Hear our artists:
T.U.G.G.
The west coast of Wisconsin is not typically thought of as a hotbed of alternative reggae music; however, T.U.G.G. (pronounced tug) hailing from La Crosse, WI has done an amazing job channeling tropical grooves and breezy melodies and has quickly become one of the Midwest’s top draws.
The west coast of Wisconsin is not typically thought of as a hotbed of alternative reggae music; however, T.U.G.G. (pronounced tug) hailing from La Crosse, WI has done an amazing job channeling tropical grooves and breezy melodies and has quickly become one of the Midwest’s top draws.
MICHAEL BRANDMEIER Michael's songs have been featured in many Film/TV projects from MTV’s “CRIB’S, The Lucas Grabeel of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL fame, Indie Film “THE ADVENTURES OF FOODBOY” to the hit SHOWTIME series SOUL FOOD to NBC'S hit soap opera, PASSION'S airing in over 30 countries, ABC Family Network BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY to WB's hit TV series DAWSON'S CREEK, which is now in syndication on TBS, the latest PARTY OF FIVE DVD release due 2008 and many more…
THE SENSATIONALISTS
The Sensationalists are a four piece indie pop band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Formed in late 2008, the quartet has also played in a variety of lineups together since they attended high school. Their experience has allowed them to operate on two strict rules of songwriting: always have a chorus and never overstay your welcome. Their overall sound is minimalistic: just two guitars, bass, drums and vocals with a heavy emphasis on melody.
The Sensationalists are a four piece indie pop band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Formed in late 2008, the quartet has also played in a variety of lineups together since they attended high school. Their experience has allowed them to operate on two strict rules of songwriting: always have a chorus and never overstay your welcome. Their overall sound is minimalistic: just two guitars, bass, drums and vocals with a heavy emphasis on melody.
Shea Hill
"Shea Hill is amazing, mesmerizing, and hitting their Milwaukee and surrounding area audiences' deep with the passion and the message of the music."
- Kellie Levans
Milwaukee Rock Music Examiner
"Shea Hill is amazing, mesmerizing, and hitting their Milwaukee and surrounding area audiences' deep with the passion and the message of the music."
- Kellie Levans
Milwaukee Rock Music Examiner
JAYME DAWICKI
"Sultry songstress Jayme Dawicki is the total package. Beauty, brains, and musical brawn combine for a sound that is contemporary and cutting edge." - Lane Klozier of Maximum Ink
Dawicki has recently been featured on MTV's The Real World: Hollywood 2008 with her tunes "Paper Dolls", "To Go Beyond", "Crush", and "Closer". She has opened for national acts The Fray and Ferras, and completed a successful West Coast Tour in August 2008. Jayme has also been awarded a WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) for Female Vocalist of the Year.
"Sultry songstress Jayme Dawicki is the total package. Beauty, brains, and musical brawn combine for a sound that is contemporary and cutting edge." - Lane Klozier of Maximum Ink
Dawicki has recently been featured on MTV's The Real World: Hollywood 2008 with her tunes "Paper Dolls", "To Go Beyond", "Crush", and "Closer". She has opened for national acts The Fray and Ferras, and completed a successful West Coast Tour in August 2008. Jayme has also been awarded a WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Screaming Entombment
Screaming Entombment was formed in
October 2009 by vocalist Dusty Hansen and guitarist Eric
Kwiatkowski. In November 2009 they recruited bassist
Taylor Dahlen and drummer Jake Hart. With the line-up
complete they steadily began writing material and played
their first show six months later. They since have played
multiple shows and music festivals with great response
due to their high energy stage show. In October 2010 they
began work on their first EP "Become the Suffering". The
album was self released in January 2011. Since the release
of "Become the Suffering" they have had a very busy schedule
with constant show opportunities along with keeping in contact
with their rapidly expanding fan base. Starting in September 2011
they began work on their upcoming full length disc.
Screaming Entombment was formed in
October 2009 by vocalist Dusty Hansen and guitarist Eric
Kwiatkowski. In November 2009 they recruited bassist
Taylor Dahlen and drummer Jake Hart. With the line-up
complete they steadily began writing material and played
their first show six months later. They since have played
multiple shows and music festivals with great response
due to their high energy stage show. In October 2010 they
began work on their first EP "Become the Suffering". The
album was self released in January 2011. Since the release
of "Become the Suffering" they have had a very busy schedule
with constant show opportunities along with keeping in contact
with their rapidly expanding fan base. Starting in September 2011
they began work on their upcoming full length disc.
GREEN TEA
Green Tea supported international group Rusted Root at the Rave in Milwaukee in 2008 and Oshkosh Waterfest 2009, was nominated for two Madison Area Music Awards in 2008, performed for the Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour 2008, performed at the World's largest Irish Fest, Milwaukee Irish Fest 2006, 2007, and main stage in 2009, performed main stage at Irish Fair of MN, and showcased at NACA Northern Plains Conference 2009. They are led by the booking agency Event Resources Presents.
Green Tea supported international group Rusted Root at the Rave in Milwaukee in 2008 and Oshkosh Waterfest 2009, was nominated for two Madison Area Music Awards in 2008, performed for the Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour 2008, performed at the World's largest Irish Fest, Milwaukee Irish Fest 2006, 2007, and main stage in 2009, performed main stage at Irish Fair of MN, and showcased at NACA Northern Plains Conference 2009. They are led by the booking agency Event Resources Presents.
UNDER INFLUENCED
“Under Influenced is a Milwaukee area punk band that was started in late 2009 when lifelong friends Sam and Kevin decided to create a serious band. With the band’s roots deep in punk soil, this band draws influences from numerous sources in alternative and popular rock alike. Despite the irony of its name, the band is proud of its exciting, upbeat punk sounds which include a variety of pop hooks and alternative guitar sounds to create music that is both unique and classic at the same time."
-Rick Chaplain, Chaplain’s Trusses
“Under Influenced is a Milwaukee area punk band that was started in late 2009 when lifelong friends Sam and Kevin decided to create a serious band. With the band’s roots deep in punk soil, this band draws influences from numerous sources in alternative and popular rock alike. Despite the irony of its name, the band is proud of its exciting, upbeat punk sounds which include a variety of pop hooks and alternative guitar sounds to create music that is both unique and classic at the same time."
-Rick Chaplain, Chaplain’s Trusses
SOMETHING TO DO - contest winning song, "When I'm Stuck I Turn To Duck Tape", has brought the group national attention, getting the band mentioned on CNN headline news; Nominated for "Group of the Year" and "Best Ska Band" multiple years in the (WAMI) awards; headlined the annual Skappleton music festival; appears on California's OC Ska productions DVD compilation titled "Camp Ska"
THE BAKERS Retro amps spit an equal mix grit and vintage soul, spouting expertly distorted bass lines and jarringly tight drum beats. Slather on juicy guitar licks, and The Bakers is stirring one finely tuned indie-rock pot. Laced with an unapologetically catchy air, The Bakers' set list manages to sound familiar while steering completely its own course. Apart, Brandon Heise (guitar, vocals), Andrew (Zimmy) Zimmerman (bass, vocals) and Erik Gunderson (drums) are three of the region's most sought-after musical talents; together, they comprise a band that refuses to conform to cover-band status and owns its original swagger unlike most any Midwestern band.
ONCE THE SUN OncetheSun formed in the summer of '04 and now five years later still going strong. OncetheSun is Anna Bohn-keys/vocals, Matt Halleman-vocals, Josh Morrison-bass, Jason Rabus-guitar, Sam Morrison-drums and Eric Kassens-guitar. For more on OncetheSun visit www.myspace.com/oncethesun or www.oncethesun.com
Cannibal Galaxy
It all began in a northern suburb of chicago IL in 2005. Four guys from different backgrounds joined forces to form Cannibal Galaxy. Combining different musical influences like punk, rock, and hip hop, to create a truly unique sound. Cannibal Galaxy is diverse musical elements and influences seamlessly integrated in to a powerful musical statement.
It all began in a northern suburb of chicago IL in 2005. Four guys from different backgrounds joined forces to form Cannibal Galaxy. Combining different musical influences like punk, rock, and hip hop, to create a truly unique sound. Cannibal Galaxy is diverse musical elements and influences seamlessly integrated in to a powerful musical statement.
SUN DRIED TRUTH
SUN DRIED TRUTH hails from Madison, Wisconsin. The band features Pete Gargano (vocals), 'Downtown' Kenny Brown (guitar), Brian Nolan (drums), Drew Parsons (bass) and Kyle Kjensrud (bass). Pete and Ken hooked up with Brian and Drew of American Hi-Fi to form the Ultimate Rock Band SUN DRIED TRUTH. Their in-your-face assault of Rock-Pop-Alternative will leave you weak in the knees. SDT!
SUN DRIED TRUTH hails from Madison, Wisconsin. The band features Pete Gargano (vocals), 'Downtown' Kenny Brown (guitar), Brian Nolan (drums), Drew Parsons (bass) and Kyle Kjensrud (bass). Pete and Ken hooked up with Brian and Drew of American Hi-Fi to form the Ultimate Rock Band SUN DRIED TRUTH. Their in-your-face assault of Rock-Pop-Alternative will leave you weak in the knees. SDT!
LESSON LEARNED
Pop-Punk experience between the sheets with tale telling life's lyrics along with trans-absorbing guitar riffs, soulfully exposed bass strums and dynamically placed drum rhythms. Within Lesson Learneds' first year, they have played for major recording artists like Midnight to Twelve, Echovalve, and Safetysuit.
Pop-Punk experience between the sheets with tale telling life's lyrics along with trans-absorbing guitar riffs, soulfully exposed bass strums and dynamically placed drum rhythms. Within Lesson Learneds' first year, they have played for major recording artists like Midnight to Twelve, Echovalve, and Safetysuit.
The DELTA ROUTINE The Delta Routine, a rock & roll band from Milwaukee, influenced by the Stooges, the Stones, Kings of Leon, the Ramones, and Robert Johnson, is built upon the raw elements of guitar driven rock. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Nick Amadeus creates memorable hooks and quirky riffs all while paying homage to the old days of rock & roll.
RICO Rico Jaeger writes as a solo artist and performs live with his band, AREA 51 in the upper mid-west. Classically-trained on several instruments as well as voice, he views rock n' roll with an "old-school" approach. "Nothing against any of the talented bands out there today, but as a singer I prefer to sing," referring to the many screamers now fronting hugely successful acts. He views his writing style as more of an "inspiration.""I don't write as much as sing what comes through me. I think people can relate to the stories in my songs..."
SECOND SOUL
Second Soul is a band of seasoned professional musicians. The band is currently in the studio producing their debut full length release scheduled for June, 2009.* Guitarist Troy Stetina has sold well over 1,000,000 guitar book/CD methods and DVDs for Hal Leonard Corporation, the world's largest music print publisher.* Troy Stetina is also private guitar coach to Alter Bridge/Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti, who is also involved in helping with the Second Soul arrangements and upcoming touring opportunities.
* Troy is also serving as content advisor for other "Sound and Story" releases for Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, and Leslie West, to be produced this spring.
Second Soul is a band of seasoned professional musicians. The band is currently in the studio producing their debut full length release scheduled for June, 2009.* Guitarist Troy Stetina has sold well over 1,000,000 guitar book/CD methods and DVDs for Hal Leonard Corporation, the world's largest music print publisher.* Troy Stetina is also private guitar coach to Alter Bridge/Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti, who is also involved in helping with the Second Soul arrangements and upcoming touring opportunities.
* Troy is also serving as content advisor for other "Sound and Story" releases for Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, and Leslie West, to be produced this spring.
FACE FOR RADIO
formed in the fall of 2006 in Madison, Wisconsin. This band consists of four accomplished rock musicians: Tod Schwenn on vocals, guitarist Jayme Poster, drummer Chris Havey, and bass guitarist
formed in the fall of 2006 in Madison, Wisconsin. This band consists of four accomplished rock musicians: Tod Schwenn on vocals, guitarist Jayme Poster, drummer Chris Havey, and bass guitarist
Divyded
Combining their ambition for creating hard hitting, in your face music with heavy riffs and intense beats on the drums, Jason and Chuck started collaborating in late 2009 to create something that would grasp all Rock/Hard Rock/Metal fans attention.
Everything from all aspects of the music is meant to be driven right into the bodies of anyone who considers themselves a Hard Rock fan. Deep penetrating hits on the drums with dark and rhythmic chords combine to give the listeners everything they need for an intense musical experience. Since then they have been tearing up the Madison Wi scene and making a great name for themselves and have been featured onwww.Hard-Rock-Reviews.com. They are also wornstar artists at Wornstar.com. Our website is www.divyded.com
Combining their ambition for creating hard hitting, in your face music with heavy riffs and intense beats on the drums, Jason and Chuck started collaborating in late 2009 to create something that would grasp all Rock/Hard Rock/Metal fans attention.
Everything from all aspects of the music is meant to be driven right into the bodies of anyone who considers themselves a Hard Rock fan. Deep penetrating hits on the drums with dark and rhythmic chords combine to give the listeners everything they need for an intense musical experience. Since then they have been tearing up the Madison Wi scene and making a great name for themselves and have been featured onwww.Hard-Rock-Reviews.com. They are also wornstar artists at Wornstar.com. Our website is www.divyded.com
Mollies Way
Never taking themselves too seriously, with an often conspicuous take it or leave it approach, Mollies Way is defining Rock & Roll in Green Bay. Seldom in danger of trying too hard to be one thing or another, their straight forward, mellifluous sound can be experienced on two self produced full-length releases. Unique vocals, amazing guitar leads, and piquant song arrangements converge to create an unequalled auditory sensation.
Never taking themselves too seriously, with an often conspicuous take it or leave it approach, Mollies Way is defining Rock & Roll in Green Bay. Seldom in danger of trying too hard to be one thing or another, their straight forward, mellifluous sound can be experienced on two self produced full-length releases. Unique vocals, amazing guitar leads, and piquant song arrangements converge to create an unequalled auditory sensation.
EVENSTAR
Emerging from the midwest, EVENSTAR is already being compared to the likes of Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, and Strung Out. Melodic, yet edgy, guitars and a fierce rhythm section support inspired lyrics through powerful vocals. Debut EP, "Through The Seasons", has laid the foundation for great things to come. Keep your eyes & ears open for these guys.
Emerging from the midwest, EVENSTAR is already being compared to the likes of Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, and Strung Out. Melodic, yet edgy, guitars and a fierce rhythm section support inspired lyrics through powerful vocals. Debut EP, "Through The Seasons", has laid the foundation for great things to come. Keep your eyes & ears open for these guys.
Ryan Moreno
MORENO is a singer / songwriter with an innovative guitar style and insightful lyrics. Born in Chicago, and raised on Robert Johnson, Johnny Cash and Stevie Ray Vaughn, RYAN MORENO displays a songwriting maturity that is older than his years. RYAN has honed his acoustic guitar and piano playing to a sharp edge that drives his lyrics and moves his audience. RYAN's music has evolved into progressive pop-blues-rock with a touch of style from John Mayer. RYAN's lyrics tell stories people relate to, as he sings of heart moving inklings of love, personal loss, and the greater human condition that is so much a part of his innate understanding of the blues. His own life has not been simple, but his optimism comes through in his up beat numbers that lift the soul. (Stephen Kastner- Door County Peninsula Pulse 2007)
MORENO is a singer / songwriter with an innovative guitar style and insightful lyrics. Born in Chicago, and raised on Robert Johnson, Johnny Cash and Stevie Ray Vaughn, RYAN MORENO displays a songwriting maturity that is older than his years. RYAN has honed his acoustic guitar and piano playing to a sharp edge that drives his lyrics and moves his audience. RYAN's music has evolved into progressive pop-blues-rock with a touch of style from John Mayer. RYAN's lyrics tell stories people relate to, as he sings of heart moving inklings of love, personal loss, and the greater human condition that is so much a part of his innate understanding of the blues. His own life has not been simple, but his optimism comes through in his up beat numbers that lift the soul. (Stephen Kastner- Door County Peninsula Pulse 2007)
LorieAnna
LorieAnna is a Madison, Wisconsin based singer-songwriter and the creator of
Music Tarot, a metaphysical tool that combines music and mysticism.
LorieAnna delivers all of her shows Music Tarot style, inviting the audience
to choose the songs she plays by drawing a card from her deck. The selected
songs, which often directly relate to each person's individual life
experience, create a unique and captivating show that connects performer and
audience. Her musical style is described as Pop, Adult Contemporary, and
Singer-Songwriter in the vein of artists like Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin,
Dido, and Tori Amos. She is a refreshing and unexpected surprise from most
of the indie/contemporary folk female artists today. There is timelessness
in the sound of her voice, vulnerability in her lyrics, and style that is so
beautifully executed.
LorieAnna is a Madison, Wisconsin based singer-songwriter and the creator of
Music Tarot, a metaphysical tool that combines music and mysticism.
LorieAnna delivers all of her shows Music Tarot style, inviting the audience
to choose the songs she plays by drawing a card from her deck. The selected
songs, which often directly relate to each person's individual life
experience, create a unique and captivating show that connects performer and
audience. Her musical style is described as Pop, Adult Contemporary, and
Singer-Songwriter in the vein of artists like Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin,
Dido, and Tori Amos. She is a refreshing and unexpected surprise from most
of the indie/contemporary folk female artists today. There is timelessness
in the sound of her voice, vulnerability in her lyrics, and style that is so
beautifully executed.
MICAH OLSAN
“Micah Olsan incorporates so many different styles into his folkiness it’s enough to make your head spin.”- Jamie Lee Rake (The Shepherd Express)
"An eclectic mix of Folk, Funk, Caribbean, Salsa, Pop, Jazz, Alt, Spanish ... hey, go ahead and name a genre, these guys can play it and not only that, blend them into a style all their own that just makes your synapses happy.” Gareth Glyn Ash- (The Way I See It)
Micah and his newest project, The OCD Big Band will be working hard through the summer to follow up his 2010 release, Off Beat Clappers and Hip Toe Tappers. Tour to follow.
“Micah Olsan incorporates so many different styles into his folkiness it’s enough to make your head spin.”- Jamie Lee Rake (The Shepherd Express)
"An eclectic mix of Folk, Funk, Caribbean, Salsa, Pop, Jazz, Alt, Spanish ... hey, go ahead and name a genre, these guys can play it and not only that, blend them into a style all their own that just makes your synapses happy.” Gareth Glyn Ash- (The Way I See It)
Micah and his newest project, The OCD Big Band will be working hard through the summer to follow up his 2010 release, Off Beat Clappers and Hip Toe Tappers. Tour to follow.
UNSUNG HERO
Established in 2004 and since then has made a solid name for themselves in Wisconsin. After recording their first EP titled Somewhere You Can Let Yourself Go in 2007, the guys had the opportunity to play at the Van's Warped Tour in Milwaukee along side the legendary skateboarder/rock star Mike Vallely and his band Revolution Mother. Unsung Hero has also play along side many other national acts such as Abandon Kansas, Windsor Drive, The Heyday and Atlantic Records recording artist Camera Can't lie.
Established in 2004 and since then has made a solid name for themselves in Wisconsin. After recording their first EP titled Somewhere You Can Let Yourself Go in 2007, the guys had the opportunity to play at the Van's Warped Tour in Milwaukee along side the legendary skateboarder/rock star Mike Vallely and his band Revolution Mother. Unsung Hero has also play along side many other national acts such as Abandon Kansas, Windsor Drive, The Heyday and Atlantic Records recording artist Camera Can't lie.
THE LAST FEW - been featured on the New Beginnings Tour last winter, we also have been featured on WUWM 89.7, WUSM 91.7, WWSP 89.9, as well as KQAL 89.5. TLF has been sponsored by Heroic Clothing and Elite Custom Drums. Also was previously with Toyland Global Entertainment
HEATHROW
Featured in the soundtracks for the indie film Side Effects starring Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up) and a Discovery Channel pilot for a show called Urban Explorers. Chosen 2 years in a row for the NXNW festival as well as WI Summerfest.
Featured in the soundtracks for the indie film Side Effects starring Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up) and a Discovery Channel pilot for a show called Urban Explorers. Chosen 2 years in a row for the NXNW festival as well as WI Summerfest.
The Lucas Cates Band
TLCB is a Nationally touring, High Energy pop/rock/funk/reggae/alt-country/jam band from Madison, WI! Acting as their own label, they play over 175 dates a year from NY to Jacksonville to Phoenix to Seattle! Their musical talent is similar to Phish yet they bring all the rock energy of the Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews and OAR with amazing jams and soaring three-four parts harmonies. Their strong grassroots following around the United States has landed them a well earned spot on Pandora Radio! All 4 of their records can be found at Itunes and CDBABY.com!
TLCB is a Nationally touring, High Energy pop/rock/funk/reggae/alt-country/jam band from Madison, WI! Acting as their own label, they play over 175 dates a year from NY to Jacksonville to Phoenix to Seattle! Their musical talent is similar to Phish yet they bring all the rock energy of the Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews and OAR with amazing jams and soaring three-four parts harmonies. Their strong grassroots following around the United States has landed them a well earned spot on Pandora Radio! All 4 of their records can be found at Itunes and CDBABY.com!
Reason One
Wisconsin recording artists Reason One kick off their first midwest tour in June playing shows with national acts Finger Eleven, The Maine and Augustana in support of their debut album called Little Red. Members of the band include lead singer Todd Hanson, guitarist Mike Miller, Logan Tremblay bass and Brett Bents,drums. In the past the band has performed with legendary artists Nazareth, Eddie Money and CCR.
Playing their own brand of diverse original Alt-Rock "ranging from driving-to-heavy-to- soulful,along with a high-energy live show, this is the band to keep an eye on," says Brad Thomas from KSTO radio St. Olaf, MN.
Reason One has had consistent radio play on WI. Public Radio and on college rock stations throughout WI. and MN. They recently made the jump to commercial radio with their first single the soulful ballad You Are A Star.
Wisconsin recording artists Reason One kick off their first midwest tour in June playing shows with national acts Finger Eleven, The Maine and Augustana in support of their debut album called Little Red. Members of the band include lead singer Todd Hanson, guitarist Mike Miller, Logan Tremblay bass and Brett Bents,drums. In the past the band has performed with legendary artists Nazareth, Eddie Money and CCR.
Playing their own brand of diverse original Alt-Rock "ranging from driving-to-heavy-to- soulful,along with a high-energy live show, this is the band to keep an eye on," says Brad Thomas from KSTO radio St. Olaf, MN.
Reason One has had consistent radio play on WI. Public Radio and on college rock stations throughout WI. and MN. They recently made the jump to commercial radio with their first single the soulful ballad You Are A Star.
CHAOS AND CONTROL We are pretty much all over the place. We have a lot of different influences between the five of us which makes for some pretty interesting music. We do butt heads sometimes but suprisingly little considering the diversity of our tastes. It's definately rock music but also a slurry of numerous other influences, we like to call it ChaosAndControl.
DANGERGRASS
Feel Good Festival headliners for 5 years in a row.
7 cd's release in the last 6 years.
Played with Widespread Panic in Milwaukee.
Signed to Snailish Records in 2008.
Feel Good Festival headliners for 5 years in a row.
7 cd's release in the last 6 years.
Played with Widespread Panic in Milwaukee.
Signed to Snailish Records in 2008.
Kevin Reid
Kevin Reid is a songwriter from Madison, Wisconsin and an advocate for the February Album Writing Month. Each February at www.fawm.org songwriters from around the world are challenged to create 14 original songs over the course of the 28 days of Februrary. After playing in hard rock bands since he was a teenager, Kevin became newly inspired to write and self-record multitracked demos of songs created in less than 24 hours. His lyrics are observations of human relationships and the distances people will travel for their own understanding of the world around them. His music often features stripped down acoustic sessions with accessory electric guitar textures. His song "Mind the Gap" was featured on the 2010 official FAWMpilation CD which acts as a yearly compilation of the best and most original songs during the annual FAWM event. When not writing and recording music, Kevin Reid is an exploration geologist working on gold and copper deposits in Alaska and Montana.
Kevin Reid is a songwriter from Madison, Wisconsin and an advocate for the February Album Writing Month. Each February at www.fawm.org songwriters from around the world are challenged to create 14 original songs over the course of the 28 days of Februrary. After playing in hard rock bands since he was a teenager, Kevin became newly inspired to write and self-record multitracked demos of songs created in less than 24 hours. His lyrics are observations of human relationships and the distances people will travel for their own understanding of the world around them. His music often features stripped down acoustic sessions with accessory electric guitar textures. His song "Mind the Gap" was featured on the 2010 official FAWMpilation CD which acts as a yearly compilation of the best and most original songs during the annual FAWM event. When not writing and recording music, Kevin Reid is an exploration geologist working on gold and copper deposits in Alaska and Montana.
Butcher Class Hogs
Butcher Class Hogs are a ragtag bunch of musicians, some born in Wisconsin and some drawn here by fate, who play the kind of music sung only by those who have lived hard enough to mean it. Theirs is country with a rock n' roll attitude, in the immortal vein of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.
After living the kind of life that makes for great stories, Kurt Klinger arrived in Madison around 2005 with a vagabond's heart and a pitbull's smile. He has played his way across the Western states--from Portland to Tempe to Austin--gathering faded tattoos and busted teeth along the way. The simplicity of his songs would work just as well for punk as it does for Americana, yet concealed beneath the surface is the depth and universality common to all great songwriters.
Kurt is joined here in Madison by Tim Herbert on pedal steel, Wolfgang Lochner on mandolin, Steve McDowell on bass, Spencer Pforsich on drums, and Jake Stroup on lead guitar. Their own histories span across these United States and through decades of mischief, yet their shared history as the Butcher Class Hogs mostly remains to be written.
Butcher Class Hogs are a ragtag bunch of musicians, some born in Wisconsin and some drawn here by fate, who play the kind of music sung only by those who have lived hard enough to mean it. Theirs is country with a rock n' roll attitude, in the immortal vein of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.
After living the kind of life that makes for great stories, Kurt Klinger arrived in Madison around 2005 with a vagabond's heart and a pitbull's smile. He has played his way across the Western states--from Portland to Tempe to Austin--gathering faded tattoos and busted teeth along the way. The simplicity of his songs would work just as well for punk as it does for Americana, yet concealed beneath the surface is the depth and universality common to all great songwriters.
Kurt is joined here in Madison by Tim Herbert on pedal steel, Wolfgang Lochner on mandolin, Steve McDowell on bass, Spencer Pforsich on drums, and Jake Stroup on lead guitar. Their own histories span across these United States and through decades of mischief, yet their shared history as the Butcher Class Hogs mostly remains to be written.
FICTION DOG We cut our teeth playing classic rock and grunge covers in the early to mid 1990's and recorded "fido" in response to playing too many biker bars. We supported our debut disc throughout Wisconsin, from Minneapolis to Chicago, from Green Bay to LaCrosse, and of course in our hometown of Wausau. After a number of recordings, we enjoy a prominent and loyal following throughout Wisconsin, and perform at the Crawdadathon street dance during July in Wittenberg, WI.
NATE LENZ Singer songwriter that desires to play music that moves people past the simple melody, music that causes people to feel. Using all different styles and influences Nate has felt that if a song made it all the way through the writing, that there's a reason for it, so that's where you'll hear all different kinds of styles coming through in his songs.
RANDOM MAXX
“…Their infectious arsenal of wit, grit, melody, and heart renders one a willing captive. What stands tall is a dazzlingly individual brand of power pop, something they make look so easy... where many bands of the idiom fall so short...” Producer Mike Hoffmann, Rock Star Parking
A nominee of five Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards, Random Maxx has achieved its share of decoration, earning songwriting and performance awards from public polls, industry organizations, and regional press. Additionally, two of their original songs have been WAMI songwriting competition winners ("A Very Someone" "Utopia"). Random Maxx is a 8-time perfomer at Milwaukee's Summerfest (including 2011), the world's largest music festival, and has played all over Wisconsin and the surrounding area.
“…Their infectious arsenal of wit, grit, melody, and heart renders one a willing captive. What stands tall is a dazzlingly individual brand of power pop, something they make look so easy... where many bands of the idiom fall so short...” Producer Mike Hoffmann, Rock Star Parking
A nominee of five Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards, Random Maxx has achieved its share of decoration, earning songwriting and performance awards from public polls, industry organizations, and regional press. Additionally, two of their original songs have been WAMI songwriting competition winners ("A Very Someone" "Utopia"). Random Maxx is a 8-time perfomer at Milwaukee's Summerfest (including 2011), the world's largest music festival, and has played all over Wisconsin and the surrounding area.
Leading the Blind
Indie Alt-rock from Appleton, WI - Largely influenced by the 90’s grunge movement, the band “Blind” formed and had a fair bit of regional success before a split, Singer/songwriter Marty Paschke and bassist Jim Van Hout reformed the group in 2008 under the new moniker with two new members – Pat Wydeven (drums) and Eric Krueger (guitar, vocals). Having gig tested a lot of new material along with some higher profile live support slots, the band is headed into the studio summer 2011 for the long awaited follow up.
Indie Alt-rock from Appleton, WI - Largely influenced by the 90’s grunge movement, the band “Blind” formed and had a fair bit of regional success before a split, Singer/songwriter Marty Paschke and bassist Jim Van Hout reformed the group in 2008 under the new moniker with two new members – Pat Wydeven (drums) and Eric Krueger (guitar, vocals). Having gig tested a lot of new material along with some higher profile live support slots, the band is headed into the studio summer 2011 for the long awaited follow up.
Kevin Paris
Kevin Paris is a singer-songwriter out of Wisconsin bringing to life an infectious, distinct fusion of folk/reggae/acoustic/surf tunes rooted in feel good melodies, rich vocals and thoughtful, lush lyrics.
Paris won the 2010 International Songwriting Competition based in NYC through Peacedriven, is gigging locally and internationally, and is getting set to put out his sophomore record in summer of 2012. Find out more at http://www.kevinparismusic.com/!
Kevin Paris is a singer-songwriter out of Wisconsin bringing to life an infectious, distinct fusion of folk/reggae/acoustic/surf tunes rooted in feel good melodies, rich vocals and thoughtful, lush lyrics.
Paris won the 2010 International Songwriting Competition based in NYC through Peacedriven, is gigging locally and internationally, and is getting set to put out his sophomore record in summer of 2012. Find out more at http://www.kevinparismusic.com/!