ANDREW PELLETIER

genre: acoustic/folk/indie

myspace: www.myspace.com/goodmanwest

With parents as musicians, Andrew Pelletier grew up on the stage. Learning and writing songs at an extremely young age, he is a continually changing artist. While being a multi-faceted and trained musician, the most treasured aspect of his music is his words. He knows when to mix mood and melody brilliantly, and can tell a heartbreaking, whimsical, and mundane story compared with the likes of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt. He spent the last four years or so playing folk and Americana music and is in the process of recording a full length album of what he calls “a culmination of and homage to the failed attempt of trying to be a folksinger in the twenty-first century.” The new album will feature mostly a ’56 Gibson ES-125t electric, percussion, electronica, and strings. Please listen for it in summer 2010!

Before entering college, Andrew was the singer of acoustic pop band Catchstone. They received somewhat of a successful career in the Midwest, but stopped making music together in order to focus on all of their individual music aspirations. Some of the band members dispersed and started the indie pop band Company of Thieves, now a talented national touring act. Andrew decided to focus on school and graduated with a degree in music composition and classical guitar.

Andrew is now an all around musician and songwriter, playing in a few bands. In the past year he has played at Schubas, Subterranean, Double Door, Beat Kitchen, Pianos (New York), the Living Room (New York), and South by Southwest Music Festival. Andrew Pelletier definitely has his fingers and ears on the emerging music scene all across the country and expect him to be a rising voice from Chicago, Illinois. 

APOLLO QUAD

genre: hip-hop/rap/experimental

myspace: www.myspace.com/apolloquad

Apollo Quad is a four-piece alternative hip-hop group from Chicago. Apollo Quad believes that music is about expression and their music attempts to reveal their truth through art and the power of music. Apollo Quad has a very ecclectic sound that transcends genres with well rooted hip-hop lyrics. Apollo Quad promotes a message of individualism and self empowerment and brings their audience a new breed of hip hop music.

BEN SAGE

genre: americana/rock/folk

myspace: www.myspace.com/bensageusa

Ben Sage is a gifted singer-songwriter and veteran performer with roots that run deep in country, folk, blues and rock & roll. An accurate description of his hybrid lo-fi style might be “John Lennon Meets Johnny Cash,” given the blend of genres for which he creates his evocative and sometimes poetic lyrics. He is currently performing in support of the release of his newest album, Plenty of Gold, which features 17 original songs in styles ranging from roots, rock, doo-wop and pop to folk and R&B, along with his paean to solar power, Sun Power Me!

Ben’s songs have been featured on WDCB’s Folk Festival Program several times, including two recent cuts from Plenty of Gold.   In addition to his sparkling originals, Ben’s live performances include his takes on classics from Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Beatles, Lightning Hopkins, Sonny & Brownie, and Van Morrison, and hits from contemporary greats in country and alt.-rock, too. His former bands include Apples & Oranges (Madison, WI Battle of the Bands winner) and the rockabilly revival act, The Rockadiles. As a solo performer Sage graced the stages of several LA venues over a five-year stint, including the famed Palomino, and has also shared the stage with such notables as Ellis Paul and Lowen & Navarro. Ben has two other CDs in release, In Word And In Deed and Troubadour, which, like Plenty of Gold, are available online at CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes and elsewhere.

CYRUS GOUDARZI

genre: folk/rock/singer songwriter

myspace: www.myspace.com/cyrusgoudarzi

Cyrus Goudarzi, a North Carolina native has recently made a new home in Chicago.  Goudarzi has been writing original music his entire life and has been heavily influenced by an eclectic blend of Americana, Folk and Alternative genres.  Goudarzi has just recently released his debut album Keep me Company.  Since moving to Chicago, Goudarzi has played at Subterranean and the Red Line Tap.  He also studies Communications at Loyola University and helps organize and conduct a weekly podcast called Lazy Day Lounge.  He is currently working on a concept album, which tells the story of a man who becomes a park ranger after getting fired.  The album describes his experiences and how he becomes enlightened.  Funk, rock and jazz influences are apparent in his newest work.

EMPYREAN SOUL

genre: r&b/soul/jazz

myspace: www.myspace.com/empyreansoul

Empyrean Soul formed in the wake of 2009 out of a common love for contemporary R&B and Soul and a desire to make music as sensually intelligent as it is danceable.  Drummer and composer Joel Caracci returned to the States after some extended world travels motivated to write music inspired by his recent cultural experiences and grounded in the roots of his musical upbringing. Despite intense collegiate study of jazz and classical music, he never forgot the music he grew up hearing on the radio and MTV in the 90’s.

The group finds its greatest influence from the Neo-Soul movement that started in the late 90’s – Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, as well as other artists such as Q-Tip, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Fiona Apple, Robert Glasper, and Al Green. The group also finds a lot of influence from jazz, evident in the guitarless instrumentation, the virtuosic solos, and spontaneous interplay in live shows. What has resulted is a sound that infuses R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, and jazz while forging its own unique territory.

Front-woman Kim Kozel provides a sensual wave of subtlety with every word she sings, never overselling the lyrics with vocal gymnastics. She is surrounded by a capable quartet that spews blistering solos, smooth harmonies, and a groove that is deep and mesmerizing.  The group took this vibe to the studio in the summer of 2009, and released its first full-length album “Stimulus”, in January of 2010 for free at www.empyreansoul.com

EVAN HOLMES AND EXIT GHOST

genre: acoustic/folk

myspace: www.myspace.com/evanholmesandexitghost

Evan Holmes is a 22 year-old songwriter from Chicago,IL., and founding member of the alt-folk group The Days.  In the tradition of Neil Young, Sun Kil Moon, and the art-rock of Wilco, Holmes has taken the stages of some of the midwest’s most prominent venues over the past few years, including Metro Chicago, the Congress Theater, Subterranean, and recently a series of solo college performances.  His distinctively minimal, open guitar work and relatable stage presence with backing band Exit Ghost were recently described in Performer Magazine as reminiscent of “[Neil Young’s]After the Goldrush on steroids”.  We’ll take it.

GREAT DIVIDE

genre: rock/roots/soul

myspace: www.myspace.com/greatdividelive

What started out as friends jamming in an Ann Arbor basement, has evolved into a band of tight knit musicians, each adding their own unique experiences and influences to create their own brand of down home rock ‘n roll.  Stepping out of the basement, Great Divide soon became a fan favorite all over University of Michigan, becoming a mainstay at Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig.  Before long, their popularity spread to the east coast, allowing Great Divide to enjoy successful shows at venues such as New York’s Sullivan Hall and Union Hall in Brooklyn, as well as Baltimore’s 8 X 10.  Great Divide recently got packing and made the move to Chicago, playing nights at the Double Door, Kinetic Playground and U.S Beer Co.

The band evolved from Teddy Grossman (Vocals/Guitar) and Joey Gaon (Guitar) originally getting together to play in their dorm room, into a full band featuring Jeff Leibovich (Keys), Josh Teitelbaum (Drums) and Hiro Sato (Bass).  Rounding out the band, Great Divide added two horn players, Eric Schindler (Sax) and Jake Kenowitz (Trombone/Trumpet).  The addition of the horns allowed Great Divide to craft their unique sound described by Jambase as “tight,” “soulful” and possessing a “sophisticated talent.” 

When Great Divide takes the stage, the crowd is treated to music steeped in the traditional roots of blues, country, soul, funk, and good, ol’ fashioned rock ‘n roll. They work to both honor and preserve the elements of rock’s rich history, while exposing a new generation to the experience of their brand of honest, down-home music.  The music sounds like it’s been somewhere, and has traveled a great many miles to reach and delight the ears each and every listener.

Most recently, Great Divide won the Last Banjo Standing Competition to earn a slot on the main stage of the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival, joining Dr. Dog and Bela Fleck, among others.  A four-week promotional campaign, featuring tireless Internet blasts and other promotional avenues, resulted in an outpouring of fan support and the accumulation of thousands of votes for Great Divide.  Winning the Last Banjo Standing Competition and taking the stage at the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival  provided Great Divide the perfect opportunity to announce to the Chicago area that a new band had arrived in town.

After some heavy touring in the first part of 2008, Great Divide retreated to Roshambo Records Studio in Hazel Park, MI and the legendary White Room Studio in Detroit to record their first album.  The self produced album is a collection of songs selected from their already deep repertoire, crafted over the last few years of playing and writing together.  The album touches on a variety of the influences that compose Great Divide’s infectious sound and reflects a band standing at the very beginning of the road to a bright musical future.  Propelled by the upcoming release of their first polished studio effort Reservoir, Great Divide is looking forward to getting back on the road during the summer of 2010, much to the delight of their ever-growing fan base.

JAKE PAUL

genre: acoustic/singer-songwriter

myspace: www.myspace.com/anamolymusic

Laid-back local acoustic crooner Jake Paul and his band channel acts such as Jack Johnson and Sublime; the kind of beachy campfire jamming that owes more to southern California than southeastern Wisconsin.

But, their recently released self-titled EP, Paul touches on some weighty material, including his mother’s still unsolved murder. But like Sublime, even the darker songs never stray too far from a ray of sunshine.

Paul, who got his start freestyle rapping at fraternity parties, still continues to freestyle at live shows.  The band shifts between original acoustic ballads and long-form improvisational jamming in the live setting. 



JULIA AND THE SWEET ETC.

genre: indie/country/folk

myspace: www.myspace.com/kleemusic

A pleasant departure from the expected, Julia Klee abandons the idea of contrived melody and forged verse for the thrill of raw honest music. With influences ranging from Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks to Fiona Apple’sExtraordinary Machine, Klee’s songs resist categorical limitations but allow for comparisons. Fans of Regina Spektor will appreciate the intimate, piano-narratives, sweet melodies and quirky imagery. Klee was also classically trained and haphazardly began writing her own music. Her voice has the sort of sultry tenderness one would expect from Karin Bergquist of Over the Rhine, and Cat Power. 

She is a vocal chameleon in all the best ways and collaborates with other artists and producers through out Chicago and Nashville. Most recently Julia took the stage as backing vocalist for Singer/Songwriter Joe Pug, performing at Lollapalooza and The Chicago Country Music Festival. She also is a part of the Chicago based Alt Country/Neo-Gospel Collective, John Wesley’s Band. Klee effortlessly slides from sweet, lush jazz influenced grooves, to swinging, folksy ballads with subtle instincts that matter. 

On her EP titled “And the clock works” she is joined by guitarist Andrew Culhane, drummer Aaron Brace, bassist Mike Niebauer, singer/songwriter Matthew Schaefer on clarinete and singer/songwriter Liza Day.

JUNIPER MAYS

photography by dylan haugegenre: rock/folk/bluegrass

myspace: www.myspace.com/junipermays

Emerging from rock ‘n’ roll roots and infusing folk, bluegrass, and Irish influences with a touch of reggae and jazz, Juniper Mays is gaining recognition for, consistently energizing, fun live shows always peppered with moments of pure improvisation.

Focused around the original songs and singing of Robert McHugh, led by the guitar playing of Erik Smith and held down by the rhythm section of Kyle Hendrix on drums and Dan Schmelzer on bass guitar, Juniper Mays was born by a spontaneous chemistry in early 2007. Formed by friends pursuing musical interests across the spectrum, the guys coincidentally began performing together at bars, parties and festivals where instruments were close at hand. Playing many shows under different names and never knowing exactly what was going to happen, it was only a matter of time before other acts and venues requested Juniper Mays to perform. With all four members having previous professional experience ranging from Erik Smith touring the country with nationally recognized acts to Rob McHugh living in and traveling Ireland performing his music, making the jump to becoming a full time band was a natural one.

Juniper Mays is evolving and growing, never complacent and always headed for the next song and show.

KELLEN & ME

genre: two-step/down-tempo/grime

myspace: www.myspace.com/kellenandme

Kellen & me is a one man musical experience based out of Chicago Illinois, and is one of the most promising singer/songwriters of the folk rock genre in the city of Chicago. His music embodies blues finger picking, rock chord progessions, and pop melodies. His wonderful lyrics and conviction as a performer never fail to capture the attention of audience members. Kellen & me has played at Gallery Cabaret, Q4, Subterranean, The Elbo Room, The Globe, and Uncommon Ground.  Kellen & Me has been a part of several chicago.com/music events at South By SouthWest, Double Door, Reggies Rock Club, La Salle Power Co., Myour House, and Q4. 

MIKE MIDDLETON

genre: acoustic/rock/progressive

myspace: www.myspace.com/mikemiddletonband

After becoming a classically trained concert bassoonist, Mike first dove into Chicago’s music scene fronting jam/rock band, Glasshouse. Playing at venues like Schubas, Elbo Room, Martyr’s, Uncommon Ground and a handful of college shows that locked in his passion for performing live. 

Now, writing more than ever, Mike’s taking his music on the acoustic side of things and playing all over Chicago once again, with a rotating line up behind him that always brings an energy to his shows that can only be described as infectious.

PHIL LOMAC

genre: singer/songwriter

myspace: www.myspace.com/phillomac

Phil Lomac is a musician-songwriter currently living in Chicago who has released two albums of lyrically- weighted, alternative folk rock material.  After roles in several North Carolina based bands including The Brown Root Seed Company, Ron Neil & the Eleventh Hour, Senatobia (Performing Songwriter top 10 DIY pick) and Bugs Multiply, he broke away to start a solo career with his 2005 self-titled release.

Lomac’s writing took on a different life with his solo work, exposing a depth and maturity in his lyrics, offset by creative melody and minimalist production.  Somewhere between Elliott Smith and the less sensational movements of Nick Cave, Phil Lomac has studied the dim with a stoned sense of curiosity. Placement means a lot to records, and though his albums don’t describe North Carolina too much, they do describe the evolution of college rock (as it was once known) in America - a market that rarely hands over artists to mass consumption.

With an approach that belongs to the experimental “popster” and a core that is pure and rich with instrumentation the unrefined sound of his music is a refreshing contrast to the overly-produced, mechanized feel of modern fare.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

genre: indie/folk/rock

myspace: www.myspace.com/romanticbandits

Photographers are young, energetic and artful kids with a quirky harmonious edge and easy instrumentation. The vocal melodies compliment poetic songwriting and an awkward stage presence makes a Photographers performance what it is. Hailing from Traverse City, Michigan these young bloods are fresh on the Chicago scene. The songs they play are fun, calm, moving, poetic and cynical.  Harmonies are strong and melodies unique.

SERATONIN TELEGRAM

photography by maren celest

genre: rock/alternative

myspace: www.myspace.com/seratonintelegram

Have you ever heard a band that has a sound like King Crimson, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Sound Garden that leaves music lovers feeling inspired? If you haven’t, you should listen to Seratonin Telegram. If you have, then you know you’re going to love our sound. Seratonin Telegram stands out from the crowd by pushing the envelope of rock and sporting a powerful, dynamic live show to back it up.  Seratonin Telegram brings an entirely new sound to the table.

Chris is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans and brings a rock sound that’s infused with jazz, funk, blues, southern rock, and alternative rock. Jack is a Chicago native who’s played in many local bands.  Jack brings a sound rooted in progressive rock, classical, and electronics.  Alex is a Michigan native and brings a sound inspired by Neil Young, Built to Spill, and Leonard Cohen. Whitaker Blackall hails from all over the US and brings his Beatles-infused harmony and piano skills to the band. This array of genres blends to form one cohesive sound that acts as a telegram to the brain, altering mood much in the way the neurotransmitter serotonin can cause euphoria.

Currently, the Telegram is working to finish a 6-7 song EP by summer’s end.   The newest recorded songs are 68C, Twitchy Eye, Villain with a Thousand Teeth.  Aside from opening for Collective Soul and from being a finalist in the Firefly Vodka Flavor the Music Competition, Seratonin Telegram is playing shows in the Chicago land area.

SONS OF THE WEST

genre: rock/soul/blues

myspace:  www.myspace.com/wordsband

Sons of the West was formed in Columbus, Ohio by three friends who have been growing up and making music together for one-fourth of their lives. The decision to become a band happened before anyone had figured out what instrument to play, so they all learned at the same time. Shows and recordings were put together in basements, living rooms, bars and anywhere else they could find where people might be listening. This persisted until a year ago when the band made a record, packed up and moved to Chicago in hopes of meeting more people, playing more shows and making more music.

THE DOWN FEATHERS

 

genre: lounge/folk/rock

myspace: www.myspace.com/thedownfeathers

Songs of The Down Feathers are those that embody sensations of wonderment, spirituality, and nostalgia.  The band is detached from conventional song-writing structures and is pulled by their restless imaginations and love for musical expression. 

THE GIVING TREE BAND

photography by joanna gossgenre: indie/folk/rock

myspace: www.myspace.com/thegivingtreeband

For Todd and Eric Fink, there is no distinction between playing music and just plain living. Their bodies and instruments become a singularity that is just trying to get in tune, stay in tune, and add a little harmony to the grand symphony of life. Following their long desire for a band, the Finks have extended their brotherhood into an epic collective known as The Giving Tree Band. Inspired by extraordinary adventurers who led impressive supporting casts, the GTB has become a modern musical version of such historical outfits as Ben Franklin and The Honest Whigs or Theodore Roosevelt and The Rough Riders.  Though the story of The Giving Tree Band is still being written, it can already be said that these musical frontiersmen are redefining “virtuosity,” which is traditionally understood as dizzying displays of technical wizardry. But what is missing from this definition is the root word—Virtue.  And it is upon this foundation of Virtue that The Giving Tree Band weaves their musical tapestry—by playing every note with integrity, every part with humility, every song with honesty, and every show with gratitude.

“They are following the example set by bigger names in the rock world such as Radiohead and Kings Of Leon.” -Yahoo! News

THE NUMBERS BAND

genre: rock/alternative

website: www.thenumbersband.com

The Numbers are a grunge band hailing from the windy city of Chicago.  With an excellent live show, and catchy tunes to groove to, The Numbers are steadily building an impressive fan base, and with recent play on local radio, their debut album Sunny Side Up promises to be only the begging from the new Chicago staple.

TRAIN COMPANY

genre: rock/jazz/blues

myspace: www.myspace.com/traincompany

Train Company is a young rock ‘n roll band out of Chicago conducted by the eclectic songwriting of guitarist/vocalist John Zozzaro, the arrangements of saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist Mark Alletag, and the groove marriage of Mike DeWitte (bass/vocals) and Rob Lejman (drums).  Over the last two years, Train Company has become one of Chicago’s most recognized underground acts headlining sold-out shows at clubs like the Double Door and the Cubby Bear, while receiving airplay from Chicago’s prestigious 93XRT and opening for Blues Traveler at the House of Blues in Chicago. Train Company’s earlier work began as a classy introduction, blending blues and classic pop into songs Zozzaro had penned while in New York for their neat and clean debut album Train Company.  The group has since evolved, finding a signature sound that blends anything from jazz and indie-pop to gritty Rock ‘N Roll.