Podcast, NEW YORK CITY's INDIE ROCK MAGAZINE, NEW YORK CITY ROCK MAGAZINE, NEW YORK CITY ROCK SCENE, ROCK FROM nyc, ROCK FROM NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK CITY ROCK, ROCK IN NEW YORK CITY, NYC INDIE ROCK BANDS FROM NEW YORK, BEST BANDS FROM NYC
The Moses Gun unleashed their self-titled debut full-length for DKT Records in grand style last month at Subterranean. The enigmatic local rockers' eagerly-awaited followup to 2010's Strobe Session EP is earning abundant and enthusiastic praise and great reviews locally and nationally. Their CD Baby description describes the LP as "11 time-tested odes to romantic disillusionment, 70âs tv existentialism and various addictions". Here's track 8 from the collection, a decidedly bombastic track titled "The Ballad of Reuben Kincaid".
Ajo once cut off the power to Aretha Franklin's set, all because Aretha didn't pay Ajo on time. Lilâ Kim ran away from Ajo after the two had a spat in a Los Angeles dance studio, all because Kim had taken the dancer Ajo chose for her new video. Janet Jackson has refused to speak to Ms. Ajo.But even though the people behind the scenes may fear her, Ajo continues to sell millions of albums, a worldwide tour and huge amounts of merchandise, but how?How are people like Clive Davis, LA Reid, and Patti LaBelle coping with the music industry's biggest enemy?*excerpt, Interview by Jorge Cruz (1999)
Two great Chicago musicians, Genevieve Schatz of Company of Thieves and the underrated, Gainsbourg-esque singer/songwriter David Safran, just released a fantastic duet. This is erotic lounge pop at its best â easy listening background music, a triumphant gospel-style chorus and a perfectly schmaltzy orchestra performed by Chicago-based violin virtuoso, Susan Voelz. (Poi Dog Pondering, Broken Social Scene, John Mellencamp, Alejandro Escovedo.) "Woman Astride, Facing Away" is the kind of song that, in a few months, will probably be everywhere.
Later this spring, Wells-next-the-Sea's new EP "Passenger Side" will be released on Squirrel Trap Records. Right now, you can download the first track, "With Our Eyes Closed", for free at wellsnextthesea.bandcamp.com. It's the sound of cheerful Americana for the perennially bummed. Hear that song and more when Wells performs an intimate show at Uncommon Ground (3800 North Clark Street) on Thursday, January 26. Show time is 8:00 pm. Lee Ketch of Mooner opens. Seating is limited, but dinner reservations in the music room guarantee seating for the performance. Phone 773-929-3680 to reserve your seats.
Here in fact is Michael Lux & The Bad Sons performing "Alone Is No Way To Go," a new song off their forthcoming Debut Album, on Chic-a-Go-Go. This video contains godzilla sneakers, hotdog men, chopstick melodica spin move razor roundhouse kicks, sailor friends, violent acts with cardboard, and other fantastic events. Make sure to check out MLABS at their upcoming EMPTY BOTTLE show FEBRUARY 9th, free if you rsvp 24 hours in advance! USA!
MH has been writing and recording guitar-based music that ranges from dark folk to experimental/abstract tunes for the past few years in Chicago and NYC.This record, 'Year Of The Indian', is a follow-up to a recording MH put out last year, 'Black Animal'. 'Year Of The Indian' falls somewhere between folk music and experimental/psychedelic passages, and weaves in and out of the two extremes for the duration of the record. Probably a good listen for anyone into Dave Pajo, Bon Iver, or Cat Power as well as Fennesz, early Animal Collective, and the Not Not Fun/Olde English Spelling Bee labels. Contact MH: purehighonthesea@gmail.com
Silhouette Radio started out as a small solo acoustic project in 2007 by Chris LeSage. Since that time, he has been involved with many other music projects and had just recently gotten back on the horse with sRadio. Now implementing a bit of a new sound, a whole lot of soul, and the occasional full band for live shows, Silhouette Radio will soon be demanding the attention of the Chicago area and beyond. His debut self-produced album, "Fork Roads & Melodies", was just released this New Year and has gotten a bit of attention from promoting on Facebook and Tumblr. The album is available as a free digital download on Bandcamp (silradio.bandcamp.com) and Soundcloud.(soundcloud.com/silhouette-radio)Like Silhouette Radio on Facebook and receive updates about shows, new music, and random shenanigans.Stay tuned and stay classy.
shalloboi will be headlining a show at the empty bottle on december 27th, 2011 with the flying cars (from new york) and local duo nervous cloud (which includes travis from schizophrenic pop band essex chanel). after playing with a trio of live strings players for over two years, shalloboi has pared back down to the core duo of singer/guitarist/songwriter tyler ritter and singer/percussionist stefanie goodwin with some very pleasing (and loud) results. the band will play a few new tracks, a few from their last three releases as well as some old surprises that haven't been played in years. the show is free w/ rsvp through the empty bottle's website and costs $8 at the door.
Gag Order is new wave- inspired alternative pop. Melodic vocals with dark lyrics play against driving guitar and cool synthesizer vibes and complex drum lines. Moody yet danceable, their live show is not to be missed, . Join us Thursday, December 8, with Holiday House, The Ultrasounds, and Sexy Fights at The Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont. Show starts at 8pm. Gag Order takes the stage at 8:45pm. Tix are available through the Beat Kitchen website or at the door. Mention coming for Gag Order at the door and receive a free download of their debut EP.
Thanks for listening. Torch Singer will be playing live at Subterranean on Wednesday, December 7 with The Estranged, Lowell Pries, and Rock Falls.About Torch Singer: Sometimes just hanging out with your friends is better than quarreling with them to make things right. Having done the rounds playing in various projects over the years, the members of Torch Singer decided that they had enough of the pressures of chasing the "ideal" and simply wanted to have fun again. Equal parts brown and white skin, the six members create pop melodies for long Midwestern summer drives and cold Chicago nights. The boys and girls of Torch Singer have one aim: to find their way into your ears and hearts.
Vintage Blue wants to thank The Deli and our fans for making us Chicago's Band of the Month. We will be playing our first show at Metro Chicago on December 8th at 9:00pm and would love to see you all there. Additionally, we will be opening for three nights with Sister Hazel!!! Dec 15 at Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana, and two shows at the House of Blues Chicago on Dec 16 and 17. This opportunity is thanks to all of your support. See you there!!!
Special Holiday Benefit ConcertAs the weather turns colder and the holiday season approaches its nice to turn your attention to those who are less fortunate. Shelter, a hot meal, or a warm jacket can make all the difference in someone's life. Jeff, Joe and myself are happy to be helping some with the WARM, SAFE AND SOUND Benefit Concert at LINCOLN HALL on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1. The show, in conjunction with the Cornerstone Community Outreach program, can help people in a time of need. The CCO is a non-profit organization, that was created in 1989 to raise the quality of life for low-income residents of the United States and the rest of the world through social, educational and economic development programs that include: development & preservation of decent & affordable housing for the poor, job training & creation, educational & social programs, and feeding & sheltering the homeless. So please join us for an amazing night of rock n roll music for a great cause. And if you can't make the show you can always donate online (click here).Here's the skinny on the gig:Warm, Safe & Sound Featuring...The Steepwater BandBlane FondaThe Bright WhiteThe KickbackHawley ShoffnerThursday, December 01 2011 7:00 PM$10.00 ($5 w/ donation of any size coat or sweater)18 and overLincoln Hall2424 N Lincoln AveChicago, IL 60614http://lincolnhallchicago.com TEL: 773-525-2501MUSIC: 773-525-2508
The Congregation is currently working on the production of their first full-length album. They don't have a label, a manager, an agent or fancy producers...just a lot of raw talent and a passion for making the best music on earth--soul.The Congregation spent 2011 writing songs and playing shows in Chicago along with trips to Austin, Philly and Madison. They socked away all of their earnings to put toward the costs of recording this album but then disaster struck....While on tour in August, they got into what seemed like a minor accident in their rental van and got slapped with bill for $3,868.58 in damages. Oh, Lord Baby Jesus, NO!Shocked, discouraged and broke--the men and lady of The Congregation asked themselves the question that had guided them so many times before--What would Diddy do? The undeniable answer was, of course, "we won't stop, cause we can't stop!" With hope restored by the wisdom of Sean Combs, The Congregation knew that the answer to their problems was a collabo. So they launched a Kickstarter page so their supporters could join their effort to make an album.The Congregation needs your love!Pledge your support at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/congregationchi/the-congregation-needs-your-love
Since the release of Hunter/Gather, yourfeetstoobig's first EP, the name has been hitting ears and computer screens worldwide. On Monday, YFTB released, Bowhead, a new track from their first full length album. We must say, it's a stellar tune. You can download it for FREE at their bandcamp.You can catch YFTB playing their first Chicago show in months at Lincoln Hall, November 14th with Keep Shelly in Athens and Body Language. A show to be reckoned with. See you there.
Their Ocean is a soulful indie rock dream pop band from Chicago consisting of Keith Kreuser: lead vocals, drums, guitars, Jason Hunt: guitars, keyboards and Jacob Croegaert: bass, vocals, guitars and keys. Having studied everything from classical, jazz and played everything from rock to hip hop their sound is hard to pigeonhole. Having recieved some critical acclaim for their first EP Still Waters they are gathering more momentum with a second EP, Sunstroke before they release their debut album Skies Light UP in early 2012. Check out the Still Waters EP at Theirocean.com.
Ladies and Gentlemen, grab your hoop skirts and stovepipe hats because Civil War style is back en vogue! Matthew Morgan and the Lost Brigade is once again bringing their brand of "folkerrific" ear candy to Uncommon Ground (Devon). This time they are very excited to share the stage with The Ridges on tour from Athens, OH. Don't miss your once in a lifetime (not really) chance to witness this sonic cornucopia of curious and unusual instruments, women who rock, and men with beards!Where: Uncommon Ground (Devon)1401 W. Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60613When: Saturday, October 22nd10:00pm - The Ridges11:00pm - MMLB$7 at the doorPLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited, reservations for the music room guarantee seating for this event. Call (773) 465-9801 to claim your spot.
Hey everyone, Justice Prevails! is a soulfully funky band out of Oak Park, IL. We've been playing 4 years, and it gets better and better! Our debut album, "All the Best" is available for download here:http://www.cdbaby.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?AlbumID=JusticePrevailsWe're Rhythmn and Blues, Soul, Funk, and Rock- all wrapped up in tight. We'd love to play with other bands and see where it goes.Take a listen, and let us know what you think!
WE ARE A STRIKINGLY ORIGINAL GARAGE PUNK ROCK AND ROLL BAND. LIVE, WE HAVE AN UNUSUAL EDGE ASIDE FROM A GUITAR BASS DRUMS VOCAL LINEUP WE ALSO FEATURE VIBES ON SOME SONGS. WE ARE LOVELY ON STAGE AND A VISUAL JOLT. OUR RECORDED SONGS VARIOUSLY FEATURE SAX TRUMPET VIOLIN MARIMBA AND LEAD PIPES SMASHED INTO A CEMENT BASEMENT FLOOR.LYRICS ARE STRIKINGLY WITTY AND REMIND SOME OF A PUNK COLE PORTER OR A DRUNK CHARLES BUKOWSKI.
It was another trademark hot and humid windy city summer, and Chicago indie rock stalwarts Northpilot spent much of it hunkered down in its air-conditioned studio working on new material for its upcoming long player.The initial results from these sessions are the songs "1000 Lives," the first single from the upcoming full length, along with b-side "Maps and Dragons."To celebrate the release, Northpilot is headlining Subterranean on Friday, October 7, sharing the stage with well-known locals The Loneliest Monk, which will perform its final show of 2011.Northpilot would love to put you on the guest list for this truly special evening of indie rock.In the meantime, please visit Northpilot's web site where you can download both of the new songs for free! And please feel free to spread the word!On Bright Brigade!
shalloboi are playing a show at pancho's with morrow (from bloomington, in). $5 in advance $7 day of the show, it starts at 8pm and is 18 and over. after playing their final show with their strings trio in july, shalloboi are returning to their days playing as an extremely loud two-piece. morrow are a loud, tortured indie rock band from bloomington, indiana and are definitely worth your time and $5. for more info on morrow please visit- http://morrow.bandcamp.com/
Most bands that succeed beyond the local level eventually do so with the aid of a manager. What does this person do, aside from collect a healthy cut of the money? We interviewed 2 NYC managers and 1 publicist with different experiences in the local scene to help us understand. by Paolo De Gregorio - read the article.
Protect Your Band's Name!
the name is what you are selling
The reputation and recognition of an artist's music is built around the artist's professional name, which is what consumers use to identify the artists they enjoy. Therefore, an individual artist or group pursuing a career in the music industry should take the necessary steps to protect his, her or its professional name. by Christopher R. Chase, Esq. - read the article.
College Radios Promotion
what can they do for your band?
In this day and age, we should be thankful that college radio still exists. While commercial frequencies pump the same boring playlists into every city, college radio provides unique, local voices to the airwaves and internet. - read the article by Liz Schroeter here.
Career Survival Guide
it's not just about the music
A music carreer IS all about surviving - at least in the early stages. This survival guide will help you think of different ways to keep your focus on building your brand and creating a path for success. If you think of yourself as your own small business, then the following information can become your personal marketing plan. - read on. - courtesy of BMI.
1. Recording: Home vs Studio
the question is: can YOU do it?
Indie producer/musician Bruce Kaphan(R.E.M., David Byrne, Red House Painters, American Music Club) analyzes pros and cons of recording the DIY way - read the article.
2. Choosing a Recording Studio
pick carefully + things to consider
What do you need to look for in a recording studio? In this article you'll find all the advice you need about equipment, engineers, rooms, rates, and ways of approaching the recording experience. by Paolo De Gregorio - read the article.
3. Planning Recordings
be prepared, have a budget
Steven Alvarado, a NYC studio manager provides precious advice on how to approach the recording of your CD. "When you enter the studio, have a plan. Map out what you want to accomplish each day so that you have a realistic idea of how much time you will need to complete your project. It's best to be as prepared as possible."by pdg - read the article.
4. Do You Need a Producer?
and: don't waste studio time!
Making a recording is a tangle of pragmatism, technology, alchemy and faith. As is the case with any creative venture, you cannot know what you'll get for your efforts until you go through the process; it's always a gamble. Having a plan and a budget can be really useful.by B. Kaphan - read the article.
5. Drums in the Studio
performance and recording tips
Drummers shouldn't miss this article! 4 Top NYC producers answer our questions on how to perform, hit, and tune the drums in recording situation. And... is your drummer tight and can he/she play to the click? by Paolo De Gregorio - read the article.
6. Ten Tips For Recording Guitars
from the pick to the amp
Recording guitars, although easy at first can be a challenge when you really want to achieve a great sound. Here are some helpful tips to improve your guitar recording chops. - by Shane O'Connor - read the article.
7. Recording Vocals
not as easy as you might think
Recording vocals might not seem alike the most challenging task when producing a CD, but this delicate and crucial process often ends up being quite draining and taking longer than expected - by Paolo De Gregorio - read the article.
8. Do You Need Mastering?
what it is and why it is!
Mastering is a process that not many emerging musicians are fully familiar with. One of the most succesfull NYC mastering engineer tells us all about this "secret" art.- by Paolo De Gregorio - read the article.
