This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Old school (GLC) meets new (Tree) in hip-hop summit
BY JAKE KRZECZOWSKI March 21, 2013 4:57PM
With the rise of young hip-hop acts across the city, a sort of rap renaissance has begun. But the new school will meet the old Thursday at Reggie’s as Chicago legend GLC pairs up with rising star Tree. Continue reading Old school (GLC) meets new (Tree) in hip-hop summit
SXSW 2013 shows off Chicago hip-hop all day, night

March 15, 2013 9:26 AM
BY JAKE KRZECZOWSKI
For the Sun-Times
AUSTIN, Texas — Chicago hip-hop — in all its variety — was on full display Thursday in Austin for SXSW. Continue reading SXSW 2013 shows off Chicago hip-hop all day, night
Why South By?
Why South By?
Given that SXSW’s industry influence is on the wane, are there still good reasons for upstart bands to brave the festival?
By Miles Raymer @milesraymer
click to enlarge Young Chicago garage rockers Twin Peaks prove that old-fashioned music-biz wheeling and dealing still happens at SXSW. Continue reading Why South By?
DJ Yoda likes to keep his act flashy and fresh
By Jake Krzeczowski March 15, 2013 4:10PM
Originally Appeared for Chicago Sun Times
For his upcoming March 17 set at Mayne Stage, English-born turntable specialist Duncan Beiny, better known as DJ Yoda, may need The Force with him.
Controlling the audio is enough for the majority of DJs, but the hands-on Beiny makes sure to stay busy onstage, also handling the visual duties of the lights and video monitor.
“It definitely keeps things interesting for me,” said Beiny. “My theory about going somewhere to DJ, especially outside your own country, is to bring something to the table that not just a computer can do.” Continue reading DJ Yoda likes to keep his act flashy and fresh
Animal Collective primed for Chicago return
By Jake Krzeczowski March 13, 2013 6:42PM
Animal Collective didn’t stop in Chicago on their most recent tour in late 2012.
The 2011 Pitchfork Festival headliner had to forego a stop here in support of their latest album, “Centipede Hz,” released last September on Domino.
It wasn’t out of laziness or lack of interest in the Windy City; the band just wanted to take a break to see their loved ones. Continue reading Animal Collective primed for Chicago return
A Q&A with Fake Shore Drive’s Andrew Barber
By Jake Krzeczowski
Originally Appeared for Chicago Sun Times
Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive hosts a sound showcase Thursday at the South by Southwest Festival. The Sun-Times asks the blogger about a few of his favorite things.
Favorite Chicago live performance?
Tie: Kanye West’s Foundation show at the House of Blues that was two weeks before the release of Graduation. He premiered songs from the album that he’d kept from leaking including “Big Brother” and “Good Life.” It was my first time ever hearing these records, and they sounded amazing in such an intimate environment. I highly doubt he’ll ever do a show at the House of Blues Chicago ever again, as he was stadium status soon after Graduation dropped. Continue reading A Q&A with Fake Shore Drive’s Andrew Barber
Sorry, Kanye: Andrew Barber is the face of Chicago hip-hop
BY JAKE KRZECZOWSKI March 13, 2013 11:38PM
Since starting the hip-hop blog Fake Shore Drive in 2007, Andrew Barber has consistently shone a light on Chicago’s lesser-known rappers.
On Thursday, through a partnership with the RedBull Sound Select concert series, Barber will continue to do what he does best — helping to curate a Chicago hip-hop showcase as part of the “140 Hours to Austin” lineup at the Texas city’s South by Southwest music festival. Continue reading Sorry, Kanye: Andrew Barber is the face of Chicago hip-hop
Congress welcomes electronic duo home
By Jake Krzeczowski March 6, 2013 1:00PM
Originally Appeared for the Chicago Sun Times
Chicago’s Congress Theater is quickly becoming a hot spot for electronic dance music.
As the genre has developed and exploded, the 86-year-old theater located at 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. has hosted some of the rowdiest sets the city has seen.
It’s a perfect fit for the Chicago natives Flosstradamus and electronic artist Dillon Francis, who co-headline a show Friday. Continue reading Congress welcomes electronic duo home
Blend of genres marks Lili K’s style
Photo by Andrew Zeiter
By Jake Krzeczowski February 27, 2013 5:50PM
Originally Appeared for Chicago Sun Times
Chicago musician Lili K (Kryzanek) is jazz with a nose ring — literally.
Blending jazz with hip-hop and R&B to form a wholly eclectic sound, the 21-year-old Milwaukee, Wis., native, who sports a stud in one nostril, has begun to carve a niche with her new take on the musical style while keeping jazz alive.
“I think my sound is very distinct, and I’ve gotten good at blending genres,” said Lili. “It’s awesome to be able to go from a jazz jam session to a Treated Crew party across town and be welcome at both.” Continue reading Blend of genres marks Lili K’s style