R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles, Chicago House Pioneer

Chicago house music artists/producer, Frankie Knuckles, passed away yesterday (03.31.14) due to cause related to diabetes. 

Frankie Knuckles career brought him to be known as the Godfather of Chicago House music, the electronic dance wave that flourished out of Chicago in the 1980's. Knuckles is an east coast native born in the Bronx, who moved to Chicago in the 70's during the dying days of disco. Knuckles made his name by combining Soul and R&B tracks with rhythm friendly drum loops.

Knuckles was not only a heavy hitting house DJ but he made major strides in popularizing Chicago house music through his influence on DJs from the 80's until today. (I mean everyone from Daft Punk to QuestLove show mad respect for Frankie Knuckles)

Even though it is a sad time at least Frankie's legacy will always be one that keeps us dancing. 

Listen to a quick mix of Frankie Knuckles music below:

Soul Togetherness USA Grooves On With Sonorama At The Globe

Chicago DJ collective, Sonorama,  will show off soul filled Latin gems at The Globe tonight as a part of Soul Togetherness USA "Rare Soul Weekender" -- a (mostly) free weekend festival focused on rare and obscure American soul music. The weekend of epic soul-centric events span from a record fair, multiple dance parties, and even a Soulful Chicago bus tour! Who doesn't love a bus tour, especially one hosted by Reggie's Rock Club.

The festivities for Soul Night #2 start up at 8 PM and will be rockin' until the early hours of 2 AM. Sonorama will be taking us through the night as the host of "The Soul of Latin America Room," where they'll spin some tunes like the ones below and bring on fits of Latin groove drive dancing.

For a preview of some musica con soul, listen below:

(((SONORAMA))) CON SOUL ! by Sonoramachicago on MixcloudFor information on the rest of these rare soul focused events visit HERE.

¿Music Videos?

Oshwa Share "Fashions To Make" With Some Live Studio Scenes

The experimental group Oshwa show off their groove heavy, instrumentally fluttering, dreamy pop skills in their track "Fashions To Make." The video  is a live clip from their show at Observatory Studios with Boston Indie rockers Krill.

Loved what you listened to? Go See Oshwa TODAY at The Burlington with Vaya and Geronimo. Or they will be playing a Chicago Singles Club Showcase at The Empty Bottle on April 07.

NowListening: Psalm One

Psalm One: Chicago Hip Hop Heroine

Picture via https://www.facebook.com/psalmone

I must admit before I continue on,           I freaking love Psalm One.

I had the opportunity to hear her speak during a Music Business and Culture class at DePaul. Not only is Psalm One a heavy hitter when it come to smart and thoughtfully insightful lyrics, but she is an all around BADASS WOMAN.  Her story would make a great made for TV movie that I would happily watch and relate to in so many degrees. From Chicago's Engelwood she went on to study Chemistry at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne and then found herself back home and in the Hip Hop game. She's been holding her own in a male dominated genre and proves through her rhythms and tunes that great MCs have no gender or subject requirements. AND.. she mentors children through her program Charm Lab and released the album "Child Support" with all proceeds going to ASCAP Songwriter Residency. That is right people, not every popular has to be about getting bitches and making money....get your shitt together now. 

Ok now back to her current work.

Recordings of "No Problems" and "Come Meditate"  were recently released via Chicago Singles Club.  Pslam is supported in the Studio by the full band, Sexy Decoy and her long time hype woman Fluffy, making each track filled with raw talent in many oh so many forms (everything from saxophone licks to vocal spells to entice you).

Listen and download the tracks HERE.

In other news, Psalm One is also releasing music as Hologram Kizzie.
Watch her newest video below.

For more Psalm One music go HERE. 

Just want more Pslam One: Twitter & Facebook. 

Cop That: Divino Niño - Pool Jealousy

Divino Niño is a four piece band from Chicago via Bogota, Colombia/ Miami, Florida.  Estos chavos channel a classic 1960's groove, marry it with Prince meets Santana vocals and then have an affair with traditional Latin American rhythms and mystical melodies. They manage to subtly mesh these influences together to create a distinct sounds that moves everything from your mind straight down to your hips.

The release of Divino Niño's debut album has been set for April 8th via The Native Sound and will feature a few previously released tracks. Including the funk forward, "Pink Crystals" and their newest release, a whimsical tune that hints at the music of a Mr. Ritchie Valens (Valenzuela), "It's Been Like It Never Used To Be."

Listen to them both here. 


Like what you hear? Pre-order the album here.
If you do it quick you can snag a limited edition teal copy of the vinyl, oooh colors. 

Hasta Amigos.

¿Music Videos?

Chicago party rapper ShowYouSuck has been working hard this month already releasing two new music videos. First he released the visually and lyrically satircal video for "Flip Phone", a track off of one of my favorite Chicago 2013 mixtapes OMPP4: Slice After Death.
"Make-Out King" which appears on his EP "Dude Bro",  is an upbeat tune that sounds like a perfect Friday cruise and features production by the Hood Internet and Javelin. Not only do these tracks bring a carefree and fun vibe throughout  but the animation heavy videos bring the fun to a whole new level.

May your eyeballs and ears enjoy!

Chicago Singles Club releasing one dope free track after another

The latest in free Chicago music: White Mystery

Picture from: http://www.whitemysteryband.com/

Chicago Singles Club is a rad online publication and record label that releases exclusive singles from some of Chicago's very best performers. They also manage to offer these fresh tracks as free online downloads.

I know February is done at this point, but that is no reason not to go back and check out the latest CSC featured group, White Mystery.
For those of you late to board the White Mystery train (myself included on that one guys) they are a powerhouse brother and sister garage punk duo from Chicago, who have rocked the scene since 2009.

White Mystery showcase the song "Buttheads from Mars" from their 2010 album "Telepathic" and give us a glimpse at their upcoming album "DUBBLE DRAGON" in their song "Unteddy."Dubble Dragon is set to be released on 4/20 of this year. To download the raw garage rock tracks laced with over the top energetic instrumental improvisational bursts, click here.

Listen to "Unteddy"

Be sure to check out the rest of the great artists featured on Chicago Singles Club.
More free music can never be a bad thing. DO ITT.

Happy headbanging friends.

NowListening

Zoo Brother - Gemini Girl EP

Solo project of William Karmis, Zoo Brother, continues to bring indie-pop goodness through infections synth coated beats paired with sway friendly and hook forward choruses in his new EP "Gemini Girl."

Pick up a copy via Zoo Brother's bandcamp page at the oh so affordable price of what ever your giving heart feels like paying. 

Listen Here:

Watch here:

NowListening

The Lemons - "Hello, We're The Lemons"

Infectously bouncy and hook heavy pop tunes that marry lo-fi audio style with 1960s flower pop. The Lemons constantly bring happy vibes by making their songs about eveything that makes them happy and for them that includes: "animals, friends, and food."

 Ahh, the simple things. 

For The Lemons, keeping it simple and fun works. While their happiness and cheer verges on kiddie or cult pop status from time to time, I think it's a part of their charm.

Buy the tape from Gnar Tapes

Cop That: NE-HI - "S/T" 12" LP

Pre-order NE-HI's album "S/T" for goodies and musically induced dreamy euphoria 

Image from manicstatic.com

 NE-HI came together with an artistic purpose of scoring a film directed by a friend, Xavier Juarez. The group later decided to reunite past their silver screen beginnings and continue making songs fit for indie movie soundtracks. (This is a decision I, and hopefully you, are  very happy about.)

With a sound that that nuances at 1960's influences, harmonic and hazy riffs, with restlessly passionate yet monotone vocals, NE-HI create a picture of a psychedelic dream that leaves those of us listening captured by the spell. While the guys have gotten together for recordings at Public House Sound Studio and Juarez's film score, their first full album is set to be released via Manic Static soon this year. (I'll let you know as soon as I do, promise)

The 12" LP "S/T" is available for pre-order now and it comes with goodies. Anyone who opts for pre-ordering will receive a download code for the full album on the day of order AND the first 50 orders  get a glow in the dark pinback button. The benefits are seemingly endless!

If you are as convinced that this album is going to be pop, euphoric, indie goodness then pre-order HERE.

Here's a taste of what you can expect from NE-HI

NowListening

OSHWA - Tigers

"Tigers" is the follow up EP of OSHWA's first full legnth LP  "Chamomile Crush". Bringing dreamy hints of pop influence paired with airy folk driven vocals and experimental instrumental work, OSHWA brings something out of the ordinary to the Chicago scene. For  tUnE-yArD and Dirty Projector fans the "Tigers" EP may be your new favorite tunes to add to your everyday playlist.

Jump to Chicago Mixtape to hear OSHWA on Chicago Mixtape's latest release "Captain Fluffy"
Or, just click below for a download of the EP

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Valentine's Day: Shows for the hater & the lover

Most of us know that Valentine's day is supposed to be one of love, togetherness, passion, blahh, blee, blahh. Most of us also know that the hallmark holiday can suck majorly. Lucky enough for us who find ourselves in Chicago for the holiday of romance, there are an array of Valentine's day events for the lovers and anti-vday advocates alike. 

5th Annual Chicago Reader Anti Valentine's Day Party

For all of us that agree that Valentine's Day kind of blows, come join the Chicago Reader as they bring bounce queen Big Freedia to the Logan Square Auditorium. Spend the holiday of commercial bliss enjoying beats by Swaguerrilla and the Bruised Orange Theatre Company's piece based on the Reader's "I Saw You" column. If that is not enough to convince you, the night is has a hosted bar by Goose Island and Soco Cherry samples personally delivered to you by the ladies of the Windy City Rollers.

Boom. Now click here to get your bounce on.
*Hurry and make your purchase before Friday for a discount price*

Slo 'Mo Present:  No Ordinary Love

Slo 'Mo is a community of "slow jams for homos (and their fans)" and they know how to celebrate the day of love as all of us should: dancing and good vibes. Enjoy this Sade tribute night at Chop Shop with slow jams spun by DJs Tess and Matt Roan. 

For more info...

and for those of you who need a bit of slow jams sooner than Friday night...

The Queers performing "Love Songs for the Retarded" 

Long time pop punk outfit The Queers visit Township to perform their 1993 album "Love Songs for the Retarded" in its entirety during two different sets at 7:00  & 10:30 p.m. They will be joined by fellow fast thrashing pop-punkers Lipstick Homicide and Sore Subjects. For those of you who love spending time getting noisy with the ones you love, Township is your VDay destination. 

Wanna Go?

8th Annual Hideout Makeout

Who says that all the Valentine's Day fun needs to end so soon? Visit The Hideout for a post-Valentine's day instrumental celebration. Their 8th annual Make-Out Party "An Evening of Aural Intercourse" is a night filled with Orchestra performances of classic movie love themes. With instrumental renditions of Frank Zappa, The Ventures, Celine Dion  and more, the lovin' mood continues on well past the 14th. 

For your tickets to a magical night, click here.

NowListening

Hot Bagels - "Toasted"

Craig Woods a.k.a. Hot Bagels unleashes his raw vocals partnered with a distorted and distant recording style that easily pushes "Toasted" into the realm kick ass lo-fi album. Stripped down, raw, emotional, and noisy indie Punk can be found throughout this 15 track release.

Cop the digital release at Hot Bagels Bandcamp page or wait for the LP to be released via Be Happy Records on Feb 25th.

¿Music Videos?

I thoroughly enjoy every opportunity to watch Chicago suburbanite hooligans, The Orwells show off their performance skills and their new music video is a prime opportunity to get the front screen experience.


Weird, loud, melodic, throbbing, thrashing, pleading-screeching musical fun. The video for "The Righteous One" grows in simple and clean chaos mirroring the music of the song.
Watch below and party on.

WATCH NOW - Angel Olsen's NPR Tiny Desk Performance

Angel Olsen previews upcoming album "Burn Your Fire For No Witness" at NPR Tiny Desk Performance

The Asheville, N.C. based musician via Chicago gave a lone performance for NPR; giving an alluring yet haunting tone to the sparse but delicate tracks.  The video from this past autumn previews songs from Olsen's new studio album "Burn Your Fire For No Witness" which is set to release February 18th via Jagjaguwar. 

For more Angel Olsen: 

Facebook

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NowListening

Chance the Rapper Ft. Jeremih - untitled track

Chicago artist, Chance the Rapper, recently performed a private show at Lincoln Hall as apart of DePaul University's annual Winter Concert. The DePaul students received more than they anticipated when Chance brought fellow Chicago favorite Jeremiah on stage to premiere a yet to be named track.

Check out the video and start getting excited for when the final release drops.

¿Music Videos?

Julie Meckler uses blends of jazz, blues, ska, pop, classical, with heavy hints of rock and folk. Regardless of the many styles incorporated, the songs remain urgent in message but relaxed yet pleading in tone. This French songstress is someone to be heard.

The video hints at longing and reminiscing about a dizzying love filled memory and mirrors the earnesty in Meckler's voice. While the video may be back from 2012 the track can be found on her recent album QueensHead. Check out the full album on her BandCamp page.

Julie Meckler - Manhattan

NowListening

Cool Kids - "Computer School" & "Chop"

Chicago rap duo, Cool Kids, have reunited and are quickly continuing to Cool Kids craze that extended well past our Chicago streets. The retro stylin' team has come back with two new songs including "Computer School" and "Chop" and their new album Shark Week is set to drop later this year.

Trust me, people are going to be excited.

Listen here: 

For more Cool Kids:

 Facebook 

Twitter

Advance Notice:Julie Ruin - TheQueers - The Orwells

Julie Ruin: Kathleen Hanna's newest project, Julie Ruin, will be stopping by Chicago as apart of their North American Tour. The group will be performing tracks from their debut LP, Run Fast, which was released last September from Dischord Records. Catch them at Lincoln Hall on April 9th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (1/17/14).

I'll catch you there Grrls and Boys.

Julie Ruin - Oh Come One 

The Queers: With influences like the Screaching Weasels, Black Flag, and The Ramones, The Queers bring familiar high energy powered fast tempos, acompanied by harmonized cries, and an infectously melodic style that they have been perfecting for over 30 years now. The long standing Pop Punk group will very appropriately be playing their 1993 sophomore album, Love Songs for the Retarded, at Township on February 14th. Advance tickets are on sale now. 

The Queers - Ursula Finally Has Tits 

The Orwells: As Chicago boy's The Orwells work to put the finishing touches on their next studio album, they plan on keeping busy this winter with a number of U.S. and U.K. tour dates. After sharing some stage time with the Arctic Monkeys, The Orwells will visit home for a peformance at Lincoln Hall with friends Twin Peaks on April 1st. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (1/17) at noon. 

Check out some of the boys new tunes from their latest EPs: Other Voice EP (free download) & Who Needs You  (full stream) 

The Orwells - Dirty Sheets 

¿Music Videos?

The golden days of music videos feel like they're long gone with the times of the MTV VJ and phrases like "Pop up video." Music Videos used to be fun, remember?

Now we have art like this. (Thanks Kanye)
And people who are held responsible of making fun of art like that, by doing they're own thing (But really, THANK YOU SETH & JAMES <3)

But let us not lose hope. More and more often I find myself upon a video that completes a song. The feel, look, and overall vibe are amplified by the combo of  tunes with the visual. Vic Mensa's "ORANGE SODA" is one of those videos. With a throw back feel reminiscent of the golden days of Keenan and Kel and the beloved goofballs of "All That,"  Vic Mensa delivers some seriously charismatic and impressive wordplay over a laid back, but persistently funky beat.

CHECK HIM OUT.

NowListening

Zoo Brother -  Fourth Of July & Please Don't

Chicago based Zoo Brother camouflage as sandmen and dance us into their pleading dream. "Fourth of July" creates unannounced body bopping from it's upbeat ode to a dizzying summer affair.  Then in "Please don't" the Zoo Brother continue mashing traditional 50's pop styles with hazy and luscious tones that  bring on a full dream pop trance.

Their full single Fourth Of July & Please Don't was released in November 2013, but Fourth of July has been gracing the interwebs as an unmixed demo from Zoo Brother for over a year. It's never too late to give these lo-fi dream pop dudes a listen. I'm anticipating our ears will only become happier from it.

Check out more Zoo Brother: BandCamp Facebook SoundCloud Tumblr