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Interviews
Restorations
Restorations are a band that defies classification. They combine elements of post-hardcore, indie rock and punk, together with thoughtful and accomplished songwriting, to generate a sound that’s both unique and engaging. Their songs cans be intricate and complex at times, but they also know when to just go for it and rock out with immense… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Masked Intruder
Last year, Masked Intruder released their debut album and subsequently took the pop punk world by storm. They take a unique approach with genre, combining ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll with contemporary punk influences, and emphasizing catchy melodies and humorous lyrics. The finished product is well-played, highly addictive and simply a lot of fun. The band… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Dropkick Murphys
Last month, Dropkick Murphys released their eighth studio album, entitled Signed and Sealed in Blood. Compared to their previous full-length, which was somewhat of a concept album, this record is rowdy, upbeat and packed with sing-along anthems. It also does a fine job of retaining the band’s signature sound, while simultaneously exploring new themes. Producer… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Meat Wave
Chicago’s Meat Wave formed in late 2011 and last fall released their debut, self-titled album. The band’s lineup is comprised of singer/guitarist Chris Sutter, bassist Joe Gac and drummer Ryan Wizniak. In addition to Meat Wave, its members also play in bands like Wide Angles, Elephant Gun and Truman & His Trophy. By combining contemporary… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Red Scare Industries
Red Scare Industries was founded in 2004 by Toby Jeg. The label started in San Francisco and some of its earliest releases were from bands like The Falcon, Teenage Bottlerocket and The Lillingtons. Eventually Red Scare would relocate to Chicago and quickly establish ties with a variety of Midwestern acts. Over the years, the label… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Slapstick
Slapstick was one of the definitive ska/punk bands of the ‘90s. They were together from ’93 to ’96, and after disbanding its members went on to either play in or form bands such as; Alkaline Trio, The Lawrence Arms, The Honor System, Tuesday, The Broadways and more. They reunited briefly in ’97 for a pair… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Teenage Bottlerocket
Teenage Bottlerocket released a new album several months ago called Freak Out! It’s the band’s fifth full-length overall and their second for Fat Wreck Chords. We spoke with singer/guitarist Kody Templeman and discussed the album’s recording process, as well as the meaning behind some of its songs. We also talked about touring, music videos and… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Hot Water Music
Earlier this year, Hot Water Music released their first full-length since 2004, entitled Exister. It’s the band’s first album for Rise Records and also their first time recording at The Blasting Room with producer Bill Stevenson. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chris Wollard after Hot Water Music’s recent performance at Riot Fest in Chicago and talked… Click here to view. -
Interviews
The Fencemen
The Fencemen hail from Lansing, Michigan and consist of singer Tyler Blakslee, guitarist Mike Reed, bassist Jared Nisch and drummer Dan Jaquint. Several months ago they released their debut album, Times Are Alright, which was primarily written and recorded in 2011, as well as part of this year. Members of The Fencemen have also played… Click here to view. -
Interviews
The Bouncing Souls
Earlier this summer, The Bouncing Souls released their ninth studio album and first for Rise Records, entitled Comet. They recently came through Chicago and played the Metro, and we spoke with singer Greg Attonito, guitarist Pete Steinkopf and bassist Bryan Kienlen. We discussed the new album’s recording process, the meaning behind some of its songs,… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Holy Shakes
Bill Solleder, former Blue Meanies singer and formerly known as Billy Spunke, recently unveiled a new band called Holy Shakes. The group is based out of Hot Springs, Arkansas and also includes guitarist Bobby Missile, bassist Brian Lee and drummer Justin Castleberry. Last month they released their debut full-length, Feast or Famine, via Thick Records.… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds unveiled their debut full-length a short time ago, entitled I’d Rather Die Than Live Forever. It marks Brendan’s latest musical project and sounds distinctly different from his primary band, The Lawrence Arms. We spoke with Mr. Kelly about the album’s unique style, what inspired some of its lyrics, the… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Tim Barry
Tim Barry recently released 40 Miler, his fifth solo full-length and first for Chunksaah Records. The album is filled with honesty, optimism and a sense of resiliency, as Barry continues to grow more content with age. The record also features added instrumentation, like violin and piano, but at its heart is what fans have come… Click here to view. -
Interviews
The Sidekicks
The Sidekicks hail from Columbus, Ohio and formed in 2005. Their sound could be described as a mixture of indie rock and power pop, with influences ranging from Superchunk to early Weezer. However, on the band’s latest album, Awkward Breeds, they’ve definitely matured and developed their own unique style. We met with the group before… Click here to view. -
Interviews
Big Science
Chicago’s Big Science has been together since 2007 and formed after the demise of a band that featured singer/guitarist Jason Hendrix and bassist Jason Richards. Over the years they’ve undergone several lineup changes, though their current arrangement is solidified by guitarist Bob Buckstaff and drummer Marcin Sulewski. Big Science has so far issued two EPs… Click here to view.
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