Local Yocal

I thought one of the cool things we could do is post about bands about in our respective areas. I'm not talking about a "my city is better than your city" or "dude, you think you know Cheap Trick. Well I eat pizza at Richard Nielsen's pizza place and I really know him." type of post. No, I mean something where you might be able to share a under promoted young band(s) that anyone outside of your town would have zero chance of hearing without your help.

So here I go I guess. I have thought about 3 bands today from Chicago that I think I would like to share. One band i know very well and am good friends with the members, one I don't know too well but are friends of friends and one that is completely new to me as of an hour ago.

First off is the Notes and Scratches. I happened to be a member a little art/music/whatever collective here in Chicago called Tense Forms. One of the things we do is act sort of, but not really, like a record label. Basically we help friends put their albums out by doing PR, funding the production and all the DIY stuff involved in getting their music out there. I am very honored to work with my friend Joshua Dumas who happens to be the lead singer. These cats are incredibly fun to see live and I really love their tunes regardless if they are friends or not. You can either check them out on their website above, on My Space or on Tense Radio. If you tune into Tense Radio be sure to check out the other bands and music projects we have helped in the past. Lots of really great stuff there.

Secondly, the band 1900s are super cool and fun. Sadly I have never seen them live or own any of their music. This is one of the things i wish to cure this new year. What I have heard I love and they come highly recommended from a lot of talented folks.

Thirdly is a band called The Great Sea Serpents. They were featured in the Chicago Tribune the morning and after checking them out I dig it so far. Their influences include Built To Spill and Archers of Loaf. I can dig on that. The recording is pretty shitty but you get the point. I may go check them out on Tuesday. If so, i'll report back.

so what's new in your hood? That's it for chicago...for now...