New Video for New Roommate Song

Go to Magnet Magazine to see Roommate’s new video Snow Globe. If you like mellotrons, snakey bass grooves, 16 bit video games, high-definition clouds and or slo-mo slow dancing you’ll surely find something to enjoy in this video. “Snow Globe” is the single off of Roommate’s new album “Guilty Rainbow” due out March 22nd on Antephonic.

art on track

art

Great Events This Week Including the Ten x Ten Release

Don’t let January get you down. It can be a great month to hear local music in Chicago.

Tuesday, 1/4, Homeroom presents the Ten x Ten release with Netherfriends and Locks at the Whistler (2421 N Milwaukee.) For more info, just check out our calender.

Wednesday, 1/5, the Hard Times Trio with Charles Rumback and John Tate also perform at the Whistler. Charles Rumback is one of our favorite Chicago drummers because in addition to his mad chops, he drums with a sense of melody and composition.

Thursday, 1/6, Leafbird and Caw! Caw! perform at the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia.) Leafbird is stacked with great musicians including Charles Rumback, Tyler Beach, Quin Kirchner and Larry Robertson, and the band explores the outer reaches of pop music composition.

Photo by Jacob Hand.

Interview with Angee Lennard, founder of Spudnik Press

Founded on the premise that art should be a democratic and empowering medium, Spudnik Press Cooperative is committed to providing a print shop that is approachable and affordable; a space where professional printmakers merge with aspiring students; a space that encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas. Angee Lennard is the founder and executive director of Spudnik, and is also a driving force behind our Ten x Ten that is now available for purchase.

1. What first inspired you to open Spudnik Press?

Spudnik Press grew out of a genuine need for space to make my own work. I felt that at the time (2007), Chicago was lacking a community-oriented press that welcomed students and others still developing their craft. In a print shop, artists are not necessarily collaborating, but they are influenced by each other. There is constant casual conversation about the work being produced, and styles, color choices, printing methods begin to rub off on each other. We share resources with each other, and help keep each other focused on improving our craft. I was missing the sense of comradeship that I felt as a student in the print shop at SAIC.

Jim DeRogatis Blogs About the Gutting of the Dept. of Cultural Affairs

Jim Degogatis, well respected, albeit often mocked, Chicago music journalist, has done a great job of covering the city effectively shutting down the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Read his blog here

Tiny Cover Band performs on Giant System

Giant System makes motion pictures of bands playing their songs in their spaces. Each episode is shot live in Chicago with a small, hardworking crew of folks who are excited to create something unique with each band. Kyle Obriot and Justin Schmitz spearhead the project. Recently, they taped Tiny Cover Band performing Mariah Carey’s "All I Want For Christmas Is You.

And while you’re listening to Chicago musicians doing some Christmas favorites, listen to Josh Dumas perform Darlene Love and Phil Spector’s Please Come Home

Tomorrow Kings release "Industrial Mix": Listen and Download

Tomorrow Kings is a Chicago super group. The brain child of seven rappers and one dj, the Tomorrow Kings offer a great glimpse into the talent making music in Chicago. They pull no punches on “Industrial Mix, vo. 1” and make music for people that love hip-hop. We especially recommend it for those that can appreciate tight verse after tight verse. You can listen to and download the entire album for free here.

An Interview with Seth Vanek about the Ice Factoy

1) What was your involvement with the Ice Factory?

I started the Ice Factory in 2002 with 3 friends. Like many places, residents came and went over the next nearly 5 years. There were always myself and 3 other people living there and usually, those 3 people and myself were responsible for its functioning and upkeep. Towards the end, we attempted to get other helpful friends involved in planning and hosting events with good results. Over the years, we often worked with outside curators or promoters to plan and host events as well.