The DJ Pod Cast

0:00 -- Introduction 3:20 -- Music updates + announcements from me 5:00 -- Why Jeffrey decided to go solo with the ETHNO project 8:20 -- Jeffrey's approach to production and instrument selection 11:10 -- How new Barefoot studio monitors have helped him get a fuller sound 13:10 -- How Jeff turns ideas into masterpieces 17:35 -- Jeff's first single: Leaf Water 22:45 -- The background and vision for Musicology Vol.1 25:15 -- How Jeffrey views music as a cultural sneak attack 31:45 -- The ETHNO live experience and setup 37:00 -- Jeff's introduction to music production 40:00 -- Why drummers make great producers 42:45 -- Awake Again feat. Celestine Manno, a song by ETHNO 46:50 -- The story behind Thievery Corporation 50:00 -- The evolution of the Thievery Corporation live sound 55:30 -- Jeffrey's perspective on the Denver music scene 1:02:55 -- Jeffrey's advice for aspiring musicians 1:06:30 -- Jeffrey's upcoming gigs 1:08:47 -- Long Look @ Lost Friend by D.J. POD About Jeffrey & ETHNO: ETHNO is the latest in sonic explorations from Denver based drummer/producer, Jeffrey James Franca. Heavily influenced by his love for global rhythm, ETHNO embodies the spirit and soul of Jeffrey's musical diversity. Widely known as the drummer for electronic music pioneers Thievery Corporation, Jeff brings new life, and a modern sound to the timeless experience of terrestrial vibration. You will find a vast array of influence from Africa, Asia, Caribbean and South America in the rhythms and melodies, along with lush textures and thumping bass to massage all your chakras, head to toe. Listeners will feel the time that he has spent traveling the globe with Thievery Corporation, within the ethereal worldly approach that leaps forth decades to create a genuine future world music sound. ETHNO shows feature a driving mix of danceable global-electro sounds, blended with live percussion to create a unique sonic exploration that has moved crowds across the country. ETHNO on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0w4PhbSpCICF2NbXn8lOKv?si=rK2Y_r8BQBWFiVBaK7cASQ Website: https://ethno-global.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethnoglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/ethnoglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethnoglobal Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ethnoglobal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnECbu5G5slgpQElJ-ZhMiw ------------------- Music by D.J. POD on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2zgT7VAzbiKDLZ9zrgsHAU?si=L3uFqn9dTJWw6MsLohPQpA D.J. POD Cast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6piVvRIVqMREfus5vCOy4H?si=c7f4a037f027484b D.J. POD Cast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dj-pod-cast/id1450083526

The internationally renowned NYC producer Tony Simon, aka BLOCKHEAD, has released 10 albums over the past 15 years, including four acclaimed records for Ninja Tune and numerous production jobs including notable works with Aesop Rock. He is regarded as one of the modern masters of instrumental hip-hop, and the forthcoming new album sees him return to record-label-released music with the bold and exciting roster at Future Archive Recordings (co-founded by artists Arms and Sleepers, Sun Glitters, Little People and CNJR, and also co-run by Mark McGlinchey).

The Dopamines are a punk band from Cincinnati Ohio that have been playing for 10 years and counting. They will fight you

Bumpin Uglies spawned from an Annapolis, MD scene awash in musical history over a decade ago. They are rooted in East Coast ska, punk, and reggae, making their mark up and down the Eastern Seaboard. In the past ten years, Bumpin Uglies have worked to carve out their path by relentlessly touring, and releasing one album after another. With each release came more focus, more creativity and more desire to always experiment and try new things with their music. The band is psyched for their latest EP, Buzz, which released on March 22 via Ineffable Music Group based in Oakland, CA. Ineffable is a name synonymous with the likes of Collie Buddz, Stick Figure, The Movement, and many other prominent artists. Their last album, Beast From The East, is proof positive that Brandon, Wolfie, Chad and T.J. have meshed into a dynamic quartet as the album topped reggae charts, drawing interest from Billboard’s editorial team for their debut in the pole position. With fellow Maryland rocker Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! working on the production, the alchemy was right for their breakthrough release, so naturally they are keeping that intact with their current album, Buzz, while continuing the trend of evolving their sound, always experimenting in bold ways that keeps everything fresh from beginning to end. Their climb hasn’t always been easy and as Bumpin Uglies have grinded their way to their current place in the music scene, they’ve shown that hard work pays off and by putting your heart and soul into it and by taking risks, you can achieve great things. It’s why they’ve springboarded from The Whiskey in Annapolis (RIP) to slots at major festivals like Firefly, Peachfest, and Reggae Rise Up, and are selling out several markets around the nation. Bumpin Uglies are also proud to have announced their own Headlining Festival, Weekend at Wolfie’s, set for June 13-15, 2019 in Bedford, PA. As a band they are clearly intent on doing things their own way, it’s how it’s always been done. This philosophy has grown Bumpin Uglies into a prolific music-making beast, has devoted fans tattooing Brandon Hardesty’s poignant lyrics on their bodies and has them growing into a nationally recognized touring headliner. Bumpin Uglies is on fire with no end in site. Who is Bumpin Uglies? Brandon Hardesty – Vocals, Guitar Dave Wolf – Vocals, Bass TJ Haslett – Drums Chad Wright – Vocals, Keys, Guitar

Ripe is seven musical soulmates who refuse to believe in a single definition of dance music. They are an unstoppable groove, an extended moment of ecstatic release, the catalyst for taking “just another night” and elevating it into something else entirely. They are the swagger of funk filtered through a rock anthem, a musical journey that somehow gets as stuck in your head as your favorite pop banger. They are the anchors of a rapidly growing community, a series of new friends becoming good friends becoming part of the extended family as their sound spreads and their world deepens. They are here to look at joy with the same depth as most people look at sadness, to find a happiness that is heavier and more meaningful than simply a distraction from the negative. Born all over, formed in Boston, Ripe is ready to bring the whole world to its feet.

James Burke is a Boston based solo artist and producer that has released 4 albums and 3 EPs over the past five years. His latest album, “Future Eye” is his most ambitious effort to date, marking James’ newfound commitment to bringing something new to the table with his music and taking his production and songwriting more seriously than ever before. The album aims to bring fresh sounds and new ideas to the indie genre via a smooth and cohesive listening journey that feels united, rather than a mere compilation of songs. Featured Song Name: 2u

"These guys can make music and elevate a scene." - Music City Roots Waker was founded by childhood friends and songwriting duo Chase Bader (Vocals, Acoustic) and Conor Kelly (Electric Guitar). The group hails from Nashville, mashing soul, rock & roll, and jam into an eclectic, danceable sound, focusing on songs that aim for the heart, head... and feet. From the East Coast to the West Coast, each member moved to Nashville to join Bader and Kelly one by one. The band originally began under the name Koa with bassist Ryan Ladd and saxophonist Alex Matthews. Percussionist Ryan McClanahan quickly joined adding a unique sound to the music. Finally, the band found drummer Dave Czuba to fuse Koa into Waker. Two years later, Waker welcomed Bobby Steinfeld to join to the band on keyboards as the 7th member of Waker. The intention has always been clear, to “wake people” with their music. In a short amount of time, the band has already conquered festival stages at Bonnaroo, ACL, Hangout, SXSW, Firefly, and Wakarusa. They’ve toured with Blues Traveler, JJ Grey & Mofro, Moon Taxi, Galactic, the Wailers, recorded a session for Audiotree Live, and headlined shows across the country. Since the release of their 2015 EP, the band has continued their nonstop regiment of touring & writing. Before the summer of 2017, Waker released two singles, "Wake Me Up" & "Pike", both of which will be featured on their debut album due early in 2019. Waker is an experience meant to be shared with others.

What do you get when you take 90s indie rock and temper it through Chicago’s harsh winters? Wildcat, that’s what. Tom Reeder, Alex Kisiel, Steve Watson, Conor Hibler, Mike Musto, and Stevan Vasich make up the Chicago-based sextet, delivering their powerful brand of 90s-influenced indie rock with reckless abandon. Formed in 2016, Wildcat has steadily grown from a two-man outfit playing one-off shows to a six-piece staple of the Chicago scene performing regularly. Known for their energetic and exciting live performances, their horn section sets them apart from the pack, creating rich harmonies that soar over the rest of the band. Wildcat is currently recording their debut EP Western, and will be releasing it in 2019. You can listen to their first single “Avalon” now. Featured Song Name: Avalon

Mike Pinto has crafted an exceptional style of songwriting, with a truly unique take on Roots, Vintage Rock, Reggae, Ska and Classic Surf, but it’s his distinct voice and seamless storytelling that has brought him success both in the United States and overseas. With the release of his debut album (Little District, 2005), Pinto began his attack on the Philadelphia music scene as a solo artist. By 2006, underground success and a fervent, exploding fan base empowered him to expand westward with two nationwide solo acoustic tours. After the second tour Pinto relocated to San Diego, where he immersed himself in the thriving Southern California music scene and quickly gained notoriety. His infectious sound garnered so much attention that Insomnia Radio included his single "One More Time" on a hard hitting compilation of the SoCal sound’s brightest groups, including DI and Slightly Stoopid. In very short order, Mike Pinto transitioned from a kid from Philly playing acoustic in coffee houses and tiny bars to a prominent fixture on the SoCal music scene. It was precisely the sardonic, Philly-bred mentality, which distinguished Mike Pinto amongst his musical peers in sun-drenched Southern California indie music scene. Philadelphia is known as a tough city which churns out tough-minded, skeptical people; this influence is clear in Pinto’s lyrics. Pinto doesn’t just write about the bliss of new love or tired clichés found littered throughout the songs of many of his musical peers. His lyrics can spin dark tales populated with characters who have sold their souls (“Tricky Nicky”), or been left flailing and stripped by the terrible toll exacted by addiction (“Bad Luck”). Though he writes and performs mainly reggae and ska, the words “Babylon” and “Rastafari” are not invoked on a routine basis, nor does Mike employ an adopted Jamaican accent or sing in patois. Mike Pinto writes music that is true to his experience, never making room on his tracks for pretense or posturing. Pinto’s music quickly caught the tradewinds from the mainland to Hawaii, getting regular airplay by top radio personality Shaggy Jenkins. Pinto also consistently tops the charts in Guam, where his music is an island favorite, and has placed songs on several Japanese compilations. and Japan. Following suit, Pinto has sold out shows in Guam, Big Island, Maui and Oahu, which left countless, frenzied new fans sprouted by the thousands in his wake. In late 2007, Pinto teamed up with professional skateboarder and legendary Drummer/Producer Chuck Treece (Pearl Jam, G Love, Bad Brains, McRad) and released his most accomplished album to that point. With Treece lending his knack for producing and playing a number of the instruments on the album, Pinto's self-titled album has sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. The album gained so much attention that Pinto was urged to follow it up with an entirely acoustic version of it, which was released in 2008. Pinto’s live shows draw fans from a diverse cross section of genres, thanks to his ability to play anything from horn-infused ska to punk-tinged rock and beyond, or his own unique brand of reggae classic covers delivered with near perfection. In 2011, Pinto released The West is Still Wild, a six track EP that served to satiate his now-global following until Pinto felt a full-length effort was feasible. Pinto toured in support of The West is Still Wild, and was received by noticeably larger crowds as those on previous tours. His music and name started spreading noticeably via word-of-mouth and social networking as well, the public started taking notice of who Mike Pinto is and why his music is worth discovering. Pinto’s new album, Truthful Lies, has received high praise in early reviews. It features a deep lineup of special guests, including: Chuck Treece, George Laks , Max O’Leary, Eric Hirschhorn , John Browne, Todd Elrod, Lew Richards, Jesse Wagner , Roger Rivas, Junior Marvin, Don Carter and Jon Cestero.

Mourning [A] BLKstar is a multi-generational, gender and genre non-conforming amalgam of Black Culture dedicated to servicing the stories and songs of the apocalyptic diaspora. Featured Song Name: Hold me

Burly Herd is a London four piece inspired by Tame Impala, Japanese Disco and William Morris. After establishing themselves on the London live circuit in 2018, the last fee months have been spent writing, refining and gramming. Big things coming up in 2019. Featured Song Name: One Kiss

WORTH is Christopher Worth. Christopher has become known for his unique style of bohemian blues which he developed as a street performer traveling across the US and Europe. His songs are timeless and real and are tied together by the power and purity of his voice. WORTH's new album - 'Pardon Me’ - is the third and final piece in a trilogy titled “The (id)Entity” Triptych" that began with his first records, ‘Six Foot Soul’ and ‘Two’.

Werewolf On Holiday was born in the Spring of 2016. Over its roughly three years of existence, the band has compiled a formidable collection of alternative rock for all to hear. They went to work in the Fall of 2018 and emerged with the Plaid King LP. They are my former band and good friends.

Mom Jeans. is a loud sad band from California we like chilling and hanging out and weed and sleeping and fast food but like healthy fast food

Katastro is a four-piece band from Phoenix, Arizona. Featured Song Name: Stars

Known for their catchy, free-associating, indie pop-rock melodies, Mike Mains & The Branches invites diverse comparisons to acts such as Foster The People, Young the Giant, The Killers, and Arcade Fire —each comparison act a genuine facet of the band’s energetic and often soul-searching music. Featured Song Name: Breathing Underwater

After moving to Chicago with a bunch of songs and 4-track recordings in 1999, Thomas Comerford founded and led the indie rock outfit Kaspar Hauser over a series of lineups and LP releases in the 2000s. By 2010, he was also playing “solo” shows with a number of backing musicians and releasing his own LPs, including Archive + Spiral in 2011 and II in 2014. The music, songs and singing on these LPs have been compared to the likes of Jeff Tweedy and Tom Waits (USA Today). Recently, he released his third solo LP, Blood Moon. Featuring Comerford’s baritone—and occasional falsetto—in the midst of largely acoustic or gently electric arrangements, 3-part backing vocals and duets, the music on Blood Moon recalls singing songwriters like Van Morrison, Kris Kristofferson and Leonard Cohen. On his June 2019 tour, Comerford will sing and play acoustic guitar, accompanied by Crystal Hartford (Hartford-Focht) on voice; Dan Ingenthron (Weepin’ Willows) on bass guitar; Kip Rainey (Golden Horse Ranch Band) on electric guitar, lap steel; and Erik Sowa on drum kit and percussion. Featured Song Name: Lord of the Flies

We aim to preserve unique atmosphere of our old landscapes that are currently changing with centralised themes around the city of Katowice, and it's agglomeration. We do it with a help of synthesis of a sound and picture, creating themes of lost time and decay of old architectural ideas like industrial manufactures, steelworks and buildings slowly turning into dust making way for new landscapes that are taking place of the ones that we used to know. Our equipment and forms of expression are not strict, they are selected to suit our current interests and a form of an expression, although we use industrial music, new wave melodic themes and analogue electronic music as our basis. Featured Song Name: Lines

KOTA The Friend is a hip hop artist and musician from Brooklyn, NY. At an early age he found his love for music and hip hop, R & B, Jazz and Soul music during the infamous 90's era. By the time young KOTA was 8 years old he joined his school's music program and excelled as a trumpet player. In high school KOTA was the leader of the trumpet section while teaching himself to play the guitar and piano. During this time he also picked up two-weekend jobs to build a home studio where he would record hip hop tracks as well as folk songs that were accompanied by his guitar playing. After high school, KOTA would later go on to attend schools for the performing arts. Mastering instrument after instrument, he is a guitarist, keyboardist, and bass player, now producing/writing his own music.

Jupiter Styles is the project of Chicago songwriter Sean Neumann (Ratboys, Nectar, Single Player). The band's debut album "Be Good" was self-released in 2018 and features members of Pet Symmetry, Ratboys, Lifted Bells, Pinegrove and more - a cast The Alternative called an "indie-minded emo supergroup." Neumann's a fixture in the Midwest DIY scene, constantly on tour since 2012 & self-booking shows everywhere from barber shops in Galesburg, IL to venues in Tokyo, Japan. Featured Song Name: Life Like

California born and raised Alex Siegel is creating his own style of “bedroom pop.” Influenced by jazz, bossa-nova, folk, and hip-hop, the musician / producer creates resonant songs that tap his eclectic inspirations to invite listeners on a journey somewhere warm, beautiful and new. Alex is a multi-instrumentalist who has worked as a session musician and performed with various touring artists such as Malian guitar virtuoso Vieux Farka Touré (Alex on keyboards) and Nine Pound Shadow (Alex on drums). He is also a member of psychedelic pop group Amo Amo, whose debut LP was produced by Jim James (My Morning Jacket). Combining elements of 60’s pop with the warm low end of hip-hop and the sweeping soundscapes of electronic music, Alex’s songs are powerful, honest and familiar, yet something altogether new. Alex plays all the instruments on his tracks, in addition to writing and singing the songs. Formerly of the musical project Waterstrider, Alex now releases music under his given name. Some of his biggest influences include Brazilian godfather of bossa nova João Gilberto, Miles Davis and Bill Evans. He recently toured California as support for Bombino, the grammy-nominated "sultan of shred." Featured Song Name: Headspin

KIEFF is a post punk outfit from Leiden and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Their energetic live shows are filled with tempo changes, chorus and delay making the whole experience something to not forget about. Currently KIEFF have finished a mixtape, which will be released in November 2019 and they are working on their full length debut album, due to release in 2020. Featured Song Name: Yr Monkey

Lollygagger is a Chicago rock band. Their bio: "Fuck you dad" Featured Song Name: Stone

Naomi Belet is a singer, songwriter, actor and director from Sydney, Australia. Her music is mostly characterized by lovelorn piano playing and lyrics that are perhaps a bit too personal, combined with excessive vocal layering and obnoxiously catchy hooks. Her most recent project, “NOTHING LASTS FOREVER: [a love story]” was a 90 minute autobiographical musical combining beatboxing, acoustic originals, and some good old-fashioned heartbreak. Featured Song Name: Drive

The Danbury Lie combines eastern psychedelic influences with a foundation in classic stoner rockbands like Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains and Down. The result is a trippy and meditative sound, highlighted by instrumentalist Rob Loncto’s recent experimentation with electric bouzouki and mandolin as lead instrument. The Danbury Lie began in Connecticut and over the past several years has recorded albums in Seattle, British Columbia and Hawaii. Featured Song Name: Robert Loncto

Oh My God! It’s The Church is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before and yet also as familiar as your Grandmammy’s biscuit tin. Nominated as ‘Live Act of The Year’ at the AIF Festival Congress Awards, this Leftfield Church service has their audiences rolling in the aisles and dancing on the pews! With Shotgun Weddings, Absinthe baptisms and hymns to set your Soul on fire, it truly is a Church service like no other. After a monumental 2018 which saw this all singing, all dancing, party church service traverse the globe, conducting services to a congregation of over 100,000 gleeful sinners, including festival Main Stage appearances at Bestival, Shambala, Wilderness and many more, Oh My God! It's The Church are now preparing for their busiest and most high profile year to date. Their Debut single PREACHIN' was released worldwide on Good Friday 2019 and a UK tour is running throughout May. Featured Song Name: PREACHIN'

Deformed in 1987 by Don of the Dead (bass) with Jer the Butcher (guitar), Gregoroth (vocals) and Behemoth Bill (drums), the spawn called NunSlaughter began spewing forth the sonic vomit known as Death Metal. Taking from the learning experience of their earlier bands Death Sentence and Bird of Prey they shunned the vile confines of a studio for the oppressive darkness of a basement tomb to release their first demo in 1987 christened "Ritual of Darkness". The raw sound of "Ritual…" established N.S. as purveyors of true Death Metal. The band's line up experienced its first of many mutations in 1989, with Jer and Bill being replaced by Rick Rancid (guitar) and John Sicko (drums). NunSlaughter's second bastard offspring came screaming through the birth canal shortly thereafter, dragging its fetid placenta, "The Rotting Christ". The next band-member morphogenesis occurred in 1991 when Gregoroth and Sicko slithered away. Von the Impaler latched on as a drummer and Don of the Dead (still on bass) became NunSlaughter's vocalist as well. This repugnant assemblage produced the band's third demo, "Impale the Soul of Christ on the Inverted Cross of Death". Two years crawled by before the next NunSlaughter creation was revealed. In 1993, upon learning that the now legendary "Ritual of Darkness" demo was being bootlegged as a 7" record in Brazil, Don of the Dead began conspiring to celebrate NunSlaughter's international conquest. The band conjured up yet another drummer, Mark Perversion. Hell bent on keeping the intrinsic, unrefined sound that had become their trademark, N.S. recorded their infamous "The Guts of Christ" demo completely live in their living room.

Bonelang is Matt Bones and Samy.Language. They've been making music together since the age of 13. They've got their debut album, Sunny, Sonny. , coming out June 17th. They are headlining the Metro on June 21st for the album release.

Nomadic Orchestra is a five-piece instrumental dance band based in Cape Town. The primary goal of Nomadic Orchestra is to get people moving. The band makes an infectious kind of high-energy dance music - even the most prudish find themselves unconsciously tapping their feet. Nomadic Orchestra is strongly influenced by traditional music from the countries of South-Eastern Europe: Macedonia, Romania and Serbia. They are also influenced by Klezmer, gypsy and circus music as well as contemporary western party music. Their musical training brings a strong jazz aesthetic to the band, and thus an emphasis on improvisation. The music that the Nomads play is original and composed by members of the band. Featured Song Name: Charles Mingus

Jeb Bush Orchestra plays not boring funk

Jason Buice (pronounced “Bice”) is releasing a 5 song EP entitled Both Sides June 7, 2019, Produced by David George and recorded and mixed by Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers). Jason is a singer-songwriter living in Lawrence, KS. Both Sides contains five original songs written by Jason Buice and arranged by David George. Many local artists appear throughout the album including Kristin Hamilton (Under the Big Oak Tree), Mark Verbeck (Scotch Hollow) and touring bluegrass artist Caleb Ryan Martin. The album is best described as Indie Folk/Americana music. Featured Song Name: Cuts Deep

Jank Setup is a diverse group of artists who converged to form an innovative high-energy 8 piece band. Each member comes from a differing musical and cultural background, and adds a different flavor to the music. 
Formed in New Orleans in 2017, they are greatly inspired by classic and modern Soul, Funk, Jazz, Afro, and Hip Hop artists including James Brown, Parliament, and Fela Kuti, and more recently, Anderson Paak, Vulfpeck, and Tom Misch. 

The dynamic and high-spirited performance style of the band is cultivating a growing and equally enthusiastic fan base, and the band brings over 500 people regularly to local venues including Gasa Gasa, The Hi-Ho Lounge, and The Howlin' Wolf. Featured Song Name: In Motion

Formed in early 2017 hemordroid was a result of simon fritchley (bass), simon leigh- mac(drums), and aaron cutforth (guitar)wanting to produce a bigger heavier sound as a three-piece with songs built around driving riffs, thinking outside of the general constructs of a song and it’s generic structures. With inspiration deriving from such bands as helmet, fugazi, Weezer and the Melvins to name a few,Hemordroid have a well honed tightness to their music that draws the listener into its groove and then drops them from a great height into a heavy pit of filth all in one motion Featured Song Name: Honeybee

Gold Celeste is a Norwegian psychedelic pop band blending an animated and vibrant sonic palate of refreshing guitars, nimble drums, frisky bass guitars, bursting organs, and earnest, lyrical vocals. Featured Song Name: The Best Trip Song Link: https://soundcloud.com/gold-celeste/the-best-trip

Located in Bulgaria, released 4 albums under Cactus Erectus - Lollicorpse, Popcorps (released on bluff.corps and Suck Puck Records located in Ukraine), Dolores Candle Smooth Funeral, Strange Stories (29.01.2018) - (22.04.2019); Founder of Bluff.corps Records and bluff.corps clothing line. Member of Quite Polite Corpse (breakcore with live drums). Percussionist in Agape (Acoustic Indie). Produce beats as Cactus Erectus also. Featured Song Name: I thing we all might have died back in 2012

Team Tremolo is a five piece heavy shoegaze band from Wichita, KS. Featured Song Name: Slipping the Noose

The Styrofoam Turtles are a grungy trio out of Asheville, North Carolina. With DIY ethic and attitude blended with pop sensibilities, they offer a new direction on modern rock. Featured Song Name: Grunge Monkey

The TVC is Spencer Riley combining fresh and up and coming artists with his timeless, west coast inspired production. It’s funky, it’s rock, it’s powered by an undying love for music and money. The TVC follows up his biggest release yet, Kiss (EP), with another dynamic collection of rhythmic, energetic, and addictive tracks titled, "A West Coast Vision"

International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist of the Year Ordinary Elephant captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs, letting the listener know that they are not alone in this world. The collaboration of husband and wife Pete and Crystal Damore, their connection, and their influences (such as Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Anais Mitchell) all meet on stage. "Two become one, in song...hand-in-glove harmonies surprise the listener with focused intensity and musical mastery," says Mary Gauthier. Their forthcoming album, Honest, was recorded in Nashville with producer Neilson Hubbard (Mary Gauthier, Sam Baker). Nashville studio staples Will Kimbrough (guitar) and Michael Rinne (bass) tastefully contribute only what is needed, letting the songs speak for themselves. Featured Song Name: Jenny & James

Chali 2na is a founding member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli. Chali 2na + Cut Chemist at Chop Shop: https://www.chopshopchi.com/event/1853411-chali-2na-cut-chemist-chicago/

Giancarlo Garte is a singer songwriter from Manhattan with an open mind and an open container. Featured Song Name: Right Time

Inner State 81 is just a kid with a dream Featured Song Name: Midnight Snack

Saachi plays eclectic and energetic Indie-Pop music with a healthy helping of Jazz mixed in. They’re a firm favourite of London’s grassroots music scene, having played some of the city’s most popular venues, including a sold out headline show at The Borderline and a support slot at Camden’s Roundhouse. Their strong live act has seen them become finalists in some of the UK’s top band competitions, and in 2019, Longlisters for the world-famous Glastonbury Festival’s emerging talent competition. After recording their first single at Abbey Road Studios, they went on to release their EP “This Is A Dinosaur” in February 2019. Featured Song Name: I Need Real Love

Tyler Coolidge makes smooth rap mixed with sultry r&b, fresh squeezed from the bay area, california.

LIFES is a band made up of two dads that are over-stretched and exhausted, but can’t imagine a life without music. Solely comprised of bassist/vocalist Dave Rudnik and drummer/vocalist Zak Holochwost, the idea of a guitar-less duo may prompt some to wonder if LIFES are a novelty of sorts, but there are no gimmicks here. There are no weightroom-ready breakdowns. There are no attempts at melodicism. Remove all the bullshit and you’re left with what many lack-great songs and great performances, delivered with complete honesty and and extreme force. Or as the Empty Bottle says it: LIFES is the sound of spit nails and scorched earth. Dawn Ray'd / LIFES / Ozzuario at The Empty Bottle: https://www.facebook.com/events/396978847752950/

Skeme Music is Kenya's fastest rising all round hip-hop collective that is comprised of progressive creative individuals who are pushing boundaries in their crafts. The 6-year-old group is the epitome of diversity with its members coming from different backgrounds – Mathare and Kibera, endowed with different talents. The duo; Jan Christian - Producer, rapper and actor & Chaleslim – Rapper, TV/Radio Host are some of the best performers in the current wave of fast rising Kenyan rappers evident from the impromptu freestyles, punchlines, clever lyricism and infectious energy exhibited in their tracks and on stage performances. Their music weaves Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afro Music, Urban Progressive Sounds etc and widely addresses social issues. They are all about creating a lifestyle and movement because they believe everybody Skemes in their own way through their hustle. Featured Song Name: Kingdom

Soft Kill is a band from Portland, Oregon that formed in 2010, most hated ever since. Featured Song Name: Saint feat. Choir Boy Skeletonwitch w/ Soft Kill, Wiegedood, & Devil Master at Lincoln Hall: https://www.facebook.com/events/598864790577790/

Veterans of the Chicago's heavy music scene come together to create dark and haunting slowcore. Starless seeks to convey darkness and light by combining heavy, pounding instrumentation with voices in harmony. Featured Song Name: In Still Motion Chicago Doomed and Stoned Festival 2019 at Reggies Rock Club: https://www.facebook.com/events/2181117738635650/

Startup four-piece Releaser has started performing ahead of their debut record. Put it on your short list. The record too. There are certainly positives to take from traversing the Chicago rock landscape from band to band. The experience gained. Living on stage. Ever honing one’s chops. But almost every band dissolves. Not because the songs suck – that part’s up to you. No, it’s a vibe issue. The way people make stuff together. In any work – in any life. And it’s the right people and the right fit that have eluded these four guys all that time. Until now. Stephen, Andre, Duane and Jeremy saw in each other the pieces that had been missing. With a different atmosphere of talent and trust, a new culture revealed itself: like-minded and hardworking, where the only band leader is the song. Releaser met and assembled with the common objective to deliver you the highest quality songwriting and live performances that their decades of collective grind and know-how could muster. The music is astute and effective. The lyrical content is honest – something too many artists have abandoned in favor of sounding important. The vocals and melodies are the reason you check out new music. These guys will have you singing in your head at work like a pro. This is a band where you’ll be driving around and your friends ask where you found them. This is a band you’ll go to when you’ve had a few. When the going’s rough and the encore ain’t enough, this is the band. Releaser. Local H • AM Taxi • Releaser at Cubby Bear on May 31st: https://www.facebook.com/events/1088196731385281/

With only two EPs and a few singles released, Vesperteen has gained over 3 million Spotify streams and 50,000 followers among social media platforms — selling out multiple tours across North America and Europe. His dedicated and die-hard fans have fondly named themselves the “VesperTEAM,” and have made themselves a steady tentpole in supporting his music across the US and Europe. Featured Song Name: Operate Great Good Fine OK with Vesperteen at Lincoln Hall: https://www.facebook.com/events/409856606227431/