PEARL JAM “VS.”
Vs. is the second studio album by the American rock band Pearl Jam
HEDGEHOG AND THE FOX
Chicago Chamber Rock Trio
REMINGTON
Part Producer, Writer and Singer; Part fashion designer, REMINGTON’s music can be identified as a mix between Experimental Electronica, R&B, and Trap.
Currently, REMINGTON is working on his own LP to be released in the Fall of 2013
ROMANCE
Hailing from the midwest, Romance is Chicago’s voice of the underground. With a variety of hard-hitting and soulful tracks from across the world in his arsenal, not to mention his own home-brewed bangers; DJ and producer Ethan Jared promises to set any dance floor he touches on fire. Not one to mince words, Romance is a no-nonsense nod to the golden 90’s era of dance music, spinning primarily UK Garage, Chicago Juke, as well as Oldschool Jungle and D&B. With a perfect blend of classic and contemporary tracks, Romance is a surefire way to bring peace, love and unity back to the scene.
STEALING VOLUME
In late 2012, Stealing Volume set to preserve a lawless swagger while shaking the sweat glistening hips of American rock and roll. Since the release of their first album, “Animal Fly”, the band has been making their way through the Midwest’s best and grimiest watering holes; making a name for themselves in local press and underground zines. This unruly quartet was named a top 3 “Punk Band” in Nuvo’s “Best Of Indy” 2013 edition, as well being titled “Best Local Band” at a recent Punk Rock Night Music Awards in Indianapolis, IN.
SIDEKICK FANTASY
Sidekick Fantasy was started by Roy and Steve in September of 2009. They were in a band called Whisper Out Loud. Due to differences in the band Whisper Out Loud was forced to end. So in the Summer of 2009 Steve and Roy had taken a break from music Then in August of 2009 Steve had gotten a call from a friend named Danny saying that he is playing a block party but all of his bands had bailed. He asked if Roy and Steve could play. They agreed and played a set full of blink 182 songs. After the show Steve and Roy ask Danny if he wanted to start a real band. A month later Sidekick Fantasy was born. After a few shows Steve discovered he needed another guitarist to help with the live sound. So he called in long time friend Mike do play back up guitar. So Sidekick Fantasy became Steve, Roy, Mike, and Danny.
LOST IN SOCIETY
Combining raspy punk-rock vocals, fresh, fun lyricism, and a stage presence that will give any veteran concert-goer the chills, Lost In Society are undoubtedly the real deal. Based in the ever-expanding music hub of Asbury Park, NJ, this alt/punk trio likes it loud and simple. Combining elements of polished punk and alternative pop rock, they resonate a sound that is catchy, fun and fast.
In February 2011 they hit the studio with Pete Steinkopf of the legendary Bouncing Souls to record a 5 song EP that was released as a split album with American Pinup. 2012 has held extensive touring for these modern punks, as they performed a week’s worth of industry showcases at SXSW, two weeks on the Vans Warped Tour, and an official showcase spot at CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. Their most recent album “Let It Sail” was released in June 2012 and has received rave reviews from outlets all over the nation, including Alternative Press, Absolute Punk and AMP Magazine.
With a serious D.I.Y. dedication to promoting and touring, LIS are known for bringing fans out the same way old punks did: by word of mouth.
AMERICAN PIN UP
American Pinup emerged from the suburban sprawl and unsung underground music scene of Westchester County, New York and brought along an original brand of fierce, exuberant performance that is just as wild as it is charming. The indie/punk four-piece was pegged by AMP magazine as the “voice of the new decade” and combines elements of rockabilly, surf rock, punk, pop, folk, and ska to create a unique and fresh alternative sound. Blending the DIY ethos of the punk scene with a reverence for the melody and simplicity intrinsic to pop music, American Pinup has carved out their own niche in the world of independent music.
Frontwoman Lauren West combines soulful, melodic crooning with raspy, punk rock vocals, adding dimension to their hooky compositions and high-energy live performances. In 2010, the band took to their drummer’s basement recording studio where they self-produced their debut album, Strange Creatures. It quickly caught the attention of Altercation Records, who signed the band and released the record in February 2011.
American Pinup has appeared at festivals such as SXSW, Red Gorilla, Valley of the Vapors, and Upstart Fest since coming on to the scene. In February 2012 they put out a split with New Jersey’s Lost In Society on Altercation Records and spent the following March on a co-headlining national tour in support of the release. In August 2012, the band followed up with the independent release “The End of the World EP.” They are currently working on completing their sophomore full-length album and are slated to play at The Fest 11 in October 2012.
RAVEN
RAVEN are that rare thing in music, true originals – cut these guys with a razor and they will BLEED true heavy metal – a more intense live band does not exist on this planet!
Hailing from Newcastle Upon Tyne in North East England back in 1974 (yes – 46 YEARS ago!!!) the brothers Gallagher cut their teeth playing the pubs & clubs until solidifying their line up in 1980 with drummer Rob Hunter.
The trio went on to release three of the most influential metal albums of the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) inspiring every band of that era and beyond. Basically, without Raven you just would not have thrash/speed metal…. after all, the band did give Metallica & Anthrax their first tours!
Following a tumultuous move to the USA, deals with Atlantic Records, indentured servitude and commercialism, Rob left the band in 1987 to be replaced by drummer extraordinaire Joe Hasselvander, who had made his name in cult doom band Pentagram, Savoy Brown and his own solo projects, adding a new dimension to the band.
In 2001, guitarist Mark Gallagher was involved in a near fatal accident – but fought his way back from the brink and the band proved they were stronger than ever! This renewed spirit and attitude was reflected in the title of their 2010 album “WALK THROUGH FIRE” and in the career overview DVD “ROCK UNTIL YOU DROP”.
2014 found the band opening for Metallica (the band that Raven took on their first tour back in 1983) in Sao Paulo in front of 70,000 fans, and completing their finest album to date – ExtermiNation” which was released to universal acclaim from fans & critics alike in 2015!
After a serious heart attack in May 2017 Joe Hasselvander has had to unfortunately relinquish the drum stool….taking over drum duties is the phenomenal Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy) who has immediately injected high energy into the band!
Following an insane blur of world touring over the last 3 years including a 40th anniversary All for One tour; the lads are set to release the next RAVEN opus, “All Hell’s Break Loose” on June 30th, 2023…a scorcher of immense proportions!
In a cynical musical landscape these days, where bands are not “gangs “but faceless corporations, RAVEN are a band that are REAL not FAKE – and proud of it!
JOHN GALLAGHER: Lead Vocals, Bass, 12 String Bass
MIKE HELLER: Drums
MARK GALLAGHER: Guitar, Vocals
ALOHA RADIO
Aloha Radio could be called a SoCal surf band. But, that barely describes what they actually do. Although their style is reminiscent of ’60′s surf rock and surf pop, their sound goes beyond that. Somehow, this Orange County crew dusts off an old genre and makes it modern.” Aloha Radio is not without their fair share of accomplishments. From being named one of Music Connection Magazine’s Top 100 Live Unsigned Bands, to performing at multiple festivals with legendary artists, to receiving a nomination for Best Surf at the 2013 OC Music Awards, this is just the beginning of Aloha Radio’s unstoppable momentum.
Known for their live performances, in one year the band played over 130 gigs including a West Coast US/Canada Tour. The energy that emanates from these four friends is like a wave colliding with the shore.
HARBINGER
“Michigan Metal never sounded truer. These boys have been at it since ‘05, through thick and thin and other such clichés. But really; the completion of this album proved to be nearly impossible, with numerous failed attempts: a broken hard drive, a torn band, fevered egos venting their frustration and a little helping of Powertime ingredient number 1, 2 and X. Ah yes, Powertime. The vanguard of the alienated, Powertime developed from its conceptual roots into a fraternization culminating upon the viewing of kitschy schlop films and jamming molten old Metal. Many a night were filled with adventure and sometimes static sedation under heavy drug use (or sonic mayhem under similar circumstances). The point of such hedonistic reveling of course reflects the nature of an exclusive society, just as any other. However, this was our society, and still is. Unimportant as it may seem to onlookers, such fraternization was both Harbinger’s doing and undoing. A passion for the primitive sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal thundered throughout numerous Powertime gatherings, echoing unabashedly through each track that you, the listener, are about to enjoy. United by hatred of clinical power metal and the current state of Metal in general, this new Michigan standard prides itself in powerful speed and melody, punctuated by punk rock unprofessionalism. Even though internal fights, brotherly bickering and failed recording sessions threatened to leave the band unrealized, the passion for the music itself brought these five gentlemen back together, out to make Metal truly powerful again. Harbinger at this point represents four years of broken dreams, crumbling Michigan infrastructure and youthful escapism in the most volatile sense: They’re back because you need them. The riffs hurt, the vocals soar, and the battery never lets up. If you know the true sound of Metal, you will understand this release. If not, DOOM ON YOU!”
– JP Power and Associates
MANILLA ROAD
Manilla Road is an American heavy metal band from Wichita, Kansas, USA, forming around its master of lead guitar Mark ‘The Shark’ Shelton (vocals and guitar). They are considered the creators and masters of the the so-called “epic metal” subgenre.
VO ERA
Recording Artist Vo Era is a very soulful passionate vocalist, musician, and composer……
He was born and raised on Chicago’s South side. He hit the music scene with a song in his heart and a guitar in his hand. With the love and support of his eclectic audience, Vo has performed at venues such as Reggie’s Music Joint, The Wild Hare, Winestyles (SOLO), The Underground Wonder Bar, and many clubs in the Chicago land area. Vo Era’s unique sound fuses poignantly simple lyrics with funky soulful guitar rhythms. He knows how to musically take a common phrase and paint the most colorful and extraordinary picture of life’s most common occurrences. You can identify his acute skill and life experience within his music. He’s currently a New York native and rapidly expanding in the BIG APPLE. So far he’s graced the stage at Sugar Bar, Billie’s Black, and Village Underground. He has a new hot single entitled “Honey” that’s now available in all digital stores. His debut album entitled “Honey” as well will drop August 13,2013. This is only the beginning of Vo’s Era!!
THE R-MONTY’S
LAIDBACK
KEITHEN BANKS & IBELIEVE
From street performing to being featured in Time Out Chicago, Sun-Times, Chicago Red Eye and more! Blues, Rock and SOUL!
PAPER ANGELS
We are Paper Angels! An exciting new band from Chicago! Keep an eye out for us!
LEMON SKY
We are a Cincinnati rock band. We sweat a lot on stage and play loud music. Some people describe us as Acid Stoner Rock, some say Heavy Psychedelic, but as long as their talking, that’s the important part.
DOCTOR PYRAMID
Doctor Pyramid is a five piece rock band from Chicago. Born from old friends and chance encounters.Their songs of death, love and magic soar with wailing guitars, pounding rythyms and howling vocals.They exist at the meeting point between the logical and the mystical, the real and un-real. Playing and singing their hearts out at the crossroads of the old and the new.
Dominique “Velvet Princess” D’Amico: tamborine shaking and vocals (blues-loving hippie, ex member of Railroad Empire)
Adam “The Warlock” Wolak: drums (ape wrangler, Midnight Monster, wolf caller, current member of the band ONO )
Todd Fackler: bass, (shrub rocketeer, lotion enthusiast, local gun for hire who has played in at least 100 bands)
Scott Pfledderer guitar (jazz-master, prestidigitator, ex member of Tridge) Benjamin “Sir Baby Ben” Gates: Guitar (ex-member of Intelligent Dennis, curent member of Riders of the Apocolypse)
TIMMY WILLIAMS
Timmy Williams is a comedian and actor best known for his work with sketch comedy group The Whitest Kids U’ Know, who are best known for their self-titled TV Show on IFC, which is best known for showing Harvey Keitel movies and dirty sketch comedy shows. Timmy has performed stand-up all over the country and has also been seen on Adult Swim and Tru TV’s “World’s Dumbest.” Timmy is also the only person you know that lives in South Dakota.
ALAYA
ALAYA stand apart from many Progressive Metal artists today, fusing punishing technical rhythm with a genre defying melodic style.
For it’s three founding members the decision was clear when committing to raw and innovative songwriting, ignoring the distraction of traditional debut release ethics.
Two years of composing and self-recording culminated with thirteen songs carving their respective places into the full length track list of the band’s first album, ‘THRONES’.
The only demo made available was re-posted by acclaimed metal websites, receiving overwhelming positive feedback and attention from thousands of people overnight.
This secured some major endorsements and caught the all-seeing eye of progressive metal gurus BASICK RECORDS, who signed ALAYA in 2012.
With new objectives and the development of a key team, ALAYA will offer ‘THRONES’ to the masses the way they intended. No filler and no compromise, just the brutal melodic story of two years of hope and struggle, and a new sound in Metal.
WORLDSERIVCE PROJECT
Award winning* punk-jazz-funk specialists WorldService Project (WSP) have erupted across the UK and Europe through 2011/12 with their innovative Match&Fuse programme, being a 12 Points+ ensemble, features on national radio stations in the UK, Portugal, Germany and Denmark and their intense live sound taking numerous European cities and festivals by storm including the London Jazz Festival, Ljubljana Jazz Festival, 12 Points Festival (Porto), Brecon, Marsden, Swanage, Halesworth and Margate Jazz Festivals, Europe Day (Dublin), WDR Funkhaus (Cologne), and Match&Fuse double-headers taking in Italy, Norway, Germany, France and Ireland.
The London based unit are described by Time Out London as “…dazzling…big things lie ahead for them” and were also dubbed as “brilliant post-prog funk” (Jazzwise) a “tight, deftly structured and grittily grooving music…” (The Guardian) and “serious skronk-jazz” (The Telegraph).
Led by pianist/composer Dave Morecroft, WSP’s music speaks through dark, playful building passages, winding through dissonance, complex rhythmic manipulation and downright silliness. Other times it draws on the language of 20th Century Classical composers layered over boisterous grooves more commonly found in albums by heavy rock artists.
In essence, imagine a (loud!) four-way cage match between Frank Zappa, Loose Tubes, Stravinsky and Meshuggah.The result is high-octane experimental but accessible music with a smile on its face.
*Peter Whittingham Jazz award 2010
NOHAYBANDATRIO
With an exuberant blend of musical influences, Nohaybandatrio’s sound ranges from post-rock to funk and math-rock to progressive-jazz whilst never losing an integral focus on harmony and melody. The simultaneous playing of drums/percussion, bass/guitar, sax/electronics (Berkley University graduated), and the creative way these elements interact with each other make it a not-to-be-missed live experience
DEATH IN JUNE
Death in June are a neofolk group led by UK musician Douglas Pearce. Although originally a post-punk band, they are credited with the initial development of neofolk music.
THE MALLETT BROTHERS BAND
Barn burning, country rock n roll: The Mallett Brothers Band is a “6-peice living inferno” (Dispatch Magazine). Their unique style of Americana, rock, country-bluegrass and folk translates into a beautiful mess of wood and metal while their lyrics pull you in to tell you stories of dirty trucks and longing heartbreak to blue skies and open roads. Not your typical Americana band, not your typical anything band, they’re able to meld the sounds of their heroes like Waylon Jennings, Neil Young, and Steve Earle with the energy of a punk show and Floyd-like complexity.
“I love these guys and I don’t even like country,” has been heard on more than one occasion and speaks to their ability to draw from a diverse pool of influences. Every song is written on acoustic guitars but they all offer a side-road. They’re a guideline to weave circumstance with cacophony as each song, each show, develops and evolves. They’re no jam band, there is clear direction in what they propose, but they’re not afraid of the unknown and will dive in when the time is right.
“Should you be among those relatively adrift, I suggest The Mallett Brothers Band as a surrogate. These guys know how to do family and community.
So writes Sam Pfeifle in the Portland Phoenix, the hometown newspaper that’s been good to the band that formed just over three years ago in an exurban warehouse space in the seacoast city of Portland, Maine. After their first self-titled release in 2010, the Mallett Brothers Band were honored with three awards in the 2011 Best Music Poll released by the Phoenix (Best Local Act, Best Live Act, Best Local Album). The following year, after the fall release of 2011’s “Low Down,” the band was honored with not three but five awards in the 2012 BMP (Best Live Act, Best Local Act, Best Local Album, Best Roots Act and Best Song). With numerous other accolades including Best Maine Band in the 2013 New England Music Awards and a 1st prize finish at the 2011 “Rockin Country Showdown” hosted by 99.9 the Wolf, the Mallett Brothers Band quickly cemented their place as one of the regions most promising up-and-coming musical acts.
Acoustic and electric guitars, dobro, mandolin and a solid rhythm section, The Mallett Brothers Band has become one of the best acts to come out of New England. Come to a show and they’ll prove it to you.
BRICK ASSASSIN
Brick Assassin is Hardcore Oi band from Chicago. Determined to overcome the ideas and cliches of Oi music. Powered by a pure aggro sound that is motivated to move the soul and empower your inner rage.
THE HUMBLE ORGANISMS
“The Humble Organisms blend old R&B, jazz, and funk with traditional jazz forms to create a powerful and energetic modern Organ Quartet. The group is mostly influenced by The Meters, The Deep Blue Organ Trio, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder and Sly The Family Stone. Their signature arrangements of Boston, Pearl Jam, Michael Jackson,Stevie Wonder, Adele, Steve Miller Band, Roberta Flack, Bill Withers, and Earth Wind and Fire tunes will have you grooving!”
NOSMO
Nosmo is best known in Chicago for his EDM program “Electric Playground” on Q87.7 FM, which features his mixes alongside weekly sets by Green Velvet, Andre Solaris, and a host of other Chicago legends. He has performed alongside global talent including The Foo Fighters, Mix Master Mike, Front 242, Armand Van Helden, and countless others. He’s been a guest on John Digweed’s seminal Kiss FM program on BBC Radio 1 and his original productions have been featured on major DJ compilations by Tiesto, Nick Warren, Underworld’s Darren Emerson, and Armin Van Buuren’s top lieutenant Blake Jarrell.
MILLIPEDE
Millipede has been in operation for a number of years and, in that time, has been subtly stretching the boundaries of the soundscapes its music has come to include. While so many electronic artists spend the lion’s share of their time amping up the listener’s heartbeat using effects and tricks akin to modern horror film jump tactics, Millipede’s sound is considerably more graceful by comparison. It’s patient in its fluidity and timing, able to take the listener on a journey where actual beginnings, climaxes, and endings are able to be traced. All the while, Millipede keeps things exciting by weaving ear candy that sounds at once harsh, but fascinating
ASPHYXIATE
APPALACHIAN TERROR UNIT
APPALACHIAN TERROR UNIT hail from Huntington, WV and play a powerful blend of classic anarcho-punk, crust and a hint of metal, with aggressive female vocals, and urgent political lyrics
CONFLICT
Conflict is an English anarcho-punk band originally based around Eltham in South London that formed in 1981. They have been described as the world’s most influential anarcho-punk band, along with Crass. They influenced the punk movement with their non-conventional approach to music and philosophy. Fierce, tense, cajoling and militant, the reverberation alone is enough to provoke an emotional response. They can be looked on as a combination of what The Clash and Crass could have been, all over a ferocious punk band. The history of rock music has always been intertwined with that of protest, from Bob Marley to Public Enemy, the Stones to the Pistols, etc. Conflict delivers the sound of timeless rebellion.
ANATHEMA
ANATHEMA began their journey as pioneers of melodic heavy music, influencing a myriad of bands to follow them, before outgrowing all genres and limitations as they fearlessly explored new territory and ways to express feelings through sound. Formed in Liverpool in the early 90’s, the band’s musical vision has continually evolved over the ensuing years while always remaining true to their original goal of creating forward thinking, meaningful, passionate and honest music. With each release they move beyond the boundaries of limited scenes and pigeon holes, creating a complex and emotive atmospheric sound.
Countless world tours have built up a very loyal international fan base and the “Natural Disaster” tour saw them playing hundreds of shows in over 30 countries.
The line-up is really a collective of two families, who were quite simply born to play music. Anathema consists of brothers Vincent, Daniel and Jamie Cavanagh, alongside childhood friends John Douglas and his sister Lee, who is an incredible singer in her own right. The line-up is completed by Les Smith, who beings much in the way of production expertise to the band. There is a deep bond in the group that transcends usual band politics, ego and avarice. They have a shared vision and are about to take the band to a whole new level. Anathema are currently working on an album of brand new material. A multi coloured, multi layered work of unbridled emotion, passion and intensity, it is set to be an album beyond all expectations!
PAUL COUTURE
Paul Couture has toured the country working with top notch musicians that are most likely featured on your IPod right now. As a producer, songwriter and collaborative artist, Paul has performed with artists such as LMFAO, Shawyze, Ludacris, Dev, Far East Movement and Mike Posner.
You may have spotted Paul on stage during New York Fashion Week, Free Press Summer Fest, South by South West Festival. You also may have noticed Paul’s music on The New Dance Mix USA Vol 1 & 2, Chelsea Handler’s “Are You There Vodka… It’s Me Chelsea”, MTV and more. Paul’s hit single, “Freak Out”, is routinely spun on Sirius XM’s number one dance station.
“I wouldn’t categorize what I do as just singing, rapping or making beats; I just go with where the music takes me.” – Paul C
CAM MEEKINS
With a flow as smooth as the pros, a shocking level of creative intelligence, maturity beyond his years and confident swag that will catch anyone’s attention, Cam Meekins is the definition ofthere’s more than meets the eye. Taking his nice and neat look for granted would be a mistake. Cam strings together lyrics that surpass his young adult peers and could challenge any of his superiors. More than just a hip hop artist, Cam is a learned musician, songwriter and visionary in control of his own destiny.
BRANDENBURG 4
Julie Brandenburg is a composer, singer, songwriter and pianist. She has written music for films and chamber ensembles as well as quirky solo songs and heavy prog rock band music. Julie’s previous bands have enjoyed regional success and national sponsorship by GHS Strings, Zildjian Cymbals and others. She has a masters degree in Music Theory, Technology, and Composition from the University of Wisconsin and teaches voice, piano, song writing and composition as an adjunct professor in the Milwaukee area.
FIEND
“There is no greatness without a passion to be great, whether it’s the aspiration of an athlete or an artist, a scientist, a parent, or a businessperson.“ No truer words can be spoken of Louisiana recording artist, producer, writer, and entrepreneur, Fiend. Already boasting two gold records, a Grammy nomination, a successful independent record label, a lucrative management company, a boutique clothing line and a burgeoning film company, Fiendcontinues to drive his career to new heights. With plans for multiple releases alongside his Jetlife brethren and a green-lit motion picture release planned in conjunction with Jetlife Films, 2013 proves to be an instrumental year in the career of the renowned Louisiana recording artist, Fiend aka International Jones.
CORNERBOY P
YOUNG RODDY
Jet Life Presents: The Red Eye Tour
For Everything Curren$y, Trademark Da Skydiver, Young Roddy, Street Wiz, Fiend – International Jones, Corner Boy P, Nesby Phips, Smoke Dza, Mikey Rocks & Everything Jets International.
NOURA MINT SEYMALI
Noura Mint Seymali is breaking ground. Heir to a Mauritanian Griot lineage stretching back for untold generations, Noura is blasting forward on the ancient spaceship of pentatonic desert blues and carving out a personality on her way as vanguard Diva of the Sahel.
SMIDGEN
“In a world of disposable heroes, autotune and a mindless TMZ culture that has all but declared Rock and Roll dead…there is one band that stands alone. “Smidgen” is traditionally defined as a very small amount of something but Chicago’s Smidgen brings it big. Comprised of longtime veterans of the Chicago music scene, Smidgen has answered the call to fight for what’s right…to fight for Rock and Roll.” – Marc Brown, Music Critic
Our sound contains strong melodies, hooks, and straight ahead power….its a blend of classic rock, progressive, super pop, and alternative with a dash of indy sound put into Vegomatic blender on pulse. See us live.
OCEANBORN
Oceanborn incorporates a blend of alternative rock, progressive rock, classical, jazz & latin into their heavy metal compositions. Many songs include strong dynamic shifts in feeling and/or genre blending. Thus far, the guitars and piano have been the driving force for the instrumentation, often with strings and synthesizers providing an extra layer. The dramatic nature of the lyrical concepts compliment the musical landscapes very well.
M@T8
Matt Tate is a Chicago-based Chapman Stick artist, Guitarist, Composer and Instructor. For over the last 10yrs he has been dedicated to mastering the Chapman Stick and performing Solo and in bands. Currently, he is composing music for a Solo Stick record (M@T8) to be released this Fall, launching a new website, touring, and working on multiple recording/performing collaborations (metal-math-prog-experimental). His current musical leanings are in the vein of the technical-death-shred of Blotted Science to the rhythmic madness of Frank Zappa, the interlocking poly-rhythmic spiderwebs of King Crimson and the stark, overwhelming beauty of Arvo Part.
He has played in:
– Destroyer Or Liberator (relentlessly pulsating, destructively harmonious, melodically chaotic, and always cut with blistering humor, wit, and spontaneity) Debut album, “Incoming!” released in January 2013. (www.DestroyerOrLiberator.bandcamp.com)
– DjM Trio (“Jungle-Bop!!” If Mulatu Astatke, Squarepusher, Fela Kuti, King Crimson, Charlie Hunter, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Postal Service, Miles and Coltrane played the soundtrack for The French Connection in 2015) Debut album “The Intrigue” released in Fall 2010. The followup album will be posthumously released later this Summer/Fall. (www.DjMTrio.com)
– The Odd Trio (King Crimson meets Mr. Bungle meets Sleepytime Gorilla Museum meets the World’s ethnic musics).
EVER FORTHRIGHT
“Ever Forthright is a progressive metal band from one of the most musically diverse places in the world, New York City. Artfully fusing modern jazz, progressive metal, hip-hop, electronica, and other styles of music into an auditory landscape is one of the reasons why Ever Forthright are quickly becoming known as true architects of modern music.Most of the members have attended and/or graduated from some of the top jazz performance schools in the world. A wide range of musicians/groups fuel this bands sound, such as Meshuggah, Kneebody, Cynic, Deftones, Wayne Krantz, Suicide Silence, Jill Scott, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and many others. No filler, no rehashed riffs, just pure, original music.
Shortly after their debut release, Ever Forthright gained a solid, ever-growing fanbase and were instantly known as masters of their genre. Fans instantly recognized their natural ability to blend a wide range of styles and concoct an amazing display of technical genius that set them apart from all others.
Ever Forthright is currently endorsed by Toontrack, Skerversen, Mayones, and bosphorus.”
EL DUB
Lee “El Dub” Walsh: Lyric Extraordinaire, Musician, Composer, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Vocalist, with a love of music to no end and an even bigger passion to share it!
El Dub is what you call a “looper” or “One man Band”. He plays all instruments live including, beat boxing, guitar, bass, keys and harmonizing vocals and loops them into layers that end up sounding like a full band with just one guy. El Dub uses the RC50 Loop Station as well as a Godin Synth Guitar, and Roland GR55 guitar synth pedal for sounds like horn sections, flutes, organ, piano, and wah clavi, which help him create the staple sounds of a true funk band. You may recognize this type of performance from other “looping artist” like Zach Deputy, and Keller Williams.
DOUG JOHNS
SuperFunky musician, Doug Johns, is known for his raw presence, energy, and all-around crowd-wowing prowess. Doug has had the privilege of working with such icons as Victor Wooten, Buddy Miles, Chuck Rainey, The LA Mass Choir, Aaron Lindsey, and many others.
The culmination of his musical experiences led Doug to his first critically acclaimed solo CD, Doug Johns, released in 2006. Doug followed up his very well-received solo debut with his 2008 release, “Pocket Fulla Nasty,” and received an outstanding reaction from the bass community, as well as catching the ear of the general public very quickly. Doug’s third release, Stank (October 2010), brought ten stank-funk tunes with returning artists Oz Noy, Kenny Anderson, Otmaro Ruiz and Chris Ceja. With fat slammin’ horns, intimate, artful composition and beautiful solo bass.
Armed with a fresh approach and Doug Johns’ unique brand of greasy bass, BLOMP! hits you with 10 superfunky tracks. When you turn to the band and say, “Hit me,” the sound you hear in return had better be BLOMP! Introducing drummer, JSimms, BLOMP! hits the shelves in November, 2012.
Bass Player Magazine on Johns: “One of the most credit–deserving bass virtuosos in America…it’s his inventiveness that’s consistently compelling.”
SNEED
HOME-SICK
HOTSAWCE
“The Hotsawce Recipe”
Take a big portion of post punk a la gang of four and add two tablespoons of grunge and a pinch of stoner rock. Mix the melodic mass with tasty cowbells and fresh distortion. Cook it up to 450 degrees F and the Hotsawce is ready. For best listening pleasure serve live and loud!
FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY
Corrupt politicians, manipulative mainstream media, government surveillance, mass shootings, clean water shortages, religious warfare, aggressive agribusiness, climate change, GMOs and a whole host of mind-numbing problems certainly make it feel like humankind is “going to hell in a hand basket,” as they say. There may be nothing that can be done about it at this point. But at least we have a killer soundtrack.
Fit For An Autopsy’s Hellbound is the perfect score with which to watch the flames rise. Punishing, unrelenting and alternately both heavy and dissonant, the New Jersey metal band’s first album for Good Fight/eOne conjures visions of Nero vigorously attacking his fiddle, even as Rome was engulfed in fire all around him. Esteemed English actor Michael Caine delivers perhaps the best line in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy: “Some men just want to watch the world burn.”
Death metal often chooses to deal in devils, demons and horror-movie inspired gore. “Deathcore” detours into broken relationships and introspective issues, much like its scene cousins in Metalcore and alt-rock. Fit For An Autopsy blaze their own path, opting to address the dirty, gritty and grimy reality of modern day life. There’s no fantasy, no plaintive odes to lost love. This music is hell. These songs are Hellbound.
Scene queens, careerist cartoons and poseur-iffic hacks best step aside when confronted with the self-assured, art-for-art’s-sake vibe of Fit For An Autopsy. As MetalSucks observed early on: “The band’s brutal, glowering take on [deathcore] reminded [us] of the squandered potential of the genre. Hardcore grooves and swagger, when incorporated correctly, blend quite well with death metal.”
On Hellbound, Fit For An Autopsy expand upon their commanding approach to an often maligned subgenre by synthesizing the rhythmic experimentalism of Gojira, the aggressive post-Noisecore of Converge, the esoteric and meditative tribalism of Isis, a virulent dose of the New Wave Of Swedish Death Metal (At The Gates, Dark Tranquility, early In Flames), the legendary progenitors of Floridian death metal (Death, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, Obituary) and the “deathcore” acts who offer actual proficiency in the genre (Suicide Silence, All Shall Perish, Whitechapel).
Each nuanced building block is meticulously assembled together to form a near-perfect modern metal masterpiece, all with the confident vibe of a group of people making the music they want to make for its own sake, trends and “hype” be damned.
There was justifiable reason to be excited about Fit For An Autopsy from the start. The rich pedigree of its core members foreshadowed the momentous music that was to come. Guitarist Will Putney is an accomplished metal producer, mixer, engineer and cowriter. Putney’s fingerprints are all over currently relevant albums from Stray From The Path, Reign Supreme, Misery Signals, Vision of Disorder, Counterparts, For Today, Like Moths To Flames, and more. Guitarist Patrick Sheridan is rightly well regarded for his work on the fretboard as well as with a tattoo machine. The rhythm section of bassist Shane Slade and Sick Drummer-approved Josean Orta is beyond formidable.
The earliest rumblings of Fit For An Autopsy emerged on a 2008 demo. The self-released Hell on Earth EP arrived the following year, eliciting interest from Guy Kozowyk, The Red Chord vocalist and Black Market Activities label honcho. Kozowyk released Fit For An Autopsy’s devastating debut, The Process of Human Extermination, in 2011. Sputnik Music paid particular attention to Johnson’s dominating presence. “The dude’s a swamp creature,” they wrote of his “absurd” (in a good way) delivery. “When you hear him scream, it’s like, ‘What the —- was that?’ You realize whatever it is would probably eat you if you ran into it in the woods.”
The group’s seething contempt for modern society is rivaled only by the sonic bombardment dropped upon the unsuspecting all over Hellbound, a record that is equal parts challenging and engaging. It’s an album designed to make people feel uncomfortable, while at the same time, counter-intuitively soothed by its catharsis. Criminals, junkies and the systems that fail them; deadbeat parents; poisoned food; BS celebrities and false idols; they’ve all led humanity here. Hellbound draws a line in the sand. It’s a declaration that even it’s all going down the proverbial drain likeminded individuals can take some solace in the expression of shared rage.
XIBALBA
Est. in Pomona, California.
EXTREMELY ROTTEN
Extremely Rotten formed in 2009 by Juan Campo on drums, Jim Greco (wurgarg) on guitar, and Mario Antolines on vocals, after 2 months Mario had to leave and Franz Huffman joined on vocals, 4 months later the self titled demo was recorded and self released and was distributed by sevared records, with Jim Ross on studio guitars, the band played several shows all over florida, in 2010 Franz left the band and was replaced by Chris Gaines also Chris Mason joined on guitars, the band kept working on the writing process for their full length, and toured the east coast from florida to NYC and in mid 2011 , Mike Shaw joined on guitars and Cliff Newkirk on bass, the band played several shows and played the goregrowlers ball 2011 with Shawn Whitaker(viral load) filling in on vocals, after that performance the band got asked to play las vegas death fest 2012 and got signed to Show No Mercy records, in 2012 the band toured the summer from florida to las vegas, shortly after Michael Pinkard joined the band, in august 2012 the band entered the studio and recorded their first full length “grotesque acts of humanity” and for the album Both Jim Greco and Jim Ross recorded the guitars, Mike Shaw the bass, Michael Pinkard recorded the vocals and Juan on drums, the album was mastered by James Murphy(Death, Testament, Obituary) and was released february 8 2013 now the line up stands with Mike Shaw on guitars, Juan on drums and Michael on vocals, the band is writing their second album and will be on tour stating fall 2013!.
EXECRATION
We are Execration a blackened brutal death metal band from Colorado Springs CO. We released our full length sophomore album “The Acceptance of Zero Existence” in October of 2012 on Comatose Music. Please visit our website for news and updates on the band.
THE HARMED BROTHERS
Based out of Eugene, Oregon, The Harmed Brothers are an up and coming force in the Folk/Roots/Independent music scene. Chronic touring and constant writing have made up the last four years for the “indie-grass” group. Founded in North Carolina, the band took its eventual shape in Cottage Grove, Oregon upon the meeting of guitarist/vocalist Ray Vietti and banjoist/vocalist/keyboardist Alex Salcido. Soon after teaming up, The Harmed Brothers released their acoustic debut “All The Lies You Wanna Hear,” in 2010. Since its release, the band and their live show have evolved into a beast within themselves. From bluegrass trio, to a manic-mariachi duo to five instrument outfit, the Harmed Brothers have never lost the key elements that have made their show and their music so special: driving guitars, a raging banjo, soulful harmonies, vocals and songs that howl at the moon and scream into the abyss. These tales of love, loss, despair, curiosity and triumph are the separate and collective works of co-songwriters Vietti and Salcido and are shared and exchanged vocally in-studio and on-stage. Backed by drummer Ben Kilmer and upright bassist Zach Kilmer, the end result is a unique, emotional roller-coaster of storytelling and performing. The Harmed Brothers have slung-shot back and forth across the country, building a following and strengthening an ever-growing repertoire and becoming part of a giant family within the new American independent music scene. In May 2012, The Harmed Brothers released their sophomore effort, “Come Morning,” on LackPro Records. The album has met rave reviews, stretching across greater North America and Europe. The Harmed Brothers have recently finished a seven-month U.S. tour. They plan on touring throughout part of late Fall and are preparing for their first European tour in early 2013.
DJ TAIGO
WAFFLE GANG
Butter and Goose Eggs
THE ELECTRIC HABIT
The Electric Habit started as a song writing project, that has recently started to transform into an actual band. Our main goal is to morph as many genres into our tunes as possible; we hope to never be tied down to one style of music.
Our band name is a reference to the book, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Phillip K. Dick. In the book, humanity becomes addicted and relies heavily on technology to understand their own human emotion. In an age of smart phones, and other distractions, our society seems to be heading in this same direction.
So put down your phone, turn off the tube, get those old headphones out, and let your mind wander to The Electric Habit.
MOLLY GENE ONE WHOAMAN BAND
“Molly Gene One Whoaman Band, is a down-home young woman, all cowboy boots and t-shirts and flannels, all soul and grit and fire. Her bottleneck slide technique is reminiscent of the old blues greats, though with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Her raspy whiskey and cigarettes vocals, which do not come across as androgynous but remain entirely feminine, join together with her big plugged-in guitar sound to form songs that are as wicked as a desert rattlesnake, as sharp as a straight razor, as fiery as a sip of backwoods moonshine, as sultry as summer nights in the Deep South, and nearly as sexy as Molly herself.” —James Carlson Philadelphia Examiner
LONELY PARASITE
EDDIE B
Eddie B is a singer/songwriter from just outside of Chicago, IL. He sings, plays guitar and bass guitar, and writes music. Eddie B has recorded some demo versions of songs, most of which are listed above, a couple of years ago. Currently, He is playing out here and there, and just tries to write and play whenever possible.
KAROLINA LUX
Karolina is a professional belly dancer from the San Francisco Bay Area, currently residing in Portland, Oregon. This versatile artist, performs with a variety of traditional, theatrical, and fusion groups, and represents belly dance in contexts as diverse as Moroccan restaurants, grand theaters, to vaudeville tours, and burlesque revues. Karolina is a dancer and musician for Vagabond Opera, the NorthWest’s premier Eastern European cabaret experience! She also runs Sepiatonic, the theatrical belly dance network, and visual component for Vagabond Opera.
ERIC STERN
Eric Stern is the Northwest’s own premiere operatic tenor, accordionist, pianist, composer and consummate showman, an unparalleled devo with incendiary stage presence and devilish virtuosity. Trained in Europe he has performed there and in the U.S. and Canada garnering critical acclaim for his musicianship and his stunningly imaginative songwriting.
Eric Stern has appeared with the Decemberists, Devotchka, Pink Martini, Balkan Beat Box, and many more artists…In Portland Oregon he leads Vagabond Opera, a Balkan Arabic Klezmer-based, original absurdist cabaret ensemble. Eric Stern composes, arranges, fronts, and is the lyricist for the band. Eric Stern has appeared on NPR and all over the world from Portland to Paris to Poland.
In Portland he was commisioned in 2007 to compose the music for Tears Of Joy Puppet Theatre production of Pinocchio and most recently composed the full-length opera “Queen of Knives” which premiered in Portland.
TUCKER JAMESON
Where were you when Napster slammed the coffin lid shut on the old-school music business? Tucker Jameson was writing songs in his suburban Connecticut bedroom and playing guitar till his little 10-year-old fingers ached or his mother commanded, “Lights out!” While his classmates pored over Harry Potter books or glued their thumbs to Nintendo games, Jameson scrutinized the liner notes to Revolver andNevermind.
Jameson is part of the first post-CD generation, yet he’s steeped in the rock classics that form a necessary foundation for anyone hoping to build a music career lasting longer than the blink of a YouTube video.
After some early adventures in recording, Jameson toured the country and landed in Austin, determined to use his rock appreciation and Berklee-honed skills to write modern songs that speak to his own generation. He spent a year working in the studio, finally emerging with a group of tunes that unequivocally achieve his goal. “Son of Superbia,” “Technological Warfare” and “Ritalin” couldn’t have been written in the ’60s or the ’90s, but they contain the kind of power-pop songcraft that fans of any rock era can identify with.
VINCE CLARKE
Vince Clarke is an electronic music pioneer whose analog synths, samples and chilly beats have accounted for some of the most memorable chart-topping hits and toe-tapping dance grooves of the last three decades. He is a founding member of Depeche Mode and writer of many of their most seminal and beloved tracks, including “New Life,” “Dreaming Of Me,” and “Photographic” from the group’s debut “Speak And Spell” album, as well as the classic single “Just Can’t Get Enough,” cited by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the100 Greatest Pop Songs Of All Time. The track returned once again to the UK singles chart in April 2009 via a Comic Relief benefit cover by UK girl group The Saturdays.
Following his departure from Depeche in 1981, Clarke demoed a new song “Only You,” with a hometown acquaintance, then unknown Basildon blues and punk vocalist, Alison Moyet. The massive success of the track inspired the pair to record an entire album as Yazoo (Yaz in the U.S.), one of the first, and still most influential, male/female pairings in synth pop. Their two classic albums, “Upstairs At Eric’s” and “You And Me Both” not only set the standard for innovation in songwriting, composition and production in their own time, but pointed the way to the future for all the artists who followed in their wake. The 12” mix of “Situation” remains a benchmark in the history of dance music and virtually began the long love affair between alternative music and club culture.
After the short-lived partnership with Moyet dissolved in 1983, Clarke continued writing and recording, entering evermore productive collaborations. First with Yazoo producer Eric Radcliffe and singer Feargal Sharkey as The Assembly in 1984, then in 1985, he embarked on most successful and enduring partnership of all, Erasure.
With singer and co-songwriter Andy Bell, Erasure have sold more than 25 million records and charted some of the most beloved songs of the past twenty years, from “Sometimes” and “Oh L’ Amour” to “A Little Respect, “Chains of Love” and “Always” among dozens of others, all recently collected in the career-spanning box set “Total Pop.” The group’s musical and cultural influence continues to this day through their latest albums and the careers of the next wave of electronic musicians, from Hot Chip, La Roux and Ladyhawke to LCD Soundsystem, Fischerspooner and The Faint.
Clarke’s obsession with melody, song structure and constant mission to bring warmth and heart to digital technology have rightly earned him acclaim as the Godfather of Synth Pop. Nevertheless, he has often strayed into more experimental territory, on Erasure’s self-titled 1995 album, and most recently in collaborations with Human League and Heaven 17 co-founder Martyn Ware. The pair have recorded two cds of ambient music created using a proprietary 3-D digital technology specifically designed for large spaces.
With the launch of The Cabin, his new studio in Maine, Clarke has created a home for his world-class collection of vintage synths as well one of the few places where the most complete range of analog and digital instruments, equipment and recording technologies can interface to create for others the kind of soundscapes that have made him a pop superstar and a respected sonic architect the world over. Recent remixes for such pop, rock and indie superstars as Franz Ferdinand, The Presets and The Saturdays are proof of his enduring influence across all genres and vision as a songwriter, musician and performer.
MARTIN REV
As the quieter half of the extremely influential late ’70s electronic, proto-Industrial duo, Suicide, Martin Rev’s job was to provide the droning, hiccuping beats and textured backdrops for his partner Alan Vega’s animated rantings and onstage abusiveness. When the band split, Vega went on to pursue minor successes with stripped down electro-Rockabilly and two-note rock, while Rev’s solo records continued with Suicide’s sweet, childlike melodies and simple lyrics over desolate, monotone, minimalist electronics.