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Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Hello Industry Presents: The Innocent Will Die

Hey readers!

One of our favorite local bands: Hello Industry has released a new music video this month!


Check out The Innocent Will Die below and make sure to subscribe to their youtube channel HERE. 


You can also check out their behind the scenes video below!

David Bowie - the Icon

If you haven't checked out the latest "David Bowie Is" installation at the MCA, make the time to find your way to downtown Chicago to experience this opportunity first hand. Bowie is known as one of the worlds most influential and pioneering performing artists of his time. I say performing artists because of the fact that much of what Bowie did was not just in music, but in the stage act he portrayed to his audience. It was an art form, much like what we see with performers like Lady Gaga today. He created a personality for himself that was unmatched at the time and has influenced a broader creative audience, not only within music, but also within design, art and theater.



Organized chronologically, David Bowie Is traces the artist’s evolution from his years as a teenager in the 1950s to the early 2000s when he retired from touring. Before the surprise release of the 2013 album The Next Day, Bowie had not released an album since Reality in 2003. On display are more than sixty stage costumes including the Ziggy Stardust bodysuits (1972), designed by Freddie Burretti; Kansai Yamamoto’s flamboyant creations for the Aladdin Sane tour (1973); and the Union Jack coat designed by Bowie and Alexander McQueen for the Earthling album cover (1997). Bowie’s many personae are amply documented through photography, graphic designs, models of concert sets, visual excerpts from films, and live performances.

Photography by: Dwight Bejec


If you are a Bowie fan, definitely check out the "David Bowie Treasures by: Mike Evans. It's a beautifully curated hardcover text that is sure to inspire and invigorate the visual artist in you.  David Bowie Treasures, through beautiful photographs and unique memorabilia, illustrates Bowie's journey from humble beginnings to world superstardom. It contains beautiful reproduction of show fliers, concert stubs and posters. You can pick up a copy here.

Tickets on sale now for the Bowie Is exhibition!
Individual tickets are $25 for adults and teens, $10 children (age 7–12), and free for children 6 and under. Price includes museum admission.

Admission to the museum without David Bowie Is access is $7 (free for children 6 and under).

Interview with Josephine "Banig" Roberto

Being a child star can put a performer in a predicament: being compared to how they were, transitioning into adulthood, and evolving with the times. Josephine "Banig" Roberto started so young she received her stage name from a show host who joked she was the only contestant still wetting the bed. Back with a club hit, she has learned from all points of her journey and shows a life long career can be done with poise and grace.
Halfstack: You competed in talent competitions when you were very young. How did you become interested in music and singing?
Josephine Roberto: Music has always been my one and only passion growing up. Mom and dad were both obsessed with music. My aunt loved to sing and became a singer in her teenage years. Naturally, I wanted to be just like her. The fondest childhood memories were never about playing with dolls and stuff. It was all about getting on stage with a microphone and pretending I was this famous entertainer. That was playtime for me, not knowing that I would actually make a career out of it at a young age. At age 8, I joined a national TV singing competition in the Philippines called “Ang Bagong Kampeon” (it was our own version of Star Search back in the Philippines) where I was also discovered. At 10, I won the International Star Search competition in the US representing the Philippines. Shortly after Star Search, TV appearances such as The Arsenio Hall Show, Super Dave Osborne and many more came in and through these, I got all the opportunities here in the US as a child performer. But all that time I spent as a child performer, it was all still just “playtime” for me. I don’t recall a moment when I didn’t want to get on stage because I was tired or I wanted to play with the rest of the kids instead. Every chance to get on stage I would jump on it because I wanted to be the best at it.

H: Who are your influences and how have they shaped you?
JR: My music idols have influenced me and shaped me to be the entertainer that I am today. I can only hope to be as a great as them one day! Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and more. I wanted to be able to sing, dance, perform and write so I was obsessed with watching them as a kid. I believe that in order for anybody to become a better entertainer, you have to learn from the best entertainers in the industry.

H: How has your experience as a child phenomenon shaped your music today?
JR:Starting out really young definitely helped me learn about the music industry, whether it was a good learning experience or a bad one. It led me to the music I am doing now. As a kid, there was a lot of hype and excitement with all the opportunities I was getting-- winning the International Star Search, appearing on TV shows, signing to major companies for TV, management, talent agency, and later jumping from one label to another. When it all didn’t pan out as how it was expected of me, I had no choice but to learn how to write and produce and promote. A kid’s gotta learn somehow and I did through the disappointments and frustrations from the past. These experiences led not only me, but also my sister and music partner, Jhoanna to write, produce, promote, manage and more! My music releases now have all been original songs, and I now have a lot of say in all the things that I do, especially when it comes to my music career.

H:How has your writing and music changed over the years?
JR:As a kid, I was expected to belt the Whitney, Mariah classic power songs so in all of my shows, people wanted me to sing these types of songs. As a writer though, I kind of had to go with the industry flow. I started writing songs that may not be that vocally challenging as the power ballads I was used to. Sometimes it’s just all about the “hook”, even if they aren’t my preferred power vocal songs. But when your audience is actually singing to it, then I did my part! But I have to say that my heart still belongs to the timeless ballads that I love to sing!

H: You wrote and produced for Joe Jackson's singer, Crystal. What did you learn about the business and yourself through writing and producing for someone else?
JR:I learned that when writing and producing for other artists, I have to bring out the best in that artist without having them emulate my style of singing. Instead, make them shine by bringing out their own flavor and making it fit their voice and style.

H: You wrote an album in Tagalog. What was that experience like? What has been the response?
JR: My sister and I are fluent in Tagalog. We speak, read and write it. But writing Tagalog songs was harder than we thought! Most of the songs were ballads, but the challenge was making the lyrics fit the melody and making it song-like and not super corny! There is one song that we wrote called “Igalaw Natin”, an upbeat song in Taglish (Tagalog-English) which we released in the U.S. as an experiment to see if it will actually get played in the clubs here in the U.S. Surprisingly, it got some spins on the radio and the clubs! It even got on the charts! Just goes to show you that music is truly a universal language.

H:What's next for you?
JR:I am working on the completion of my album set for release in the early part of 2015! “He Wants To Get It” is the first single and it’s available on iTunes and Amazon. The music video is also out on VEVO. I am looking forward to more concerts and releases in the near future! H: What's the number one thing you'd like people to know about you and your work? JR:Music has always been my passion. Fortunately, I was blessed with a gift that I am able to share and touch people’s lives with, through the songs I write or the performances I do. And despite of all the ups and downs in the biz, I will continue to share it with them however way I possibly can. For more information on Josephine Roberto, visit www.josephineroberto.com or YouTube

Halfstack Highlights - Meet Brede Baldwin

A couple of weeks ago, Halfstacker Cora Vasseur introduced us to up and coming singer/songwriter: Brede Baldwin. He's a 15 year old who is passionate about music, grateful for his opportunities and has a boat load of talent! Today, we share with you Cora's up close and personal chat with Brede about his journey so far on our most recent episode of Halfstack Highlights. This kids is going places and it is inspiring to hear from such a talented young individual with his priorities straight, dreaming big and making it happen.



Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen and subscribe via iTunes.



If you liked the interview - make sure to listen to this podcast to hear more from Brede Baldwin. And if you have not checked out or subscribed to his youtube channel, you can do so here and check out the video below to hear a great cover from this young crooner. Also, make sure to keep up with him on facebook and twitter to stay up to date on the projects he is working on!


Some PR strategies for you indie creatives brought to you by 4DPR

Creatives know all too well the challenge of building your brand.  You may have the best music in the world, a truly innovative new clothing line, or a studio full of amazing artwork, but if no one knows about it, achieving your creative dreams will be even more of an uphill struggle than it already is.   That is where Dexter Martin comes in.  Dexter is the founder of 4 D PR Strategies, a boutique public relations firm that represents small to mid-sized brands.  They specialize in clients in the fashion, lifestyle, and creative arts sectors.  4D PR Strategies can help creative with service specialties such as media relations and training, strategic sponsorships /partnerships, and brand creative services.



Dexter left his job as an analyst in the banking industry to pursue something more personally satisfying.  He was a good writer, a great listener, a consumer of media news, and experienced in helping clients develop workable business strategies.  After a series of “informational interviews”, Dexter decided to use his skills and passion for helping others to start 4 D PR Strategies.   His first project was to provide PR and promotion support for a new bed & breakfast company in the Andersonville neighborhood.  “After working on this first project, I knew I had made the right decision,” he says.






He believes his business background is unique benefit to his clients.  Dexter prides himself in helping clients clarify their strategic focus into an implementable plan.  For most of his clients, the creative side is their primary focus.  Dexter helps his clients keep their creative focus while incorporating key business strategies.  He strives to continually offer value to his clients to help them achieve their creative dreams.

One project, Dexter is particularly fond of is his work with the Chicago International Social Change Film Festival.  He used his personal passion for this project to land several major sponsors, such as Whole Foods, for the festival.  The sponsors not only provided financial support, but also significant credibility to the festival.

More recently, Dexter has expanded his business to include Hotspot Radio Show with Dexter.   He uses the radio show to focus on a variety of current topics with guests who may offer a different perspective than that found in the main stream media.   For example, during one recent show, Dexter’s guest was a chiropractor who discussed the value of alignments but also the benefits of chiropractic treatment on digestion.   Dexter’s ultimate goal is to develop and offer media content under the 4D Media umbrella, providing clients with production support, sponsorship, and overall marketing of their unique content.  You can check out Hotspot Radio Show with Dexter at  The Hot Spot Radio Show w/ Dexter Link

You can learn more about 4D PR Strategies at www.4DPRStrategies.com or call (312) 988-7183.
Written by: Louis Vasseur - Small Business/Music/Creative Guest Blogger

"Broadcast" is Bright for Brede Baldwin

Fifteen year old Brede Baldwin released his EP “Broadcast” August 26th, 2014. The singer songwriter cannot drive, vote, or get into some of Chicago’s prestigious music venues but he has established a budding career. He has a bright and pragmatic mindset not just for his age that will help him in the long run.


Brede Baldwin Baldwin listened to all sorts of music growing up. While he rode in the car with his parents, he heard Pearl Jam with his father and Kelly Clarkson with his mother. When he was nine, he asked if he could take singing lessons. He attended the School of Rock soon after. At twelve he wrote his first song and learned he liked creating. He doesn’t feel limited by his age. He was hand picked by Cubs manager Theo Epstein to be the opening act of a benefit held at the Cabaret Metro. Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin mentored him. He has performed all over and learned some lessons early on. “If you don’t really advertise, people won’t show,” he says. 


He has had shows where he expected many people to show up and only seven did. He has had shows where he expected seven people to show up and seven hundred people attended. Chicago has influenced his success. “This is a place with fantastic connections. I’m so lucky to have this opportunity.” He said. He realizes many artists put effort into their work and career, but if they don’t have the network or connections, their dreams may not come to fruition. The EP was written and worked on all over the place. The song, “Lights,” was recorded in Virginia a year and a half ago. The mixing was done in different locations including New York, Virginia, and all the way to Australia. “It was always on someone’s computer somewhere,” jokes Baldwin.



The four song EP, "Broadcast", is a treat. You can hear the sweet influence of Muse in the song "Collide" and the strong currents of Pearl Jam through out. You can tell he's someone who grew up studying Eddie Vedder's writing and singing. Baldwin's voice has strength and conviction laced with vulnerability and truth. Baldwin says he’ll be happy as long as he can get out music. There are several videos out including his cover of Alex Care’s “Two Close” and live takes. He looks forward to a full length album in the future. “I have twenty-five songs under my belt,” he shares. The dream is to travel the world playing and writing music but he recognizes he needs to focus on the here and now. He has time. With all his accomplishments, he’s still a kid. For more information, go to www.bredebaldwin.com


Mikey Wax - The Man To Watch (and hear)



Sometimes the most talented people have the most humble beginnings.  Singer and songwriter, Mikey Wax started his music career by performing small house shows for friends and family.  Now, Wax's career has taken off with the release of his label debut album, featuring his single, "You Lift Me Up".  We chatted with him about this exciting time in his career, his latest show at SPACE, and pizza.  


photo courtesy of 4x4 Artist Management



Halfstack Magazine:  So, Mikey, tell us a little about yourself!

Mikey Wax:  I'm a singer/songwriter from Long Island, NY, currently on tour supporting my new self-titled album. I have a deep love for my fans, friends, family and guacamole.

HS:  Your label debut album was recently released, can you tell us about that?

MW:   I recorded the album in Nashville with two incredible producers/brothers Ed and Scott cash. It's my 3rd full length album, and as you mentioned my first release on a label, Toucan Cove/Universal.

HS:  Your single "You Lift Me Up" has been gaining quite a bit of attention!  What was your inspiration behind the song?

MW:  Thanks! The real inspiration for You Lift Me Up was my fans, friends and family who have literally lifted me up as I've tried to grow my music career over the past 4 years. Without their support I probably wouldn't have been able to record a new record, so I'm grateful for all that they've done for me.

HS:  You also have an exciting debut of a few of your songs on TV and in film, right?

MW:  Yeah, I've been lucky the past few years to receive some cool TV and film placements for my songs. It's always such an honor when I'm able to provide music for a specific scene or segment. The So You Think You Can Dance placement was very cool because they aired it weekly as their elimination montage song. I don't think the dancers being kicked off the show liked hearing it though. 

HS: You recently played a show at SPACE in Evanston.  How did that performance go?

MW:  The show was a blast! The Space is a beautiful venue and it was a packed house. The audience was very fun and responsive which always makes it more enjoyable to perform, plus the technical sound at the space is great so that helps us to get lost in the performance.

HS:  What is your favorite part about creating music?

MW:  I think my favorite part is the ability to have freedom and be in complete control of putting out what I hear in my head. There is no greater feeling then bringing to life something you hold in your imagination.

HS:  Now, time for the serious question.  Deep dish or flat bread pizza?

MW:  In Chicago we had to try the deep dish and it was incredible! However, for the most part I'll opt for flat bread!

HS:  What is your favorite, guilty pleasure TV Show/Movie?

MW:  New Girl for TV and Just Friends for movie.

HS:  What's next for Mikey Wax

MW:  I'll be on tour with the band Parachute later this month which I'm excited about. Followed by that, I'll be doing some private house concerts, which is how I got my start. Basically, my fans are able to book me to come perform a set in their living room just for their friends and family. You can find out more at my website, mikeywax.com.

Music Inspired Fashion for Him

Hey Halfstackers! Looking for some new ideas for fall? Check out our music inspired must haves! These tshirts are great to throw on for a more casual look. They're trendy, yet edgy!



Image Credit


Check out these items from brands such as, Forever 21 and more!

Calvin Harris - Lollapalooza After Party Reminscing

The summer wouldn't be complete without Lollapalooza. It will no doubt go down as one of the best in recent years. One of the most memorable acts to hit the Lolla stage was Calvin Harris. He not only had festivalgoers at Lolla dancing but he kept it going at his official Lollapalooza after party at Studio Paris



**Above Image Courtesy of Jon Mathias**

This excited editor had a chance to witness the DJ mastermind that is Calvin Harris at the Official Lollapalooza After Party and by no means did he disappoint. From the retractable rooftop at Studio Paris showcasing the Chicago Skyline, to the crazy light show, it had all the makings of a superstar performance. Celebrities even made appearances to party with what is undoubtedly the "it" guy in music right now.




Calvin Harris has become one of the biggest DJ’s in the world and has had a whirlwind last two years. Born in Scotland, Calvin Harris began creating his own electronic music in his teens. Eventually, like so many other musicians, he began promoting his music via social media in hopes of catching his big break. Eventually he caught the eye of a representative from major record label EMI in 2006. His keen eye for unique sounds as well as writing and producing made him a force to be reckoned with.



Along with releasing his own album he began writing and producing for artists like Kylie Minogue, All saints and Kelis. Undoubtedly, the 2012 release of his third solo album “18 Months” was his breakout album. The acclaimed album was filled with collaborations with the likes of hit makers like Ellie Goulding, Rihanna and Ne-Yo. He also took the chance and even did vocals for his now infamous track “Summer”. Calvin Harris was making waves and the world was finally taking notice. Not only are fans lining up to see him but other music artists are rushing to collaborate with him. He is by far one of the most world-renowned DJ’s in electronic dance music today and if his airplay isn’t proof enough, in 2013 he was named the highest-earning DJ by Forbes raking in over $46 million dollars.



The amazing space of Studio Paris in downtown Chicago was the place to be for the official Lolla after party. After a crazy set in Grant Park, Calvin Harris partied the night away with a few lucky Chicagoans August 2nd. Calvin Harris hit the Studio Paris stage at around midnight to a sold out show. From the start you could feel the intensity of the crowd. Calvin played all his hits from this summers anthem “Summer” to the ever-popular “Sweet Nothing” and “We found love”. You know you’re a legitimate star when the crowd knows ever word to your songs. And this crowd did. Calvin Harris played homage to his fellow EDM dj’s such as Swedish House Mafia by mixing some of their more popular tracks. The feeling inside Studio Paris was in one word, electrifying. Everyone was having a blast and everyone was dancing. For this huge fan, it was a definite treat to get to see this man live.

While so much music today has negative connotations, EDM, electronic dance music, has taken on a life of it’s own due to its positive and carefree nature. As a self described EDM fanatic, it was amazing getting to witness one of the best dj’s of our time perform the night away under the perfect summer night sky. Calvin Harris is the real deal and if you get a chance to see him live, take it. He’ll be gracing the stage for a long time to come and I for one am very thankful for that and so is the music industry.

Hideout Block Party & A.V. Fest

I will always remember my first car. It was a 1968, fire-engine red, Cadillac hearse that my grandfather bought me. It only got 6 miles to the gallon, so I mainly drove it from home to school and back. Nonetheless, I have wonderful memories of cruising in my car in the fall, listing to Death Cab for Cutie's album, Plans, play from my makeshift CD player/portable boom box, sitting on the passenger-side floor. To this day, I feel a twinge of nostalgia when the leaves begin to change.



On Friday, September 5th, Death Cab for Cutie headlined the Hideout Block Party and A.V. Fest, here in Chicago, IL. This two day music festival also featured artists like The Handsome Family, The War on Drugs, Valerie June, and Hamilton Leithauser.





Singer and songwriter, Valerie June, who graced the stage the Saturday of the fest, sat down with us to talk about making music and embracing times of silence.

Halfstack Magazine: Your music seems to dabble in a few different genres. How would you best describe your style of music?

Valerie June: I call it Organic Moonshine Roots Music. It's just American music in its southern most forms. An American artist that comes to mind when you use the word dabble is Tom Waits. What a dabbler!

HS: What inspires you most when writing music?

VJ: I'm greatly inspired by silence. Silence makes me want to make music!

HS:  How did you get involved with this year's Hideout Block Party and Onion A.V. Fest?

VJ:  I reckon it was my Chicago based booking agency, Billions Corporation, ultimately.  But, I was performing a couple years ago at The Hideout with a band called The Wandering.  After sound check, we went upstairs and I was fascinated by Mavis Staples' throne.  They told me she sat in it at the Hideout Block Party.  I secretly planted a wish in that moment to perform for the block party one day!

HS:  Are there any other artists this weekend you are excited to see perform?

VJ: The Funky Meters!


HS:  You have collaborated with other artists, such as Old Crow Medicine show in the past.  What is your favorite thing about collaborating with other musicians?
 
VJ:  I love learning how other songwriters receive or write tunes.  It's magical!


HS:  If you could work with any musician that you haven’t yet, dead or alive, who would you aspire to make music with?

 VJ:  Now, I can't tell ya all my secrets!  I have a list, but I learned early on in the wishing game that those things you deeply want that seem beyond your reach, you should treat delicately and rarely speak of while they are in the incubator.

HS:  Your latest album, “Pushin’ Against A Stone’ featured a few other artists.  Who worked on the album with you?

 VJ:  Dan Auerbach [of The Black Keys] and Booker T. Jones.

HS:  You were nominated for a Blues Music Award this year for your album, ‘Pushin’ Against A Stone’.  Can you tell us a little bit about that great achievement?

 VJ: Wow!  I'm honored, but I can't really say much besides HUGE THANKS.

HS:  Other than writing and performing music, what other ways do you enjoy spending your time?

 VJ:  Walking, yoga, meditating, baths; I'm pretty up, so I tend to seek calming adventures!

HS:  What can we look forward to next from Valerie June?

 VJ:  I'm working with the Goddess on the future.  It will be as she wishes to see!'

Make sure you check out the full editorial gallery in the Fall issue of Halfstack HERE!



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