It'sRealMusic is here! Based out of the hub that is Chicago, It'sRealMusic unites bands from the Midwest to the Rockies and stretching all the way to the West Coast. It'sRealMusic was created for musicians and music lovers everywhere.
Our inaugural l event will be held @ Kinetic Playground August 16, 2008. Keep an eye out for many more great nights of music ahead!
Featuring:
Bill Smith (Chicago)
Taking new steps on the grand musical journey, Bill Smith has found the ability to ferment futuristic songs with classic rock instrumentation and has been leaving music fans in Chicago breathless with their heavy hitting sound. Featuring a repertoire of solid original songs seething with hooks and tastefully chosen covers, this is a band that holds a consistently high level of energy through out their sets. Late in 2006, the songwriting tandem of Ryan Chamlin and Dan "Dank" Koebnick would reunite, Dank making his way down from the Rocky Mountains to pursue a life of music in the city of Chicago. Shortly after settling in, they found their drummer in Bob Elchert, with a diverse sound and years of professional experience under his belt, he was a perfect fit, and Bill Smith was reborn. Although Ryan, Dank and Bob all met at the Shining Stars Music Festival in Cave Junction, Oregon, they didn't play a note together until they came together as Bill Smith three years later. The recent addition of Drew Littel's talents to Bob Elchert's drumming has birthed a duosonic rhythm team remenisant of Hart and Kreutzman. Their combined talents create a steady foundation for the band's other fresh but dexterous member, bassist Patrick Dinnen who joined the line-up in the fall of 2007. The tour de force that is Bill Smith can be seen playing shows in and around the Chicago area. The versatility of their sound, which spans from acid jazz to mountain bluegrass, appeals to a wide variety, while the band itself has a distinct identity that anchors their music. Members of Bill Smith have perform with or opened for such national acts as Galactic, Umphrey's Mcgee, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Steele Pulse, Jon Fishman, Merle Saunders, Maktub, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Great American Taxi featuring Vince Herman, EOTO and Lotus, and performed at both Summer Camp and 10,000 Lakes Festival 2008.
Steez (Madison, WI)
Ever heard of creepfunk? that's cause we invented it. steez has a fresh sound which is hard to come by these days. creepfunk cannot be defined; rather, it can only be understood thru experience. if you use music for dancing, chilling out or entertaining guests, steez is the band for you.
High End Trio (Chicago)
With influences coming from New Orleans Funk, Chicago Rock and Soul, Philadelphia Groove, Kansas Jazz, and North Dakota...snow rock?, the High End Trio draws from varying traditions to create original songs and improvisations. Over the past 4 years the group has established a loyal following, as well as opening up for for national touring acts such as George Clinton and the P-funk all stars, Ben Folds and Robert Randolph and the Family band. Since forming in 2003, The Trio has taken on a life of its own. Packed with energy, thoughtful words, and hot grooves, the High End Trio just might make you reconsider your job as a telemarketer...
Orchard Lounge (Chicago/Madison, WI)
Orchard Lounge is a collective of DJs that formed in Chicago around 2000. The trio of Ben Silver, Spencer Lokken, and Bethany Lokken, focus on performing for the more discerning of dance floors, and are commonly known to appeal to open-minded and diverse audiences. They've never let their passion for the beat confine them to a single genre, as their sets may include anything from laid back downtempo/IDM to hypnotic tech house and b-boy era electro. Don't be surprised if you hear an entire night of music dedicated to the sounds that have heavily influenced them as DJs either: they all share an affinity for classic hip hop, rock, funk, and soul, as well. This is the reasoning behind "OL: From the Dance Floor to the Couch". It's the appropriate defining phrase for the group because of their innate programming and record selection skills, as well as their talents in creating an experience for most any state of mind or environment. Some may label this as being versatile, however the three simply consider themselves serious music lovers with similar, albeit eclectic, interests. At the very core, they're highly enthusiastic individuals full of praise for the producers whose names appear on their records. To that end, they've always fully understood their role as middle(wo)man, and if they are to accept the coveted role of tastemaker, they want it to solely benefit the artists whom they all admire.
Orchard Lounge currently holds down a number of Chicago residencies at spots like Lava Lounge, Funky Buddha Lounge, and Moonshine. They've also been making their mark in Milwaukee with a highly popular new monthly residency at Room 434 called Altruistic. They are consistently looking for new opportunities to play records for those who appreciate music that may be a bit off the beaten path, and are always open to new ideas that will break down barriers of dance music. Recently, the three have been playing alongside like-minded bands such as the hugely talented, Future Rock, where OL will segue into the band's live instrumentation, and vice-versa. This creates a unique experience for concertgoers, and maintains a general flow throughout the evening, essentially abolishing the idea of a typical show's "set break". These types of events set Orchard Lounge apart from other DJs and collectives, and allow for a wider range of bookings in both nightclubs and live music venues. Never ones to sing high praise of club culture, the trio couldn't be happier with the opportunities that have arisen because of this uncommon trait.
It looks as if 2008 is going to be a momentous year for Orchard Lounge. They've never been more hungry to spread their brand of DJing to the world, and they're all eager to explore untouched new territory. They're scheduled to make frequent trips out of state, have recently delved into the world of production, founded a side project called Style Matters (that caters to people throwing higher end events), have been invited to be a part of massive music festivals, and are involved in a plethora of big name shows around the country. Please check back often, as the events schedule and fliers are constantly being updated.
See you on the dance floor. Or the couch.
See you Saturday!
-It'sRealMusic