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Interview: Like Pioneers
When it comes to Chicago’s fraternal indie-rock pool, few outfits are in as deeply as Like Pioneers. In fact, it wouldn’t be that far-fetched to suggest the quintet is an underground supergroup of sorts, thanks to former
Around Hear: June 2012
With an acoustic guitar and a sweet, Midwestern croon, singer/songwriter Heather Styka sings her heart out on Lifeboats For Atlantis. Styka’s sincerity and a knack for vivid storytelling permeate the 14 tracks. Traces of Janis Joplin, Karen
Caught In A Mosh: June 2012
Our July 2007 cover story on Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival at Toyota Park focused on the increasingly limited role of lead guitarists in pop music. Les Paul and Jim Marshall have since died, meanwhile potential investors have been
Digital Divide: June 2012
It’s got to be quite a daunting task: how do you make the transition from creating an iconic film character beloved around the world, to leaving it behind and staking your claim to a long and successful career? Some, like Sean Connery, manage
File: June 2012
In what was expected to be a slam-dunk conviction, Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan acquitted Justin Pivec of aggravated battery in 2010’s brutal beating of Madina Lake bassist
Hello, My Name Is Jackie
IE: It’s been 28 years since The Jacksons hit the road. Why did this summer feel right for the “Unity” Tour? Jackie Jackson: We decided we should go out because the fans kept calling us and saying we should tour.
Hello, My Name Is Kelly
IE: You recorded your first solo album in more than a decade, at Hollywood’s famed EastWest Studios. Kelly Hogan: There’s just so much history – it’s an iceberg of history. My vocals were going through the echo chamber that Frank Sinatra used on “It Was A Very Good Year” and “My Way,” so I could […]
Gear: June 2012
New Jersey-based Tech 21 went “one louder” by introducing a live version of its popular Liverpool pedal from the SansAmp Character Series — available direct through their Private Stock Division. According to a company press release, as a boutique pedal quantities are extremely limited. The SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe features a combination of an all-analog signal […]
Media: June 2012
After nearly a year without a commercial alternative-rock station, Chicago has now has two — both of which pay homage to the old Q101: WKQX-LP on 87.7-FM and Q101 on WJJG-AM (1530).
Studiophile: June 2012
Yakuza are following up their Pro-found Lore debut, Of Seismic Consequence, which was jonesed on several national 2010 “best-of” end-of-year lists and was widely heralded as the band’s best album to date.
Sweet Home: June 2012
Michael “Iron Man” Burks was the kind of bluesman who endeared everyone to him. If you didn’t fall in love with his gritty vocals and fierce guitar licks, you were captured by his humble charm and hardworking attitude.
Cover Story: The Beach Boys
Many casual rock fans get stuck on this poser: name the band who were greatly influenced by both Bob Dylan and The Beatles, and in turn had major influence on Bob Dylan and The Beatles. The answer is The Byrds. Similarly, another ’60s-born Southern California-based outfit led several lives
Interview: Brian Wilson
IE: Are there any that you’re more excited to approach than others? Brian Wilson: Not really. Well, “California Girls” I look forward to, and “Good Vibrations.” I look forward to those.
Interview: Mayer Hawthorne
Superman had his Fortress Of Solitude; Mayer Hawthorne has his records and the stores scattered around the globe devoted to housing rare and overlooked vinyl.
Interview: Eric Church
Even if he was preemptively playing along with what he assumes to be a skeptical urban magazine, Eric Church raises some salient points about country music. His career, after all, could be one of its songs.
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