Friko
Friko, a trio that’s cemented itself as a stalwart in the Chicago music scene, is frontman Niko Kapetan, and drummer Bailey Minzenberger. Their most recent release, “Crimson To Chrome,” is an anthemic offering, Kapetan’s vocals incendiary. It received glowing praise and attention from Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan, and Consequence, who wrote “Friko toggle between loud and quiet, thoughtful and self-deprecating, while never expressing anything less than the unbridled joy of noise.” FLOOD wrote the Chicago-based power-pop group is “certain to stand out among the hundreds of acts gracing the various SXSW stages this year.” And that they did. The band took SXSW 2023 by storm, playing packed showcases over several days that made their Austin-debut a must-see occasion. Bolstered by the unwavering support from Chicago’s music scene, the buzz around new music, and the pure excitement witnessed at SXSW, the interest from labels is voracious and ever-increasing. Friko’s music is complex and dynamic, flickering between explosive rock, chamber pop, and serene sonics. It becomes even more pronounced in their live performances, where a crowd frenzied by wailing guitars finds itself minutes later collectively holding its breath, enamored by hypnotic strings and Kapetan’s emotive vocals. As the band plays out sweeping melodies, held up by thrashing guitar and punchy beats, it feels as if Kapetan sings to you. Crooning about stories you know, memories you had but have somehow forgotten.
Real Estate
A band for 15 years now, with a half-dozen records to its canny name, Real Estate knows how the press cycle inevitably goes: Someone somewhere at last had a realization about what their songs needed to say and how they should sound, so (at least according to brief biographies like this one) they finally made the best album of their career. But here’s the thing: Real Estate has been so consistently compelling for those 15 years, with their coruscant indie rock shuffles perfectly reflecting the spellbinding glow of suburban ennui, that they know when they have done it. That is, they know when they have written songs that shimmer and fetch and radiate despite or because of the gloom lurking in their grooves. It is the gift and curse of self- awareness, of sticking together since childhood. So Real Estate, in turn, needs you to know that Daniel—their sixth full-length album, recorded in an ebullient nine-day spree in RCA Studio A, in Nashville with celebrated producer and songwriter Daniel Tashian—is quite possibly their best album. In 11 compulsively tuneful songs, they connect the uninhibited wonder of their earliest work with the earned perspective of adulthood. What more could you need from Real Estate at 15? — Heaven Schmitt, the front person of Grumpy, keeps their friends close and their exes closer. The keyboardist and bassist are Heaven’s ex girlfriends, the drummer is their ex-husband (the guitar player and Heaven never dated but there was one night when Heaven thought they might kiss but they didn’t). Originally based in Nashville, where Schmitt studied songwriting at Belmont University, before relocating to Chicago, Schmitt released a debut LP called Loser under the Grumpy name in 2020. Although it garnered a cult audience, Schmitt felt that due to a lack of confidence during the recording process the album never truly represented what they thought their band should be. It all fell into place when Schmitt moved to New York in 2022. On the East Coast Grumpy has transformed, leveling up adjacent to a buzzy corner of the Brooklyn scene. The current Grumpy backing band includes Austin Arnold on drums, Lane Rodges on keys, Anya Good on bass, and Diego Clare on guitar. Being in an act with numerous exes isn’t always easy. However, Schmitt feels that it leads to an honest, nurturing dynamic. “I’m really drawn to people who — no matter what they’re going through, or what we’re going through — have a clear baseline of respect and care and love,” Schmitt says of their bandmates.
Cable Network
Cable Network is a rock ’n roll band from Omaha, Nebraska. Their debut, self-titled EP was released in December 2020. Their second record, Cable Network II, was released in January 2022. The band is currently working on their third album. Cable Network is composed of Charlie Ames (vocals, keys), Braden Larsen (guitar), Ben Rickers (bass), Charlie Encell (vocals, guitar), Jordan Opere (vocals, percussion), and Pat Stutzman (drums.) — A product of high school and college friendships, Bad Self Portraits write indie-rock songs that tackle the uncertainties of growing up and finding stability. The band was formed in 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska, and released their latest EP, “Amsterdam”, in December 2023. Bad Self Portraits is: Ingrid Howell (vocals/bass), Cole Kempcke (guitar), Connor Paintin (guitar/keys), and Jesse White (drums/vocals).
Bad Bad Hats
Bad Bad Hats is an indie rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerry Alexander and Chris Hoge met in college and formed the band in 2012. In the 10 years of BBH, they have toured the country many times in their trusty minivan, sampling the best local cuisine along the way. BBH has toured with The […]
Benjamin Booker
The last place you’ll find Benjamin Booker is where he was yesterday. The artist grew up in a woodsy trailer park on the outskirts of Tampa overlooking a sewage plant, surrounded by rebel flags and religious fanaticism. “The neighbors burned a cross in my yard when I was 6. We didn’t really socialize with a lot of people around us after that. I spent all of my time in my head.” Eventually, he found his way to the local DIY punk scene, a welcomed escape, and never looked back. After, releasing his Waiting Ones EP, he was picked up by blogs and signed to a label shortly after news spread. His 2014 self-titled debut album dabbled in fuzzy americana-inspired garage rock. The raw, stripped back, analogue recordings hinted at the past, but underneath the surface were contemporary songs about gay marriage, growing up in a post-9/11 world and erotic asphyxiation. Then, after nearly losing his life in a shooting in New Orleans, he retreated to Mexico City and wrote his second album Witness (2017)—a darker album that ran lush string arrangements, 60s balladry, boom bap, and 70s glam rock through Shawn Everett’s futuristic mixing filter. Both albums were met with critical acclaim and led to world tours, a spot on just about every festival you can think of and opening slots for Tame Impala, Jack White and Neil Young. But then, he disappeared. “I wanted to get to this sound, but I didn’t know how. At some point I decided I’m going to find it or die trying.” He spent years tinkering in a loft near Skid Row in Los Angeles before ending up across the globe in Perth, Australia. Trading stems via email, Booker crafted his third album with LA underground hip-hop mastermind Kenny Segal. The new album, LOWER, mixes experimental hip hop, dream and noise pop, and singer-songwriter music into something that is entirely his own. Through the changes, Booker’s lyrical exploration of pain and longing have been persistent. “Kenny was the missing piece I needed–he fills in all of my gaps. I don’t know what I’ll do next, but if I can imagine it, I can do it now.”
Lady Lamb
celebrates 10 years of Ripely Pine with an intimate performance of songs from the record and the recently-released commemorative boxset ‘In The Mammoth Nothing of The Night’ From her early days, staying late after-hours at her video rental store job in Maine to record songs, to co-producing and arranging her four studio records, Aly Spaltro has remained focused on music that connects, empowers and builds community. She built her fanship the old-fashioned way, getting in front of audiences and projecting her poetic confessionals, silencing rowdy crowds with an a cappella opening song in the center of a dark stage. Spaltro was quick to develop a reputation as a breakout star in New England, and then expanded slowly outwards, moving to New York at twenty to continue work on the songs that would become Ripely Pine. Her voice has never wavered, has grown more honest and open with time, and anyone witnessing the long lines of fans seeking signatures after her performances can see how her work has impacted fans. Her live shows are revelations, a further deep dive into what makes Ripely Pine such a mainstay.
Violenteer Record Release
THEO LAWRENCE w/ special guest Willy Tea Taylor
For the past 10 years, Theo Lawrence has been making a name for himself as France’s favorite songbird. A truly one-of-a-kind Country singer and genuine keeper of the flame, Lawrence came into his own on his Austin-made 2023 LP release, Cherie, and on his latest all acoustic album, Pickin’ & Singin’. Lawrence pens classic love songs, and delivers with a croon straight out of the Charlie Rich and Ray Price golden years. In recent years, he has played a pivotal role in reviving an interest for Country Music in Europe, and with his recent move to Austin, TX, Theo Lawrence is bringing his honed craft back to its American cradle. — There is no question that Willy Tea Taylor’s life as a singer/songwriter was predetermined – his role realized the moment he wrote his first song. His inspirations drawn from two separate wells; Living the life of a cattleman’s kid and experiencing true visionaries music like Greg Brown, John Hartford, and Guy Clark. The image of Guy Clark and friends sitting around the kitchen table loaded with ashtrays full of butts, half-smoked cigarettes, food, and booze on one Christmas Eve in 1975 burned into Taylor’s soul. Those guys, swapping songs without pretense, lit Willy Tea’s fire. And ever since, its led purpose with passion – finding a hang by curating relationships through musical friendships that get him closer to his own Clark style kitchen table. From his early days co-fronting The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, to singing solo in countless cowboy bars, to pitching countless wiffle ball games, Willy Tea has never lost the vision. Now Willy Tea Taylor has taken his vision of the “hero hang” on the road. and his talented traveling band The Fellership is made up of his fantastically talented buds who play Willy’s songs with a brand of reckless abandon and utter humility that spits in the face of pretense. The way The Fellership plays Will’s songs is the way they demand to be played and, in their short time together, they have been awe-ing every audience lucky enough to see them.
See Through Dresses
See Through Dresses is a dreamy punk band who blend 80’s synth tones, steady rhythms and airy, ethereal vocal lines into their inspirational jams. They’ve shifted the focus from confessional punk to craft vast, cosmic soundscapes with gargantuan guitar riffs.
Housewares
Housewares is trying to figure out what it is. What is it? It’s melodic, probably technical, with elements of post whatever, jazz, blues and maybe some country. There is a lot of counting, that’s for sure. Featuring members of Thunder Power, Reset, fromanhole and a slew of other bands. RIYL: kick ass underground bands […]