Chicago Crowd Surfer provides a glimpse into the Chicago music scene with all sorts of content. Featuring interviews, premieres, show experiences, and album reviews from Chicago artists and acts touring through our deep scene and storied city.

Added Today: Faux Co. vinyl release at Cole’s with Harvey Fox in support warmed Kyle’s wet spirits last Friday. As the rain cut short Revolution Oktoberfest.

Check out: Before he headed out on a Western Adventure, John Barnard took in God is an Astronaut at Thalia Hall and The Still Tide at Schubas.

Make sure to read our interview with Alec Watson of DPCD before their album release show this Friday at Hungry Brain.

A video premiere arrived last week from Chicago artist Kate Schell!

Keep Seeing Live Music!

Coming soon . . . Local singles that dropped last week from Ganser and Harvey Fox, a fully updated September playlist, and of course more shows and music coming your way next week!

Our very first video premiere comes from Chicago electro folk/pop wonder Kate Schell and her new video for “Shoeboxes.” Directed by Naomi Cherie Bessette and shot on location in Lockhart, Texas, the video is a fascinating visual treat to accompany the beauty of Schell’s tune.

⬐ SHOWS ⬎

Faux Co. / 📷 : Kyle Land

The weather outside was dreary, the rain pouring down on a cancelled night of Metal mayhem at Revolution Oktoberfest, but inside Cole’s Bar two local acts were ready to pour on the psych and folk to balm the spirits of those who braved nature’s water works. Cole’s has been booking local acts for years and their Friday and Saturday night shows have always attracted a quality scene, drawn by the cheap drinks and free music.

Read more —>

God is an Astronaut / 📷 : John Barnard

With a set drawing heavily from the 2005 record that introduced me to their brand of post-rock, All is Violent, All is Bright and latest album Epitaph, God is an Astronaut were not shy about turning up to 11 or drowning the venue with lights and smoke, the latter of which gave way to my first concert fire alarm experience.

Read more —>

The Still Tide / 📷 : John Barnard

Usually a full band, tonight’s performance was solo Anna, and I expected it to be a sparsely populated, subdued set. It was anything but. Schubas’ back room was packed by the time she took the small stage, and quickly made use of every inch. Interspersed with fiercely sung personal tales, Anna regaled the crowd with her obsession with Chicago’s love of Malort, and educated us on the new British slang for farting – “Trumping.”

Read more —>

Kurt Vile / 📷 : Tina Mead

The Goose Island 312 Block Party is the last free street fest of the summer not to be missed! They draw people with cheap beers and great bands. What other fest else can you get a Matilda for $3!?! The fest exclusives, small barrel brews, and partner breweries take it over the top. I was partial to the limited release Goose Island hazy IPA, Lost Palate. By the number of the colorful cans floating around, I'd say others were, too. On the downside, space is tight and since people are there for the drinking, if you don't press in to get close to the main stage, the music will be drowned out by the throng of conversation. That's not a problem on the indoor "local music" (literally a warehouse with a stage in the corner). It was loud as always, and this year it was sweltering hot, which meant only people who really want to feel the music stayed. Except for on Saturday, when it provided shelter from the storm... but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Read more —>

Sex No Babies / 📷 : Kyle Land

In its second year, Decibel Crawl Fest hit last weekend for three days of local acts in venues across the city. With three shows to choose from on Friday and Saturday and two on Sunday, there was plenty of Chicago talent on display. Catching the Sunday show at Outer Sound was a particular treat, as an eclectic mix of artists lit up the sparse DIY venue for a marathon night of passionate tunes boiled over into the late night ether. The small, eclectic crowd was all energy for a good part of the night, with each performer getting their own cheering section, including many of the artists who stuck around long after their sets were finished or showed early to check out the magic being produced by their peers.

Read more —>

Slayer / 📷 : Mick Reed

Riot Fest Sucks. That’s what I want to say, but it’s not true. At least not entirely. But this year, the 15th anniversary of the Festival, did make me feel some stuff that I would really rather have not.

Read more —>

Ganser / 📷 : Tina Mead

The last day of Riot Fest is always bitter sweet. The thought of life returning to normal, produces the overwhelming desire to make that final push to grasp every last drop of Riot Fest 2019 joy before the lights come on and the final exhausted shuffle home commences.

Read more —>

Lando Chill / 📷 : Tina Mead

A sticky, sunny, pristine blue skied afternoon welcomed the throngs to Riot Fest 2019 for Day Two. With the promise of a heavier lineup the metal heads came out in force with plenty of long hair, beards, and chains on display balanced by the hip hop heads there for Wu-Tang and the typical punk rockers and emo geeks that have kept the brand afloat all these years.

Read more —>

Jawbreaker / 📷 : Tina Mead

A mood of joyous anticipation hung over Douglas Park on a windy Friday afternoon as Day One of Riot Fest’s 15th anniversary hit the ground running with a killer set from Pkew Pkew Pkew, who blew the doors off the gates and let in a flood of good vibes that permeated the rest of the weekend.

Read more —>

Joe Pug / 📷 : Tina Mead

Joe Pug sold out two nights at the Hideout. The feeling of love in the air was nearly palpable, soo it was no surprise that we got the uncontrollable excitement of recognizing the first few chords of a song.

Read more —>

Mannequin Pussy / 📷 : Kyle Land

Lincoln Hall played host to a rather magical all-ages show last Wednesday featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming post-punk acts on tour at the moment. The venue was alight in early energy, with plenty of excited fans already lined up at the stage patiently awaiting showtime.

Read more —>

Malci / 📷 : Kyle Land

Local hip-hop imprint Why? held a homecoming show for their label heads Malci and Free Snacks at Sleeping Village joined by the West Sides inventive rhyme spinner Musa Reems. While criminally under attended for the talent on display, it was a family affair with every artist in the front row for each others’ sets, and the enthusiasm for the music was palpable.

Read more —>

Ezra Furman / 📷 : Tina Mead

This lineup was stacked. Not unusual when seeing an-all local lineup, as the Chicago scene is rife with killer bands, but all three of these were touring. Stef Chura came to us from Detroit. Speedy Ortiz from Philly. Ezra Furman grew up in Evanston, but he has been out in Cali for a minute. Three touring headliner-worthy bands all together, just for us?!?! Bonkers

Read more —>

NEWS & NOTES

• News spread quickly last week of Chicago rapper CupcakKe’s decision to leave music behind. As of now her music is still available on streaming platforms, but in the confessional video she spoke of taking it all down to keep from “corrupting kids.” We at CCS hope she reconsiders this action as her lyrics are a positive influence on many women and others who have body or sexual issues. We wish her well and hope she finds the peace in life she is looking for. Respect is due for speaking her mind and following her heart.

• Sad news came last week with the passing of Robert Hunter. The longtime lyricist and poet who penned countless classics with Jerry Garcia for The Grateful Dead left this mortal coil at 78 years young. May the four winds blow you safely home Mr. Hunter.

• For more Chicago music news, check out our friends at Midwest Action and ANCHR Magazine.

• Stay tuned for more each and every week from us. We’re on our way to more content just for you Chicago.

****

Check out this week’s Recommended Shows

****

See you at the show Chicago!