Victor Villarreal @ Metro w/ Joan of Arc in February (more by Grant MacAllister)

Joan of Arc/Owls/Ghosts & Vodka/Cap'n Jazz member and solo artist Victor Villarreal is set to play The Whistler on May 16, with Kellen & Me. As always, shows at The Whistler are FREE. Victor's debut solo effort, Invisible Cinema, hit stores in late-January via Joyful Noise. The album's lead single/opening track "Enters," which we posted for download, is included on this week's Chicago Mixtape (#65). Join up to download the 10-track mix, which also features Sybris, Wells-next-the-Sea, Brendan Losch, Maps & Atlases (win tickets to see them at Metro on Friday), and others.

Victor recently toured throughout Europe with Berlin's mOck and to go along with their 15-date run, the two acts released a split 7" via Joyful Noise. Stream Victor's contribution, a dirty, fast-paced track titled "Suspended Nerve," below...

Continue reading "Victor Villarreal is playing The Whistler next week"

photo & video by John Yingling

Willis Earl Beal @ the Hideout

Last night (Thursday, April 19), Willis Earl Beal played a sold-out hometown show at the very intimate Hideout. Unlike his recent set at the House of Blues, Willis was the centerpiece and the packed crowd cheered loudly after each song. Were you there? What did you think of the show? Check out some live video footage at the bottom of this post.

This week's Chicago Mixtape (Mixtape 062) features a live version of "Sambo Joe From The Rainbow," a cut off of Willis' debut LP Acousmatic Sorcery. CM will post a new tape on Monday, so you have until then to download the current one, which also includes tracks from Santah, Joan of Arc, Bloodiest, and others.

Willis plays the Questlove-curated "Shuffle Culture" in Brooklyn tonight. His next hometown show is a performance on Friday (July 13) of Pitchfork Festival 2012. All known 2012 tour dates and some video footage from last night's show, below...

Continue reading "Willis Earl Beal played the Hideout (video); featured on the Chicago Mixtape"

Free local weekly music mix the Chicago Mixtape are celebrating the one year anniversary of the service with a show on February 11th at Subterranean. The Shams Band, who open for Drive By Truckers, Dawes, and Joe Pug this weekend, will headline the event with support from Elephant Gun, Architecture, and The Damn Choir. Tickets are on sale now and you can also RSVP for a one-hour open bar.

To subscribe to the Chicago Mixtape, simply visit their website and enter your email address. Each week, a playlist of locals bands spanning multiple genres will appear in your inbox.