[Interview] Idris “Peeda Pan” Speaks Out on Chief Keef’s Arrest

June 25, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

Graphic by Virgil Solis

Chief Keef has been arrested again, this time on trespassing charges. In what has become somewhat of a routine for the 17-year-old artist who has seemingly spent as much time in legal custody as not this year, Keef was apprehended as he left a court appearance in Skokie for a speeding violation last month in Northbrook. After learning that he was barred from driving a vehicle for 18 months due to his 110 mph joy ride down the Edens, Keef and his team were surprised to be confronted by an unmarked police car with officers allegedly brandishing automatic weapons to arrest the unarmed Keef. The trespassing charge allegedly stems from a gathering near a school about a month and a half ago when Keef visited his old neighborhood. Continue reading [Interview] Idris “Peeda Pan” Speaks Out on Chief Keef’s Arrest →

Chicago Sun-Times, Features, Interview, Music

Spring Awakening puts Chicago in forefront of world EDM scene

June 25, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

By Jake Krzeczowski June 13, 2013 12:12AM

Chicago’s rise as a mecca for electronic dance music continues this weekend with the Spring Awakening Music Festival, a global gathering of dozens of DJs and producers, which runs Friday through Sunday at Soldier Field.

Last month, the internationally touring Electric Daisy Festival made its local debut at the Chicago Speedway in Joliet, and now Spring Awakening returns for its second go-around as it transforms the home of the Bears into a neon-and-glowstick mega-party over four stages. The festival, which expands to three days this year, is a star-studded event, with big EDM names such as Calvin Harris, Bassnectar and Moby as headliners. Continue reading Spring Awakening puts Chicago in forefront of world EDM scene →

Chicago Sun-Times, Music

Alex Wiley takes it slow and steady for first project

June 6, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

Photo by Andrew Zeiter

By Jake Krzeczowski June 5, 2013 1:30PM (Originall Published for the Chicago Sun Times)

Since the Internet turned the industry upside down more than a decade ago, “making it” in music has been largely relative.

Enter Alex Wiley. The Hyde Park native whose highly anticipated debut project, “Club Wiley,” was released Tuesday as a mixtape, threatens to eclipse the buzz surrrounding more established hip-hop artists. Continue reading Alex Wiley takes it slow and steady for first project →

Elevator Magazine, Interview, Music

THELONIOUS MARTIN: INTERVIEW

May 28, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

By Jake Krzeczowski

In another collaboration with IXI Chicago (SideBySide Collective), we bring you a look into the mind of Chicago-based producer, Thelonious Martin. Peep the video and profile below – video by Bryan Lamb – words by Jake Krzeczowski.

Names can get tricky for Chicago producer Thelonious Martin. Often confused with Theophilous London and Thelonious Monk, the 19-year-old Columbia student has gone about establishing his own name in music over the past few years. Continue reading THELONIOUS MARTIN: INTERVIEW →

Chicago Sun-Times, Music

Electric Daisy Carnival rolls into Joliet

May 28, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

Photo by Jake Krez

By Jake Krzeczowski Correspondent May 25, 2013 5:56PM (Chicago Sun Times)

The Electric Daisy Carnival has officially put its name on Chicago — or Joliet, rather.

The inaugural three-day electronic dance music festival began Friday with unseasonably cold weather that did little to curb the steady stream of under-dressed fans who flocked to the five stages. Continue reading Electric Daisy Carnival rolls into Joliet →

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago band Kids These Days confirms breakup

May 9, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

Photo by Jake Krez

BY THOMAS CONNER AND JAKE KRZECZOWSKI May 8, 2013 5:32PM

Updated: May 9, 2013 2:24AM

Just when it looked like they were really going to go places, Chicago band Kids These Days has split up.

The young South Side band, which encompassed a multitude of styles, just released its acclaimed debut album, “Traphouse Rock,” last fall. In little more than a year, the pop-rock-rap collective landed gigs at Lollapalooza and Coachella, a showcase at South by Southwest and an appearance on the TBS talk show “Conan.” Continue reading Chicago band Kids These Days confirms breakup →

Chicago Sun-Times

Britain’s James Blake continues electronic journey on ‘Overgrown’

May 9, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

By Jake Krzeczowski (Originally Published for the Chicago Sun Times)

April 30, 2013 8:23PM

For experimental electronic musician-composer James Blake, the road less traveled is much more rewarding.

On Thursday, that road leads to the Metro, where the British artist’s intriguing combination of live instrumentation and digital production will be on display for a sold-out show.

While across the musical landscape there has been talk of the laptop replacing the guitar as an introductory instrument, the 24-year-old Blake, who took piano as a child, viewed the computer as a sort of means to an end. Continue reading Britain’s James Blake continues electronic journey on ‘Overgrown’ →

Chicago Sun-Times

Chance the Rapper continues his artistic climb with ‘Acid Rap’

May 1, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

Artwork by Brandon Breaux

By Jake Krzeczowski for Chicago Sun Times

April 29, 2013 8:21PM

Chance the Rapper, “Acid Rap” ★★★½

One of the most difficult feats in hip-hop is the ability to create a fully cohesive project. Rising Chicago artist Chance the Rapper did that on his debut, “10 Day.” With “Acid Rap,” his follow-up mixtape, he proves it was no fluke as his latest adds to the composite picture of Chance as an artist and a person.

“Acid Rap” picks up where his debut left off, as the lead track, “Good Ass Intro,” starts off with a familiar blend of soul-and-juke aesthetics that have become Chance’s calling card. The track also is completely Chicago, with production from his go-to team of Peter CottonTale and Stefan Ponce blending with the sultry sounds of Lili K and Kiara Lanier and vocals by BJ the Chicago Kid. With horns, thoughtful lyrics and a throbbing bass, it’s obvious why Pitchfork Media recently named it as a “Best New Track.” Continue reading Chance the Rapper continues his artistic climb with ‘Acid Rap’ →

Chicago Sun-Times, Features, Music

‘Idol’ experience helps Kiara Lanier realize her dream

March 30, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

Photo by Jake Krez

BY Jake Krzeczowski March 28, 2013 10:08PM

The album may not be her own but the title’s sentiment certainly resonates with Chatham native Kiara Lanier.

As a contestant on “American Idol,” Lanier spent her days at the edge of a dream before being eliminated recently in the semifinals.

“It’s ultimately benefitted me by just growing my confidence, pushing me to go to the next level,” said Lanier, 22, who plays Reggie’s Rock Club as part of a release event Saturday for Mike Gallagher’s album, “The Edge of a Dream.” She also will join Matt Santos at SPACE in Evanston for an all-ages show Friday. Continue reading ‘Idol’ experience helps Kiara Lanier realize her dream →

Chicago Sun-Times, Features, Music

Flux Pavilion rides the crest of the EDM craze

March 30, 2013 Jake Krez Leave a comment

By Jake Krzeczowski March 28, 2013 6:16PM

For the Chicago Sun Times

Most 24-year-olds spend their time wallowing in dirty laundry and worrying about rent money.

Jeremy Steele, better known as electronic dance wunderkind Flux Pavilion, spends his time routinely rocking crowds of 5,000-plus with the likes of fellow EDM artists Skrillex and Knife Party. He performs Friday in an 18-and-older show at the Congress Theater. Continue reading Flux Pavilion rides the crest of the EDM craze →

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