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