Bands from Chicago, Illinois

I've been meaning to do this for a while, grouping four or five bands from one city. Today I'm going to concentrate on bands from Chicago, Illinois.

Each of these music group are very, very different from each other... which really say something about the culture of this city!

Tour 12/06/07 Lilly’s Chicago, IL 01/12/08 Krush Skatepark Tinley Park, IL 01/18/08 The Metro Chicago, IL Discography [2007] The Heavy 7" [2007] Yea Big and Kid Static Band Members ♥ Yea Big ♥ Kid Static Links www.myspace.com/yeabigkidstatic http://www.myspac... The Heavy 7" (out now on Metal Postcard) Yea Big presents HLLLYEA (Limited edition mashup of Kid...

The first group from Chicago are the superhero hip-hop rappers called Yea Big + Kid Static. It seems both Yea Big and Kid Static were already established artists prior to joining forces.

"Static Leads The Coup" is my favorite song off their debut album, which was released last month (October 23rd). The artwork, concept (comic book, Star Wars, etc) and rapping style kind of reminds me a lot of Deltron - so if you enjoy that, this album should be right up your alley.

Just a note, Yea Big is huge into mashups, so he really brings his ear and sounds in mixing the album.

So, if you live in Chicago, check it out, they're playing a few gigs, including the Metro (I've been there before!).

Tour 11/30/07 JBTV Performance/Interview 12/01/07 Lewis University - Romeoville 12/28/07 Uncommon Ground - Chicago, IL Discography [2005] The Rise and Fall of the Villains of Verona (EP) [2006] Scene 1 - I Only Play for Celebrities (EP) [2007] With a Twist of Lime (EP) Band Members ♥ Rachel Verona ♥ Eric Hehr ♥ Phil DeSantis ♥ Adam James ♥ Drew Potenza Links www.villainsofverona.com http://www.villai... villains of verona

The Villains of Verona are a indie pop band from Chicago. Their debut album is coming out, it's called The Oh Bonanza LP. I wasn't given an exact release date, but according to their press release, the album's final mixed is completed as of August of this year (mixed at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin). The album was done with producer Jon Alvin at the IV Lab Studios.

Of the batch of unmastered songs that I've got, there are a few songs with a boy singer. This is unusual because the Villains only have one vocalist, Rachel.

The song that stood out for me from The Oh Bonanza LP is "The Only". For even more songs, check out their myspace and also they're set to play new songs for JBTV tomorrow. If you live in the area, be sure to check JBTV on Wednesday at 11pm.

Band Members ♥ Desi Blondell ♥ Kenward Cooper Links www.thisepisode.com http://www.thisep... This Episode is an artistic vision, a coming together of 2 personalities sharing ideas and writi...

This Episode has one EP, Warm Up My Defenses but according to their blog, they're working on their album, called Spider Tree.

I suspect they got their name from watching too much television. So it's safe to assume that they also probably watch a lot of movies - as in their song, "The Movies".

The main vocals is by Desi in this song, and it tells about how she wants to be in the movies. It's a pretty catch song.

Also, if you like that 80s new wave-type sound, check out their song "Move On" - you can download it from their website. If you like what you hear, you can add them as a friend on vox.

Band Members ♥ Tim Ferguson ♥ Todd Lazar ♥ Tom Valenzano ♥ Dav Kling ♥ Matt Walters ♥ Pamela Richardson Links myspace.com/redplasticbuddha http://www.myspac... Tim Ferguson - vocals, bass guitar; Todd Lazar - lead guitar; Tom Valenzano - guitar, backing voc...

Our last Chicago band is called The Red Plastic Buddha. They kind of remind me of a 60/70s psychedlic rock band.

They contacted me recently and asked me to take a look at their video for Forget me Not, which sparked my interest enough to search and downloaded some of their songs off their record label's website Spade Kitty.

Of the ones I've downloaded, I liked "Rollercoaster" the best. Listen to that guitar and there's no doubt that you start hearing Pink Floyd jamming with Buddha, reaching nirvana....

If you enjoy these roundup, let me know - and also send in your city suggestions.  Of course, I will return to do another roundup of Chicago bands later.... but I think my next city spotlight will be on my own Minneapolis, Minnesota. I can't believe how many bands are from around here!

 11/29/2007 21:11:43  vu my♥posts www.weheartmusic.com

Hawthorne Heights - Saying Sorry

Rob wrote: Nov 29, 2007 11:28 PM PM [this is good] if you like Chicago bands. check out Hawthorne Heights. and sadly to say the guitarist just died! unreal! at the age of 26 i believe? but way to young. sucks!! Armchairs 2 comments Dale wrote: Nov 30, 2007 12:21 PM PM Wilco! Smashing Pumpkins! Or if we're sticking to the little-known guys, there's Chin Up Chin Up, Headlights (well, they're from Champaign...) and Andrew Bird!