Grape Juice Records

This week in Chicago shows

Jai — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:02:48 +0000

Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel fame plays two sold out shows at the Athenaeum Theater, 2/6 – 2/7.

On Monday (2/6), Stolen Silver kick of their residency at Schuba’s with Julie Meckler and Ami Saraiya.

Next weekend is a Grape Juice double-header at Burlington:

Geronimo, Inspector Owl and Deserters on Friday

The Kickback, Dirty Pigeons and Kerosene Stars on Saturday.

Rambos will release Rock and Roll Monsters March 6

Jai — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:50:10 +0000

It’s finally here. The debut album from Rambos is here.

Rock and Roll Monsters
Out March 6

1. Terrorize
2. Rock and Roll
3. Human Monsters
4. Radio
5. Hiyawatha
6. Chuck Taylors
7. USA
8. Vampire
9. Nothin’ to Say
10. Poet Murders

PRE-ORDER ROCK AND ROLL MONSTERS

RIP Etta James

Nick — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:11:17 +0000

One of the most beautiful voices of all time, she will be missed.

New (to us) music: Archie Powell and the Exports

Ian — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:07:03 +0000

Got a tip from Brandon Stein (of the MPLS Henrys) back when he was galavanting around the CMJ Marathon in October. His text read something along the lines of: “Dude, this band Archie Powell and the Exports is f#!%ing awesome.” I new I had heard the name around Chicago, so I decided to check them out. It’s always refreshing to hear a poppy band that still knows how to be creative. It’s straight-ahead rock and roll, and it has me really excited for their next album. Here’s the official video for “Skip Work” from 2010:

Very excited: Dr. Dog @ The Vic

Nick — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:16:48 +0000

Dr. Dog is releasing a new album called BE THE VOID (ANTI-) on February 7 and they’re taking to the road in celebration. We’ll be checking them out when they play the Vic in Chicago on February 18th. Here’s the video for “That Old Black Hole,” the lead single from the album.

This week in Chicago shows

Ian — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:17:51 +0000

We go to a lot of shows, so we thought we’d start sharing which ones we’re planning on hitting up.

1/17 Pomegranates at Schuba’s
Gotta love Pomegranates. So refreshing and full of antioxidants!
Pomegranates – “Create Your Own Reality” by Afternoon Records

1/18 Summer Girlfriends, Damon and Whitney of E+ at Beat Kitchen
What could be better than a band consisting of 5 girls who know how to rock? Yep, that’s right, nothing.

1/19 Dastardly at Lincoln Hall
Dastardly are releasing their second album, and celebrating at Lincoln Hall with Brighton MA and Santah. Check out Dastardly’s session with Audiotree:

1/21 Grape Juice Presents: Jaime Rojo, Geoff Dolce and The Thin Man at The Burlington
Talent runs in the Drake family. Jim Drake (yep, Jon Drake’s brother) heads up Jaime Rojo, a rock and roll band with great songs and a live show that started great and keeps getting better.

New(ish) Chicago venue: Pancho’s in Logan Square

Ian — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:24:11 +0000

As Logan Square continues its rise, Pancho’s has officially joined the party. Pancho’s has been hosting music for a while now, but Brian Peterson of mP Shows and Tamiz Haiderali (formerly of Treat restaurant in Humboldt Park) have recently bought the place, which brings a new and exciting venue/bar/restaurant to the neighborhood. We’re very excited to see what they do with the place. There’s no doubt that the food will be amazing, and they’re already sporting some of the best drink specials in town. Add live music to the mix and it turns out that this place can’t really go wrong. Check out their lineup of shows here.

Check out our new friends: Stic-of-the-Week

Ian — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:49:57 +0000

Like clothes? Music? Chicago stuff? Then you should probably check out Stic-of-the-Week. Chelsea Cankar is a mover and a shaker, and she puts on rad parties too.

Non-music: Wes Anderson’s new flick

Ian — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:19:09 +0000

New (to us) music: Nick Miller and the Neighbors

Ian — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:03:58 +0000

We can’t say enough about Nick Miller and the Neighbors. They are an amazing band and even nicer people. Chicago Mixtape first introduced us to Nick and his neighbors a few months back, and we ended up meeting these guys (and gal) at Subterranean last night.

The live show is fantastic. Miller knows how to use his voice, and use it he does. He has perfected his timbre in a way that is seldom seen in a live setting. The thing that I love most about the band is the fact that Miller’s backing band is a metal band at heart. This gives the music a quality that is not found too often these days: well-written pop songs that know how to rock. Thanks Nick Miller for making awesome pop music that rocks. Now check out this trippy video for “Raunch”:

Center Stage Session featuring Musikanto

Ian — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:20:40 +0000

The folks over at Stetson were kind enough to host Musikanto as part of their Center Stage series. He performed “Take What You Need” and “Every Which Way,” wardrobe courtesy of Stetson.

Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest

Ian — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:14:41 +0000

The folks over at Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival have done it again. This year’s festival is our favorite lineup yet, and the last three have been pretty impressive. The lineup we’re most excited about goes down on the final night of the festival, January 28th at the Congress Theater. That night, the main stage will feature Drive-by Truckers, Dawes, Joe Pug and Bailiff. On the balcony stage are the Shams Band and Go Long Mule. And on the lobby stage are The Future Laureates, Jon Drake & The Shakes, Paper Thick Wallsand tons more. For fee-free tickets to the CBB, email Ian at grapejuicerecords dot com.

Musikanto among favorites of 2011

Ian — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:58:44 +0000

Musikanto graced the Illinois Entertainer’s list of their favorite local bands of 2011, along with Will Phalen, who happened to produce Musikanto’s latest effort, Sky of Dresses. Congrats dudes!

Read the full article here.

Sky of Dresses also made #6 on KRVM’s top 20 of 2011 here.

“Purging” – 12/13/11

Nick — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:10:00 +0000

“Ami Saraiya ventures to some dark places on her latest EP. In just 3 songs, she portrays a circus performer tempting death (Hanging by A Thread), sings of stone-cold corpses and red-hot fires (Purging Purging), and on Cattleprod Hands, turns out a bit of a nightmarish surrealism that sounds like it could have lept from the the brain of filmmaker David Lynch.”
- Andy Downing, Chicago Metromix –

New EP Spring 2012

Ian — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:06:19 +0000

The Minneapolis Henrys will release a new EP in the Spring. It will be their first official release since 2008′s The Way of the Albatross and the first recorded material with new guitarist, Scott Maidens.

Kirk’s new playlist: I-90

Kirk — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:44:41 +0000

1. We Bros by WU LYF
2. Green Aisles by Real Estate
3. Best Night by The War on Drugs
4. Shadow People by Dr. Dog
5. Charlie by Jon Drake & The Shakes
6. Ain’t No Easy Way by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
7. Our Swords by Band of Horses
8. Looks Just Like the Sun by Broken Social Scene
9. Before by Washed Out
10. Ritual Union by Little Dragon
11. The Maker by POLICA
12. Spitting Blood by WU LYF
13. Baby’s Arms by Kurt Vile
14. Into the Stream by The Tallest Man on Earth
15. Every Which Way by Musikanto
16. The Part Taken by Joey Ryan & The Inks
17. Where’d All the Time Go? by Dr. Dog
18. Cranley’s Gonna Make It by Broken Social Scene

Nick’s new playlist: Best of 2011

Nick — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:28:15 +0000

1. Brave Man’s Death by J Roddy Walston and the Business
2. Honey Touches by Ponytail
3. A Candle’s Fire by Beirut
4. Suicide Policeman by Yuck
5. Jesus Fever by Kurt Vile
6. Purging by Ami Saraiya and the Outcome
7. Towers by Bon Iver
8. Heartbreak Hotel by Hanni El Khatib
9. My Country by tUnE-yArDs
10. Morning Mr. Magpie by Radiohead
11. O’ Ye Drowning Children by Chaperone
12. Jungle by Bosley
13. An Apology by Future Islands
14. Unreal by Big Quarters (feat. Mankwe Ndosi)
15. Charlie by Jon Drake & The Shakes
16. Take What You Need by Musikanto
17. So It Goes by Akron/Family
18. Spitting Blood by WU LYF

Grape Juice 5 Year T-Shirt

Jai — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:52:05 +0000

In 2009, we threw a party to celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary. A contest was held to design a t-shirt to commemorate the momentous occasion. A popular vote was taken to decide the victor. In the end, Kyle O’Brien-Caird was the chosen winner, and we couldn’t be happier with the winning design.

ROCK AND ROLL MONSTERS

Jai — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:30:58 +0000

1. Terrorize
2. Rock and Roll
3. Human Monster
4. Radio
5. Hi-Ya-Wa-Tha
6. Chuck Taylors
7. USA
8. Vampire
9. Nothin to Say
10. Poet Murders

When Rambos set out to do something, they get at it. Stand em up, knock em down. So when Rambos decided to head into the studio, they didn’t just set out to record an album. They set out to record every single song they knew. One month, 3 black eyes, and countless scrapes and bruises later, Rambos emerged with 19 songs worthy of a salute from John himself. The first installment is Rock and Roll Monsters, 10 songs to introduce you to Rambos. We hope it’s not too much too soon.

“At a time where cookie-cutter pop stars are ruling the music charts and making radio almost an obsolete notion for any person with a respectable taste in music, Rambos are a strange, yet revitalizing breath of fresh air.” – Chicago Garage Rock

LIFE WITH THE BUFFALO

Jai — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:03:54 +0000

Life with the Buffalo by Curtis Evans

Life With the Buffalo is the follow up to 2008′s More Songs About Loneliness. Our favorite songs are “Life With the Buffalo,” “Baltimore,” and “Sister.”

“With lyrics about God, the Devil, and yes, buffalo, singer-songwriter Curtis Evan isn’t exactly exploring any new territory with this entry into Americana. But he’s got a deep, commanding voice and sure knows how to spin an enthralling alt-country tune, adding some atypical flourishes, like the trippy synth work on the title track and the rousing horns on the invigorating “Sister.” This is one of the best Chicago albums of the year.” – True/Slant

OTHER ALBUMS BY THIS ARTIST:

Musikanto – “Sky of Dresses”

Jai — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:06:51 +0000

“Sky of Dresses” by Musikanto

Released August 2, 2011

1. Blues for Momma
2. Take What You Need
3. Every Which Way
4. The Ballad of Two Vultures
5. Awful Mind
6. Colors in the Grey
7. Byzantine
8. My Heart Won’t Bleed Anymore
9. Sky of Dresses
10. False Wind
11. The Waiting Room

1/21 – Jaime Rojo, Geoff Dolce, The Thin Man

Jai — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:08 +0000

@ The Burlington – 3425 W. Fullerton, Chicago – 8pm

1/4 – Rambos, Close Hits

Jai — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:00:27 +0000

@ The Burlington – 3425 W. Fullerton, Chicago – 9pm

12/19 – Curtis Evans with Cory Branan, Dave Hause

Jai — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:21 +0000

Performing at Schuba's with Cory Branan

@ Schuba’s 3159 N. Southport, Chicago – 8pm.

12/17 – MPLS Henrys, Joey Ryan & The Inks, My Grandpa the Boxer

Jai — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:00:25 +0000

@ The Burlington – 3425 W. Fullerton, Chicago – 9pm

12/16 – Briar Rabbit, The Damn Choir

Jai — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:30:28 +0000

@ The Burlington – 3425 W. Fullerton, Chicago – 9pm

12/7 – Ornery Little Darlings, Flying Cars

Jai — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:00:58 +0000

3425 W. Fullerton, Chicago – 9pm

Ornery Little Darlings
O is for Ornery by Ornery Little Darlings

Flying Cars

Continental Breakfast

12/1 – Jon Drake & The Shakes, Chaperone @ Burlington

Ian — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:49:56 +0000

3425 W. Fullerton, Chicago. 9pm.

Jon and crew will be playing a hometown show in the Burlington’s brand spanking new back room. The Square’s hippest bar is now the Square’s hippest music venue too! Having been on the road since October, Jonny and The Shakes are ready to return to the Windy City for a party.

Joining The Shakes will be Chaperone, who just released their first 7″, “Raised By Wolves” on Grape Juice Records. Every record cover is unique AND handmade! These guys have one of the most energetic and joy-filled live shows Chicago has ever seen, so come see it!

In other recent news, the first single off Jon Drake & The Shakes’ new record is available for FREE for a limited time. Get it while it’s hot!

Peep the link kid:

http://jondrakeandtheshakes.com/

Doors @ 9
Show @ 10
$5 at the door

View Larger Map
The Burlington is located at 3425 W. Fullerton Avenue in Chicago’s Logan Square Neighborhood.

Ian’s new playlist: Blast This on a Boombox

Ian — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:26:51 +0000

1. Coast of Carolina by Telekinesis
2. Charlie by Jon Drake & The Shakes
3. Hey Hey, I’m Worn Out by Cheap Girls
4. Get Better John by Mux Mool
5. Burden of Tomorrow by Tallest Man on Earth
6. Sea Anemone by Jets to Brazil
7. Furr by Blitzen Trapper
8. Even Though by Will Phalen
9. Drumsticks by DOOMTREE
10. Life With the Buffalo by Curtis Evans
11. Halloweenhead by Ryan Adams
12. The Ballad of Robert Murdoch by The Minneapolis Henrys
13. I’ll Always Be a Cobra Skull (Folk Off!) by The Cobra Skulls
14. Colors in the Grey by Musikanto
15. Nobody’s Man by Joe Pug
16. Waste Away by Those Darlins
17. Skyway by The Replacements

Abby likes lots of songs

Jai — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:55:08 +0000

1. Poisonous Heads by Chad VanGaalen
2. Rattlesnakes by Emancipator
3. Comfort Me by Feist
4. Home by Glasser
5. Push the Eagle’s Stomach by Man Man
6. Fool by Neutral Milk Hotel
7. Codex by Radiohead
8. Basic Space by The xx
9. The Ballad of Two Vultures by Musikanto
10. 2080 by Yeasayer
11. There is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths
12. Charlie by Jon Drake & The Shakes
13. Smokey Taboo by Coco Rosie

Musikanto in-studio today!

Jai — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:05:38 +0000

Musikanto

Today: 3:00 PM Eastern

All you folks in the Louisville area can catch Musikanto in-studio at WFPK by tuning to 91.9 FM at 3:00 PM (EST).

All you folks everywhere else can stream the “Appearance” HERE

Jon Drake & The Shakes On Tour

Michael — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:22:34 +0000

Jon Drake & The Shakes are about to crowd venue billboards across the Midwest. They’re bringing their folk grazed merrymaking show on the road for a short November tour. Check out the dates below. Their EP, Side
A, is available for stream and download via the Jon Drake & The Shakes Bandcamp page.

But the band will be promoting songs off their debut record, The Declaration of Ulysses, which is set to be released before the year is over. But they will have copies of the record’s first single, “Charlie,” which will be released on 11/8. They’ll be back in Chicago on December 1st, playing the new back room at the Burlington.

JON DRAKE & THE SHAKES ON TOUR:

11/5 @ The Busted Lift (Dubuque)

11/6 @ Kitty Cat Klub (Minneapolis)

11/20 @ MOTR Pub (Cincinnati)

Ami Saraiya & The Outcome 7-inch EP

Michael — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:40:08 +0000

As one of the most recent editions to the Grape Juice family, we’re excited to announce that Ami Saraiya & The Outcome are releasing their new 7-inch EP, Purging, on December 13, 2011. Enlisting again the work of producer Mark Messing (Mucca Pazza), the limited edition 7-inch will have a very limited run of only 500 copies!

If you’ve ever seen Ami Saraiya and her band play live, then you’re definitely familiar with the collective’s dramatic idiosyncratic sound. Saraiya is notorious for a eclectic vocal styling that draws comparisons to Edith Piaf and Billie Holiday. To say her voice is timeless is true. But Saraiya has a intrinsic modern sensibility that can be easily heard; an ethereal post-modern indie rock feel that translates into her melodies and vocal deliveries. The group’s music follows suit, playing a steam punk blending of diverse sonic palettes, a worldly staging of gypsy folk, chamber and jazz cabaret.

Pre-orders are available now for the EP! The 7-inch ships on 12/12, but those who pre-order will receive the digital download code immediately after. And keep on the look out for the album-art inspired music video for lead-off single “Purging Purging.”

Get it Now!!!

Musikanto Featured on Halloween edition of Chicago Mixtape

Michael — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:20:12 +0000

Halloween has come and gone. You probably caught a wicked cold from wearing next to nothing and partying too hard. Now that you’ve recovered, it’s about time you check out Musikanto on Chicago Mixtape. For those not in the know, the Chicago Mixtape is a marvelous project that sends curated “mixtapes” straight to your inbox. Though many of us probably wish it was an actual cassette, delivered to our mailbox – it’s high quality digital mp3s delivered to our internet browser. It’s a great resource that will help you discover new talent in Chicago, and it’s a great service for artists and musicians! Win, win.

Named after the Musikanto-featured song “Take What You Need,” the Halloween edition Chicago Mixtape features many great Chicago acts, including Julie Meckler among others. Click through and download your mixtape!

http://www.chicagomixtape.com/

Musikanto on the radio waves

Jai — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:02 +0000

These are the radio stations showing “Sky of Dresses” some love:

KYRS 92.3 FM – Spokane, WA

WDET 101.9 FM – Detroit
AnnDelisis’Essential Music’ program
Listener Comments line: 313-577-3415
Studio line: 313-577-1019
http://wdetfm.org/shows/ann-delisis-essential-music/

WCBE 90.5 FM – Columbus, OH
Studio line: (614) 821-9223

Capitol Public Radio, spinning on The Blue Dog Jam Show!
KXJZ 90.9 FM – Sacramento
KKTO 90.5 FM – Tahoe/Reno
KUOP 91.3 FM – Stockton
KQNC 88.1 FM – Quincy
requests: (877) 480-5900

WNCW (88.7 FM – Spindale, 97.3 FM, Greenville, 99.1 FM Charlotte, NC)

WHFR(89.3 FM – Dearborn, MI)
Requests: (800) 585-HFCC x9676

WEFT(90.1 FM – Champaign, IL)

WKDU(91.7 FM – Philadelphia, PA)

WMSE(91.7 FM – Milwaukee, WI)

KXLL(100.7 FM – Juneau, AK)

KRCB(91.1 FM – Santa Rosa, CA)

WMUD (89.3 FM – Bridgeport, VT)
Requests: (802) 758-5002
mudroom@wmud.org

WEVL (89.9 FM – Memphis, TN)
Requests: (901) 528-1990
Through The Cracks
Saturday 1-3 pm
Contemporary folk, alternative country, adult rock, and everything in between. Presented by Ed.

CKUW (95.9FM – University Of Winnipeg – Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Requests: (204) 774-6877

KRSC (91.3 FM – Rogers State University – Claremore, OK)
Requests: 918-343-7913
requestline@rsu.edu

KOTO (89.3 FM/91.7 FM Telluride, CO – 89.5 Norwood, CO – 105.5 Down Valley, CO)
Requests:
970-728-4333

KBCS (Bellevue Community College – 91.3 FM – Bellevue/Seattle, WA)
Requests: 425-564-2424
dj@kbcs.fm

KDHX (88.1 FM – St. Louis, MO)
Requests:
314-664-3688

WMNF(88.5 FM – Tampa, FL)

WFPK(91.9 FM – Louisville, KY)

KOPN (89.5 FM – Columbia, MO)
Requests:
(573) 874-5676

KPFT (90.1 FM – Houston, TX)

Lonestar Jukebox
Saturdays, 9am-11am
lonestarjukebox@kpft.org

KYRS (92.3 FM/89.9 FM Spokane, WA)
Requests: 509-747-3807

WERU (89.9 FM Blue Hill, ME – 99.9 FM Bangor, ME)

WFDU (Farleigh Dickinson University – 89.1 FM – Teaneck, NJ)
Request Line 201-692-2012

WMLB AM 1690 (Atlanta, GA)
Requests: 404-741-1690
listeners@1690wmlb.com

WOJB (89.9 FM Hayward, WI)
Requests: 715-634-2100
wojbfm@wojb.org

WQSI The Eagle (95.9 FM – Auburn, AL)
Requests: 334-321-0939

KDNK (88.1 FM Carbondale/Glenwood, CO – 88.3 FM Aspen, CO – 88.5 FM Basalt/Redstone, CO – 93.5 Leadville, CO)
Requests: 970-963-2976

Online stations/podcasts:

RADIO FREE AMERICANA

WILDMAN STEVE

INDIESF

AMERICANA ROCK MIX
CountryBear

Bill Frater’s Freight Train Boogie

Musikanto on Mountain Stage

Jai — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:53:26 +0000

Musikanto

The episode of NPR’s Mountain Stage Featuring Musikanto is playing this week!

Check out the Mountain Stage Broadcast Schedule to listen where you are!

Musikanto Screening @ Seen & Heard in Chicago

Jai — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:54:59 +0000

Musikanto’s video for “Every Which Way” will be featured tonight at the Seen and Heard Music Video Showcase. Come out in support and to see a host of talented artists.5243 N. Clark
Chicago
8pm - $8 (suggested donation)

“Chicago Filmmakers’ and The Cinema Culture’s third annual Seen and Heard Music Video Showcase will highlight videos that push the boundaries and complement the varied styles of cutting edge music.”

“Raised By Wolves” b/w “O’ Ye Drowning Children” – 8/23/11

Ian — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:59:56 +0000

Buy It

“While Shaun Paul and crew’s Cripple King EP leaned more towards Avett Brothers, this new track tips the needle distinctly towards Modest Mouse. Frantic, almost anxious guitars and a heavy bass tramp under strained, desperately impassioned vocals…” – Consequence of Sound

New album from Musikanto drops 08/02

Jai — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:01:03 +0000

Musikanto – “Every Which Way” – Official Music Video

Jai — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:44:15 +0000

“Sky of Dresses” – 8/2/11

Ian — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:00:51 +0000

Get it Now

“Chicago artist Musikanto’s sophomore effort Sky of Dresses is a strong, subtle foray into a complex mix of harmonious folk, soft rock, and solid songwriting that combine to produce a memorable and unique album with a tinge of country soul at its core.”
- Evan Pearson :: Verbicide Magazine -

The Minneapolis Henrys

Jai — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:26:28 +0000

Playing Chicago’s Whistler on Wed, September 21! Free Show!

‘Raised By Wolves’ 7″

Jai — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 06:18:11 +0000

The new 7″ from Chicago’s Chaperone gives a nod to their punk youth while remaining firmly rooted in the thick weeds of country cadence at the band’s core. The first track, “Raised By Wolves” features bassist, Miles Doornbos, brazenly screaming lyrics he swears are pure fiction. On the back side, the apocalyptic “O Ye Drowning Children” races to the two-minute mark, intensified by vocal harmonies from Shaun Paul and Shaylah Kloska. Recorded in a haunted basement, the band was disappointed to find the final product poltergeist free.

“Sky of Dresses”

Jai — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 06:14:31 +0000

After years of touring and writing, Musikanto set out to record his best record to date. He made countless late night drives from Chicago to Milwaukee and back to record the new songs at a friend’s home studio. During the drives, he listened to the songs develop their personalities, re-writing lyrics and adding instrumentation he heard in his head as he drove. “The result is an 11-song album that plays like a compilation of short stories about love and loss,” says Chicagoist.com. To date, Musikanto has shared the stage with the likes of Mason Jennings, Alejandro Escovedo and Jason Isbell.

“Dear Ulysses” – Feb. 2012

Ian — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:07:35 +0000

In a town primarily known for power pop heroes like Cheap Trick and dark rock villains like Billy Corgan, Jon Drake and the Shakes stand out sheerly because no one can really peg them in either or those genres; nor any other for that matter. They have a luminous pop sensibility, but lyrically they can be darker and more angst-y than a 13-year-old looking for black nail polish at a Hot Topic.

“Rock and Roll Monsters” – Feb. 2012

Jai — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:57:31 +0000

Welcome! Have you had your music today?

Jai — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:07:40 +0000

Welcome! Have you had your music today?

Curtis Evans

Jai — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 04:00:35 +0000

Chicago Garage-icana. “Life With the Buffalo” OUT NOW!

Jai — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:24:00 +0000

Two Thousand and Ten was a wild ride, huh? We sure had fun over here at Grape Juice. We are super excited about everything we have coming up in the year to come and can’t wait to tell you all about it but for now, a peek at the next few months:

The third nearly-annual Windy City Winter Ball will be held on Saturday, FEB 5 @Double Door in Chicago.

Who will be the next GJ Artist? You’ll see!

Grape Juice Records @SXSW

Curtis Evans & Our Friends Electric= Road Warriors.

Like I said, this is just a peek. To stay posted on our latest news and events follow our tweetings @grapejuicerec, Like us on The Facebook.com Subscribe to this blog and/or sign our mailing list!

May the new year bring you much juice!

-GJ Jai

Free Music From Grape Juice Records!

Jai — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:28:00 +0000

Announcing the release of our second Friends & Family Compilation, featuring music from artists on our roster and beyond. you can download the entire thing free or just listen here:

This sweet, sweet comp features track from the following artists:

Jon Drake & The Shakes

Julie Meckler

Will Phalen

Rachele Eve

Musikanto

Rambos

Curtis Evans and Our Friends Electric

Derek Nelson and the Musicians

No Ordinary Oswald

The MPLS Henrys

The Shams Band

Hey You…

Jai — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:06:00 +0000

Ah, The Holidays…

Jai — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 19:40:00 +0000

What are we at Grape Juice Records thankful for this November? You of course!
So when you go shopping in our STORE, make sure to enter the code “tofurkey” at check out to
receive 20% off your purchase!

Julie Meckler needs your help!

Jai — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 21:22:00 +0000

There is a VERY CLOSE race going on for the Deli Chicago’s Artist of the month! It’s between Julie Meckler and Geronimo. If you haven’t heard Julie, you should take a chance and listen. Her backing band is also spectacular and filled with some of the best musicians in Chicago. You can listen to Julie on the Deli’s voting page here: http://chicago.thedelimagazine.com/snacks

-Ian

[Photo by Bekah Miller]

Look, We’re Pretty Now!

Jai — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:06:00 +0000

If you haven’t noticed yet we’re spruced up our look all over the socialwebs:

myspace

twitter (sign in to see it in all it’s glory)

youtube

and this very page you’re reading right now.

oh, and facebook… sike! The Facebook is still lamo blue and white. they should at least let us change everything blue to purple…

Enjoy!

The big ole’ Grape Juice Records Thanksgiving Recipe Contest!

Jai — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:34:00 +0000

At Grape Juice Records we love food very, very much. It’s only natural that Thanksgiving would be one of our favorite holidays. We have much to be thankful for!

The only problem is this: We have no Idea what to eat!

That’s where you come in. We need our friends and fans to send us their favorite holiday recipes. We will post them on our page and pick a couple of our favorites to try out at our pre-thanksgiving potluck. Grape Juice will then vote on a winner, who will receive a special prize!

Please send us your recipes and photos if you got ‘em to jai@grapejuicerecords.com by Monday, Nov. 15 in order to be considered for the contest.

Also, this being a recession and all, we ask that you please keep your recipes on the economical side.

Thanks!

Upcoming Shows:

Jai — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:07:00 +0000

Hey gang. We’ve got some fun shows lined up this month. Check em out!

Curtis Evans:

Thursday Nov 4 @ Doc’s Music Hall in Muncie, IN. Free Show!

Friday Nov 5 @ The Riviera Theater in Three Rivers, IN.

Sunday Nov 7 @ Subterranean in Chicago, IL

Monday Nov 15 @ Depauw University in Greencastle, IN

Sunday Nov 28 @ Frequency in Madison, WI

Also be sure to check out our good friends Rambos as they proceed to rock the crap out of Schubas Tavern on Monday the eighth!

More to come!

Nick is back in Chicago!

Jai — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:13:00 +0000

File photo.

We are pleased to welcome Grape Juice Records co-founder and intergalactic adventurer Nick Rush back to The Windy City!

Though he’s been away for some time,

it feels as if he never left…

Find Nick at a rock show, comic shop or Burger bar near you and be sure to mention the secret code: “Schnoodles sent me” to get a super secret prize!

Curtis Evans back on the road!

Jai — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Curtis is hitting up the Midwest in November and after that will be heading South. Don’t miss Curtis rocking out at the following spots:

11.4 Doc’s Music Hall – Muncie, IN

11.5 Riviera Theatre – Three Rivers, MI

11.15 DePauw University – Greencastle, IN

photo by Julie Meckler. See the very talented French singer and her awesome band @ The Hungry Brain Nov 1st.

Grape Juice+Pumpkins = Sale!

Jai — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:22:00 +0000

Hello world!

It’s been a while but we’re back to notify you Grape Juice is expanding! Not only do we have new interns doing their thang but look forward to new acts on the GJ bill this Fall.

Oh, October is almost over so don’t miss the October store sale. Use the code tenten and get 10% off any purchase.

Click here to go shopping.

Have a horrifically terrific Halloween!

- Jesse SB (intern extraordinaire)

A (Logan Square) Affair to remember!

Jai — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:04:00 +0000

The first ever Square Affair is upon us!

The deets:

What:A concert and celebration of Logan Square’s vibrant history, residents, businesses, and artists focusing on it’s surging and eclectic music scene.

When: Friday, August 27th

Where: Logan Square Auditorium (2539 North Kedzie Boulevard)

Who:

John Drake & The Shakes

The Shams Band

The Minneapolis Henrys

Derek Nelson & The Musicians

Why: Because we love you!

Extra stuff:

We’ll be hanging out in the square every Sunday from noon to 4pm leading up to the event. We’ll be doing cool stuff like:
-Four Square in the Square
-Badminton?
-Playing music
-Brown Baggin’
-Maybe teaching people things…
-you never know, so come hang out with us, we’ll be the friendly ones on the green blanket.

~Pre-Party at The Burlington on August 20th!

Want to be a part of the show and community? Join our Facebook page and submit your favorite topics about Logan Square to our TUMBLR account -http://www.salutethesquare.tumblr.com/

Tickets are cheaper in advance! Click here to buy.

Click here to R.S.V.P.

See you there!

Ah, Pitchfork!

Jai — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:47:00 +0000

We are pleased to say that we had a wonderful time at The Pitchfork Music Festival last weekend in Chicago. As some of you know already, we manned a table at the CHIRP Record fair within the festival for the second year in a row. This was a chance to meet the public, get the word out about our label, artists and shows (such as the upcoming “Square Affair“), and sell a few records and posters along the way.

We did all of that, and even managed to check out a few bands while we were at it.

Highlights for me included:

Modest Mouse – Been waiting years to see them and even though I found it slightly anti-climactic, it was still good

Raekwon – a man that gives the people what they want: a set chock-full of Wu Tang hits!

Wolf Parade – Nearing perfection despite rampant technical difficulties!

Did you go to the fest? If so, please feel free to share some of your experiences!

-Jai Henry

Curtis Evans & Our Friends Electric are on tour!

Jai — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Be sure to catch up with them tonight in Minneapolis at Lee’s Liquor Lounge with American Aquarium and Romantica!

Des Moines, You’re next! Curtis will be gracing the stage at Vaudeville Mews tomorrow!

Be sure to keep up with curtis:
Facebook
Myspace
Grape Juice!

Stay electric!

Party time, Excellent!

Jai — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:36:00 +0000

Everything went on swimmingly at the listening party last week. Friends and family celebrated the release of the album upstairs at Schuba’s last Wednesday by drinking heavily while listening to the Life with the Buffalo vinyl as well as some pretty impressive Curtis Evans covers, old and new.

Will Phalen, Tom Schreader, the Inchworm boys, Julie Meckler, Jai Henry, Sarah Holtschlag, Bekah Miller and Jeremy Miller filled the bill and did a bang-up job of embarrassing Curtis all night long.

Jeremy Miller MC’d the evening in a fashion none other could stand up to. Jeremy, you’re a genius.

Thank you to all those who made the night a super special one!

New Curtis Evans Album Out Today!

Jai — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:08:00 +0000

Grape Juice Records is more than pleased to announce the official release of our latest album, “Life with the Buffalo” by Curtis Evans & Our Friends Electric!

The album is available for digital download at ITunes or on vinyl in the Grape Juice Records online store.

The release party for the album will be June 19 at Double Door in Chicago. Curtis Evans & Our Friends Electric will be performing, along with The Record Low and Gia Margaret. It’s sure to be a night to remember!

Hungry for Rock & Roll?

Jai — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:52:00 +0000

Check out …soihadto… at The Great American Food & Music Fest!

Sunday June 13 @ The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ

http://www.greatamericanfoodandmusicfest.com/

MPLS Henrys are Going to Austin!

Jai — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:12:00 +0000

The MPLS Henrys participated in a contest…and won! The guys won a spot at Reggie’s unofficial showcase at the Jackalope in Austin. The party is March 19th . To raise money for the endeavor, the Henrys started a Kickstarter campaign. Support the Henrys!!

Jai — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0000

The new album “Adventures Stories (Not Based On Fact?)” from Baltimore post-rock outfit …soihadto… hits stores today! Get it online here or head out to your favorite music shop to pick it up.

Also, check out this video from the band! Enjoy!

Jai — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:06:00 +0000

My pal Dave has been asking me to write a post for his Bearded Jew’s Burger blog for a while. Being a bearded half-jew, I’m honored to be asked but frankly, until now, I’ve lacked the proper motivation. That is until I tried the “American Dream” burger at SQUARE in Chicago. A thick, juicy 10 oz. burger (actually cooked medium-rare) topped with sauteed mushrooms and Applewood bacon sounds like a great burger, right? Now for the kicker… this burger isn’t served on a bun. No, it comes packed between two grilled cheese sandwiches! This burger is KA-RAY-ZAY!!! Try it, you’ll love it. If the burger doesn’t give you a heart attack, try a deep fried candy bar for dessert! Eat up lil’ doggies!

–
Peas,
Dr. Rush

Second Time’s the Charm!

Jai — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:27:00 +0000

We’ve finally recovered from Friday’s event. Here’s what went down:

DJ Raj Mahal started the night off just right with soul music to groove to. Curtis Evans and Our Friends Electric took the stage first, where Brian Morrissey of Inchworm fame came up and helped with the choruses on “Nancy Oh Nancy.” Then, A Night in the Box LITERALLY TORE THE ROOF RIGHT OFF THE DOUBLE DOOR. IT’S GONE. The Damn Choir played beautifully and put out a great CD that night! And this was our first experience seeing Jon Drake & The Shakes rock a stage. The Shakes were ultra-tight and played an awesome cover of “The Weight.” Mary Fix took LOTS of really awesome photos, you can see all of them here.

It was a close call, but the crowd chose some pretty snazzy folks as the best dressed of the evening. The winners included:

the dashingly dressed Trey Johnson

and the ever-lovely Emily Barta.

Thanks to everyone that came out. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

…soihadto… "Adventure Stories (Not Based in Fact?)"

Jai — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:09:00 +0000

Pre-order the new album by Baltimore post-rock outfit …soihadto… before the record hits stores Feb. 2nd here. Or you can listen to the whole album here for free.

…soihadto…
“Adventure Stories (Not Based in Fact?)”
OUT FEBRUARY 2ND
1. Foreword
2. The Moon Under Which We Met
3. Please Friends, Warn Me If They Agree
4. In Between the Spaces You Don’t Think About
5. Worthy of a Righteous Title
6. At the Moment of Impact
7. Come and Get Me In My Sleep
8. Searching for the Cure
9. The Plumber and the Peacock
10. The Last Mistake I Ever Made
11. Something About the Way We Parted

The band’s heading east for the 2nd leg of their CD release tour, hitting the following cities:

1/29 – Boston, MA @ Cafe 939
1/30 – Harrisburg, PA @ The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Co.
2/1 – Jermyn, PA @ Eleanor Rigby’s
2/2 – Brooklyn, NY @ Trash Bar
2/3 – Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar
2/4 – Wilmington, DE @ Mojo 13
2/5 – Pittsburgh, PA @ D’Vine
2/7 – Norfolk, VA @ The Tap House
2/9 – Greenville, NC @ The Tipsy Teapot
2/10 – Richmond, VA @ The Playing Field
2/11 – Annapolis, MD @ The Whiskey

Minneapolis Henrys play @ Reggies Rock Club

Jai — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Chicago, IL- January 25^th, 2010

Come out and support The Minneapolis Henrys as they compete for a chance to play at South by Southwest! Reggie’s Rock Club is throwing an unofficial, SXSW showcase on February 12th, wherein six bands will compete for a show at the Jackalope the following Friday, March 19^th. The winner will be chosen based on crowd reaction, stage presence, and overall musical ability, as well as general awesomeness.

Reggie’s evening line-up, in no particular order:

This is Versailles

Minneapolis Henry’s

Snowsera

The Loneliest Monk

Cains and Abels

Green Sugar

Show details:

Friday, February 12, 2010

Reggie’s Rock Club

7:30 pm, doors open, 18+

2105 S. State St.

Chicago, 60616

www.reggieslive.com

Winners will play an afternoon show at the Jackalope, Friday, March 19^th

Bands include:

Paperbear

Deadtown Revival

The Blacklist Royals

The Zut Alors

Jai — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:28:00 +0000

New promo video from …SoIhadto… The album is available for pre-sale at
http://www.grapejuicerecords.com

The Windy City Winter Ball is almost here!!

Jai — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:34:00 +0000

Hey friends,
Quick reminder that we’ll be presenting the Second Annual Windy City Winter Ball at the Double Door on January 22nd. It’s going to be a barnburner for sure. We’ll be celebrating a CD release by our good friends in The Damn Choir, a rockin’ set from our very own Curtis Evans, a visit from A Night in the Box from Minneapolis, and the debut of Jon Drake and the Shakes at a Grape Juice get-together. Check out the Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information.

A few kind words about The Lower 48

Jai — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:37:00 +0000

Our good friends The Lower 48 have been getting some pretty sweet reviews of their debut EP, “Everywhere To Go.”

Some Excerpts:

There’s no glitz or glam or pretentious lyrics, just a heartfelt and homespun sound that hits you’d expect from the likes of She and Him or Bon Iver.
-The Truth Enlightens Me

The Lower 48, an underage quartet from Minneapolis, has accumulated more buzz before the band members’ 20th birthdays than most rockers do in a lifetime.
-Magnet Magazine

A beautiful sound has been born. It belongs to The Lower 48, a new band emerging from Minneapolis. This quartet of young musicians, all under the age of 20, have crafted their own very original sound with its roots in folk but decorated with swelling strings, sweet harmonies, mature lyrics, and one of the sexiest female voices you’ve ever heard.
-The Silver Tongue

These kids have a bright future ahead of them. Check ‘em out now so you can say you heard them first!

-Jai Henry(Author of this post)

You can hear the entire “Everywhere to Go” EP here:
http://thelower48.bandcamp.com/

…soihadto… UPDATE!

Jai — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Hey everyone! First of all, we’d like to thank you for your support. Without you, it wouldn’t be as much fun.

Album stuff… “Adventure Stories (Not Based On Fact?)” is the name of our new record. Pre-sell begins on December 1st, and it comes out on February 2nd, 2010.

We started the recording in June and finished it in October. It was recorded at Magpie Cage studios in Baltimore with J. Robbins. If you don’t know who he is, shame on you. Google Jawbox and you’ll see. Lukas Fronzoli and Brett Schatz lent us a hand on a lot of the percussion, and Billy (Homeowner) Wertz played a beer bottle. Listen closely, maybe you’ll hear it. J. also played some keyboards here and there.

The artwork was done by our friend, Joe Karr. It is in the “pulp fiction” vein. No, not the movie…like the pulp fiction books that came out back in the day. The insert contains images for each song. We love it, and hope you do as well. You can check out some of Joe’s other work at the link below.

Tour stuff…We are in the process of putting this together now. It looks like we’ll be hitting the midwest, southern Canada, New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the southeast. People on the west coast, don’t worry. We’ll get out there as soon as we can. You all are a long way from Baltimore, and we have to work around Duff’s TV schedule (which is very challenging). We will put up our tour dates as they get confirmed. We look forward to seeing you on the road soon!!!

We will be featured in the January issue of Food Network Magazine. We did the interview in Atlantic City when we opened for Black Label Society at the House of Blues. Three of us consumed a good deal of whiskey, so we hope we didn’t say anything to dumb. We did disclose that we tease Duff about being our Keanu, and that we are Dogstar. No disrespect, but we are no Dogstar, and Duff wishes he was Keanu!!!! Keep an eye out at your local magazine stand!!! Maybe we’ll make the cover (we wish)!

Also, check out our other projects (see the links below). Yungwirth has a band called Dos Osos (Brett is the drummer). Honus has a punk band called The Revelevens (the beer bottle playing Billy is the bassist. And they have a women singer (she rules!). Rahn is 100% soihadto, and we love him for that! And I’m sure you may have heard of Duff’s other “project”, Ace of Cakes and his bakery, Charm City Cakes. We freely admit that a good deal of our success is from this, and we are grateful. Don’t hate!

So, we’ll keep more blogs coming as the release date and tour approach. We hope to see you when we are in your city! Please come up to us and say hello, and buy us a beer (except Duff, he don’t drink)! See you soon!!!

Love,
Rahn, Duff, Yungwirth, & Honus
…soihadto…

Grape Juice Records (our label)
Joe Karr (who did the artwork for Adventure Stories…)
Honus’ punk band, The Revelevens
Yungwirth’s kick ass duo, Dos Osos
Need a cake? Duff’s real job!

Jai — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Grape Juice Records is here to let you know that “ADVENTURE STORIES (Not Based On Fact?),” the new album from soihadto, is available now for pre-order! Make sure to take advantage of this great limited time opportunity while you still can. Not only will you be ensured a copy, but those who pre-order the album will also get a care-package with exclusive, limited edition items from the band! Please visit http://www.grapejuicerecords.com for your copy! Offer available Dec. 1- Jan 18th (MLK Day).

An important update! There is a **NEW** show featuring Curtis Evans with Musikanto at Beat Kitchen Dec. 18th. For more information visit beatkitchen.com

In other exciting news, “Everywhere to Go,” the new album from The Lower 48 is available. For bios, music clips, and more please visit: mypace.com/heylookitsthelower48

Don’t Forget!
-Windy City Winter Ball tickets on sale now at http://www.doubledoor.com – $5 in advance, $8 at the door.
- FREE Grape Juice compilations are now available! For your FREE copy, please email a request with your name and address at: info@grapejuicerecords.com

All bands and Grape Juice staff are available to talk about these events. For interviews and general information please contact quinntsan@gmail.com

Jai — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Grape Juice Records is here to announce the much anticipated December residency of Curtis Evans at Uncommon Ground. Full details below.

3800 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60613
773-929-3680
http://www.uncommonground.com/pages/clark_home/19.php
http://curtisevansmusic.blogspot.com/
Featuring special guest:
-Dec 1. InchWorm – myspace.com/inchworm
-Dec 8. Grape Juice Records lablemate Jai Henry of the MPLS Henrys – myspace.com/mplshenrys
-Dec 22. Ryan Anderson of Go Long Mule – myspace.com/ryanandersonmusic

Grape Juice Records is also proud to announce that Jeremy Miller and Curtis Evans will be playing a rare set together at the Windy City Story Slam Semi-Finals which will be held at the Viaduct Theatre, Chicago on Dec. 5. Don’t miss out! For further information please visit: windycitystoryslam.com

Last but not least, FREE Grape Juice compilations are now available! For your FREE copy, please email a request with your name and address at: info@grapejuicerecords.com

All bands and Grape Juice staff are available to talk about these events. For interviews and general information please contact quinntsan@gmail.com

Windy City Story Slam Semi-Finals!!

Jai — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The Windy City Story Slam is back with a vengeance. Last year’s finals at the Metro drew over 900 people at featured some of Chicago’s greatest storytellers and musical acts, so we don’t even need to tell you that we were stoked when the fellas at the Story Slam called us asking for our involvement in their upcoming semi-finals at the Viaduct Theater.

We were able to confirm two members of the Grape Juice family who undoubtedly take the Chicago crown for storytelling through music. Jeremy Miller of the Butcher’s Boy will be joined by Curtis Evans for a one-on-one set of trading songs that are meant more for a bonfire than a stage.

The Story Slam Semi-Finals take place on December 5th at Chicago’s Viaduct Theater, located at 3111 N. Western Avenue. Storytellers compete for a chance to take the stage at Metro for the finals. The story slam champ wins a package of prizes that are too-cool-for-school! Details on this year’s finals to be announced shortly.

We’re excited about…

Jai — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:41:00 +0000

The upcoming exhibition of Lincoln Hall’s first show posters! The exhibition is being put on by the Chicago Printer’s Guild and will feature the likes of Chad Koury (The Post Family), Spike Press and Delicious Design League, just to name a few.
Lincoln Hall celebrates with a free event Wednesday, December 2.

Home | Lincoln Hall

The Winter Ball is Back!!

Jai — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Grape Juice Presents will be hosting the 2nd Annual Windy City Winter Ball on Friday, January 22 at the Double Door in Chicago. Tickets are on sale NOW for only $5! If you wait until the day of the show, you’ll have to pay a whopping $8 and risk being left out in the cold (last year’s Winter Ball came so close to selling-out, we make no guarantees that there will be room for you if you snooze on this great pre-sale opportunity). This year, there’s plenty to celebrate. We’ll be celebrating new friendships, old friendships, new music from a Grape Juice veteran and an album release by great friends of ours. Without further adieu, the lineup is:

Jon Drake and the Shakes
The Damn Choir (CD RELEASE)
A Night in the Box (from MPLS)
Curtis Evans and Our Friends Electric

Whew. That’s enough excitement for now. Talk soon.

Big News!!

Jai — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:24:00 +0000

It’s official! We have signed a deal with Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) to distribute our music. What’s this all mean? It means that you’ll be able to find our music on ALL of the cool websites as well as your favorite record stores.

Our first release with ADA is…

…soihadto…!!!! The Baltimore band’s debut full-length album, “Adventure Stories (Not Based on Fact?)” will hit the streets and the interwebs on February 2nd, 2010. You’ll be able to pre-order the album beginning December 1st. Your pre-order purchase will get you a bright and shiny CD along with a bunch of pre-sale exclusive goodies from the band. Curious about what these “goodies” will be? You’ll just have to wait and see! Pre-orders will ONLY be available on the Grape Juice Records website, so check back early and often.

Photos from the 5 Year Party!

Jai — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:30:00 +0000

If you didn’t have a chance to attend our birthday party, here are some photos from the evening:

Special thanks to Patrick McCutchan for coming all the way from Minneapolis to take the fantastic photos you see above.

Stay tuned for more Grape Juice events, we’re announcing another one soon…

Fun times in the fall

Jai — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:45:00 +0000

2009 has been a strange year for weather in Chicago. Despite the chilly summer and the sometimes cold, sometimes warm(er) fall we’re having, there are a few tell-tale signs of fall. Here are some of our favorite fall moments:

1) New music with hot apple cider. We made up our own recipe: 4 1/2 cups of apple cider (which is basically just unfiltered apple juice), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger. Pour all ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes. Mmmmm.

2) New music with a scenic walk. Cooler temperatures make for pleasant, leisurely walks. Add in some colorful leaves and some good tunes and your’re good to go!

3) New music with a homemade fire. Inside or outside, fall is the time for sitting by a fire. Don’t forget the music, otherwise you’re bound to get bored and make up dangerous fire-related games (see ‘Fire Jenga’**).

While we realize ‘new music’* doesn’t always mean ‘good music’, we’re sure that the simple act of listening to new music while doing things mentioned above during the fall season is ALWAYS better than:

1) Realizing we need to find our cold-weather things (or buy new ones). Hat, gloves, ugh.

2) Raking. I bet the Earth did just fine before someone decided that a ‘tidy’ lawn was the way to go.

3) Constant rain. It’s been a very damp fall in Chicago. Enough already.

Now you know what to embrace and what to avoid (unless, of course, you subscribe to the ‘clean lawn’ theory, in which case you’re doomed to hours upon hours of tediously ‘tidying’ the grassy areas surrounding your house. Lucky you!), try to do everything this fall while listening to music you’ve never heard before. Our favorite new site to discover new music is Lala because it lets you listen to any song in their database for FREE ONE TIME before having to pay for it. Check it.

* For new music suggestions, visit OUR Lala page.

** ‘Fire Jenga’ is a game for which you prepare by drinking copious amounts of alcohol. When you’re good and drunk and the fire is raging, simply take a log from the pile and place it on top without the burning wood pile crashing down upon itself.

Curtis Evans on ‘Life with the Buffalo’

Jai — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:40:00 +0000

The genesis for the album ‘Life with the Buffalo’* began on the coldest night of winter 2007. I had just returned from a long journey out west that took me thousands of miles through hundreds of towns and 20 states. Upstairs at a friends house i heard many voices coming from the basement. They were singing one of those old folk songs. For some reason i just couldn’t join in. Couldn’t descend the steps where so many i love sat with guitars and smiles. Instead i drank alone until i was nearly blind. On the long stumble home came the melody. And in the morning came the verse. “That i still love you. That i have to roam. Gotta see how deep, my voice can go.”**

In the next few months i will journal our progress in the studio. To share with you stories of my songs. How they came to be, what they mean to my life. And most importantly, to tell you about all the wonderful friends who will help me in bringing them to your ears as finished recordings. As always, thank you for listening.

Love,

Curtis

* ‘Life with the Buffalo’ is the debut LP from Curtis Evans, currently in progress at Studio Ballistico with producer/engineer Tim Sandusky.
** Refers to the title track of the upcoming LP. To hear this song and more, come to a show or check back here for previews of music from the upcoming album.

Next show:
November 11 at Reggie’s Music Joint, Chicago

Curtis Evans on MySpace Music
Curtis Evans’ Blog **NEW**

…soihadto… confirmed for CMJ Marathon!

Jai — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:22:00 +0000

We’re really excited to announce that …soihadto… will join the craziness that is the annual CMJ Music Marathon! Duff, Rahn, Tim and Honus play the Ace of Clubs on October 24th. We’re hearing many positive things from the guys about their experience in the studio. Look for an LP from …soihadto… in early 2010.

For real, the winner this time…

Jai — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Congratulations to Kyle O’Brien Caird, winner of the t-shirt design contest! Thank you thank you thank you to all of the great designers and to all of the voters – you all sure know how to make a record label feel special. The designs were great and we’d surely wear all of them if we could afford to print But alas, voters spoke and we couldn’t be happier with our 5-year anniversary t-shirt. You can pick up your very own limited edition shirt at Always Urban. The shirts are only $15 for a very short amount of time; don’t miss this slice of history!

The Lower 48 in Minneapolis!

Jai — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Minnesotans, the wait is over, The Lower 48 is returning home for what will surely be a sweet show:

Birds of Virginia (CD Release!)

The Starfolk (7″ RElease!)

The Lower 48 (Yay!)

Zoo Animal

Where: The Cedar Cultural Center 416 S. Cedar Avenue. MPLS, MN

When: 7:30 P.M. on Friday, October the 16th

Facebook URL:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=141499638418

THANK YOU!!!

Jai — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:35:00 +0000

Wanted to say THANKS to everyone who came from near and far on Thursday. We had such a great time at the Double Door, and it wouldn’t have been anything without you. Photos coming soon…

We’re excited about…

Jai — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:36:00 +0000

OUR FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY!

In case you haven’t heard yet, we’ll be celebrating on Thursday with a massive show at the Double Door in Chicago. Nine bands, a cake from Charm City Cakes and free beer for an hour make this the only place to be in the whole Midwest on Thursday night!

We truly can’t wait for this. Thanks to everyone who has already helped make this event a success without it even happening yet!

Check out this interview with Duff Goldman in Chicago’s Metromix!

More new press!

Jai — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Here’s some new snippets we picked up this week to get the word out about this coming Thursday at the Double Door in Chicago:

NBC’s Blog
Chicagoist

The Lower 48 is coming back to Chicago!

Jai — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:43:00 +0000

That’s right, folks. In addition to all the craziness this week, we’re excited to welcome The Lower 48 back to town. Of course, they’ll be gracing the stage of the Double Door on Thursday. Prior to Thursday night’s festivities, however, Ben and Sarah will be sitting down with our friends over at Fearless Radio for some chatting and some singing. They’ll be going on at 4pm on Thursday, make sure to catch it!

Less than a week away!

Jai — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:11:00 +0000

Yikes! The 5-Year Anniversary Party is coming! Brace yourself for next Thursday everyone, we promise the most enjoyment per capita of any event 2009 has seen thus far.

Oh! And check out some new mentions in the press! Here. And here.

The Lower 48 on The Current Radio

Jai — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:44:00 +0000

The Current in Minneapolis has added The Lower 48 to their catalog! Their debut EP, “Everwhere to Go” is available now, buy it here. The band is leaving the Midwest for Portland in the fall, so don’t miss them when they come to your town this fall. If you’re on the west coast, expect them to visit often. Stay tuned for tour dates…

T-Shirt Contest Over, and the Winner Is…

Jai — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:13:00 +0000

A surprise! We won’t be revealing the winner of the t-shirt contest until September 3rd at the Double Door in Chicago, where you’ll be able to pick up a snazzy new winning tee, a piece of free cake, a free Grape Juice Records compilation and merch from all 9 bands playing that evening. Thanks again to Always Urban, Charm City Cakes and Zip Car for all the help with the contest.

Buy your tickets now, as they won’t last long! See you on the 3rd!

Tamarkin Challenged, Graciously and Gracefully Declined

Jai — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:20:00 +0000

David Tamarkin of Time Out Chicago blogged about us a while back, giving a shout out to our birthday party and pondering about our cake from Charm City Cakes. – how did we manage to get a cake from this famous bakery? Duff had some words for Tamarkin suggesting insider tomfoolery was involved in Grape Juice getting a cake from a bakery that is booked solid. Tamarkin posted about it. The blogosphere took notice. Again and again and again.

We’re in the middle, like “woah, everybody take it ease”.

The next step was a no-brainer: pie eating contest. We issued the following challenge to Tamarkin:

“Dear David Tamarkin,

On behalf of Duff Goldman and the band …soihadto…, Grape Juice
Records issues the following formal challenge to you:

In light of all the recent internet hubbub regarding miscommunications, and in an attempt to have some fun with this, we come to propose that this dispute be settled like gentlemen. We challenge you to come to Double Door on the evening of September the third, 2009 to put this disagreement to rest in a most honorable fashion: a pie eating contest. Whomever consumes the most amount of pie in three minutes time shall be declared the winner.

If you win, Duff will sit down with you and gladly answer any questions honestly and earnestly. If Duff should win, you must admit that …soihadto… is the greatest rock band of all time. Either way, a good time will be had and pies (and cake) will be eaten. The only question now is: will you accept this challenge as it has been presented to you? Please respond in a timely fashion.

Regards,
Grape Juice Records“

Tamarkin gracefully responded, but declined, citing a wish to remain anonymous as his main reason. Understandable. He also said:

“I really wish I could participate…I’m all for resolving conflicts (and this one has certainly been blown out of the water), especially when there is pie involved.”

We said “that’s cool” and moved on with life. Now we’re setting our sights straight ahead to the Double Door on September 3rd, and the cake.

Our Picks for Lollapalooza 2009

Jai — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:34:00 +0000

It’s that time again. Arguably one of the Midwest’s most anticipated summer music festivals, Lollapalooza returns to Chicago for another three-day stand. While last year’s lineup left little to be desired, we’re pretty excited for this year’s craziness nonetheless. Overall, we’re most excited about Friday’s lineup, but all three days have a little bit for everyone. Below we’ve listed our picks for each day:

Friday
Hey Champ
Manchester Orchestra
Bon Iver
Gaslight Anthem
Heartless Bastards
Fleet Foxes
Andrew Bird
The Decemberists
Kings of Leon

Saturday
Constantines
Los Campesinos!
Joe Pug
Atmosphere
Robert Earl Keen
Diplo
TV on the Radio
Animal Collective

Sunday
Ra Ra Riot
Portugal. The Man
Dan Deacon
Gang Gang Dance
Neko Case
Snoop Dogg
Lou Reed
Jane’s Addiction

R.I.P. Baatin

Jai — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Sad news today. Baatin of Slum Village has passed away. Not too many details are out yet. Our hearts go out to his friends and family. Read more at Six Shot. R.I.P.

Milwuakee Ave. Arts Festival

Jai — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:45:00 +0000

This weekend is the inaugural Milwaukee Ave. Arts Festival. Last night kicked off the weekend-long event with El DJ Rebel X, Camilo Quintana, The Megitza Quartet, Christina Isabel Jones, Jim Becker (Califone), Benjamin Anaya & Los Extranos Unidos, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir to close the night.

The festival features two stages and a ton of art galleries, youth activities and a beer garden. Today’s music schedule looks like this:

Noon

The Loneliest Monk (Classical/Pop)
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Spirit Of the Square
Norwegian Lutheran Church, 2614 N Kedzie (indoors)

Mar Caribe (Country/Bluegrass)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

1 pm

Matt Ulery’s Loom (Jazz)
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave
St. John Berchman’s, Spirit Of the Square
Norwegian Lutheran Church, 2614 N Kedzie (indoors)

Pedro y Su Renacimiento (Northern Mariachi)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

2pm

St. Luke’s, Spirit Of the Square
Norwegian Lutheran Church, 2614 N Kedzie (indoors)
Box of Baby Birds (Pop)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

2:30pm

Bird Names (Experimental Pop)
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave

3pm

Norwegian Lutheran, Spirit Of the Square
Norwegian Lutheran Church, 2614 N Kedzie (indoors)
Nicole Mitchell (Jazz)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

4pm

L’Orchestra Super Vitesse (African Jazz)
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave
My D–n Butterfly, Spirit Of the Square
Norwegian Lutheran Church, 2614 N Kedzie (indoors)

Son del Viento (Latin)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

Polish “Elvis”
Taste of Polonia Beer Garden, 3101 N Milwaukee

5pm

Blue Ribbon Glee Club, Spirit Of the Square
Norwegian Lutheran Church, 2614 N Kedzie (indoors)
El DJ Rebel X (World & Ambient Mix & Mash)
Chicago Artillery Stage, 2764 N Milwaukee

Artists Turn in Artwork for Live Art Masterpiece Battle
at Know Art Collective Gallery, 2764 N Milwaukee Ave

5:30pm

White Mystery (Garage)
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave
Polish “Elvis”
Taste of Polonia Beer Garden, 3101 N Milwaukee

5:40pm:

Cristina Isabel Jones (Contemporary Folk)
Chicago Artillery Stage, 2764 N Milwaukee

6pm

New Community Covenant Church, Spirit Of the Square
Norwegian Lutheran Church, 2614 N Kedzie (indoors)
Ronnie Hamilton (Classic Rock)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

Announcement of Winners for the Live Art Masterpiece Battle
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

6:20pm:

Dj ñez (Experimental Ambient Mix)
Chicago Artillery Stage, 2764 N Milwaukee

7pm

Judson Claiborne (Folk)
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave
Michael Columbia (Progressive Jazz)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

Camilo Quintana (World Acoustic)
Chicago Artillery Stage, 2764 N Milwaukee

7:40pm:

Mars Caulton (Urban Conscious Music)
Chicago Artillery Stage, 2764 N Milwaukee

8pm

Mass Shivers (Rock)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

8:20pm

Space Juice Psychedelic (Chicano Rock)
Chicago Artillery Stage, 2764 N Milwaukee

8:30pm

The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra (Latin Traditional )
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave

9pm

Phillip Morris (Hip Hop With a Political edge)
Chicago Artillery Stage, 2764 N Milwaukee
Blah Blah Blah (Pop)
The Crown Tap Stage, 2821 N Milwaukee Ave

10pm

Allá (Latin Rock)
Whistler Stage, 2600 N Milwaukee Ave

Whew! Off to the Whistler Stage to check out the Loneliest Monk! We’ll be back tonight with tomorrow’s schedule…

We’re excited about…

Jai — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:15:00 +0000

SUMMER FINALLY ARRIVING!

It’s hot in Chicago with no clouds in the sky. Whew. Thought we might miss the greatest season of all this year…

Jai — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:34:00 +0000

…soihadto… is embarking on a (short) journey to Atlantic City this weekend to play the House of Blues with Black Label Society. Just a little heads up for anyone in the area…

We’re excited about…

Jai — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Islands coming to Chicago! The group is releasing another album on -ANTI on September 22nd, and we couldn’t be more elated to hear that they’ll be stopping at Subterranean on October 15. Here are the rest of their tour dates:

Islands 2009 Tour Dates:
08/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House
08/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ Sunset Junction Street Fair
09/28 – Tampa, FL @ Ritz Ybor ^#
09/30 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues ^#
10/02 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade ^#
10/03 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend ^#
10/04 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa ^#
10/06 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club ^#
10/07 – Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero ^#
10/09 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom ^#
10/10 – Cambridge, MA @ House of Blues ^#
10/12 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall ^#
10/13 – Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo’s ^#
10/14 – Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus ^#
10/15 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean *
10/18 – Missoula, MT @ Badlander *
10/19 – Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey *
10/20 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre *
10/21 – Portland, OR @ Hawthrone Theatre *
10/22 – Davis, CA @ Oddfellows Lodge *
10/23 – Berkley, CA @ Lower Sproul Plaza *
10/23 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill *
10/24 – W. Hollywood, CA @ The Troubadour *
10/25 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room *
10/27 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk *
10/28 – Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves *
10/29 – Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone Cafe *
10/30 – Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree Cafe *
10/31 – Atlanta, GA @ Lenny’s Bar *
11/01 – Durham, NC @ Duke Coffee House *
11/02 – Baltimore, MD @ G-Spot *
11/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church *
11/04 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East *
11/05 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *

^ = w/ The Psychedelic Furs
# = w/ Happy Mondays
* = w/ Jemina Pearl

Thanks to Consequence of Sound for the tip!

Time Out Shows a Little Love…

Jai — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Check out Time Out Chicago’s blog shout-out here.

Now, go buy your tickets to our birthday party. And RSVP here. That’s all. For now.

"Grape Juice Friends and Family, Vol. 1"

Jai — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:13:00 +0000

In conjunction with our fifth birthday, we’re releasing our first annual compilation, called “Grape Juice Friends and Family.” We asked bands on our label and friends we’ve worked with over the years to contribute a song for the comp, and here’s what we came up with:

Yauch has cancer?

Jai — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Our hearts go out to Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, recently diagnosed with cancer. Luckily, it’s localized and very treatable. We wish him a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery…

Pitchfork recap

Jai — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:20:00 +0000

As many of you know, we set up shop at Pitchfork this weekend to sell CDs, records, pretty much anything we could slap a price tag on. We were set up in the CHIRP Record Fair and had a blast!

The folks at Gaper’s Block were nice enough to stop by and chat with us. See their post about us here.

Ian’s favorite set was a grueling tie between Flaming Lips and Pharoahe Monch. In a close second was Blitzen Trapper.

Congrats to The Lower 48 for putting out a great album!

Jai — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:11:00 +0000

We’d just like to say “thanks” and “congrats” to The Lower 48 for putting out such an amazing record. The band celebrated the release of “Everywhere To Go” on Wednesday in Minneapolis (7th Street Entry) and on Saturday in Chicago (Reggie’s Music Joint – Pitchfork After Party). If we can find pictures from the shows, we shall surely post them immediately.

Stay tuned for availability of “Everywhere To Go” on the world wide web.

T-Shirt Voting Starts TODAY!

Jai — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:36:00 +0000

The submission period for the t-shirt design contest has closed, but with every end comes a beginning. We received lots of great submissions and we’re ready to show you the finalists. Click here to choose your favorite.

Remember, the winning design will be shown off at our 5-year Anniversary Party at the Double Door on September 3rd. There are many more surprises in store for this one, so don’t wait to BUY YOUR TICKETS.

5 Days Left Until The Lower 48′s Hometown CD Release Party!

Jai — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:42:00 +0000

If you haven’t heard this band already, you need to stop reading this and click here. Arguably the best new music of 2009, these guys have it. They’re the newest members of the Grape Juice family and will soon be off to the west coast to start a new life in Portland. Don’t miss your chance to see them rock the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on Wednesday, July 15. If you’re in Chicago, check them out at Reggie’s at our Pitchfork afterparty on July 18th. If you’re in neither place, listen to them on repeat like we’ve been doing and wait patiently for them to come around. We promise, they’ll be around.

Track Listing:
The Lower 48
“Everywhere to Go”
1. Transmissions, Pt. 1
2. Mama’s Eye
3. Bedroom
4. Miles from Minnesota
5. Transmissions, Pt. 2

CD Release Parties:
Wednesday, July 15
7th St. Entry
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN
w/Me and My Arrow, Sky Lion and Now and Forever
8:00PM/18+
Buy Tickets Here

Saturday, July 18th
Reggie’s Music Joint
2105 S. State St.
Chicago, IL
w/The MPLS Henrys, Rabble Rabble and Old Panther
Following the Pitchfork Music Festival
9:00PM/21+
FREE!!

Reggie’s Lineup Finalized!

Jai — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:55:00 +0000

We just finalized the lineup for our Pitchfork afterparty at Reggie’s Music Joint. Here it is:

The MPLS Henrys
Rabble Rabble
The Lower 48 (CD Release)
Old Panther

Again, the Reggie’s bus is leaving Ashland and Lake right after the festival. See you there!

Following Pitchfork: A Grape Juice Records Showcase at Reggie’s

Jai — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:58:00 +0000

To all of you that will be in Chicago for Pitchfork’s annual music festival in Union Park, Grape Juice will be holding a post-Pitchfork extravaganza at Reggie’s music joint shortly after the festival wraps up for the evening on Saturday, July 18. We’ll be trafficking music-hungry patrons from just outside the festival (Ashland and Lake) to Reggie’s via the Reggie’s rock bus at 10pm sharp!

Bands include the MPLS Henrys, Old Panther and the newest members of the Grape Juice family, The Lower 48. Come celebrate the release of The Lower 48′s debut EP, “Everywhere To Go.” Check out two tracks from the EP here.

Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE?

Reggie’s is located at 2105 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60616

Five-Year Anniversary Shananigans!

Jai — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Grape Juice Records and Always Urban have teamed up for a contest to bring you the official Grape Juice Five-Year Anniversary T-Shirt! Submit a design before July 17th and you’ll be in the running to win $200 cash, a $100 Always Urban gift certificate, a Grape Juice Records Box Set and a free year-long Zipcar membership with $100 in free driving! Follow the link to submit your design.

http://www.alwaysurban.com/Grape-Juice-Records-Tee-Contest_ep_104.html

The winner will be chosen by online votes between July 17 and August 14. We will unveil the winning design at our Five-Year Anniversary Party at the Double Door on September 3rd:

Thursday, September 3rd
Grape Juice Records Presents:
Our Five-Year Anniversary Party!
@ Double Door
1572 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622

Featuring performances by Grape Juice friends and family as well as
the release of our first compilation, ‘Grape Juice Family and Friends,
Vol. 1′

TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS SATURDAY, JULY 4TH AT NOON
Buy your tickets at www.doubledoor.com