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Live Recap: ELIO with Abby Holliday at Schubas

Nashville based singer-songwriter Abby Holliday opened Sunday evening sporting a pair of tri-colored high-top Converse. Holliday was accompanied by her boyfriend, Seth. She introduced him right before they performed “Better By Now,” making a disclaimer that her “sad songs” are not about him, and that she now writes happy songs, resulting in cheers from the audience. The warmth of the venue can be felt as they tuned their guitars in between every gentle melodic ballad. As they strummed their guitars in harmony, it felt as if they were taking us through a foggy mountain range on an early summer morning.

As the night went on and the venue got fuller, the crowd was hyped up by ELIO’s drummer and guitarist. ELIO, whose real name is Charlotte Grace Victoria, jumped on to the stage after being welcomed by cheers and applause. She began her set with a relatively new song, “Typecast,” followed by the first ever ELIO song that was released just two years ago, “My Friends Online.”

While taking a break to sip some water, ELIO commented on the energy in the audience, noting that it was “almost as good” as her hometown show in Toronto. She asked the audience if she could take a couple photos with them, and after snapping some selfies, she noticed her phone was on low battery, leading her to ask: “does anyone have a charger?” This prompted the audience to cheer, as they knew they were about to hear “Charger” live for the first time.

The high energies continued until she kicked her band members off the stage, and picked up her electric guitar for a stripped version of “Waste of Emotion,” before welcoming her band members back on stage and closing the night with “@elio.irl.”

The show in its entirety took the audience from Abby Holliday’s mournful sounds to ELIO’s electric and whimsical tones. Despite the musical differences, both acts were able to engage and charge the audience with enthusiasm and playful conversations.

Check out the photo recap of the evening below, and see where you can catch ELIO next here.

PHOTOS: Kacy Hill at Schubas

Last week, Kacy Hill headlined a sold-out Schubas stage in celebration of her third album called Simple, Sweet, and Smiling. Check out our photo recap of the evening below, including support from Jack Larsen, and see where you can catch Kacy next here.

Live Recap: Molly Burch Makes Chicago Headline Debut at Schubas 05.16.19

After a handful of support slots for artists like Tim Darcy and Alex Cameron, Molly Burch finally made her headlining debut in Chicago this past Thursday night. The Austin-based singer songwriter instantly captivated the crowd at Schubas with her soulful and alluring sound that’s both reminiscent of the classics like Billie Holiday and Patsy Cline, yet refreshing and unique. Her dreamy vocals combines the perfect mix of croon with just a hint of twang.

Much like Burch’s dexterous singing capabilities, with a range that scales both powerful and delicate notes, her stage presence has an effortless grace about it. Burch remained cool and composed even when belting out the chorus of her debut album’s title track, “Please Be Mine.” That song has always been a favorite of mine from the album, but seeing it performed live by Burch and her bandmates (who lent some harmonious backing vocals to the tune) really brought the ballad to life. Thursday’s night set was also a special treat for me because I got to hear several songs off of Molly Burch’s sophomore album, First Flower, live for the first time, since this was the first time Burch had toured in Chicago since its October release date. The follow up to Please Be Mine stays true to Burch’s signature style but also shows a growth and exploration of new subjects and sounds, and the new songs translated very well in the live sense. It was nearly impossible not to sway along to every song throughout the night.

If you get a chance to catch a show from Molly Burch, don’t pass it up— see her upcoming tour dates here, and check out photos from her Chicago show below.

Listen to Molly Burch’s First Flower in full below.

PHOTOS: Black Belt Eagle Scout and Julia Jacklin at Schubas 05.08.19

After chatting with KP of Black Belt Eagle Scout last month, we headed out to Schubas to see her play a sold out show with Julia Jacklin on May 8th. If you weren’t able to snag a coveted ticket to the show, check out our photo gallery below!

See where you can catch Black Belt Eagle Scout and Julia Jacklin on tour next here.

Live Recap: Dream Wife With Russo and Girl K at Schubas 10.01.18

On Monday night, Schubas kicked off October by welcoming the London-based trio Dream Wife. The group made their debut as headliners in this city by delivering a great show, sending a powerful message, and promoting femme fronted artists. For the first set of the night, Dream Wife put the spotlight on Chicago’s own Girl K; Prior to the tour, Dream Wife opened submissions for local non-binary and female fronted groups to open for them, and Kathy Patino’s indie pop project had been hand-selected for this show. As Patino and her bandmates played through songs released in the last year, like “Cinnamon” and “Division Club,” the audience continued to trickle into the room. In Chicago, Girl K has quickly become one of the buzziest local bands, thanks to the amiable mix of indie pop and rock that easily complements any lineup, and it didn’t take long for the music to win over those in the room unfamiliar with Girl K. Patino even performed a couple of brand new songs back to back during her set, both of which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Next up, the crowd warmly welcomed Russo, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Cailin Russo. The new outfit from Los Angeles had the chemistry of groups who have been playing for years, even though Russo’s debut EP House with a Pool just came out in July of this year. Despite the mention of her being sick, Russo and her bandmates brought a boisterous energy to the Schubas stage on Monday night, combining the spirit of a punk band with the cheekiness of pop music and they commanded the room’s undivided attention. Russo exerted all of her energy into the show, still delivering topnotch vocals as she danced and jumped around stage, while guitarist Tyler McCarthy kicked and trashed as he strummed, and drummer Hayley Brownell could be seen throwing every ounce of her gusto into her drumkit. As Russo played through the songs on the EP and a few newer tracks, the crowd loudly showed their appreciation for the showmanship being displayed.

Last but not least, Dream Wife closed out the night with a bang, returning to the city for the first time since their debut Lollapalooza performance in August, which also included an after show at Thalia Hall. The room at Schubas filled up with music fans eager to see Dream Wife hit the stage here as the main act, and no one left the show disappointed. The set list contained the majority of Dream Wife’s debut, self-titled album that they had released in January of this year. One full listen to the album, and fans knew that Dream Wife wasn’t just another rock band; they’re here to have their voices heard and they’re not afraid to deliver their message. One of the most important songs on the album (although they’re all empowering in their own way) is “Somebody,” and lead singer Rakel Mjöll set up the band’s performance of the song by saying, “This next song is a big fuck you to gender norms. Gender is a construct.” She then called forward all those who “identify as bad bitches” and dedicated the song to them. At this point in the set, the energy that had been bouncing between the audience members and the band members the entire night only amplified, and it continued to grow as the set closed out with the gritty anthem “F.U.U.” and flirty, feel-good tune “Let’s Make Out.”

If Monday night’s show is any indication, all three of the acts on this bill are set up for even more success in 2019, and both Russo and Dream Wife will be welcomed back to Chicago with open arms whenever they can return. Check out photos of the show below, and see where else you can catch Dream Wife on tour here.

Can’t get enough Dream Wife? Check out our interview with them here.

PHOTOS: Gordi and S. Carey at Schubas 4.5.18

Photos from Gordi and S.Carey's show at Schubas Tavern on April 5th 2018

See all of S.Carey's Summer tour dates here.

For more on Gordi, check out our previous coverage of her here.

PHOTOS: Yoke Lore at Schubas 1.23.18

Vita and the Woolf and Yoke Lore dazzled Schubas Tavern on Tuesday night this week. Check out photos from their incredible performances below!

East coast family, catch Yoke Lore live through the rest of the month...his remaining tour dates can be seen here!

Can't get enough Yoke Lore? Check out our interview with him here. 

TNK Fest 2018: Five Must See Acts

Ahh, it's January in Chicago, which means snow and sub-zero temperatures. On the bright side, it also means it's time for Tomorrow Never Knows Fest, the annual multi-venue, 5-day, indoor (thank god) festival. Last year we wrote about our five most anticipated bands playing the festival, but we also discovered some new favorites, like Dream Version, Overcoats, and Acid Dad. While we're excited for pretty much all of the bands playing this year, and looking forward to even discovering some new favorites, here are our top five most anticipated acts of TNK Fest 2018.


HINDS

This Madrid quartet consisting of Carlotta Cosials, Ana García Perrote, Ade Martín, and Amber Grimberge crafts irresistibly lively and light-hearted lo-fi rock tunes with melodies that'll get lodged in your head for days, but their live show is where it's at. The four piece exude crazy chemistry and project so much positivity and energy whenever they take the stage, making their set at TNK 2018 one you absolutely cannot miss. Although they're based in Spain, 2017 saw HINDS over in The States quite a bit, performing at Coachella, and co-headlining a tour with Chicago's Twin Peaks. It's been a minute since they headlined a packed Empty Bottle here in the city back in May, though, so make sure you snag a ticket to welcome them back to Chicago. 

When/Where: Lincoln Hall //January 21st, 9PM. Grab tickets here. 

Start With: "Bamboo," "Garden," and "Warts"

ANCHR Recommended Local Bands Playing The Show: PEEL

For Fans Of: Twin Peaks, The Big Moon, Cherry Glazerr 

Photo By Aaron Serrano

Photo By Aaron Serrano

Ron Gallo

Speaking of incredible stage presence, the Nashville-via-Philly singer songwriter Ron Gallo puts on an unforgettable show. 2017 was quite the year for Gallo, which saw the release of his debut solo album, Heavy Meta, following Gallo's time with his band Toy Soldiers.  Heavy Meta sees Gallo exploring serious subjects in a quirky and blunt way, wrapped up in raw and rowdy rock tunes. Gallo toured heavily last year as well, not only touring Europe and The States, but appearing heavily on the festival circuit; playing Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees, Lou Fest and more! This year he's already been booked for Coachella and Hangout, but help him kick things off by grabbing tickets to see him with Diane Coffee at TNK Fest! You can get ready for the show by re-visiting our interview with Ron Gallo here

When/Where: Lincoln Hall //January 19th, 9PM. Grab tickets here. 

Start With: "Young Lady, You're Scaring Me," "Put The Kids to Bed," and "All the Punks are Domesticated

ANCHR Recommended Local Bands Playing The Show: Yoko and the Oh No's

For Fans Of: Cage The Elephant, The Districts, Naked Giants 

Photo by Rachel Zyzda

Photo by Rachel Zyzda

Snail Mail

The brainchild of the Maryland musical prodigy Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail brings honest alternative rock narratives that deserve your full attention. Following her 2015 and 2016 EPs, Sticki and Habit, Jordan toured extensively with the likes of Waxahatchee and Beach Fossils in 2017. This year is already filling up quickly for her, with Snail Mail being booked for Coachella and national tour dates announced through April. Help Snail Mail also kick off a sure-to-be successful year by coming to her show at Schubas Tavern, which features a stacked lineup of fellow badass bands and artists, including Stef Chura and Ratboys

When/Where: Schubas Tavern //January 19th, 8PM. The show is sold out, but you can grab TNK 5-day passes here

Start With: "Thinning," "Habit," and "Slug"

ANCHR Recommended Local Bands Playing The Show: Bunny

For Fans Of: Priests, Japanese Breakfast, Beach Fossils 

Photo By Audrey Melton

Photo By Audrey Melton

Liz Cooper & The Stampede 

Nashville based trio Liz Cooper & The Stampede blend multiple genres together to create a recognizable yet refreshing sound. The nomadic and multi-talented Liz Cooper fronts the group, and the trio's folk rock melodies mesh perfectly with Cooper's soulful and raspy vocals. The group has caught the eye of many lately; recording Audiotree sessions and performing at their annual festival last year, as well as making an appearance at the massive ACL Festival in 2017. The three piece will perform at Lincoln Hall with Rayland Baxter, and you can get ready for the show by re-visiting our interview with Liz Cooper & The Stampede here

When/Where: Lincoln Hall //January 20th, 9PM. Grab tickets here

Start With:  "Mountain Man," "Hey Man," and "Dalai Lama"

For Fans Of: Desert Noises, Big Thief, Julien Baker 

Photo by Rachel Zyzda

Photo by Rachel Zyzda

Okey Dokey

Also from Nashville, the duo of Aaron Martin and Johny Fisher (guitarist for The Weeks) blend retro and soulful tones into psychedelic rock tunes that completely capture their listeners with the stories told in each song. Okey Dokey's show at TNK fest marks nearly a year since the release of their debut album, Love You, Mean It, which brought on an incredible year for them in 2017. Their show at Schubas will undoubtedly showcase their fun and dynamic spirit, and the lineup also includes former Chicagoan Cut Worms and Sonny Smith, so don't miss it!

When/Where: Schubas Tavern //January 18th, 8PM. Grab tickets here

Start With: "Wavy Gravy," "Coffee Boi," and "Low Rent/ Blue Skies"

ANCHR Recommended Local Bands Playing The Show: Cafe Racer

For Fans Of: Mt. Joy, Omni, Hoops

Photo Courtesy of Okey Dokey

Photo Courtesy of Okey Dokey


There you have it! Again, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the full line up here, and make sure you get to all the shows early. So many of our favorite hometown bands are playing these shows, and they all need to be on your radar this year! Lastly, get ready for the show by listening to the official TNK Mixtape below.  

PHOTOS: The Evening Attraction and Blue Dream at Schubas 12.7.17

Treehouse Records presented Blue Dream's record release show for their new 7" featuring "Freedom Eyes" and "Who Stole The Flowers." Strange Foliage and The Evening Attraction kicked off the show at Schubas this past Thursday night, getting the crowd warmed up for Blue Dream's exuberant headlining set. Check out photos of the incredible show below!

Order your own copy of Blue Dream's new single here, or listen to it in digital format below! You can also see The Evening Attraction back at Schubas January 5th...grab tickets here

Can't get enough Blue Dream? Check out our interview with them. 

LIVE: Molly Parden and David Ramirez at Schubas 12.02.17

Molly Parden felt right at home opening up for David Ramirez at Schubas Tavern Saturday night. The two complimented each other in the most unique way. Molly's presence warms you up with soft ballads, silky measures, and heartbreakingly raw lyrics. Then, David jumps on to stretch that out, do a little yelling, and turn up the volume to make you feel emotions aplenty during their one night at arguably Chicago's most charming venue.

Molly's guitar makes way as an extension of herself carrying light chords with heavy hitting lyrics to reach every person from wall to wall, talking soul search to heartbreak. The ease on stage lent to this beautiful conversation between her, her severing sound, and the crowd in front of her. Her reflective nature makes you sink into every love lost, love gained, and love you hope to have someday away. She was joined by David's keyboardist, Matthew Wright, for the back half of her set. The pair were nothing short to an explosion of intimacy and pristine melodic banter. They shared a sort of ping pong match between Molly's daring words and Matthew's striking heartbeat through the keys. 

Molly also carried a subdued humor that set an affable tone for her show while noting her break from a contemporary Christian music upbringing, finding her space in the Nashville scene, and her ongoing new discovery of 90's music. Following that up, she surprised the crowd with her impassioned take on Gin Blossom's classic, "Found Out About You." Her music spins around very pointed moments in time, spaces and traces in a lifetime. She shared her lust for Kentucky in Kentucky, her influential Georgia roots, and just how much Chicago means to her. 

Molly Parden is a powerhouse wrapped up in a soft package; Wearing white Chuck Taylors, playing an acoustic guitar, she helps hearts navigate waves of longing and loss. Her latest transparent single, "Sail On The Water", follows her fervent 2016 With Me In The Summer album release, and she admittedly adheres to a slow moving writing process. It's hard to wait, but at least that means she nurtures these seeds with such care and grace that it is worth the passing time.

Molly will be riding along with David through December. You can follow the rest of their tour here. 

For more on Molly Parden, check out our interview with her here!