by Parker Langvardt, photos by James Richards IV

The sun baked the lawns and wide streets of downtown Chicago's Grant Park as Lollapalooza 2012 started off on Friday with bands on all stages minus the two main stages at either end of the park. Aside from the stages, fences, booths, and some Lollapalooza signage, the park remained fairly untransformed for the festival.

I caught the very end of First Aid Kit's set, and at the time entirely forgot the duo's Swedish nationality due to the accent they sang with, closer to a mild Southern US drawl. The softness in their voices gave way to an excited and slightly jarring scream before one of the final choruses. I walked to the south end of the park for The Growlers. Vocalist Brooks Nielsen's nasally twang was the constant as they shifted through relaxed and eclectic styles of rock.

Chiptune quartet Anamanaguci played at the shaded Google Play stage, with a recorded keyboard backing their synthy guitars. Their instrumental electro-punk would make a great soundtrack for a pixelated arcade racing game.

Yellow Ostrich's upbeat indie rock was made slightly more diverse by drummer Michael Tapper's focus on clean drum sounds (no snare buzz) and rattling auxiliary percussion. Alex Schaaf began one song by creating a slightly off-putting guitar loop, which he managed to fit a pleasant vocal melody over before the instruments transitioned into their usual style.

Back at the north end of the park, The Black Angels vamped on heavy southern blues rock as vocalist Alex Maas shook a tambourine and sang with a slight Southern accent and a bit of vibrato. The guitars were dirty when loud, and psychedelic when soft or soloing. They touched on standard blues progressions with choppy, reverb-soaked guitar.

Tame Impala

Tame Impala's floating melodies are vaguely similar to a variety of classic rock and pop bands, but their choice of tone obscures it in a psychedelic haze. They performed their hard swinging new single "Elephant", which twists through strange transitions in what is definitely their most complex and heavy work yet, though it did not sound as thick as the recording. There were some minor technical difficulties - Kevin Parker's guitar seemed to short out and he mentioned that he thought one of his pedals was melting (presumably the electronics inside), though his tone remained similar to their recordings.

Perry's electronic stage, upgraded from it's previous tent status, was packed all day with mainstream electronic offerings. Considering the bass dropped every time I walked by, it was fitting that SBTRKT's set took place at the Google Play stage instead, with their chilled tones - largely created live on keyboards - and varied rhythms, which were often played on drums by producer Aaron Jerome. Sampha contributed vocals throughout the set.

Passion Pit

Though they cancelled a few shows, Passion Pit returned to Chicago to play a club show at House of Blues and a set at Lolla on Friday. Frontman Michael Angelakos appeared in good spirits as he greeted the crowd. They opened with the pulsing drums and bold synth of "Take a Walk," which sounded like a near-reproduction of the recording. I then traversed the festival grounds to catch The Shins, who were in fine form. They took some songs a slower pace than I anticipated. James Mercer embellished some of his vocals when he wasn't accompanied by lead guitarist Jessica Dobson's singing.

Five minutes prior to Black Sabbath's set, Ozzy Osbourne's laugh was heard over the PA, followed by sounds of rain. Unfortunately, what followed were only videos of the band and brief samples of their music. Ozzy was heard once again, and the curtain raised for three-fourths of the original Black Sabbath to play classic doom metal piece "Black Sabbath". It was slightly slower than Ozzy seemed to want to take it, hedging ahead at times. His cries of "Oh no, God, please help me" were convincing enough, though I'm not sure he could ever recreate the terror in his voice that was first heard over 40 years ago, especially in sobriety.

Ozzy played harmonica throughout "The Wizard", and urged the crowd to clap during the time-shifting "Behind the Wall of Sleep," saying, "Come on, you fuckers!" They wrapped up their Black Sabbath portion of the set with "NIB," beginning with Geezer Butler's wah'ed out bass. Tony Iommi played masterfully throughout, leading off the vaguely Latin sludge of "Into The Void" with precision. He used more modern sounding effects on "Electric Funeral", which were paired by Bill Ward replacement Tommy Clufetos' clicky drums. The former Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, and Rob Zombie drummer was given a drum solo prior to "Iron Man," which he blasted through on his two bass drums. I felt this was kind of a slight to Ward, and totally unnecessary as many drum solos are, but it did hype up the crowd, who weren't loud enough for Ozzy. "I can't fucking hear you!", he screamed more than once. And that was the end of the first of three long, hot days in Chicago.

Check out Black Sabbath's setlist HERE. Check out more pictures from Day One, The Afghan Whigs, Metric, and M83 included, HERE. Pictures from Day Two are HERE. More about the fest, and day three pictures, coming soon.

SBTRKT fan, Friday, 8/3/2012 @ Lollapalooza (photo by James Richards IV)

Now that you're no longer in Grant Park, and a possibly a bit cooler (and wetter), you have time to check out our pictures of Lollapalooza Day One (up at BrooklynVegan now).

photos by Ben Rodig & Zach Pollack

SBTRKT @ the House of Blues on 4/07/2012

Willis Earl Beal @ the House of Blues on 4/07/2012

On Saturday night (April 7), SBTRKT toured through Chicago, making a stop at the House of Blues. As per usual, vocalist Sampha was along for the ride and aside from being the project's mouthpiece, he also handled some live keyboard duties. Late in the show, local rapper Rockie Fresh made a cameo for the song "Never Never," which he samples heavily in his own track of the same name (check out a video clip of that below). The duo's set was energetic and enjoyable, as was opener/label-cousin Willis Earl Beal's.

Willis just finished up a short string of North American dates with SBTRKT , that probably shouldn't have happened in the first place. The crowd (at least at the Chicago show) was far too geared towards the electronic music scene and the stark contrast between the opener and headliner stuck out like a sore thumb. Nonetheless, Willis put on a powerful live set though not many concertgoers seemed to care (read: it was depressing).

If you'd like to catch Willis in a more suitable setting, head to the Hideout on the 19th. He'll also be performing at Pitchfork Festival in July.

A full set of pictures from Saturday night and a video clip of Rockie Fresh's cameo, below...

Continue reading "SBTRKT & Willis Earl Beal played the House of Blues (pics)"

As seen on BrooklynVegan, this year's Lolla lineup includes everthing hinted on the #LOLLA ads, and much more....

Continue reading "Lollapalooza 2012 lineup announced (Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shins, Passion Pit, JC Brooks, much more)"

Willis Earl Beal @ Schubas during TNK 2012 (more by Zach Pollack)

While browsing at Myopic Books this past February, I saw a peculiar flyer: "I want some friends & stuff," it read. "I am not a Weasel." It included a name--Willis Earl Beal--along with a phone number and a drawing of a slender black man, apparently a self-portrait. I tried calling the number that day--and then several more times over the next few months. In late May, I finally talked to somebody at the other end.

Beal, 27, turns out to be an aspiring artist in several disciplines--he draws, plays music, and writes poetry and fiction. "I like to believe I do art because I have to do it--it's like vomit," he says. "I don't do art because I love it so much. Not that I don't, but it's a natural thing."... [Chicago Reader]

A lot has changed since that late-July Reader story, namely the fact that Beal has been signed to XL Recordings imprint Hot Charity, who will be releasing his debut LP, Acousmatic Sorcery, on April 3rd. As mentioned, he's also been tapped by label cousin SBTRKT to open a number of his North American tour dates before heading out on the road with WU LYF..

Before any of the above takes place though, Beal will be releasing an "Evening's Kiss" 7" b/w "The Later Parade" on February 21st, and BV Chicago is proud to present a FREE Willis Earl Beal 7" release show that's happening that night, at Cole's Bar in Logan Square, at 9:30PM. Opener TBA. First come, first served. Stay tuned for more details.

Video and all dates, including an April 19th show at The Hideout, below....

Continue reading "BV Chicago Presents: Willis Earl Beal @ Cole's Bar (for FREE)"

photos by Zach Pollack, words by Andrew Sacher

Willis Earl Beal @ Schubas

SBTRKT, who was last in town to play Bottom Lounge, just announced a North American leg of his massive international tour which he is currently on. That tour brings him to Chicago on April 7 at House of Blues with support from Chicago's Willis Earl Beal. Tickets are not on sale yet but check livenation for updates. All dates, including SXSW, are listed below.

Speaking of Willis Earl Beal, he just played Schuba's during Tomorrow Never Knows (1/14) with Wild Belle, Polica, Class Actress and Chairlift. A couple of pictures of his set from that show are in this post. He also recently signed to XL's new Hot Charity imprint, and will release his debut LP, Acousmatic Sorcery, on March 20 for the label. Check out an up close and personal sounding lead track from that album, "Evening's Kiss," below.

All dates, more pics, and stream below...

Continue reading "SBTRKT playing shows w/ Willis Earl Beal who signed to Hot Charity, played TNK 2012 (pics & dates)"

(via @onaplate)

(photo by Paul Octavious)

Last night (11/4), UK-based producer SBTRKT made his live Chicago debut at the Bottom Lounge (his last appearance was just as a DJ). He was joined by vocalist Sampha who sings on the record and at what seems like all/most SBTRKT live shows.

After the show, via his twitter account, SBTRKT announced that he'll be returning in 2012 to play the House of Blues! He's also got a brand new track floating around titled "Fried Eggs," which is actually a bonus on the Japanese version of his self-titled LP.

Were you at the Bottom Lounge last night? Was it "really impressive," like Rex Harris said?

Feist @ Church of the Intercession in October (more by Jessica Amaya)

FRIDAY
Feist and her band (featuring Mountain Man as backup singers) will play the Riv.

SBTRKT makes his live (not DJ like North Coast) Chicago debut at the Bottom Lounge.

Star Slinger, Shlohmo, and Shigeto can be found at Lincoln Hall.

Le Butcherettes, Gypsyblood, and White Mystery will play Subterranean.

Electric Six play their second to last show of tour with Kitten and Andy D at the Double Door.

If it's disco you are looking for, check out Miami Horror and Hey Champ at The Mid.

Big Sean, Cyhi The Prince, and Shawn Chrystopher will play a sold out show at Metro.

First Ward Alderman Proco Joe Moreno will host punk rock karaoke at Quenchers. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Goethe School.

Amen Dunes will play a FREE, 5PM in-store at Reckless Records' Wicker Park store.

Loyal Divide, Lazers and Fast and Shit, and Verma will play the Empty Bottle.

Julian Velard and Sharon Little will play the early show at Schubas. Eight Bit Tiger, Ghost House, Boutros, and Sam Padrul will play the late show.

SATURDAY
Holy Ghost!, Jessica 6, and Eli Escobar will play the Double Door.

Mark Sultan will play the Ultra Lounge.

Danava and Thrones are playing an early show at the Empty Bottle, while Wooden Shjips, Birds of Avalon, and The People's Temple will handle the late night.

The Wombats will play a sold out show at Subterranean, with support from The Postelles and The Static Jacks.

Comedian Michael Ian Black will perform at Park West.

Common speaks about his recently published memoir One Day It'll All Make Sense at the UIC Forum. CANCELED

Chaperone, Dastardly, and Grandkids are playing the Beat Kitchen.

Beer Hoptacular! returns to the Aragon Ballroom for a second year.

Designer Drugs, Black Matter, Pls Dnt Stp, and Gemini Club will play Reggie's.

Chickenfoot, Ponderosa will play Metro.

SUNDAY
Chicago's own Radar Eyes and Wax Idols will play Cole's along with Terry Malts.

The Civil Wars and Milo Green will play the Vic.

A Winged Victory For The Sullen, Benoit Pioulard, and Ken Camden will play Lincoln Hall.

Jonny Corndawg, Man is Man, and Ice Rod will play Schubas.

SBTRKT w/ Sampha @ PS1 Warm Up (more by Vincent Cornelli)

As noted in the original tour announcement and as mentioned by us right before North Coast, SBTRKT is playing a LIVE not DJ Set at the Bottom Lounge on November 4th. His live setup includes a drum set and vocals by Sampha who also sings many of the songs on the self-titled album. Tickets just went on sale.

As the man himself reported yesterday via his Twitter account, SBTRKT has been in the studio recording with Friendly Fires, who he'll be on tour with for much of November in England. Separately, Friendly Fires will hit Chicago's Metro on October 22nd with Theophilus London and Chad Valley. Tickets are still available.

All dates can be found below along with a new video for "Pharaohs," and some footage of his North Coast DJ Set.

Continue reading "SBTRKT playing Bottom Lounge, tix on sale now!"

As discussed in detail over at BrooklynVegan when it debuted, MTV has a new web-only show called "Weird Vibes". The second episode was just released. Filmed entirely at this year's Pitchfork Festival, it includes "interviews and funny stuff with Twin Shadow, Twin Sister, Health, Woods, Real Estate, Kurt Vile etc and music videos from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Big Troubles, Beat Connection, SBTRKT, Blood Orange, Jonti, Zoo Kid and more." Check it out, all 45 minutes of it, below...

Continue reading "Weird Vibes documents Pitchfork Fest VIP experience (video)"

Of Montreal crowd rafting @ NCMF (photo by Laura HoneyBadger)

In its second year, the three-day North Coast Music Festival brought an estimated 50,000 people to Union Park over Labor Day Weekend, eclipsing its draw from last year by 10,000 and selling out Saturday and Sunday in advance. Like last year, the fest featured an eclectic lineup of DJs, hip-hop, jam bands and groups straddling the lines between.

LED lighting flanked DJ platforms and served as backdrops at two of the four stages, which was an improvement from last year, though the sound-bleed issues remained. The lights added needed visual interest during DJ sets such as during Wolfgang Gartner's fresh, hard-driving mix wizardry. The same could be said for SBTRKT, who wore a teal mask, and performed a seamless and pleasing set that featured dubstep grooves with some honeyed vocal loops. No matter for the audience, who were often more riveting than what was happening on stage. Many young fans wore outrageous outfits and mirrored the diversity onstage, wielding sticks topped with various items, from stuffed animals to handmade robots, like totems. [Chicago Tribune]

Continue reading "North Coast Music Fest brought an estimated 50,000 people to Union Park..."

SBTRKT @ PS1 Warm Up (more by Vincent Cornelli)

today in Chicago
* Jazz Fest (Day 2)
* Psalm One @ Hideout
* James Zabiela @ Sound-Bar
* North Coast Music Festival (Day 1)
* Madi Diaz, Keegan Dewitt @ SPACE
* Wolfgang Gartiner, SBTRKT, DJ Thibault @ The Mid
* Rabble Rabble, Mutts, The Way It Is @ Ultra Lounge
* STS9, Big Gigantic, Up Until Now @ Congress Theater
* The Hood Internet, Midnight Conspiracy @ Bottom Lounge
* Paper Thick Walls, Dastardly, Sleeping in the Aviary @ Schubas
* Bruce Lamont, Man's Gin, Bitchin Baja, Mystreater @ Empty Bottle
* JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, Soul Summit DJs @ Double Door
* The Sonnets, Gidgets Ga Ga, The Demerits, The Skis @ Abbey Pub
* The Shams Band, Chaperone, Go Long Mule, Musikanto, Johnny Rumble @ Logan Square Auditorium

SBTRKT plays North Coast Music Fest today and then the Mid.

Full NCMF schedule is HERE.

Chicago's own Supreme Cuts played Brooklyn last night, and shared an exclusive mixtape with BrooklynVegan. Check it out HERE.

Fitz & the Tantrums played Leno. Footage below..

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Friday?"

DOWNLOAD: SBTRKT - "Wildfire" (Drumma Boy remix ft. Shabazz Palaces) (MP3)

The North Coast Music Festival begins today, Friday, September 2nd. And on today's schedule is BrooklynVegan favorite SBTRKT though unfortunately the UK producer will only be playing a DJ set. Check him out anyway (06:30PM - 07:30PM on the North Coast stage), but if you miss it, you can also catch SBTRKT again at the Mid tonight, a NCMF official afterparty with Wolfgang Gartiner (the listing doesn't say, but we assume SBTRKT is only DJing at the Mid too).

SBTRKT released his debut and self-titled LP in June, and one of the many highlights of that album is the Little Dragon-featuring single "Wildfire" with vocals from Yukimi. Listen to that song below, along with the remix featuring Drake. Download a third version, featuring Shabazz Palaces, above. Catch Little Dragon live Sunday at North Coast Music Fest at 5:30pm on "The Named After Groupon Stage", after the Budos Band and before Gogol Bordello. More Little Dragon tour dates HERE.

SBTRKT returns to Chicago on a fall tour in November that has him at Bottom Lounge on 11/4. Tickets on sale soon, and that time he'll be playing live, vocals by Sampha included.

Continue reading "SBTRKT is here for North Coast Music Fest (Little Dragon too), returning to Chicago on tour in November (dates)"

The 2011 North Coast Music Festival is set to take place this upcoming holiday weekend (9/2 - 9/4) in Chicago's Union Park.

Gogol Bordello, Lotus, Of Montreal, Little Dragon, SBTRKT (DJ), Wiz Khalifa, Rusko, RJD2, Common, The Budos Band and many more will play the city's unoffical end of summer celebration over the course of three days.

Download the festival map HERE, and check out the full 3-day schedule below..

Continue reading "North Coast Music Festival - Schedule, Festival Map, & details"