Profile: Wild Skies

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Profile Features and tagged Americana, band profile, Chicago, Chicago band, Chicago music, country, Far From Below, folk, folk music, Glory, GMan Tavern, I.V. Lab Studios, Mile of Music, Please Take Me Back, pop, profile, Rax Trax, Wild Skies.

The Midwest’s largest city may not seem like the ideal hotspot for up-and-coming folk bands but through the thicket of Chicago’s noise, Wild Skies is making an impression on the city’s local music scene. Just months ago, the four-piece band buckled down at I.V. Lab Studios with Chris Harden to record their debut full-length album Far From Below. It’s a compilation filled with rich folk instrumentation, lyrical hooks, catchy grooves and vocal harmonies; a creative step forward from the band’s 2015 self-titled EP.

Album Review: Moonrise Nation- Glamour Child

Posted on July 29, 2017 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Album Reviews, Music, Reviews and tagged album release, album-review, areview, cello, Chicago music, folk, Glamour Child, independent music, indie pop, Moonrise Nation, music, New Music, release show, Schubas.

It’s hard to believe the finely crafted songs on Glamour Child are the debut works from the indie pop trio Moonrise Nation. The band, comprised of Emma McCall on lead vocals and guitar, Arden Baldinger on keyboard and Eva Baldinger on bass and cello, is as talented as writers as they are musicians. Each piece is finely crafted into theatrical displays of artistry that are not only instrumentally pleasing but also lyrically fulfilling.

Q&A: The Diving Bell

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Q&As and tagged Ages and Ages, alternative, Beat Kitchen, Chicago, Chicago band, folk, listen live and local, local music, Milzen, music, q&a, rock, South and South, The Diving Bell, Uncommon Ground.

Storytelling and music often go hand in hand. Musicians have a way of turning personal heartbreaks into compelling anecdotes brought to life with vibrant instrumentals and mystic vocals. They craft songs to explore various realms of life, love, and in the case of The Diving Bell, Panama excursions and poisonous frogs.

The alternative folk rock group is headed by husband and wife duo Steve and Clare Hendershot, backed by Charles Murphy, Mike Parton, Graham Gilreath and Jake Gordon (pictured above). Clare and Steve met roughly five years ago during an open mic night at Uncommon Ground and have since worked on a number of creative products in addition to their band, including a multimedia art project and podcast. Even after recently welcoming a new member to their now family of three, the couple shows no signs of stopping. With a new EP expected for release later this year, and a few upcoming shows, Steve and Clare settle onto a couch in their Edgewater home to share how they’re turning art and creativity into a family business.

Show Preview: Railway Gamblers (1/9)

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Show Previews and tagged Americana, Charlie Hirsch, Chicago, Chicago music, folk, music, Railway Gamblers, show preview, singer songwriter, The Way Down Wanderers.

Who: Railway Gamblers

When: Saturday, January 9th @ 9PM

Where: Martyrs’

Price: $10 adv/ $12 door

Railway Gamblers will be starting 2016 with a release show this Saturday at Martyrs’ for their second full-length album, Shadow of the Moon. The band has once again partnered with engineer Mike Hagler of Kingsize Sound Labs, producing an album that blends the band’s signature melodic vocals with a punch of rock and roll; which can be hear on their first single from their sophomore album, “World on Fire”.

Learn more about Railway Gamblers and their newest music by checking out our Q&A with the band.

The night will also include performances by two fellow Chicago-based acts; The Way Down Wanderers and Charlie Hirsch.

Live Review: Wild Skies, Dead Horses, Midwest (12/10) @Subterranean

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Live Reviews, Music, Reviews and tagged Americana, Chicago, Chicago music, Dead Horses, folk, Harmonica Dunn, live music, live review, local music, Midwest, music, Subterranean, Wild Skies.

Chicago is known as the home of jazz, punk and hip hop, but the Americana talent in this city is just as strong and well-developed of a genre. This notion was apparent through the performances of three semi-local bands at Subterranean on December 10th during a night of folk and Americana presented by Harmonica Dunn.

Thursday night’s show opened with Chicago folk band Midwest. Aesthetically the band was a picture perfect model of folk, filling out the stage with orchestral strings, acoustic guitars and an occasional tambourine (not to mention the physical adorableness of each member). Their hauntingly beautiful lullabies showcased the near pitch perfect harmonies between vocalists Heather Bodie and Nicolette Fendon. Paired with the violin, upright bass and pared-down drums, the music had a rustic element, perking the ear for a backwoods sound.