…a documentary film about the music and records that changed our lives
POISON SWORD MOUNTAIN
Coupla’ Downtown Funboys
THE WEIRDOS
Dateline: June 1977, Los Angeles, CA. In an interview for SLASH Magazine they proclaimed “We’re not punks, we’re Weirdos from Hollyweird!”. This wasn’t just goofy sloganeering this was a stance intended to distinguish The WEIRDOS as a band apart from the burgeoning punk rock scenes in New York and London. After all, The WEIRDOS were dwelling in their own urban wasteland, L.A., which they embodied in their songs, graphics and clothes. Back in 1976, while attending CalArts, Dave Trout and Cliff Roman had been staging various ‘performance art’ installations. It was around this time, that Trout and Roman hatched the concept of a ‘rock band as performance art’. To the art snobs at CalArts in 1976 rock music was horribly passe and Roman and Trout were no different. But this was just the kind of contradiction in terms that appealed to Trout and Roman’s non-conformist sense of irony. With Trout on bass and Roman on guitar they quickly inducted mutual friend John Denney as their lead singer. Denney, an un-employed, part-time student actor and malcontent with aspirations to be a rock ‘n roll frontman was eager to join a band. Days later, Denney’s younger brother Dix, a 19 year-old guitar ace right out of the garage was added to the line-up. The drummer-less quartet, heavily influenced by Iggy and The Stooges and The Ramones, began to jam on covers such as “Pushin’ To Hard” by The Seeds, “Break On Through” by The Doors, “Mystic Eyes” by Them and “Bad Girl” by The New York Dolls. Soon, all the lofty notions about performance art had fallen by the wayside as their first few original songs began to take shape. Highly motivated but with no real plan, they continued to jam and rehearse. Unbeknownst to them, the proto-Power Pop band The Nerves rehearsed at the same studio as The Weirdos. Credit Mr. Peter Case, then of The Nerves for ‘discovering’ The Weirdos. One night, while The Nerves were waiting for their turn to rehearse, Case was struck by the thundering bombast that shook the walls of their tiny studio. When The Weirdos concluded, Case entered the room looking perplexed and asked; “That sounded great, but, where’s the drummer?” The Weirdos chimed; “We’ve had a few but we fired ’em all. …to be continued.
In June of 1977, Time Magazine published a photo of THE WEIRDOS as part of an expose on the emergence of ‘punk rock’. The unexpected publicity prompted the band to jump on the proverbial bandwagon. Six weeks later, The Weirdos were headlining the hallowed Whisky A Go Go. ..to be continued In 1990, after releasing records on BOMP, DANGERHOUSE and RHINO, The WEIRDOS released the CONDOR LP and the crucial WEIRD WORLD VOL. I on FRONTIER. In 2003 The WEIRDOS released the long-awaited WEIRD WORLD Vol. II; a collection of studio and live recordings.
Dateline: July 7, 2004—The WEIRDOS are named BEST PUNK ROCK/HARDCORE BAND at the 2004 L.A. Weekly Music Awards.
Dateline: May 27, 2013 Las Vegas, NV—After a seven year hiatus The WEIRDOS made a triumphant return to the stage at the Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival. And, they’ve been rolling ever since. Tours in 2013 and ’14 culminated at the glorious Muddy Roots Music Festival in Tennessee. 2015 promises to take The Weirdos far and wide.
To be continued…
ADOLESCENTS
The Adolescents are a punk band formed in 1980 in Fullerton, California by Steve Soto after leaving Agent Orange in December 1979. The original line-up was led by frontman Tony Cadena, with Steve Soto on bass, Frank Agnew on guitar, John O’Donovan on guitar and Peter Pan on drums. Both O’Donovan and Pan left in June and were replaced by Rikk Agnew and Casey Royer formerly of Social Distortion and The Detours and also singer for the OC punk band, D.I.. The band created fast, energetic music that was at the forefront of the Orange County punk music scene.
HERENCIA DE ZAPATA
THE RUNNERS UPS
Starting in early 2010, Allen Mendez brought a group of men together as “The Runner Ups” to take on the idea of a ska punk band. The premise was to play fun, upbeat, loud music that people could get up and dance to. “The Runner Ups” sought out well-known ska scene bands like “Run and Punch” and “Shortstop From Tokyo” to begin the first few years of playing in the Chicagoland area.
On January 18th, 2014, the band took on new members and added new instrumentation to their arsenal. The music of “The Runner Ups” became more technical and began to embrace various influences like Dixieland, Latin merengue, big band swing and even Arabic. This fusion of genres into the ska punk sound allowed the band to stray away from the standard and embrace something new in every song.
Now, the powerhouse 7-piece group—including trumpet, trombone, and tenor and baritone sax—have begun touring and playing all over the Midwest. “The Runner Ups” are doing their best to play everywhere and with everyone, so people with different backgrounds can all enjoy a ska punk fusion group with high energy music to dance to.
THE SEA EMPTY
The Sea Empty are: Dennis Huston, who plays both electric and acoustic guitar, harmonica, sings about things and stuff, and ponders and writes about world problems. Rick Nitz, who plays bass, guitar, gets into the groove, sings about things and stuff, and always dances. Thomas “Teddy” Thornhill, who keeps time with bombastic beats and creative drumming, writes and arranges music, and is a heritage hog farmer during the week. The Sea Empty is in its infancy, but Dennis, Rick and Teddy have all been playing music for many years with other noteworthy bands such as The Statutes of Liberty, Milk At Midnight, Meteorologists, and Traces of Lead. They are all audio engineers and music fanatics, which is what brought them together when the calling came to create music with a futuristic spin to folk/noise rock with a dash of alt-country, a spoonful of retro 80’s, and a whole lot of guitar. The Sea Empty have accepted the challenge and are in the driver’ s seat with the peddle to the floor!
WILD SKIES
Wild Skies is the band that almost-met-in-real-life.
Kristine and Aaron live two blocks from each other. Kristine and Danny were living in the same suburb for a year. Danny and Tommy played several shows together in different bands, but they never actually met.
All it took was a Craigslist ad to put together Wild Skies, a folk-rock band from Chicago, IL. The group shines through thoughtful songwriting and soaring harmonies; embracing the traditional roots of the folk genre, but adding their own modern twist. Wild Skies pushes the boundaries of what you thought folk music could be – and they do it right.
Combining folk elements like banjo and violin (Danny Caldwell) and standup bass (Tommy Good) make the sound familiar yet unique. Mixed with traditional keys (Spencer Adamson), guitar (Aaron Lechlak), and vocals (Kristine Sorum-Williams), you get the upbeat, shake-the-rafters sound that is Wild Skies.
CAVEPAINTERS
The music of the Cavepainters digs deep, tapping into the sounds of old, wired America. Their songs are anchored by rich angelic harmonies and ethereal lyricism. 2013 saw the release of their first album, “For The Sea,” made up of country blues & ghostly ballads. Staying true to themselves and their sound, the band recorded and released the album on their own.
DEATHSTARS
The Swedish industrial rock band DEATHSTARS returns with a blast when they release their long anticipated fourth studio album »The Perfect Cult«.
While their predecessor, 2009’s »Night Electric Night« was spawned with the band fairly off the hook of their »Termination Bliss« touring cycle, only to see the band hitting the road yet again. For the upcoming new output, DEATHSTARS finally managed to give themselves the needed time span to work in a “calm and methodic manner, fully exploring the music writing process which resulted in the most dramatic Deathstars album to date.”
Besides their many headlining tours around the world over the years, the band also joined RAMMSTEIN’s sold out arena streak for their “Made In Germany 1995-2011” European Tour 2011/2012. At the same time they released »The Greatest Hits On Earth«, a compilation presenting a decade of their tracks, released via Nuclear Blast.
»The Perfect Cult« has been captured in several studios: drums, guitars and bass were recorded in Bohus Sound Recording, Kungälv Sweden, vocals in Gig Studios in Stockholm, Sweden and keyboards, orchestration and editing was done in Black Syndicate, Stockholm. While the mix as usual was handled by legendary Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN, WITHIN TEMPTATION), guitarist/keyboardist Nightmare took care of the production from bottom to top. For the drum-, guitar- and bass-production, Nightmare worked together with Roberto Laghi (ENTOMBED, IN FLAMES) at Bohus Sound Recording. The Mastering was done by Svante Forsbäck (VOLBEAT, RAMMSTEIN) at Chartmakers, Helsinki, Finland.
As far as the lyrics are concerned vocalist Whiplasher states that “all the tracks are about our lives. Each song is a reflection on a situation or a topic that deals with our experiences, usually from a jet black perspective.”
With visions inspired by amoral excessive lives, human fears and decay, the songs will be nothing less than a dark playground set between straight forward tracks, atmospheric anthems and the unwashed loins of lawless rock.
SNIPER 66
Sniper 66 cultivates a brash, hard hitting brand of punk from their home soil in Austin, Texas. Sniper 66 was formed in 2009, by singer/guitarist Dylan Close and bassist Jeff Ellis, later rounded out by guitarist Jeremy Brister and drummer April Schupmann. They play punk, tight and crisp with bullet paced drums. While giving a nod to the forefathers, they also blend in the fury of 90’s punk. For over five years, Sniper 66 has been putting a modern spin on a classic genre of music.
Incendiary, invigorating sounds have been distilled to ensure maximum delivery. You can hear bands like Oxymoron, One Way System, Abrasive Wheels, The Booked, and The Virus weave in and out of these still original sounds. They have shared the stage with Krum Bums, Lower Class Brats, DOA, The Casualties, Sham 69 and Bishops Green, among others.
Rock and roll grit fuels tunes like “Firecracker”, “I Know It’ True” and “All Dressed Up” from their breakout self-titled album. Their second, ‘Caput Lupinum’, features aggressive and thoughtful tracks like “Another War” and “Society”. Mostly, Sniper 66 sets a course straight ahead and finds the fastest way to get there. Charging through most songs in under two minutes, Sniper 66 get to the point and fire up anyone within range.
They blazed a path of new fans after a midwest tour in 2013 where they burned down the stage at Tulsa’s F-You We Rule OK Fest. Their 22 date east coast ‘Warpath Tour’ in May 2014 to support their sophomore album was a success, highlighted by a raucous set at Chicago’s Midwest Live & Loud. They went back out for a week in November of that year with Denver’s Potato Pirates and The Bad Engrish, and OKC’s Violent Affair for the Punks Alive Tour. They are garnering attention in 2015, and will be playing the festival stage at Punk Rock Bowling with such bands as Rancid and Dropkick Murphys, before taking off on a summer west coast tour. This band is showing no signs of slowing down!
Clench your teeth, raise a pint, and prepare to scream!
HARD
ERIN MCDOUGALD
Nationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, bandleader and songwriter, Erin McDougald has been touted as “one of the best voices in jazz today” by Downbeat critic Howard Mandel; Jazz Improv Magazine raves “McDougald’s voice is a rare instrument to be savored– sweet and spicy in equal measure… worldly, gorgeous and positively mercurial” and trumpet-genius Tom Harrell attests Erin as a “wonderful vocalist” with “magical phrasing”. With an elastic vocal range, her daring approach to rhythmic interpretations and a bevy of Grammy winning jazz icons on her recordings and in her various touring ensembles, Erin McDougald has captivated audiences of jazz aficionados and novices alike from Paris to New York City.
DJ EXILE
EARTHGANG
We’re from the badlands…” A musical reputation like the one Atlanta holds can play blessing and curse to up and coming artists. On the one hand, the city’s rich history and vibrant creative scene provide constant inspiration; on the other, established lanes and expectations can make it difficult to break the mold and get people to take notice. West Atlanta duo EarthGang isn’t worried about fitting into easy boxes–they’re happy to follow the drums, drugs, and ideas that inspire them most, whatever they may be. Rappers Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot would just as soon jam with the Arctic Monkeys and wake Frida Kahlo from her grave to do their cover art as they would fire up a Clipse record and rap along. “Atlanta’s music scene has gone through so many changes in the past 15 years alone. When we started, everybody from the Westside was talking about trap music. There was only one type of sound you’d hear coming from Atlanta, one mainstream sound you hear. For us, there really was no blueprint,” says Venus. “Even if there was, we weren’t about to follow it. We were just doing what we do, like people on the frontiers heading west: No one told them what to do. They set up shop and did it how they wanted to do it.” Most rappers probably don’t cite molecular gastronomy or Pink Floyd’s Live at Pompeii as muses, but Venus and Dot dedicate themselves to taking influence from the unexpected and bringing listeners into the worlds they’re exploring. Whether observations about the decay of their home city, tales of intimate encounters, reflections on the younger years, or visions of their future, EarthGang vividly, viscerally renders the music of their minds. “When you listen to our album, we want you to feel like you’re on a trip, like where you are now is exactly where we want you to be for that period of time.” A peak at where what they’re working on might take you? “Our new music sounds like jaguars fucking in the jungle.”
ADAM WARROCK
Makin’ indie rap. Sometimes about pop culture. Sometimes about feelings. Do a live show here and there. Hold on to your hats…
COCHISE SOULSTAR
Chicago born Cochise Soulstar is an eclectic emcee like no other…Unafraid to express his nerd or his displeasure with the current state of hip-hop. Nerd, rebel, lover and shoe junkie….All sides are on display is his music.
ALTERED STAGE
Located at 657 W. Lake Street, Altered Stage is a private club for recreational musicians of all skill levels — from absolute beginner to advanced players. They offer guitar, bass, drum, keyboard, and vocal lessons to adults; yet, Altered Stage is more than just music lessons. It’s a journey tailored to each member’s musical aspirations. It’s a dynamic community of people who love music and want to learn and play with others. Through personalized music instruction and programming, as well as live gigs at local venues like Reggies, Altered Stage is uniting Chicago’s recreational musicians by providing a unique and perpetual experience that takes instruction to a whole new level. It is a great place to plug in and crank it up. A place to meet new friends and live music. Everyday.
Visit alteredstage.com or call 312-953-ROCK (7625) to sign up for a tour and free intro lesson. Your musical journey can start today!
REVOLT CODA
Formed in Chicago, Illinois, Revolt Coda originated with Zac Conforti and Santino Carbonaro on the guitar and drums, respectively. Sharing an abundance of common influences, chemistry manifested itself instantly as the two set out to generate fresh sounds and manufacture a following from the ground up. After a brief period of fluidity to the lineup, the band discovered the perfect blend of talent, passion, and personality following the addition of vocalist/percussionist Dallas Moreland and Vocalist/Keyboardist Tom Langan. The experience and knowledge offered through classical training and live performances have since afforded Revolt Coda the opportunity to both fine-tune their craft and mature their sound with each and every passing minute. Hitting the ground in stride in early 2019, the quartet released the melodic and experimental “Life Goes On” before following their first hit single with the equally intoxicating “Shedevil”. These were followed by their first full length LP, Juxtaposed; released on July 8th, 2019.
The band is currently recording new music and their newest single “Place to Hide” was released on April 16th, 2021. They followed up with a funk single called “Makin’ moves” and just released a psychedelic jam called “Another Life” that takes you on an 8 min long journey. Don’t miss this!
BRIGADE
City livin’ Indie/Folk inspired
SUSPICIOUS FIRES
Hailing from Chicago, Suspicious Fires burns through your stereo with crashing drums, jangling guitar riffs, spine-tingling vocal harmonies, booming bass and a raucous rockery that mixes grunge with new pop sensibilities. Coming to a dive bar near you.
ANIMAL FACTORY
Animal Factory is a high energy band that loves to perform and get the crowd into the show. Their floating vocal melodies, symphonic guitar, aggressive drums rhythms, and brilliant bass grove is the template for their dynamic masterpieces. With musical roots that dig deeper than oak trees, the band believes there is something in their music for all types of listeners.
MICAWBER
Formed in 2007, and after undergoing a series of sound and line-up changes, Green Bay, Wisconsin’s 4 piece death metal act “Micawber” has
finally found a sound of their own and is definitely making an impact on today’s metal community. Micawber strives to break away from the slow, boring, half-time chugs that have infected the metal scene today, while still maintaining enough energy in their music to put on an intense live show. The band’s line up consists of
Guitarist/vocalist Leighton Thompson, Sean Thompson on guitar,Nick Gouin playing bass, and drummer Tyler Lachowichz. With two self released
CD’s behind them and a relentless tour schedule ahead of them, make sure to keep an eye out for Micawber in a city near you!
BORIS THE BLADE
Thanks to their balls-to-wall brand of technical deathcore, Melbourne’s BORIS THE BLADE have earned a reputation amongst fans worldwide for being Australia’s most violently heavy metal act.
The release of their debut EP ‘Tides of Damnation’ in 2011 on RTD Records marked the beginning of the bands rapid ascent to the top tier of the Australian brutal music scene. The EP debuted at #1 on the iTunes metal chart, culminating in national tours and support slots for international metal acts – and Australia’s own Parkway Drive – all within the bands first 6 months of existence.
The success of the EP was followed up with extensive touring, including supporting Obey The Brave (CAN), All Shall Perish (USA), Thy Art Is Murder (AUS) and Bleeding Through (USA) on their final Australian tour.
2014 sees BORIS THE BLADE sign with Siege of Amida / Century Media for the worldwide release of their debut LP ‘The Human Hive’, as the band takes their live assault global.
KILL IT AGAIN
Punk/Metal band consisting of veterans from both Chicago and New York City. Perry is a veteran of the NYC and NJ hardcore scene from the early 80s on.. He was in bands like Clenched Fist ( Members of Agnostic Front, Citizens Arrest, Mental Abuse, Lifes Blood ) Krieg Kopf and others. Rocky is a veteran of the Chicago scene playing in La Mantra De Fhiqria and Lone Wolf & Cub. The band is finished out with talented new comers John Parts and Guitar player and singer Steve.
BUSBY DEATH CHAIR
Busby Death Chair’s members have been in: Pure Bastard Extract (P.B.E.), Dreaded Apparatus, Fondle, Punch and Wipe, Full Strike Frenzy
HIGHDRO
Highdro is a young motivational leader in the hip-hop community. He has dedicated his time, energy, and creative gifts to give back to the hip-hop community ten fold. Highdro has earned his title of a true master of ceremony. He began freestyling to random beats at the age of ten. “Growing up music played a parental role in my life, it basically raised me.” His love for hip-hop and performing only grew stronger over the years. It was never a plan of Highdro’s to become a rapper but his following continued to grow and fans demanded more from him as an artist. It then became evident that enlightening and empowering people through the message in his music is what Highdro was meant to do.
Residing in Las Vegas Nevada Highdro started and still runs “Hip Hop Roots” which is Las Vegas’ longest running weekly hip-hop night. His event is the premier location for hip-hop in Las Vegas. Hip Hop Roots has been operating for almost 6 years now with 300+ consecutive weekly events on record and no breaks/weeks off. Highdro is a true grassroots entrepreneur and has expanded the show from an event to an organization. He has opened 5 more chapters of Hip Hop Roots across the nation and is currently touring/traveling in hopes to put a chapter in every state one day. The plan is to eventually unify serious independent hip-hop talent of all kinds and to help improve each cities local hip-hop scene.
Highdro’s high standards of respect and professional etiquette have been a trademark of Hip Hop Roots, with not a single episode of violence being documented in over a half decade of shows. He’s a team player and instills an essence of respect, appreciation, and happiness in everyone around him.
Highdro’s enlightening message and passion for hip-hop and the growth of the culture are exhilarating to say the least. His music and movement are a fresh breath of air for hip-hop heads worldwide. Combining a classic roots hip-hop vibe with his unique, versatile, lyrical style provides listeners with a distinctive new sound that leaves them wanting more after every song. The content is relevant to every day people so fans can still relate to it even though it doesn’t sound like everything else on radio today. Highdro is a definite trail blazer.
Highdro is one of the most explosive live hip-hop performers you will ever see. He has a natural charm and a stage presence that captures a crowd almost instantly. His high-energy performances maintain the crowd’s attention from beginning to end. Highdro has performed along with some of the biggest names in hip-hop. The most notable acts are; Bone Thugs N Harmony, Mob Deep, Hieroglyphics, Aesop Rock, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Tech N9ne, Everlast, Slaughterhouse, Cormega, Large Professor, Fashawn & Exile, Blu, Supernatural, Rittz, Jean Grae, Akil (Jurassic 5), Sage Francis, Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), Canibus, Bliss N Eso (Australia), CappaDonna, Tash & E Swift of Tha Liks, Ras Kass, and Percee P to name a few.
Highdro is also the front man for a reggae/hip-hop band called “GDB & Highdro” and together they have opened for, The Wu Tang Clan, Barrington Levy, Reel Big Fish, Mayor Hawthorne, Kotton Mouth Kings, The Skatalites, The Slackers and English Beat(UK). The band’s debut album “GDB & Highdro” hit #46 on the Reggae iTunes charts with no major support. Highdro infuses hip-hop and reggae to make a style of music unlike anything heard from an artist in the industry today. Lyrical skill, diversity, and the passion to constantly improve are what make Highdro stand out from the rest. “He’s one of Vegas’ most multifaceted MCs: political, party-friendly, laid-back and galvanized all at once. A local hip-hop lightning rod, HighDro’s not just blowin’ smoke:” -Jason Bracelin – Las Vegas Review Journal.
Highdro has taken the ride all the way from small 5-10 person bar shows to sold out events at the World famous House of Blues and Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip. With perseverance, he built everything from the ground up. He has an enormous drive for success and slowing down is not anywhere in his future plans.
Highdro is original, soulful and an inspiration to many.
CRAIG “THE RUCKUS” BEKUS
Craig’s act can be described as punk inspired riot folk that engages crowds of all styles and configurations around the world. The lyrical content stretches from drinking in your favorite bar, to relationships, political jousting, life in general, and more. His energy level is rivaled by few solo artists, and he is most known for strumming the hell out of an acoustic guitar and stomping the beat out on his custom built stomp box.
SUPERHERO
KEVIN O’CONNOR
Kevin O’Connor is an Irish folk singer-songwriter hailing from the South Side of Chicago who has played at pubs and taverns from Midway to Beverly and made multiple appearances at Gaelicfest in the South Suburbs. Kevin will be teaming up with his lifelong friend Billy Morrison, an underground Chicago blues musician whose skill on the guitar has been honed over the past twenty years. They will be performing a set packed with both Kevin’s original songs and old folk classics from the Emerald Isle. Come join us for an evening of food, drink, and song, while we celebrate our Irish heritage.
CULINARY FIGHT CLUB
Live monthly cooking competitions all around Chicago open to anyone who shares a passion for food and fun.
SMUG BROTHERS
“Smug Brothers newest album is one of their strongest efforts to date. A tight, urgent, and catchy blend of indie rock from rock Mecca Dayton, Ohio.” -Daniel Taylor, The Fire Note [thefirenote.com]
“’90s and ’00s era indie rock and power pop is deeply embedded in the DNA of Dayton, Ohio’s Smug Brothers and for good reason…the effort delivers a shining beacon that proves Dayton artistry is still a formidable force to be reckoned with on the indie rock landscape in 2015.” -Tim Anderl, Ghettblaster Magazine [ghettoblastermagazine.com]
BIG BABY
“Guitar driven, beer fueled indie rock with exposed punk roots. Members of The Arrivals, Textbook Committee, The Matics, and Fast Deaf Child.”
BUDDY HOLLY “THE BEST OF BUDDY HOLLY”
Greatest Hits by Buddy Holly is a collection released in 1996 by MCA records. The songs were taken from Holly’s three original albums, The “Chirping” Crickets, Buddy Holly and That’ll Be the Day. It includes top ten hits “Peggy Sue” and “Oh, Boy!,” along with number one hit “That’ll Be the Day.”
STONE COLD CASH
Stone Cold Cash is Chicago’s NEW Johnny Cash Tribute. Stone Cold Cash authentically reproduces the sound and feel of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three throughout their rise to Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame. Filling the shoes of the ‘Man in Black’ is Dan Simpson, whose bass-baritone voice faithfully recreates the energy and rich, southern sound of Johnny Cash from early to late Cash records. Lead by guitarist, David Welker, veteran Chicago musicians form the heart of the band and pride themselves on giving modern audiences high-energy, top-quality renditions of songs from the moment the train departs. “Hello. We’re Stone Cold Cash…
THE HOLY MOTORS
The Holy Motors are an up and coming Rock n’ Roll trio out of Chicago that bring a unique heat to cool, old school sounds. Consisting of bassist Brad Althaus, drummer Courtney Grove and Front man Brandon Reed. Tune into the power trio’s driving bass lines, insistent drums, and wicked thick guitar. The Holy Motors put on a high-energy live show, don’t let it pass on by.
JARREN BENTON
For an artist with serious mainstream aspirations, Decatur, Georgia’s Jarren Benton has spent his career going against the grain. One of Funk Volume’s premiere acts, Jarren admits, “I love the music I do now. I do it in the safe-mode.” That’s rather shocking for an artist whose last album, Freebasing With Kevin Bacon lived up to its name, at least in attitude and style, evident on single “Skitzo.” He continues, “I want to take it a lil’ further. I just haven’t had the balls to go all the way there yet, ‘cause I presently want to keep a foot in the mainstream too.”
However, courage is not something Benton’s music or live show is lacking. Studied in the anything-goes showmanship of Prince, Marilyn Manson and Method Man, Jarren shares, “The essence of giving of a good show is not givin’ a fuck,” he says, while pointing to stage-diving, beer-chugging and more depending on the night’s particular vibe. This type of authenticity, balanced with intricate, golden ear-informed lyricism has attracted attention from Erick Sermon (EPMD, Redman) to No I.D. (Common, Kanye West) in courting Jarren to potential major label deals. However for the father and family provider, only indie juggernaut Funk Volume really voiced his biggest concerns. “All I was asking for was progress. I just wanted to know that what I was doing was the right move – especially chasing a dream with a family.” Funk Volume offered what Def Jam and the others weren’t – and in recent years, Jarren has been able to support his family and his dreams simultaneously.
In addition to Funk Volume, which Jarren refers to as “family,” the rapper maintains strong ties in the Atlanta community, such as Rittz, Playboy Tre, Spitzwell and his SMKA affiliates. “It’s the best of both worlds,” says Jarren, of playing a significant role in a respected collective of talent, as well as being an artist in one of the most powerful new labels in Hip Hop. “We all still came from that era about lyricism, even if you were making Southern music.”
After two successful digital releases and a video fast-approaching one million YouTube plays, Jarren is hard at work on what will inevitably be his biggest album to date. Following the star-filled supporting cast of Freebasing With Kevin Bacon and Huffin’ Glue With Hasselhoff, the comedic emcee promises to break from the series with a purpose in mind. “This one has a different vibe. It’s a lot more personal stuff so people can learn who Jarren is,” he says, also suggesting more refined production that translates more to his ambitions of being a household name. In the same vein, that courage Jarren felt was missing is brewing on his upcoming work. The vet points to “Heart Attack” and “Smells Like Murder” with R.A. The Rugged Man as some of the most conceptual, dazzling work he’s recorded to date.
“From my ranges of influence, I think a lot fans appreciate my personalities, but they don’t really get into the music… yet,” admits Benton of his available catalog. The stakes are high and the time is right for the man who has pursued a dream for a decade. “I love this. I’m not driven by money, but I’m conscious of making music that can be universally appreciated.” It is coming to life for an artist closely connected with the tenants of Hip Hop: style, skill and absolutely not givin’ a fuck.
BRIAN FRESCO
Brian Fresco is the 22-year-old hip-hop artist and street ambassador for SaveMoney. Hailing from the Ida B. Wells projects he has a very different and unique path that he’s traveled then the rest of his Savemoney brethren. He was named one of the Chicago RedEye’s Top 15 Acts to Watch in 2015 due in large part to his critically-acclaimed SoulMoney release with MC Tree which was also featured in the Chicago Reader who said “Fresco’s earned his place on a list of talented youngsters, whether involved in Save Money or existing outside its periphery.” Since then he has debuted content on sites like Noisey, HotNewHipHop and done freestyles for DJBooth and HipHopDX, performed alongside MC Tree & Juicy J in Los Angeles as part of RedBull’s ‘30 Days In LA’ concert series, and also has headlined a slew of shows from LA to Chicago. A core member next to emerge from the ridiculously talented SaveMoney collective, Fresco follows in the footprints of longtime friends Vic Mensa and Chance The Rapper who have made waves the last couple of years. Now it’s his turn with his highly anticipated “Casanova” follow up to his first project “Mafioso”; Casanova was released the July 5 2016 featuring with the smash record Higher featuring Chance the Rapper & Blue Hawaii.. a ton of plays on Soundcloud and YouTube to back it up. Brian Fresco is definitely a name that is here to stay.
CAE JONES
Born and raised in Rochester, NY Cae Jones has experimented with his musical gift for quite some time now. Currently attending college in Chicago, he is collaboratively working with artists such as Elias Abid and SuchNSuch while branching out to create his ideal musical fusion. With much success from his April 2014 released titled “On Me” and creating a strong presence in the city of Chicago, Cae Jones knows that making and performing music is what he is best at. Recently signed to AEMMP Records as a featured artist, Cae is currently working on his debut project titled “Too Uncool” which is set to release in December of 2014.
AYOH
Think The Killers meets Coldplay meets Imagine Dragons. It’s music for the hungry at heart.
AyOH developed their own unique blend of harmony and sound, churning out original songs Avi Dell, lead vocals, has a romantically charged style that naturally accompanies polished lyrics with the raw energy of the band. Listeners can’t help but be captivated by the power of lyric and melody.
With such natural chemistry and dozens of original songs on their roster, the next step for AyOH was to head to the studio. Chicago’s own legendary musician and owner of Transient Sound Productions, Steve Gillis, was “blown away” by what he heard from AyOH. Together, they created AyOH’s debut EP, a sneak peak at the full album to come, “Take it to the People,” available on band camp and iTunes
KALO
THE HANGING GARDENS
The Hanging Gardens from Chicago, Il
BLACK PUSSY
*NOTE*
Black Pussy does not condone or endorse any sexism, racism, ageism, violence, or any other douchebaggery that has been spoiling the party since the party started. If you are offended by the band’s name please refer to the following quote…
“Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them.”
-Robertson Davies
When The Rolling Stones wrote their classic track “Brown Sugar” it was originally titled “Black Pussy,” but record-label politics got in the way: It was deemed too offensive and the powers at work refused to put it out. So the band had to change the name to something that was easier for the general public to swallow. At least that’s how the legend goes.
For Dustin Hill, the creative mastermind and songwriter behind Black Pussy, it sounded like a fantastic band name. It encapsulates exactly what the band is: a sex-charged, ’70s-influenced, hide-your-daughters-because-they’re-coming-to-town rock ‘n’ roll band that sounds like Tarantino directing a Thin Lizzy video in the low desert. Considering the name comes from a song that directly speaks out against racism, Hill isn’t willing to entertain the notion that the band intends to offend anyone.
For the past few years, the group has perpetually headed out on nationwide tours, including a full U.S. and Canada stint opening for ex-Kyuss legends Vista Chino in 2013, rightfully earning them the tagline, “ON TOUR FOREVER.” The group has also spent the last two years constantly working on heavy, psychedelic rock songs with not only Portland recording engineer Adam Pike (Red Fang, Norska, Black Elk, etc.) but also the legendary Kyuss founding drummer and multi-instrumentalist Brant Bjork.
Black Pussy’s heavy, bluesy sound and clear influences of Kyuss, Hendrix and The Who have found a niche in the ever-growing, global stoner-rock movement. The band exclusively uses vintage Sunn gear, pushing a massive 44 speakers when playing live and tends to land shows with the heaviest, sludgiest bands in the Portland, Oregon scene. However, their classic, upbeat, relentlessly hooky tracks have led to Hill coining the phrase “stoner pop,” like The Cars meets Black Sabbath. The band’s catchy music tends to seduce anyone, even those who walk in off the street after seeing the intriguing band name on the marquis of the venue.
The 2012 debut album, On Blonde, is Hill’s baby: It was written and mostly recorded by him alone, though guitarist Ryan McIntire, drummer Dean Carroll, bassist Aaron Poplin and keyboardist Chief O’Dell were later added to the band. The record, which kicks off with the rip of a bong and sounds like a drug-riddled midnight misadventure in a ’70s muscle car, even found its way across the ocean as well: The track “Blow Some Steam Off” landed a spot on the February 2013 Metal Hammer compilation. 2013 saw a split release from Black Pussy and LA-based Biblical Proof Of UFOs: a contact high-inducing, 22-minute psychedelic opus entitled “Galaxies.”
“For The Sake Of Argument” is the first taste of Black Pussy’s forthcoming album, Magic Mustache, which will be out in early 2015. The band’s evolved sound takes the feel of rock legends Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy and Hawkwind and combines it with the heaviness of stoner rock icons Kyuss and Monster Magnet, adding add a potent dose of pop sensibility reminiscent of The Cars and Queens Of The Stone Age for the quintessential stuck-in-your-head-for-weeks, sound that is Black Pussy. Filmed using an analog liquid light projector, the video utilizes a classic yet unique-looking take on the psychedelic and drug inspired imagery popularized in the 60s and 70s. Black Pussy are back doing what they do best: sending on a journey through time and space where vintage gear acts as the controls, and sound waves are the highways.
OBY
OBY is a big band collective formed in the halls of Columbia College Chicago on February of 2014. Since then, OBY has built a very strong and loyal fan base through their non-traditional style of music and extraordinary live performances. Their genre and style of music falls under what they like to call “Big Band, Hip-Hop” which consists of jazz, gospel, funk, and hip hop influences.
JONAH TOLCHIN
“… A promising new artist who artfully occupies the gulf between old-school tradition and contemporary appropriation.” – Kim Ruehl, NPR Heavy Rotation
“…demonstrates the finesse and maturity of someone like Jason Isbell, 8 out of 10” – Uncut Magazine
“Adding raw, punk brio to a folk-blues template…” – Mojo Magazine
“…He has the songwriting chops and singing prowess of an aged blues legend.” – The Bluegrass Situation
JOHNNY AUTOMATIC
Not just a couple of average Joes, but rather, a couple of average Johnnys…4 to be exact -D
BOYTIME
In 2012 BoyTime started, Pop-Punk, Hardcore-Punk, & Ska.
BATSAUCE
Batsauce (born Britt Traynham) is a musician/producer/DJ from Jacksonville, Florida. Following his well received EP & LP with Qwazaar, Batsauce debuts his instrumental intergalactic love saga entitled “Starcrossed.” Batsauce is also one-third of the Smile Rays (along with Paten Locke & Lady Daisey). He has worked with Mr. Lif , Akrobatik, The AB’s, Paten Locke, Lady Daisey, Surreal, Dillon, Chop, Boog Brown, and MassInfluence. Not to mention, the likes of Bahamadia, George Clinton, Vinnie Paz, and Dumbtron have appeared on his tracks. As well as an avid beatmaker, Batsauce is a multi-instrumentalist and DJ. He resides mostly in Berlin, when he isn’t couch-surfing elsewhere.
ASPHATE
PERT NEAR SANDSTONE
With previous appearances at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Prairie Home Companion, Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Music City Roots and the International Bluegrass Music Conference plus four well received full-length original records and a 7” single (‘Ship of Fools’ released April 2, 2013) under their belt, Pert Near Sandstone continues to build momentum. They have just released a new album of original material in April of 2014. Their new record, “The Hardest Part of Leaving” showcases the evolution of the band’s sound and pushes them further into the spotlight as international leaders of the modern American stringband movement.
THE JOYCE BOYS
Irish music from the Joyce family of Chicago
SHONN HINTON & SHOTGUN
Raymond S. Hinton is a product of Milwaukee’s under-rated diverse, fertile, underground community of artists, musicians, and songwriters. Raymond’s distinct signature sound has enhanced significantly in the past few years. His diversified sound has been compared to the smooth, melodic sound of Eric Clapton—in addition, he also has the intensified electric sound of Jimmy Hendricks and Steve Ray Vaughn—all of which are major influences in his career.
Raymond has been performing in the Milwaukee scene for over a decade now. Born into a family of musicians (father is guitarist and mother is organist/singer), Raymond began to play the guitar at the tender age of 12. He’s built up a solid foundation in this city, while developing his unique playing style with elements of classic R&B, blues, jazz, pop, rock, and hip-hop.
He is currently working on his first ever solo project as an artist. He’s produced and co-wrote this project with some of his closest friends in the industry. His CD is entitled “The Love Story.” The vision is to not only resurrect real music, but also true love music.
Shon’s gifts have truly made room for him and has given him the ability to play with some really great artists such as:
• Cash Money Recording Artist: Lil Wayne
• Geffen Recording Artist: Mary J. Blige
• Jive Recording Artist: Angie Stone
• Def Jam Recording Artist – 112
• Geffen Recording Artist: Avant
• Def Jam Recording Artist: Kelly Price
• Jive Recording Artist: Syleena Johnson
• Epic Recording Artist: Glenn Lewis
• Columbia Recording Artist: Michelle Williams (from group Destiny’s Child)
• Blackberry Recording Artist: The Williams Brothers
• Motown Recording Artist: Dave Hollister
He is currently on staff with John Legend and Jill Scott as their guitarist. In March of 2006, Raymond was appointed Music Director for Mary J. Blige. Currently, and when not touring, Raymond plays for various local artists and is currently embarking upon leading his very own contemporary jazz band.
…And the list doesn’t stop there. Raymond is a phenomenal drummer, bassist, song producer, and studio musician. He has unlimited talents and his unique sound will always keep you guessing…yet yearning for more.
USNEA
Usnea formed in late 2011. After solidifying a line-up, they fine-tuned material for a debut record. The S/T debut was recorded at Haywire Studios with Fester (who also recorded records by Stoneburner, Nux Vomica, Atriarch, Burials, Knelt Rote, Rabbits, Spectral Tombs, etc). Adam Gonsalvez mastered the mammoth hour long four song session and Orca Wolf released the LP in February of 2013. The S/T LP features the first 2 songs clocking in at just over 30 minutes, an 11×22″ poster/lyric insert and a download code for the record tracks plus two extra songs (totaling almost an hour of music). Eternal Warfare released a cassette version of the S/T album containing all four songs in late 2013. Usnea embarked on a West Coast tour in May 2013 followed by a short tour to Dead Fest in Oakland later that August with Portland buddies Stoneburner and Bastard Feast. In January of 2014, Usnea hit the studio with Fester again for a split 7” EP with Ruins co-released stateside by Halo of Flies Records and in Europe by Germany’s Twisted Chords Records in June 2014. After inking a deal with Relapse records, Usnea went back to Haywire and close friend Fester to record the 2nd full length LP, Usnea’s Relapse Records debut. In August 2014, Usnea toured the West Coast, half with Fórn from Boston, and half with Augurs from Oakland. A full US tour to support the 2nd LP will be in the works after the new record drops with tentative plans to tour Europe on the horizon.
Previous projects members of Usnea have been in: The Makai, Amarok, Banishing, Dopesmoker, Absence of Light, Lasers for Eyes, Bodhisattva, Effrays, Electric Desert, and Descent From The Cross.
SPACED OUT DISCO FEVER
Q: Are we not Freedom Rock
A: We are Spaced Out Disco Fever
GET OUT OF THE CAR
Get Out of the Car is the sound that results from a decades-long conversation between friends. Since their first discussions in the pre-high-rent-district of Wicker Park in the early 1990’s, Mindy Thomas and Karl Kuhn have been engaged in robust, high-volume arguments about what constitutes “Rock and Roll Worth Considering.” After years committed to other projects, they decided it was time to start their own damned band. Get Out of the Car formed to bring to life a new, uniquely Midwestern sound grown from the roots of traditional rock and roll.
With Karl on guitar and vocals and Mindy on bass and vocals, they began as a songwriting team. After setting down some jams that they agreed would sit nicely amongst their record bins, Seaghan Brien was brought in as the drummer. With Seaghan’s propulsions, Get Out of the Car began to venture beyond the initial Detroit Garage and Prairie School freakouts to reflect the grit and grace of not only Chicago but the wider Midwest and its graffiti rail yards, 3rd shift taverns, river valleys, as well as endless back roads.
Get Out of the Car’s first full-length LP, Mission (2014) is a collection of narratives evoking this landscape and its characters. The haunted guitar, the relentless rolling of the rhythm section, and the interwoven vocal lines create a driving backlit atmosphere to the band’s answers to the question of what lies at the darkened but still beating heart of Rock and Roll.
DEVIL’S FEN
Devil’s Fen began with two cousins. The name was chosen from the family’s common name, Osterholz, which is also a district of Germany from which the family originated. The Osterholz-Scharmbeck district of Germany is home to one of the largest fens in the world. A fen is a wetland, like a bog, only it is rarer and has more of a neutral pH as it is fed by groundwater, whereas a bog is acidic and fed by rainwater. The German word for this fen is Teufelsmoor. It translates as Devil’s Fen.
Devil’s Fen relishes in improvisation, while staying grounded in melody, harmony, and groove. To see them live is to experience something new each time, whether it be four-part vocal harmonies or heavy hitting guitar leads. Their debut EP is a blend ranging from blues, southern boogie, and rock. Devil’s Fen is a collective that allows everyone in the band a chance to shine. They are constantly reaching for the process in which the sum of the parts – the songs and the band, are greater than the parts themselves. Since all four members of Devil’s Fen are related by past experience, and in some cases blood, the notion of a group is enhanced, and the result is a musical tribe.
Devil’s Fen is 21st Century American Rock N’ Roll with a splash of funk and reggae.
Devil’s Fen has packed bar rooms, barns, breweries, pool halls, and main stages. With the recent release of Umbra, the band’s first full-length studio album, D.F. is sure to get your shadows dancing.
Trent Osterholz – Guitar/Bass/Vocals
Brian Connolly – Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Garrick Rohm – Keyboards/Vocals
Mark Fairchild – Drums/Percussion/Vocals
UFOMAMMUT
This year 2019, UFOMAMMUT is celebrating 20 years as a band!
The band was formed in February of 1999 by Poia, Urlo and Vita in a small room in the middle of nowhere in Italy.
The idea was to survive the boredom of living in a little town while also having the intention of creating music to spread all around the Globe.
After eight albums, plenty of tours, festivals and kilometers on the road, the band is ready to celebrate this important anniversary event with their marvelous and loyal fans with a special European and a North American tours this spring.
DEVIL IN A WOODPILE
Devil In A Woodpile is a Chicago based trio that plays old acoustic music. They’ve released 3 recordings on Bloodshot Records. The trio is made up of Rick Cookin’ Sherry (vocal, harp, washboard, clarinet), Joel Paterson (guitar, vocal), and Beau Sample (bass, occasional jug).
THE PISTACHIO BROTHERS
The Pistachio Brothers create upbeat, feel good music. Combining the percussive rhythm of the acoustic guitar, the driving force of the “Mississippi kick drum” and the high energy electric guitar solos, the duo is a force to be reckoned with. Typically, the duo’s setlist is made up of their multi genre originals, with a variety of covers that they add their Pistachio flavor to. Ian Engels shreds the lead electric guitar while AJ O’Reilly lays down the acoustic rhythm guitar, and stomps on the “Mississippi kick drum”. The duo both exchange in covering the lead and harmony vocals. Together they are The Pistachio Brothers.
HUSKY LOVE BAND
Husky Love is a classic rock/pop cover band made up of 5 high school special education teaching staff members and 1 banker.
MR. MA’AM
Punk/Gypsy/Sex/Blues
BUILDINGS
We’ve been a band for a number of years now. Changing, growing, just how things should be.
SPENCER MOODY
Spencer Moody is the vocalist for Seattle-based noise rock group Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death. He was the lead vocalist for the Murder City Devils until their breakup in 2001, and returned to the band when they reformed in 2006.
STRANGER
Based out of the South Bay of San Diego, neighboring the highest crossed border in the world, the members of Stranger draw inspiration from their diverse surroundings. It is multicultural and musical diversity that grants Stranger a soulful blend of reggae roots, rock and jazz infused with conscious lyrics.
THE LEGAL IMMIGRANTS
The Legal Immigrants are four battered souls banded together in Grand Rapids, MI.
STOOP GOODNOISE
Stoop Goodnoise leads the way in the new Chicago rock scene. Chicago has always been a city of collided cultures coming together to form something amazing, and there is no band that encapsulates this like Stoop Goodnoise. A facepunch of 90’s grunge fury, punk choruses, and intergalactic guitar solos. One part Chicago street kids, one part classic rock phenoms, but all one original sound that cannot be missed, ignored, and cannot be stopped.
Stoop has played at numerous clubs around Chicago such as the Bottom Lounge, Beat Kitchen, and House of Blues. They have gone as far as being one of the three finalists in the MTV VMA 2009 Best Breakout Chicago Artist Contest, where they supported All Time Low & White Tie Affair at Six Flags Great America. Their set from that day was also featured on Comcast On Demand followed by a short interview with the band.
Their self-titled debut EP, produced by Wuli Records CEO Louis Svitek (Ministry,Mindfunk,M.O.D.) & Ten23 Studios CEO Ryan McGuire (Lee Dewyze) was released on March 17th 2010 and accompanied with airplay on Q101’s Local 101 with their song, “First Names.”
Stoop Goodnoise is an endorsed artist by Steve Clayton Guitar Picks & Accessories as of January 2012, and were finalists in the Elbo Room’s “I AM Fest” Battle of the Bands.
Stoop has just finished their debut full length album titled “Crash Me, Cloud,” that will be released on January 28th 2012. It was produced by Brian Tepps & Dave Lugo of Sciphonic Productions and recorded at Million Yen Studios in Chicago.
DIRTY FEW
DENVER PARTY ROCK N ROLL!
STAR ANNA
Star Anna is a Seattle based singer/songwriter. She likes dogs.
THE ORI NAFTALY BAND
The Ori Naftaly Band (ONB) is an award winning Soul, Funk and Rock band based out of Memphis, TN. Ori Naftaly, founder of the band, along with lead singer and songwriter Eleanor Tsaig, moved to America a year ago and have been touring with the band, reaching over 30 states in a year. The band is recognized internationally and has toured the Netherlands twice. ONB recorded the single ‘Do It To YA’ in July of 2014 at Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN and is currently working on a new album release in 2015.
JASON DODSON
American songwriter and lead singer of The Maldives.
THE KICKUP MOUNTAIN BOYS
A duo of pickers bringing you some old time and folk music.