2017 Festival Artists
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Beth KilleBeth Kille is a 22-time Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) award winning artist from Madison, WI who has been cranking out Americana-Rock tunes since 2000. From solo house concerts to full-band festival shows, her love for the stage and genuine passion for performance shine through in all settings. Kille's stage prowess was recognized in 2011 when she received Artist of the Year honors at the Madison Area Music Awards. She has also been honored twice with the MAMA for Female Vocalist of the Year ('06, '10) and was nominated for Singer- Songwriter of the Year in 2014 and for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2017 by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI).
Staunchly committed to the advancement of young musicians and songwriters of all ages, Kille works as the Music Director for Girls and Ladies Rock Camp Madison, hosts Madison’s Chick Singer Night and is an engineer/producer at Studio Gusto, where she specializes in recording/producing records for new artists. She is sought out for her songwriting and music industry knowledge from both private students and in the workshop setting.
She's thrilled to be a part of the Between the Wave Madison Music Festival + Conference - both as a performer in Chick Singer Night Madison at 7pm on Friday, June 16th at the Brink Lounge and as a workshop instructor for "Music Theory for Songwriters."
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Bliss RiotAfter years in the regional band circuit Elliott decisively took the plunge into a solo career in 2013. Mixing a singer-songwriter vibe with real-time manipulation of loops, samples and electronic instruments he began developing a new sound and live show the following year. Playing festivals such as the Y2K2015 International Looping Festival in Santa Cruz California, The So Cal Looping Festival in Long Beach California and several regional festivals in the Midwest Elliott honed his craft. Later that year during a hiatus from live performing, Elliott hibernated to his home studio and set forth to write, produce and record his first solo album, re-imagine his live show and re-emerge as Bliss Riot.
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Distant CuzinsTheir influences go everywhere from surf music to the Foo Fighters, but there is one constant – straight-up, guitar-driven rock and roll with hooks and melodies that will have you on your feet dancing and singing along. Distant Cuzins was named the 2016 Rockonsin Battle of the Bands state champion and the 2016 MAMAs Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The band has performed all over southern Wisconsin, including six performances at Milwaukee Summerfest and opening for rock icons Kansas. In the summer of 2016, Distant Cuzins released their first EP, Big.
Distant Cuzins are: Nate Krause: Guitar, Ben Lokuta: Drums,Sam Miess: Lead guitar and vocals, Nic Tierman: Bass and vocals
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Kari ArnettBorn in Madison, WI, and raised on a farm outside of rural Cambria, WI, Kari was always fluent in the language of music. Always singing and starting out learning piano, by ear, Arnett was curating songs from an early age, later picking up the guitar.
Drawing lyrics from hard life experiences, Arnett's focus was to connect to others through song. While her lyrics are poignant, honest and thought provoking, Kari Arnett has an authenticity that is rare. Having an affinity for lonesome melodies and rich dynamic vocals, she delivers a genuine Midwestern feel to fill any room.
Her music has been played on 89.3 The Current and BOB Country 106.1FM. She has performed at East West Music Fest (Mile of Music - Appleton, WI), The Bluebird Café (Nashville, TN) and has opened up for artists like, Paul Thorn, The Lowland Lakers, and Tyler Gilbert and tours frequently throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Arnett's single, Heavy Heart, was also featured as a Daily Discovery from American Songwriter Magazine (Nashville, TN).
Her first EP, Midwestern Skyline, was released in late 2015.
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Katie ScullinIn 2009, Katie Scullin led the band Rivalry as it took home the Emerging Artists Series Competition Award at Milwaukee's Summerfest. She was front woman for Star Persons, an “electro rap pop” group that received numerous awards at the Madison Area Music Awards in 2011 and 2012. In May of 2014, Katie was crowned Best Singer/Songwriter by 105.5 Triple M Radio's Project M Competition. Her song aired on Triple M and landed her a second gig at Summerfest. Katie is working as a solo artist and playing out with her full band featuring guitarists DJ Scullin and Darren Marabelli, Travis Drumm on drums and Nathan Wiswall on bass.
Some people play music to play music. Some people sing because they can. Then there are those who write searching lyrics because they must, who work on music because they are compelled to deconstruct, reinvent and refine. Katie has a way of wrapping you in her rhythm, surprising you with a jab here and a soft, elegant whimper there. She has turned the indie-pop ballad on its head, and continues to craft an impressive arsenal of original songs planted firmly in her own style.
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Lords of the TridentTheir metal is so pure that only diamonds can scratch it, and usually the diamonds are the ones that end up getting hurt in the end. Their amps are so loud, Manowar knocked on their door and asked them to, “Please turn it down.” You think you're bad? While you're watching their sweep picking wondering how they bend space-time to fit all the notes in, they'll punch you right in the face without missing a beat. If you like battle, bloodshed, axes, fire, and losing limbs, then mosh your way to the front row and receive your free ticket to Valhalla. If you don't like these things – too bad. They're playing anyway, and they'll make sure to steal your girlfriend in the process.
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Madison MaloneIn 2016, Madison attended the Grammy Award Ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, as an active member of the Academy. She also was awarded three Madison Area Music Association Awards; Pop/R&B Album of the Year for LIMINAL, Pop/R&B Performer of the Year, and Featured Artist on the Pop/R&B Song of the Year "Light" by Anthony Lamarr.
In 2016, Madison released her sophomore album, Bloom, produced by award-winning Jake Johnson at Paradyme Productions. She recorded it with her full band from the fall of 2015 until the spring of 2016, the album was released on June 24th. Along with the release of her new album, she has been featured in Daytrotter and various Midwest newspapers and magazines. As she makes the move to Los Angeles, California, she wishes to continue spreading and sharing music with others all over the country.
The 23-year old believes that music is one of the few mediums in which almost all humans can relate. Whether it be the rhythm, sound waves, lyrics, movements of the musician, or just the brilliance and comfort it produces while being performed. Music can connect the world on some sort of common ground. Madison has a driven passion to use and create music in her community and the world in order to inspire those whose path she crosses. She wishes to show others that music can be this incredible, spellbinding outlet where we can escape and turn all of our aspirations into reality.
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The Mascot TheoryWith groups like Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, and Dawes setting the tone, the sub-genre of acoustic folk rock made its way to mainstream radio and captured an incredible and very loyal fan base. With the release of The Mascot Theory's Nashville-recorded album Hand Me Down Miracles, the Esperanto EP, and the most recent Trust and Bone, they have set themselves to be the next band in that category to make a major impact, as they've quickly moved up the popularity ranks of Madison's music scene with their infectious songwriting and energetic live shows. They balance on an alternative folk influence and pull it together with a rootsy bluegrass blended Americana feel to give something that fits alongside their counterparts, but also has enough freshness to give it a unique spin and create their own sound with a sonic backbone of 4-part harmony swells.
Along with a 2016 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) nomination for best Americana/folk artist, The Mascot Theory has won 12 MAMAs (Madison Area Music Association) awards including the coveted 2016 Artist of the Year. They have played major festivals throughout the state including Summerfest, Freak Fest, and Mile of Music Festival. They have shared the stage with the BoDeans, Vance Joy, Frank Turner, Chase Rice, Kaleo, The Wild Feathers, Guster, Blitzen Trapper, and Cory Chisel.
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MudroomMudroom has been hosting an open stage at Funk's Pub (Fitchburg, WI) for over three years and continues to expand its catalog of music. Their improg sounds, a combination of improvisation and progressive rock is something unique that has been catching the attention of the music community for some time.
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The People Brothers BandOne of the staples of Madison's vibrant music scene, The People Brothers Band has been spreading their brand of Rhythm and Soul around the Upper Midwest for nine years. Currently working on their second studio album, the band is known for energetic live shows and ability to connect with the audience. They are the winners of the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award for 2014 Soul/R&B Band of the Year and the Madison Area Music Award for 2015 Pop/R&B Album of the Year (Middle of the In Between), 2013 Blues Album of the Year (People Brothers Live) & Blues Song of the Year (Looky Here Mister).
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Sam Ness" In short, Sam Ness's music is a mix of Alternative Acoustic artists like Ben Howard, Passenger and Jack Johnson, and energetic fun artists like Mumford and Sons, One Republic, and classics like Otis Redding and Ben E. King. He uses special effects including a loop system and a vocal harmonizer to make a sound much larger than any other Singer/Songwriter in the Madison Area.", " Sam Ness is taking the Madison music scene by storm. His rugged charm coupled with immense talent have made him a stellar act to watch" -On Wisconsin Radio
" At 18 years old, Sam Ness looks and sounds like he was born a few decades too late. His hair and beard conjure images of Jim Morrison circa 1969, and, like Morrison, Ness writes poetry that he sets to music and prefers the character of old European cities. But Ness isn't as lost as Morrison was." -Wisconsin State Journal
"...his husky voice soothed all our chilly souls and he dappled his set with a few covers from Passenger, The Lumineers and other folky loves of ours." -International Sound Project
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Say It Ain't SoulFrom the purple quartzite bluffs of Baraboo, WI comes a new funk/soul group that puts the "power" in power trio: SAY IT AIN'T SOUL. Plundering the deep mine of late '60s and early '70s funk, soul and R&B… SAY IT AIN'T SOUL delivers on many levels, capturing the funky essence of legends like the Rev Al Green, The Isley Brothers, Wilson Pickett, Sly and The Family Stone, and The Meters while also paying homage to the “King of Irish Soul" the one and only Van Morrison. SAY IT AIN'T SOUL's Brad Reuber (Sacre Blues, Gary and the Gators) on drums & vocals, Dan Braun (The Soapbox Project) on bass, and John Swamy (Happy Ashtray, Beautiful Buzz) on guitar and vocals combine forces to make you feel the beat and show you an undeniably funky good time.
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Teddy DavenportTeddy Davenport embraces the fact it's hard to pinpoint a specific genre for what he does, but one thing you can easily do is connect with his raw soul and catchy hooks that take you through all kinds of highs and lows. With a unique voice he blends blues, folk, soul, and traditional country with an acoustic guitar and harmonica. Teddy naturally writes about his personal struggle, love, faith, death and really tries to challenge himself and the audience by getting creative with a song. Born in 1987 Teddy has had his fair share of hard times growing up in DeForest, WI. This small town life consisted of him getting kicked out of his parents' home in the suburbs or staying long enough to want to run away to anything new. Teddy grew up with drugs, alcohol, rehabs, military school and prison. Years of taking one step forward and two steps back, Teddy didn't allow himself to have a career singing and writing songs until he turned 27. He released his first EP “A Shot Of Grace” in 2014 and his second EP “Middle of a Miracle” in 2015. Teddy has shared the stage with Michael McDermott, The Smoking Popes, Josh Harty, The Deadstring Brothers, Adrian+Meredith, and The Deslondes. Teddy keeps trudging along one song at a time, truly dedicated to his craft. He's earned the right to be described as an old soul, Davenport lays it all out there in every single song!
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Compass RoseBeats - Strings - Voices. Compass Rose and frontman, Mike Droho, have performed more than 1,200 shows throughout the U.S. over the past decade, amassing an iron clad grassroots following that has purchased more than 20,000 albums and witnessed them perform with the likes of Gavin Degraw, Eric Church, Trevor Hall, and Brett Dennen.
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Cosmic StringsCosmic Strings, a jam folk duo from Madison featuring Emma Bemis and Spencer Houghton, plays a variety of musical styles and genres. Their songs are a combination of covers, collaborations and original tunes. Cosmic Strings launches a sonic tidal wave that engulfs their clients in sweet harmonies and the melodies of life. Mixing traditional folk songs with classic gems and sparkling original tunes, the duo slowly induced the listeners to respond with enthusiastic applause. Spencer's command of the guitar, with a good knowledge of modal chords and their inversions alongside melodic lead lines, flowed seamlessly over Emma Bee's strong rhythm guitar. Emma's clear, warmly expressive vocals and sweet harmonies carried the music to an embracing assurance. A wonderful pair.
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Dogs of WarDogs of War is a groundbreaking band that is a transcendence of Rock and Hip-Hop. The five-piece collective is a true hybrid that takes pride in utilizing the talent and diversity of their band. Dogs of War consists of two award-winning emcees Tefman and Samhain Bane from the veteran Hip-Hop group The L.O.S.T S.O.U.L.S, backed by three incredibly skilled musicians Anthony Salas (guitar/lead vocalist), Dustin Harmon (bass/sound engineer), and David Payne (drums). Their latest LP "Unleashed" was released on July 22, 2016. Acoustic renditions of both L.O.S.T S.O.U.L.S songs and Dogs Of War originals make the messages accessible to the masses. If you're looking for something new musically, I suggest you experience the new sounds of Dogs of War!
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Gin Mill HollowGin Mill Hollow is the musical trio of Mark Norman, Dan Plourde and Joshua Giudice singing songs while playing stringed instruments of all varieties. In the two years since forming, the band has performed over 125 shows around the Midwest and released their debut album, "Love is King." In addition to an ever-growing catalog of original songs, the band plays covers of some of their favorite artists including: The Wood Brothers, Leftover Salmon, Norah Jones, and more.
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Hickory RoadHickory Road is an American rock 'n' roll band. Getting back to the days of garage rock with no emphasis on one particular genre. Influences from all over the spectrum including rhythm and blues, country rock, southern rock, funk and even jazz. We like to think we appeal to everyone.
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Kelsey MilesKelsey Miles is originally from Ohio and moved to Madison in 2013. That year nearly everything in her life turned upside down and she turned to music to cope with the changes. Since music entered her life, nothing has been the same. Her original music fuses blues, rock, and country with catchy melodies, unforgettable lyrics, and an uncanny amount of soul. Her biggest influences are Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Grace Potter. In 2016 she formed the Kelsey Miles Band which was nominated for New Artist of the Year by Wisconsin Area Music Industry. They consistently gig in Wisconsin and are currently finishing up their first EP. She is also the creator and producer of a video documentary called Music Miles where she shares music and stories with other musicians. Her motto is, "Be bold. Be curious. Be YOU!"
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Madtown Get DownMadtown Get Down is funky, energetic, and original. Is there a doctor in the house? Someone call an electrician, I can't get the lights to work! Did you really spend five hours on Spanish homework? Dude, just call an Uber. We've got a very eclectic group of members from a young college student, surgeon, electrician, BJ driver and a freelancing Uber driver; but at night we leave our earthly selves behind and rock out! So let me introduce our members: Joshua Stern is our bass player, currently working as an electrician but looking to move on to bigger and better things; Ruston Sanchez is one of two guitarists and sings as well, he plays doctor during the daylight; Michael Wilmot slays on the sax and plays keys as well, if you need a ride, Uber 'em up; Raine Stern is the other guitarist and singer, often contemplating world history and writing papers, she's also in two other bands New Image and Precocious; Brett Walter plays kazoo, just kidding, he's our drummer and UW Madison music major, he also plays with the band Lords of the Trident.
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Mark CroftMark Croft is an award-winning singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist who has always been unafraid to break the genre barriers. Croft takes inspiration from a variety of musical styles and blends them into his own pop, roots & Americana based approach to songwriting, infusing soulful performances with infectious rhythms and unforgettable melodies. A seasoned performer, Croft has been serving up exciting and emotional shows to audiences for more than a decade. His booming baritone vocals, finely crafted songs, and ability to navigate his six-string with superiority, has garnered him praise as the a classic triple-threat.
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Pat FergusonBased in Madison, Pat Ferguson is one of the founding members and lead guitarists for the Midwest music scene staple Smokin' Bandits as well as a renowned solo performer. His debut solo album, "Light of Day/Dark of Night," is being produced by Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades with original songs deriving from roots folk, Americana, and bluegrass influences. The record is due out late 2017/early 2018 and will feature guest contributions by several Midwest and nationally renowned bluegrass and roots musicians.
In 15 years of touring, Pat has shared the stage and performed with the likes of Merle Haggard, Little Feat, Dr. John, Jason Isbell, Todd Snider, Jazz Mandolin Project, Bill Miller, Trampled by Turtles, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, The Big Wu, and many more.
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Red Sky WarningRed Sky Warning is a five piece alt-rock/Americana band hailing from the driftless region near LaCrosse, WI. All of the members grew up in small, Midwestern towns and were brought together by an affinity with music, which has created something genuine and real. The chemistry between the band when they are on stage or writing new music together has evolved into something that they don't take for granted. RSW have been blessed with the opportunity to reach out and connect with people on a different level and they are continuously looking for new ways to spread their message of love.
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Shawndell MarksShawndell Marks grew up singing in church, at family reunions and in the backseat of the family car while harmonizing with her mother. As a teen, she performed Patsy Cline's beloved Crazy nightly at the Wisconsin Opry in Wisconsin Dells and later with an Elvis impersonator who sweated profusely. While studying music at UW-Madison, she played and sang with the classic rock and country band Thunder Road at bars & festivals throughout the state, opening for acts such as George Jones & the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. She now fronts her own original band and is involved with several Madison area projects including Girls Rock Camp, Chick Singer Night, Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets, and various studio projects. Shawndell has been nominated for four MAMA awards, including Keyboardist of the Year, Best Cover Band with Gold Dust Women, and Vocal Ensemble of the year with Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets. Marks has recently released her third original album, Broken Dam, with award-winning producer Jake Johnson of Paradyme Productions. She lives in rural Reedsburg.
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The RotationThe Rotation is a dynamic band playing an array of instruments. Hailing from Madison, WI, they released their first studio album in April 2013 and their second in April 2016. With years of professional music experience, they bring a wide range of styles which create their unique sound. They are influenced by many genres such as rock, ska, jazz reggae and R&B. The Rotation plays a variety of lyrically progressed originals as well as covers. Anything that'll move your feet.
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The Lower 5thThe Lower 5th incorporates folk, rock, R&B, reggae, country and bluegrass to produce a unique blend of midwestern soul that swings, sways, rocks, and wails. Luke Jorgensen, Cory Swadley (The Northern Pines) and Paul Metz (The Mascot Theory) began to work together to write and perform songs that draw from and build upon their common diverse musical roots. With the addition of Jayme Cash (The Northern Pines, Moonhouse) on keys, Jeremy Henning playing trombone, and Audrey Pescatelli on bass, The Lower 5th became a band of powerhouse musicians that play high energy music from the heart and leave it all on stage with every performance. The band has performed in many venues in Madison and across central Wisconsin including featured sets at Wiskeyonsin Family Reunion, Ragged Roots Bandit County Fair, Madison Charity Jamboree, and Sunshine Soul festivals. They have been featured in television and radio performances and star in weekday residencies at The Come Back Inn and The Up North Bar.
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Lucas CatesLucas Cates is an original acoustic singer/songwriter out of Madison, WI. His music includes a wide range of genres including: rock, pop, folk, jazz, funk, and R&B. Lucas has opened up for acts such as Gabe Dixon, The Gin Blossoms, and Marc Broussard. All five of his original albums are available at iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.
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The Clyde Stubblefield All StarsClyde Stubblefield All Stars is a Clyde Stubblefield tribute band based out of Madison Wisconsin and led by musical director and Grammy nominated drummer Joey B. Banks. The band plays a monthly Funky Monday happy hour show at Madison's High Noon Saloon and features an All Star Band of local, regional and nationally known musicians. The band performs all of Clyde Stubblefield's hits with James Brown, and songs from The Original and Revenge of the Funky Drummer albums. The band also performs some of Clyde's favorite Funky Monday jams. The band will be performing tribute shows all over the Midwest region and will be working to keep Clyde's musical legacy alive for years to come.
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The SharrowsThe Sharrows are an Americana band that have been based out Madison since 2012. They have recorded three different albums to date. Starting at the End (2013) was recorded at the family farm of multi-instrumentalist Joe Hermanson; the location being an initial practice place, musical hub, and inspiration as it continues to this day. In the winter of 2014, the band trekked south on self-booked tours and was led to Zebra Ranch (home and recording studio of the North Mississippi All-Stars and the Dickinson family) in Mississippi, which in turn cultivated the band's relationship with Kevin Houston who worked with the band to produce Days of Yore (2014), and the most recent Gold Key to the City (2016).
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SHESHEFolk-rock band SHESHE has been a Madison favorite since 2013. A power trio with the force of a band with twice their numbers, their sound is original and explosive. Since their formation, SHESHE has played countless shows and festivals around Wisconsin and surrounding areas. They've received several nominations for the Madison Area Music Awards; in 2015 they took home the award for Unique Performer of the Year. With upbeat guitar grooves, shredding violin solos, and mesmerizing vocal harmonies this group is POWERFUL!
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DisguntStarting as what was supposed to be a side project, Disgunt was formed in 2015 featuring members of War Of Abaddon and The Unnecessary Gunpoint Lecture. Disgunt played their first show at the end of March, 2016. Since then they have been playing shows all over Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Featuring a nine string guitar, Disgunt set out to write low and slow technical deathcore music. The low guttural vocals just enhance all of their goals as far as what type of music they want to create. Disgunt hopes to give you an experience you will remember and hopefully everybody will find something good to take away from the experience, regardless of musical preference.
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Derek RamnaraceDerek Ramnarace is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has worked professionally as a nationally touring musician since 2002. Starting with his genre defying powerhouse act Hooch, followed by the rock, reggae & blues collective The SoapBox Project, and his most recent labor of love - the Americana, folk, rock act called Old Soul Society.
Derek works as a promoter, agent, and producer for many acts and venues throughout the Midwest and is the Founder and Entertainment Director of Ragged Roots Music & Arts Festival which is entering it's eighth year of shining the spotlight on up and coming independent music acts of all genres from around the Midwest.
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SunspotA symphony of guitars and voices, soaring melodies wrapped around hyper literate poetry and wicked rhythms. Male and female harmonies collide with expert guitar work and pop sensibility. Sunspot is rock music that's smart, fun, and powerful.
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SubatomicSubatomic...a powerful, jam-oriented power-trio with thunderous, funky bass grooves...driving, tasty drumming...heavy, riff-laden guitar...and solid, insightful vocals. While influences and song styles may vary greatly, making the music hard to label, there are a few things that remain constant - the sound is huge, the music is powerful and honest, and whether or not you have a shred of rhythm, your head will bump and nod with the grooves.
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Cold Black River"Fresh from the release of their latest full-length album 'Ancient Depths', Cold Black River have been working hard throughout the region.
CBR was formed in 2013 by former sons of Helliphant Jeremy Roseland (guitar/vocals) and Eric Cobb (bass/lead vocals). After penning tunes for several months and collaborating with a shortlist of talented drummers, CBR finally settled on southern Wisconsin native Aaron Kanitz to complete the powerful three piece. Boasting influences from Alice in Chains and Kyuss to Sabbath and Tom Waits, this trio know how to command the stage. “Nothing sounds better than when you've finished a song and some guy in the back yells, 'F**k Yeah!' above everyone else. Then you know you've done your job.” Eric recalls.
CBR submerge the audience in a mix of heavy riffs, well crafted hooks, and dynamic vocals. From the fast paced rocker 'Shotgun' to the blues influenced super heavy waltz (did I just say super heavy waltz?) of 'Woman', CBR doesn't mind culling sounds from all over the sonic map.
“Pushing the sound is important. You've got to let people know you're out there, you're excited about performing, and you want to do your best to give them a great show.”"
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Dana Perry"Madison-based artist Dana Perry has been making music passionately for over 25 years, with over 12 years of focus on playing guitar and songwriting. A unique and semi-percussive guitar style, combined with poignant lyrics, and powerhouse vocals; her music resonates with anyone who recognizes that we are all on a journey.
In 2016, Dana was nominated for the MAMAs Guitarist of the Year. Her third and newest album 'Me and Lady G' (2016) has been nominated for the 2017 MAMAs Folk/Americana Album of the Year! Dana is one-third of the hard folk trio SHESHE (MAMAs Unique Performer of the Year, 2015), and one-fourth of her band Imaginary Watermelon (nominated for 5 MAMA awards, 2017). In addition, Dana has released two full-length DIY albums, 'Here Try This' (2009) and 'The Shit in My Pockets' (2012). She also teaches guitar and voice at Sosonic and Madison Girls Rock Camp."
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RIP"In the year 2000, Illinois-born Recording Artist & Producer, Rip, created his independent record label RiP Records while still in high school. Rip started DJing at an early age and his love for music soon turned into a passion for producing and recording. Having possessed a savvy knowledge for the direction of the music industry, he was awarded a platinum plaque in 2003 from Atlantic Records & RIAA, for his online promotional and marketing skills for one of their artists.
After a full decade of releasing his own label compilations, duo albums, mixtapes, and performing at shows across the Midwest; Rip relocated from the Chicagoland area to Madison, WI and finally released his debut solo album 'Fashionably Late' in June, 2010. The album carried the lead radio single 'Watchin' Me' which garnered some radio airplay nationwide.
Pete Jones of All Access Media Group, an industry radio trade site, said, “This is a catchy record. It sounds like Top 40 radio.” It was featured on the site as 'Hot New Music' in both the Top 40 and rhythmic platforms. Dubbed 'driven, ambitious, hardworking, grassroots and savvy' by hometown radio program director, Erik Bradley, at WBBM-FM Chicago.
Rip has graced stages all across the region; most notably at his hometown radio station B96 Summer Bash in Chicago and Wisconsin's: Taste of Madison, Dane County Fair and the World's Largest Brat Fest."
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Keon Andre"Hailing from Hammond, Indiana, Keon Andre was introduced to hip-hop as a way to escape the pitfalls of street life. As a child of the struggle, Keon took his hustle to a legal level by forming Major Moves Entertainment, where he matured his sense of business and his sense of being a man. Showing strong ambition and long lasting determination, Keon doesn't follow the trend, he sets the standard. Influenced by a melting pot of artists and producers, more specifically: 2Pac, Nas, Kanye West, and Andre 3000 of the group Outkast; Keon Andre unleashed his presence to the hip-hop community with his debut album 'Dark Past, Bright Future' showcasing his riveting verbal imagery and impressive chorus lines that motivate the crowd to new levels of enthusiasm.
He has a passion for music like no other and is a force to be reckoned with in the competitive industry of hip-hop. From his struggle as a child, to his ambition as a man, Keon will always deliver a show stopping performance."
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Rob DzRob Dz is a prolific artist and activist residing in Madison. Dz has rocked with Nas, Common, Eminem, Talib Kweli, Blackalicious, Black Eyed Peas, Murs, Wale, Rhymefest, Zion I, Atmosphere, Immortal Technique, Naughty by Nature, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, N.O.R.E., Afroman and others. As a member of The Chicago Yestet, the band has been reviewed in Downbeat Magazine as well as being featured performers at The Chicago Jazz Festival. He has appeared on ESPN's Midnight Madness Special at George Mason University as well as being selected as a national semi-finalist on MTV's Ultimate Hip-hop Talent Search. He has been named Spoken Word/Poet Of The Year by Madison Magazine as well as Best of Hip-hop by Isthmus Magazine. As winner of Best Hip-hop Artist, People's Choice Award and Best Hip-hop Song and Album by the Madison Area Music Awards, Dz is a leader in the soulful midwest hip-hop movement. With a goal of touching listeners without sacrificing integrity, Rob Dz is putting the soul back into soul music and that itself is quite an experience.
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Chris LaBellaEmerging from Madison, Wisconsin's vibrant music scene, Chris LaBella has been tearing up stages across the midwest and receiving national airplay along the way. Armed with his trusty guitar, LaBella's mix of hip-hop and rock is a refreshing change of pace. Quiet and unassuming, Chris has made a habit of impressing the audience when he steps on stage. Driving rhythms and funky bass lines get the crowd nodding their head while his smooth flow and honest lyrics resonate with their souls. The roaring guitar solos are just icing on the cake.
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Jeffrey James"The Jeffrey James Show (Madison,WI) is a national touring soul folk act featuring Jeffrey James' soaring vocals and melodic guitar riffs. James has performed 300+ shows over the past three years on eight national tours. Recent highlights include three tours of Hawaii and performing at ten festivals: Project Earth (2), Shangri~LA (2), Steel Bridge Songfest, Telluride Mushroom Festival (2), as well as Kohala 'Aina Festival and Flow Festival (2) on the big island of Hawaii.
The official music video of 'Home Again' was shot at iconic spots in downtown Madison. The single is on TJJS's 2016 release 'Give Back' featuring musical accompaniment from Max Ribner and Tim Snider of Medicine For The People. 'Give Back' was followed by the live album, 'Perfect Love' (2016), recorded with select musicians from Hawaii and Wisconsin. This June, James will embark on the 'Mountains Are Calling' tour with dates in Colorado, Utah, California, and Europe.
“The 'Give Back' EP has been on my playlist continuously since its release last year, and I look forward to seeing what he has coming down the pike for 2017… Jeffrey James, in my professional opinion, is one of our industry's future music giants and he will have a long, successful career composing, recording, and performing his musical creations."" - Jamie Dow, CEO Sunny-One Entertainment Consultants in Hollywood, California."
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Wheelhouse"As long as music has had “genres,” bands have been blending them to create something new. The WheelHouse is built like bluegrass, jams like southern rock, sings like a choir and writes songs akin to red dirt country. A brotherhood of songwriting ensures a steady stream of not only new songs to record (the band has released four records in three years), but also new directions to explore. They have shared the stage with acts such as Sturgill Simpson, Corb Lund, Adam Hood, Cody Canada, Roger Creager, Aaron Watson, Reckless Kelly, The Cadillac Three and Bob Schnieder, just to name a few.
Formed in Madison, WI in 2013, WheelHouse has been a major force in its legendary music scene since day one. The band has won several Madison Area Music Awards including Country/Bluegrass song, Album and Artist of the Year for 2015. They regularly tour the Midwest as well as Colorado, Tennessee and Alabama. All while maintaining a standing room only residency in Madison every Tuesday.
In addition to the music business, the band expanded its interests into whiskey shortly after forming. Their brand WheelHouse Whiskey is currently one of the top selling whiskeys made in Wisconsin."
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The Tortoise and the FinchAnna Wang and Jeremy Van Mill have been friends since 2010. Anna writes catchy pop songs. Jeremy will melt your brain with his killer guitar skills. They sound pretty when they sing together. In 2017 they came together to form the indie pop duo 'The Tortoise and the Finch'. They are the 2017 winners of Project M!
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The Eugene Smiles ProjectHailing from the Madison, Wisconsin area, the Eugene Smiles Project is a soulful roots Americana band with a unique tapestry of sound and storytelling with stellar rhythms, grooves, and high fives for everyone. The ESP is distinctly original, yet manage to sit squarely at the cross-roads of the American rock tradition.
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Tos Hopkins"Tos Hopkins is a powerful and energetic musician and performer who is gifted at reaching the soul with his expressive lyrics and haunting melodies. He has the ability to get the audience stomping their feet to his songs about living life to the fullest and then turn them silent still when he expresses songs about struggle and the human experience.
Emerging as a street performer in the city of Madison, Tos learned how to adjust his performance to the crowd and be pleasantly entertaining. In 2015, he took his solo street performance around the U.S. after recording his self-titled debut album. Ending his adventures in Austin, TX he decided to redirect his performance from the demanding one-man-band to a more vocal focused performance.
Back in Madison, WI, Tos has been circulating the local scene at bars, music venues, cafes, private parties, weddings, and the occasional street performance. He is also working on a new album in collaboration with recording artists in the area. Adding to his versatility, Tos has performed his soul-folk music with Madison based percussionists Carlos Guzman and Aaron Kluz."
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The Getaway DriversThe Getaway Drivers have been recording and performing their special brand of original material for 12 years in the Madison, WI area. Each band member brings a broad array of musical influences into the mix and the result is a sound uniquely their own. Led by singer-songwriters Bob Manor and Sheila Shigley, the band features lush vocal harmonies and a signature sound that embodies the spirit of the Midwest.
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The Blacker Brothers BandFormed in 2012, The Blacker Brothers Band mix elements of rock, funk, blues, and soul then combine them to create an exciting new sound. Playing music ranging from ‘60s Motown, classic rock, ‘80s dance hits, ‘90s rock, to present day soul; our original music directly reflects our many influences. With former members of Know Boundaries, the Downtown Money Wasters, BMB Trio, and Pop Suicide, the Blacker Brothers are here to groove.
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Modern Muse"Lyric driven string moving inspirational muses...
These three mid-western muses joined forces to keep alive the authenticity of art, music, and poetry to inspire you to be yourself.
Laura - acoustic guitarist/singer/songwriter - her songs are melody driven written from a place of truth, providing perspective in her own unique way.
Leah - violinist/singer/songwriter - has played with many bands of different genres. This trained-by-ear music teacher uses music to inspire kids to express themselves freely.
Thea - cellist/harmony vocals/studio musician - was classically trained. She is inspired by all genres of music to create her own eclectic style of playing."
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Jason Moon"Jason Moon is a nationally touring, multi-award winning singer-songwriter, veteran of the Iraq War and advocate for veterans’ issues. His autobiographical album ‘Trying to Find My Way Home’ (2011) has been used by music therapists and in VAs across the country as a way to facilitate dialogue about PTSD and the combat experience amongst veterans and their caretakers.
Jason is the founder and director of the non-profit Warrior Songs which seeks to heal veterans through music and creative arts. Through his work at Warrior Songs Jason has helped prevent 32 suicides and brought healing to thousands of veterans. Jason has been featured by multiple media outlets, most notably by The Associated Press, National Public Radio, Public Radio International, The Washington Post, American Songwriter, and Fox News. He was the also the subject of a news segment for the music channel Fuse in May 2013. He was awarded a gold medal for songwriting for the 2012 VA Creative Arts Competition in Boston, MA. Recently he was awarded a Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) for Best Singer/Songwriter in 2016. Jason also won the 2016 Madison 105.5 FM Project M songwriting competition."
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Karen Wheelock"A Wisconsin farm girl from the small town of Delavan, Karen Wheelock’s gentle heart and forthright nature are surprisingly disarming to even the most jaded audience. In her short time performing in Madison and surrounding areas, Wheelock has proven herself to be a force, who can hold her own at a rock show or benefit concert.
Romantic at its core, Wheelock’s music has a sound all its own, but one could draw connections to A Fine Frenzy, Lisa Loeb, Cat Power with just a hint of the Moldy Peaches' spirit. Hidden within her songwriting is a deep love for the Foo Fighters and other hard rock bands. Wheelock's repertoire ranges from light-hearted ditties to deeply profound ballads; these are clearly the result of personal reflection, the stuff of all good art. Her candid lyrics bridge the gap between the reverence of new love and straightforward acceptance of loss.
Wheelock’s ‘Imaginary Girl’ album received acclaim from such music publications as Maximum Ink Magazine and Local Sounds and receives regular airplay on Madison’s rock and pop indie music stations.
Said John Noyd of Maximum Ink Magazine in an album review, “Wheelock’s strong voice trails easily off into a whisper or blossoms into robust proportions, (‘Imaginary Girl’ EP) reflects Karen’s all-in aspirations, sentimental melancholy and eager self-reflection."
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Old Soul Society"Old Soul Society is a Wisconsin based group rooted in Americana with branches into folk, rock, soul, blues and more.
Old Soul Society’s focus on the craft of songwriting is displayed in the rich, textured musical layers they create to underscore the emotionally raw delivery of singer-songwriter Derek Ramnarace’s introspective and heartfelt lyrics. These details combine into a powerfully stirring live performance that has been winning over audiences everywhere.
The star is already burning bright for Old Soul Society and only appears to be getting brighter with the release of their debut album ‘The Farmhouse Sessions’ in 2016."
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Thin IceThin Ice is the direct channeling of heavy metal technical wizardry coming straight out of hell, or heaven, whichever one shreds harder. Thrashing at the crossroads of aggression and complexity, they write music that only serves to magnify the power of Thin Ice. Their unique sound is made up of the heavy and grinding rhythm section of Christian Rickman on bass and Holden Caw on drums, accompanied by the soaring riffs and solos of guitarist Dhruv Sinha, topped off with Christian's melodic and powerful vocals that fly over the shredding foundation. The awe-inspiring music of Thin Ice can be found in any of their live performances, as well as on their self titled demo, which they just released in the summer of 2017. As a whole, Thin Ice provides guaranteed heavy metal thunder and satisfaction.
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Proxy ChildProxy Child is a Madison based teen progressive rock band consisting of Cedar Johnson (bass), Elijah Schoene (guitar), Karl Herring (guitar), Jared Voss (drums) and Christian Rickman (vocals). We dig Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath. Megadeath, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd, Animals as Leaders, and Led Zepplin. We want you to dig us, too!
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Tristan Freides"Using music as a vice to deal with adolescence and the tribulations of growing up in a bleak Midwest, Tristan Freides used music as a beacon, guide, and source of inspiration; pouring through “Best of” lists, devouring some of the best music previous, and our most recent ‘00s had produced. Starting with piano, violin, cello, and eventually moving to classical guitar, Tristan soon realized he had a knack for putting chords together and singing melodies over those chords, leading to a still passionate affair he entertains with songwriting. After deciding that music was his true calling, he decided to postpone his studies at Beloit College, move back to Madison, and finished recording his first full length album, ‘My Life In An Upturned Boat’, in March, which has hit over 2500 streams thus far.
Beth Kille, prominent local Madison artist, put it this way, “If Freides has even half as much ambition as he has talent, he will surely be going remarkable places with his music. Try to keep up with this artist.” Freides agrees."
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Charles GrantCharles Grant is a 25 year old MC from Westfield, WI who released his first project March 22nd of this year. In his short one year career he has opened up for such acts as Yelawolf, Cage, Aesop Rock, Prof, Atmosphere, Caskey, Toki Wright and others! He had the opportunity to travel the country and perform in 16+ cities with NYC natives BBAS members Koncept & J57 on ‘The Future Prospects Tour’.
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Surround Sound"Surround Sound is a band from Madison, WI. Their original sound is influenced by the classic rock giants of the ‘60s and ‘70s like the Beatles, Led Zepplin, and Jimi Hendrix; the blues of BB King, the edgy soulful jazz of John Coltrane, and the folksy style of Bob Dylan. Not only do they write and perform their own music, they play covers that complement their sound such as: All Along the Watchtower, Pride & Joy, Mother Nature's Son, and Hotel California.
Surround Sound was formed by the Madison Music Foundry for their fall 2015 Rock Workshop program. Months later, they were named a 2016 Rockonsin finalist, played at Milwaukee's Summerfest, and released their first EP ‘SoundCheck’. In 2017, Surround Sound won the Madison Memorial High School Battle of the Bands and recently was named semi-finalists in the Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands competition in Chicago, IL. The competition will take place in June.
Surround Sound is Jack Thompson - lead vocals & guitar, Ryan Schmidt - lead guitar & vocals, Tom Davis - bass, and Zac Anderson - drums."