thesedays-posts-blog

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Ajani Jones • Eternal Bliss

Ajani Jones is an up and coming member of the AEMMP Records roster that is looking to have his project emanate from the rolled down windows of summertime cruises. His debut full-length project, Eternal Bliss, is both reflective and performative, in the sense that Jones clearly wants the listen to work on both a casual and more reflective level. It’s a good album for a backyard barbeque or for a long train ride by yourself, and that indicates a strong, tightly put together project that Jones deserves recognition for. Making its premiere on Fake Shore Drive this past weekend, the MC has got people’s ears and will be in rotation for many in the Second City.  

[thesedays-posts-blog]

PWR BTTM’S Tour Falls Apart Amid Accusations of Sexual Abuse From Chicago DIY Community

Ben Hopkins, 1/2 of renowned punk group PWR BTTM, has been accused publicly of sexual abuse. Now, the group’s music has been completely pulled from digital outlets by their record label and is no longer widely available. The situation has unfolded to the point of putting an entire stop to their career until the band addresses it fully.

A post on private Facebook group DIY Chicago cited personal accounts of people witnessing the singer making inappropriate advances on people during shows and generally violating norms of consent, followed by a picture of the singer next to a Swastika drawn in the sand, an image the group apologized for last year. The post was then followed by a series of personal messages, with the identities redacted, of more people coming out with personal stories of sexual misconduct by the musicians. These revelations caused a flurry of activity from the media, and has led to the group’s status being in limbo.

PWR BTTM cancelled their show in NYC once the accusations came to light and released a statement on their Facebook page addressing the issue. In it, the group takes an approach that doesn’t acknowledge the charges as true, but treats the issue in a manner where they are willing to hear any and all accusations directly and have the chance to resolve the issue. The group established an email address, which Hopkins will allegedly not have access to, that is meant for anyone that believes they have been assaulted by Hopkins to contact them and have a mediator resolve the situation.

The group closes the lengthy statement with, “Our primary goal here is to ensure that a survivor of abuse has a voice, that their story should be heard and that people who cross the line should be held accountable. What this means for the band, our album, our fans and our upcoming tours is, as of yet, unclear. Music is everything to us, but we feel strongly that this matter needs to be addressed first.” This would seem to indicate that the group’s activities will be on-hold until these issues are thoroughly resolved.

The news has already created some fallout for the group as their national tour has fallen into shambles, with every other musician involved backing out, many of them giving their opinions as to the validity of the claims. The most damning statement came from bassist Nicholas Cummins who stated on Twitter, “I'll say what I told Ben; while I will never dispose of them as a human, I fully believe all accusations that came up today. Regardless of their intent it's clear that multiple people had their boundaries crossed. that's incredibly unacceptable and needs to be acknowledged... I am deeply horrified by the thought of any role I may have played in doing harm to those people when playing with that band. All I can do is hope that the band does the right thing and pursues accountability in an honest and transparent way.”

Local sensation and Sooper Records co-founder Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, who was slated as an opening act on the tour stated, “Hey y'all. I'll no longer be opening up for PWR BTTM on this upcoming tour. It Fucking sucks for everyone involved and in light of the allegations I can't comfortably continue. I hope that truth is found/admitted and I'm incredibly disappointed at this type of shit continuously happening. I love all of you.”

These Days News will update our readers as more details emerge.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Morocco Brown • "Closer"

Directed by J Visuals

Morocco Brown and frequent collaborator CEO Beatz have linked up once again, crafting a bright love song just in time for the summer. Brown’s catchy, melodic hook and infectious rhythm blur the lines between rap and R&B, but they mesh perfectly with CEO’s unique sound to create a seriously feel-good track.

Chicago stars in the JVisuals video, serving as a backdrop for Morocco’s search for love. Featuring a cameo from Brown’s manager and frequent collaborator Taylor Bennett, and complete with frustrating texts and empty bottles of Hennessey, the video complements the song’s modern-day love story theme. Stay on the lookout for more music from this bright new rapper, as he just might become one of Chicago’s next big names.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Lex Allen • Never Look Back

Produced by Jacob McMillan, Lex Allen’s “Never Look Back” is a track to make your soul pop. The song and it’s “coming of age” sentiments, inspires one to let go of their earthly tethers; be what you’ve always envisioned yourself being. Apart of the Milwaukee based creatives, New Age Narcissism, free expression is a major aspect of his music. We’re in an age where, unpopular beliefs and/or lifestyles have better platforms to communicate. We haven’t seen a star quite like Lex Allen in the mainstream media. With tracks like this, a fanbase is sure to grow. Listen to the new song here.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Knox Fortune • "Torture"

These days, it seems as though everyone is eager as ever to put artists into a particular box at a time when their products are more wide-ranging than ever before. It's with that in mind that I often approach Knox Fortune's music and with his latest release, "Torture" released Thursday afternoon, our April cover artist continues to widen the range of possibilities for his highly anticipated full-length due out soon.

On this one, the vibe from Knox's previous drop, "Help Myself" carries itself through once again setting a foundation in the sort of lo-fi avenues that call to mind a twenty-year-loop sampling that feels wholly fresh and new on both releases. Having broke out with the falsetto-laden vocals on Chance The Rapper's "All Night" this Chicago product is proving that he's fully capable of plenty more, exuding as much with his latest single. Check out "Torture" above, the cover story floating in this post and much more from Knox very soon.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Drop Pin • Zoe Rain

Today, an artist's image is as important as their product and the arbiters of that imagery are often just as relevant as the artists themselves. One such photographer that has established herself over the course of the last few years is Seattle native and Chicago transplant Zoe Rain. Since coming up as the tour photographer for Macklemore, documenting his rise from local act to international Grammy winner, Rain has emerged as one of the more interesting and dynamic eyes in the business today and has since worked with the likes of Chance The Rapper, Ed Sheeran, Raury and many more. A seasoned pro with a style all her own, Rain has set up shop at her Rain Studios in the city's Pilsen neighborhood where she hosts events, galleries and rents space to fellow photogs. We caught up with Zoe to find out her favorite haunts around town, which you can find below and, as always, you can click here for our full Interactive Drop Pin map featuring all of your favorite Chicagoans! 

Keep Up With Zoe • Twitter // Instagram

Nicks Beer Garden

This dive bar reminds me of the first year I was in Chicago, 21, and broke. I’ve definitely had sex and done drugs in their bathroom. They serve $5 for a shot of tequila and a PBR. Plus theres big buck hunter and a pool table. Win win win.

Rain Studio

Throwing in a shameless plug to my studio. My girlfriend and I throw events here, and have a gallery show every second Friday of the month 6-10. We also have a dog named Abby, who people like better than us.

Ace Bounce

If any bar can convince you to stay out, it’s this one. I came here for the first time for a friends birthday, set on making an appearance and then ghosting out the back door. I ended up playing ping pong for hours under dark lights, and being one of the last to leave. If you like ping pong, or just a really happy vibe, I recommend this spot.

Skylark

If you haven’t been to Skylark and you like dark dive bars, you have been missing out. They say there are still tunnels underneath that the mafia used to traffic goods and get away from the cops. And when I say They say that, I mean a bartender there. I don’t even know his name. Don’t take my word for it.

Montrose Dog Beach

My pup loves it here in the summer. For an introvert like me, it’s a nice way to be social without having to interact with any human beings. I do not recommend having a picnic here however. ”

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Gem Tree • "Mary Jane"

Gem Tree’s latest single ‘Mary Jane’ is an elegant ode to partaking in herbs, and the video proves to be artful and entrancing. The first single from her upcoming EP “Gem and I” is meditative, taking place in front of church doors in an attempt to intertwine the “same righteous mindedness that [she] feels with herbs.” The daughter of a preacher, she hits on the spiritual themes she aims for in both song and video. Look out for the EP, produced entirely by up-and-comer Zacky, soon.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

BoneLang • "Michelada"

Existing somehwere between several scenes and genres here in Chicago, the duo operating under the name BoneLang has been consistently crafting talented pieces for some years now while garnering a sort of cult following built on memorable live performances and a careful, if not strategic, release schedule. 

The latest from SamyLanguage and Matt Bones is a visual that they have rightfully taken to calling their 'film' for "Michelada," an explorative single off the pair's recent full-length release, Venn Diagrams Pt. 1 that hit the streets just over a month ago. On this one, Bones and Language stay woke, exploring the intricacies of gender identity in a subtletly that is often forgotten during similar musical conversations. With the spring creeping in more and more, expect plenty more from these guys and if this particular release is any inkling of what's to come, you should expect some very layered pieces on the way.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Ajani Jones • "Bliss"

Ajani Jones’ new lead single ‘Bliss’ shows an artist ready to carve out a spot in Chicago when his full-length project Eternal Bliss drops on May 12th. Jones released his Banks the Genius produced EP Astrals at the end of last year, a solid offering that stacked up well as a debut release. ‘Bliss’ builds on the momentum, already gaining a few thousand plays after one week out. The song is produced by Blookah who provides a drum-driven track, with a thumping snare taking center stage and some shimmery atmospheric guitar work around it. Jones’ vocals sound smooth and cool, with a deceptively laid back flow. The album is coming out one the Columbia College Chicago label AEMMP Records and is shaping up to be a solid summer-vibes pick.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Tara Terra • "Like The Clothes"

‘Like The Clothes’ is a beautiful, strong lead single for their new album Where’s Your Light? from Chicago/Champaign-Urbana-based outfit. The song is upbeat with shades of math rock to it, tempered by diversions into classic-pop/ballad territory. Colin Althaus’ guitar work shines on this track as the sharp note picking and heavier chords lead the song in different directions. Emily Blue, the group’s lead singer, is a rare singer with impeccable control and nuance. The lyrics she wrote have a delicate simplicity to them that brings them fully to life when sung with her strong voice and genuine emotion. The new album, due out May 31st, is looking to be a good one. Catch their release show at the Empty Bottle on the same day.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

With Daily Show Appearance, Kevin Coval Underlines the Chicago Renaissance

The names and faces that have been familiar here in Chicago are quickly finding their ways into the households and phone screens and stages the world over as the scene in the Second City continues to ascend to the first place in popular contemporary culture. While the likes of Chance The Rapper, Hannibal Burress, Vic Mensa and many more have come to be the image of the city that the rest see, it's layers are beginning to similarly see the light of day as fans, journalists and vultures dig deeper into the dense creative network of the city. Last Thursday, just before the weekend hit, one of the more important voices in that network appeared on national television to underline the mentality and spirit that have pushed those locally to affect the world at large. Sitting across from Daily Show host Trevor Noah, Coval coolly and effectively embodied all that this scene and this moment in Chicago has come to be.

Over the course of the last half decade and beyond a movement has been boiling. A movement based in words and understanding of authentically telling one’s own story, a movement that has benefitted greatly from the attention of one precarious figure: Kevin Coval.  Appearing on The Daily Show last week, Coval served as an underlined reminder that the scene establishing itself here in Chicago goes far beyond the music and surface-level theatrics. 

Whereas trends, talking points and political correctness tend to drive conversations and word choice elsewhere in the country, the Renaissance here has been driven by a stubbornness for the authentic underlined by an innate mutual respect thats apparently plentiful in the middle of the country. In that way, we often talk about the problems we’re forced to face, rather than we choose to because in Chicago adversity punches you in the face before slapping you awake from the pavement to put you to work. In that way, Coval embodied much of those tenants, making a point to realign the conversation last Thursday as Noah began to discuss the perception of a “common narrative” around Chicago youth today. 

As a perceived leader within the scene, we couldn't ask for much more than Coval. While the music scene locally has become a national obsession that has yet to truly peak, the Renaissance stretches far beyond notes and vocals and in many ways, the interview with Noah was the first peek into a side that Coval described as "(Chance is) part of a moment we're having in Chicago. Hundreds of young people who are taking the tools of Democratized technology to find a fan base and speak to a larger audience. I think young people in Chicago have always affected how the world gets down." While not the central focus of the interview, the sentiment is a wildly important one that has been a large catalyst in why the city finds itself somewhat leading the coasts in thought and art. While the rappers and singers may be the most easily recognizable, they would have a much tougher time ideating and executing their work without the thoughts, sentiments and general disposition of the loyal communities of writers, managers, painters, spoken word artists, session musicians, photographers, stylists and assorted other creatives who help create the spectrum from which the artists emerge. If the support side, the less easily recognizable side, is a few layers below Chance and the gang, it appears the public is beginning to dig deeper. Our luck is that they found Coval first, as his understanding of what it means to be a writer or a creative mind from this city appears to be perfectly in line with the greater movement. 

Read More

I’ve always been proud to come of age in this city at this particular time, felt blessed to exist in the orbits of so many talented individuals, but more than anything else, I truly value the fact that the city and the scene as a whole tend to reflect the values I’ve tried to embody in adulthood. Our stars come equipped with broad hearts and shoulders rather than heads & egos, independence is at a premium and in the smallest big city in the world side eyes abound at the scent of anything lacking in authenticity or conscious thought. A sort of code exists in Chicago. One that quietly erodes those who violate it or choose to cheat it’s steps without speaking them to the world. Instead, their absence is characterized by raised eyebrows and elaborate stories with simple messages. To exist for any amount of time here in Chicago you have to have thick skin, quick wit and an ability to recognize and execute a hustle. And it’s not easy. It’s from these unspoken, time-worn Chicago traditions juxtaposed against the thematics of legendary writers and poets like James Baldwin and Gwendolyn Brooks results a contemporary writer in the classical sense, aiming to create distinct change through a focus on the written and spoken word. 

It's no secret at this point in time that there's something special happening in the Second City. By being himself and talking from the heart, Kevin Coval made sure that the rest of the country understands it goes beyond the music. 

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Jamila Woods • "Holy"

Directed by VAM Studios

Perhaps one of the most consistent voices to emerge from Chicago in recent years, singer/poet Jamila Woods put the world on notice last year with the release of her honest solo debut, HEAVN, a careful collection of songs that we featured in our cover story on Woods about this time last year. A full calendar later and the music still stands as fresh as it was on day one, the embedded messages only becoming underlined more boldly in time since and rightfully so Woods decided to unveil a visual rendering for one of the album's singles, "Holy". 

A prolific writer and poet recognized across the country for her contributions acorss several artistic mediums, Woods doesn't often approach expression lightly and on this particular visual accompaniment that sentiment is quickly obvious. Employing a range of talented minds together on this one, she tapped Vince Martell's VAM Studios and Bryan Allen Lamb, amongst others to create a piece of work that stands even taller with the added presence of the video itself. You'll definitely rewind this one at least once. Woods certainly hasn't stopped working either so be sure to catch her latest, right here at TheseDays coming soon.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Music News Round Up • North Coast Music Festival Announced, Smino Kicks Off 'Swanita' Tour & More

We had a taste of the warmth for a minute but alas we also didn't get completely flooded over the weekend. Despite the crazy weather and continuing bullshittery from D.C., the news on the music side of things in the Windy City continued to churn along per usual. This time around we have an announcement of performers at this year's North Coast, Smino kicked off his tour in style and a song cut from Coloring Book looks to get a release date soon.

North Coast Festival Announces Performers

The sun's just beginning to peek between the clouds here and there, and in Chicago that means only one thing: festival season. While many who call the city home claim it has only two seasons: winter & construction, for those of us still enjoying the youthful side of things often characterize the two halves of Chicagoan's experiences as cold and festivals. Fittingly, REACT Present's North Coast Festival offered their performers for this year's edition. 

While organizers held back a few names to stretch the secret a bit longer, the initial unveiling is impressive to say the least. Headlining this year's affair is Deadmau5 & Eric Prydz alongside Gucci Mane with Damian Marley, STs9, Carnage and Tipper rounding out the top-level sets. Always a welcome opening for local acts, North Coast continues to serve as a proving ground for Chicago acts. This year, breakthrough dance act Whethan joins The Cool Kids, Akenya, Edamame and Rich Jones as the familiar Chicago names while Closed Sessions signee and Milwaukee native WebsterX is also featured on Friday. 

Single day, 3-Day and VIP tickets are available now at northcoastfestival.com.

Smino Kicks off 'Swanita' Tour in Chicago

St. Louis product Smino has been on a tear since finding his voice in Chicago's Classick Studios over the course of the last few years. He parlayed a consistent offering of hits into his 'Swanita' headlining tour that kicked off just before the weekend here in town at the Bottom Lounge in the city's West Loop neighborhood. Teaming up with the full contingent of his Zero Fatigue family that counts the likes of Jean Deaux, Monte Booker, Ravyn Lenae among others. Currently crossing the country together, they killed their set Thursday, setting a perfect tone for the upcoming dates and Ear2Ground was in the house with the cameras rolling. Check out the full recap streaming here and be on the look out for plenty more from Smino and co. soon. 

"Grown Ass Kids" Reportedly to Find Home on Cam O'Bi's Album

One of the hottest tracks to emerge in the purposefully-scattered release of Chance The Rapper's latest album, Coloring Books happened to be a song that didn't make it to the final product. "Grown Ass Kids" featuring Mick Jenkins and Alex Wiley was planned for the Grammy-winning project, but was left on the cutting room floor at the last minute after Chance and co had a tough time clearing the sample of "If Only For One Night" by Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack. The song ended up getting leaked online the day before Coloring Book's release, much to the displeasure of Chance. Well, after a long wait, it appears the track may be getting an official release after all. Cam O'Bi longtime collaborator of Chance, Vic Mensa and many more offered some hints that the single would be included on his upcoming project. 

While we can't verify anything yet, we can attest to the fact that Cam's work is hot as can be, so make sure you keep an eye out for that.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

KAMI • Just Like The Movies

We kicked off our February by touching base with SaveMoney rapper KAMI who, after a lengthy solo hiatus, spoke about the process of crafting his latest opus, Just Like The Movies, which hit the streets Friday morning after a long-awaited teasing.

KAMI, who emerged over the course of the last year as his latest iteration after coming up under Kami De Chukwu and as part of the duo Leather Corduroys alongside Joey Purp, arrives here with a fully-realized sound and strategy that at once stand outside the base that most have come to expect from Chicago urban artists while also staying within the lane that has vaulted the loosely-affiliated members of the collective to the forefront of several competing genres. On this one, KAMI cultivated a sound that pulls from several generations of music local and not to create a final product that is both lyrically satisfying and experimental with a dance-driven production backing. That sound came about from the confluence of his own ideas and those of close collaborator Knox Fortune, who handles the majority of the duties on this one and serves as the steadying presence between KAMI's varied appearances. Four years removed from KAMI's last full-length solo offering, it seems as though the wait was well worth it. Jump into Just Like The Movies above.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Chance the Rapper Continues to Poke Fun at Major Labels with "No Problem" Tour Visuals

It's not secret at this point that Chance The Rapper has positioned himself as public enemy number one for the typified label structure that has long dominated the music industry. Characterized by his career as a whole, he doubled down on the sentiment with his latest album, Coloring Book which won three Grammys and established him as a bonafide star owing nothing to the man. One song in particular from that project, the single "No Problems" featuring 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, acts as a direct affront to the business side of music. On the first leg of his debut 'Be Encouraged' arena tour he underlined the anti-label sentiment with a series of images that flashed across the screen behind him during his performance of "No Problems" in San Diego on Tuesday night.

Chance has been vocal in his independence since emerging on the national scene just over fours years ago on the heels of his Acid Rap mixtape which made waves when it charted on Billboard as a free release and eventually forced the hand of much of the industry to accept acts not signed to a major. Punctuated by performances on Stephen Colbert's Late Show and Ellen Degeneres that put his message front and center,  the endeavor culminated with a trio of Grammy awards this past February, affirmation of his driving force throughout his career. 

With a new tour and mounting public support from all corners, Chance appears ready to take the next step in his crusade to free the artist from the machine, and will be campaigning his message across the country for the better part of the year. Stay tuned for more.

[thesedays-posts-blog]

Sahar Habibi • "STICKWITU"

Perhaps no individual DJ from this scene has established themselves over the course of the last year than our very own Sahar Habibi. Having linked up with Soulection, which she just traveled to Europe for a string of performances, Habibi proved she may just never sleep, coming off a steady string of performances across town with the release of a new mix that hit the internet just before the weekend. 

While DJ'ing as it was known originally has found itself fractured in the contemporary music spaces it finds itself occupying, Habibi has, as part of a team of music-lovers with a true dedication to the magic of the mix, has helped to bring it back around as a true artistic endeavor in the digital age that manifests itself here with just over a half-hour of music to get you going for that pregame or party this weekend. Get into the whole thing above and be sure to keep an eye on our Events page where Habibi is a regular feature. 

[thesedays-posts-blog]

CHAI • "Thirst Trap"

It's no secret that this city is full of talent and one of the more well-kept artists sneaking up on folks released a long-awaited video last week that somehow didn't make it up on our side of things until just today. Regardless, CHAI's new video for "Thirst Trap" is a perfect way to get in the mood for the sunny days that have been gracing the city as of late.

First teased over a year ago in a short release that debuted the single, we've heard little from the University of Illinois-Chicago student who made good on a performance on South Korea's version of 'American Idol', which has opened plenty of opportunities across the Pacific but for now she's continuing to keep us on the edge of our seats as we await something a bit longer, perhaps similar to her previous work with Elias Abid. For now, we'll have to wait, but don't tweak on this latest video, streaming above.