Music With Meaning 7: June 2006

And In The End

Well that's it. MusicWithMeaning7 is over. 8 bands found out (the hard way) what it takes to be in the rock biz, sort of. They will never forget the initiation HeWhoCorrupts dropped on them. It was one for the books as they say. Now it is time to reflect and give thanks. So many people helped out with this thing besides Machine Media, mad love goes out to all the raffle sponsors, HeWhoCorrupts, Charlie Deets, Fall of Autumn, See No Evil and countless others. To the media and volunteers that pushed things forward behind the scenes, your great. All the bands deserve credit for getting in on this for charity event. We can honestly say that in the heap of bands we saw we're positive that more then a few of them will be successful in the biz. Lastly to Brandon and Kelsey, you did it, you're not crazy - you are now Chicago Legends in our book. Thanks.

Look for a few follow up post and stay tuned for MusicWithMeaning8!

Learn How To Rawk

Tonight at McGaw - DePaul. 8 bands get learned on live show pointers.

27 and 28 Updates

Brandon writes about the 2 Empty Bottle shows. He raps about illegal sex, polish buffets and going deaf. Night 27 and 28 were solid shows. If we started a music venue it would be like the Bottle. 1 more night to go.

Mighty Fine

Of the 3 bands we saw, it was delicious. Fake Fictions are beautiful, like a summer time crush at 18. All City Affiars can sing...well. And the dancing ain't bad either. Canasta is gravy. Like the best sausage gravy on some buttery biscuits. If the Decemberists can do it, so can Canasta. They filled up the tiny stage and filled up Betty's with glorious alt-pop. We left before the Pumps, MusicWithMeaning is great, but it has worn us thin.

And We Bid Ye Farewell

After 29 nights, 33 events, and over 100 performers, it's time for night 30, event 34 and the last 8 bands. The final night is being set up by HeWhoCorrupts records and of course Machine Media. The spot is once again McGaw Hall at DePaul. 8 bands will play 2 rooms in an event dubbed Efficiency Training in which bands, "will be tortured, critiqued, and possibly drenched in water balloons during and after their performance," according to HeWhoCorrupts. Here is the skinny on some of the bands.

Wind or Ghost - Great lead voice, heavy Indie sound, expansive, rolling noise.

Chicago Thrash Ensemble - Just five dudes from chicago who like to play fast. this band features ex and current members of quite a few bands including hewhocorrupts, synnecrosis, the littleman complex, and off yourself. get into it.

6 other bands thay are young, heavy and push-the-limits. End MWM7 in a powerful way. 5:30 McGaw corner of Fullerton and Halstead.

Sounding Saucy

First off this blog has had much to say about Charlie Deets as of late. His show at the Bottle last night will not change that. In fact we may be talking about him for weeks to come. Bringing a electro-clash vibe and an on-stage show worth the cover, Deets dropped a sound that really reminded us of 1994. The beats had elements of Beck, Beastie Boys and Nine Inch Nails. Something in there reminded us of Marilyn Manson and yes, Smashing Pumpkins. (sorry Deets) (man 1994 was a solid year) Deets was nothing short of acoustically blinding and the addition of video behind him was stellar. Fetor is crazy (if they're still called that)- correction Brandon Weatherbee is crazy. His voice slices cheese like a butter knife and his on-stage stories are hilarious. His band mates kill as hard as him and together when their sound is tight, abrasively perfect. Penthouse Sweet is Indie Rock you can bring home to mom. It was enjoyable.

Machine Media Rulers

I found this on Deet's/RobotDestroy pic page. It sums up the whole MWM7 month in a single frame. Well it sums up the energy the 2 people that run the damn thing have anyway. Just a couple days left of musical bliss.

Star-Studded Show

If you haven't caught the buzz swarming around Thurs. nights show at Betty's Blue Star Lounge, let me be the one to drop it in front of you - THIS SHOW IS BIG. 4 of the cities hottest bands take the stage, a diverse array of styles each one and reputations definalty proceeding them. We recommend getting their a tit early cause this one might sell out. Here's a look at each band.

All City Affairs - At first glance you might think ACA is a little cheesy, but after the mash-up of styles seep into your brain and the whirling of lone-band member Peter Andreadis starts to jive with the music, you'll understand that any cheesiness is just part of the style. ACA is Andreadis' prerecorded work played as he commands your attention crooning onstage. All Cityaffairs is fun.

Fake Fictions - On the Fake Fiction's website they say they might sound like the B-52s or the Cars and we can't deny that. But we hear some surfer rock in there too, so it's generally some bubbly music that you want to swing around too and pretend you are a sophomore at some small New England Liberal Arts college dancing on the quad as this howls out someone's window.

The Pumps - Their music is a combination of riveting half-angelic/half-demonic vocals, rare and unconventional songwriting (which takes the best of keyboard driven pop and dissects it like a dead pig in biology class, only to sew it back up with its limbs in all the wrong places) and explosive live shows (which leave all the confused music snobs bloody and begging for more). (from)

Canasta - The positive ink that has been dropped on these cats speaks for itself. Glowing praise from WXRT, PopMatters and the Onion have marked this band as a supernova about to explode. Idyllic Indie-Pop that might bring about audio comparisions to the Decemberists or Belle and Sebastian, their orchestrall-chamber-twee is nothing short of sweeping, nothing less than engulfing. Not afraid to mix in elements of ambient, country and jazz, Canasta's sound is typical all-over-the-map Indie with precise, lusciouss lyrics. It might not be long before Spin calls this 6-piece a band to catch.

Empty Bottle Night 2

Come see Charlie Deets, Fetor and Penthouse Sweets. Extensive sounds, inexpensive beer. Yes!

Penthouse Sweet/ Bottle Show 2 Previewed in Reader

It's a shame this local quartet is reduced to begging for a label on its MySpace page ("please someone put our goddamn record out")--its second self-released EP, See You in Bed, is loads better than most of the label-approved indie schlock that swamps my desk. Their songs have a touch of Small Faces, a dash of Guided by Voices, and more than a pinch of the Replacements--nothing you haven't heard before, but they sound rightfully proud of their glamourless glam rock, and there are startling guitar and organ bits to turn your head. Somebody out there knows how to sell this stuff. This show is part of the Music With Meaning benefit series. Fetor and Charlie Deets open. (from Monica Kendrick)

Pics From A Few Nights Back

Kamil sent me these great shots from the Beat Kitchen of Sally and de Triomphe. Check out more on the pic blog or at his page. Here is a sample.

Machine Blog Update Bonanza

Updates like crazy on Brandon's Machine Media Blog. From nights 21-25 he recounts it all. His hatered on Sparks, his love for the Hungry Brain and how sweet it is to get paid to spin records are all covered. (for the record - we love Sparks)

Man Of Many Faces

Charlie Deets does it all. He plays shows under his name, is in very well-respected band Sally, makes kick-ass concert posters and shutter-bugs now and again. He will be playing solo at the Empty Bottle on Wed. night along with Fetor and Penthouse Sweets. Deets will bring an inventive, cool noise to the stage. If you have seen Sally you know they bring a strong experimental Indie sound. Expect no less from Deets. Maybe not as heavy, more atomospheric, yet directed. Many faces, many sounds.

Tuesday Night Bottle Of Sound

Come to the Empty Bottle. Hear CrushKillDestroy, Beard and This Is Cinema. Be happy.

Empty Bottle Night 1

CrushKillDestroy is a booming thundercloud coming off the mountains onto the peaceful plains. "Not many bands can state their mission in their name alone, but Chicago's Crush Kill Destroy are up for the challenge. Their moniker isn't an expression of hardcore violence, but rather a theory put into action. Crush Kill Destroy play aggressive, confident, angular rock music that can crush, kill, and destroy any preconceived notions about what rock music's structure may be or how it should be attacked." (via)

Beard has a violin player. But they don't play soft. They are aggressive and strong. Beard sounds like crazy voices in your head.

This Is Cinema make us want to sit down with a novel by Joyce, a tumbler of Gin and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon. Airy, gliding, wandering.

Empty Bottle has $2 Old Style and PBR. Mix with good music and your Tues. night is booked.

300 Flavors

The after-Intonation party at Delilah's was full. Brandon and Kelsey spun some stealthy stuff. We all had different forms of Sparks' buzzes from the Intonation Fest. Brandon and Kelsey were coming down, I was still flying. Delilah's has 300 kinds of beers, 300 kinds of whiskey. I asked for a beer similar to Old Rasputin - he gave me a delicious creamy Unibroue. 3 of those is like 6 regular beers. I was drunk. MWM heading into its final run.

Final Week Revs Up

Phyllis's Musical Inn - Monday. 4 eclectic, experimental junk bands. Get wise.

If You Really Can Party

Show how hardcore you is this Sunday night and pass through the Liar's Club for some . Yeah we know you have a legendary weekend planned out Mobfest, Intonation, Pride Parade and Jeff Fest, so end like you mean it. Not only will the Countdown and LMNOP be on hand - Machine Media big wigs will be spinning Chi-city's finest. If you haven't got a whiff of the shitstorm of buzz flying around about Countdown, get ready to plug your nose because the media stink in piling up. Offering up knock-out electro-pop with no apologies, thrash pop on the edge, Countdown are begging to be pronounced the next big thing. LMNOP sounds new-wave, avant-electro, promising. Come to the Liar's Club, listen and finish the weekend like the party hound you are.

Night 22

Despite the hang-up with the venues MWM7 Thursday night was swell. Great reading from Jonathan Messinger, CT Ballentine and yes, myself. (toot, toot) Despite a very talkative crowd all the readers got in their groove and delivered sweet readings. High Hawk played some on-the-rise alt-country, roots rock that made the ample crowd nod and sway. Thanks again for Machine Media making all this happen.

After Intonation Shake Down

Ok, many of us are going to be at Intonation on Saturday. It's supposed to be a near perfect day weather-wise so you'll have plenty of energy left to head over to Delilah's for some more top-notch musical mastery. The Machine Media Gang will be spinning their fav Chicago rock hits at this seedy Lincoln Park joint. Swing on by and try out one of Delilah's 300 beers or 300 kinds of whiskey. Just not all at once.

Clipped To The Brain

Cali Clipper double booked leaving MWM7 out, so tonight's event has been moved to the Hungry Brain. The Brain is right off corner of Belmont and Western. Swing in for cheap drinks, literary musing and roots rock from High Hawk.

Friday Night Event 2

Get your Rockabilly history books out because MWM7's second Friday night show involves a real legend. Wanda Jackson is hailed by many of the Queen of Rock. (and a founder of rockabilly) She cut here first record in 1956 and has performed with the likes of Elvis (Presley and Costello), Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. Although she gave up her old career to tour as a gospel performer for 20+ years she is now back on the Rockabilly circuit. A chance to see a true legend along with other rising acts like Hillybilly Idle and the Lustre Kings. Get to the Nightcap Lounge and shake, rattle and roll.

End Of Week Musical Bonanza

Friday night will be an orgy of music. Intonation doesn't have this many bands. It all starts with the Friday 10 band sets that are happening every Friday in June on DePaul's campus. This weeks some of the bands you need to get to know include:

The Closet Squatters - Irish-Punk-Folk. Like Chugging a Beamish Stout.

Dreamend - An ensemble which deals in the lonely sound of late nights and ghost towns the end result treads the ground between a haunted country orchestra and the faded scenery of half-remembered dreams. (via)

Haywood Yards - We imagine these hyped-up Bluegrass cats playing at a late-night county fair tent with Southern Belles and Mountain Men swinging around in a sychronized whirlwind. Oh yes and everyone is introspectivaly wasted.

Fingers And Toes - Sound something like "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, keeping the fairly rootsy, experimental vibe going for night 23.

Friday night event 2 soon.

Past Show Recap

4 nights of past MWM shows recapped by Brandon on his Machine Blog. He wax's poetic about handjobs, awkward encounters with bands and buying loads of merch. With the Fest heating up and events getting bigger, we all are going to be ready to get some memorabilia.

Clip Your Hawk Feathers

We're pretty excited. Both nervous and juiced to have been asked by Machine Media to fill in for their Thurs. night event at the California Clipper. It is mainly a reading event featuring the likes of Andrew Huff, Emerson Dameron and Jonathan Messinger. Not sure what we'll read. It has been a few years since we've got up on the mic and rapped. After all the literary rambling High Hawk will play. We've been listening to some Mp3s from these cats and they have a unique, southern rock/folk/world blues feel that has had me mellowed out in a Califone sort-of-way. Come by the Cali Clip for its retro vibe, emerging scenester flare and of course me, flowin' on the mic.

Ass Laughing Time

Monday MMW7 featured musical readings, Tuesday Film, so the logical progression makes Wednesday time for...comedy. The Hungry Brain hosts another MWM event, this time with comedy troupes Cornwallace and the Missfits. The Missfits are good. Anytime you put this many loco, hilarious women onstage together, beer-out-the-nose-laughter is assured. We know nothing of Cornwallace. We bet they're funny too. After funny ha-ha at the Brain, the music flows once more. The Continental is getting a lot of buzz. And no it's not some new Victorian Hotel. Continental is the next 4 am spot along Chicago Ave. located on a path-less-traveled in South Humboldt Park. Kelsey and Brandon are set to drop bombs atomic style. (Or sweet rawk style) Swing in for a retro vibe.

Minus Dero, Readings Still Have Meaning

First of all DeRogatis was unable to make it because he got Radiohead press tix. He can't be blamed for his absence. Any sane person would do the same. Quimby's is an amazing space - if we were filthy rich we'd fill a library from their stock. The readers were solid. Brain Costello talked about his short lived band Pink Zepplin, his discovery of The Who and the thrill of 80's Porn. JR Nelson took us on a very conservative nostalgia trip, wondering if there is any good in Mp3s and Mp3 Blog? He questioned whether the search for music has lost its aura? I hate to pick a bone with him, but the world of digital on-line music has made the adventure to find new, unique music more exciting and accessible to all. And that is a great thing. Music is for everyone to explore and discover. Jessica Hopper is delicious. Her words and personality are a heart-flutter. She could be talking about her poison oak rash and we would be engrossed. (she has no rashes to our knowledge)

The whole reading qrew skipped over to Rodan to spin their fav tunes. It was special.

Shorts Aren't Just Token Indie Fare

If you are looking for some run-of-the-mill independent film stay away from Mojoe's Tuesday night. When Token Films sets up screen, expect some humorous, bizzaro flicks to be projected, not the typical Sundance-esque fare. MWM7 showcases all genres related to music and this night of indie celluloid is the only such event during the month long fest. Check out their website to see past projects available for viewing. Then head over to Mojoe's at 6 pm and see what else they have going.

What's to do near Mojoe's.

Best Readings Ever

Tomorrow night there is gonna be quite the assembly of city music writers at the MWM event at Quimby's. We talk the best in their fields here. Jim Derogatis from the Sun-Times, Sound Opinions and a ton of other awesome stuff, will be in the building. Brain Costello, damn fine writer in his own regard as well as DaCapo winner, DJ and Reader writer Jessica Hooper will read. Kelsey and Brandon from Machine Media will get in on the action as well. All rapping off some of their best material. Afterwards and the real highlight of the night (especially of Derogatis is in the house) the readers will around the corner at Rodan spinning whatever the hell they feel like. Get amped for this one!

Sunday Darkness

Punk, Grunge, DJs at Darkroom. Check out all the diverse vibes.

Strike Or Gutterball?

Ok all you music freaks and bowling studs - here is your chance to mash the 2 loves of your life into 1 smashing eve. If you've never been to Lincoln Lanes, you need to go to this bowling alley on the 2nd floor above a hardware store that often features live music. On Sat. the Wanderers and 4WayWindowPain drop by to throw some trashy grunge on the joint. The Wanders play sort of Psychobilly pop - ? - what the hell is that? We don't know, but the description seemed to work. Come see them live on Sat. around 10 pm.

Stuff to do near Lincoln Lanes.

4 Band Heatwave

You can feel the temp. rising, yes there is a hot spell on the way. And if music is to blame, it may be from the bands that played at Beat Kitchen last night. Oteli came from Pittsburgh. They have potential, keep plugging away. de Triomphe felt like Brain Jones Town Massacre (kinda)- Kelsey and Brandon mentioned that. These kids could be Chicago's next big thing - if they concentrate on the music a little more and a little less on their on-stage image. Arks killed. They sound like Radiohead if they played with power, if Yorke grew a pair and ventured a degree beyond depression. Sally is hot - Charlie Deets should be mayor - he does it all. Great showing at the Kitchen. See ya tonight at Mcgaw.

Young Buck Basement Bash

Last Friday 10 bands dropped serious sound in the basement of Mcgaw Hall at DePaul University and it will happen again this weekend.

Out of the 10 watch out for -
Big Buildings - sound like juiced up-Dead, Exhile on Main Street, very young REM, Band of Horses - worth a look.

Quasar Wut-Wut - Zappa meets Of Montreal? With one break these guys might be the next Indie rock obsession.

Sharks And Seals - Perfect music for funky afternoon dreams, like cotton-candy flavored with jazz.

Show starts around 5:30. Mcgaw Hall is just off the corner of Fullerton, Halstead and Lincoln.

Tonight Blessed Sounds

Stop by the Beat Kitchen.

Reviews Out The Ass

3 nights worth of MWM7 recaps via Brandon's Machine Blog now up. Pilsen/Whiskey/Wings all commented on from nights 11, 12, and lucky 13. Prepare for the second half of MWM which begins tonight at Beat Kitchen with Sally and Arks.

Friday Pre-Music-Party

Check out the bands all the posers will be talking about 2 years from now. See them early Friday in Mcgaw Hall at DePaul.

Dusky Mash Of Resonance

Some bands beg to be classified. They wear influence and style on their sleeves. Not so with the Arks. Sure it's been said they sound something like Lou Reed, display a damp Brit-pop sound and possess Sonic Youth sensibilities. Some say they have garage tendencies, represent progressive post-punk and throw many moods in your face. But if you say all that, are you really saying anything at all? Arks are abstract, they play loud, they drift off into the ozone, they beg heaven and hell to collide. Influenced by the aforementioned Sonic Youth, the Aframes, Brianiac and Guided By Voices, Arks are threatening to be one of those bands that go where few bands have gone before. Drifting into a heavy abyss of driving volume, fiery beats and wilting guitars via mesmeric, cranky soundscapes, Arks push the limits of sound but without alienating their audience. If Arks need to be classified, let's call them interesting and let the music have the final word.

Catch them Thurs at Beat Kitchen with Sally.

Odd Show/Screw RibFest

MWM Founder Brandon looks back at last Fri. and Sat. night's shows. He has been updating his regularly and offer unique insight into the festival and what it's like to run a massive event like this. His writing is to-the-point and brash - enjoy.

Hump Day Heavy Rock

Hustle over to Double Door for some head bangin' alcohol and rock-n-roll.

Pub Hop

The Abbey Pub was jumpin' last night via Ya-b, Marflow and a host of Chi-hizzle's young rap talent. MWM7's only true hip-hop show brought the fire to the pub, had a spirited crowd bobbing and showcased 2 of the area's rising stars. If the chance arises do not hesitate to see these acts in an intimate venue before they explode.

Don't forget to hit Delilah's tonight for the MWM crew dropping Chicago rawk on the tables.

Brute Force Honesty

Twin Wrecks The Memory wants to be straight forward. Their music reeks of truth, gut checking truth via screaming guitars, driving drums and gritty singing. Heavy art-rock may be an apt way to describe TWTM, but don't expect much abstract noise from the local gang. Prepare yourself for bone-shaking, garage sounds that will want to make you pump your fist, whip your hair and maybe salute - crediting the honesty and frankness of TWTM's music.

The deep-grunge that made Alice in Chains so unique, rips through American Motherload's music like a freight train. Soulful hard sounds with a tinge of alternative sensibility, American Motherload is red, white and blue music. American Motherload is the type of music you crank out of the T-tops of a vintage Camaro while cruising the strip. American Motherload is music you listen to when your girlfriend cheated on you...with your brother. American Motherload is music for dingy strip clubs, binge drinking and wrestling demons. American Motherload is no bullshit, ass-kicking rock.

Catch them both at the Double Door Wed. as part of MWM7 with Izom and The NiX.

Tues. Night Rock N' Roll Spin

Head over to Delilah's and here killa records from Kelsey, Brandon and Eric Lab Rat.

Spitting Science Like What

So far MWM7 has been a success. Creeping up on the half way point, it's not time to look back but forward. The shows are getting better and bigger. Check Monday night for example. Rising Hip-hop minds will hit the Abbey Pub and drop some serious game on the MWM set. Here's the skinny on cats set to blow the pub.

Marflow calls for respect. At the young age of 20 the DePaul University student is rocketing up the Hip-hop ladder on a serious slant. He has some top-notch credits to his resume, playing on the Sprite Liquid Mix Tour, dropped 2 locally acclaimed albums (1 as Marflow and 1 with his group) and starting his own label, New Money Inc. His freestyle is dope and the lyrics tight, but it is in the back beats and rythms that Marflow excels.

Ya-b is serious. He raps with calculation and depth. Coming back to America after spending his formative years in Nigeria, Ya-b went from a well known musician to an unknown. But that might not last for long. Ya-b has reestablished his connections via the Chi music scene, dropped an album and joined forces with some hot local and national talent.

Check out other rising talents at the Abbey like Sam I Am and Bullets.

Recaps Of Nights 7 and 8

MWM head guy Brandon looks at night 7 and night 8. 2 wicked nights at Cal's and the Double Door. Get ready for the next 2 (Sat. and Sun.) at Martyrs and Skylark.

Saturday Night in Northcenter

Hit the Ribfest, then get yo ass down to this.

Night 8 Pics Dropped

Charlie Deets is getting some shots of the MWM events. He has looks from Thurs. night at the Double Door up on his Flickr Page. Thanks tons for his work.

Office Party Obnoxious Fights Spoken Word

Sheffield's has room for multiple things to be happening at once with 3 rooms and a nice beer garden. Music With Meaning 7's second night of readings from local zinesters and writers found itself positioned next to a room full of really drunk, really silly ladies from what-appeared-to-be an office party. Man these ladies were getting down for 7 pm. But the participants in the reading made the best of it, making jokes and imitating the rowdy activities in the other room. Eric Lab Rat stated his White supremacy Manifesto an outline for the master leader political platform (this was hilarious), Alicia Dorr confessed to her former life as a mime and Emerson Dameron professed his love for fire in a ode to its many forms. A great night of literature, poetry and humor.

Night 6 Recap Up

Brandon talks about the bands, the venue and 15 (?) cool cats.

Friday Evening Badass Blast

Double (Or Quadruple) Your Pleasure

4 bands at the Double Door on a Thursday night at 8 pm. Thursday at the Double Door is just the way to get the weekend chugging along. (If you are at the Chicagoist party 2 doors down stop by) Jesus + the Devil, My Big Beautiful, Low of the Low and The Quitters will be dropping serious Rawk on MusicWithMeanings seventh night.

Get to know the bands -

Jesus and the Devil is a highly energetic, dirty rock band from Chicago. For the past few years, the band has been playing every dive bar, collapsing stage and house party they come across. With the best elements of the Stooges, MC5 and the Clash, Jesus and the Devil are everything you want in a rock band. Last year the group released their first EP, the appropriately titled, “Destructive Music Resists the Oncoming Light.” Five songs full of destructive guitars, sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, this five piece is just as good on record as they are live. (via)

My Big Beautiful are deep-rooted in the Chicago area music scene. Members have hooked up with Naked Raygun players in bands such as The Bomb and The Tarts. The Pop-Punk outfit hails from Joilet that often sound like early Green Day or variations of the Smoking Popes. Cathcy songs, straight-forward music.

Low Of The Low - These cats are new - so new that there's not much ink out there.

The Quitters - Out of the ashes of the Land of the El Caminos, Dead Electric, the Drip, Young and Pretty, and Trim (and a bunch of other bands youve never heard of) come the Quitters. They play loud, fast, fuzzy, snotty rock and roll. No pretense, no posing, no shit. They have no time for anything that isnt rock and roll, so if you like odd time signatures and alternate tunings and bands that wear ties and blazers and all that - go elsewhere.

We have been posting links about things to do near the venue, but you know what is around the Double Door.

Take A Look

More Pics up on the Pics page. Some nice shots from last night's show at the Subterranean.

What You'll Be Doing Early Thursday Night

Readings That Rock

Thursday night before MMW7 heads over to the Double Door for music from Jesus + Devil, Low of the Low, the Quitters and My Big Beautiful, local writers will be taking the stage at Sheffield's to spout off some their best words. Performing the readings will be talents like Alicia Dorr, A.B. Drea and Emerson Dameron. The event is sponsored by both Fall of Autumn and Chicago Underground Library. We recently got a chance to learn more about Fall of Autumn and their place on the Chicago Indie Media scene.

Fall of Autumn is an online resource site and distro dedicated to producing and promoting independent media, culture, news and views. They publish short stories (both fiction and non-fiction), articles, essays, poetry, podcasts and reviews. You’ll find a wide variety of contributors including zinesters, bloggers, distro operators, accomplished authors and even an independent filmmaker.

The Fall of Autumn Zinester Podcast series garnered much of their readership, with the first ever podcast series specifically for zinesters. Each episode of the Zinester Podcasts features a different zinester reading from their zine, like a zine audiobook. A few months ago, they were accepted into the iTunes Music Store, where their Zinester Podcasts are now available to millions of iTunes users, all for free.

The Fall of Autumn distro contains about fifty titles, and they're constantly adding more. They publish in depth reviews of every zine they carry, as well as reviews of independently released music.

Future plans include publishing a book on zining called "Pride and Photocopies," a punk-rock clipart section and to further develop their ZinesterPodcasts. (thanks Alan at FOA)

Night 5 Recapped

Brandon, MMW founder, writes his thoughts on Monday nights event at the Horseshoe Lounge. Thanks to The Skeeballs and The Stranger for a killer show.

Wednesday Night Hard Loop Bang

Come to Cal's Liquors. Get hammered on the cheap. Fall off a bar stool to good rock.

The Reptiods - Reptoids are doomed. Their thick, monstrous riffs and cut- throat verses put to shame an ex’s bite marks. With aggressive beats and tempos of sludgy grinds, you’ll wish you still kept those dullened razor blades. Devoid of stability and self-possession, Reptoids are unforgivingly rock solid. They are known to frequent dive bars and seedy hangouts. Drive-ins showing zombie flicks are a favorite of this group. Approach them from a safe distance as close contact may result in inner ear damage and vomit swallowing. Like sharpened knives, Reptoids are ready for the killing. (via)

Walking Bicycles - Over the past year or so, it became increasingly clear Chicago, without question, is a hot spot for this new wave of 80s-inspired dance rock. With post-punk-style guitars, ominous, yet sexy female vocals, and dance-friendly beats, the Walking Bicycles six-song, self-titled EP has everything one could want for those who always knew that love would, indeed, tear us apart, again." ~Dean Ramos, Illinois Entertainer

The Spoken Four - 3 things from their Myspace page we love. Sound like - The carnival in their minds. Influences - Border Line Personality Disorder. 3 songs that are simple and strong.

Here are some things to do nearby Cal's.

See you Wed.

Sunday (and Sat.) Night Looks

Follow this link to the pics page for Sunday pics via Charlie Deets and avant/chicago. More Saturday pics there as well from Ben Crowell. Thanks to everyone for the shots.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

We're at the Hungry Brain, drinking a Lienies, enjoying the organic sounds of MaryandJess. Then we got to thinking, (their music is good for that) remember the first time you held a beer in your hand? Maybe you ganked one from your pop's stash or sipped a couple at one of those awkward high school parties. Remember how the can or bottle felt big and intimidating in your hand? As we sat at the bar on Sunday night we noticed the bottle didn't feel so big or intimidating anymore. Thinking about the beer in relation to the music - experimental music is kind of the same way. Your first listen to groups with an unconventional sound like MaryandJess can feel too big or too intimidating, just like the bottle of beer. Groups like MaryandJess can shrink the feeling of avant-garde music. We're not saying they are the best, but after listening to their unfortunately short set Sunday night, they make eclectic music accessible.

Jerry Bryerton, Karl E H Seigfried and Paul Hartsaw followed MaryandJess. They have a typical free jazz sound (if we may be so bold as to claim there is a typical free jazz sound) that pushing the boundaries, but not to the point where it seemed like they were accomplishing much musically. Drummer Seigfried displayed some work on the skins that put him as a top-notch improviser in our book, but beyond his exotic, erie sounds, we left feeling a bit short on their set.
Thanks to Emerging Improvisers for sponsoring the evening.

Skating Toward Music

Remember those junior high roller skating nights where everyone was jacked up on caffine and hormones? The roller rink was like a meat market for the 13 year-old set. Remember the boys only skate, beginner's skate and yes, the couple skate? Chicago's own rising Indie group, Coupleskate, takes a lot from those roller rink days. Their name was tragically inspired by a breakup from then 14-year old band member Carol that was yes, during the couple skate. Their sound might not conjure up the typical roller skater soundtrack sounds, but those slower, smoother songs played for romantic ambiance to the junior high kids, could have been Coupleskate-esque.

Coupleskate is a fairly young band. Their fan base is building. They are working on an EP and starting to book more frequent shows. They are becoming submerged in the soon-to-explode local scene. "This is a great time to be a part of the Chicago music scene. It's a welcoming community...full of supportive and friendly people. Everyone's really willing to help each other out, and we like that in a scene," explains Coupleskate.

Coupleskate's sound finds similarities and inspiration from Indie Rock greats like Dinosaur Jr., Built to Spill and the Pixies. Coupleskate describes their sound as, "gritty/melodic songs that are mostly about heartbreaks and hook-ups." Gritty melodic songs about heartbreaks and hook-ups, strap on the roller skates and glide back to the days of roller rink love affairs.

Coupleskate plays with Mira Mira, Star, The Elevens and Patent Clerks at the Subterreanean Tues. night for a night of diverse, dank sounds.

Monday Night Madness

We have never been to Horseshoe Lounge, (not to be confused with the Lucky Horseshoe Lounge, the Gay bar on Halstead) but we hear it is a wicked venue. Come by Monday to see the Skeeballs and The Stranger.

The Skeeballs bring a high-octane energy. Reminscent of a rockabilly Clash or tweaked Rev. Horton Heat, get ready for some jagged noise. Here's what Bob Macaffee of Isound has to say about them. "Sounds Like "Rock'N'Roll from the bottom of the whiskey bottle. Hidden away Northern Illinois band the Skeeballs come to you straight from their practice space a converted ground floor bar below a plush lounge. A bit of irony soaked style not lost on the lyrics of many of the groups songs (whiskey appearing in numerous titles). This stuff is basic Rock'N'Roll though not necessarily an authentic retro sound those bits are still in the mix along w/ some punked up speed."

The Stranger brings a hard garage vibe that is bound to shake the neighbors windows. Here is how they describe themselves on their Myspace page - "Barelling out of Chicago's trainyards like a whisky-fueled, runaway locomotive, The Stranger has already begun to cement its reputation as a top live act in Chicago's underground music scene. Marrying Keith Moon style chaos on the drum kit with Elvis' Blue Moon Boys on guitar and stand-up bass, The Stranger delivers top musicianship without sacrificing its punk roots. Stranger performances are a twisted combination of basement punk shows, Southern Baptist evangelism, and vaudeville cabaret burlesque. Anyone leaving Stranger live events without becoming completely soaked, enraptured, and sociopathic simply isn't trying. Be prepared to shout, dance, and marvel when The Stranger circus hits your filthiest local establishment. Or your sister." Yes!

The Friday Night Scene

More pics added to the pics page. Great looks from Charlie Deets. Thanks. Got pics? Send them to us.

Jesus loves Music With Meaning.

Experimental Church Condo crunch

We were late to MWM7 at South Union Arts. So late we missed the first 2 acts. We spend a good half-hour riding around Pilsen looking for the venue. We like Pilsen - well south Pilsen. The northern end feels like a suburb. New construction condo city. South Union Arts is a sweetplace. An old Baptist Church hardly altered - complete with the hanging sign out front with the ministers name on it, an organ in the entryway. The only major change was some very colorful, exciting art work on the walls of the sanctuary - now performance venue. South Unions Arts will probably not last long - parking garages and condos are bound to swallow it. It is a damn shame, South Union Arts is dope.

We got to see most of the Home Recording Project. Their sound is as we described in an early post - like a dream. It felt meditative, soul-searching, cerebral. Words used minimally, punctuating the mesmerizing sound. Tone waves crashing the walls of our inner-psyche. This experimental, eccentric noise might be considered beautiful if beauty is abstract thunderhead clouds. This mind-bending, mellow sound might be classified as madness too, if madness is a hooting owl outside your window at 5 am. Hooting owl at 5 am - or maybe it is a dream.

Pics

We got pics, yes we do. We got pics how 'bout YOU? Yes we have photos from night 1 of MWM. Yes our skills behind the lens are limited. Yes we need you to send us your shots related to MWM. If you have a photo site, Flickr page or a place you would like us to link to - we will. This is a nice way to show others what they missed. It is a nice way to be able to brag about yourself with out looking like a dipshit. So send 'em if you got 'em.

Night 2 Plays Out Well

Brandon, Music With Meaning founder, offers a quick recap of night two here.

His take on night one can be found here.

Words like mellow, surreal and fuzzy - great descriptions via Brandon.

Mary Halvorson & Jessica Pavone play experimental music. Part folk, part classical and part organic-eclectic mashup, the duo is able to present sound in a way that can be defined, but only after it is refined via one’s own ears. We have never seen them live. The songs we listened to are all we have to go on. The songs we have to go on are opulent, pithy and often entrancing. They make us think of fields of blooming flowers or long romantic walks on the ocean with a remembered lover. They make us think that music had meaning. I guess that’s perfect in this case. MaryandJess are a Brooklyn duo that play a distinct eclectic brand of music. They play this Sunday night at the Hungry Brain - they play perfect music for Sunday night.

If a musical entity could be judged by the company they keep, MaryandJess are golden. They have worked with such respected artists as Anthony Braxton, Trevor Dunn and Taylor Ho Bynum, impressing the likes of these legends. We bet they can do it to a crowd as well. (Mary is also in the art/rock band People)

We like these words on the duo. Makes us more excited to see them. "They listen as though they're hotwired into each other's brain, their taut structural discipline prompting a domino effect of great ideas," Philip Clark, The Wire.

So let's review - beautifully eclectic music, great friends and a special chemistry. Can't ask for more from Sunday evening jazz.

MaryAndJess play Sunday night at the HungryBrain with Jerry Bryerton, Karl E H Seigfried, Paul Hartsaw to follow. The event is brought to you by Emerging Improvisers and Machine Media.

Night 1 - Campy Soft Porn Vs. Deep Punk

We just got home from the launch night of Music With Meaning 7. We smell like cig smoke, stank of cheap beer and our ears are ringing like bells on X-mas morn. Yep, it was a sweet night. It all started with the Liar's Club. We had only been to the spot once before, oh 4 years ago, in a drunken swagger, with some mates looking for some grunge chicks. Needless to say, that long-gone night was a blur. Tonight the musty club on the border of Lincoln Park and no-mans-land seemed to be beaconing a maddening bally-ho in a summer-is-here sort of way. It set the stage.

Altgeld Forgotten brought the nostalgic mosh-pit vibe. Maybe it was the how-to moshing video on the tube? Maybe it was some form of manic love for bygone-angst, leaking out of the former weekend junkies, former black-leather madmen - now - cubicle workers, 9-to-5 servants, rebeling against their oppression of the moment. But we saw it - a mosh pit - yes indeed, a 4-5 person mosh pit formed. Not upfront, not centerstage for all the see, just in the middle-back. Returning to yester-year. (this was Altgeld Forgotten's first show, sort of. They played Music With Meaning 1. Yep, 6 years ago as Orefisaurus)

Paper Bullets had to compete with the tube too. Some sort of campy-seventies-soft-porn was crying for attention, but Paper Bullets drown it out with force. Paper Bullets dropped punk without any abrasion or exlusion. It felt somehow delicate yet deep. Oh, it was certainly deep. Traci Trouble is deep. She fronts the band like a goddess of bottom-feeding Biker-dudes. She takes control. The band is individualistic, but she is a power. Chris Ott on drums...like a speed-freak-schizo about to break his skins. If you want to get amped, this is your band.

If this was night 1... i can't wait to see what the upcoming nights hold!

Reading The Hits

Saturday before Music With Meaning heads back down to South Union Arts a group of the cities writers will get together at Mojoe's Hothouse to read some of their music-tinged writing. Besides local journalists like Todd Dills, Billy Roberts and Mitchell Szczepanczyk, one of those reading will be Chicagoist A&E guy Scott Smith. Here is a little about Scott, Chicagoist and the boring world of Blogs.

Scott Smith writes entertainment pieces at the Weblog Chicagoist. Just like most journalists his pieces tend to be more informative than literary. He’s a fine writer, that’s just the nature of the biz so to speak. So when he was asked to do a literary recital for Music With Meaning 7’s night of readings at MoJoe’s on Belmont this Saturday, he was a little unsure of what to present during his slot. No need to worry for Smith though, he come up with something out of his bag of works that's not Blog related.

Chicagoist is one of the cities most popular and respected Weblogs. They bring a unique and balancing voice to the Chicago media landscape. Smith believes that the purpose of Chicagoist on the journalistic front is two fold. First, is to offer a different perspective on the stories that traditional media outlets are offering. By examining the mainstream stories from a different angle, Chicagoist can dig deeper on an issue or cover other angles that the big boys choose to overlook. Second, blogs like Chicagoist offer readers a forum to leave personal feedback on a story and interact with other readers and often the writer. This dialogue has helped create a more interactive experience for readers, in which, to some respect, they can become a valuable part of the journalistic landscape.

In the short time that Chicagoist has been reporting on the Chicago scene, they have made an impact beyond just checks-and-balances or interaction with readers. The mainstream media has taken notice of what Chicagoist does. Local reporters and columnists for major local outlets often weigh in on the Chicagoist forums as well as exchanging information with the blogs writers. Recently the Tribune has jumped into the Weblog world (albeit in a limited capacity) which is arguably influenced by the presence of sits like Chicagoist. As Smith notes, some of the mainstream bloggers get it and other do not. In the arts and entertainment world Smith notes that Chicagoist has contributed some important stories that the conventional media was not covering. Both the news that the Double Door would in fact be remaining open despite claims to the contrary and a story confronting the use of water at last years Pitchfork Media Festival are two cases in which Chicagoist has contributed to local journalism.

Smith has been with Chicagoist for over two years now and has brought his take on Chicago arts and music to the Blogosphere. Smith, who also writes for Centerstage Chicago, got involved with Music With Meaning in order to help benefit organizations like RVA and Second Harvest. He feels that Machine Media’s dedication to helping these organizations and their love for music will make the 30 day events a success on multiple levels.

Smith’s reading will definitely be music related. It might not come from one of his postings on Chicagoist, so look for a more literary tone as he entertains the crowd at MoJoe’s Hothouse. Take it from me, readings from a Blog wouldn't be that rousing anyway.

South Union Arts Madness

This Friday (and Sat.) get set for a gluttony of music, art and a wholesome hoedown at the South Union Arts Building. Friday night features the sounds of Hotel Brotherhood USA, Emily Jane Powers and In Minature. That's not all - there's more. Also taking part in the festivities - Crosshair Silkscreening and a group show by Young Endeavor. This night will be a folk-plosion of sweet lush noise. Want to know more about the artists? Of course.

Hotel Brotherhood USA - Acoustic, Folk, Soul-Blue. On their Myspace page they describe themselves as a small 2-stoplight town, winter and wine, swimming/fishing holes, freckles and moles. Take a listen - sounds like a deadpan description.

Crosshair Silkscreen - Click here - A blissful visual feast

Emily Jane Powers - Currently living in Chicago. During solo performances accompanied by partner-in-crime Chris Luxem and other various special guests who come, go, and come back again. Most of the time she sticks to a pretty standard folk line up with guitar, banjo, violin, harmonica, & minimal drumming. Other than that been playing violin with a variety of Chicago locals and old Ann Arbor friends. Been doing home recordings and releases. (via)

In Minature - Three people who feel very lucky to play music with each other. If they were tone-deaf they would play scrabble. That's how much they like each other. They have been writing and practicing together for about six months and are very excited to share the news of their new e.p. that their own personal engineer (and bass player) is mixing and it should be available soon. (via)

Don't forget the daytime reading event at Mojoe's Hot House featuring some of the city's top writers. Brought to you by Fall of Autumn and of course Machine Media.

Music With Meaning 7

6.30.2006

6.29.2006

6.28.2006

6.27.2006

6.26.2006

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