ANCHR Turns Two: Our Anniversary Show Recap

Just before I stepped through the double doors at Schubas’ entrance, the alluring sound of laughter and good tunes hit me and plastered a smile on my face. I must have looked a little too excited based on the way the bouncer couldn’t help but grin and chuckle at me as I walked in. This didn’t come as any shock to me, as this is a typical occurrence when attending an ANCHR event. Some might envision their ideal birthday party to have a photo wall, a tiered cake, and champagne. ANCHR Magazine crept its way into my birthday party dreams and had a bill packed with rocking bands, plenty of PBR to go around, and funky party hats for all. After two years, ANCHR Magazine has become a cornerstone in the Chicago music scene and that wouldn’t at all be possible without the dedication from our readers and the community of friends in the city. It is an honor and a privilege to exist and contribute to said community. With that being said, a celebration to match the love and excitement that this past year has given to ANCHR was imperative to continuing this wave of prosperity and good times. Plus, who doesn't love a party celebrating music?

I was elated to see friends from all across the Chicago music scene there to celebrate ANCHR. As we all cheered and made our way towards the stage, OHMME’s DJ set had the arduous task of setting the scene for the evening. Don’t fret, they were more than capable and filled the room with bops that had everyone moving before the bands even began. Schubas completely sold out music hall coupled with the dance worthy tracks filled the room with what I like to call a cozy concert temperature. (Let’s just say my denim jacket didn’t stay on for long and we all got nice and comfortable with each other for a night filled to the brim with live music.)

As the lights dimmed and the first act, Ruins, came onstage you could feel that pre-concert electricity buzzing throughout the room, through the floor, and right up into your toes; tapping with anticipation. Adam Schubert of Ruins began a solo performance that would match the energy of all the other bands playing. Schubert’s vocal and guitar skills engulfed the room in a magical musical sheen the same way a full band would. His melodious tunes had Schubas entire hall swaying to and fro as he sang. Cheers to Ruins for starting the night off with groovy tunes that would set the momentum for the rest of the evening.  

As the next band, Cold Beaches, took the stage, I was completely hypnotized by some badass style before the music even began. The diversity that existed onstage between all the band members resulted in the most captivating hodgepodge group of musicians I have ever seen. From Adidas sneakers to glitter loafers, I was already invested in Cold Beaches even before any note was played. Cold Beaches possesses an infectious, inherent energy in their records but also in the performance of their music. I can’t play a lick of base or drums, but I wish I did just to be able to share the stage with Cold Beaches, maybe even take a little seat and continue to shred with lead singer and guitarist Sophia Nadia. When the lights came up on their set too early, Cold Beaches members waved their hands in the air calling out, “Wait, we aren’t done yet! There is more!” If there was a catchphrase for the evening, this would be it. Cold Beaches unintentionally set a major mood for another year of ANCHR Magazine. From their most recent releases to a birthday serenade, Cold Beaches swaddled ANCHR in some groovy birthday love. 

V.V. Lightbody was next and to say she graced us with her presence is an understatement. I felt like a magical mermaid was serenading me and luring me into her lair, and I think I can vouch for all of Schubas when I say, I would have followed her voice anywhere. Before playing, V.V. Lightbody made it clear that live music was happening and conversation should not. “That’s what a bar is for,” she addressed the crowd. This might have been one of my favorite moments of the evening. Nothing hurts my heart more than when a band plays my favorite song that I am excited to see performed live, but it keeps getting interrupted by the group of people next to me near screaming about the tacos they had for dinner. V.V. Lightbody requested and the audience listened, and they obliged. If I ever had to create a chill cocktail lounge playlist, it would be jam packed with some V.V. Lightbody. With collaborative efforts from other Chicago musicians, including Macie Stewart and Sima Cunningham of OHMME, the hall was filled with enchanting siren tunes, and some major flute action. Yes, there were flutes. (And yes... It was awesome.)

Slow Pulp closed out this birthday party with songs that are still running through my mind. Sometimes when a band comes on stage and gets all set up, I get this feeling in my stomach like, “Yea…they’re gonna be good.” This feeling goes double for Slow Pulp…the band just completely owned the stage. There was this ease about their stage presence that completely supported their dreamy, psychedelic music style and drew me in even closer. Despite the fact that they only moved to Chicago recently, Slow Pulp looked completely at home on the Schubas stage that night. They had a sense of familiarity that seeped its way into the audience and is pretty rare to come by. Every audience member in attendance no matter how different their taste in music from the next person was, could enjoy Slow Pulp. In Schubas’ sold out music room, the show felt intimate. Lead singer Emily Massey has vocals that are smooth like butter, and her silky vocals paired with some attitude made it nearly impossible to not sway along to her melodies. Their lively tracks from Spotify became even more animated on stage, making for a truly mesmerizing performance. 

Just like that, ANCHR's second birthday party came to a close. Thank you to all the bands and audience members in attendance! Without this unwavering support, ANCHR would be adrift; lost at sea somewhere. We may ground you with tunes, but your support is the ultimate foothold for success and prosperity. As I made my way out of Schubas on Friday night, the bouncer chuckled at me again. I don’t think he realized my giddiness could be heightened, but after this birthday throw-down, how could you not? Cheers to another year for ANCHR and cheers to all of you. 

Live Recap: Benefit Show for Our Music, My Body at Sleeping Village 11.27.18

Photos by Maggie McInerney

Whenever I find myself at a music festival or a bar where bands are playing, I will have my friend by my side one moment…and the next moment a man will have wedged his way in between the two of us. The combination of an eye roll, slight shove, and “um excuse me” will typically result in the reuniting of my friend and I. Giggling but scared and holding onto each other’s arms a little tighter than before, this scenario is all too familiar. These uncomfortable interactions may vary in extremity from one scenario to the next; It can range from a guy dancing too close, to verbal harassment, or even groping, and so on and so forth. It is unfortunate but true when I write that this behavior is almost a given at concerts; expected each and every time in some capacity. Music is a communal experience; a space for friends to come together; to share and bask in the straight up magic of a live event, and for that magic to truly exist, the said space needs to be a safe space. A space where women don’t have to worry about harassment at the bar or on the dance floor. A space where I can dance under a disco ball with my girlfriends and not feel the stinging pain of the male gaze moving it’s way up and down my body; examining my every move. This harassment extends far past my own experience and has tainted or even completely soiled some music fans’ love of experiencing their favorite tunes live.

The Edwards by Maggie McInerney

With that said, I was ecstatic when I learned that ANCHR would be hosting a benefit concert for Our Music, My Body at Sleeping Village, which took place last week on November 27th. If you don’t already know, Our Music, My Body is a non-profit organization that sets out to create and promote “fun and consensual music experiences for all,” as a collaboration between Resilience (formerly RVA) and Between Friends. Sexual harassment in the music scene is ever so present and can get to the point that attending a concert or music festival is dangerous specifically for, but not limited to women, males in the LGBTQ+ community, and music fans who identify as transgender. Walking into Sleeping Village for this event, I was overcome with hugs and greetings from friends all across the music scene. The sense of community at this event pulsed throughout the venue, and I was thrilled to see so many people out supporting such an important cause. This incredible welcoming energy extended to all points of Sleeping Village—from the dance floor, to behind the bar, and to the musicians on stage. I didn’t feel the need to fold my arms and hide myself in the back corner in order to enjoy some tunes; for the first time in a long time I enjoyed some music without feeling the need to physically close myself off from those around me in order to remain safe.

This evening of music started with The Edwards. Their sound made me wish it was summer again with my windows rolled down on the highway, a best bud on either side of me. They would be on the same playlist with some of my favorite Mac DeMarco tracks; with their perfectly smooth and warm tones. Their jams induced a nice groovy sway and head bop; I found myself rolling with the sound rather than fighting against it. After the show I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Murphy, a member of The Edwards. What Chris said about the band perfectly paralleled the event itself: Music based on collaborating; celebrating what each musician has to bring to the table. With three guitars and a trumpet on stage, their sound dived deep into exploring how these very different musicians come together to create a unique and cohesive sound. Be on the lookout for more live performances from The Edwards coming your way in February. 

The Edwards By Maggie McInerney

Thee Casual Hex by Maggie Mcinerney

Following The Edwards was Thee Casual Hex accompanied by face paint, some psychedelic realness, and some pretty amazing polka dot garments. The disco ball in Sleeping Village came alive the moment this group stepped onstage. Similar to The Edwards, a diverse group of musicians that meshed perfectly to create a 60’s inspired jamming set. When I spoke to guitarist/vocalist/band member Alice Kraynak after the show, the 60’s glamor the band exuded was made even more apparent. Whether it was Alice’s fur coat, face paint, or polka dot dress I am still unsure, but she emanated the mod style and influence that are clearly at the base of Thee Casual Hex’s sound. The band’s sound perfectly encapsulates psychedelic vibes from the 60’s while still paying tribute to modern psych bands; Remembering the past while celebrating the future. Alice made clear that Thee Casual Hex is so excited to continue making and playing music; be on the lookout for some live shows after the New Year. It’ll be a far out time. 

Before the final set of the night, the collaborative project of songwriter and producer Andrew Humphrey, Sun Cop, took the stage and remained just as collaborative onstage as off the stage. Pooky’s Duncan Lee took on double duty and played with Sun Cop, while the evening’s DJ Cadien Lake James also made an appearance to sing a tune with Andrew and the band.

Sun Cop by Maggie McInerney

Closing out the evening was the electric Pooky. I have seen the boys of Pooky play a few times now and they never fail to put a smile on my face; red and sweaty from dancing. Their clear bond and enjoyment for the music makes me want to be onstage next to them. With a wide range of tunes, this band can make you want to jump around one second and have you slowly head bopping the next. With a sound  that roars, Pooky’s vocals paired with some major shredding will have you immediately searching where they are playing next by the end of their set. A dynamic and truly entertaining group that never fails to amaze, Pooky is a band to keep your eye on in 2019. You can also catch them one last time in 2018; at The SubT on December 20th with Engine Summer, Rainbow James and Rabbit Folk.

Pooky by Maggie McInerney

All in all, the artists in the Chicago music scene set the stage for how to create a consensual music environment, and each band that performed at this show was a huge reason said space existed. These bands are making it clear that community is at the root of all their work; Respect for the music, respect for other musicians, and most importantly respect for their audiences. I am excited to know that bands such as these work, create, and share music with these ideals at the forefront. May all Chicago bands follow in their footsteps to create live music spaces that are fun, communal, and most importantly: safe!

If you couldn’t make it to the show, but would still like to show your support for Our Music, My Body, you can snag some of their merch here, or donate to either of their parent organizations.

Last but not least, head over to Beyond The Music’s site to vote for your favorite edit by the three featured photographers who covered the showcase: Emma Zanger, Colt Liles, and Maggie McInerney.

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Live Recap: Rookie at Tonic Room 11.21.18

Walking into the Tonic Room on Wednesday night, I was greeted by a man in a fringe vest as ABBA played overhead; an ideal entrance to see some tunes. I had been fortunate enough to see ROOKIE perform recently at the Empty Bottle where their booming sound, undeniable musicianship skills, and  matching jumpsuits made it nearly impossible to stand still while they played. If you go to see ROOKIE, you are going to be dancing, so dress accordingly. With the Tonic Room being much more of an intimate space I was curious to see how their sound and performance would differ from the first time I saw them. When they stepped onstage I almost didn’t recognize the band without their matching outfits but the Superman shirt to Sox baseball cap automatically created a sense of community between artist and audience before the music even began. They set down their PBRs and Highlifes, picked up their instruments and with a “Hey how is everyone doing tonight? We’re ROOKIE,” the music began.

ROOKIE kept the sense of community going during their set by breaking the fourth wall between performer and viewer and getting close with the small yet bustling crowd of the Tonic Room. While singing along to “One Way Ticket” I noticed that I was a part of the most impressive karaoke session and that the audience was not shy about how often this song is replayed by each of us on Spotify. The band welcomed this singalong from the stage with fist bumps and loving head nods. These gestures were just part of the effort made from each band member to welcome the audience, creating a really unique and individual experience for each listener. 

ROOKIE’s flow from beginning to end of show was high energy and fully committed to creating an alive and kicking set despite the small space. It felt like they were playing Aragon Ballroom and not the Tonic Room based on the energy they put forward, and they kept moving forward instead of allowing themselves to fall back into the comfortability of a smaller crowd.  Their sound reverberated off all four walls of the space, even when I walked to the back of the bar to snag another beer, the music still clung to me. 

The strong sense of community didn’t just exist between band and audience, but watching ROOKIE interact with one another onstage made clear why they have such an impeccable sound and loyal following. From smiles to nods to inside jokes onstage they were having fun with each other. When seeing bands perform there is sometimes the unfortunate “me, my instrument, and some other random people around me” energy. This did not ring true for ROOKIE; the band works as a cohesive entity—not just as strangers playing alongside each other. When band member, Dimitri Panoutsos, encountered a broken string mid set, the other members were quick to swoop in and help their fellow musician out before his next solo. This clear web of support among the boys of ROOKIE makes you fall in love with them a little more than you already have.

By the time Uncle Sexy stepped onstage, the Tonic Room was a choir of laughter, dancing feet, and empty beer cans. Cover song after cover song the energy of the room never faltered and the show remained at full throttle thanks to ROOKIE and Uncle Sexy’s infectious stage presence and evident talent. Not only do I plan on making my way back to the Tonic room but I will be sticking with ROOKIE in the same way my boots stuck to that wood floor covered in PBR. 

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