You already know how good Prince’s tribute during the BET awards was. And we all know the creative development that Prince went through over the course of his career. Now, I’d like to introduce you to Mishon. The 17-year-old R&B/Rap artist and actor has been wowing audiences since he was seven years old and 10 [...]
Concert Preview: Samantha Crain At Schubas
July 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Though they love to tell a good story that’s usually steady, mid-tempo and gradually unfolds, there comes a time when a singer-songwriter wants to let loose and put more rock to their live show. So how do they pull it off and still stay true to their folk and storytelling roots?
Concert Preview: The Fiery Furnaces Return For Two In Chicago
June 18, 2010 By 2 Comments
Ever wonder what goes through a band’s mind while they’re playing on stage? Do they think about the crowd in front of them? Do past shows musically or psychologically impact future shows? Or is each show it’s own unique journey of new sounds, senses and experiences? For Brooklyn-based indie rock band The Fiery Furnaces it’s [...]
Survivors: An Interview with KRS-One and Buckshot
May 17, 2010 By 2 Comments
My Quest Continues: Re-Discovering Chicago Hardcore
February 26, 2010 By 3 Comments
For the last several months I’ve been doing some heavy research in to Chicago’s early to late 80′s hardcore scene. If you’re new to this era and genre you can check out some of my favorite bands like the Effigies and this Punk database to get an idea of what other bands were a part [...]
Popmatters Interview: FM Supreme
August 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment
This interview first appeared in Popmatters. A chilly drizzle begins to fall and soak the sidewalk as I speak with Chicago emcee Jessica Disu—aka FM Supreme—outside and under awning at the Wicker Well on Chicago’s North Side. It’s an hour before her late night performance at the Great Smoke Out Showcase, where Disu will perform [...]
Popmatters Interview: Shugo Tokumaru
September 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment
This interview originally appeared in Popmatters. Landing in Chicago for his debut U.S. performance, Japanese singer-songwriter Shugo Tokumaru started the Saturday night show at the Empty Bottle before a sold out crowd deploying an acoustic version of “Parachute,” a song busting at the seams with blissful sunshine and a perfect lead single from Exithis third [...]
