Posts in Uncategorized
Bottle Recap: Low & IN / VIA 11.12
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The Empty Bottle works with a wide variety of venues for their Presents shows, but perhaps none of them are as intimate and stunning as their Rockefeller Chapel concerts. For EBP this past Friday, Low took to the stage with opener IN / VIA. Both groups used the space to their advantage, crafting stark, emotionally wrought songs that were mollified by the Chapel’s acoustics.

IN / VIA, the solo synth project of Nona Invie, was an apt way to set the tone for Low. With swirling and twirling synth lines that were as mesmerizing as the vocals, IN / VIA created structured soundscapes that moved freely. Synth sounds warm and cool basked in the Chapel’s openness providing a lush backdrop for somber, heartfelt lyricism.

While Low didn’t use synths (their consistent instrumentation is guitar, bass, drums, and vocals), their set followed IN / VIA’s smoothly, with poise and admiration—for their opener, the Chapel, and the listeners. The fact that it was an EBP production was particularly resonant for them, as their first show in Chicago was at The Bottle about 25 winters ago.

Despite it being just the beginning of the cold months, the harmonies of Alan Sparkhawk and Mimi Parker (the group’s core members who are also married) instantly instilled the imagery and feeling of the last bit of snow and ice melting at the end of winter. Their haunting vocals are what really set Low apart, and experiencing these voices live—attached to their sincere sources and heard in the reverberant space—was a highlight of the show.

“It’s such a beautiful space, I can’t say anything to ruin it,” Sparkhawk said simply of the Chapel.

Much of its beauty was manifested in its sonic qualities, but both these and the visual aspects were only accentuated by the lighting that accompanied Low. Frequent collaborator and engineer/producer Tom Herbers (who has also worked with Andrew Bird, Why?, and many others) instead focused on the lightboard, controlling three panels of lights that reacted to the sounds with abstract textures and other visuals. The lighting echoed the evocative, solemn music well, playing a much larger role than lighting usual does at a concert.

About half of Low’s set was made up of their recent album, Septembers’ Double Negative. Sonically, the record is a huge shift from previous records, with different production and recording approaches greatly molding their sound.

But their Rockefeller Chapel concert showed that their distinct songwriting and minimal compositions were still at the heart of this new sound. Sounding more like previous records rather than Double Negative, Low’s feeling and energy is what is most important about their music, and the fact that they can convey that purely no matter the sonic approach is a testament to their genuinity and emotional sentiment.

*A review by Izzy Yellen

*Photos by @bblane_photography

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Bottle Recap: Thurston Moore Group / Krista Franklin 11.12
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Photo by Mike Bieniek

This past Monday, the Thurston Moore Group and poet Krista Franklin shared new work at the Art Institute, and the two contrasting performances filled the sold-out room with rejuvenating and motivating power amidst the the Chicago snowfall and nation’s ever-present negativity. While Franklin conjured up these powers with weighted words, Moore’s band instead premiered a lengthy instrumental piece.

Franklin shared three poems to open up the event, each with a distinct style. The third led into the Thurston Moore Group perfectly. The poem was explicitly a call to action and reflection, and Moore’s new composition certainly allowed inward-looking and was rooted in activism.

The piece was entitled “Alice Moki Jayne,” after its three inspirations—musician Alice Coltrane, visual artist Moki Cherry, and poet Jayne Cortez—all key figures in the sixties due to art and activism. While Moore is known for his heavily improvised noise jams in his group and Sonic Youth, “Alice Moki Jayne” was much more restrained and conceptual, allowing him to explore his instrumental compositional voice and the sound of the 12-string electric guitar.

Joined by guitarist James Sedwards, bassist Debbie Googe, and drummer Steve Shelley (also a Sonic Youth alum), Moore “conducted” the group minimally, signaling new sections, segueing and stitching together the ambient and heavy seamlessly.

Opening with a minimal, reverb-drenched section, the group played to the room with no problem whatsoever. This elastic moment was disrupted by a strum of gravitas from Moore, moving the quartet into the second part.

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Photo by Neil Rigler

The lush ringing the 12-strings brought to the palette were particularly accentuated by the venue—the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room—a boxy, resonant location.

The piece was a journey through many sections—some short soundscapes, some longer fuzzy jams—each one unpredictable yet satisfying. There was direction that came from its structure, but the variety of the sections kept the work snaking and hard to pin down. Not only that, but the maintained cohesiveness was even more impressive thanks to mixed bag.

With all the false endings from the movements, the actual end took the audience by surprise, and after awe and applause, Moore leaned into the mic for his only words—sharing the basis for the piece and his gratitude to Franklin “for sharing what’s on her mind” as well as the concert-goers. The Thurston Moore Group has performed “Alice Moki Jayne” a few times, so if a studio recording happens, you’d better keep your ears open.

*A review by Izzy Yellen

#EB25 Recap: Quintron + Miss Pussycat & Tortoise

On Saturday, 3/25 and Sunday, 3/26, we hosted the first three shows of #EB25 2017! Here's a recap for all our friends out there who are far away, couldn't make it, or were too drunk to remember.

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First, we saw a visit from New Orleans duo QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT co-headlining with our boy NOBUNNY on Saturday. Everyones favorite rodent rock group, RATSO AND THE RABBITS, opened. Headed by local television star RATSO (Chic-A-Go-Go) this rambunctious crew kicked things off with a bang.

NOBUNNY performed next. We're always ready for the loud and energetic performance this woodland creature brings to our stage. And in nothing but his skivvies, to boot! This was NOBUNNY's seventh Empty Bottle performance - in the words of the great FOREIGNER, "feels like the first time."

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QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT brought a much-needed blast from the past in the form of their signature genre-defying "Swamp-Tech" dance music. Due to an unfortunate accident during home repairs, Mr. QUINTRON had his left arm captive to a sling. Luckily, he brought friend and fellow N'awlins boy Benny along to fill in for his injured appendage. Fun fact: did you know QUINTRON and Bottle bossman Bruce go way back to their college days at University of Missouri?

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On Sunday, we revived an olden day tradition of two TORTOISE shows in one days. Both shows were opened by THE LONESOME ORGANIST, the one-man band project of Jeremy Jacobsen. Using guitar, keys, harmonica, steel drum, and various percussion instruments, Jacobsen put on a spectacular show not once, but twice.

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Speaking of double trouble, celebrating #EB25 with Chicago post-rock legends TORTOISE twice in one day is kind of a dream. These guys have played the Bottle over a dozen times, yet the sheer magnitude of their talent never ceases to amaze. During one of their encores, they welcomed JIM ELKINGTON, guitarist from ELEVENTH DREAM DAY, to the stage to shred with them. 'Twas an amazing evening we shall never forget!

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Thanks to everyone who made it out! On deck for our #EB25 Anniversary Series... 

2017: Empty Bottle's 25th Year

2017 will begin the Empty Bottle’s 25th year in existence. For the first time, we have decided to celebrate ourselves with a years’ worth of special programming aptly code named EB25. We even have a book (The Empty Bottle Chicago: 21+ Years of Music / Friendly / Dancing) that was put out by our friends Curbside Splendor celebrating this feat. Check back here often, as this page will update frequently (and you don’t want to miss anything). You can also sign up for EB25 info to be sent directly to you by signing up here.Any questions? Email us at info@emptybottle.com.

Two Years of Glitter
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by Kelsie HogueNow more than ever, the act of cultivating a safe space is imperative. A safe space is simply an environment where anyone regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religious affiliation or physical/mental ability are able to express themselves freely without fear of their comfort or safety being at risk. Over the past two years, sibling duo Donnie and Madison Moore have cultivated pure fun with their monthly LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and more) show Glitter Creeps.Taking place every third Wednesday of the month at The Empty Bottle, Glitter Creeps features a broad spectrum of voices and styles, reinforcing the idea that queer nights are for everyone. To celebrate their official toddler phase we’re throwing a party for anyone and everyone on Wednesday, November 16th, featuring everyone’s favorite punk weirdo NOBUNNY, with support from PROUD PARENTS, BEV RAGE & THE DRINKS, and an interlude by drag entertainer LUCY STOOLE.I got the chance to grab some pure unfiltered sound bites from both Donnie and Madison Moore of the Glitter Creeps as well as Justin Champlin aka NOBUNNY on the importance of such a gathering within the Chicago music scene. Allow their tender musings to tide you over until the big night. See you on November 16th!

Glitter Creeps

Absolutely Not (photo by Marisa KM)

Absolutely Not (photo by Marisa KM)

GOGGS Performing during the August Glitter Creeps (photo by Marisa KM)

GOGGS Performing during the August Glitter Creeps (photo by Marisa KM)

Along with being at the helm of Glitter Creeps, Donnie and Madison Moore make up two thirds of local glam punk outfit ABSOLUTELY NOT. With Donnie on vox and guitar, Madison on keys and backup vox and Santiago Guerrero on drums, ABSOLUTELY NOT has carved out their own unabashedly queer and tenacious space in the Chicago music scene with multiple performances at The Bottle.Where did the idea for Glitter Creeps come from and how did it end up at the bottle?Donnie: Most of my young adult life I searched for cool rock or punk related LGBTQIA events, but the options were extremely limited. After living in Chicago for a couple of years, I found out about things like Fed Up Fest, Homocore, and Queer Social Club (QSC) night at Archie's. After attending and guest DJing a few QSC events I became good friends with Pete, who was the organizer at the time). He asked Madison and I if we wanted to take over QSC, and refresh it with a new name and style. My dreams had come true! I was now a part of organizing a night geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community with the style of music and culture that I identify with. I was was excited to provide such an event for like-minded people that had very little options. After successfully doing many Glitter Creeps at Archies, Madison and I just couldn't shake the nagging feeling of wanting to go even bigger where we could have live bands performing at our events. One day I walked my silly ass into the Empty Bottle, and had a very long, nice talk with Christen Thomas who was the talent buyer at the time, and she was 100% into the idea of Glitter Creeps. Three months later, on November 19th 2014, we launched Glitter Creeps at Empty Bottle with THE CELL PHONES, PAPER MICE, and SPACE BLOOD. What does making an LGBTQIA+ inclusive space mean to you?Donnie: Glitter Creeps is an event where everyone should feel comfortable. Gay, Straight, Black, White, Male, Female, Transgender, Genderqueer, etc, literally ANYONE with an open mind and an open heart are welcome. Obviously, the event is heavily geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community, but we're not trying to be one of those events that say they are only there for one part of the community. In my dream world, there would be something for everyone in every establishment. Unfortunately, the world isn't like that, so that's why events like Glitter Creeps are extremely necessary. It's a place where the entire LGBTQIA community are safe to express themselves fully, and feel very comfortable doing so! That same offer goes out to open minded heterosexual males and females as well! If you are supportive of all races, and all sexual preferences and identities, you are welcome at Glitter Creeps!Any memorable Glitter Creeps moments from the past two years that stick out?Donnie: Honestly, I have a favorite memory from each show. Every single band that has played Glitter Creeps so far has really given us spectacular performances. It really makes me happy beyond words to see bands going balls to the wall because they know there will be no judgement at Glitter Creeps. That's literally what I live for. I love when music is truly genuine, and performers are bringing their highest levels of expression. GET WEIRD! GET REAL! You only live once, so BE TRUE TO WHO YOU REALLY ARE!Madison: I couldn't agree more with Donnie. However, if I had to choose, I'd probably have to go with the show where, along with SODDY DAISY, our band got to open for GOGGS (Ty Segall’s latest project). Such an awesome night.Donnie: Oh yeah, duh. [laughs].What do you hope to continue/change/explore with another year of Glitter Creeps?Donnie: Honestly, we just want to keep having great bands and amazing shows. We are trying not to repeat any bands for as long as humanly possible, so wish us luck with that!What does the 2 year anniversary mean to you?Donnie: It means growth, and it means happiness. We've definitely experienced personal growth from running Glitter Creeps for two years, and hope we've helped encourage further growth in the happiness and comfort levels in punk/rock side of the LGBTQIA community as well. With bands like NOBUNNY, Micachu and The Shapes, Royal Headache, and GOGGS playing and showing mega love for the event, that light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter for the community.Any news about your band Absolutely Not?Donnie & Madison: Yes! We are working on finishing the new LP, and we just released the first single/music video from it recently!

Interview with NOBUNNY

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Justin Champlin crashed onto the scene in 2001 with his explosively lovable punk/rock n’ roll persona NOBUNNY. With gloriously crusty glam stage antics filled with costumes, nudity and a very special bunny mask, NOBUNNY has captured the hearts of cuties all over.How long have you known about Glitter Creeps and what does it mean to you to be a part of the two year anniversary?Nobunny: I met Donnie and Madison right when they started doing Glitter Creeps two years ago. I'm stoked they invited me! Any favorite Empty Bottle memories?Nobunny: Setting up an interview with a band when I was 19 and Bruce letting me in, as long as I stood on the radiator by the front door. Taking acid for free jazz improv nights. My grandmother attending a Nobunny show and commenting on how dirty the bathroom was.How integral is your live performance when writing new material?Nobunny: I don't generally think about performing live when writing. I suppose sometimes though, I think "this is gonna sound killer live"or, "this will never work live". One song at a time!Can we touch base on the Elvis impersonation time in your life?Nobunny: Elvis impersonation is a decent way to pay the bills, but Nobunny is more creatively fulfilling.

Call To Action: Cook County Amusement Tax Hearing 10/24

Below is a statement written by Head Cheese Bruce Finkelman in reference to the most recent news on the Cook County Amusement Tax & the upcoming hearing on Monday, October 24th:There has been so much activity in the last couple months. So much support, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. As you will or have by now heard, Cook County has passed an amendment to the Amusement Tax ordinance mirroring the language set by the City of Chicago. This will clarify, thankfully, that all types of music are considered to be fine art and thus providing an exemption for small venues providing cultural experiences. Though we are grateful that the County has come to its senses, and appears to be doing the right thing going forward, they are not amending the tax rule in arrears. Thus we are still being taken to court to fight our position that we should have been exempt from this tax all along, as we’ve always provided a live culturally enhancing experience. We’re going to have to continue to incur time and legal fees on top of all that we’ve already spent to continue defending this stance. The County is trying to claim some sort of victory here, but we all know you can’t be half a jerk. So, until they come all the way around and dismiss our case, we will continue to fight.Our next hearing is scheduled for October 24, p.m. at 118 N. Clark at the Cook County Department of Administrative Hearings, 11th Floor. At that point we will be introducing our witnesses (and we have some goodies) to the Judge. With the date quickly approaching we are calling all our friends & family in Chicago to rally in support. We've followed the rules for years and shouldn't have these outrageous back taxes being forced upon us. Gather your fellow supporters & head down and show your support of live music. Space will be limited, arrive early we'll need everyone!For more information and updates on the Amusement Tax Hearing on 10/24, RSVP to the Facebook event.

Empty Bottle Guide to Lollapalooza
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Modern Baseball.

Hell ya! Lollapalooza is here and we are stoked about it. This year marks the 25th birthday of the iconic music festival, so get ready to see Lollapalooza cruising in its' new legally rented car? Along with hosting some official after shows for these massively talented artists at Empty Bottle, many of the bands playing at the fest have graced Ye Olde Bottle stage over the years. Check it out...Modern Baseball The Empty Bottle is excited to welcome MODERN BASEBALL to our stage for the first time Friday, July 29th with Gambier, OH band SPORTS& DJ BETH KLAKO, and. Indie rock quartet MODERN BASEBALL hail from Philadelphia, PA and crank out their own brand of emo, pop-punk tunes--citing some late 90s early 00s as their influences such as SAY ANYTHING, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, and DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL. Self-recording their first album as college freshman, they have since garnered over 100,000 social media followers and millions of plays on popular streaming services. Their new album, Holy Ghost, was released on Run for Cover Records in May and captures a more refined version of their nostalgia-tinged punk sound. We JUST released more tickets to this show, so hurry on up! (If you miss out, limited tickets will be available with doors at 9 PM). MODERN BASEBALL plays Lollapalooza on Friday.

Chairlift

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We are thrilled welcome back NY synth pop duo CHAIRLIFT on Saturday, July 30th for a Lollapalooza aftershow with New York artist ELA MINUS and DJ OSHWA. CHAIRLIFT 

have been on our radar since their 2008 breakout hit

Bruises

which catapulted the band into the ears of millions after being featured in an Apple commercial. Now signed to

Columbia Records

, they released their third album this past January entitled

Moth.

On July 22nd, the duo 

teased new music with the release of a single titled,

Get Real

.

CHAIRLIFT

is no stranger to The Empty Bottle stage, having played in both 2008 and 2012. We just opened up

more tickets

to this show - get 'em before they're gone!  (If you miss out, limited tickets will be available with doors at 9 PM). 

Chairlift

plays Lollapalooza on

Saturday

.

More Empty Bottle Veterans:

Long before their headlining days,

FLOSSTRADAMUS

was just two guys from Chicago with a passion for music. Now Josh Young (J2K) and

Curt Cameruci (AUTOBOT) have played their electronic sets for millions of avid listeners, working with other high-profile acts such as DIPLO

, JUICY J, THE COOL KIDS, and A-TRAK. Back when they were just starting out in 2006-2007, FLOSSTRADAMUS played the Empty Bottle stage a couple notable times, including a July '07 show opening for CHROMEO. They headline on

Thursday night

of Lollapalooza.

San Diego rock band

WAVVES

,

have spent numerous nights on the Empty Bottle stage from 2009 to 2013, including two different Lollapalooza after shows! The brainchild of frontman Nathan Williams, the band has morphed into a surf-pop/punk powerhouse, creating upbeat tunes for almost a decade. They play Lollapalooza on

Thursday

.  

Indie rock band

MOTHERS

 has produced a lot of buzz in the past year. Originally a solo project

singer/songwriter Kristine Leschper started in 2013,

MOTHERS

blossomed into a full-fledged four piece and landed a deal with label Grand Jury. They played a show at Empty Bottle just this past May and play Lollapalooza on

Sunday

.

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LA trio AUTOLUX 

have made a name for themselves with their electronic-infused alternative rock. With three records under their belt and a deal with

Columbia

, these rockers are ones to keep an eye on. Their most recent album,

Pussy’s Dead

, was released this past April, the same month AUTOLUX played to a sold out Empty Bottle audience! You 

can catch them at Lollapalooza on

Thursday

.

Hailing from Scotland, indie rock band

FRIGHTENED RABBIT

has been exciting audiences since 2003. With their sixth effort

Painting of a Panic Attack

released by

Atlantic Records

this year, they have established themselves as a steadfast rock band. Back in 2007,

FRIGHTENED RABBIT

played a show at the Bottle before playing two sold out shows in 2009. They play a sold out show at our sister-venue

Thalia Hall 

on

Thursday

and Lollapalooza on

Friday

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NOTHING 

has been pumping out heavy metal-infused indie rock since they formed in 2011.

NOTHING was born out of former HORRORSHOW member Domenic Palermo’s desire for a fresh start after a brief jail stint. They played Empty Bottle in 2015 and you can see them at Lollapalooza on

Saturday

.

While all girl punk band

POTTY MOUTH

 hasn’t released an album since 2013, their melancholy 90’s inspired tunes continue to give us all the feels. Back in 2013, in anticipation of their debut full-length,

Hell Bent

, POTTY MOUTH

played the Bottle with HEAVEN and DISINHERITED. They play Lollapalooza on

Saturday

.

Potty Mouth's new album, Hell Bent, comes out Sept. 17.

Potty Mouth's new album, Hell Bent, comes out Sept. 17.

Los Angeles indie band

LOCAL NATIVES 

have been making dreamy rock songs since their formation in 2008. In 2013, the band played a free show at Empty Bottle sponsored by

93XRT

and

Bud Light

. They play the

Sunday

of Lollapalooza.

Fresh Streams: Sonny & The Sunsets, Inter Arma, and The Julie Ruin

The Fourth is behind us but we're still moving forward with that special celebration of I-N-D-E... you know the rest. Fireworks are gonna keep sparking up the Empty Bottle stage and these fresh streams will persuade you to get your summer-self on in here. Grab your drink, grab your butt, and enjoy the finest of the fine.Moods, baby, moods... pair 'em with music, friendly, dancing and you have got yourself one of the finest evenings of the week. Sonny & the Sunsets are headed to the bottle this evening with that California sunshine following right behind them. Their sixth studio outing Moods Baby Moods invites you to take a dive into the creative mind of Sonny Smith for his fresh perspective on life supported with groovy base lines and spacey-synth beats sure to keep your shoulders swinging. Take a listen to the full album via Stereogum and grab your tickets for tonight's show here.Cinematic in scope and sound, Inter Arma’s newest release doesn’t hesitate to relish in opportunity to experiment. Clocking in at just over an hour, Paradise Gallows takes its time to cover as many languages of metal as the Richmond, Virginia based band can muster. Although the run-time can seem daunting, the breathability of the album allows the listener to settle in to the experience led by countless electric guitar solos and forays into instrumental motifs reminiscent of the 70s. Take a listen over at NPR before the album drops on Friday July 8th and make sure to grab your tickets for their show here at the bottle July 13th.The Julie Ruin are on their way to Thalia Hall next Thursday July 14th and NPR has a preview of their newest release, Hit Reset, set to hit shelves on July 8th. Tackling issues of her personal past and present, Kathleen Hanna and her band have a handful of tracks, here, set to propel them to the future. With an album closer that'll make your eyes wet, Hit Reset will get you nothing short of excited for a start-over. NPR has the album for streaming and Thalia Hall has your tickets for purchasing.

Today in Empty Bottle History :: May/June Recap

With the impending arrival of the 25th Anniversary of The Empty Bottle (t-minus less than a year) we’ve been feeling all kinds of nostalgic. Earlier this month we had the two-night book release of The Empty Bottle Chicago: 21+ Years of Music/Friendly/Dancing complete with prolific headliners BLONDE REDHEAD and THE PONYS. To continue our celebratory streak, let’s take a look back at some iconic shows from Bottle’s past:

May 2nd, 1998-For just $7 you could see Modest Mouse touring their then-recent album The Lonesome Crowded West with support from Portland garage rock vets DEAD MOON and longtime Bottle friends JOAN OF ARC, a Kinsella brother project.

May 12th, 2010 -Just six years ago we housed the Louisiana experimental pop group GIVERS along with electronic project PAPER BEAR and Chicago natives ABBOTT SMILE for a mere $8.

May 26th, 2005 -Over a decade ago the badass female fronted alt-rock piece HEARTLESS BASTARDS (who recently played Thalia Hall) graced our stage with LOCKED SOUND and classic rock lovers BIG WHISKEY.

June 7th, 2009 - What cost $12 in 2009? A ticket to see psych pop heroes PORTUGAL. THE MAN, a year shy of going from indie to Atlantic. With Spanish-infused pop act APOSTLE OF HUSTLE and bi-coastal Chicago/Portland indie group YOURSELF AND THE AIR filling out the lineup, the bottle was anything but empty that night.

Portugal The Man

Portugal The Man

June 14th, 2009 - An important band now more than ever, indie electronica icons PASSION PIT synthed out to “Little Secrets” back in 2009 with support from indie pop outfits HARLEM SHAKES and frequent PASSION PIT opener CALE PARKS, best known for his contributions to Polyvinyl Records’ band Aloha.

Passion Pit

Passion Pit

June 28th, 2003-From Brooklyn indie newcomers to "the most vital, current band in America," (Associated Press) TV ON THE RADIO co-headlined with English post-punk band THE FALL for a two-night Bottle appearance starting the 28th.

TV ON THE RADIO

TV ON THE RADIO

June 30th, 2000-Talk about a time warp. Split up into seven lovely parts for your internet browsing attention spans, THE WHITE STRIPES entire summer 2000 set is available for your nostalgia-craving pleasure. They hit The Bottle stage with STERLING and THE RACE.

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white stripes

Want more history? The Empty Bottle Book, edited by JOHN DUGAN & published via Curbside Splendor Publishing. Get it from our webstore right meow.

Fresh Streams: You Won't & Wussy

...and you thought we had forgotten about you. Fresh Streams is back for your listening pleasure! Although we're running a little low in numbers this week, both albums featured are sure to make up for it in size. Size in sentiment, size in production, size in...Listen-ability! Welcome to fresh streams BottleHeads.You know those songs that get stuck in your head, the ones that seem to match the season, the feeling and the pace of the steps you're taking outside right when that sun finally comes out for springtime? Luckily for you, You Won't is dropping a full album of them on April 29th, and just in time for the sweet Chicago sunshine. Using all of the tools and eclectic assortment of instruments acquired over their 17 years as a creative duo, Josh Arnoudse and Raky Sastri continue on their road of saw-singing, piano plunking, cash-register dinging folk rock anthems to bring you their second LP, Revolutionaries. Stream NOW via Consequence of Sound and make sure to pick up tickets for their show on May 12.Ohio indie-rock band Wussy are back with their seventh studio album Forever Sounds and the tunes they're cranking out for this release are just as fresh as when they first hit the pavement in 2001. Giving you the opportunity to escape into that rare state of haze that only Wussy can provide, this special set of songs will have you sweltering in a sun-daze for days. Check out the new album courtesy of Noisey and grab those show tickets before they're all gone.There’s a lot to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we’ll add it to the list. Thank you for listening!IMAGE: Wouldn’t it be nice to climb to the top of a mountain and look out over the land like a God as the sun was setting on a late-spring afternoon? That’s what’s on our mind and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!

Fresh Streams: Mammifer, TACOCAT, Bleached

Me oh my oh man. Spring and sunshine, how we have missed ya. This week the ladies will be bringing the streaming magic to your ears with fresh spins from BLEACHED, TACOCAT, and MAMIFFER. Throw on a crop-top, tie your hair up, and get ready to rock grrrl power hard just after the jump.MAMIFFER's new album is streaming and it's slap you across the face good. The World Unseen, hitting music stores today, is full of sweeping soundscapes and "lost-in-your-own-mind" loops that prove the fourth times a charm. Although their change in venue is putting them at Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) the night of Saturday, 4/2, we are stoked to have them here in Chicago once again. Check out the album over at FACTmag and grab tickets for the show.Seattle-based post-punk-pop band TACOCAT are making their way to the Empty Bottle stage this spring in support of their new album LOST TIME, hitting record shelves today. Featuring "I Hate the Weekend" and "You Can't Fire Me, I Quit", the tongue and cheek approach to anger in TACOCAT's third studio outing make this album nothing short of a great time. Brimming with angst, attitude, and grrrl power that is sure to pour over to their live show, TACOCAT t is ready to impress with their Bottle debut on April 8. Purchase tickets right here and listen to their fresh stream via Noisy so you're nice and ready by next Friday.The second you start listening to the sophomore album from BLEACHED,Welcome the Worms, you're urged to keep on keeping on that beat… hell yes we will, BLEACHED. Hell. Yes. We. Will. Lyrically concerned with the importance of independence and musically devoted to three-chord hard hitters and heavy bass-line punches, this collection of songs is sure to get you feeling like a natural woman by the end of it's short half-hour runtime. You're not gonna want to miss these girls when they hit up the Bottle this Earth Day, April 22. Head on over to Consequence of Sound to stream that new release and purchase tickets for their show right here.There’s a lot to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we’ll add it to the list (and maybe even comp you a ticket to that show)… Thank you for listening — these bands wouldn’t be playing here if we didn’t like em!IMAGE: Wouldn’t it be nice to climb to the top of a mountain and look out over the land like a God as the sun was setting on a late-spring afternoon? That’s what’s on our mind this January and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!

Fresh Streams: Yuck, Mothers, Acid Dad

Monday got you down? Confused by the inconsistencies of winter's temperature choices? Settle down and look no further than this week's Fresh Streams to calibrate your system featuring two debut albums and a familiar face.First up, it's time to travel across the pond, figuratively not literally please, for your new favorite grunge-pop band Yuck. Stranger Things, set for a 26 February release, is scattered with sentiment and just what the doctor ordered for that Valentine's hangover you're still nursing. Wearing their hearts proudly on their sleeves, newly appointed leading man Max Bloom sets the band down a new path for their third album. Lucky for your ears, they wear it well. Listen to the full album via NPR and grab tickets for their April 6th show.If you're one of the many millennials roaming the streets of Chicago in search of truth and authenticity, look no further than Mothers new album When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired . The album supplies honest lyrics paired with instrumentation ranging from sweeping string arrangements to garage band guitar riffs that will make even the most pessimistic of lovers have hope for the future. Mothers has everything, yes... everything, you are looking for in a debut album. NPR is also bringing this one to you and you can grab tickets for their May 7th show by clicking here.Get ready for a trip. An Acid Dad trip that is. Consequence of Sound is providing the noise and Empty Bottle is providing the boys. Listen below and grab those tickets before their April 21st show.There’s a lot to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we’ll add it to the list (and maybe even comp you a ticket to that show)… Thank you for listening — these bands wouldn’t be playing here if we didn’t like em!IMAGE: Wouldn’t it be nice to climb to the top of a mountain and look out over the land like a God as the sun was setting on a late-spring afternoon? That’s what’s on our mind this January and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!

Road to the Bottle with Doldrums & Moon King
ewankay_2015-04-22_01-59-34

ewankay_2015-04-22_01-59-34

The Road to the Empty Bottle for Doldrums and Moon King began way back in early April up in the Canada. Since then it feels like they’ve been almost everywhere. Still they somehow manage to bring “nonstop energy” to each night’s performance.

(everybody’s gotta take a turn driving with this crew)

sitting on porch

sitting on porch

Montreal’s DOLDRUMS is rooted in the mind of Airick Woodhead, who began releasing material under this name in 2011, making waves with his first single, an official remix for PORTISHEAD. Since, DOLDRUMS has been signed to a little record label out of Seattle called, Sup Pop. Sharpening their live performances through tireless touring, Doldrums has matured into a full band. Incessant live practice has allowed them to get creative with their performances, often setting up in the middle of the crowd and willing their audience to dance with them or be left behind.Having just released ‘The Air Conditioned Nightmare’, the follow up to their 2013 debut album ‘Lesser Evil’, DOLDRUMS has marked their ground along the famed lineup of Montreal born artists, including GRIMES, PURITY RING, & MAJICAL CLOUDZ. The album’s concept draws on themes that carried Henry Miller’s 1945 collection of short stories of the same name. Primarily: his dystopian descriptions of American culture, anxieties and inner conflict.

The sound of ‘The Air Conditioned Nightmare’ is one of tastefully calculated chaos and rhythm; with a more sonically cleaned up approach than their previous releases.

dude by fountains

dude by fountains

The album begins, and immediately the growl of HOTFOOT’s stuttering bass dances in parallel to the tantalizingly repetitious drums. Before you even realize it, you’re swinging to the beat that builds and breaks in just enough layers, while maintaining the same groove that you’re just never quite ready to break out of.

Flying man gif

Flying man gif

One of our favorite tracks, ‘Funeral for Lightning’ begins with an uplifting, borderline childish, brassy sounding synth melody, and sinks into a hypnotic and slightly unsettling groove. Throughout the pulsebeats there is a moment of quiet serenity when the rhythm breaks, and Woodhead’s teetering melody croons back and forth in a seemingly optimistic way, though the contents of his message are less rose-colored. Using death as a parallel to the loss of art, he offers “..a drink for every, every forgotten dream. Let’s rate the dead 1 through 10, hoping they enjoy the peace.” The song functions as a sonic distillation of the unique sound DOLDRUMS has cultivated.

dude dessert

dude dessert

‘Video Hostage’ also offers striking perspective on modern existence illuminating the mundane repetition and disconnected trance that our culture has become entangled in thanks to our fixation on success. The track snags on itself in yet another repetitive anxiety, which finds it’s flow once Woodhead offers his smooth melodies to tie it all together.

Toronto based duo MOON KING, comprised of Maddy Wilde and Daniel Benjamin, who joined DOLDRUMS on a cross country US tour throughout April and May. Their new LP ‘Secret Life’ is a blend between a classic take on fuzzy, washed out shoegaze, with psychedelic elements that take the genre in a new and exciting direction. The bright and upbeat vibe of the album is balanced out by the subtly more dark lyrical content. The recording of the album was done in a little cottage in the depths of the Canadian wilderness surrounded by snow, which seems fitting, as the whispery vocals of Maddy Wilde in combination with the twangy destroyed guitar sounds give one the impression of walking through a blindingly white blizzard.

Moon King dessert

Moon King dessert

Opening track ‘Roswell’ incorporates a whompy, fizzy synth that carries the track, as bright sporadic synths compliment the slow moving, trippy progressions of the guiding melody.

‘Hexe’ is a high energy track whose frenzied drums are tied to a gently tapping piano melody, and as Benjamin’s vocals come howling in, the track sails through the clouds. While the sound of the song is elating, the lyrics pull you back down to earth as the duo sings to the theme of loss: “Hate yourself for what you're thinking, there's nothing you're left here all alone. Why'd I waste my time and breath, you're a face that I'll forget, you know.”

maddie moon king

maddie moon king

Moon King gives us a taste of the sun in their track ‘Apocalypse’, whose gorgeous guitar melody loops, peacefully at first, until it tenses up into a frenzied repetition and finally explodes into a buzzing, loud, and full take on the riff that allows the melody to repeat itself endlessly without ever losing its hypnotizing effect.

naked dude in dessert

naked dude in dessert

You’re never caught wishing for more or less in this album amongst the intricate and gratifying layering that is both subtle yet oh so satisfying.

MOON KING and DOLDRUMS play the last show of their collective tour with us at the Empty Bottle this Saturday before heading to Europe. They’re joined by exciting young locals DEEP BREATH and the boys from WHITNEY will be slinging tunes from our piano DJ booth all night.

 Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Get yours now and save money for “other stuff”.

Preview: HoZac Blackout Fest ART SHOW
Andreas Schonfeldt

Andreas Schonfeldt

RUBIN

RUBIN

Brian Shanley

Brian Shanley

Paul Zone

Paul Zone

David Head

David Head

Ray Borchers

Ray Borchers

The HoZac Blackout Fest Art Show kicks off the 2014 HoZac Blackout Fest on May 15th! The night will feature live music from the Counter Intuits, Nones, and Toupee, PLUS some great art for you to check out. Tickets are ONLY $10 - you won't find a better art opening in the city for the rest of the year, guaranteed.Peep this rundown on the artists we’re featuring, hand-picked by the dudes at HoZac Records.Andreas Schonfeldt is a South African illustrator who has designed album covers for bands like Sticky Antlers and the Make-Overs (who played last year’s Blackout Fest!). Schonfeldt paints, he draws, he makes dioramas, he silk-screens, and he hides his work in train stations for people to find and take.RUBIN is a Finland-based street artist who’s been tagging stuff since he was nine years old. His bold, geometric graffiti has been featured in VICE magazine and has worked with brands like Heineken and MTV. Now he lives in Brooklyn, but spends his summers in Scandinavia.Brian Shanley, another Chicago local, is one of the original photographers of the U.S. punk scene. He experienced the Ramones, Iggy Pop and the Dead Boys in their prime and lived to tell the tale. He was also the visual genius at the legendary Wax Trax! Records.Paul Zone is a California-based photographer who also captured key members of the punk movement on film in the 1970s. He’s photographed Suicide, the New York Dolls, Blondie and various members of bands like the Kinks and KISS.David Head, Jr., makes prints of Little Richard, horses, and shapes. He’s also made someposters for the Empty Bottle in the past! Now he works as an artist, art director, and designer in NYC.Ray Borchers makes one-of-a-kind t-shirts with Sharpie markers, and we’ll have some of her shirts on display at the Art Show. She drew Keith Richards, Alex Chilton and Sharon Tate, among others, on t-shirts for his “Cult Crush” series last year. And, hey, she’s a Chicagoan!