New Video | Lungz - Crabs In A Barrel

Lungz - Crabs In A Barrel (Dir: N2ition) from Brandon "N2ition" Riley on Vimeo.

Directed by Brandon "N2ition" Riley

New Video | Visual - What's Up Joe

VISUAL - What's up Joe feat. Ale Nova music video from Visual on Vimeo.


Directed by Leo Flores

A story about dedication,success,struggle,jealousy and death. A lot of hip hop is violent but never has it been brought to the people in true story form like this.

Download the remix here: http://www.box.net/shared/5fnohygu2j

Also follow Visual on Twitter - www.twitter.com/ISeeItAll

Interview w/ Gozamos TV

Hey All,

It's been a long time, but we're still alive and kicking here in Chicago. This past weekend CMP Co-Founder, Leo A. Flores, stopped by the office of the Chicago Culture website, Gozamos to talk about CMP and Indie music in Chicago. Check it out!!




Chicago Music Project - Gozamos.tv Episode 10 from Gozamos on Vimeo.

CMPtv On the Scene | The Streets on Fire Album Release

Almost six months ago we wrote about a new band we love - The Streets on Fire - and now almost six months later to the day, the motley quartet that comprises the band released their second full length album at the world famous Double Door.

It was an amazing night. The stage floor was packed, the drinks were flowing, the air was hot and sticky, and the fog machine was on 11. Everyone was psyched.

The openers Blah Blah Blah and Big Science set the stage for the night with excellent performances. We've know about Blah Blah Blah for sometime, but it's the first we've heard of Big Science. Great to say the least. We can't wait to see them @ The Wicker Park Fest later this month.

With that The Streets on Fire entered the stage, and killed it! Next time these guy perform live you have to see it. It's one of those live show experiences that rarely happens.

Would we go as far to say they are the best band in Chicago right now? Well on that Friday.....they were.

Check it out!


CMPtv On the Scene | The Streets on Fire Album Release from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

CMP Playback | Natalie Oliveri "Never Too Late"

What more can we say about Natalie Oliveri that hasn't been said before? Since the age of 9, this Chicago based Singer/Songwriter has been shaping her own style of music. From Neo-Soul to Hip Hop this songstress has shown her versatility through her ability to deliver a soulful ballad, or a undeniably danceable Latin Pop tune.

To add to Ms. Oliveri's resume she just announced that her EP Eclectic Soul will be released in Japan by Japanese label, Revolution Recording (aka...River City Japan). Through CMP, Natalie connected with Chicago Hip Hop Group 1773, and they in turn collaborated on a track that was included on their Japanese album release Sound Soulstice. This was the catalyst for Revolution Recording to contact Natalie, and sign her to a multi-album deal with Eclectic Soul being released on July 14th.

CMP will also have the privilege of being packaged with Natalie as the music video below will be included on DVD with her CD release in Japan. Early in the year CMP Co-Founder and Filmmaker, Leo A. Flores, brought his team together to create a concept envisioned by Flores and Oliveri.

"I knew what we were creating wasn't going to be anything ground breaking," states Flores, "I just wanted to tell the story using some classic Hollywood composition, and use editing that matched the slow unwinding process that is heartbreak."

Who would have known the day we first saw this starry eyed young woman on the Student Stage during Columbia College's Manifest, that she would accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. Word is she's working on her second EP, and possibly working with several Chicago music industry notables.

Watch....Comment....Share....Enjoy!

CMP Playback | Hey Champ "Neverest"

This one is hot off the burner! Check out this gloriously strange video by Hey Champ in advance of their debut album "Star" which hits stores July 13th

CMP Around The Chi | Just for Laughs Comedy Fest: The City That Works

Last night, CMPtv had exclusive access to a rehearsal to one of the hottest show this week. Thursday, June 17th @ Martyrs in Lakeview the Just For Laughs comedy festival presents The City That Works. The is a collaborative effort between the critically acclaimed Chicago comedy ensemble Scadenfreude, and the Soul/Funk/Hip Hop band The Jordan Years.

Instead of me explaining to you what this show is......just check out the video below. It's sure to be a great night with appearances by:

Rhymefest
Radio Personalities Eddie and Jobo
The Walter E. Smith Brothers (Yes the guys from the commercials)
and many more....

RSVP Here

CMP Around the Chi | Just for Laughs: The City That Works from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

CMP Presents: Natalie Oliveri's Music Video Release @ Butterfly Social Club

This Wednesday, Chicago Music Project will premier Singer/Songwriter Natalie Oliveri's first music video for her hit single, "Never Too Late."

We've been reporting on Natalie's career since her first appearance with us during our INTERVENTION days @ Moonshine in Wicker Park. Since then we've been amazed with just about everything she's been a part of. Besides releasing her EP "Electic Soul" she has collaborated with Chicago Hip Hop artists 1773, Keith Masters, and even Italian Electro Lounge Group Silenzio Assenzio.

So this Wednesday marks another milestone in her music career as we share her music video Directed by myself, CMP C0-Founder Leo A. Flores, with Jordan Campagna adding his masterful work as Director of Photography.

So join us.....Details Below.....

Wednesday, June 16th
Butterfly Social Club
Doors open @ 8pm
First Showing @ 9pm
Followed by a Live Acoustic performance by Natalie
Second Showing soon after.

Drink Special | $4 beer with a free shot
Resident DJ Seano

RSVP Here....

"Puertas Del Corazon" Live @ Cuatro from Natalie Oliveri on Vimeo.

Free Mixtape | DJ Asiatic - NEVER SOLD CRACK

This past Thursday at the Darkroom Visual, Klip Art Studios, and CMP teamed up to celebrate the release of NEVER SOLD CRACK, a mixtape by DJ Asiatic.

The night saw performances by Detroit Metro Area Abrasive Method, Que B.I.L.L.A.H, Scheme & Astonish, and of course Visual himself. Let's not forget DJ Scend who backed up all the acts.

It was overall a great night with the performances, and the other Chicago artists in attendance. CMPtv and Klip Art will be releasing video and pics very soon.

Enough talk.....its time for you to download the mix tape. If you've never heard Visual before, this is a good chance to sample his work. In a sea of rappers talking about "jukin hoes" and "Party Party", Visual brings a positive message to his music. A message of believing in yourself and not just following your dreams, but making them a reality. Since Thursday, the mixtape has been blowin up the internet on various music blogs. It's hot!

Click on the pic above to download the mixtape. Below is a video for Visual's "We Gonna Fly" by our hommies @ Kilp Art.

Visual "We Gonna Fly" Video from Klip Art Studio on Vimeo.

EXPERIENCING LOCAL MUSIC - ONE FESTIVAL AT A TIME

One of the things people look forward to most during Chicago Summers are the festivals. Whether it's the shopping, quick eats, beer tents or just being able to meet up with everyone you know - summer festivals in Chicago have become huge events with new one popping up every year.

And at Chicago Music Project, we're happy to see that summer fests are supporting more and more local artist by booking local talent for their shows.

Check out the Taste of Randolph this year with local legends Califone along with Mucca Pazza, Superchunk, and one of our favorites, Matthew Santos and his band. See you there!

HE SAY SHE WHO? THIS IS KINKY NOTTI AND THEY'RE HOT

All right, this city has had it's share of boy/girl electronic duos in the past. But Kinky Notti's "Ghetto Love" is here to let you know that none of those other guys (and girls!) matter.

Smart video, funky grooves - I can't get this track out of my head. Check it out!

KINKY NOTTI - Ghetto Love Video from Kinky Notti on Vimeo.

CMPtv | REBELS @ LARGE - CAM BE PRESENTS 1773's "THE GOODNESS"

Proving himself to be a legitimate music video maker, Cam Be submitted his second work of art with 1773 for their hit single, "The Goodness".

1773 - The Goodness/ So Clear from Cam Be on Vimeo.

CMPtv PRODUCTION FEATURED ON LOLLALPALOOZA SITE

CMPtv got together with Derek Berry and Rick Carrico of Team Bayside high and created a SPOTLIGHT segment for them. It's been featured on lollapalooza's website!

CHECK IT OUT!

CMPtv PLAYBACK | "GIVE IT TO ME" RHYMEFEST

Rhymefest has a new album coming out June 8th . . . check out the music video for his single "Give It To Me"

CMPtv PLAYBACK | "I'M BEAMING" LUPE FIASCO

At fourteen, Lupe lived on the west side of Chicago, in “the ‘hood,” as he said, “like the ‘hood ‘hood, the real ‘hood. Prostitutes on the corner, gangs, drive-bys, blood stains in the hallway.” He’d been a black belt in karate for four years. He skateboarded the lakefront and was raised a Muslim, as he still is today. His dad taught him about African music and his days in the Black Panthers. He hated hip-hop.

“The ‘hood was the environment,” he said, “But it was juxtaposed with a really strong family. As kids, we couldn't curse. We got whippings for cursing. Girls were taboo then, and [in some hip-hop] they were talking about doing all this wild, outlandish stuff with girls. Quite honestly, it was embarrassing.”

But around that time he heard Nas’ 1996 album “It Was Written,” and his distaste for hip-hop vanished. The parallels ran deep: Nas grew up among the harshness of Queens but was raised on the teachings of Islam and by his famous and worldly musician dad, Olu Dara.

Enter: Music (noun)

1. a most immediate art form, resistant to theories and generalizations

2. a long-standing refuge for the creative

By 25, Lupe had a second album out, had been produced by Jay-Z, Kanye West and the Neptunes, and was rapping about how “hip-hop saved [his] life.” Now at 28, he has the power to lift new talent from obscurity, helping to launch the careers of Matthew Santos, Chicago’s Hey Champ and GemStones.

There appear no limits to his ideas these days and the directions he’s willing to take. He created a persona called “LupE.N.D.” in 2009, the name he said he’d give his newest album, the last one before he quits music forever. Going back on that, he then said he’s sticking with music and titling his new album “Lasers” — which is due out soon.

Creativity is like that. Everything seems like a good idea at the time, and usually because it is a good idea at the time. Even if it contradicts itself.

What’s next for Lupe is anyone’s guess. He’s currently climbing Mount Kilamjaro with Kenna and Justin Timberlake for charity. He and Kanye have been planning with Pharrell to put out an album under the pseudo-group name the Child Rebel Soldiers for at least half a year. He’s also said to have a novel in the works, which is, interestingly, about a window-washer.

Angela Chase of My So-Called Life, a veritable philosopher of our times, once said, “It just seems like personality is something you agree to, just to make things easier on everyone else.” All that we can say about Lupe for sure is that few are less predictable and more interesting to watch. Only, he’s somehow doing it more quietly than his peer stars. He’s not grabbing microphones from Taylor Swift — nothing so tasteless. It makes it easy to forget (or not to realize) just how big he is.

Check out the latest in Chicago's local legend - Lupe Fiasco:

CMPtv | REBELS @ LARGE - CAM BE presents TAYLOR MALLORY

CMPtv contributor Cam Be (camera/editor) did a segment on local singer/songwriter Taylor Mallory at the Vocalo.org radio station. Taylor Mallory - whom we had the pleasure of opening for a Claire Stahlecker acoustic set a couple months back - performs his single "Sunni's Outside" in the radio station's studio.

Check out the video and give us some feed back . . . we hope to see more from this rebel at large.

Taylor Mallory - Sunni's Outside (Live) on Vocalo 89.5 FM Chicago from Cam Be on Vimeo.

Cam Be also did * CMPtv On The Scene | Every Drop Counts - Haitian Relief Series * to become a CMPtv "REBEL AT LARGE" simply submit a link to your reel and/or video to rebels@chicagomusicproject.com

CMPtv ON THE SCENE | EVERY DROP COUNTS - HAITIAN RELIEF SERIES

Time has passed since the devastating earthquake that rocked a small nation and captured the hearts of America - but time has not forgotten the people of Haiti. At risk of repeating myself, the Presidential Palace left in ruins has been chiseled into my mind as a haunting representation of the destruction that was wrought upon the Haitians that fateful Tuesday afternoon. If the single most powerful effigy of a nation is reduced to rubble and debris, imagine the death, destruction, agony and pain that was inflicted upon the rest of the nation.

Haiti was in dire need and a small group of artists came forth to answer the call. Utilizing the power of social networks, Aja Monet and Ferrari Sheppard were able to hook up with the World Water Relief organization and put together one of the most impressive hip hop bills ever for this humanitarian cause. Marco Lopez of Black Market Caviar was generous enough to allow his store to be the hub of the operations, as well as providing T-Shirts and other printing services for the event.

With a lineup set and most details locked in, it didn't take long for a buzz to begin among social circles for weeks prior to the event. Despite any obstacles and internal disagreements that may have occurred - which is just the proverbial nature of the beast when trying to organize such a large scale event - while planning, all were overcome and the final product was one huge music event that will be spoken of for years to come.

We had the privilege of attending the Every Drop Counts benefit that brought out every single important hip hop artist in the city of Chicago for an evening of motivational speeches, cohesion, love and selflessness. The atmosphere was filled with inspiration and the performances truly did rock the sold out crowd at Reggie's Rock Club. Aja Monet was the most gracious of hostesses for the event, while Ferrari Sheppard ensured that the operations ran smoothly. Clayton Hauk of Everyone Is Famous captured the event best - check out the gallery.

We were given the opportunity to interview most of the local artists that performed and the general consensus seemed to be in unison across the board. There was no hesitation to put forth a helping hand for this cause and everyone's efforts paid off - this event raised close to $7,000 from ticket sales and auction items. And this monetary value was matched by the World Water Relief organization, enough to buy several water filtering systems that can reach out to thousands of people in need.

After all is said and done, however, the tragedy is still not over. There are still tens of thousands of Haitians without enough sustenance or even a shanty to call home for them and their families. Relief and aide is still needed. If you'd like to donate or volunteer or become a part of the movement, please visit Every Drop Counts website.

Check out the video, and watch it in it's entirety. A lot of passion and dedication went into organizing the event and we hope that this video does the benefit justice in capturing the essence of what went on and the feelings that were felt from all of those present.

Thank you Aja, thank you Ferrari and a special thanks to all those of you who supported and made this event such a huge success. Events like this show the world what Chicago is about and capable of. All it takes is one person to care enough, and the rest will follow.

Every Drop Counts from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

article written by: Israel Fernandez III (contact at ifernandez@chicagomusicproject.com)

CMPtv PRODUCTIONS UPDATE

Last week, the guys from Chicago Music Project teamed up with revolutionized ARTS and Natalie Oliveri for a weekend long music video shoot for her hit single Never Too Late off of her latest EP Eclectic Soul.

Coming off of a short string of performances in Italy and an international collaboration with Rome's Selenzio Assenzio, Natalie was eager to come back (despite the fact that Chicago's on it's last legs of winter) and get working on this latest endeavor.

Special thanks to Brandon Reilly (N2Ition Productions), Product Productions, Alonzo Alcaraz and the usual suspects of Chicago Music Project.

Check out Natalie's EPK here.

Video set to be completed mid-April.

CMPtv PLAYBACK | "TURN IT UP" GREEN VELVET w/ SANTIAGO AND BUSHIDO

Green Velvet (a.k.a. Cajmere) has been a notorious Chicago mainstay in the club/house scene ever since his first serious hit most commonly known as "It's Time for the Percolator" (released on Cajual Clubhouse Records 1992). Well into the new century, the famed DJ/producer has continued to create club jams and high profile collaborations that have effortlessly been shaking asses* throughout Chicago and beyond.

Check out his latest collaboration with Santiago and Bushido for "Turn It Up" with multiple cameos from various local DJ's and underground house socialites.




* picture of booty courtesy of www.hotchickswithdouchbags.com

CMPtv ON THE SCENE | ONE NIGHT STAND

Chicago Music Project got exclusive access to February's ONE NIGHT STAND to check out what the craze was all about. This month's theme was appropriately called "Heart Attack", decking out the Metro to look like a high school dance, keeping in step with the month's Valentine celebration.

Live performances from "vinyl vixens" turned legitimate peformers Moneypenny and Gemini Club as well as DJ sets by Kid Color, Only Children and residents Team Bayside High highlighted this monthly 18+ event, drawing in hundreds of kids from the Chicagoland area for a night of beats, sweating and dancing.

Check out our exclusive recap video where the brains behind ONS talk about the iconic venue that hosts One Night Stand, sweaty 18 year old kids (take it from me, DON'T google this, like I did trying to find a funny picture) and a blossoming man crush with a said "Chris Baronner".

ENJOY!

CMPtv On the Scene: One Night Stand from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

One Night Stand is a MONTHLY party - RSVP to their next event on March 27th HERE.

CMPtv PLAYBACK | "SEND IT UP" MIC TERROR

We got a chance to meet Mic Terror at the Every Drop Counts benefit at Reggie's Rock Club at the end of February and got a chance to check out his performance with Hollywood Holt and Million Dollar Mano by his side.

We hope to bring you an interview with him in the near future, but for now enjoy one of his music videos:

Mic Terror - Send It Up (Music Video HD) from Davy Greenberg on Vimeo.

HEY CHAMP ON VIMBY

Last year we brought you our first Local Music Showcase featuring local artists Hey Champ among several other extremely talented musicians.

Well since then, the boys have traveled around the globe and they've picked up steam as the collect fans from all over. And now the more people are starting to take note. Check out their video on VIMBY:

VIMBY - Hey Champ

CMPtv PLAYBACK | "RUN FROM THE GUN" ORNERY LITTLE DARLINGS

SO . . . Chicago Music Project is working on getting our television program off the ground and on the air - and one of the shows that will be presented to you will be CMPtv PLAYBACK - a music video showcase. More details to come . . .

That being said, we spend many hours perusing the interweb and lately we've been seeing a lot more music video production in Chicago. I mean, A LOT. Which makes us happy. And by happy, I mean like happy I'm not this guy's banana hammock. Gross. Anyway, it makes us especially elated when we see rocking ass videos like this from a band we've never heard of (but glad we did!).



ORNERY LITTLE DARLINGS is a local guy/girl duo that's got swag. A two person bootlegger's ball breaks out in a sea of anonymous hands and loose feathers in what they call "a highly improbable ornery-as-hell-love-child between Billie Holiday and Lou Reed". We call it awesome. I found influences of Scott Masson (who also happens to be their new tour mate with his new band The Juliets) and I couldn't help recalling Chicago throwback The Countdown. Could be because of the whole guy/girl thing but who cares?! Jason Ewers rocks in this video, and Emmi Chen . . . I'll just go right ahead and say it. She steals the scene, she's just so SEXY!

Kudos to the guys that put it together. Great concept from Endless Eye Films and awesome set design from IShootRockStars.com!! Keep it up, Chicago!



directed by: Jeremiah Hammerling | dp: jake zalutski | set director: kyle lamere

SNEAK PEAK | HOLLUS - STRANGE PARADISE

Directed by Spencer M. Rohan - an inside look at Hollus as they record the fourth Album Strange Paradise due out this summer. An intricate piece in Chicago's Americana Rock scene - Hollus' sound will take you back to a time when loving was free, war was a culture and music was a way of life. Oh wait . . . guess that's not much different from these days.

Hollus Production Diary | Strange Parade | 1.16.10 from Spencer M. Rohan on Vimeo.

EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW | TREATY OF PARIS

Chicago Music Project got backstage access (for the first time!) at Chicago's Metro for the EP release show (Currents). After spending the last few months recording and writing, the boys talk about maturing, recording an EP independently and searching for a new label.

Thanks guys, for a hell of a show! Can't wait to see what the future holds.

CMP Backstage with...Treaty of Paris from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW | BAILIFF

CMPtv got exclusive access to one of Bailiff's final Chicago shows at Chicago's brand new Lincoln Hall before their plans take them to the studios (and hopefully a stint at Austin's SXSW festival). Check out the interview, feel free to leave your comments.

CMPtv Backstage with....Bailiff from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

NEW BAND WE JUST HEARD THAT WE LOVE - STREETS ON FIRE

So Chicago Music Project hasn't been the best at checking out their myspace page, claiming it's now almost a defunct medium full of crap. When I insisted that it was still a worthy way to find new music and talent, my boss said "fine, then you take care of it."

So now I'm in charge of myspace. Lesson learned, I'll keep my thoughts to myself.

So today I embarked on my duties and started cleaning out the inbox and came across Streets on Fire - and I personally haven't been so into a band's sound since I first heard Bailiff's "What I Was" back in 2008.

1964 got me moving where I sat - and each song continued to impress me. Grimy beats, bravery-esque vocals and all out danceable grooves made this band stand out above everyone else.

Do yourself a favor and check them out - you won't be dissappointed. I'm going check them out at Debonair on the 19th of February, I'm hoping they sound just as good live!

REVIEW COMING SOON!!

UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS

CMPtv's crews are a buzz in February - doing a number of interviews and events/shows. Here's a quick rundown of what to look forward to!

ONE NIGHT STAND 02/12/10 @ THE METRO

This month is going to feature exclusive access to UR Chicago's One Night Stand - a monthly 18+ dance party hosted at the Metro. CMP's crews will be capturing live performances by Moneypenny and Gemini Club as well as backstage interviews and more!

DRE DAY 02/19/10 @ THE DARKROOM

Chicago Music Project has hooked up with Ground Lift Media to celebrate one of Hip Hop's greatest artists of all time, Dr Dre, for his birthday - nationally syndicated as "DRE DAY" - hosted by Chicago's very own, and critically acclaimed, Psalm One and live covers by The Jordan Years, fronted by Wes Restless. We'll bring you exclusive interviews, performance footage and much much more! CHECK OUT THIS OLD SCHOOL PICTURE OF DR DRE I STUMBLED ACROSS - HOLY SHIT!

CMPtv INTERVIEWS
1773 & QWEL & MAKER

Our crews will be sitting down for some in depth interviews with the guys from 1773 (of CMPtv IN THE STREETS infamy) as well as hip hop gurus, Qwel and Maker.

THE DIRTY ROOKS
ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
02/14/10

One of the first bands we discovered a couple years back, we've had the pleasure of watching them grow and help them put together their second album, Sugar Mama. Check out the promo video produced, shot and chopped by CMP's Leo A. Flores.

Dirty Rooks Promo from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

And this is just the start. You'll be seeing much more of Chicago Music Project in 2010 - bringing you the best that Chicago's local music scene has to offer. Keep checking back!

CMPtv's HAITIAN RELIEF SERIES

I sit here on a Monday evening, calmly collecting my thoughts and reflecting upon the events that have had a global effect . . . as the entire world is aware of, a devastating blow was delivered to Haiti a couple of weeks ago - leaving only death, destruction, agony and pain in its wake. The world's of those people were completely turned around, the entire nation virtually destroyed with hundreds of thousands of people left dead.

The image of the Presidential Palace left in ruins serves as a representation of the devastation that occurred in Haiti.

We have decided to dedicate the next couple of weeks to bringing you event coverage of several live music benefits featuring local artists throughout the city. Brought to you, of course, only in the fashion that Chicago Music Project can deliver under the guise of CMPtv's HAITIAN RELIEF SERIES.

Please be on the look out for updates and more information and videos coming to you soon!

Israel Fernandez III

DIRTY ROOKS "SUGAR MAMA" DEBUTS 02/14/10

The Dirty Rooks is a band of many faces, sometimes as many as 13 [!], and this Valentine's Day (02/14/10) they'll be showcasing their sophomore effort found in the form of "Sugar Mama".

This album is a giant leap forward from their 2007 self titled debut - adding a horn section, backup vocals, honky tonk keys and another guitarist in the form of Mike Bailey.

Chicago Music Project had the pleasure of meeting these guys when they were still calling themselves a "booze rock band", offering grimy guitars, rough bass, hard lined drums and a huge voice found in lead singer, Dan Stalilonis.

And now here we find them with their second album - we had a chance to catch up with the Rooks' front man, Grant Gholson, to ask a few questions:

CMP: How does this album differ from the first?

GRANT: There's a big difference. We worked with a engineer (Andy Matzdorf of Giant Squid Audio) who knows our kind of music. We did a good job capturing the experience of seeing our big band live. And I think that's something that was a priority for us this time around. The scope of some of the songs, Larry's Blues and So It Seems in particular, is orders of magnitude huger than anything we did on the last album. It's never a good thing when bands go epic for epic's sake, but I feel comfortable that we served the songs well. And is ambition really all that bad if the energy and sincerity is there? Nah.

What kind of maturation has occurred since the Dirty Rooks' first self titled debut? As a band? As musicians individually? As a collective sound?

First of all, we're much better musicans, and we've a much greater appreciation for playing together, listening to one another, learning each other's musical tendencies, etc. Mike (Bailey) is with us now, too, and he's a bit of a guitar virtuoso, so that adds another element to it that we didn't have before. Second, we've got some dynamite backing folks playing with us, just great GREAT musicians (and good friends too). And they meshed really well with the new material.

I also think we've enlarged the musical territory we're covering--the blues-rock component has--and will--remain sort of our core. But we've also branched out to do some soul numbers on this album and, in sort of the other direction, a few country-influenced tunes. And we feel comfortable doing that.

What do the Dirty Rooks hope to gain from this experience and second album?

Fame, fortune, babes, etc. In our ideal future, we'll get huge, and then one of us will die of an overdose, another will take solace in religion, and the rest will live out rather bitter lives wondering how it all went wrong. Actually, we just hope people like it, want to play it, and want to come to our shows. We're extremely happy with this album, and we hope other people are too.

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

CHICAGO'S HARDEST WORKING ARTIST

We didn't have the time or resources to create our list of 2009's best (but be rest assured that we're already taking notes for best of 2010). And as you all know, we're all huge advocates of many artists in Chicago from across the genre board.

One of our future categories for 2010 will be something along the lines of "hardest working artist" or something like that. What exactly does that entail? We took a look at collaborations, singles, music videos, tours and shows.

All things considered, we name Kid Static Chicago's Hardest Working Artist. This guy hustles like no other. He's out there representing his music and his persona with solo albums, collaboration with Yea Big and Demchuck, several tours in 2009 and yet ANOTHER innovative music video, directed by Daniel Zox (we think there's five so far). With plans to move to Los Angeles in the near future, who knows what's on the horizon for this artist we're proud to call one of our very own.

CMPtv - EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE INTERVIEWS * TREATY OF PARIS * BAILIFF *

Chicago Music Project is launching a backstage interview campaign through CMPtv starting this Saturday January 9th. With a television program going live on local access in just several weeks, CMP is working hard to bring viewers relevant, up to date videos featuring the best in Chicago music.

Our picks for this weekend feature two vastly different but equally entertaining performances that happen to fall on the same night in the North Side:

TREATY OF PARIS

the fellas from Treaty of Paris - who has sold more than 10,000 albums.

Despite the dissolution of now defunct record label Airport Tapes & Records, Treaty of Paris has never lost sight of their vision and are now independently releasing their fourth record release of their young career. Their newest EP Currents will be showcased to their fans in Chicago at their January 9th show at the Metro, just days before its digital release on January 12th.

Watch out for our exclusive online interview backstage with the guys as they talk about their new EP and the Chicago music scene, and of course some exclusive footage brought to you by CMPtv.

Saturday January 9th 2010
the Metro
3730 North Clark Street

Doors open @ 5:30PM - show starts @ 6:00PM
$10 presale|$12 door
ALL AGES

AM TAXI
The Insecurities
Last Fast Action
The Victory Gins

www.treatyofparismusic.com

BAILIFF



One of our picks for bands to watch out for in 2010 is performing their first true headlining gig at Lincoln Hall. With a sound that's truly unique and a performance that's made the hairs on the back of our necks stand on end - Bailiff is surely a show you don't want to miss. We're hoping Ren Matthews (drummer) flexes his musical muscles and busts out his trumpet for Bailiff's awesome cover of Dick Dale's Miserlou. Seriously, the last time they busted out that song at their March '09 show at the Empty Bottle, it had everyone in the room going crazy!

Watch out for their interview coming soon, where the guys will talk about their new music, latest addition to the band and a "new side of Bailiff". These guys aim to make you dance and shake your ass, and we're pretty sure you will.

Saturday January 9th 2010
Lincoln Hall
2424 North Lincoln Avenue

Doors open @ 9pm - show starts @ 10pm
$10
21+

Loose Lips Sink Ships
Sons of Cops

www.bailiffmusic.com

OH MY BROTHERS (AND SISTER)

When Chicago Music Project first heard local band, Lovers in Arms, it was a total accident. We went to go check out a friend, Robert Gomez (Blue Door Studios) perform with his band Subatomico at Subterranean in Wicker Park.

Chicago Music Project was in the middle of organizing their first local music showcase at the Double Door and still needed a couple of strong acts to support headliners Hey Champ. Romi Lovel had just been confirmed right before the show and Kid Static had agreed a couple of days prior. We still needed one more solid act to balance an already super eclectic lineup.

Lovers in Arms took the stage and first impression, we couldn't make them out. They started off with a song that we can't remember but it was really slow. Our executive producer even joked that they reminded him of a Latino Sonny and Cher. We didn't know what to expect and were just waiting for our friend's band to take the stage.

Boy, were we wrong! All of a sudden . . . BAM! The magic commenced and we found ourselves moving to the grooves of the funk/soul ensemble. We were completely taken off guard, Caroline Yohanan mesmerized us with her voice and entranced us with her dancing while Armando Perez continued to astonished us with his guitar skills. And not to mention having the fortune of being backed by some of the best percussionists and bassist that just melded and solidified their sound further.

The party was in full swing and the audience hung on to every note, every word and every beat of the drums. We couldn't help but look at each other, nodding our heads in silent agreement that we were impressed with these guys. And then they played the two songs that sold us. The songs that let us know that all we had listened to and watched over the past 45 minutes wasn't just a fluke. That these guys were legit and were going to be making a huge name for themselves in Chicago.

"The Alchemist" and "Oh My Brother" captivated our musical souls within. And we had to have them. The rest is history, they performed an almost sold out show at the Double Door - and as our videos show, they had the crowd dancing. And since then they've played several sold out shows at the House of Blues.

But now, at the beginning of the new year, we find ourselves wondering what happened to Lovers in Arms. They've disappeared off the maps. Our sources have told us that they have taken a "creative hiatus", but haven't been able to get any comments or responses from the band members. Other sources have speculated that perhaps it's deeper than that. But we can't say and we don't know for sure.

All we can truly say is that we miss Lovers in Arms and want nothing more than to see them come back sooner than later in 2010. They were booming, getting the attention from audiences from different walks of life - They had something special happening and then all of a sudden they were gone, into thin air.

We're calling you back, LIA. Chicago needs bands like you to exist - to make us feel, to make us move, to make the hairs on the backs of our necks stand up because your music is beautiful.

CMPtv On Stage: Lovers In Arms "Oh My Brother" from Chicago Music Project on Vimeo.

Lovers in Arms perform "Oh My Brother" live for CMPtv at the Double Door 06/04/10