The Fold Rocks

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

The Fold will play at The Bottom Lounge in Chicago tomorrow (Friday, February 12) night.  They will be also at the Apple Store in Michigan Avenue  on March 21, 2010.  Bring your iPhone and be part of their new video!  Hear more about that during my conversation with Dan Castady, lead singer of The Fold in Cara’s Basement.

Listen here:

The video they made for “Every Band In The U.S.A.” is amazing and is burning up on youtube:
Get more from The Fold here:

• www.TheFoldRock.com
• www.youtube.com/TheFoldMusic
• www.myspace.com/TheFold
• twitter.com/TheFoldRock
• www.facebook.com/TheFold

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Serenaded by Michael Buble

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

Michael Buble has sold 22,000,000 albums (so far) worldwide. His singing voice is impeccable.  His songs capture romance, heartache, love and every other emotion that goes along with any relationship you’ve ever been in. His song “Everything” is a very popular first-dance song at weddings. And his live performances are unreal. No wonder he’s got millions of fans worldwide chomping at the bit, anticipating the release of his third album “Crazy Love”. The album was initially supposed to be released on October 13, but due to fan demand the album will now be released 4 days prior (October 9). You can pre-order it now.

I had the priveledge of being the very first radio personality in the USA to speak to Michael Buble as he begins his mass promo for his new album.  An even bigger honor was having him serenade me…I still have the goosebumps!

Listen to our conversation in Cara’s Connection at the WTMX website:

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Renergizing Soul…KIA Presents The Soul Collective.

Eric Smith, NBC Chicago Street Team

Starting out as an invitation to a great party on Chicago’s hot music scene at the EnVent West Loop venue turned into an opportunity to take a closer look at the new KIA Soul vehicle and The Soul Collective.

The KIA Soul urban passenger vehicle was designed by Mike Torpey, who found inspiration for the vehicle while on assignment in Korea after watching a television show on wild boars. Believe it or not, the vehicle’s shape is derived from his sketch of a wild boar with a back pack, and as he states it is… “tough, rugged…with a cool stance and is ready to go places…”

The New KIA Soul

After having test-driven the vehicle it is all that and then some. KIA Soul is a cool urban vehicle perfect for city living. Its design is sleek, tight and compact with out being too small, rugged in posture-yet smooth around the bends. Definitely holding it’s own against other similar vehicles in it’s class like the Honday Civic, Scion xD and Sukuki SX4, this vehicle will surely stand out with many options for personalization and with the upcoming signature releases-Denim Soul, Ignition Soul, Light-Up Soul and more.

KIA Soul defines “a new way to roll” by partnering with Collective members Janelle Monae, Jonas and Francois, Jeff Stape, Jeffery Kalmikoff and Major Nelson. As stated by Katherine Cima, Manager of Sponsorships and Promotion for KMA, “Soul is a state of mind. The Soul Collective members have their own unique style and personality, they don’t roll the way the rest of us do. And as part of this campaign, these tastemakers are articulating how they roll, with KIA Soul-connecting with Gen Y at their passion points which are music, fashion design and art.”

Stating further, “The Soul Collective 10 city tour events are a fun place for people to come mingle, hear great music and test drive KIA Soul. Taking place over the course of three days and culminating on the last day in each market, a free concert only for those who take a test drive.” And she was right on point, I had the opportunity to see Chicago’s own Moneypenny

moneypenny

do her thing opening night, those in attendance were more than ready to mingle and I got tix to the closing ceremony with The Walkmen because I test drove the new KIA Soul!

For additional information and tour dates visit KIASoulCollective.com.

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New Music Monday – Hotstylz, The Hurt Game, Really Doe

Dave Leonard, NBC5 Street Team, (Video)
The Midwest continues to represent in a major way on the music tip this Summer! Here are a couple of new releases that recently dropped that you will definitely need in your collection:

In late 2007, Chicago’s own HotStylz dropped a hilarious and creative hip-hop anthem called “Lookin’ Boy” which was based on “The Dozens”, a hood tradition of good natured trash talking and two or more competitors trading witty insults. This song featured Atlanta rapper, Yung Joc, who also signed HotStylz to his Swagg Team Entertainment label and became an instant classic. Virtually, nothing was heard from the trio for almost two years…until now.

Thanks to Swagg Team/Jive Records and UIC Radio’s own DJ Moondawg, Hotstylz’ Raydio G, Krayzee, and Meatball are back with a funny, yet innovative major mixtape release, “A.D.D. : The Mixtape”. In this day and age of rappers talking about money, cars, and clothes, Hotstylz brings a great deal of comic relief, realism, creativity, and originality to the game. On “A.D.D.” they pick-up right where “Lookin’ Boy” left off with catchy hooks and infectious club beats. Standout tracks include “Michael Phelps”, the “laugh out loud” “Auntie Booty”, “Go Dutch” and “Thik & Fye” which features fellow Chi-town MC, Twista. Of course, Hotstylz’ true comedic talents shine on the hilarious skits. Check out the “Dead Beat Dad” skit and you will probably have tears in your eyes from laughing so hard. You can download this mixtape for free at DJ Moondawg’s website at www.djmoondawg.com

Shadowkat Nightson came to bring the pain…and it’s called “The Hurt Game”. This impressive collaborative effort brings together some of the Midwest’s best with a majority of them hailing from the Indianapolis area. “Nightsons Presents: The Hurt Game” presents a hard-hitting, unflinching soundscape that also has a very organic feel to it with a diverse collection of MCs rockin’ over beats provided by the Nightsons camp.

Shadowkat and his fellow Plugg City family, Chi-town’s own Rhymefest let you know what time it is right off the top with the sickening title track where “they ain’t playin’ no word games”. They keep the energy going with the pulsating “Breath Control” which features alpha.live and it’s pretty much a straight listen from start to finish from there. Check out “Money Bags”, “Full Blown”, and the head bobbing “Cold Case”. Don’t let this one pass you by! “Nightsons Presents: The Hurt Game” is now available at iTunes and Amazon.com. For more info or a preview of the album you can also go to www.nightsons.com

Last but not least, the anticipated debut release from Chi-town MC and Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music affiliate, Really Doe “First Impressions”, dropped via Cartel Records. Ever since the MC showcased his unique rhyme flow on “We Major” on West’s multi-platinum “Late Registration” album alongside the legendary Nas, hip-hop heads have wanted to hear more and Really Doe delivers on his first effort.

“First Impressions” has a lot of soulful hip-hop on it courtesy of producer Griffin Guess. “Sew It Up”, “RPS (Rock, Paper, Scissors)”, and one of my personal favorites, the unapologetic “My City” are indicative of that. Another single to check for on “Impressions” is the first single, “Mesmerized” which features vocalist Danny Klein and has a slightly similar sound to Lupe Fiasco’s “Superstar”. Other standouts to peep are “Follow Me”, “Million Dollar” and Mr. West even shows up on “Plastic”. Really Doe has been grinding for a while on the hip-hop scene and it’s good to see the hard work finally paying off. Hit up iTunes or Best Buy and cop this one for the iPod. He makes a good “first impression”…really doe.

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New Music Monday – Scientific, E-TRAIN, “Steal” Mixtape

Dave Leonard, NBC Chicago Street Team

The Summer isn’t over yet, so if you’re looking for some new heat to rock in the iPod, here’s a few new artists you need to check for:

Get familiar with Scientific The Rap God from the Westside of Chicago who has been killing the game on the hip-hop freestyle and mixtape circuit since his early high school days. The buzz is now getting louder on this kid who has shared the stage with heavy-hitters such as Akon, Ludacris, and Young Jeezy just to name a few. His latest single “Boomerang” which is also featured on his current mixtape release,

“Murderwoods: Vol. 2”, is starting to rip up the airwaves and consistently sells on iTunes in addition to breaking records on the ringtone charts. You can check out more of Scientific’s infamous YouTube freestyle battles, mixtapes, and upcoming appearance information at his Myspace www.myspace.com/scientifictherapgod

From our Midwest neighbors comes a unique brand of rhymespitters equipped with hella style and we’re not just talking about the music. “Authenticity is invaluable…Originality is non-existent”…this is the mantra echoed on the intro to the innovative mixtape release, “Dope Couture Presents alpha.live + CMART: Steal From The Rich”. This mixtape is a breath of fresh air for the true hip-hop heads and sneaker fans all the way down to the clever cover design. Indianapolis’ finest, alpha.live, rips through a 12-track collection of CMART beats and orchestrated by Shadowkat Nightson. Two of Chi-town’s notables are featured on two of the first leaks off the mixtape. Grammy-Award winner, Rhymefest drops in on “All I Need” and Naledge of Kidz In The Hall blesses the soulful “Kelley’s Song”.

Other standout cuts include “Roy G Biv” which cleverly samples the theme song from the popular “Reading Rainbow” children’s show and the haunting “Listen” which has alpha.live taking on the persona of a Vietnam veteran. This mixtape is definitely one to get for when the official free download hits the net on August 4th. Check www.alphaisforever.com for updates.

Last but not least, check out the dynamic sounds of E-TRAIN, a dynamic Chicago-based producer and singer-songwriter who has a unique brand of hip-hop and “Nintendo Pop” that is creating a huge buzz for his forthcoming album, “The Wrath of Roxane” which was inspired by his late mother. E-TRAIN has already garnered radio exposure with his first single “Damn” and his current single, the explosive “Wreck the Discotech” which features the “Minnesota Monster”, Young General. Next up, is the super-jazzy, “Your Dance Floor” which is currently being mastered by world renowned engineer Eric Yoder at Horse Drawn Productions. Be sure to also catch him on tour soon to get the full experience. To get more of this kinetic, electro hip-hop check out his Myspace at www.myspace.com/eTRAINrap. Hop aboard the “TRAIN” and feel the “Wrath” on Sept. 5th.

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Chrisette Michele Dishes On Epiphany

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chrisette Michele is taking a different approach with her sophomore album, Epiphany.

The Grammy award winning singer isn’t stressing anymore about what people think about her and her music. Instead, Chrisette now says, “If they don’t like me or my music –that’s ok and thanks!”

Chrisette sat down with me for a private dinner with a select group of friends on Tuesday (April 21st) at Hyde Park hot-spot Park 52. The fabulous dinner was a four-course taster and also served as a intimate listening session.

Sporting a blue and gold trimmed Polo Rugby jacket with matching gold bracelets by Scoop NYC, Chrisette discussed everything from how Ne-Yo made her have a epiphany to stress and bleeding vocal cords.

The fabulous intimate event was sponsored and hosted by Bleu Magazine and editor in chief extraordinaire Lenox Magee. (Thanks!) Also, specials thanks to Mega LLC -Dr. Renee Matthews!

Epiphany is the follow-up to Chrisette Michele’s critically acclaimed gold selling debut, I AM. Epiphany will hit stores on May 5th.

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It’s the song stuck in your head…

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

“Nothing matters but the weekend.  From a Tuesday point of view.”

If you found yourself humming the tune as you read the words, then you’re familiar with “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” by The Kings.  Possibly, you have heard that song every Friday for the past two decades – many radio stations STILL play it religiously to kick off the weekend.  And rightly so.  It may have been a one-hit wonder, but it’s one of the most sustainable one-hit wonders ever.  It totally encapsulates the feeling of…well, the weekend!

Check out the backstory of what lead up to that hit song from Mister Zero, songwriter/guitarist for The Kings, in Cara’s Basement.

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Peterik Party at FitzGeralds Saturday!

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

You’re invited to Grammy™ Award winner Jim Peterik and his son Colin’s tandem CD release party this Saturday (April 11th) at FitzGeralds in Berwyn.

“This is the thrill of a lifetime, to be sharing the stage with my son”, says the elder Peterik.

Jim Peterik is well known as the singer/songwriter for The Ides Of March and Survivor in addition to his many songwriting credits for other artists.  His latest project Lifeforce is quite a departure for the rocker – it’s smooth jazz featuring singer Lisa McLowry.  The self-titled Lifeforce CD casts some of Peterik’s greatest hits such as Vehicle and The Eye Of The Tiger in a totally new light.  Hear for yourself when Lifeforce jams at FitzGeralds.

Jim’s son Colin is the singer, songwriter and keyboardist for the very uniquely named Lobster Newberg.  Fresh from their first national tour, Lobster Newberg will open the show, celebrating their second CD “Actress”.

As an extra added bonus, if you go to the FitzGeralds Saturday you will receive a golden ticket that can be redeemed at the merchandise table post-show for either a “Lifeforce” or “Actress” CD.  Sweet!  That sure makes the low $15 ticket price an even better deal.

If you want to hear Jim Peterik tell his fascinating rock story take a listen to my interview with him in Cara’s Basement.  Be sure to listen to the entire episode – he does an absolutely amazing acoustic live performance of “Vehicle” at the end!

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Interview: Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

I’ve been recording my podcast Cara’s Basement from my house for almost two years.  It’s very convenient – I do interviews over the phone with artists who are all over the world, so sometimes I’m talking to them at strange times.  In this case, it was 7am.  I had just gotten out of the shower.  Wearing nothing but a towel, I chatted with former Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor.  Maybe that’s “TMI” but I can’t tell you how wierd it was to be talking to him while I was practically naked.  I kept thinking how envious many other women would be.  Let’s face it, Duran Duran played a pretty significant role in the popularity of MTV and was a majorly H U G E group in the 1980′s.  They still are – I have plenty of friends who still totally dig Duran Duran and their recent material has been great.

Andy Taylor wrote a juicy tell-all book, “Wild Boy” .  If ever there was someone who lived the life of a rock star, it was him.  It’s a really fun book to read and it was remarkable talking to him about what it was like to play at Live Aid  when the much-anticipated Led Zeppelin took place (they were onstage right after Zep!), performing for Princess Diana and almost getting assassinated, filming video’s with real elephants and almost drowning, and much more.   You can listen to our conversation now at www.CarasBasement.com.

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Inchworm! *CD Release and Limited-Time Free Download*

Fayth a.k.a. Relaxocat, NBC5 Street Team

After a couple posts from me about DJ’s, it’s time to shift gears a bit and introduce you all to Inchworm.  A local band that I had been hearing about for the last year or so.  I even know a few members, but until 3 weeks ago I had never heard them before.  So there I was, standing outside the bar and all I could hear was this great voice resonating onto the sidewalk.  “Who is that?”  It was Matt Baugher, who I’d met the year before and was then part of another band along with drummer, Mike Holtz.  Both played Lollapalooza last year, but I had always heard that Inchworm was their gem and work-in-progress.

A gem indeed and really worth a good listen. Don’t believe me?  Well, Richard Milne on WXRT featured them recently on Local Anesthetic so take his lead.  You’ll hear fantastic music that’s an enduring culmination of blues, rock, folk, and pop – a blend in good measure that will keep you listening.  And I have to tell you, I’d never heard Matt sing before and what a nice surprise that was.  Moreover, Inchworm is sharing with you by offering NBC Street Team readers an exclusive free download of their EP which was previously only available to “the industry”.  Grab this sampling of their music while you can because it will only be available until their official CD release this Friday.

Speaking of the CD release, Inchworm sounds even better live so be sure to hit their CD release party this Friday at Darkroom.  If you just can’t get enough, click here to buy their new CD ‘Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing’ on iTunes now!

Come on out, hear Inchworm, meet Inchworm, buy Inchworm a beer to thank them for the free download, and then pick up a CD – all at Darkroom this Friday night!

• Inchworm CD Release this Friday, October 10th
• Darkroom – 2210 W. Chicago Ave. (map)

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DJ Icey At Smartbar, “5 Dolla Bill Y’All” – A Free Download Too!

Fayth a.k.a. Relaxocat, NBC5 Street Team

DJ Icey just sent me an email reminding me that he touches down in Chicago this Friday at Smartbar.  I downloaded his recent Sirius radio set that also promotes his upcoming show and I’m taking a break from dancing around to share it with y’all.  First off, you too can hear his Sirius radio set for free by clicking right here or by clicking on the flyer for his upcoming show, “5 Dolla Bill Y’All”.  Yes, that’s right, the show is just $5 bucks at Smartbar this Friday night!  I want to add that DJ Icey’s aim is to bring us an affordable show, noting that nowadays it can be costly to go out, drink, dance, and party.  Thanks Icey, we love you!

After my disappointment with Moby’s Lollapalooza after-party set over a month ago, I’m doing the happy-dance because DJ Icey is coming to town, bringing his style of spinning which really does keep you moving on the dance floor, and not just at the same bpm.  His musical influences come from all over the musical landscape, so look forward to innovative breakbeats, hip-hop, funk, loops, drum & bass, vocals, a little Latin, and a touch of rock ‘n roll.  Seriously, it’s great dance music.

With a myriad of releases on Zone Records, DJ Icey is internationally known and currently touring around the country and around the globe.  His current release, “Offshore Jedi”, is on pre-release at ITunes.  We Chicagoans get a perk at Smartbar since his show here has a fantastic line-up of four other DJ’s, including a set from Keith MacKenzie.  Get a sampling by listening to DJ Icey’s recorded set that includes a mini-set by Keith, or tune in to his show, “Automatic Static”, Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. CT on Sirius Radio, channel 34.

• DJ Icey, Keith MacKenzie, & more: “5 Dolla Bill Y’All”
• Friday, Sept. 26th – $5 cover all night
• Smartbar – 3730 N. Clark (click for map)
• Hear the free set – click here!

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New Lovehammers Song & Video!

Cara “Cara’s Basement” Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Hey, wasn’t it just a few weeks ago I was lamenting about the lead singer bolting from one of my favorite bands, Lovehammers? Well, I was pleasantly surprised to see a myspace bulletin spreading the word about a new Lovehammers song & video being released this Friday.

I tried to contact Dino from the band to no avail to get details about it. I even called the president of the record label where the Lovehammers were recording new material (as Marty left – don’t even get me started) and he wasn’t even aware of exactly what they are releasing. So, it’s a mystery. Obviously, it’s something that was in the can before Marty Casey left to join L.A. Gunz. But what song? Is it a live recording with concert footage as the video? Is it a studio recording? Are the guys in the video or is it animated? What’s Marty’s part in all this? Is this all just a silly farce and someone is playing mindgames with us Hammerheads???

Guess we have to wait until Friday to find out.

Type my name in the search bar to see/hear more of my posts including interviews with Alanis Morissette, The Bravery, Lovehammers, Triumph’s Rik Emmett, Matthew Santos, Shooting Star, Mike Tafoya, Absentstar, comedian Lee Camp & more.

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Live Music Review: Architecture in Helsinki

Brian Battle NBC5 Street Team

They could’ve named this show “The Bands With Unnecessary Names” Tour ’06. New York-cum-Philly “indie” success story Clap Your Hands Say Yeah headlined, along with Australia’s Architecture in Helsinki and Brooklyn-based Takka Takka.

Sandwiched between the two NY rock bands were the delightful Architecture in Helsinki. The eclectic group dressed the part–six members (an abridged touring lineup) took the stage looking like a mishmash of high school sterotypes… spaz, jock, hippie, Cure fan, etc, etc. Shirking the deliberately childish sounds of their first release, Fingers Crossed, AiH’s entire set was blissful, endearing and downright danceable.

Swapping vocal duties and instruments between nearly every song, the band bounced through newer material and brand-new stuff, smooshing genres and song structures as they went. The abrupt endings and mid-song tempo changes which make their albums a peculiar experience created an exhilarating live show — keeping the audience guessing… and clapping… and jumping around a bit.

The extended segue into a funk-friendly “Do the Whirlwind” got people bouncing, while the delightfully quirky Jamie Mildren (right) stole the show belting out her vocals on “Wishbone” – the hap-hap-happiest pop gem you may ever hear.

Clad in a well-loved Ryne Sandberg jersey (a move Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch has pulled in Chicago before), singer Cameron Bird delivered his so-called Love Ballad From The Outback, “Maybe You Can Owe Me” with the equal parts whimsy and sincerity.

Before it could get too cute though, Bird got back to groovin’ — hitting the drum machine and rocking out with such abandon that the instrument was knocked hard to the floor. Overall, the new stuff sounds great, one sounding an awful lot like Rusted Root (ha, in a good way) and the whole set giving off a exuberant twee-meets-Stop Making Sense rumpus. *Full Review Here*

Architecture in Helsinki – “Do The Whirlwind (Metronomy Mix)”

(Photos by Pegs. Thanks Pegs.)

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