23 Dec 12

 ~ Joey and Brad of Your Little Ponies

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's spreading more holiday cheer before taking a break. Tonight, she's attending a very special show hosted at Elbo Room featuring 2/3 (Brad and Joey) of the trio known as Your Little Ponies (http://www.myspace.com/yourlittleponies) rockin' the upstairs acoustic stage. Now normally, a typical Ponies' show would include songs about their favorite (sexual) things and/or activities with a slight bit of humor and wit woven into the lyrics and upbeat rhythms. Sometimes they do tend to get extremely explicit with the words - hey, they're known for being the "raunchiest local band" in town for nothing. However, since it was the holiday season, Your Little Ponies sort of toned down the raunchy act (not by much) but also featured more of seasonal flavor with some Christmas tunes mixed with their standards (ie, Pangea, Dude song and more). The audience enjoyed their version of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (in which includes a Rudolph rant) and Feliz Navidad ...YLP style and added lyrics. Plus this special performance featured acoustic honky tonk/country/bluegrass music by their friend, Mark Jordan. Even Joey, Elbo Room's loveable bartender, sololy performed a popular love ballad in which he wonderfully displayed a light-hearted vocal tone while bringing the words to life amidst a pictureseque imagery.

~ Mark Jordan

Besides highly recommending Your Little Ponies (whenever they get the chance to perform together as a band again), this reviewer suggests checking out singer/songwriter Mark Jordan who featured a soulful yet bluesy acoustic set as the Ponies' took an intermission, blogspot readers. Wow - he dynamically popped the acoustic room to life with his strong falsetto voice and intense twitterpating guitar rhythms featured in some of his upbeat style. Whether taking the voice down deep to stir your soul or energizing the room with passion (as heard in his cover version - Don't You Worry About A Thing), Mark definitely had a way of capturing not only the mood but the tone of each song randomly chosen to be performed. SouthSide liked how this cover version was given a bluesy sound off the acoustic guitar though retaining that lively R&B feel. His version of Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree had a lively yet funky country/blues rock sound which made this reviewer want to dance before turning a classic like Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas from a downtempo downer to lively acoustic alternative song to fit the party atmosphere felt within the lounge

~ Brad joining Mark on stage



Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

22 Dec 12

Happy Holidays, blogspot readers! SouthSide's spending some time with a couple of dear friends and her daughter tonight at the legendary Coq d'Or to catch Jesse Charbonier's holiday jazz show featuring Adrian on piano and Alex on bass. Once again, this artist and band brought to life the words and music to some of the most famously (and not so famously) songs by such artists like Chet Baker, Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley (yes, the King did a jazz song that was featured in the movie Viva Las Vegas) and of course, his favorite, Billie Holiday. Yet, this holiday show also featured two little special guests (Maya and SouthSide's daughter) making their Coq d'Or debut with him on  a couple of songs jingling the bells to tunes Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and White Christmas. Also, the Adrian and Alex performed a lively version of Linus and Lucy before breaking for their first intermission.

~ Jesse chatting with Maya

Still, it was a night for romantics, blogspot readers, as Jesse lovingly crooned the attentive audience to their favorites like Chances Are, L-O-V-E and Don't Explain. Each song featured on his set list (which coincidentially always changes to fit the mood and atmosphere of the room) is treated with the highest respect  and care though Jesse does add a little of spin of his own to either give the song an upbeat feeling or a touch of downtempo sadness. Plus you can hear it the same from the band members as well especially during the instrumental bridges where Adrian and/or Alex add a piece of themselves into the music they're performing. For instance during Can't Take That Away From Me (by Billie Holiday with Count Baise), there was a lively upbeat swing during the bridge featuring Adrian on piano while Nat King Cole's Unforgettable and Chet Baker's Let's Get Lost, you could hear the bass rhythm taking the spotlight a bit.

~ Jesse and SouthSide's daughter, Alexis

SouthSide highly suggests spending a romantic evening with you special someone during 2013 at Coq d'Or listening to your favorite jazz song sung by Jesse Charbonier. His performances run from 9p to 1a certain Saturday nights at The Drake Hotel or attend his Sunday brunch performances at Mellow Yellow restaurant - a good way to introduce your children to jazz music. For more information, visit Jesse Charbonier at http://www.jessecharbonier.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

14 Dec 12 - Red Mercury Sky

 

Photo0445, a photo by SouthSideChgo on Flickr. Friday Dec 14, 2012 performance at Elbo Room

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to a photo essay of this hot rockin' local band known as Red Mercury Sky. They recently performed an exhilerhating set at Elbo Room featuring songs like Blood On My Hands, Remains The Same and Greedy Hands. Though missing their set, SouthSide was able to catch the final twenty minutes or so in which Red Mercury Sky performed their new song, Middle Man - a powerful vocal demostration by Dan as he forcefully belted more than just heartfelt emotions on the lyrics ...there was evidence of pain and heartache to which the grit the guitars wonderfully matched. This reviewer highly suggests checking out this band during 2013.

For more information, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/redmercurysky.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Dec 2012 / Jan 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, having survived the Mayan Doomsday “It’s The End of the World” predictions, it’s time to rock out 2012 with a BANG and welcome 2013! The following are shows happening around Chicago as well as other places including a few occurring during the final days of December.


Please note: all shows are 21+ unless stated otherwise.

Dec 28:
Metro – it’s the final Nocturna of 2012! Come out ...be fashionably dressed ...and dance to the best of underground shoegaze, industrial, post-industrial and more music.

Reggie’s Rock Club – Makeshift Prodigy along with William Beckett will performing on stage. In Jan, Makeshift Prodigy will be touring with The Almost and All Get Out along the east coast. Visit http://www.makeshiftprodigy.com for tour information and more.

Elbo Room – Check out The Private Instigators’ Peep Through The Keyhole show
8:30p

Dec 29:
Bottom Lounge – Chicago Music Magazine and Local Music Revolution presents The Holiday Rock Show featuring Trainwreck Symphony

The MID – React & The MID present the Aussie twins NERVO returning to Chicago along with Mid Residents Nathan Scott and Gus Karas supporting the duo. Tix available now at http://www.clubtix.com

Bevy – Porn and Chicken Danceparty presents Porn and Chicken’s XXX-Mas Banger!

Dec 30:
Debonair Social Club – Get your Porn and Chicken on when they present Born To Bang 2.0 party!
18+

Neo Nightclub – attend Carnal – Harem Party

Dec 31:
White’s Bar (Saginaw, MI) – The Banana Convention will be ringing in 2013 but not in a dressy style but in comfort! So break out your favorite PJs at The Banana Convention New Year’s Eve Pajama Party! Plus the band will be premiering a new video – Safe and Sound at midnight.
Fun begins at 9:30p

Penny Road Pub – Chicago Metal Rocks presents the “Rockford Invasion” welcoming 2013 featuring Modfire, Ominous Grey, Fists of Rage and Genus!

Vic Theatre – The Lee Boys will be opening for Leftover Salmon. Tickets are $39 / 18+ show / 9p

Fitz’s Spare Keys – Get your 2013 sauced with The Hot Sauce Committee featuring DJ Jimmy!

Elbo Room – Don’t Speak (No Doubt tribute band) and From Chaos (311 tribute band) will be rockin’ in 2013 at this venue
$65 (open bar with top shelf drinks included from 9p to 1a) / $75 dos

The Exit (on the 1st flr)– rock out your 2012 with Masters of Reality (Black Sabbath tribute), The Snake Oil Salesmen, QuiJote, Danny Boy, Stavros and Adam Black

evilOlive – Porn and Chicken will be rockin’ in 2013 with its NYE 2013 Banger!
9p

Neo Nightclub – spend your New Year’s Eve with RazerX and Jeff Moyer

Every Wednesday at Elbo Room, check out FREE Local Music Showcase featuring Snap Johnson, Eric Quigley, Hotels on Mars, Shareef Ali on Jan 2nd

Jan 3:
Reggie’s Rock Club – Check out Bulletboys, Stone Senate, Vawter, Esh and Ravoma rockin’ this stage

Jan 4:
Lincoln Hall – Todd Kessler and New Folk will be opening for Vintage Blue. Also Todd will be hosting a month-long residency at Uncommon Ground (Clark St location) featuring special guests such as Tom Schraeder (on Jan 9th) and The Lims (Jan 23rd)

Martyrs’ – The Elements of Style featuring Jet W Lee and Josh Catalano will be performing on stage.
9p

Double Door – The Energy Commission will be rockin’ the stage at this venue

Ultra Lounge (basement) - Worship Chicago presents RITUAL with Glass Teeth

Schuba’s Tavern – The Penthouse Sweets will be featured at their “It’s Fine It’s Fine It’s Fine” album release show along with The Safes and Warm Ones

Pianos (New York City) - Moon Furies, Everest Cafe, Basement Batman and Stone Cold Fox will be performing on stage here.

Four Points Sheraton - V Is For Villains will be at AnimeZAP! 2013

Jan 5:
Small’s (Hamtramck, MI) – The Banana Convention party rolls to this venue.
8p

Cobra Lounge – RIOT Fest presents Dead Ending performing on stage.

Lincoln Hall – Terrible Spaceship’s CD/DVD release of Invaders 1938 happens here.

Underground Wonder Bar – SMU presents Fusion Intrusion featuring Fibonacci, Catfish and Dogstars, Digeometric and DFM

Subterranean – rock the new year with Mason’s Case at this venue.

Elbo Room - check out The Studs, The Frantic, The Ridgeland, Breaktime with Breakpoint, The Apuli Brothers rockin' the stage here.

Jan 9:
Oakford Social (Reading, UK) - FEUD will be rockin' the stage.

O'Brien's Pub - HEKTIK SOUND

Jan 11:
Metro – Sons of the Silent Age featuring Chris Connelly, Matt Walker and Shirley Manson will be performing along with Waco Brothers and Death on the Autobahn

The Burlington - it's a Chicago Punk show featuring Still Alive, Break The Cycle, Voice of Addiction and EZ Kebage

Double Door - check out The Real Jane Martin along with Trick Shooter Social Club will be performing
$10 ($7 presale tickets)

Jan 12:
Club Fever (inside Green Room located at South Bend, IN) – DEADNATION, KOR and Radio Creeps will be rockin’ this show
$5 cover / 10p

Double Door - The Locals along with Remember Whens, Last Years Winners and Nina Ferraro will be rockin' the stage. Grab a flyer at https://www.facebook.com/events/394682900606819/ to get in for $5!

Red Line Tap - Husker Du's Grant Hart with Ripley Caine and Jeremiah Webb

Jan 15:
Double Door – It’s the Augustana Acoustic tour.

Jan 16:
SubT (aka Subterranean) – get your funky groove on with Room 11 performing on stage

Jan 17:
Double Door – It’s the annual The Waka Winter Classic. Visit http://www.doubledoor.com for more details and ticket information.

Jan 18:
Mayne Stage – Jess Godwin along special guests Matt Ryd and April Henry will be performing an ALL-AGES show.
AA / $10 / 8p

Liar’s Club – spend an evening with The Cure and Joy Division tributes!
9p

Jan 19:
Red Line Tap – Sam Llanas (formerly of The Bodeans) will be performing on stage.
8p

Phyllis’ Musical Lounge – Jeff Dashbach will be performing on stage
9p

Beauty Bar – Do the Prince and Michael experience, the ultimate tribute party dedicate to the Purple One and King Of Pop featuring DJ Dave Paul (from San Francisco, CA)

Double Door - Soul Summit 3rd Year Anniversary FREE Dance Party featuring DJs Dave Mata, Sloppy White and Duke Grip.

Phyllis' Musical Inn - Jeff Daschbach is scheduled to perform here.

Jan 21:
Metro – check out Femi Kuti while he tours the US with his big band, the Positive Force. SouthSide will be reviewing.

Jan 23:
Cobra Lounge – Castle, In The Weeds, Crusader and Thunder Driver will be performing
9p

Jan 25:
Double Door – Method Man will be rockin’ this venue!

Fitz's Spare Keys - The Scissors with August Premier are scheduled to perform here

Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville location) - The Real Jane Martin will be performing here

Jan 26 :
Reggie’s - Devon Allman will be rockin’ the stage

The Luxe (London, UK) - FEUD will be rockin' here  



Check back for updates as more shows for Jan come to SouthSide's desk!    



Until next time, support your local scene, SouthSide

8 Dec 12

“...he’s [Adam] cheating on us with another band...” ~ JB of A Friend Called Fire

Hey, blogspot readers, tonight they were rockin' the stage for a good cause. Local musicians and artists as well as fans gathered together at Elbo Room recently for Chords For A Cure IV to raise money for the Leukemia Research Foundation.

This annual event was started a few of years ago by Jon Allegretto (lead vocalist and guitarist of A Friend Called Fire) as way for his band and others to give back to the community and also to bring fans and music together under a relaxing atmosphere while raising funds for a good cause.

“...a lot of stuff [that] we do keeps the community in mind...” according to Jon when SouthSide interviewed him before his set.

After the death of his grandfather and friend to cancer, it seemed like a no-brainer to him in how he and other musicians within Chicago’s local scene take time out from busy schedules and help others. In the past events, half of the moneys raised would go to leukemia research and the rest to someone they knew. Now, all of the proceeds is donated to the Leukemia Research Foundation.

“...it’s a grassroots organization and they’re excited about this event...” Jon stated also adding, “...[it’s] a nice thing to do..."

This event has been staged at the acoustic lounge (upstairs bar floor of Elbo Room) but this year, Jon wanted people and musicians to have more room while listening to hot acoustic/alternative rock performances. Tonight’s lineup featured Xoe Wise, Gunner’s Daughter (check out this band’s electrifying thrill ride of a song title Thunder Road) and John (drummer from Board of Governors) performing on guitar with Robyn Starkey with Jon and JB from A Friend Called Fire. DJ Orange Crush closed out the event with a DJ set.

SouthSide was about to check out the 2/3 version of this local trio known as A Friend Called Fire where this unique performance was made up only a guitarist (Jon) and drummer (JB). Though missing their bassist (Adam Powers also Talent Buyer of Elbo Room), the duo rocked out the stage with a fine yet powerfully energizing set featuring songs like New Shadow, East Town and single The Lightning in which the audience was treated to moving yet heartfelt display of harmonizing vocals as well as lively, upbeat rhythmic tempos and hot drum and guitar solos. For example during the bridge of Drain You, there was a fiery Latin tango between guitar and drums that added a lot of hot, spicy flavor. Meanwhile during The Lightning, there was a moment of calmness to highlight Jon as lead vocalist within this emotionally heartfelt and soul-searching type of song. The song itself was performed dramatically to accentuate the mood and tone of not only the music but the lyrics too. Even its downtempo rhythm, you could still feel the passion and fire within until the very end. AFCF’s performance also included two hot renditions of Dion’s (with The Belmonts) Runaround Sue and Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb – one of the best cover versions heard which gave their fans and audience one electrifying finish to their set.

For more information about A Friend Called Fire, visit http://www.afriendcalledfire.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

07 Dec 12 - Open Dates at Elbo Room

***Sorry about the mis-information listed in this blog***


From the desk of Adam Powers, Talent Buyer of Elbo Room

Attached are the open dates for the MAIN ROOM (downstairs) and LOUNGE (upstairs).

Please e-mail ADAMPOWERS@elboroomLIVE.com for booking inquiry with the following completed information:

ACT NAME:

WEBSITE:

EMAIL:

GENRE:

CITY:

STATE:

CONTACT PERSON:

PHONE #:

DATE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR:

EXPECTED DRAW:

SET LENGTH:

LOUNGE/MAIN ROOM:

OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE (Y/N):

HOW MANY MEMBERS IN ACT:

HAVE YOU PLAYED ELBO BEFORE (Y/N):

IF YES TO ABOVE, WHAT WAS THE DATE?







ELBO ROOM OPEN DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS

(PLEASE NOTE - SOME OF THESE DATES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE BY THE TIME YOU REPLY)    

Dec:

16 – 9p,10p, 11p

19 

20 – 11pm*

26 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

29 - 8p, 11p*

30 - 11p



Jan:

2 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

3 - 8p
4* - 10p, 11p

5 - 8p
6
9 - FREE SHOW 1BAND (NO COVER)

10
11*
12*
13
16 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS
(NO COVER)

17
19*
20
23 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

24
25*
26*
30 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

31


Feb:

1

2
3
6 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

7
8*
9*
10
13 - FREE
 SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

14
15*
16*
17
20 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS
(NO COVER)

21
22*
23*
24 


27 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)


28



DJ OPEN DATES
DJ’s will be compensated with a $50 bar
 tab and 10% of the bar ring from MIDNIGHT to CLOSE in the MAIN VENUE
 where they will be spinning. If a DJ has a good following and can
 combine that with the in-house crowd and get people drinking, they can
 make anywhere from $50-$250 for working 1.5 to 2.5 hours, getting
 the room packed and keeping the party going.

DEC - 14, 22, 28 (punk rock DJ), 29, 31

JAN - 4, 5, 
11, 12, 19, 25, 26



Attached are the open dates for the LOUNGE.

Please email KAYLA@elboroomLIVE.com for booking inquiry with the following
completed information:


ACT NAME:

WEBSITE:

EMAIL:

GENRE:

CITY:

STATE:

CONTACT PERSON:

PHONE #:

DATE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR:

EXPECTED DRAW:

SET LENGTH:

LOUNGE/MAIN ROOM:

OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE (Y/N):

HOW MANY MEMBERS IN ACT:

HAVE YOU PLAYED ELBO BEFORE (Y/N):

IF YES TO ABOVE, WHAT WAS THE DATE?



ELBO ROOM OPEN DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS

(PLEASE NOTE - SOME OF THESE DATES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE BY THE TIME YOU REPLY)

Dec:

18 9p-11p


23 9p-11p


26 9p-11p


31 9p-12a [Top 40 DJ only]

       


Jan:

3 9p-11p


6 9p-11p

9 9p-11p


10 9p-11p


15 9p-11p


16 9p-11p


17 9p-11p


20 9p-11p

21 8p-10p, 10p-12a


23 9p-11p

24 9p-11p


27 9p-11p

30 9p-11p

31 9p-11p

       



Feb:

6 9p-11p


8 9p-11p, 11p-1a

9 9p-11p, 11p-1a


10 9p-11p


13 9p-11p


14 9p-11p


17 9p-11p

19 9p-11p


20 9p-11p


23 9p-11p, 11p-1a


24 9p-11p


27 9p-11p


28 9p-11p



THANK YOU AND WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL SOON!

07 Dec 12 - Dan Sindel

Hey, blogspot readers, recently one of SouthSide’s good friends from Los Angeles disclosed to her and many other friends of his battle with tongue cancer. Through love, support and prayers, Dan Sindel is now cancer free. However she’ll let him tell you his story...

“...Last June, I was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. On July 12, 2012, I went in for major surgery and had to have over ½ of my tongue removed to clear the tumor ...then went through 6 grueling weeks of radiation as well as a few chemo treatments. I am steadily recovering and so grateful for life itself, the amazing doctors who saved me and the immense support from family and friends...”

Dan continues by stating “...the rate of cancer cases is growing and affects so many people. I want to make an impact and try to save lives. I can best help by raising money for cancer research through the gift of my music...”

To give back by helping others, blogspot readers, Dan has put together a fine collection of nine (9) experimental / instrumental rock tunes in a unique CD project titled Plateaus which was recorded using his own home studio. This artist wrote all the songs, played all the instruments, and programmed all the drums and synthesizers as well as recorded and mixed the entire project himself.

By visiting his site, http://www.dansindel.us/ , “...I kindly ask [in helping] me in the fight against cancer by downloading a copy of my new release ...and give a small donation using PayPal...” With a minimum donation of $5 to download the album, Dan hopes to raise $500 where it will be donated to The Cancer Research Center to help save (more) lives, blogspot readers. So far, Dan has raised $250 (as of today Dec 10)!

SouthSide also highly recommends check out Dan Sindel’s YouTube page in particularly watching one of her favorite songs included in the CD titled Into The Ether and feel the soothing yet electric rush of flying through the universe with Dan and his instrumental rock sound ...it’s truly poetry in flowing motion, blogspot readers. Visit - http://youtu.be/h1-e45Jzq58 Into The Ether - Dan Sindel - Music for cancer research. Also check out his others like Anitras Dance (another SouthSide favorite) as well as his instrumental interpretation of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and the works by John Philip Sousa.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Villains Company

Mark Baker 2012

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has recently found more Villains scowering the local music scene ...yet, they claim to be "...hanging out with the company of thieves... " according to JP of Villains Company and are the "...good villains..." according to Johnny (the oldest member of Villains Company and JP's father). This villainous band is quite different in band makeup as well as music style than from what this reviewer has covered over the year. This particular band doesn't come to the stage with any fancy costumes or industrial/hardcore rock music but each member does represent a vast variety of rock genres from Eric Clapton to Coldplay and Soundgarden within their sound and  music which truly makes Villains Company quite unique, blogspot readers. During the frantic frenziness of what's known here in the states Black Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving), this reviewer not only got a chance to see this Southside band rock the Hard Rock Cafe stage as well as conduct a rather revealing interview with the members of Villains Company.

Mark Baker 2012

Describing the band to SouthSide as "...blue-collared workers having fun..." like ordinary Joes, she asked JP what made Villains Company "ordinary" compared to the other Villain(s) bands out on the scene. For one thing, blogspot readers, they're not rockin' the stage to make money. Perhaps when most of the members were kids, they did have aspirations of making money and traveling the world with their music. However, that was before getting married, starting a family and holding down regular day jobs ...and way before practicing once a week in a month's time with pieces of the band practicing together. Can't dispute, blogspot readers, when priorities and families come first (sometimes) while you are involved with a band.  JP told SouthSide a story about how their bass player (Jon) who works for UPS and resides in Gurnee, IL couldn't make it for their Double Door show at one time supportiing the night's headliner. According to him, "...any band would have let him go ...but with Villains Company, [we're] family..." also adding  "...we have priorities and families now that we're older..." So how did his father, Johnny, end up joining the band? "...we were looking for a guitar player and [him] join the band ...plus I know his work schedule and where he lives..." then jokingly adding "...he thinks he's all that but he is..." And if his dad ruins the show by missing and/or adding a riff or two, the rest of  Villains Company doesn't mind because Johnny has what they call "old man" clause on his side. Meaning, Johnny has classic rock credibility, blogspot readers. He may be the oldest member of this band but you should have seen him acting like a young twentysomething. Rumor has it, he does sometimes attracts the young ladies. "...now he has an 'I was out with your son' excuse [when] coming home late..." Also, on a sidenote, Johnny gives great hugs, ladies.

Oh, by the way at 11:46p, Julie left the interview.

Mark Baker 2012

While wanting to be known that they're "...play for fun...", blogspot readers, Villains Company also wants you to know that they're "...not try to be the most modern band out there..." either. What makes this band stand apart from the other Villains bands is their drive to bring back the crunchy blues with melodic rhythms and emotionally heartfelt vocals besides being the local "...sideshow..." (according to JP) that does "...all of the grunt work..." (according to Junior - he's the "straight to the point" answer man). Yet, musically they draw from many influences like from JP's father - there's Pink Floyd and Journey to Jeff (being the "baby" of the band who's a Taurus and into latex) and his love for the hardcore metal sound. Every member has their own particular taste and genre of music and by looking at each one, you wouldn't think they were members of the same band. (Now we're joined by Jeff's landlord - Augie). Also what makes this band make up even more unique is that each one have their own style while performing on stage. For example, with Jeff being the drummer, he goes for more of the wooly-haired, metal shirt wearing comfy attire compared to JP looking business-casual with a tie and his father, Johnny, going for the "old school" dapper look with his fedora hat. According to JP, if Jeff were to cut his hair and shave, it would be "...like a Samson and Deliah effect on the band..." In the past they did try to adhere to the suggestions given to them for a couple of shows yet it didn't work to the band's liking. Noting that it's hard to compete out there in the local scene, Villains Company aren't really competing. They like to keep it real for themselves and their fans.

Mark Baker 2012

During the course of the Villains Company interview, blogspot readers, (and believe, SouthSide it was sort of a wild backstage interview here with a photographer, disco ball and tubful of Pabst Blue Ribbon), she asked the band which songs said fans check out.  JP replied with three good selections - Feels Good, Momma and I Am You. Those particular songs were also fine examples of Villains Company musical style and sound. For example take Feels Good where JP not only was vocal expressive on the lyrics but his body language enhanced as well as convey the mood and tone of the song especially while becoming more dramatically heartfelt than dynamic under a falsetto range within a semi-downtempo rhythm. Meanwhile I Am You took a more melodic tone than most of Villains' songs while within an alternative/rock style because there's a sense of floetry that highlights JP's voice even though he did get a bit overshadowed by the rest of the band. Still, this reviewer particularly enjoyed how the song was reverently played so their fans and Hard Rock audience could enjoy the beauty and wonderment of all notes as well as the digital programming used. It was quite soothing to hear the vibrant electric wail down to melodic bass and percussion ...for a such a complex tune, there was simplicity to be found and enjoyed. Lastly, (definitely not least), Momma is a rather upbeat rhythmic tune in which JP did outshine the band, blogspot readers yet more than that. He was truly expressive on levels where the band had to keep up with him and his vocal powress to which SouthSide could honestly say Villains Company shined under the Hard Rock Cafe like rock stars before adding another heart-touching moment to their performance. Long story short version, blogspot readers, JP phoned a friend who was miraculously survived being shot 5 times after being robbed of his iPhone at the 47th Street CTA Red Line rail stop. SouthSide still gets teary-eyed thinking about this guy though missing the show was still determined to rock out with his friends soon. Check out the YouTube video done by photographer Mark Baker of Mark Baker Photography of JP calling the shooting victim http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eZCVVALQbc&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

Mark Baker 2012

In between questions and learning about the band, SouthSide got a crash course about the American holiday, Thanksgiving (which was happening the next day) and the craziness of Black Friday to which it's described as "...an addiction ...[Americans] like rockin' the coupon..." that this reviewer may never understand why anyone would wait in the cold eating a turkey dinner waiting for the mall to open. Still, it's hard to get fans to come to shows especially the day before Thanksgiving aka Black Wednesday however tonight, she caught this band on a good night. Also, there was mention of the other crazy practice of saving parking spots with furniture to toys during the wintertime while covering all other subjects but religion. Political wise, Villains Company can be also considered as a "...uninionized company..." "...this is why I vote democratic..." says Jeff. Sadly it was getting late and the band wanted to see Out for Hours wrapping up this pre-holiday feast when SouthSide asked them if they had any final words or thoughts to say to their fans and blogspot readers. As you might imagine, they had plenty to say. From "...if we didn't have this good company, we wouldn't have smiles on our faces..." to "...still have a lot of possibilities in our music..." but JP did get the final word about Villains Company when saying "...it's all about local scene and making it happen ...no one gives the local band chance..." to which he and the band appreciates what SouthSide (and many others) do for the local music scene.

Mark Baker 2012

What a nice way to end this interview, blogspot readers.

For more information about Villains Company and where they will be doing the grunt work for the other company of thieves, visit http://www.villainscompany.com or on Facebook.

Also, HUGE photo credit goes to Mark Baker of Mark Baker Photography who snapped the photogs of the band while on stage and during the interview! Visit him at http://www.MarkBakerPhotog.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide