CHICAGO, IL. (Top40 Charts/ Western Publicity) Smoking Popes This Chicago band has been really influential for years now, their fans range from Morrissey to Alkaline Trio. They have a new album out on Asian Man called "This is only A Test" on March 15th - it's their first concept album, about a high school kid's world. They are playing two shows during SXSW then hitting the road on tour in support. They have a distinctive sound - sort of crunchy guitar-driven pop-punk, augmented by Josh Caterer's incredible vocals. Here is what the LA Times said: "Ever wonder what a traditional saloon singer would sound like backed up by a punk band? The Smoking Popes take that concept one step further: They've created a unique kind of music that some listeners are describing as 'hyperkinetic tear-jerkers'." www.smokingpopes.net - check in with me for a copy of the new album. 3/16 Maggie Mae's (Flower Booking Showcase) at 8pm 3/17 Trophy Room (Double Door Showcase) at 5:15pm Tim Larson and the Owner Operators The last few years have been terribly difficult for the working class - millions of people who just want to support their families have been left in the cold, with pensions gutted and homes in jeopardy. Tim Larson writes songs for them. Plainspoken protest songs dominate his new release with the Owner Operators, A New Deal, out in April. A former member of the acclaimed Irish band The Drovers, Larson is a longtime asphalt worker with sharp powers of observation and classical music training. He draws from influences as diverse as John Lee Hooker, Waylon Jennings, Nick Cave and Siouxsie and the Banshees, combining the layered sonics of shoegaze with warm acoustic instruments to frame songs about the down and out. www.theowneroperators.com - click press to download music and materials. Thursday, 3/17 - Thunderbird Coffee (Giant Steps Productions Show) - at 3:40pm Saturday, 3/18 - Kick Butt Coffee - at 6pm Miracle Parade This band is the latest project from Chris Pappas of The Everyday Visuals. He has recorded a new album (out 6/21) called "Hark!...and Other Lost Transmissions" that will be released on Pierre De Reeder of Rilo Kiley's new label, Little Record Company. He has written a series of fables about choices we make and the things we leave behind - jangled guitars and hushed melodies dominate this album. https://www.myspace.com/miracleparade Wednesday, 3/16 Cedar Street (LA Buzz Bands Showcase) Noon Friday, 3/18 1Band1Brand Showcase 138 Listening Lounge 9pm rsvp to [email protected]
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