Q&A: The War on Peace

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Q&As and tagged Chicago, Chicago music, listen live and local, New Music, q&a, release show, Subterranean, The Collective, video release, War on Peace.

With a few releases and business models behind them, The War on Peace collectively agrees that their newest EP Automated People encompasses the sound and creativity they’ve been striving for. With a stellar first single, “Fear of Loss”, and accompanying sci-fi inspired music video directed by Chicago-based filmmaker Chris Hershman, the band is setting the groundwork for what they hope will turn into a successful career.

In addition to covering the basics (solid music and supplemental materials), The War on Peace is working on new and creative ways to not only standout in a saturated music scene, but to monetize on their art. The first result has been a subscription service called The Collective, which the three members were kind enough to discuss with Listen Live and Local, along with some interworkings of the band and their creative process behind putting together an EP.

Live Review: Fever Queen/ Bestman/ Bardo/ Anti Beyond (12/15) @ Subterranean

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Live Reviews, Music, Reviews and tagged Anti/Beyond, Bardo, Bestman, Chicago, Chicago music, Fever Queen, hip hop, listen live and local, live music, local music, lreview, Subterranean.

Four local bands came together on Thursday, December 15th at Subterranean for the release of Anti/Beyond’s first full-length self-titled album. The brutally cold night was filled with a diverse group of artists exploring various genres ranging from synth pop to hip-hop.

The night opened with the debut performance of the duo Fever Queen made up of Eleanor Rose and Adam Wayne. Their psychedelic rock sound was composed by a blend of bass, keys, guitar and vocals. While Rose’s harsh vocals were definitely on point with feminine grunge, there was something about the live keys that added a bit of 80s pop to the tunes (along with their all white getup). For a first time performance, the band was musically well put together. A bit more work on stage presence and utilizing space and they’ll be sure to draw a loyal following in no time.

Q&A: Tiny Kingdoms

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Q&As and tagged Chicago, Chicago music, listen live and local, live music, local bands, local music, music, q&a, Subterranean, Tiny Kingdoms.

Ever wonder what it takes for a small doughnut shop to be featured in a music video? Apparently it’s nothing more than a catchy name and proximity to a rehearsal space. At least that’s the reasoning behind Tiny Kingdoms featuring Spunky Dunkers in their latest music video for their song “Odds”. (It should be noted that the band did rave about the doughnuts. One member was even so bold as to claim that the breakfast staples surpass all other doughnuts. However, because no one ordered doughnuts at the time of the interview, that information has yet to be verified).

For a song that would make any early 2000s teen swoon, the quirky shop doesn’t appear to be the obvious choice for a video revolving around cults and the turning of innocent young men into dogs. But to better understand the connection between breakfast pastries and black magic, you’d have to get inside the heads of the four boys who birthed these ideas.

Profile: Even Thieves

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Profile Features and tagged alternative, Chicago, Chicago music, Even Thieves, listen live and local, live and local, live music, local artists, local music, music, pop, profile, rock, Subterranean.

The lights are lowered in a back room of Music Garage with only a faint glow projecting from the back wall to illuminate the faces of Chicago’s alternative pop-rock group, Even Thieves. Vocalist Adrian Day removes his cap and pulls on the hood of this gray sleeveless hoodie, walking from wall to wall, microphone in hand, as the rest of the band prepares for rehearsal. Slowly, each member falls behind their instruments; Vincent DePierro on guitar, Jeremy Atwood on keys, Tyler Leninger on drums and Joseph Paul Chouinard on bass. A spot among the members remains open for guitarist Olivia Garza, who was unable to make rehearsal.

Each member silently acknowledges one another, signaling their readiness before the room erupts with sound and commotion. This may be only a rehearsal, but to an outsider, the performance is as riveting as any legitimate concert.

Show Preview: Dunn Dunn Fest (2/18-2/20)

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Show Previews and tagged American Grizzly, Beat Kitchen, BoneLang, Calliope Musicals, Chicago music, Dunn Dunn Fest 2016, Falcor Friends, funk, Harmonica Dunn, jam bands, jazz, Lincoln Hall, listen live and local, live music, local music, Low Spark, music, OBY, Schubas, show preview, Sidewalk Chalk, soul, Spare Parts, Strange Americans, Subterranean, The Hideout, Tonic Room, Woo Park.

This week Chicago promoter Harmonica Dunn will be hosting Dunn Dunn Fest; a three night, six venue showcase featuring a number of local (and non local) bands. The fest will run from Thursday, February 18th to Saturday, February 20th with performances at Beat Kitchen, Subterranean, Tonic Room, Lincoln Hall, Schubas and The Hideout.

With so many great local bands at some of Chicago’s top venues, you really can’t go wrong with any show. Nonetheless, here’s who we’re excited to see:

Q&A: Woo Park

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Q&As and tagged Calliope Musicals, Chicago, Chicago music, Dunn Dunn Fest 2016, listen live and local, live music, local music, Low Spark, neo-soul, q&a, Subterranean, Woo Park.

A little bit funk, a little bit soul, a little bit rock and roll; Woo Park embodies everything that makes Chicago’s music scene great. The talented band composed of vocalist Emily Nichols, bassist Parker Grogan, keyboardist Christian Zwit, drummer Luke Sangerman, and guitarist Brian Sanborn can be described as nothing other than a choir of rhythmic chaos. Their sound is undeniably composed of practice, passion and true musicianship. An eccentric ascetic combined with undeniable chemistry, it’s no surprise Woo Park has become beloved to so many dedicated fans.

With their last show (for the time being) right around the corner (Feb 20th @ Subterranean) Listen Live and Local spoke with Nichols for the low down on their drive, their passion and what their futures hold.

Live Review: Mungion (1/16) @ Subterranean

Posted on January 19, 2016 by in Live Reviews, Music, Reviews and tagged Bronson Rock, Bucktown, Chicago, Chicago music, EGI, live music, live review, local music, lreview, Mungion, Subterranean.

Let’s face it: If you could wear pajamas out on a Saturday night, you probably would. The only reason you don’t is because you don’t want to be the only person at the bar wearing flannels and a big, baggy t-shirt.

You’re not an outlier though. There’s a thriving community of pajama enthusiasts, as evident by the Subterranean‘s Pajamuary event at Saturday, January 16th, featuring local acts Bronson Rock, Mungion and EGI. It was $5 off for anyone wearing PJs. Just wearing flannels qualified for discounted admission, but a surprising number of people went above and beyond, sporting giant animal-themed onesies. It was very rock and roll.

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.

Show Preview: Wild Skies (12/10)

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Music, Show Previews and tagged Chicago, Dead Horses, live and local music, live music, local bands, Midwest, music, show preview, Subterranean, Wild Skies.

Who: Wild Skies

When: Thursday, December 10th @ 9PM

Where: Subterranean

Price: $10

Brought together by a Craigslist ad in April 2014, Wild Skies balances a blend of lyrical stories and harmonies for a modern pop-twist on traditional folk music. Their songs have an airiness making for an easy listen with strong vocals backed by steady instrumentals. Each piece feels different, yet their simplicity makes allows for cohesiveness when heard as a collection.

The night will also include performances by Dead Horses and Midwest.