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MARS RED SKY

Brought up on bands like Sonic Youth, The Jesus Lizard or My Bloody Valentine,
Bordeaux-based outfit MARS RED SKY had no idea that they were about to become
French stoner scene cornerstones when they founded the band in 2007. Yet the
heavy psychedelic trio already share many similarities and obvious connections with
the “heavy and slow” community. Free from any musical genre consideration, the
musicians build their very own style on the tracks of the underground pioneers.
Julien Pras’ ethereal and melodic voice emerges from a thick and complex rhythm,
carried by sci-fi literature’s lyricism. Almost cinematic, MARS RED SKY’s sounding
has a peculiar and unique flavor, standing out within the heavy rock scene.

To record their self-titled debut album, they shut themselves up in a remote house
in the wilderness of the Spanish desert. Hypnotic, exhilarating, heavy, the release
conquered the very select heavy family and brought the trio to the biggest
international rock and metal stages (SXSW, Hellfest, Desertfest, Roadburn,
Eurockéennes), as well as opening for major acts such as Sleep, Dinosaur Junior,
Kyuss Lives!, Killing Joke, Detroit or Gojira. On stage, they manage to recreate their
sophisticated studio atmospheres and to deliver the special sonic touch that
characterizes them. Their live shows absorb the listener, lose him into a visual and
vibrant limbo and take him into another dimension. Beyond a simple concert, it is a
real sensorial experience that is proposed.

A series of EP releases follow, including a split with post-metal sextet Year Of No
Light in 2012. In 2014, MARS RED SKY begin a collaboration with French label
Listenable Records and welcome their new drummer Matgaz to replace Benoît
Busser who decides to leave the band. Together they complete the albums
“Stranded In Arcadia” (2014), “Apex III (Praise For The Burning Soul)” (2016) and
“The Task Eternal” (2019). Matgaz’s vision and musicianship create depth in the
trio’s personality, which take a darker and more massive turn throughout these
three productions.

The band’s latest EP (out April 2023 on Mrs Red Sound & Vicious Circle) features
dark folk artist Queen Of The Meadow. The power of psychedelic heavy meets the
depth of dark folk harmonies in a complex and exhilarating flavor.

Julien Pras: vocals, guitars, harmonica, broken piano.
Jimmy Kinast: bass, drones, sound effects, lead vocals on The Final Round.
Mathieu Gazeau: drums, percussions, rhodes.

MANY ROOMS

calm ambient sad girl shit

WANDER

Oakland, CA quartet Wander, and their full-length debut “Mourning,” in many ways stand in contradiction to what one might expect going in. Despite the “newcomer” label, their sound is confident, with the kind of polish befitting veteran professionals. While we’re judging books by their covers, we may presume an album entitled “Mourning,” featuring a black and white album cover photo of waves crashing on a rocky shore to be filled with lengthy ruminations leaning heavily on a generally somber soundscape. How shocked we would be, then, when we hear the album opener, a tightly-wound, explosive two and a half minutes that serve us notice that we shouldn’t believe everything our previous experience with post-rock iconography would lead us to assume.

Some deeper digging reveals a sufficient explanation for how Wander has been able to come out the gate so boldly. Guitarist Christian Francisco first assembled the skeleton of what would become “Mourning” in 2007 as a fifteen year-old. Three of the four current band members were involved even then – Francisco, his drummer brother Ryan, and bassist Joseph Aguda, so the core of the band has been through every step of the process, honing these seven tracks into what we hear today. A second guitarist, Bernard Barcela, was added in 2012.

They self-released the “Short Story Collection” EP in 2013, but kept working at perfecting “Mourning.” Eventually Ryan Francisco would step into the role of primary composer, and the “Mourning” studio sessions were set into motion later in Fall 2013 with producer Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Whirr). The most stunning revelation here is that this album was tracked live to tape in its entirety over the course of a single day. It was self-released in 2014, before the band eventually signed to Other People Records and gave “Mourning” a proper release earlier this year.

The opener, “Calamity,” sets a tone that is immediately antithetical to most of our post-rock expectations. It clocks in at 2 minutes, 23 seconds, pummeling the listener from the first note, before launching into a melody that echoes a more traditional sound, but is propelled forward by hyperactive drumming, launching the listener without notice into unexpected, and decidedly exciting territory. Two subsequent tracks, the single “Soar,” and “Oblivion” move along at a similar pace, driving forward with striking immediacy, matching dramatic melodies with torrid pacing. They waste no time making their point, clocking in at 2:18 and 3:15, respectively, positively microscopic song lengths by post-rock standards. The sense of urgency and almost pop-oriented structural ideology are refreshing and aid in balancing out the album’s more pensive tracks.

Wander proves capable at more extended running times as well. “Farewell” has a kind of soaring melancholy (as contradictory as that phrase may seem), reminiscent of Mono re-interpreted in a more upbeat capacity. The title track, at nearly fifteen minutes, immediately stands out as the most definitively “post-rock” song of the bunch. It doesn’t disappoint, riding its own ebb and flow of soft moments and stirring crescendos, but also effectively punctuating what has come before. Despite its near-EP length, the track never feels dragged out. Rather, it acts much like the waves that are glimpsed on the album cover – alternating soothing passages and crashing swells until you find yourself hypnotized, drifting unaware of anything surrounding you, becoming enveloped as the final moments arrive to quietly pull you under. Thankfully, life isn’t dictated by extended metaphors such as these, and we can re-emerge back at the beginning and start the process anew.

With one album in the books, Wander appears to be a real contender to join the top ranks of a new generation of post-rock artists. One hopes that it doesn’t take them seven more years to craft their next album, but I suspect that will not be an issue. Both polished and earnest, traditional yet unique, this is a band to keep an eye on during the years to come.

TRADE WIND

Trade Wind, a band featuring Stick To Your Guns frontman Jesse Barnett and Stray From The Path guitarist Tom Williams.

GRAFH

Grafh, born Philip Bernard, hails from Jamaica, Queens, New York. He made a name for himself on the mixtape circuit, where he garnered early support from influential mix-show DJ’s in New York. His skill, charisma, honesty, and determination were so obvious that he generated a buzz nationwide and attracted the attention of the major labels. Even in the early stages of his career, Grafh was being heralded as the “Black Eminem.” Although he’s remained independent, Grafh has had distribution deals with Sony, Rocafella Records, and E1 Music (formerly Koch). He released a substantial collection of mixtapes and a street album, Autografh, to critical acclaim.

Despite having yet to release a studio album, support for Grafh and his music has been overwhelming – both among fans and within the music industry. His songs have been featured on HBO’s Entourage, Fox’s Meth and Red, BET’s Ultimate Hustler and in a number of video games, including EA Sport’s NFL Streets, Saint’s Row, and 25 to Life.

Grafh has also been heavily supported by his peers, including Drake, Wiz
Khalifa, Raekwon, Bun B, Jim Jones, Busta Rhymes, Waka Flocka, and many
others. Grafh was surprised, however, when actor Shia LaBeouf said he was
“really, really, really good” in a late-night TV interview with Carson Daly.
This sense of appreciation has motivated Grafh to stay true to his fans while
touring and releasing new music online via his official website, GrafhOnline.
com. He has also built a strong following on Twitter, where he applies an
entertaining combination of sharp humor and brutal honesty to everyday life.
Grafh is currently focused on completing his new project Pain Killers: Reloaded, scheduled to be released this summer. The first single off of the release is “
MAGIC LIKE DISNEY WORLD” featuring Shalone. The project also features Wiz Khalifa, Bun B, Jadakiss, Styles P, Sheek Louch, Chris Webby & Jarren Benton.
Over the last year, Grafh has built a creative team of young, talented people
that are working with him toward the project’s release. He has redefined his
sound – drawing inspiration from multiple genres – and has made a concerted
effort to be more emotionally candid. The result has been the best music of
Grafh’s career, with more songs still to record. With this album, Grafh hopes to
prove that he’s more than just raw talent. He has set out to challenge the labels
that have been put on him as an artist – to push his own boundaries musically,
lyrically, and visually. Just as he did at the start of his career, Grafh plans to let
the music speak for itself
Phase Order

PHASE ORDER

fuzzed out riffs

From Beyond

FROM BEYOND

You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy

RAGING FYAH

Raging Fyah is an authentic, soul-filled, roots rock reggae band, with a fresh contemporary flare, that will literally set your soul on fire! That’s what makes Raging Fyah one of hottest spreading, most captivating and powerful entertainment packages in a long awaited Jamaican Reggae Renaissance!

The “Fyah” was ignited in 2006 by Anthony Watson (drummer), Demar Gayle (keyboardist) and Delroy Hamilton (bassist); then they were later joined by Courtland White (guitarist) and Kumar Bent (lead singer) as they set out to rekindle a flame of positivity in the music industry. Fueled by passion, purpose and life experiences, their lyrics touch the soul of the listener, uplifting and motivating people from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Whether the message is love, peace or empowerment, Raging Fyah burns through barriers of time age, race or class and has songs for everyone to love.

In 2011, they released their debut album, “Judgement Day”, and gained popularity and presence locally and internationally, with a few of the songs – such as the title track “Judgement Day” and hit single “Far Away” – receiving rotation on the air waves and even found their way onto a few charts. With conscious roots reggae on the rise, the “Fyah” continued to spread into 2012, and there was a heavy demand for the band’s thrilling live performances at various shows. Their talent and versatility enables them to aptly adjust the intensity of their flame. So whether at an intimate acoustics set or a large stage shows such as Rebel Salute and Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, they steadily captured the hearts of the Jamaican listeners. In that same year the band hit the road to perform on the international stages of South America as well as to headline several major reggae festivals in Europe such as Summerjam, Rototom Sunsplash and Garance.

Since then the band has been doing shows locally and returned for another tour in in Europe in Spring of 2013. They have also released three new singles “Dread” , “Naah Look Back” and “First Love” are they currently in studio working on their second album

 

THE JAM “ALL MOD CONS”

All Mod Cons is the third full-length LP by the British band The Jam, released in 1978 by Polydor Records.

THE ZENITH PASSAGE

It was in early 2012 that a small recording collaboration between two friends (Justin McKinney and Greg Hampton) began to coalesce into something that would prove to be well more than the sum of its parts. The Zenith Passage may have come about from humble beginnings in a stuffy Los Angeles apartment, but the produce thereof is anything BUT humble. Even the earliest demo tracks delivered a relentless torrent of technical guitar work accompanied by a distinctly frenetic and brutal vocal delivery that has since become an unmistakable hallmark in a scene that is all too often the victim of stagnation. Far from being strictly a shredfest, TZP also incorporates a thematic backbone that draws inspiration from the chaotic and awesome destructive powers of our universe. Progressive interludes invoke a palpable sense of abstract dread and reverence for things beyond mortal comprehension. The atmosphere created clearly nods to inspiration drawn from legendary acts such as Deeds of Flesh, Soreption, Fallujah, Severed Savior, and Aeon.
The project’s initial offerings generated enough buzz in social media circles alone to convince the duo to redouble their efforts in earnest, and to begin seeking out members to complete their lineup. This proved no small task in a saturated market, but persistent scouting over to following months precipitated the addition of friend and drummer Josh Slater (Aethere) into the mix. The subsequent release of a proper EP in January 2013 (entitled “Cosmic Dissonance”) catapulted TZP’s recognition to previously unprecedented heights, greatly broadening their fanbase, and catching the attention and admiration of some of California’s foremost metal musicians. Not long thereafter, it was announced that Rob Maramonte (ex-Fallujah) would also be stepping in to lend his talents and fill the role of second guitarist.
With the onset of all these new developments, and the lineup nearing completion, it seemed only natural to take the next step and join the ranks of those by whom they had been so heavily influenced. Thus, in the summer of 2013, TZP had the honor of signing on with Unique Leader Records for a multi-album deal. The stage is currently set for TZP to secure their foothold in topmost reaches of the metal pantheon, and they are hard at work churning out new content for their debut full-length. Rest assured, this marks only the beginning. The world has only just set foot onto the passage towards the pinnacle, the apex, the Xenith. BLEGH.

Booher

BOOHER

Austin, TX Rock N’ Roll band! Former frontman and main songwriter for Austin’s beloved Zykos, Michael BOOHER is making music again with a new band! New LP produced by Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Heartless Bastards)

Heavy Element

HEAVY ELEMENT

We’re an alternative/progressive rock band that recently recorded our second full length album.

KID

Formed in 2014, the Oak Park based band Kid is an amalgam of genre influences spanning from 90’s grunge to contemporary pop. Consisting of quirky singer/songwriter Dominic Frigo (Two Aglets Jazzing, Halls of Extinction, The Red Cartel), and bassist/arranger Daniel Thatcher, Kid’s uniquely crafted sound combines compositional virtuosity with accessibility. Each song maintains a poignant and endemic framework of complexity underneath catchy and unconventional melodies.

BRIMSTONE COVEN

Brimstone Coven is a retro-hard rock / heavy blues band from Wheeling WV. They created their personal blend of “Dark Occult Rock” in the early months of 2011.

Corey Roth (Guitar) wrote the first five songs, which would later become the bands self titled album, and hand picked three seasoned musicians from the area’s scene… Andrew D’Cagna (Bass), Justin Wood (Drums), and “Big John” Williams (Vocals) to carry out his plan for sonic domination.

Echoing the eerie reverberations of hard rock heayweights such as Black Sabbath and Pentagram, mixed with the Classic Rock style of Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd, Brimstone Coven has created a Vintage sound and style all their own.

With many shows, a debut album on Metal Blade Records and a new album in the works (Black Magic), the band strives to reach a wider audience and secure a spot among rock’s greatest. Look for Brimstone Coven to make a name for themselves in the near future!

MOMZ

Momz
 An eclectic, upbeat mix of pop, soul. and jazz

GEMAINE

Singer Gemaine may be a newcomer compared to artists like Bryson Tiller and Tory Lanez in the game, but as he says on “Let Me In,” he “ain’t like the other ones.”
The 20-year-old crooner became a viral sensation last year when he shared his singing talents on Vine with a six-second freestyle recorded at Guitar Center. And as the views rapidly grew, Gemaine decided to create not only a full song, “Freaky,” but also to craft an entire EP, Curious, which The Boombox is exclusively premiering.
His endearing, baby-makin’ anthem is no doubt getting some love. Aside from the countless choreography videos made to the tune on YouTube, the full version of “Freaky” has received three million plays on SoundCloud. He was also featured as the New Artist Spotlight on the R&B page over at iTunes for his promising start.
Gemaine, a self-labeled perfectionist, boasts that he doesn’t use Auto-Tune to correct his vocals. Listen to the forget-me-not mid-tempo groove “Break Up” (“We both know we don’t wanna do this, if it’s real save us”) and his ballad “No More,” which finds him detailing his foolish ways over a knocking beat (“Loving you became a tragedy”), to experience his blend of old school and new school R&B. After working on his 10-track EP, the Compton native understands why a project can take quite some time to come to fruition.
“I never understood why it could take a year to make an album, until I started recording. There is so much that goes into it beyond just writing a good song and when you want everything to be the best it takes time,” he tells The Boombox.
He’s just getting started, but Gemaine is still “worried” about what the future may bring. However, the singer is certain he’s in the right place.
“Thousands of songs are released everyday and just knowing that your competing with that kind of noise is intimidating but I believe in God and I believe that I was chosen to do this,” Gemaine shares.
Now that his new EP is available for the masses, Gemaine is also planning to set up a showcase for Vine — the social media site that started it all.

Aycee Lovely

AYCEE LOVELY

Aycee Lovely is 90’s bred with a soul of renaissance, original and unique with talent that inspires nostalgia. She grew up listening to classic gospel, r and b and soul. Born and raised in Chicago, her music reflects her edgy urban style but can also give you ballads that’ll make you fall in love and music with a message that’ll twist your mind and touch your soul. The simplicity of her approach, with captivating lyrics and savory tone will leave you desiring more. Her music reflects her influences such as Aaliyah, Beyonce, India Arie, Lauryn Hill, Musiq Soulchild, and Rkelly to name a few.

Acracy

ACRACY

Acracy– n. In political philosophy, the negation of rule or “government.” A society with the absence of coercion; one of voluntary order.

This is the very idea behind the recently formed metal band to hail from the Chicagoland area: one that writes and performs music without boundaries, without the standard rules of order, and without the impetus to follow the stylistic trends of popular music.

Zephaniah

ZEPHANIAH

Members: Vocals – Logan Detwiler, Guitars – Justin Zych, Guitars – Shaun Cothron, Bass – Ian Bender, Drums – Cody Johns

Colossus

COLOSSUS

A wonder of the ancient world, the Colossus was constructed out of a single slab of marble and erected over the harbor in the island of Rhodes. Alas, as all things mighty must tumble, Colossus eventually shattered–after weary centuries standing sentry-into six pieces which sunk into the ocean.

We all know that the floor of the Aegean is violent and temperamental: in its currents, the six fragments took on new forms–the sea washing away old features and granting new ones. Colossus’s head was no longer just a head, but an entire being; the Colossus’s arms appeared to grow bodies and heads of their own.

Then a truly remarkable thing happened. One autumn afternoon, Poseidon was riding in his chariot (the one driven by sea horses) when he saw the six fragments, each now a complete and individual statue. “What a great tragedy,” he said to nobody in particular, “to leave these wondrous statues on the ocean floor to fall into decay.” He raised them out of the water and lay them softly on the shore, giving each of the fragments life and special powers.

Yet the gods do not grant favors lightly.

The six Mini-Colossoi are slaves to the power of the lord Poseidon, and must do his bidding. He commands us to rock unsuspecting youth in your bars and houses, drinking your beer and crushing your skulls with thundering beats, baroque polyphony, galloping basses, and soaring vocals–all of which testify to the awesome power of mighty Poseidon.

Alannah McCready

ALANNAH MCCREADY

Alannah McCready, the new voice in “small town Country with that big city Pop!” Debut tracks produced by award winning Nashville publisher Dan Hodges.

Alannah began singing, appropriately, in cowboy boots and hat. But it wasn’t in Nashville, at the Ryman Auditorium in a Nudie suit. It was north of Minneapolis in the ex-urban flatlands of Blaine, MN where she stood atop the back of a corduroy couch in 1991 as a four year old, in a ninja turtle costume and ice skates and announced the beginning of her singing career.

SAURON

Formed in 2000, when Doomy G. Blackthrash met Vic. Mike joined in 2002. Sauron plays extreme, blackened thrash in the vein of German thrash bands.

In the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Sauron was Morgoth’s abominable lieutenant during the First Age. He was also the creator of the Rings of Power and the Dark Lord of Mordor, whom the Fellowship of the Ring sought to defeat.

Victor “Lore Lord” Ruiz- guitar
Mike “Skinthrasher” Hudson- drums
Doomy G. Blackthrash- bass/vocals

ÆVANGELIST

: Ascaris – Voices / Saxophone / Cello / Other

: Matron Thorn – Guitars / Bass / Drums / Noise / Vocals / Other

Lethal Shock

LETHAL SHÖCK

Chicago trio Lethal Shöck drinks from the purest well of heavy metal glory and pisses out their own brand – atomik metal. A bastardization of d-beat, speed metal and heavy metal with majestic guitar solos, they definitely don’t re-invent the wheel, they just cover it with spikes, light it on fire, and hurl it down a mountain towards a church picnic while slamming Coors & hailing the goat

SPECTRAL VOICE

Spectral Voice is a Death Metal Band from Colorado.

Undergang

UNDERGANG

UNDERGANG was formed in the summer of 2008 in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, and was the creation of long needs for creating old styled and brutally heavy death metal, something that wasn’t as widespread in the international, and even less national, extreme metal scene at the time. Formed and driven with the passion for the genre and little care for other people’s acceptance and interest, the band wrote and recorded what they intended to be their debut album “Indhentet af døden” during the winter of 2008/2009, supported by having played a variety of local shows in the Danish capital region. The debut album eventually got released in January 2010 by the UK based newly founded label Me Saco Un Ojo Records and a little later the Spanish label Xtreem Music, with whom they signed a contract for the first and second album. 2010 and 2011 was spent playing various shows and festivals around Europe and even their first appearance in the US on a 2011 West Coast tour for three weeks around the Chaos in Tejas festival in Austin, Texas. The sophomore album “Til døden os skiller” was released on LP/CD in February 2012 and supported by a European tour the same month and two months later a support job in Brooklyn in New York opening for death metal legends AUTOPSY. The next three years was spent touring extensively all over bringing the band several times to the US, Japan, Australia and continuously around Europe. In July 2015 the third album and closer of the “Døden” trilogy was released and supported by a three week European tour, the album was also the return to working with Me Saco Un Ojo Records and the first album release working with US based Dark Descent Records, both labels whom UNDERGANG still works with for all major releases to this day. Lots of more shows and tours all across the world took place the next two years leading up to the release of their perhaps most well received album, “Misantropologi”, which was released in July 2017 and supported by a five week full US tour, followed by a smaller leg of European shows in September that year. Over the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 the band established their current line-up with with Mads Haarløv on lead guitar and backing vocals, Martin Leth Anders on bass and backing vocals joining the founding the members Anders Pedersen on drums and David Mikkelsen on guitar and lead vocals. With the new strong line-up the band wrote and recorded their fifth studio album “Aldrig i livet” which was released in December 2020, in the midst of the pandemic but still with a local show supporting the release live, even if under heavy restrictions for live events in Denmark at the time. 2023 saw the release of the band’s latest EP “De syv stadier af fordærv” and offers more of the by now well expected putrid death metal nauseation, that people love or hate the band for. 2024 was spend touring much around Europe, North America, Japan and Australia and in 2025 the band will play less and more selective shows, after two US tours in the Winter and Spring, and will then focus on writing and recording their 6th studio album.

Walkney

WALKNEY

Walkney is a project designed to allow unlimited creativity and bring new and exciting ways of thinking into the world of alternative music.

Lazy Lester, Ellenville ,NY

LAZY LESTER

Lazy Lester is an American blues musician, who sings, and plays the harmonica and guitar. His career spans the 1950s to the 2010s.

R.C.O.

R.C.O.

Sitting atop an old wooden ammunition box, Randall Conrad Olinger plays a jambalaya mix of country, blues, carny-rock and metal, or as he likes to call it “hobo honky-tonk!” A brand of music all his own, crafted from old amps, loud guitars, and a homemade foot drum held together by wires, tires, and other household junk. A fearless soul who’s played the street, rail, and river bank, pub, bar and theater, sharing the stage with local legends Munly and The Lupercalians, as well as national acts, such as Scott H. Biram, and William Elliot Whitmore. Randall Conrad Olinger always brings the best with his honest, foot-stompin’ rock music-straight from the heart.

PROJECT N-FIDELIKAH

Project N-fidelikah is a new funk punk ghetto underground quartet who’s roster enlists George Lynch on guitar, Chris Moore on drums, Pancho Tomaselli on bass and Angelo Moore on vocals. If a group comprised of musicians whose credentials between them includes Fishbone, Dokken, and WAR sounds like an impossible mashup, Project N-fidelikah will make a believer out of the skeptics. After 14 years on the road with funk royalty WAR and touring the world making two albums with ArtCore masters PHILM, bassist and ESP Signature Artist, Pancho Tomaselli decided it was time to embark on an adventure of his own. Looking for the ideal counterpart to his playing, he called LA veteran and legendary guitarist, ESP signature artist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB). This dynamic duo understood that the world is in need of real, honest-but-fun music and set out to create a new sound as a framework for expressing their views on global humanity, as well as speaking out about social and political issues. Looking for the right players was now the most important task. On drums what was needed is simple: GROOVE and someone that can hold it. Enter upcoming drum virtuoso Chris Moore, who later suggested they contact monstrous frontman and multi-instrumentalist Angelo Moore (FISHBONE), another veteran of the LA scene.
The quartet was formed and Project N-fidelikah was born. The band then moved their assets into “The Lab” (Angelo’s Studio), where they spent a week writing and arranging the first record. After the writing process ended, The quartet hired Funk Master Sergio Rios (ORGONE) to record the album. The entire rhythm section was recorded at Killion sound (ORGONE’S studios) to a TASCAM DA 388 “8” track tape machine. Overdubs were conducted at the Lynch residency studios. Master engineer Bob Daspit took care of the mixing and mastering. The rest is history………….in the making.

Domo Genesis

DOMO GENESIS

Dominique Marquis Cole, better known by his stage name Domo Genesis, is an American rapper from Los Angeles, currently signed to Odd Future Records. He was a member of the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future and sub-group MellowHigh.

DAVID SIMS

Born and raised in Mississippi, David is an accomplished drummer, having toured the US, Canada and Europe extensively. David has recorded on Alligator and Blind Pig Records. Along with a strong Blues background, he has big influences in Country, Southern Rock and R&B music.

Open to teaching all age groups and all levels of players.

Started at the Old Town School in March of 2008

TRAPO

Age is a foreign concept to Trapo. The 17-year-old creates trans-genre experiments that boom with a confounding sense of maturity, nuance and intimacy, but to the kid that has been recording and mixing his own music since he was in fifth grade, this sudden ascension isn’t surprising. “I didn’t play magic cards or anything like that. I wasn’t all that into sports. I’ve been only interested in music for literally my entire life,” the Madison, Wis. native says. “I believe in certain signs. There’s just no way that I could be doing this so young without having some talent that was just meant to come out.” Trapo was included on Pigeons and Planes’ “20 Under 20” and “Best New Artists” lists, and his arresting blend of dour hip-hop and hypnotic neo soul has been featured in outlets like BBC Radio, Complex, HipHopDX, The FADER and Hot New Hip-Hop. He was raised on gospel music and contemporary R&B, but his favorite artist is Isaiah Rashad and he extracts influence from every corner of the Internet. Motifs of DUIs, desolate nights with Remy bottles, steamy visages of Hispanic women and generational anxieties over social media appear throughout his discography, but each song contains an element of unpredictability that has made Trapo’s fan base a vocal and fiercely loyal one. “The whole, ‘you could be an astronaut’ thing you hear as a kid never got to me. This is what I want to do. My music feels like freedom.”

Gand Band Photos by Lani

GAND BAND

If Henry Mancini jammed with Cream, it might almost come close to the Gand Band. Joan and Gary Gand, on keyboards and guitar, draw on late 60s and early 70s rock and twist it into a funky, improvisational form that transcends eras and categories. The quartet adds sax and drums to form a tight, funky, jammin band that stamps their style on a curated set of vintage tunes.  If you like Ultra Lounge, Motown, Guitar Rock, Bossa Nova, Organ Grooves, 70s Funk, Spy Music, Memphis Soul, 60s Psychedelic,  Acid Jazz, you will LOVE the Gand Band! 

Discarnate

THE DERANGEMENT

Forged in flames in January 2015 by 3 former members of Chicago death metal band, Purge. Derangement has come to brutalize with an extreme blend of death metal and thrash.
The Gruesomes

THE GRUESOMES

The Gruesomes are a Canadian garage punk band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, that formed in 1985.

The band gained recognition following the 1986 release of their debut album, Tyrants Of Teen Trash (Og Music), which led to an “underground” following in Europe, the United States (US) and Canada. Subsequent releases increased their fan base and, after periods of touring, the band established itself within the global garage music scene.

HOUNDMOUTH

In the last four years, Houndmouth have learned what it means to be a band. On their second album, Little Neon Limelight, they wear that wisdom like a badge of honor.

Less than a half-decade ago in the small Indiana city of New Albany, four pals were crafting tunes on their own, with few ambitions of turning those songs into a spectacle. That all changed when these friends crossed paths, and joined forces. Matt Myers, Shane Cody, Katie Toupin, and Zak Appleby became the drums and keys, guitars and harmonies of Houndmouth, and those personal numbers became the irrepressible core of an outfit turned magnetic.

In 2012, the group issued a self-titled EP on Rough Trade Records, the legendary imprint that signed them after seeing a single gig. One of 2013’s most incandescent debuts, their From the Hills Below the City LP affirmed what label owner Geoff Travis had heard: the sounds of Americana, renewed by the youthful glow of songwriters, musicians and pals unafraid to both celebrate and desecrate them.

Others noticed, too. The Guardian noted that, with From the Hills, “reservations fade,” while Rolling Stone’s David Fricke lauded the “earthy melancholy with a rude garage-rock streak.” Treks with the Drive-by Truckers and the Alabama Shakes followed, plus performances at the Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. In cramped clubs and big theaters alike, Houndmouth earned a reputation as a must-see act, their hooks, energy and charisma making them feel like a lifelong friend you’d just met.
That success, though, turned what had started as fun into something closer to work. Houndmouth learned that being full-time musicians required much more than the nine-to-five endeavors they had left behind in Indiana. But they grew into the role and grew from it. Experiences accumulated; perspectives expanded. Relationships stalled; others progressed.

“We’re not in party mode all the time anymore,” says Myers. “We’re refining how we write songs, writing about people we love, more important things than just nonsensical stuff.” If that was the charge, then Little Neon Limelight is an unapologetic success. These eleven songs sparkle, fade, and sparkle again, mixing innocence and experience, acceptance and aspiration, horror and hope.

Recorded by Dave Cobb in Nashville, Little Neon Limelight pairs the energy and nerves of raw first takes with the accents and moods of a more contemplative, thoughtful unit. Hearts are broken and friends are exiled, love grows cold and drugs do damage, leaders make mistakes and money turns tricks. On the acoustic “Gasoline,” one of the most poignant moments of Houndmouth’s catalog, Toupin barbs the confessions of a perennial party girl with the specter of mortality. “Maybe I’ll meet my maker on a bedroom floor,” she sings, her voice fighting against its own existential fade as bowed cello traces her words. Haunted by samples of the buoyant opener and single “Sedona” and the noisy filigree of a Moog, the beautifully downcast “For No One” stalks through personal blues with conviction. Its world-weariness has been incubated by the world it surveys.
But all of these feelings aren’t worn on Houndmouth’s collective sleeves: Despite the turmoil embedded within many of these songs, they are equal parts energetic proclamation, built with choruses that can’t be denied, harmonies that can’t be escaped and rhythms that can’t be resisted. With its carousel keyboards and start-and-stop drums, “Say I”” is a combination come-on and kiss-off that might make Keith Richards blush. For “15 Years,” Houndmouth conjures barroom bluster to voice the woes of a prisoner, backing the cries of his soul with howling organ and slashing guitar. When all the action drops into a shout-along, gospel-strong bridge, you might feel the urge to bust the fella out yourself. What’s the point of having the blues, Houndmouth seems to say, if you can’t have fun with them, too?

Nowhere is that balance of tragedy and triumph better than on the romp “My Cousin Greg,” a Band-style saga where each member takes a turn with a verse. Written about Myers’ actual cousin and former cover-band bandmate Greg, these four minutes present the title guy as a mischievous, enlightened and acerbic genius. He leaves Florida with his master’s degree in physics for a brainy job in Los Angeles, raising metaphysical hell and questions along the way. Greg thinks his cousin has it made, touring the country by van while playing the songs he’s written.

But Myers disagrees: “If you wanna live the good life/Well, you better stay away from the limelight,” the quartet sings as one in the chorus, repeating the mantra as though it were their only lifeline to sanity. For those long drives, it’s a reminder of the thrill and toil of what they now get to do. “For the first record, we were floating around after having been thrown into this,” explains Myers. “This time, we were able to write more about experiences than random stories, because that’s where we are in life. There had to be an attachment to what we recorded.”

For Little Neon Limelight, the charged, charming and preternaturally mature Houndmouth did exactly that.

– Grayson Haver Currin

ERZULIE

We are a jazz metal band interested in shredding your skull with our powerful interpretation of music.
joancincyhammond

“BLACK CAT” JOAN GAND

Joan Gand pays homage to the classic blues keyboard players including Memphis Slim, Booker T, Otis Span, Pinetop Perkins, Jimmy Smith and Charles Earland. This event was dedicated to the memory of KoKo Taylor, the greatest Chicago Woman in the Blues!  The Gand Band features Gary Gand on guitar, Tony Dale on drums, TK on sax, Blake Wollerman on harmonica.  For more info, see www.thegandband.com

Vik

VLK

Of Wolves’ Blood

THE KING TONY WICKED REGGAE 45 ASSAULT

Bigwig

BIGWIG

Hailing from the Garden State of New Jersey, Bigwig was a band started on a simple premise… they just wanted to play a unique brand of fast, melodic punk rock mixed with politics, and have it be heard. And heard it has been since they broke on to the scene in 1995. Their influences range from Jawbreaker and Weezer, to the Descendents, NOFX, and even Slayer. Although some of people have compared them to Propaghandi, Bigwig’s sound isn’t that easy to pin down. 

Their career got started with a phone call. The late Jim Cherry (of Strung Out, Zero Down) caught Bigwig while he was on tour and was so impressed he had to call his friend over at Fearless Records. Shortly thereafter, Bigwig was signed and their debut album, “Unmerry Melodies,” was released. 

By touring non–stop since their inception with bands like Pennywise, Less Than Jake, No Use For a Name, Strung Out, the Vandals, and slots on the Warped Tour, Bigwig has been able to build a dedicated fan base, and all on their own terms.

MASKED INTRUDER

Straight outa Rikers. Straight outa Cook County, straight outa that prison in Louisiana that everyone says is horrible, but I can’t be bothered to Google, it’s MASKED INTRUDER, four melodious felons in ski masks with rap sheets, matching converse and some of the catchiest tunes this side of Johnny Cash, Live in Folsom Prison, and they’re coming at you with their second full length, the semi eponymously titled M.I., scheduled to break out on Fat Wreck Chords on May 27, 2014.
Some say they hail from Wisconsin, some say their accents on stage betray a New Jersey heritage and some people think they’re just Chixdiggit in disguise, but one thing’s for sure, Blue and the gang have been crafting some of the sweetest pop-punk gems about breaking and entering, stalking, and muggings that you’ve ever heard. Not many grown men in ski masks can claim to be the very favorite band of Fat Mike’s daughter, for example (not many men in ski masks should be around children at all) but that’s what makes Masked Intruder so special. They’re more than a gimmick. They’ve got chops. They’re weird, kinda arty, fairly goofy, vaguely dumb, relentlessly smart and they appeal to pretty much everyone, from their fellow hardened criminals to little girls and everyone in between.
Now, they’re back on the lam in support of M.I., featuring thirteen tracks of broken hearts, broken promises and breaking and entering. Recorded by Matt Alison at Atlas Studios in Chicago (Alkaline Trio, Lawrence Arms, Menzingers), M.I. boasts the Intruders at their toe tapping, jewelry stealing best. I mean, if there’s a better title for a love song than Don’t Run Away, I sure as hell haven’t heard it.
In support of M.I., and in order to stay a step ahead of their parole officers, the Intruder duders are hitting the road nonstop, traversing the globe, from Europe to Australia to the US of A, with bands like the Dwarves, Face To Face and more, bringing their heart-stealing songs to the people, all while merch dude, stage security and exquisitely mustached lawman Officer Bradford makes sure that hearts are the only things Masked Intruder steals. Officer Bradford may not wear a smile during a Masked Intruder show, but everyone else in the house sure is, and you can bet your ass that whether live or on record, the boys in Masked Intruder are sure to have you singing along and looking for your wallet. Oh, that prison in Louisiana is called Angola. Score one for memory. Take that, Google

Ellen Miller

ELLEN MILLER

Ellen Miller: Blues harmonica ace and leader of Nelson Street Revival band which features international blues sensation Peaches Staten, Anne Harris on fiddle (of the Otis Taylor Band), and Cathy Richardson, Grammy-nominated solo artist and currently lead singer of Jefferson Starship. 

The Countess

COUNTESS WILLIAMS

The Countess became fascinated with music at an early age, inspired by her grandmother’s singing and music. She won a poetry contest writing about her mother’s murder in 1996. Now all her passion comes from the pain of a mother gone to soon. One minute sexy and seductive and the next down right rough. Her style pays tribute some some of the best: Nancy Wilson, Rachelle Ferrelle, Billie Holiday, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Al Green the list goes on. She has performed with the Mike Wheeler Band, Carl Weathersby, Charlie Love, and was a finalist for Chicago Blues Divas at BLUES on Halsted. Her comedian side and creating a song on the spot adds a extra touch to her show. She will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for her next performance.

Ivy Ford

IVY FORD

“Miss Ivy Ford, wise beyond her years,”

Ivy Ford, singer, musician, entertainer. Waukegan born and raised, at just 22 she is quite the up and coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. Ivy Ford started performing live with Kenosha based band The Real Deal, managed by Steve Rainey at 13 and since then continues to nurture her niche and calling to the music. She plays piano, alto saxophone, drums, bass guitar and guitar which are primarily self taught. In late 2012, Ford joined a local blues band which in time evolved into Ivy Ford and The Cadillacs and gained fair amounts of popularity.

Fast forward two years and Ivy Ford has managed to take the Chicago scene by storm. In January,2015 Ivy Ford opened for the legend, Buddy Guy at his club in Chicago and continues to share the stage with Chicago blues hall of famers, J.B. Ritchie, Joe Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Tom Holland. She fronts her very own band and besides obtaining the title of “Chicago’s Blues Kitten,” performs song selections from not just the blues genres but RnB and soul. Aside from performing every weekend at both private and public event, clubs and venues, she is in the process of recording an unplugged album including originals. Some recent event for Ford include, radio shows on 90.9 WDCB, and In a Nutshell radio show on 98.3 WRLR. She’s been apart of Buddy Guys Legends, Artist series and traveled to Minneapolis, MN to perform at Artspace’s 2013 Celebration at the Cowle Theater. Ivy Ford has been featured in Buddy Guy’s Blues and Music News, Lake County Magazine and Blues Guitar Expert’s online forum. To follow or check into Ford’s shows and happenings go to www.Facebook.com/IvyFord or Twitter at #MissIvyFord.

Ivy Ford, is one of the leading “youngbloods” of blues and brings a refreshing yet classic face to the music. She handles her cherry red, Epiphone-339 with as much confidence as any of the bluesmen today and can belt out notes to fill a room and serenade a phrase sweeter than sugar in ways that make anyone and everyone tune in to what she has to say. Ivy Ford, always respects the history and tradition of roots and blues music, while presenting it in a fresh, young and trendy way.

Passing The Torch…

When not fronting her own blues party, Ivy is quite respected backing up Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, J.B. Ritchie. Legendary guitarist and frontman as his bass player. Ritchie has played alongside some of the greats himself and has been amongst famous artists such as Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter.

 

STEVEN JOSEPH

Steven Joseph lives life in color. Destroying the perception “normal” beauty standards and promoting self love one rainbow bright act at a time.

SOFT CANDY

“the closest thing to the beatles in 2016, in chicago” – a girl

“they’re good, but they’re so unprofessional” – unknown superfan

“Just listened to the new Soft Candy album while doing a sinkful of dishes and everything turned out with a crystalline tangerine gleam.”- Wink Stone

“you should change your band name” – alex b (former member of soft candy)

BUDWAY FERRIS AND THE MUTUAL MAGIC

Budway Ferris: guitar, vocals
Kelsey Tortorice: vocals
Jake Gold: guitar
Benji Jacobs: bass
Elliot Borg: drums

DAYMAKER

Dina Moore: Drums and Vocals

Eric Newmiller: Bass, Noise, Grounding Force

Egon Schiele: Painter? Guitar, Vocals, Dance Instructeur

Erin Delaney: Vocals, Poetry, Confidence Booster (Vitamin Water?)

FLAKE MICHIGAN

Flake Michigan (Sergio of Black Bear/Brown Bear)

RON GILMORE

Ron Gilmore Jr. is an American musician, keyboardist, producer, and composer from Nashville, Tennessee. He is best known for his work as the keyboardist for Lauryn Hill and J. Cole’s performing bands, along with his production work on J. Cole’s certified platinum album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive and Bas’s most recent release, Too High To Riot.

Ron is a product of the Nashville School of the Arts. Originally pursuing music through local Nashville churches, Ron continued his musical studies and training through college and his military service from 2002-2008. At the conclusion of his service, Ron briefly toured with 90’s R&B artists such as Angela Winbush.

In 2010, Ron moved to New York City in search of a greater musical stage. He was quickly introduced to world renowned bass player Nate Jones, and landed an audition for Lauryn Hill. He was immediately chosen as her keyboardist and toured with Lauryn Hill performing on both her domestic and international tours from 2010-2012. The two still maintain a working relationship to this day. Ron was also introduced to hip-hop artist J. Cole during this time in 2010. J. Cole quickly recognized Ron’s musical ability and added Ron to his tour band. Ron led the keys for all of J. Coles domestic and world tours from 2010-2015 including last year’s highest selling hip-hop tour, The 2014 Forest Hills Drive Tour featuring J. Cole, Big Sean, Jeremih, YG, Jhené Aiko, and Pusha T. Ron also accompanied and performed with J Cole on a variety of additional performances and music festivals including SXSW, Drake’s OVO Fest, Governor’s Ball, Lollapalooza and the Late Show with David Lettermen.

In 2012 Ron shifted from performing musician to a producer and composer. He began composing beats and added production for J. Cole’s Cole World: The Sideline Story (certified Platinum), Born Sinner (certified Platinum) and 2014 Forest Hills Drive (certified Platinum). Additionally, Ron went on to executive produce hip-hop artist Bas’s latest project Too High to Riot and Last Winter and Co-produce Omen’s Elephant Eyes. Ron continues to work with Lauryn Hill, J. Cole, and Dreamville Records leading into 2016.

Ron recently completed his first ever solo musical project, set to be released on April 27, 2016 titled: The Maturation of Little Ron

Cosmic Playboys

COSMIC PLAYBOYS

Subversive modern pop/rock with heavy elements of funk, r&b, jazz, and sci fi. Sailing the Galaxy….. Ahoy Paloy!

RITES OF THY DEGRINGOLADE

In the name of Rites, the Graciousless, the Merciless. Master of the Day of Judgement …Guide us in the Left Path!

THE FOX & THE HOUNDS

For any band, it’s terrifyingly easy to get lost in the shuffle, especially in a city as vast as Chicago. Setting yourself apart, or even finding kinship with other like-minded acts, are tough tasks with all the booking and promotion that needs to be done. But from the start, it seems The Fox & The Hounds have never had such issues. Self-billed as “Chicago’s only burlesque rock n’ roll band,” the area sextet create seductive and sensual sounds with elements of high-drama classic rock, baroque chamber pop and cabaret-style performance. There truly is nothing like them in the Windy City, and upon the release of their debut album, they’re well on their way to making their mark.

BABY MONEY & THE DOWN PAYMENTS

Baby Money is the brainchild of Chicago based songwriter Pamela Maurer. What started as a solo project has evolved into a 3-piece band based in the Windy City. Her original songs, ranging from gritty, sparse arrangements, to soulful, roof-shaking foot-stompers, are inspired by 1960s girl-groups, soul, old time revival, gospel, and traditional rhythm ‘n’ blues. Want to hear more? Baby Money’s new EP, which features local heartthrobs, the Bribes as a backing band is out now! Get your hands on a hot copy of surfy and surreal ‘shy-CITY,’ VOL. 1:pyramid!, or Baby Money’s first full-length record, In Memory of John Doe, released in May 2014 at www.babymoney.bandcamp.com.

HAWLEY

Consider 2015 something of a fresh start for Hawley Shoffner. The songwriter and musician has always pursued her passion and even released music, but she’s now reclaiming her sound and voice while showcasing new skills.

Although she has played piano since she was a child, and guitar for the past four years, she only recently began taking lessons. Shoffner is less an overall perfectionist, more interested in transforming the way she works and performs.

“I think now I’m less scared of failing,” Shoffner said about changing how she works and playing the guitar. “I used to be scared of playing in front of people, even when I started up a band a couple of years ago. It’s nice to be prepared and, when talking to people, know what key this is in or whatever notes sound good with it.”

In the process, she adopted the use of alter egos. The songwriting process can be daunting for any artist, but for Shoffner, a musician who is open and vulnerable about her struggle to stay open and vulnerable with her writing, songwriting provides unique challenges. “My trick is to write a song usually as someone else or someone talking to me,” she began. “Sometimes when I’m writing as myself, I’m too critical of myself. It’s really hard to write honest lyrics that way.”

This past winter she created Bunny, a side project/alter-ego. Shoffner began writing songs in the character of Bunny, eventually finishing 15 monologues and a storyline that includes a signature pink wig and a personality imbued with naivete. Based on Candy Darling, an Andy Warhol Superstar and a muse for The Velvet Underground, Shoffner says her character is also an exploration of songwriting processes that differ from her normal routines. “It’s just easier sometimes to picture your life in a different way and just to write songs for someone else,” she said. Despite the alter ego, Shoffner makes a point of identifying these alter egos as all her. “I think it’s important to do some stuff under my actual name for a second.”

Her latest project is Tiger, an upcoming 7-inch release, which serves as an emotional release and a statement for the person (and musician) Shoffner has become as she’s gotten older and wiser. The title comes from a song on the release which has shifted meaning over time. Originally about a bad relationship and, what Shoffner describes as, “the girls who go to shows and try to date and hang out with the guys in the band,” she now says the track details the evolution of her sexuality and sense of self.

“I was in a bad place and I was jealous, but now that I’ve been single for a while, it’s kind of turned more into learning about my sexuality so that girls are an option,” she said. “It makes more sense now than it did then.”

The rest of the songs on the 7-inch were also written around the same time as a previous relationship. For Shoffner, the tracks represent a part of her life that is now gone. “I just feel like I’m a completely different person now,” she said. Musically speaking, the release is also a letting go of her “past musical self” and everything it entails. Whether the newness of her instrument, overcoming the struggle to write the songs she wants to write or reclaiming her recording sessions, Shoffner is in a newer, better, stronger place. “I think I’m finally at the point where I sound exactly how I want to sound,” she said.

AVA LAKE

I am a singer/songwriter who is indie-electro focused. And dedicated to fusing music with fashion, photography, and film.

FIN

“Furious and Triumphant two piece black metal”

WOLVHAMMER

Based in Minneapolis, self-described as “blackened sludge punk,” they pull from things they loved about old school black metal/post-punk/hardcore/doom/rock and infuse that into something truly honest. No bullshit Satanism or sensationalism, just pure honest hatred for religion, capitalism, politics, sheep mentality and typical human behaviour.

With simple, memorable, and truly hate-filled metal anthems for themselves and all the other blue collar, working poor, and generally unsatisfied people who are looking for something raw and classic as soundtrack to rise up and fight the status quo around them in any way they see fit to do.

Black Flowerz

THE BLACK FLOWERZ MOVEMENT

The Black Flowerz Movement is a Chicago based urban rock fusion band, merging various genres of music to come up with a sound that quickly develops a happy bond with your musical taste and emotional intelligence. The band consists of seasoned veteran players in the games that have come together to change the landscape of modern music today. The music of Black Flowerz Movement does more than offer a new twist to a music genre; rather it delivers a powerful lyrical message they hope will resonate with today’s urban youth community. That message being…The Black Flowerz Movement is all about the cause for justice and peace. Without justice there can be no peace! The senseless shootings in Chicago needs to stop. Police brutality needs to stop. The Implicit racial bias needs to stop. We can in fact all get a long, but everyone must put in work, No one is exempt. 

WINGTIPS

WINGTIPS began in southern Illinois at the end of 2012 as a duo between Vinny Segretario and Kyle Crider. Together they wrote the the first release, “AMBIGUITY”. Shortly before moving to Chicago in 2013, Vinny took over the project as a soloist and has continued under the moniker to present day, releasing two full length albums, “RECOVERY MODE” in 2014, and “ULTRAVISION” in 2015. Immediately following the most recent release, WINGTIPS played a clutch of shows in the midwest and toured the east coast in summer 2015, with newly added instrumentalists Hannah Dickerson, and Henry Zimmerman. WINGTIPS, now in the process of writing new material, functions as a three piece band.
CURRENT LINEUP:

VINNY SEGRETARIO
HANNAH DICKERSON
TESSA JURECZKOVA

The Differents

THE DIFFERENTS

Maximum Chicago Rock n Roll!

Jack And The Coax

JACK AND THE COAX

You are Jack. We are The Coax.

DISASTER SOUNDS

Disaster Sounds is the instrumental-rock brainchild of guitarist Mike O’Meara. With the help of longtime friends Tony Tabor on drums and Ben DeBiasio on bass, Disaster Sounds will take listeners down a winding road of guitar-driven rock that will pass through realms of funk, jazz, and metal. You know, it’s like “eclectic” or something…