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.

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.