Hailing from the underground scene of Chicago, this eclectic ensemble draws inspiration from avant garde music, classic jazz fusion with post-progressive sensibilities, infusing their music with cosmic vibrations and experimental fervor. Drummer Michael Rataj lays an energetic and ever-shifting rhythmic framework for tenor saxophonist/bassist Keith Wakefield and guitarist Erik Oldman to weave angular, contrapuntal melodies with ethereal textures augmented by loops and synthesizer explorations. Sons of Ra are not merely a band; they are sonic sorcerers, weaving spells of experimental brilliance that transcend the boundaries of traditional genres. 

They’ve shared the stage with such artists as Stu Hamm, Sonar, Chester Thompson & Alphonso Johnson, and Consider the Source. 

Sons of Ra released their EP “Cognitive” in 2020 and are currently in production for a six-part suite “Tropic of Cancer” and their first full-length release “Standard Deviation”, both planned for release in 2024. 

Personnel
Erik Oldman: Guitar/Bass/Synth
Keith Wakefield: Bass Guitar/Tenor Saxophone/Synth
Michael Rataj: Drums 

Pavlov(3) began as Touch Guitarist and Chapman Stick player Matt Tate’s mechanism of musical expression. Aggressive Progressive. Since 2014, Pavlov(3) has existed as a duo, trio, quintet, and sextet, and now, at least for the time being, morphed back into a duo.

“Curvature-Induced Symmetry… Breaking” is the debut album. Long overdue, and after a good old-fashioned re-degeneration and protracted coma, an expansive and semi-bigly batch of aggressive and excessive new sonorous ebullience is being frantically created and furtively cultivated into an impending hemorrhage and glorious whatnot of audiation.

Pavlov(3) has shared stages and bills with the likes of John Zorn’s Bladerunner (w/ Laswell + Lombardo) and Simulacrum (w/ Medeski, Grohowski, Hollenberg), John 5, Secret Chiefs 3, Cleric, Sonar, Kayo Dot, Renaissance, Progtoberfest 1+2…

Matt Tate: U8 Touch Guitar
Nick: Drums

Acid soaked sludge hailing from Humboldt Park, Chicago

We Killed the Lion is a hard rock band from Chicago, IL. The band has independently worked the underground music scene since 2011. The style of music falls into the categories of Stoner Rock, Grunge, and Heavy Psychedelic Blues. The band can also Doom with the best of them. Look for a brand new album to be released in 2022.