES
The Smokin’ Tones was formed as the official band of Columbia Tonight, Columbia College’s late night show, in September 2016. In preparation for the show’s premier, the band quickly came together and began its quest for zesty, transcendental music and killer tone. Since then, the band has continued writing and performing original music along with unique twists on covers that appeal to musicians and music enthusiasts alike.
THE LAMANTIA BROTHERS
A dynamic duo of rock ‘n roll goodness and soulful song writing. We play the ones you know and the ones you want to know more about.
CHIRP
Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Chirp is a four-piece band that does their fair share of genre-hopping. Often playing in the styles of progressive rock/funk and jazz-fusion, their sound maintains a melodic center. The group features a wide array of originals and covers in their live sets and puts together dynamic, high-energy shows. Though their music ties in many technical elements, an equal emphasis is put on grooving and keeping people moving. Chirp takes influence from Snarky Puppy, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Yes, Daft Punk, Vulfpeck, and The Beatles to name a few. Chirp has been hard at work since their formation in 2015, touring and recording consistently since the project began. Their fresh sound has taken them touring across the Midwest to play a large variety of venues and festivals. Chirp released their self-titled debut studio album in March 2019 as well as three live-recorded EPs: “Live from Brownstown” (in-studio, 2016), “Live at Willis Sound” (in-studio, 2017), and “Live at Ann Arbor Summer Festival” (2018). All of which have been met with great reception and have helped along with live performances to build an extremely enthusiastic fan base. Chirp is Jay Frydenlund, Brian Long, Sam Naples, and Patrick Blommel.
CRISP
CRISP is a Progressive Jam Funk band from Chicago, IL.
CRISP’s humble beginning’s date back to August of 2013, when Elburn, IL native Kevin McMahon (bass player/band leader/composer and arranger) moved back to Illinois after a living in New Orleans for the previous five years. Upon his return to the Chicagoland area, he had a goal in mind; to assemble a band of like minded, talented musicians to compose and preform original Funk/Jazz/Fusion music, in a time when DJ’s and tribute bands rule the landscape of modern nightlife entertainment. Kevin is honored to have secured the talents of Stewart Ream: Keyboards/Vocals, Constantine Alexander: Trumpet, Ian Letts: Saxophones, Joel Ream: Guitar/Vocals, Jerry Williams: Saxophones, and Greg Essig: Drums, to CRISP’s line up of sensational musicians. Over time, CRISP has come to embody Fusion driven composition with open improvisation. Or as we prefer, PROGRESSIVE FUNK with WEIRD LYRICS…ENJOY
THE MOONSHINERS
Modern songs done in the style of the Prohibition Era. We like to call it “prohibition pop” and it’ll knock your socks off!
AIMING FOR AVERAGE
We are a 5 piece Rock band from Berwyn, IL. We enjoy soft couches and peppermint tea. We play all around Chicago in crowded venues, empty basements, and everything in between. If you can beat us at Call of Duty you get a free CD. Download our music for free at aiming4average.com
I MADE YOU MYSELF
Jason DeLeon
Jeff Schultz
Patrick Greenwood
Brian Halicki
Bret Bennette
HUMAN AFTER ALL
Milwaukee Emo/Post-Hardcore
COMMONWEATHER
Commonweather formed as a 4-piece rock band in the winter of 2014. Combining their music tastes from the 90’s rock and grunge scene to early 2000’s emo, they have managed to self-produce and record 3 EPs with their latest being ‘Apparitions’.
From playing venues like the historic Cubby Bear in Chicago and various house shows around the suburbs, Commonweather continues to grow organically around the Midwest and gain exposure.
At the end of 2016, Commonweather teamed up to record with engineer and producer Sam Pura at The Panda Studios to work on their 4th EP ‘Nausea’ available now.
ETHAN BROSH
Ethan is a young rock guitar player who leads The Ethan Brosh Band as a national touring act. In addition to recording and touring with his own music, Ethan also sometimes steps into playing for high profile musicians as a session guitar player who can replicate other people’s music in the most accurate way and adding lots of energy to it on stage.
Ethan Brosh was born in Suffern, NY yet spent his childhood years in Israel. It was there that Ethan discovered Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, event which awakened his love of music. At the age of 12, he developed a taste for playing guitar and started taking up classical guitar lessons. Soon enough, he picked up the electric guitar and began studying under the mentorship of Eyal Freeman. Originally influenced by artists such as Iron Maiden and other groups of that era, Ethan gradually grew into writing his own music. Therefore, he went on to study at Berklee College of Music, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Songwriting, eventually becoming a part time teacher there at Berklee.
Upon graduating, Ethan formed a hard rock band called Burning Heat along with singer Adrian Araiza, which started working the local New England scene intensively, Getting asked to open for lots of national acts, Burning Heat continued traveling and playing all over as well as being on a number of rock festivals.
After writing music for several years it was time for Ethan to record his first solo record. A two and a half year process of working with the best people in the field and trying to create an over the top instrumental album as Ethan’s debut recording brought to life Out of Oblivion. Released in 2009 under Mike Varney’s Magna Carta Records label, the album featured guests such as George Lynch, Greg Howe (Michael Jackson) and Mike Mangini (Dream Theater, Extreme). The artwork was created by Derek Riggs (Iron Maiden), while the album was mixed by Chris Tsangarites (Judas Priest, Depeche Mode).
During the same year of 2009, Ethan toured opening for Eddie Money, played with Terry Ilous (XYZ, Great White) and Pat Travers and started playing guitar for the band Angels of Babylon. The band, which featured Rhino(Manowar) on drums and David Ellefson(Megadeth) on bass guitar, released their debut album, Kingdom of Evil, on various labels all over the world in 2010, followed by a second record, Thundergod, in 2013. After Ethan moved on from Angels of Babylon to focus on his own music, he and David Ellefson continued with several more collaborations, including them playing on each other’s records.
Complex, technical and melodic, Ethan’s debut record was followed by Live The Dream, released in 2014 under Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records label featuring Dave Ellefson (Megadeth). It was the mix of producer Max Norman (Ozzy), whom Ethan convinced to come out of retirement and perform his first mix after 20 years. The mastering was the work of Grammy winning mastering engineer Bob Ludwig. The artwork was a real painting done by Joe Petagno (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) as well as most of the record being recorded analogue in high end recording studios to create a realistic feel and an immense production not usually heard on rock records in this day and age.
Between 2013-2015, Ethan toured with a great number of acts such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Jake E. Lee, Marty Friedman, Michael Schenker and many more. In 2013, The Ethan Brosh Band was the direct support act for Yngwie Malmsteen on a major 25 show tour, while in 2014-2015 they did a couple of tours with Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel in support of Ethan’s second album, Live the Dream. Between the tours performed with his band, Ethan played guitar for Carmine and Vinnie Appice and went on the road with them, which resulted in a live record called Drum Wars Live!, released on Cleopatra Records. In 2015, Ethan played guitar for the band SteelHeart in South Korea opening for the Scorpions, and acoustic guitar for Eric Martin of Mr. Big.
During those years, Ethan received a great deal of press and media coverage being featured in many guitar and music related magazines around the world and doing countless radio and print interviews.
With a third record in the making and many other projects to delve into, Ethan Brosh will surely continue to deliver his music to new audiences and keep being an important part of the guitar and rock world.
NYDGE
Nydge is a producer and songwriter from Detroit, MI. He was born in a hospital, and despite being named after a race car driver, he drives a reliable Honda Civic. He loves podcasts, but he hates the talkshow ones. He likes plants, but all of his plants are dead and he feels bad about it. He can replace the brake pads on your car. He knows more about synthesizers than he does about microeconomics. Like most of America, he dropped out of community college. He used to love Trent Reznor.
In summer 2017, He stepped out from a behind-the-scenes producer role and started releasing the tracks he’s produced and co-written as the artist “Nydge”. Since beginning his steady release of singles, his music has been streamed over 700,000 times and he’s opened for acts like BANKS, SG Lewis, Flint Eastwood & Vesperteen. With the help of spotify’s curated playlists (Alternative R&B, Young & Free, Weekly Buzz, Indie-pop), Nydge has received the attention of blogs and listeners alike. Indieshuffle speaks highly of his most popular single Won’t You Call Me: “Another rare gem from Detroit, some wonderful collision of atoms. The reaction is straight chemical; the perfect high.” Nydge has also placed songs on TV and is played in retail stores around the world.
DISASTERPIECE
Disasterpiece is the original Slipknot Tribute Band. Formed in the fall of 2003 out of the Northwest suburbs of Chicago
ROBERT J. ZIMMER?
Robert J. Zimmer? is dedicated to exploring the fundamentals of universal mechanics through a multidimensional musical approach that blends the study of macroscopic acoustic environments with quantum interactions of sound waves. In essence, it is “that one band that I saw at that one place that one time that played some [good] stuff.” This, and other proclamations of ecstatic enjoyment, represent the general response of those fortunate enough to encounter the tunes of RJZ.
Thrown into the public eye and forced to face a world of harsh criticism and rejection, Robert J. Zimmer? has emerged a hardened power and decorated name in the Hyde Park community. Hailed as a “musician’s musician’s musician’s musician’s musician’s band” it is far ahead of its time while still managing to touch the minds of simpletons via a synergy of intricate complexities that results in a sound of such emotional power it touches the roots of man’s most fundamental sentiments.
When possible, Robert J. Zimmer? plays
-Atlas Cabinets
-Carvin amplifiers
THE SEXTET
Playing original compositions and arrangements of bassist Robert Castillo, The Sextet plays music to move to and moved by. Castillo originally formed the group in the fall of 2015 in Portland, OR and when Life called him back to his native Kansas City, he reformed the group with childhood friends and other prominent KC musicians.
Robert’s writing incorporates elements of funk, soul, and dance, as well as jazz song structures and harmonies. The result is contemporary groove jazz that a listener of any background can bob their head to. The songs are influenced by life events and experiences – a set can include a variety of emotions including joy, anger, frustration, and bliss.
The Sextet’s debut album was released just before Castillo left Portland and was listed on KMHD Portland Jazz Radio’s Top Top Albums of 2016 list.
In October of 2017 The Sextet released their sophomore album “Blob Castle” shortly after being named KCUR 89.3 Band of the Week.
BIG BLU SOUL REVUE
Big Blu Soul Revue bring the soul of San Francisco to their music and live show. With an extreme passion for the music of 60’s and 70’s soul, funk and jazz, the band shares music influences ranging from soul legends like Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye to funk and jazz artists like The Meters, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Smith, Grant Green and many more. Their fresh approach brings a wide array of infectious dance grooves to their high-energy live show. The band released their highly-anticipated debut album, Tongue & Groovin’, in late 2016, and is now available everywhere including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, CD Baby and many more sites.
The band formed in 2012 by long-time Bay Area guitarist and vocalist Jason Movrich (The Mission Players, Jason Movrich & Friends). The band is comprised of a tight group of top notch musicians including Bay Area bassist John Bartlett, southern California native Blake Ritterman on drums, along with multi-saxophonists Brian Lassiter and Hermann Lara, and also featuring the incredible vocalist Miss Lydia Walker.
The band’s music is strongly influenced by the classic sounds of Motown, Stax, Daptones and Blue Note Records but with a fresh and original spin. “Our ultimate goal is to connect with our audience, get you to feel the groove that makes you want to dance,” says Movrich.
2017 brings live shows throughout the West coast to support their latest album release. The band has recently been performing to strong and enthusiastic audiences, regularly performing at famed Bay Area venues such as Yoshi’s, Sweetwater Music Hall, Boom Boom Room, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Elbo Room, deYoung Museum, Ashkenaz, Lagunitas Taproom, as well festivals like For the Funk of It (Belden, CA), Gilroy Garlic Festival (Gilroy, CA), Music on the Beach (Lake Tahoe) and many more. The band has also recently shared stages and co-bills with Fred Wesley, Glen David Andrews, Jelly Bread, and many more great artists.
Big Blu Soul Revue is:
Jason Movrich :: Guitar & Vocals
Lydia Walker :: Vocals
Hermann Lara :: Tenor & Alto Sax
Brian Lassiter :: Alto & Baritone Sax
John Bartlett :: Bass
Blake Ritterman :: Drums