DOWNLOAD: Cross Record - Epitonic Saki Session (Zipped MP3s)

Cross Record @ Schubas in January (more by Matt Ziegler)

Cross Record, the project of Chicago via Florida singer-songwriter Emily Cross, recently released a new album, called Be Good, via Lay Flat. You can stream a few tracks from that album at the bottom of this post. Order a copy of Be Good HERE.

Emily's Cross Record were one of the many bands who performed at the bvChicago / Saki-presented full day of in-stores on Record Store Day 2012. Epitonic tracked live recordings of all acts, and you can download Cross Record's set at the top of this post. Two of the five songs they performed were from Be Good -- "Cups in the Sink" and "Skins of Fishes."

A few Cross Record song streams are below...

Continue reading "Cross Record released 'Be Good;' played Saki on Record Store Day (MP3s)"

DOWNLOAD: Bare Mutants - Epitonic Saki Session (Zipped MP3s)

Bare Mutants @ Saki on Record Store Day (4.21.2012) (via bvChicago Instagram)

As part the bvChicago-presented Record Store Day in-store marathon at Saki, Epitonic captured live recordings of most of the acts who played that day. One of those acts were locals Bare Mutants, who played an early afternoon set at the shop. You can download the eight-song session at the top of this post and/or stream it via Epitonic.

Bare Mutants have two upcoming shows: an opening slot for the Afghan Wigs at Metro on August 4 and an opening slot the following night for Divine Fits at Schubas. Both shows sold out very quickly. Were you able to grab tickets to either?

Check out a 16-minute Coach House Sounds session they did in 2011 below...

Continue reading "Bare Mutants played Saki on Record Store Day (MP3s); opening for Afghan Wigs & Divine Fits (separately)"

DOWNLOAD: Hospitality - "Epitonic Saki Session" (Zipped MP3s)

Hospitality @ Lincoln Hall (more by Chase Turner)

While in town to play Lincoln Hall during the Tomorrow Never Knows festival (pictured above), Hospitality also visited Logan Square to play an Epitonic Saki Session. Download a zip file of live recordings from the performance at the top of this post and check out some video footage below.

The band are currently on tour with Eleanor Friedberger and together, they hit Schubas on May 1 and SPACE in Evanston (Eleanor's hometown) on May 2. Tickets are still available for both Chicago-area shows. After their run with Eleanor, Hospitality will return to Chicago with Here We Go Magic to play the Empty Bottle on May 15. Tickets are still available for that one as well.

Speaking of HWGM, they've just released a new video for "How Do I Know," directed by Sean Pecknold (Robin Pecknold's brother). View it below. The track comes from their forthcoming LP, A Different Ship, due out on May 8 via Secretly Canadian. Head to Spinner for an advance stream of the album.

All 2012 tour dates for all three acts, below...

Continue reading "Hospitality played an Epitonic Saki Session (video, MP3s); playing 3-Chicago shows in May"

DOWNLOAD: Autumn Owls - "Raindrops In The Water" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Autumn Owls - "Pavor Nocturnus" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Autumn Owls - "Acrobatics of a Patchwork Heart" (MP3)

Dublin trio Autumn Owls are here for a visit. They're currently camped out at Engine Studios with producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron & Wine, Fruit Bats), recording their debut full-length LP. Their two 2008 EPs, Insomnia Lodge and On the Trail of the Disappearing, showcased an interesting mix of folk and post-rock. Download three tracks from those albums at the top of this post. You can also check out some video footage of the band playing two new tracks from their upcoming album, below.

While they're here laying down some new material, Autumn Owls have a number of Chicago shows scheduled (the first happens TONIGHT (April 27), at Cal's Liquors). They'll play a 4PM Epitonic Saki Session with Big Science tomorrow, and then Reggie's Music Joint later that night with Like Pioneers and Brontosaurs. They are also playing Martyrs on May 14.

All dates and some videos/song streams below...

Continue reading "Autumn Owls are here, recording w/Brian Deck; playing shows"

An Horse @ ACL 2011 (more by Tim Griffin)

Australian duo An Horse are here, due in part to their tour with Nada Surf, which hits Metro tomorrow night (April 2). Tickets are still available for that. The duo play an Epitonic Saki Session tonight with opener Champions. It begins at 5PM and they'll go on around 6PM. Saki also have a pair of tickets to giveaway for their Metro show.

An Horse's great sophomore LP, Walls, came out about a year ago in the US via Mom + Pop. Check out a few music videos that they've made from the album, below. Like Maps & Atlases, James Murphy, and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, the twosome also have a coffee addiction (that's okay, we definitely do as well). Along with their music videos you can watch a two-part series titled "Coffee Time."

All 2012 tour dates and some videos below..

Continue reading "An Horse are here, playing Saki tonight w/ Champions & Metro tomorrow w/ tour mates Nada Surf"

Laura Gibson @ Mercury Lounge in January (NYC) (more by Jessica Amaya)

Singer-songwriter Laura Gibson welcomed her great new album, La Grande, in late January via Barsuk Records. Stream the album's title track over at BrooklynVegan. In support of the LP, she's been on and off the road since its release and will continue to forge on, hitting Chicago's the Hideout this Friday, March 9. Support will come from Honey & Buffalo, Vic & Gab and advance tickets are on sale. Earlier that day, she'll play a FREE (as always) Epitonic Saki Session at 6PM. Try to catch at least one, if not both, of these performances.

A full list of 2012 tour dates (SXSW included) can be found below.

Continue reading "Laura Gibson hits Chicago this week, playing the Hideout & an Epitonic Saki Session"

BJ the Chicago Kid

Earlier this month, up-and-coming soul singer BJ the Chicago Kid released his excellent Pineapple Now-Laters mixtape via M.A.F.E. Music. Featuring two collaborations with rapper Kendrick Lamar, "The World Is A Ghetto" and "His Pain II," BJ's smooth vocal melodies float effortlessly over fast-handed drum beats and syrupy guitar lines. Much like The Roots, BJ creates an even blend of soul, hip hop, and jazz fronted by socially conscious lyrics. Purchase Pineapple Now-Laters via iTunes. Stream both "The World Is A Ghetto" and "His Pain II" at the bottom of this post.

The Kid has a few upcoming tour dates, one of which is a hometown performance at the Double Door on March 23 with support from fellow Chicagoan Lili K. and her band The Secret Garden. Advance tickets are on sale.

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Lili K.

Speaking of Lili K., the jazzy songstress and producer/composer Peter Cottontale released their A Prelude To Hello EP in July and are currently working on a follow up, titled Metal Pedals. Grab A Prelude To Hello for FREE via her website.

Before they open for BJ at the Double Door, Lili K. and The Secret Garden play an AEMMP Records-presented Epitonic Saki Session with Legit and The GTW on March 11. They'll also make their way down to Austin, TX for SXSW 2012.

All known dates and song streams from both artists, below..

Continue reading "BJ the Chicago Kid schedules Double Door show w/ Lili K."

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound

Chicago soul revivalists JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound have a number of exciting upcoming gigs.

The first, is an opening slot for fellow Chicagoan Mavis Stapes on Wednesday, February 29 at the Tivoli Theatre in nearby Downers Grove, IL. Advance tickets are on sale. As mentioned, Mavis will also headline the 2012 edition of the Chicago Blues Festival in June.

JC and co. are also playing an Epitonic Saki Session on Sunday, March 5 at 4PM, which will serve as their tour-to-SXSW send-off.

Speaking of Chicago and SXSW, JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound are the first artist that we can reveal are playing the BV Chicago-programmed stage at Hotel 'Vegan' on Wednesday, March 14th, from noon - 6PM! We're extremely honored to have them on board and are looking forward to sharing more of the lineup with you soon.

Happy Friday!

All 2012 tour dates, some videos, and the Hotel 'Vegan' flyer, below..

Continue reading "JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound to play Downers Grove w/ Mavis Staples, an Epitonic Saki Session & BV Chicago SXSW"

Ida @ Europa during Northside Festival 2011 (BKLYN) (more by Amanda Hatfield)

NYC indie-folk group Ida haven't had too much going on lately (their most recent record came out in 2008 via Polyvinyl), but they'll hit Saki this coming Sunday (1/29), for a 6PM in-store performance (special guest TBA). Earlier that day, band member Elizabeth Mitchell is playing an 11AM children's show at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets are still available for that.

UPDATE: The in-store is now an official Epitonic Saki Session, with an opening set from Geoff Farina.

Some videos, below..

Continue reading "Ida are playing Saki"

Hospitality @ Bowery Ballroom in October (NYC) (more by Amanda Hatfield)

As mentioned, Hospitality are playing Lincoln Hall on Saturday (1/14), as part of Tomorrow Never Knows 2012. They'll also be in town the night before to play an Epitonic Saki Session. Though their Lincoln Hall show (headlined by Grouplove) is now sold out, we've got a pair of tickets to give away! Details on how to enter to win them are below.

While you're down there, check some live footage of the band shot by BV photographer Jessica Amaya.

Continue reading "win tix to Hospitality's TNK show @ Lincoln Hall"

DOWNLOAD: Carter Tanton - "Fake Pretend" feat. Marissa Nadler (MP3)

Carter Tanton has a new video for his track "Fake Pretend" featuring Marissa Nadler, which appeared on his 2011 debut LP Freeclouds. The footage, directed by Jeff Maksym, begins with Tanton walking through a field of high grass and then morphs into trippy visuals by the time Nadler starts to sing the first verse. Check it out below and download the track at the top of this post.

As mentioned, Carter Tanton will be in town on the 15th, to play Lincoln Hall as part of Tomorrow Never Knows 2012. Two Gallants headline and Boy and Death Ships will act as support. Single tickets are still available for that show. The following day (1/16), Tanton will also be playing a 4PM Epitonic Saki Session.

All 2012 tour dates and video, below..

Continue reading "Carter Tanton's video for "Fake Pretend" feat. Marissa Nadler; playing TNK 2012 & an Epitonic Saki Session"

DOWNLOAD: Hospitality - "Friends of Friends" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Hospitality - "Betty Wang" (MP3)

Hospitality

As mentioned, Brooklyn, NY's Hospitality are set to release their debut self-titled LP via Merge Records on January 31st. The album's two lead singles "Friends of Friends" and "Betty Wang" give a taste of full-length's overall sound, exhibiting a lighthearted, fun quality. Download both tracks at the top of this post and/or stream them below.

Though their Tomorrow Never Knows show with Grouplove, 123, and Kid Color at Lincoln Hall is sold out (you can still get in if you have a 5-day pass), they'll also be playing an Epitonic Saki Session one day earlier (Friday, 1/13) at 6PM. As always, ESS's are FREE.

Check out the album's tracklisting and cover art HERE.

All 2012 tour dates and song streams, below..

Continue reading "Hospitality coming to town for Tomorrow Never Knows 2012, playing an Epitonic Saki Session"

As mentioned, Bloomington, Indiana's Murder By Death are coming to town to play Subterranean on both December 30th and 31st. A Lull (who recently covered Bruce Springsteen) will open the first night and The Blind Staggers will support the band on New Year's Eve. Tickets are still available for both performances.

Before their NYE show at Subterranean, Murder By Death have added a 4PM Epitonic Saki Session to their schedule. Catch the band for FREE at the Logan Square record store.

All 2011/12 tour dates, and some song streams, below..

Continue reading "Murder By Death add Epitonic Saki Session; tix still available for both Subterranean shows"

Dark Dark Dark @ Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements (more by Zach Pollack)

Minneapolis's Dark Dark Dark decided to make things just a little bit more confusing for us all, when they went and recorded a cover of the George Harrison-written Beatles tune "Long Long Long." Before you really lose it, please note that their rendition featuring frontwoman Nona Marie's choir is part of a benefit for music and arts programs in Minnesota public schools.

The Minnesota Beatle Project is a collaborative effort on behalf of the Minnesota music industry to provide support for music and art programs in Minnesota public schools. The albums feature esteemed MN-born-or-based musicians performing originally arranged compositions of their favorite Beatles songs. The album also features Minnesota public school student bands that have been recipents of Vega donations, as well as album artwork created by by students in Minnesota public schools. 100% of net proceeds from The Minnesota Beatle Project are used to rebuild and enhance music and art education for children in Minnesota public schools. Minnesota Beatle Project grants distributed in 2010 and 2011 have provided the opportunity for more than 15,000 students to participate in music and art programs statewide.

In related news, Chicago band Pillars and Tongues (aka the side project of band member Mark Trecka) are playing a FREE, Epitonic Saki Session with A Tundra on the 18th. Check them out via bandcamp, where they're offering a digital 7" for download.

Head below for a listen of Dark Dark Dark's Beatles cover, and some videos..

Continue reading "hear Dark Dark Dark cover The Beatles' "Long Long Long," +++ Pillars and Tongues are playing an Epitonic Saki Session"

DOWNLOAD: A Lull - Epitonic Saki Session (Zipped MP3s)

A Lull @ Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements

As they returned back home from an East Coast run that included CMJ, A Lull were the subject of a late-October Epitonic Saki Session. Playing tracks from both Confetti and Confetti Reprise, the band gave a good taste of what their live show sounds like. Download the entire 6-song session at the top of this post.

A Lull are currently gearing up for a winter headlining run, with support from DC's Deleted Scenes. This largely West Coast tour will wind down at the beginning of February, with a performance at Rock Island, IL's The Rozz Tox on the third of the month. Tickets will be posted shortly.

Head below for all 2012 tour dates..

Continue reading "A Lull played an Epitonic Saki Session (MP3's), touring w/ Deleted Scenes this winter"

DOWNLOAD: Eleanor Friedberger - Epitonic Saki Session (Zipped MP3s)

Eleanor Friedberger @ Webster Hall (more by Jessica Amaya)

This past July when Eleanor Friedberger was in town to play Hideout, she also stopped by Saki Records to play the first-ever Epitonic Saki Session. At the top of this post you can download a zip of MP3's from the session, and below you can view a video of her set.

As part of a fall tour, she'll return with her band, which include members of MGMT & Ted Leo's Pharmacists, on October 29th to play Subterranean. Tickets are still available.

Check out her full tour schedule below..

Continue reading "Eleanor Friedberger played an Epitonic Saki Session in July (video, MP3's), playing Subterranean soon"

Olivia Tremor Control/Music Tapes in Austin (more by Tim Griffin)

today in Chicago
* Paul Kelly @ Schubas
* Ernie Halter, Adam Levy @ SPACE
* Manu Chao La Ventura @ Congress Theater
* Wagons, The Dirt Daubers, Tangleweed @ Hideout
* Braids, Pepper Rabbit, Painted Palms @ Empty Bottle
* The Olivia Tremor Control, The Music Tapes @ Bottom Lounge
* PC Worship, Bomb Banks @ Permanent Records (Free; In-store)
* Lasers and Fast and Shit, Big Science, Vamos, The Runnies @ Fireside Bowl
* Death By Steamship, The Wires, The Studs, The Brothers of Barabas, "Richardson" Richardson @ Panchos

RIP DJ Mehdi

As we tweeted yesterday, that Braids' Epitonic Saki Session has been canceled. Bummer. They'll still play Empty Bottle tonight with Pepper Rabbit and Painted Palms. Congrats to the winner of our ticket contest.

What else?

DOWNLOAD: Purity Ring - "Belispeak" (MP3)

Braids, and Purity Ring (two bands we've been really digging this year) are set to release a split 7" on October 10th via Kanine/Fat Possum Records. Kanine (Braids' label) will handle digital sales, while Fat Possum will be in charge of the physical 7". Download Purity Ring's offering at the top of this post. Stream Braids' HERE.

Braids are playing Chicago's Empty Bottle on Tuesday, 9/13, with their tour-mates Pepper Rabbit and Painted Palms. Tickets are still available, and we've also got a pair to give away! Details on how to enter to win them are below.

Earlier that same day, just like Telekinesis and Marissa Nadler, Braids will play a FREE (as always) Epitonic Saki Session at Saki Records. Contact the store for more details.

Purity Ring will be in town on October 14 to open for Neon Indian at Lincoln Hall. Tickets are still available.

Contest details below...

Continue reading "Braids playing Empty Bottle (win tix!) & an Epitonic Saki Session (free!), releasing a split 7" w/ Purity Ring"

Telekinesis @ Mercury Lounge in March (more by Jessica Amaya)

Marissa Nadler @ Schubas in July (more by Ben Rodig)

As we've previously mentioned, Epitonic.com, and Saki Records have an ongoing in-store partnership dubbed the Epitonic Saki Sessions.

They've just added two new events to the series, coming up in the next few weeks.

Telekinesis will play on Saturday (9/10) at 5PM, and then stick around to play a 4PM set the following day at the A.V. Fest.

Marissa Nadler will play on Thursday (9/15) at 4PM, and then open for James Vincent McMorrow later that night at Hideout.

All ages are welcome at Saki, and admission is 100% FREE. What's not to like?

Stay tuned for more upcoming session announcements.

Son Lux @ Le Poisson Rouge in NYC (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Our good friends at Epitonic.com have recently unveiled their new, on-going project with Saki Records dubbed simply the Epitonic Saki Sessions.

These are in-stores at the shop curated by the site, and aim to feature a wide variety of artists from various genres.

Their kick off happened to be last week, with an in-store featuring Eleanor Friedberger.

On August 6th, the Epitonic Saki Sessions presents: a FREE; 6PM in-store from Son Lux.
Earlier that day, Son Lux will play a FREE; noon show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Stay tuned for more upcoming sessions.