There's a great article about this here:

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/music/node/16539

The Chicago music scene is uniquely Chicago's because here, artists aren't pursuing record deals or publishing contracts. They're pursuing independent, entrepreneurial success. Artists in Chicago expect full creative license, and assume all of the risks that assure that license. But they don't always do so knowingly. For most bands in Chicago, the DIY way is the only way they know - it's the way they grew up with, the way they saw their friends in bands pursue, and the thought of pursuing a "record deal" is, in their minds, quite honestly, a foreign, make-believe concept.

Somehow, Chicago has, thus far, escaped the fate of L.A., New York, and Nashville. But is it for the better? I think the verdict is still out on that, and we'll have to make our own assessments, based on the quality of music that Chicago produces in *our* prime - what kind of music *we* produce.

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What do you think?

After you check out the recordings from my new album, Glimmer, check out these guys: http://www.myspace.com/wearemosquitofleet.  Pretty excellent stuff going on there.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what they come up with down the road here.  Some serious Jars of Clay influence, really good songwriting, great guitar sounds, good production, but probably a bit over-tweaked in the studio.  Check 'em out.  They're one of the best new bands I've heard in a while.  By the way, Alex Mrackovich and I were in youth group together, but he was a few years younger than me.