Phantom Broadcast releases new “Steampunk” single
October leaves are rustling in the trees this Friday as The Phantom Broadcast’s new single “Steampunk” swings into the air. With rhythm that’s smooth yet edgy, it’s got a beat that’s subtly […]
MisterWives in Conversation: Perfect Pop with Intention
If you would have told me I would get to interview a really notable pop band in a hotel suite, I probably would scoff at you. But I did get […]
Rock ’n’ Roll Isn’t Dead: A Giant Dog Talks to Us and Opens for Titus Andronicus Tonight at the Bottom Lounge
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dBvZLehlNs] “I’m too old to die young,” frontwoman Sabrina Ellis of A Giant Dog belts out on “Sex & Drugs.” These lyrics, along with lines like “you’ve been told […]
Riot Fest: Interview with Hard Girls
Hard Girls released “Guadalupe On The Banks Of The Styx,” a track off their third and upcoming album, Floating Now, just before their Riot Fest trip. The San Jose band classifies itself indie-punk, and […]
Riot Fest: Interview with Kyle Fisher of The Dirty Nil
The Dirty Nil’s music video for “No Weaknesses,” a track off of their debut album Higher Power, features the Canadian trio bench pressing and bitching at each other. Every other scene is […]
A Conversation with Andrew Bird: Crafting Music and Chicago Memories
It’s not every day you get to speak to one of your favorite musicians, and when that day comes, narrowing down your questions proves to be a bit daunting. Throughout my […]
Concert Preview: Nest at Schubas Tavern
Nest lead vocalist Stephanie Maieritsch walked over to me, wearing the friendliest smile I’ve ever seen, as I waited in the Old Town School of Folk Music lobby at Lincoln […]
CST’s Doreen Sayegh Brings the Bard to the City of Big Shoulders with Shakespeare 400 Chicago
Doreen Sayegh has been a skosh busy. Playwright and quote-machine William Shakespeare died 400 years ago this year, and a few folks still like to produce his work, so […]
Big Warm Fuzzy Secret Heart: My Talk with Jonathan Coulton + Paul and Storm
It was a beautiful, if hot, summer day in Chicago. Pride Fest and Puerto Rico fest were in full swing and the Cubs were playing at home. And I was reveling in […]
Gypsy In Your Soul: An Interview with Jazz Musician Alfonso Ponticelli
Alfonso Ponticelli and his group Swing Gitan will bring out the gypsy in your soul with their interpretations of jazz standards in the gypsy jazz style made famous in the […]
Caravan Palace at House of Blues Chicago: Step into this wonderland for a dreamy aftermath
This Saturday at the House of Blues, Caravan Palace will bring you a seamless blend of swing, gypsy jazz and electronic music as the band showcases its 2015 album, <|°_°|>, also […]
Book Review, The Empty Bottle Chicago: 21+ Years Music/ Friendly/ Dancing
“Hole-in-the-wall” is the most popular description for the beloved music venue The Empty Bottle. Local Chicago publishing house Curbside Splendor has released a coffee table book, chronicling the shows, personalities […]