Author Archives: Eric Slager

Santah gears up for two record release shows this week, 10/25 & 10/26

Wrapping up a two week East Coast tour, Chicago indie-rockers, Santah, are joining forces with saki Records to present a two night release celebration in Chicago’s Logan Square. Santah has been on the road supporting their recently released five-track EP, “You’re Still a Lover.”

“You’re Still a Lover” marks the group’s sophomore effort after the 2011 self-released LP, White Noise Bed. Following a re-release with No Sleep Records, Santah supported ​the LP with hundreds of shows across the country. After relocating from Urbana, IL, they began to record tracks for “You’re Still a Lover” at Pieholden Suite Sound in Chicago.

If you like what you hear from the EP’s lead track, “Springfield” above, and want to head out to one of this week’s two release shows, you can grab all of the information that you’ll need on the shows and the upcoming 12” release of “You’re Still a Lover,” below.

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Weekend Shots!

Looking for some live music in Chicago this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out this weekend’s featured show along with a more extensive weekend list below!

COLORFEELS at the Tonic Room, 10/20

Nashville chamber-pop/rock group, Colorfeels will be in Chicago this weekend to play a show at the Tonic Room. After last year’s release of the well-received debut album, Syzygy, Colorfeels is working on writing and planning their sophomore LP. You can grab a copy of Syzygy on 2x LP, 180g vinyl for $20 through Colorfeels’ online store, and check out the Syzygy track, “Pretty Walk”, below.

The 21+ show kicks off at 8:30 PM tomorrow night at the Tonic Room – 2447 North Halsted. Colorfeels will be sharing the stage with Barber Greene, and supporting Chicago power-pop quintet, Future Monarchs, formerly Deserters. Tickets are available online or at the door for just $8.

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TVD Recommends:
The Joy of Painting at Reggie’s Music Joint, 10/19

As often as the internet can seem like a detriment to the traditional ideas of the music industry, it manages to consistently offer musicians avenues to reach new listeners. Earlier this week, while browsing /r/vinyl on reddit, I came across Nashville quintet, The Joy of Painting, and the announcement of their first vinyl release, a 3-track 7”.

As I happily burned through their streamable upbeat, garage pop, I noticed that the group would be hitting Chicago this weekend in support of the new release. If you’re a fan of energetic and infectious rock and roll, then you’ll love The Joy of Painting, and won’t want to miss their appearance at Reggie’s Music Joint this weekend.

Following up their debut EP, Asterisk, from the beginning of the year, the new 7” was released late last month on Detroit Michigan’s South Division Records.

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Weekend Shots!

Looking for some live music in Chicago this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out this weekend’s featured show along with a more extensive weekend list below!

THEMES at Reggie’s Music Joint, 10/15

From California, Minnesota, and currently Portland, post-rock outfit THEMES will be hitting Reggie’s this weekend on their most recent tour. Having recently announced their fifth album, Loveweapons, THEMES has released their latest single, “Play Along” featuring Noah Bernstein of tUnE-yArDs.

The 21+ show kicks off at 9:00 PM on Sunday night, 10/14, at Reggie’s Music Joint – 2105 South State Street. Supporting THEMES will be I Luv Luv Birds and Ayanami. Tickets are $7 and you can grab them at the door before the show.

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TVD Recommends:
Chris Staples at the Tonic Room, 10/9

Audiotree will be bringing Seattle singer/songwriter Chris Staples to Chicago for its Showcase tomorrow at the Tonic Room. Chris is touring in support of his latest solo release, American Soft, but he’s no stranger to the music scene.

Lead vocalist of the Florida indie-rock group, twothirtyeight until they disbanded in 2003, Chris formed and fronted Discover America. Across all of his endeavors, Chris has racked up an inarguably impressive discography of EPs and full length releases including this year’s “American Soft” which was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign last winter.

You can check out Chris’s multiple vinyl releases including 12” and 7” records with both twothirtyeight and Discover America on his online store. If you’re planning on taking advantage of this killer opportunity for a free show, grab all of the information you’ll need, below.

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Weekend Shots!

Looking for some live music in Chicago this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out this weekend’s featured show along with a more extensive weekend list below!

SIDEWALK CHALK at the House of Blues, 10/5

Chicago based hip-hop outfit, Sidewalk Chalk, will be taking over the stage at the House of Blues tonight to perform their funk, jazz, and soul infused take on Windy City hip-hop. Supporting their debut full-length release, Corner Store (out 3/12), Sidewalk Chalk has been around the country and shared the stage with artists including Company of Thieves and ?uestlove from The Roots.

The 17+ show kicks off tonight at 7:30 PM at the House of Blues Chicago – 329 N. Dearborn. Supporting Sidewalk Chalk will be Jamie Lono, Katz Company, and The Root Cause. Tickets are $10 online in advance of the show and $15 if you pick them up at the door tonight.

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TVD Recommends:
Dark Dark Dark at Schubas, 10/6

Dark Dark Dark is, well, dark. Not in any metal sense of the word, but dark like the kind of rich chamber pop you’d expect to hear in a smoky bar on a rainy night. And when you consider that just last year, co-founders, Nona Marie Invie and Marshall Lacount, ended a serious relationship, it’s no wonder that Invie’s vocals and performance on the new record are teeming with emotion.

After a five month hiatus, the Minneapolis based quintet reconvened in New Orleans to start work on their third full length release. Since Wild Go was released in 2010, Dark Dark Dark has played sold out shows across the US and Europe, and have had their music featured in shows from Grey’s Anatomy to Parks and Recreation. Take a listen to Who Needs Who‘s lead single, “Tell Me”, below.

After their Chicago show this Saturday, Dark Dark Dark will be heading out on the road through December to support the new record with a full US tour followed by dates in Australia and Europe. This is most likely your last chance to catch the group live through the rest of the year, so you’re not going to want to miss it. Grab all of the details about the new release and this weekend’s show, below.

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Weekend Shots!

Looking for some live music in Chicago this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out this weekend’s featured show along with a more extensive weekend list below!

AL SCORCH & THE COUNTRY SOUL ENSEMBLE at the Hideout, 9/28

Tonight’s recommendation comes in the form of self-described “fourth generation Chicagoan, born and bred,” Al Scorch. Wrapping up a national tour in support of his latest, self-released record Tired Ghostly Town, Al will be bringing himself and the Country Soul Ensemble to the Hideout tonight for his narrative and banjo driven country/bluegrass tunes. Al will be back out on the road throughout the fall, but will return to Chicago this winter for a residency at the wonderful Empty Bottle.

The 21+ show kicks off at 10:00 PM at the Hideout – 1354 W Wabansia. Supporting Al Scorch will be Betse Ellis and DJ Lawrence Peters. You can grab tickets online before the show or pick them up at the door for $8. If you can’t make it out to the show, you can always get a copy of the Tired Ghostly Town LP on vinyl for just $15 through Al’s online store.

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Schubas presents their Pig, Swig & Record Dig this Saturday, 9/29

Schubas Tavern (3159 N Southport) is bringing their Pig, Swig and Record Dig back this weekend for its second year, and you can take part in the festivities from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Saturday, 9/29. With support from Goose Island, and some of Chicago’s best record stores and labels, there’s no reason not to head out to the free, all ages event.

Some of the record stores and labels that will be out at the event selling new and used LPs and CDs include Permanent Records, Reckless Records, Saki, Bucket O’ Blood Records & Books, Dusty Groove, Hozac, Jazz Record Mart, and Numero Group. Schubas and Lincoln Hall will also be using the occasion to offload a whole bunch of screen prints from a number of incredible artists.

While you’re digging, pulled pork sandwiches ($6) and plates of pork ($11) will be available and Goose Island will be supplying $2 312 drafts and cans for the entire event. If you’re not sold yet, check out the details of the impressive raffle, below.

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Pygmalion Music Festival 2012 takes over Champaign-Urbana, this weekend, 9/27-9/29

Starting tomorrow and continuing through Saturday, the annual Pygmalion Music Festival will be taking over the Champaign-Urbana area to bring some of the best national and local indie-rockers to the stage.

After a last minute cancellation from Sleigh Bells due to a fractured bone in Derek’s right arm, Champaign’s own ‘90s rock band, HUM, stepped in to cover tomorrow night’s headlining spot at the Canopy Club.

Along with the Canopy Club, tomorrow night will see live music on stages at the Krannert Art Museum and Channing-Murray. Among Thursday night’s performers are Dirty Feathers, Psychic Twin, So Many Dynamos, and Chicago indie-rockers, Santah.

I’ve recommended checking out Santah live before, and this time is no different. Saki Records recently announced that it will be releasing Santah’s upcoming record, You’re Still A Lover on 12” vinyl. The album will be released 10/16, and is expected to ship by 11/6. You can pre-order your copy now for just $10. Satah will be closing the night at the Krannert Art Museum with a set from 10:30-11:15.

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Weekend Shots!

Happy Friday, Chicago! I’m feeling particularly indecisive, so this week we’re bringing you two shows that you’re not going to want to miss out on. Check out this weekend’s featured shows along with a more extensive weekend list below!

HEMMINGBIRDS at the Beat Kitchen, 9/21

One of TVD Chicago’s favorite local acts, Hemmingbirds, will be releasing their sophomore album, The Vines of Age, tonight at the Beat Kitchen. Following up their impressive 2010 debut, Death Wave, Hemmingbirds have transitioned their folk inspired sound into a heavier rock effort with a more collaborative songwriting effort amongst the quartet. Check out the new album’s lead single, “Line of Bones”, below, and although they’ve reached their goal, there are still a few hours left to donate to the album’s Kickstarter campaign and claim some perks.

The 17+ show opens tonight at 8:00 PM at the Beat Kitchen – 2100 W Belmont. Supporting Hemmingbirds for their album release show will be Milano, Northpilot and Glittermouse. You can grab tickets online through Ticketweb for $8, and you can pick up an advance copy of the sophomore album before its official release on Tuesday, 9/25.

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Riot Fest 2012 Chicago kicks off tonight at the Congress Theater, continues this weekend at Humbolt Park

Riot Fest & Carnival 2012 Chicago kicks off tonight at the Congress Theater for its sold out opening night. Bringing the three day festival in with a bang with be Dead Sara, Pegboy, Neon Trees, and headliners, The Offspring.

Unfortunately, both Friday single day tickets and three day passes are currently sold out, so unless you’re already holding onto your ticket, you might be out of luck. If you do have an in for the show tonight, make sure to head on over to the Congress – 2135 N Milwaukee Ave .- well before the doors open at 6:00 PM.

If you missed out on tickets to opening night, there are still a limited number of two day, Humbolt Park, passes remaining for $79.98 as well as a handful of single day 9/15 and 9/16 tickets available for $45.00 a piece. Grab the full festival lineup and information about all of the official Riot Fest Chicago after parties, below.

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Weekend Shots!

Looking for some live music in Chicago this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out this weekend’s featured show along with a more extensive weekend list below!

LADYHAWKE at the Bottom Lounge, 9/16

New Zealand singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Ladyhawke will be in Chicago this weekend in support of her sophomore release, Anxiety. She will be performing at the Bottom Lounge on Sunday night as part of her first headlining tour of North America since the new record was released on May 29. The record, out on Casablanca/Republic Records, blends Ladyhawke’s familiar electro-pop vibe with guitar-driven rock and roll. (Our chat with Pip Brown is right here. —Ed.)

The 17+ show kicks off 10:00 PM on Sunday night at the Bottom Lounge – 1375 W Lake Street. Ladyhawke will be supported by Shuteye and Greg Corner. You can pre-order Ladyhawke’s sophomore album, Anxiety, on vinyl through her online store.

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TVD Live: CAKE at the Aragon Ballroom, 9/6

CAKE is a band that has got it figured out. From the first track off of their 1994 debut, Motorcade of Generosity, to the album closer on last year’s Showroom of Compassion, there is no doubt that CAKE is consistent. That consistency is even more impressive when you consider that their alt-rock sound is regularly combined with country, mariachi, funk, folk, and even hip-hop influences.

Somehow, and much to my chagrin, I have managed to miss out on seeing the group live every single time they’ve come to Chicago. So, when I heard that they would be hitting the Aragon Ballroom for a one-off show last Thursday, I grabbed my camera and headed into the city for my introduction to the experience of CAKE live.

Arriving at the Aragon about thirty minutes before show time, I was able to stand back and watch as CAKE’s impressively eclectic fan base filed in and filled the large ballroom floor. With no opening act on the bill, singer John McCrea announced that the band would be performing two full sets. Much to the surprise of no one, the crowd didn’t seem to mind that one bit.

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TVD Recommends:
The Handsome Family
at Saki Records, 9/13

Saki Records is bringing us another amazing in-store performance this week with Chicago’s own Gothic Americana duo, The Handsome Family. Playing a selection of their favorite tragic ballads from the last four centuries, the husband and wife collaboration has been writing country and bluegrass music with gothic fiction themes for the last twenty years.

After the Saki in-store on Thursday, The Handsome Family will be playing their catalog classics as well as previewing tracks off of their upcoming LP at the Mayne Stage on Friday, 9/14.

Over the last two decades, Brett and Rennie Sparks have had their influential alternative country tracks covered by a number of artists from Andrew Bird to The Sadies. Grab all of the details about both of the upcoming shows and where you can purchase some incredible Handsome Family vinyl, below.

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  • SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDIE SHOPS SINCE 2007


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