Kevin Andrew Prchal and Adam Krier (of AM Taxi and LBC) just recorded a Bruce Springsteen cover, “Reason To Believe,” in response to the crisis in Haiti. They explained why they did it it much better than I could:

“We chose the song ‘Reason To Believe’ by Bruce Springsteen, not only for its brilliance, but mainly for its significance in the way the world took form and found hope out of an otherwise hopeless situation. This song is for the tireless doctors, the relentless volunteers, the steadfast soldiers and the separated families who continue to search for their loved ones. They, like the rest of us, at the end of every hard earned day find some reason to believe.”

They, as well as Augie & Dan from Audio Is King, were nice enough to let me take pictures during their quick recording session. Thanks all!

To download the song, head over to Kevin’s website: http://www.kevinandrewprchal.com. What are you waiting for? (more…)

Bruiser got in touch a few days before the show to see if I could cover it, and luckily, I was free. The concert was part of the One Manno Show concert series that is hosted at Angel & Kings every Wednesday by Ryan Manno. Usually featuring local bands, the shows are always a good time.

From their Myspace, I think this is an apt way to describe Bruiser: “Sometimes we sing & sometimes we scream, but neither in that “LA crap-rock” or “wear-your-sister’s-jeans” sort-of way.” They don’t lie.

Bruiser has also just signed to Window Licker Records, who also co-hosted the show this past week.  Congrats to them! (more…)

For those not in the Chicago area, JBTV is a brodcasted, Emmy-winning program that is dedicated to local (and sometimes not-so-local) music. It’s a show that has kept true to it’s roots – totally non-corporate, and it just celebrated its 25 anniversary. It’s basically an institution for Chicago music lovers. Walking around the studio is like walking through a museum. Everything on the walls and on the tables are signed… even some chairs are signed!

Imagine my happiness when I was invited to take photos for Treaty of Paris’ performance on there just a few weeks ago! This was the fourth night of what I dubbed my “Treaty of Paris week,” as I shot a rehearsal, their EP release, promos, and then their JBTV appearance. Luckily, I love these guys, otherwise I might have been sick of them. It really is a testament to their performance that I wasn’t sick of them. I could have watched them a few more nights, in fact. (more…)

I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned this before – for a while, I’ve been working with They Will Rock You (TWRY), which is an utterly fantastic source for music news, exclusive interviews, tons of pictures, and giveaways. You can often see my photos there and occasionally an article or at least a small news blurb on one of my favorite locals. My dear friend Mary Ouellette is TWRY’s creator and goddess of all trades. She seems to live and breathe music and is constantly introducing me to new bands via the site. Plus, she’s a pretty fantastic photographer as well.

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about TWRY. It is a truly a labor of love, and I can’t imagine how much time goes into it to make it so awesome. It is definitely worth your time to check out the site or follow TWRY on Twitter.

I got an email from Jason Tang, a fellow concert photographer, a few days before this show, introducing MER, and inquiring about my availability. From there, I was in contact with MER himself, and through emails back and forth, I discovered that he and I shared similar musical tastes – he has played with one of my favorite singer/songwriters (Garen from Kill The Alarm), and also attended a few of the recent concerts that Butch Walker played here. Thus, I had high expectations for his show…. and I wasn’t disappointed.

MER has a great, powerful voice, and an engaging stage presence. I always marvel at those that are able to get onstage, by themselves, and keep the attention of the crowd.  Check him out HERE. (more…)