19 Dec 14

 "...we missed the shit out of you..." ~ Karl of Lucid Ground

They brought the band back together ...on a mission to help support a good cause.

No, this isn't the opening premise to the original Blue Brothers movie which featured Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Carrie Fisher, John Candy, Cab Calloway, James Brown and more, blogspot readers. This is the opening premise to the return of local favorites - Lucid Ground who returned to the stage for a very special one-night only performance at Wrigleyville's famous Cubby Bear. The mission of night was to collect canned food for The Greater Chicago Food Depository, a nonprofit organization that helps feed needy families in the Chicago area. Yet, what made this performance special was the band inviting a few friends to perform acoustically on stage with them ...friends like Model Stranger with a comedy act to get the night off to great start.

SouthSide has heard this local band in all of its amplified glory before leaving the spotlights and the stage over two years ago but never acoustically, blogspot readers. And tonight, the five original members - Karl (front man), Jeff (guitar), Luis (guitar), Brian (bass) and Leonard (drums) were in rare form performing a long set of their hit singles, B-sides and covers ..even a new song (a hint perhaps this wasn't a one time appearance) stripped down as an acoustic band. Plus for a band that haven't performed together in two years, in this reviewer's opinion, it didn't sound as if they were ever apart.

As an acoustic band, Lucid Ground still rocked, blogspot readers, with all of the dramatic heartfelt emotions and intense guitar rhythms from memorably song titles like Empty Table, Count The Miles, Dissolve and many more. And though it may have a rare treat for the band, it must have felt the same way for the many fans who crowded the tables at this unique show. It's been a long while hearing Karl belt out the emotions during a song like Shaken Crown or pour out his heart during the chorus of All To You. Lucid Ground's front man - Karl could still get fans applauding and cheering with his raspy "everyday man" vocal style on lyrics, blgospot readers, in a way that touches deep within your soul. She has said it once before ...there aren't too many front man who aren't afraid to dive in and wear their emotions on stage. Karl is one of them especially when covering the iconic Led Zeppelin song "Hey Hey What Can I Do". 

Yet, let's not forget the band behind the man, blogspot readers. From SouthSide's point of view, Lucid Ground member not only enjoyed returning to the stage as a band but once again  brought back their infamous upbeat or downtempo rhythms or that special Leonard drumming (with some wind chimes during certain songs but no stripping at the kit) style though acoustically. With the songs performed non-amplified, the music sounded refreshing and more dramatic (especially when adding a bit of keyboard rhythms to a few songs by Thomas Miller of Rocket Cathedral) that you could sometimes feel the power of the lyrics and music combined ...which instantly brings out the raw feelings from Lucid Ground to your ears. Their rock alternative has a way of making you touch the depths of your emotions without even knowing it when rockin' to the music, blogspot readers.

 

It was indeed an emotional homecoming for everyone involved.

Will Lucid Ground rise and perform somewhere on stage again? Who knows, blogspot readers, who knows...

In the meantime, you can visit Lucid Ground at http://www.lucidground.com or "like" the band page on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One With Aryk Crowder

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide recently sat down with a local artist who's not only raising funds in support of his next album but also giving back in charity to help feed needy families in the Chicagoland area. If you visit Aryk Crowder's web campaign site at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/arykcrowder to pre-order his new album, "2x4" while snagging some exclusive merch but will be helping spread his "...music into the world and into the ears that need to hear it..." Portions of the proceeds collected will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to which Aryk states "...is a great charity that I've had an opportunity to work with in the past and I'd love continue to use my gift of music to help others..." Besides this charitable campaign,  this reviewer also chatted with Aryk about his music career, life as a solo artist and the new album...

 

SouthSide: Could you give a brief history of musical career.

Ayk Crowder: "...I started playing guitar at 15 and expanded from there. Initially, I had a love of classic rock when it came to playing, but started gravitating towards soul and R&B songs in my early 20's. I found my voice shortly thereafter and started writing songs for myself within the few years. I made the move to Chicago around this time as well as for a stint at Columbia College. It was then I got immersed in the city's music scene and began building a network and cutting my teeth..."

 

SouthSide: Cutting your teeth? Explain.

Aryk: "...I feel that when we try to under new music we need an artist to compare them to so we have a grasp on what we're hearing..."

 

SouthSide: So, how would you describe your music to someone who wasn't familiar about it in five (5) words or less?

Aryk: "...A mix of Prince, Maxwell and John Mayer would be a comparable mix ...[in] 5 words or less ...Pop eats a Soul sandwich..."

 

SouthSide: How has life changed for you from being the front man of a band to solo artist within Chicago's local scene?

Aryk: "...It hasn't changed much other than [having] to wear more hats. Until I get to a place where I can have others working with me at helping me grow this music, I have to do the work myself..."

 

SouthSide: In your opinion, is it hard going from band mode to solo musician?

Aryk: "...Wearing all the hats can get pretty overwhelming at times..."

 

SouthSide: Will you ever put together another band like lo/fi pioneer again in the near future?

Aryk: "...I'm not against the idea of being in a band again but I simply had a hard time finding like-minded musicians that were willing to take the risks I was..."

 

SouthSide: Could you briefly explain your album project and how can music fans get involved.

Aryk: "...'2x4' is a collection of songs that I've written over the past few years. I've dealt with some heavy hearted issues and they needed to be put to paper and music. The songs will be released over 2 EP's with the first being released in July. In bring this album to life, I've asked my fans and music fans alike to join me on my Pledge Music campaign [http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/arykcrowder] in helping me raise the capitol I need to get this album out into the world. In return I've got a bunch of swag I'm trading for the pledges from signed CDs to in-house listening parties where I'll be bringing the cocktails!"

 

SouthSide: What made you partner and donate a portion of the proceeds to the Greater Food Depository?

Aryk: "...regarding partnering with the Greater Food Depository, they're a charity I believe in and have donated to myself every year since I came to Chicago. I really like what they do for the community in that they believe wholeheartedly in what they do. It's a great benefit to the city of Chicago. When I decided to reach out to fans, I also wanted to take the opportunity to help others as well..."

 

SouthSide: When is the approximate date that you'll be releasing your new album?

Aryk: "...there's no set date for the release yet but I'm looking at late July.."

 

SouthSide: How does it compare to the other albums you have produced/recorded?

Aryk: "...In comparison to my last album, this one will be a lot more diverse. You can definitely tell that I've matured a bit as I've gotten more comfortable with calling myself a soul artist..."

 

SouthSide: Speaking of Chicago's local scene, how would you describe it? In your opinion is there a sense of "community" between other bands/artists i.e. supporting each other at shows?

Aryk: "...Chicago's music scene is very eclectic, yet very strong. There's a lot of talent in this city in every genre. We all definitely support one another in many ways..."

 

SouthSide: Now that summer is fast approaching, are you planning any upcoming live shows soon? If so, when and where can music fans come check out Aryk Crowder live and in person?

Aryk: "...I've got a few scattered performances before the album release, but once it drops, I'll have a number or Midwest tour dates up on my calendar at http://www.arykcrowder.com. You can also find me on the BandsinTown [site]..."

 

SouthSide: If given the opportunity, which artist/band would you like to collaborate? And why?

Aryk: "...There's far too many to narrow it down to one ...I'm a huge Prince fans so he definitely ranks at the top of the list, but right now I'm really digging on Emily King. Allen Stone or Marc Broussard would be a killer collaboration too..."

 

SouthSide: Last question - is there anything you would like to fans to know about Aryk Crowder, his music and/or this fundraising campaign?

Aryk: "...just go to http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/arykcrowder. The video and info there will give fans a chance to get to know more about me, this album and why it means so much to me. I wouldn't be where I am or be able to get to where I'm without them [my fans]..."

 

SouthSide would like to personally thank Aryk Crowder for taking time out of his busy schedule to share his thoughts about his music and fundraising campaign with SouthSide. She highly recommends blogspot readers to check out the links and help donate to a worthy cause that feeds Chicago through some tough times.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

30 Nov 13

It's the most wonderful time of the year, blogspot readers! The holiday season has descended upon us with the rush of Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales ...however during a recent outing around town, it was time to give back and help others so they won't go hungry another night. SouthSide's first stop was to Bucktown's The Mutiny to donate her contribution at Rock In Chicago's Punksgiving show and   canned food drive for The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Featuring live music by The Riot, Sub X, Flagass and Street Fist, fans attending day two of this free show were asked to bring a food donation. The first night at Livewire Lounge featured performances by Blastoff!, The Kreutzer Sonata, Solution Unsatisfactory, This Obsession and The Light Fuse.

After stopping at The Mutiny, it was time to head to Cubby Bear where bands like KF Jacques and Distant BR were rockin' a packed house. SouthSide recommends feeling the alternative rock of Hero Monster Zero as well as the lyrical hip hop sounds of 8090 meshed together on one bill. As Hero Monster Zero,  lead guitarist/vocalist Andy Metz and the band blasted the audience with hard-hitting guitar rock and harmonies thus creating a fun, energetic vibe and momentum. Sometimes, he might even merge both lyrical freestyle rap with the rock during the set as heard before covering an awesome version of Gorillaz's Clint Eastwood. It was the first time this reviewer had seen a local band covering the fictional band and/or any of its songs live on stage ...Hero Monster Zero totally had the audience jamming to their version of this hit song. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/HeroMonsterZero.

They rocked the stage with a lively boost of soul/groove rhythms within their rock sound which instantly got this audience moving to the funky beat. Ariada started their Cubby Bear performance with a loud bang, blogspot readers, that this reviewer liked mostly yet there were moments when the loud sound overshadowed not only the band but also female lead Lesliegh (on vocals and keyboard). She enjoyed the energetic momentum Ariada created for their fans judging by the excited reactions heard song after song. Definitely excitement was in the air tonight but on the downside, the boisterous music had a way of being the main focus and not the vocals and/or the actual music. For example, Lesliegh showed some difficulty reaching the high octave vocal range that she seemed to force out of her instead of naturally reaching it. SouthSide also noted that her use of softer side to her dynamic voice would easily get overshadowed by the entire band though able to hit the right notes for that dramatic emphasis. It was moments like this she seemed to be shouting out the words instead of singing, blogspot readers, in which caused her voice to fade in and out by the seventh song. Just to be fair with this review on Ariada, SouthSide conducted a tiny experiment during this performance by standing at different spots around the venue to get a better sense of band and its sound. This reviewer found the sound to be a little fuzzy off the monitors whenever the keys and electric guitar were tuned up high ...thus finding a couple of songs on Ariada's playlist should be a bit quieter to not only highlight the vocals but also the music behind their female vocalist. There should some a little more interaction with the audience since it felt like the band was rushing between songs or Lesliegh's voice was too soft over the mic to hear the song titles where she was standing. SouthSide suggests the band listening to a live recording of their performances and judge for themselves on which songs should be performed under the intense sound and vice versa without losing that excited energy. Though this reviewer has mixed feelings about Ariada, she does see potential from this particular band. With a little more work (i.e. vocal harmonies and music volume perception on certain songs), Ariada will make its mark in the rhythm/soul/rock genre, blogspot readers. They do jam as a band with wild enthusiasm thrilling their hardcore fans down the last note ...they do know how make a show fun for them. For more information about Ariada, visit http://www.araidaband.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide