Inderma Music Group

New from Eric VanCleef & Company - Apathy the Bear

2010-06-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Oddly enough just upon our gaining knowledge of its release Eric was released from the state hospital he'd been kept from us in Richmond, Indiana.

Check out 2 new songs recorded just before he was locked up. Also singing/playing on the tracks are Sarah & Mike Sipich.

www.myspace.com/apathythebear

need some fresh hip hop?

2010-03-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

I was recently hired to write a bio for Gon - I liked what I heard when I was researching for the piece

www.Urchin-Studios.com

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Chicago based hip hop artist Gon is on a journey. From the war torn Middle East to the heart of the Midwest, Gon has begun compiling his multifarious cultural experiences with inspiration lifted from the pages of authors such as Kurt Vonnegut, Chuck Palahniuk, and Charles Bukowski, as well as hip-hop artists 2Pac and Nas.The product of which is proving his most valuable instrument to be his perspective.

In 2005, after enrolling in college only to discover music had become his passion, Gon and friends founded Urchin Studios. Intending it to be a vehicle to release his music, in hopes of turning his hobby into a career. The label has since continued to grow, and successfully garner much acclaim for his first two releases.

Initially writing to escape personal demons, Gon’s lyrical approach has developed into a political and social commentary centered on the cause and effect of global warfare. Charted on his first mixtape, "Where the Truth Lies: The Moment Between the Action and Intention”, and the follow-up “Gone With the When”, is the evolutionary process of artistic growth and vision coming to fruition on his next effort “Consider Violence”.

MEGAFAUN!

2010-03-18T01:27:00.001-07:00

While listening to Group of Altos for "research" for the press release below I noticed a familiar band name in their top friends. Megafaun happen to ring a bell, but it took me a second to remember that we actually put on a show back in 2006 that they were added to last minute, as per request from Collections of Colonies of Bees (PolyVinyl).

Anyway, I remembered I loved them once I remembered them, and upon further listening I'm growing progressively fonder of them - so don't forget to check them out and just do yourself a favor and click their name above.

4.03 - SubT - Chicago

2010-03-18T01:25:00.001-07:00

Betta Promotions will be hosting A Lull, Suns, Group of Altos, and Young Sun at Subterranean

On Saturday April 3 2010 Betta Promotions will bring a very illuminated and much anticipated line-up of Chicago, and Wisconsin's, finest to Subterranean. Headlining the evening will be A Lull (Lujo Records). With one of the fullest live bands (7 members to date) in the area, A Lull brings to the stage even more than they've managed to squeeze onto the ocean of sound that is their debut EP, Ice Cream Bones, and the more recent 7" Weapons For War / Spread It All Around. Coming off multiple showcases in Austin at SXSW they'll surely fulfill your expectations of any Saturday night. "[A Lull] have pulled together their collective indie rock experience to produce a lush, intricate, headphone-ready indie pop record that surprises, delights and frustrates - all in just over 11 minutes." Westword.com

Suns is a six piece band hailing from Chicago with a sound as big as their name suggests, and melodies that blend and bind as harmoniously as a dual sunset. Thanks to two drummers, and a list of instrumentation that reads like a music catalogue. Currently recording a 4 song prelude to their debut, Howl And The Many, with Jon Alvin (Dr Manhattan). They've already managed to obtain the hype of a band with years under its belt, playing their first show to a nearly packed house at the Metro in January, headlining Lincoln Hall in February, and already touring their way through the heart of the U.S. in March, with a stop in Austin for SXSW.

Also gracing the Subterranean, after showcasing at SXSW, is Group of Altos, the afformentioned "Wisconsin's finest", more specifically from Milwaukee. They'll be coming in full force with 12 members in their live entourage. They share a definite intensity with other instrumental groups like Pelican and Explosions in the Sky, but broaden the spectrum and heighten the senses with a boldness only their sheer velocity could allow. "There’s a tendency for even the best instrumental post-rock bands to fall back on certain patterns of loud/soft contrasts or build-ups and crescendos, but the Altos eschew those easy tropes. Their compositions flower in surprising way" - Expressmilwaukee.com

Chicago based Young Sun is an opener more than worth being sure to arrive early. They have strong vocals and melodies at times reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, and a taste of their contemporaries like Grizzly Bear and even Radiohead. Their back after a temporary break announced in January, and plan to release their debut full length on Dedicated Records this spring. If their demos are any indication of future events then Young Sun has a very bright future.

Subterranean is located at 2011 West North Ave. Doors for this 17+ show open at 5:30. Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance.

Back from the future

2010-03-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

I've been rummaging through the wealth of music in Chicago from train stations finest solo artists, and plastic bucket playing street performers, to the more ambitious indie artists playing on the cities most worthy stages like the Metro, Lincoln Hall, Schuba's, etc.
Not to mention my pursuit and involvement in various creative endeavors. So, my updates and reviews have been lacking. However, others have been covering some of these same events, conducting interviews, and all such righteousness. Maybe I should start by documenting those street performers, meanwhile check Dedicated Ears 2:24 experience and Suns playing "four winds" from their upcoming EP:

Dedicated Ears review of Suns @ Lincoln Hall

Q & A with Brendan Kelly of the Lawrence Arms

2010-02-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

There is definitely something beautiful about the ethic of punk rock. Even if most of its dedicated believers would never use the word beautiful. Or even admit they have ethics. We still often see them pushing, beautifully, the boundaries of art, politics, and everything in between. When an artist is able to take the abrasive attitude of "punk rock" and blend it with the true nature of D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself - but, not only for yourself) you get more than the sound or the ethics. You get an attitude, and a presence, that can make a difference. Which we will be seeing come to fruition at the Metro on February 14, 2010.
Brendan Kelly, of The Lawrence Arms, will be part of an evening of music that includes Madina Lake, Big Science, The Blisters, and DePaul Prelude Choir. Rock 'N Raise is a benefit show put together for the efforts in Darfur. If you're unaware of the situation over there you should consider Googleing it. Meanwhile, below are my questions for Brendan Kelly, and the answers he shared.

What is next, or currently, on your plate, musically speaking?

I'm about to put out an acoustic split record with Joe McMahon from Smoke or Fire. We're both doing stripped down versions of already recorded songs from our respective bands. The Lawrence Arms are going on a tour of the UK in late march and I'm working on some new material. That's about it.

Is this the first time you've used your music as a vehicle for charity - and what made you decide to get involved with the efforts in Darfur?

Nah. We've done lots of benefit shows, we like to help in our own little way. I was asked to play this show by some of the people throwing it and I said yes right away. There's some real problems in Sudan and it's scary. I don't know if a few songs are gonna do much, but I'd rather do something than nothing.

How can other artists, and fans, go about helping with the efforts in Darfur aside from the upcoming Rock 'N Raise?

Read up. The worst crisis we face in america is the willful lack of information that we choose to provide ourselves with. We live beyond the arms reach of the rest of the world and as a result we resort to willful ignorance. There's a lot of compassion in this country and it's often stifled by this idea that since the problem isn't at our door it's not worth addressing because it's depressing. Well, that's a poisonous attitude. All of humanity comes from africa and once you poison the well, everything is effected. Read. Learn what's going on in Sudan. That's the absolute best thing anyone in the west can do, because once people understand what people are facing, and really, really see what's going on, then they will be naturally motivated to action.

For having started the Lawrence Arms without any intentions [to perform or record], except friends playing music together, how does it feel to be where you are now in your career?

It's great. I love being a musician and playing and touring and meeting my fans. Most people aren't lucky enough to realize their artistic visions. I don't take for granted that I'm afforded that luxury.

Is there anything else you hope to achieve through music?

Well, I want to keep making interesting records, but that's kind of a boring and self indulgent answer, so no. Not really. I'm pretty stoked on this little career.

Do you have any suggestions for bands and/or fans trying help support their local scenes & the D.I.Y. movement? - since you've been so vocal in opposing Warped Tour for hurting it

I don't know. It's extremely difficult now since music isn't really a viable way for most people to make a living in the internet age. Not that money is the end all be all or anything. Go to shows, check out bands that people recommend. Be positive and have fun. Make something if the mood strikes you. that's what this kind of thing is all about.

NEW from Sleep Tapes

2010-01-29T02:16:00.000-08:00

From the depths of the mid west, and just in time for the dead of winter, SLEEP TAPES joins the ranks of our family that is releasing new music. Check out his new track Songbird at http://www.myspace.com/sleeptapes

Tell us what you think. We think we like it. Make that, we know we like it

2/6/10 | Betta Promotions Presents AM TAXI, ROYAL BANGS, & BIG SCIENCE @ Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL

2010-01-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

I would bet money I don't have that this is going to be a good show. Not only do I trust that Betta Promotions will continue to stay true to their name, but I'm listening to AM TAXI and they're helping me through my first A.M. panic attack. That means they're good. Good enough to help me forget about the outside world. They had me at their influences listed as being The Clash, The Police, & the Replacements. I was intrigued, now I'm a fan. At least in this moment.
Royal Bangs list no influences, but I've liked it since the second the first song started to play. This is even more my taste. It has the tone of being perfectly lofi, and yet somehow high quality at the same time. Reminds me of a more accessible and slightly more laid back Desaparecidos.
Leave it to Big Science (recently signed to AEMMP Records) to bring back my panic attack with an opening line about the end of the world. Then redeem themselves by drifting me back out of myself and into the heavens with beats angels could dance to, and a sound that I think The Killers would literally kill for.
Other than the bands I'm also looking forward to seeing my first show at Lincoln Hall.If you don't make it I'll try to give you my best version of the experience.
Until then, go, have a listen.

"indermiana" update!

2010-01-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

NATIVE has signed to High Road Touring

If you didn't know they're already signed to Sargent House. Probably the best indie label on the planet. I'm not going to lie. We're not competition. Music should never be competition. I love that label.

Let's call this Indermiana | Indiana Media Update?

2010-01-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

I don't know much right now, but I know it's Sunday. And if you're from Indiana I know you're not at home drinking, unless you stocked up last night. Either way, I figure you could use something to do. Especially if you're already roaming the internet looking at blogs. Don't worry, I'm not proud of it either. Or maybe I am.
For the musical side of things I'm happy to announce that Indiana's very own Jookabox (once known as Grampall Jookabox) has released a new album titled Dead Zone Boys.
Not only are they currently touring the U.S., but afterwards they'll be making their way across the pond. If you're not familiar with this band I highly recommend you click the link above. And maybe even dive a bit deeper and have a listen to BIGBIGcar. It's a surface worth scratching.

Also, NWI Indiana natives NATIVE will be playing January 30th @ Subterranean w/ Castavet, Bob Nanna & Lauren Lo, and Into It. Over It. Last time I tried to see these guys I spent most of the night drinking in a van talking to the opening band. Not because I didn't want to see them, but because the venue/basement was so packed you couldn't see them anyway, or breathe for that matter. Something tells me it was really good. This show will serve as a split 7" release for Bob Nanna & Lauren Lo and Into it. Over it.

The last thing that comes to mind at the moment is the little indie film the could: Bar Room Hero. The soundtrack features mostly local Indiana/midwest bands, including With Honors and Lions of Winter. Check out the trailer below for a taste.
If you're in the Northwest Indiana area (aka The Region) and also missed the premier, or just want see it again, there is another viewing on February 12 at 8pm @ Clanceys Pub (Portage, IN). Written and directed by Stephen DeLeon, and brought to you by Kings To Us Productions.

She & Him to release new album and tour

2010-01-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

If you're a fan of either half of this band then you've probably at least heard their work. For me it was love at first listen, which was actually preceded by love at first sight of Zooey Deschanel. Sad I know. I probably would've loved it even if they made horrible music, but they didn't. And if the new single "In the Sun" (which you can stream right now @ Pitchfork.com) is any indication of the caliber of music to be expected on their sophomore release, Volume 2 then they still do make music worth listening to.
Their quintessential pop sound is the perfect blend of what music was, is now, and perhaps even where music could be going. Which appears to be back around and through itself all over again.

I hope I get the chance to see them live, but I'm not holding my breath, considering they've inconveniently chosen to leave out the Midwest. But, they're also playing Coachella so maybe we'll make it there. If so, you'll hear all about it. Of that I am sure.

March 15th, 2010 - Los Angeles, CA @ Largo at the Coronet
Tickets on sale 1/29.

March 25th, 2010 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
This show is sold out.

March 27th, 2010 - Savannah, GA @ Savannah Music Festival
This show is sold out.

March 29th, 2010 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
Tickets on sale 1/29.

March 30th, 2010 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
Tickets on sale 1/29.

April 15th, 2010 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
tickets on sale now

April 16th, 2010 - Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival
tickets on sale now

source: SheandHim.com

Our first review; The Felix Culpa (cd release show)

2010-01-23T23:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to see 1 band; The Felix Culpa. Not realizing it was Saturday, and having forgotten that today was their much anticipated CD Release show for "Sever Your Roots", I was sitting at Denny's aimlessly until about 6:15. I went home and had probably given up on doing anything until I stumbled upon some website with Chicago show listings. It was then, about 6:45, I decided I'm going to this show.
Keep in mind I'm in Northwest Indiana, a good hour from the Metro in Chicago, and the show was listed as starting at 6:30. I googled directions and split. At some point I was going the wrong way on US 41. Otherwise the trip there was in good time, until I tried to find parking. Apparently this is a sin of some kind in the city. One that either requires patience, or a pocket full of cash. I finally parked somewhere I wasn't sure was a parking space and proceeded to run toward the Metro. Paid my $11, got the required bracelet for booze, and headed up the stairs.
I caught the last song from the band before The Felix Culpa. I can't remember their name, nevertheless, I do remember they all wore the same outfit, and a couple of the members had some sort of paper masks over their faces. Had the masks not been so randomly "cool" (whatever that means?) I would've shrugged the gimmick off as a ridiculously overplayed aesthetic attempt at something I'm not sure could ever be worth it. However, in this case it somehow didn't take away from anything, and actually may have been implemented for something other than the aforementioned "gimmick". Either way, I wasn't ready to pay much attention to anything.
1 Jameson and coke later was another story - The Felix Culpa took the stage. Opening with an acoustic track that I'm guessing is from the album. Unfortunately my travel stipend for the evening didn't allow me to purchase the record, so I can't be sure. I can only be sure that I liked it. Especially the way they bled into the next song. The 2 songs that followed unveiled a perfectly choreographed, yet humble, essence I haven't seen from a band in quite some time. I guess this is why the record took them something like 3 years to make. They made sure they didn't make any mistakes.
At some point mid set they brought out additional percussion. I've seen a lot of Chicago area bands get into this lately (i.e. A Lull, Ghost Family Band, among others). I like it, but I often wonder where they're supposed to be going with it. When executed properly it is something magical. I will say it served the song, and their stage presence, well. Although, I wish it would've given way to the sort of epic ending that the build up implied.
I guess I had another drink around this time. Then I noticed the guest member on the far left, and the bassist, are flipping objects in drum cases to open the next song, Mutiny. An interesting gimmick which made me think I was drunker than I was. Maybe not. Those $7 drinks were fairly potent. I recognized this song from the 4 new ones they put on their myspace, and it was 1 of my 3 favorites of those 4 songs. The ending of this song really hits with the almost haunting refrain "everyone is a home unto themselves, but you'll never be home until you become a home for someone else" being repeated until your practically beaten into submission, and begin to believe every word he had said. Maybe it was the whiskey.
No matter how many haunting refrains they would've sung, or how many objects they flipped in their cases, I probably would've been disappointed had they not included "An Instrument" in the set. A new song which already had me calling this album their "Ugly Organ". A comparison I can't say anyone else would even suggest is appropriate, and I could probably get shot in the wrong Midwest "scene" for even saying such a thing. But, something about the lyrics and sound of this song had triggered a resemblance. It's just one of those songs. Those perfect fist pumping indie rock anthems I've grown to love. It was the song that sold me on having to go to this show. I needed it.
I had an uneasy feeling for some reason. Like I was wasting what little money I had on this spur of the moment decision. The kind of feeling you get from years of people telling you things like this are not worth doing. Which is what I love about rock 'n roll. You know going into it, whether you're the performer or the audience, something could go wrong. Hell, everything could go wrong. But if it doesn't it will have been more than worth it. It will have been worth living. And it was; It simply was.
Needless to say they played "An Instrument", and played it to perfection. An overall performance not many local bands will ever be able to give. One that also implies these guys will be much more than a "local band" if they keep this momentum going. A momentum that was never more present than in the closing of the show. With a heart felt sing along from the crowd, during Our Holy Ghost, from the new album (remember this is the CD release show). Thanks in part to an internet leak I wasn't privy to prior to the show. But if no one cared to listen they wouldn't care to come out, or learn the words to brand new songs just to be able to sing along.
I don't regret that I only have $10 now; Because it was worth it. And I only have this to say: Take as long as you want to make a record, as long as its always this good.

Thank You, Goodnight.
Full Album Stream @ www.absolutepunk.net/thefelixculpa

Exclusive Free download of Walker County (live) by Cody Pike

2010-01-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

FileDropper Free File Hosting

Enjoy!

Erik Van Cleef (Blue Jenny) overdose...

2010-01-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

No, that's not just a clever title. Fortunately, it didn't lead to death. Though, we're not sure of how many days, we did recieve word that Erik Van Cleef had been hospitalized and was in a coma. This was actually a few weeks ago, before we had started "blogging" more regularly about Inderma news. Last we heard he was out of the coma and awaiting the states legal decision.
It may be a while before we're all lucky enough to hear new music from him, but he had recently uploaded a wealth of previously recorded material at Blue Jenny's myspace. As well as a couple recent photos. The first photos made public in the 5 years that we've been helping him release his music. Keep him in your thoughts; the good ones.

Before I forget (Cardsharps)

2010-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

For those of you that never heard Cardsharps - the almost literal love child of Uncle Ghost's Ian Sutherland and Kate Davis. Yes, the same Kate Davis that is the sister of Jon Davis. No, not the guy from Korn. Rather, the much more respectable Indie Rocker that was signed to Saddle Creek as Georgie James; not to mention played drums in Q and Not U.
Enough about him though, he's not on IMG, although we like to consider him part of our extended family?

Anyway, GO NOW and enjoy the brilliance that was Cardsharps. We hear it's defunct, but who knows. Either way, they left two brilliant songs on their myspace to let linger in our ears.

New Music from Cody Pike

2010-01-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

Check out the myspace for Cody Pike, which now refers to him as Badheart.

We don't know how bad his heart is, or was, but he's released 2 new songs recently; Walker County & The Devil In me (the former being the latest). After nearly 2 years of silence. Which has us anxiously awaiting his next move. He's been mentioning full band versions of his music, and we're hoping this will come to fruition as an EP by this summer.

What're you waiting for? Click the link above. It's worth hearing as it is now. Just a voice and a guitar, but not just any voice.