Old Review We Think You Should Read

Chicago Music Project has been around for quite a while now. From its inception back in 2007 - we've been working hard to get this little dream of ours off the ground. Almost two years ago, we received some reviews that have never been published - and here's one we're still proud to present because it still holds true. Bailiff captured our attention back in early 2008 with their debut EP. And this is the review that sold us:

"Bailiff's EP mm hmm astounds with it's first-take live recordings. The single, "What I Was," starts with a mysterious lone guitar subsequently joined by the rest of the band for a perfectly controlled crescendo--it's hard to believe it isn't mastered. I'm guessing these guys grew up listening to Cobain, Meat Puppets, and maybe the lighter of the group, Built to Spill, but they make this single a moody of their very own. Bailiff is comprised of Josh Seigel on the guitar, Ren Matthews on drums, and Marc Bonadies on the bass. This three-piece comes together as Chicago's version of a subdued Black Keys, but no more comparing, just enjoy what it is--musicians that are praised for their live performance (over 100 people showed up to their debut show at the Beat Kitchen) but work just as well as a live recording. This post-grunge blues-rock sound makes you wish head banging was popular again. But this is not a 90s remake, Bailiff creates a tight, blues-infused sound that conveys so much emotion that you don't have to hear lyrics to feel what the song is about. But do listen--the lyrics hark back to how blues and the roots of rock started, through simplicity--"I don't mind, I told you what I was." Bailiff's single is a refreshing homage to genres of the past, as they say, "it's all been said, all the song's been sung," but somehow this song takes all of that to father their own new, dare I say, Chicago sound."


Josh Siegel - Bailiff's front man in the studio. Photo Credit: Brian Buckley.

by Emily Hochman
Chicago Music Project writer at large.

NATALIE OLIVERI - HOLIDAY SINGLE w/ FREE DOWNLOAD

It seems that most people have come to dread the holiday season, mostly because they've grown weary of listening to the same tired old songs everywhere you go. Every department store, Starbucks and other imaginable retail location seems to play the holiday standards year in and year out. Imagine the poor employees that have to work there and listen to them every day!! And when new material comes out - it's always those same standards redone.

Well if you're looking for something new, fresh and original . . . look no more! Natalie Oliveri - quite easily the hardest working female singer/songwriter in Chicago - has recently released a holiday single, entitled "Snow", bringing a fresh new voice to the holiday roster. Song was produced by Harley Figueroa - a well respected local musician and producer. Click on the link below to download the track for FREE.

zSHARE - _SNOW_ R_b Version MP3.mp3

For those of you that don't know who Natalie is yet - get to know her because you'll be seeing her name around more and more in 2010. From folkloric Columbian ensembles, to full out neo-soul "big bands" and solo performances - Natalie carries her herself as a do-it-all kind of musician. And rightfully so, because she can.

Check out her EPK - created by Chicago Music Project's very own Leo Flores.

Natalie Oliveri: Eclectic Soul EPK from Leo A. Flores on Vimeo.

CMPtv OnStage featuring Romi Lovel

Here's a little flashback to our first local music showcase back in June at the Double Door. We're happy to present Romi Lovel's "Rock Ur World" performed live.

Romi Lovel even hired bucket drummers to share the stage with her.

CMPtv Onstage: Romi Lovel "Rock Your World" from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

CMPtv OnStage featuring Kid Static

Chicago hip hop phenom, Kid Static, performs two songs for your viewing pleasure. Filmed live at the Double Door for CMP's summer local music showcase.

CMP OnStage: Kid Static "Speak the Truth/World Goes Round" from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

Claire Stahlecker @ Uncommon Ground

Chicago Music Project generally tends to stay in their native Wicker Park neighborhood for shows, save for the occasional show at the Metro. So when the guys sent me over to The Uncommon Ground for an their back room session, I was a bit skeptical. I hadn't gone to Wrigleyville in a very long time. But a musician that's able to hold down a month long residency is probably someone worth checking out.

Not knowing quite what to expect, I ordered a beer and enjoyed the show. Taylor Mallory, another young local singer/songwriter, was in the middle of his last song - which he was performing with two guys from Fly Pheonix.

The room filled up and Claire finally took the stage. The way she started engaging the audience pretty much set the tone to how her performance would be. Her songs were all stories of her life, and experiences she's had through her ripe age of 21. Love and heartbreak, self realization and trying to find her place in life were common themes in her music that really seemed to speak to the people who watched and listened attentively.

Although the audience mostly consisted of friends and family for this occasion, it was as though they were listening to her for the first time. She can play the hell out of the guitar and really take you on a journey through her storytelling. Really putting meaning behind her songs has left me with a lingering impression of Claire (and the concept behind singer/songwriters), and at times I think of her raw voice that filled the air with pieces of her life. I felt that for an hour, I too was a part of her life. And I know that if I asked her, she'd tell me I actually was.

BACK FROM A SHORT BREAK

The guys at CMP want to apologize for not having had kept up with the blog this past week, but there's been a lot going on. We realize that all five of you that check this blog have been wondering what the hell is going on. Well here's a brief over view of what's to come:

CMP got a chance to finally do their Unplugged Show at Moonshine - which was a huge success. More to come on that.

I've also been sent out in search of new talent, and got a chance to check out Makeshift Prodigy at Angels and Kings.

Israel and Leo ventured out to Uncommon Ground to see what all the buzz was about a Claire Stahlecker, and got a chance to listen to Taylor Mallory as well. Turns out she's damn good.

Chicago Music Project has a HUGE announcement to make . . . and I'll give you a hint. It involves CMP's first corporate sponsor. Everyone back at the HQ is pretty excited about it and Israel's going to personally write that one up.

So stay tuned . . .

INTERVENTION featuring Natalie Oliveri

In August of 2009 - Natalie Oliveri hosted her record release show for our weekly INTERVENTION party at Moonshine before a crowd of just under 200 people. The staff, the bosses and the audience loved her so much we decided to bring her back for our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations for INTERVENTION.

Check out her hit single "Never Too Late" - shot and chopped by our very own Leo Flores.

Natalie Oliveri "Never Too Late" from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

Chicago Music Project - IN THE STREETS

We caught up with Rashid Hadee - self produced local hip hop legend - on the Magnificent Mile and had him perform "I Get It" right in the middle of Michigan Avenue.

This is rare performance footage, so enjoy and let us know what you think....

CMP In the Streets: Rashid Hadee from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

HOME DISTILLED LIVE - featuring The Steepwater Band

Chicago Music Project recently joined forces with Beam Global - one of the nation's fastest growing liquor portfolios - to present "Home Distilled Live" at Moonshine.

Taking this veteran rock band out of their element and sticking them in an intimate setting such as Moonshine - whose interior decor just screams rock and roll - for a live unplugged show that CMP's camera crews dutifully capture is what Home Distilled is all about.

Although not all these events will be taking place at Moonshine, CMP is looking into the future for other established rock bands that can perform in more unconventional settings for unplugged shows.

Be a part of CMP's first HOME DISTILLED LIVE on October 29th at Moonshine. For about an hour, CMP's cameras will be rolling and Steepwater Band will do their thing with Jeff Masey's epic guitar solos . . . all before an audience of about 150.

So grab a $2 pint of Moonshine's craft beer, a shot of Beam to go with it and enjoy the show!

MOONSHINE IS LOCATED AT 1824 W DIVISION STREET IN CHICAGO'S WICKER PARK NEIGHBORHOOD. FILMING BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 10PM. CALL 773.862.8686 TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE NOW.

Chicago Music Project - IN THE STUDIO

Chicago Music Project spent some time at Rhythm Cafe for some studio time with Chicago's own Natalie Oliveri.

Calling upon several collaborative artists that Natalie has worked with in the past, to include Rico Sisney of Sidewalk Chalk, and an all star ensemble of soul and jazz musicians from throughout the city. Tawney Newsome, singer from local booze rock band Dirty Rooks, made a guest appearance, flexing her vocal skills for Oliveri's "Too Good to be True" and "Closer", along with Ashley Stevenson.

Natalie Oliveri recently released her EP "Eclectic Soul"; showcasing her musical range with her interpretation of a Latin Guajira in "Muchacha" (featuring her former ensemble, Soulatina) and all the way to her versions of folk, soul and R&B. Her diversity in music is a direct reflection of this wonderful city of Chicago from which she was borne.

Check back for our finished product: Chicago Music Project IN THE STUDIO - featuring Natalie Oliveri.

1773 performing for INTERVENTION tonight

Moonshine has graciously allowed CMP to host a weekly event for just about a year now. Featuring DJ Intel on the decks - who's made a reputation for the night by playing only local music - and live performances from some of the city's best musical acts, Intervention has quickly gained ground and become a destination for music lovers throughout Chicago. RSVP HERE

And the drink specials don't hurt either . . .

$3 PBR and Moonshine Craft Beer Pints

$4 Jim Beam, Sauza Hornitos and Effen Vodka cocktails.

This month, we're featuring local hip hop prodigies 1773 (pronounced seventeen seventy three) as they continue to showcase their sophomore effort "Return of the New". Their second album, which the band refers to as their “real debut”, has been received with high accolades from both domestic and international media.

Watching them perform their music is like going back in time to the days when hip hop was real. Their lyrics boast actual cultural relevance over smart beats and samples. This is what underground Chicago hip hop has become – and 1773 is the face of it.

Come check them out and get yourself immersed some of Chicago’s most honest hip hop around.

CMPtv In The Streets: 1773 from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

ROCKTAPUSSY - chicago’s vinyl vixens bring you SPANDEXXX.

If you’re into the Chicago DJ scene or even just hot chicks in tight clothes, chances are you’ve heard of or maybe even hung out the girls from Rocktapussy. Like the secret agent from whose film their name is derived, Chicago’s sexiest spinning duo — comprised of DJs Mother Hubbard (Chess Hubbard) and A-Cup (Jessica Gonyea) — take care of business with a sense of fashion and charming seduction.

Putting together stylized, high-energy shows that utilize multiple turntables, laptops and mixers, and sporting an indominable socialbility on and off the stage (which is probably a product of having been friends since grade school), Rocktapussy has experienced a quick rise in popularity and essentially created a scene all their own. CMPtv recently caught up with these vinyl vixens at Noble Square’s world-renowned listening lounge, Sonotheque, where Rocktapussy was hosting their newest venture to date, a monthly event geared towards female empowerment and tight synthetic fiber - SPANDEXXX. The event was sponsored by VENUS ezine and UR Chicago. With techniques and a combined musical knowlegde rivaled only perhaps by their good looks and infectous personalities, Rocktapussy deserves your attention. Chances are, they already have it.

CMPtv On The Scene - Spandexxx from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

MATT SANTOS to perform an intimate acoustic show

Many musicians like to practice in studios, some at home and yet others - such as Matthew Santos - like to take the time and practice in front of friends. Well how about a whole bar full of friends?

We caught up with Matt Santos this past Thursday at the weekly "Disappear Here" party at Angels and Kings and informed us that he would be playing an intimate little "secret" show at Moonshine on Monday the 19th.

This serves as a good chance to play in front of people and try out some new songs.

And while it's not certain yet, Matt also hinted to us that he may be playing with Lupe Fiasco on the 29th of October at the Congress Theater. It's something he'd like to make happen and told us "it would be a pretty fun time" to play with his pal, Lupe. If he does indeed do the show, well that would give us all another opportunity to see this rising star perform along with another Chicago gem.

Matt Santos is probably best known at this time in his career for his role in producing the "Superstar" single for Lupe Fiasco and even had plenty of face time in the music video for it.

Since partnering up with Lupe, Matt Santos' musical career as really taken off - allowing him the breathing room to make the music he wants to make and how he wants to make it. Matt Santos' will be having a release show for his new album on December 4th at the Lincoln Hall. Be sure to check it out too.

OUT ON THE SCENE - FRONT 312

Chicago Music Project went out to check out the monthly party - Front 312 - about a year back to check it out. I figured in memory of their 1 year anniversary a couple weeks back we'd throw this one up there. From what we hear, this party has grown into quite a monthly rager.

Enjoy!

CMPtv On the Scene - Front 312 from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

Lupe's label and He Say She Say call it quits . . .

After a brief conversation with one of the writers from Lupe Fiasco's blog we learned that He Say She Say is no longer with Lupe's label, 1st and 15th. It's not clear whether the band was dropped or if it was a mutual decision. But their manager, Derek Berry, is sure that it's for the better.

He Say She Say is an electro duo comprised of Million Dollar Mano and Drea Smith, a happenstance meeting that may have left aspiring singer/songwriter Drea a sociology teacher instead of this duo's better half. Lucky for us, though . . . she's not teaching.

They've come up with several instant hits, including single Crash Test Dummy; performed at Lollapalooza in 2009 and have shaken many an ass at tons of local dance parties throughout the city. We've watched people dance themselves into oblivion @ Sonotheque in Noble Square for the monthly Spandexxx party, and saw Drea entrance 800+ people from on top of the bar at Evil Olive for their Lollapalooza announcement party performance at the weekly REHAB party (now moved to Debonair on Milwaukee Avenue).

Despite the hype, the fact remains that now the electro duo no longer has a label backing them up. Speculation leads us to believe that it's due to inactivity. Maybe it's because half of the band is always on tour, which isn't a bad thing, per se. Just leaves less time for them to work on new material and play shows together.

Nonetheless, Derek Berry assures us that they've continued working on music and have created some tracks sure to leave their other hits in the dust. We're looking forward to it.

He Say She Say "Crash Test Dummie" from Noah Banks on Vimeo.

CMP ON*STAGE featuring The Dirty Rooks live at the Double Door

CMPtv On Stage: The Dirty Rooks "Tell Me Something" from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

The Dirty Rooks got their whole ensemble together for The Steepwater Band's "Grace and Melody" record release show on "Black Wednesday" of 2008. Enjoy!

CMPtv PILOT fall 2007 - In the Streets

Why not kill two birds with one stone? After Kid Static and Kate were done with their little rendezvous, we took him over to Wicker Park's iconic "crotch" where North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenue meet and had him do an impromptu performance of "Switchblade".

And, viola! In the Streets was born.

Tell us what you think!

CMPtv In the Streets: Kid Static from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

Chicago Music Project Welcomes New Writer

We're pleased to announce a new member to Chicago Music Project. Diego De La Motta, a fella from Philly, has joined CMP as a writer to keep you all up to date on the latest in music, news and more within our local music scene.

Any questions, inquiries, gossip or gripes can be submitted to our newest member at DDeLaMotta@gmail.com

Diego, welcome aboard!

CMPtv PILOT fall 2007 - "DATE WITH KATE" with Kid Static

Former Planet 19 producer, Kate Sozcka, sat down with us one afternoon and pitched an idea to us. She goes on "dates" with musicians and gets to know them while participating in activities that they enjoy.

So for our pilot we hit up Moses Harris Jr. (a.k.a. Kid Static) and shot our pilot of "Date with Kate". Check it out, tell us what you think.

CMPtv's Date with Kate: Kid Static from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

OUR FIRST "SPOTLIGHT" with ANIMATE OBJECTS

Our first show that we filmed was the Animate Objects at the Double Door. This performance was a milestone for us, allowing us to flex our skills at live performance filming as well as getting our foot in the door at the world famous Double Door in Wicker Park.

Since then, we've filmed a handful of performances and even got to put on our own show. Check out the video and tell us what you think!

CMPtv Spotlight: Animate Objects from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

INTERVENTION featuring the Glide

For almost an entire year now, Chicago Music Project has hosted a live local music event at Moonshine - transforming your favorite urban roadhouse pub into a live listening lounge for some of Chicago's best local musicians.

Strong supporters of the local music scene, a partnership with them seemed the only logical way to go to bring something new to the neighborhood and to Sunday nights.

DJ Intel has faithfully been the resident deejay, spinning only local music the entire night. For the whole year, everyone has encouraged bands and friends of bands to bring in their CDs and EP's and anything else that can be played for the enjoyment of our guests ears.

It's not uncommon that a guest will inquire about a song and write down the information only to go home and read up about them on myspace or purchase a song on Itunes. Designed to create a sense of unity within the Chicago music scene - INTERVENTION has become a networking source for local musicians across the musical board.

So when you're looking for something to do on any given Sunday, think INTERVENTION. Great music, great staff and as always . . . never a cover for you to enjoy.

$3 PBR pints
$3 handcrafted microbrew pints

$4 jim beam and cola
$4 hornitos sunrises
$5 effen black cherry and lemonade

Darwin Noguera up for Grammy

Hey All, Chicago Musician Darwin Noguera is up for a Grammy award. This week is the last voting week for the Grammy Awards! If you, or someone you know is a voting member, please consider "The Gardener"!

Best of luck Darwin!

Chicago Music Project ON*STAGE celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with ALLA

September is Hispanic Heritage Month in the US . . . we went back to our archives and found this video of ALLA performing live at the Cobra Lounge.

Check it.

CMPtv On Stage: Alla "Es Tiempo" from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

Chicago Music Project presents . . . PERFECT KISS - an experiment in sound

CMPtv presents: Perfect Kiss - An Experiment of Sound from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

Chicago Music Project went out for some pre-Halloween parties to check out the scene. We were able to sit down with synth-pop electro rockers, Perfect Kiss, for a quick interview at Smart Bar as they prepared to play a show with their newbie band mate, Ebony.

And what a party it turned out to be. This goth/industrial event brought out hundreds of locals decked out in their prep-stomping lace up boots and many waited in line for a punishing session with the dominatrix girls who promptly tied up, gagged and lashed the eager masochists.

Check it out . . . tell us what you think.

Chicago Music Project Channel

you can now find our videos along with some of the best independent producers in chicago on our vimeo channel featuring the best in chicago music.

CHICAGO MUSIC PROJECT presents HEY CHAMP AND GUESTS

Double Door. Wicker Park. June 4th, 2009.

Chicago Music Project started off on a new project. We felt crazy enough to put our own show together. We decided to host our event at the world famous Double Door, and our journey into the unknown began.

Our experience was humbling, to say the least, but we all walked out of it a whole hell of a lot wiser and proud.

Every show has a headliner, right? How about four of them?

We snagged Lollapalooza-bound Hey Champ, in between a tours with Lupe Fiasco and the Sounds to headline for our first local music showcase live before an impressive crowd of a few hundred for a Thursday night in the middle of festival season.

Hip Hop phenom, Kid Static was cool enough to take the plunge with us; performing some of his hit tracks like "Eatchyo Samwich" and "I Remember"; an unintentional encounter with Lovers in Arms quickly had us working to sign them up to our little endeavor; and the very lovely Romi Lovel gave us one of her electrifying performances, captivating the crowd's interest with a wild wig, mask and an improvised appearance by a couple of Chicago's own bucket boys.

The camera's were set, the crowd was getting tipsy on complimentary Sailor Jerry drinks - to be completed 9/9 (4:47 am)

Chicago Music Project - IN THE STREETS

we took our cameras down to the humboldt park puerto rican festival and happened to run into Just J and Wisdom One of 1773 - and had them bust out "return of the new" for our cameras. Check 'em out.

CMPtv In The Streets: 1773 from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

welcome to chicago music project . . .

we're new to this blogging thing, so it's probably going to take us a while to figure it out. But we're excited to be here and hope to have you all coming down to our blog every now and then to see what's new in local music.