Between planning for their fall tour and making a video for their new single, metal rockers Kylesa have found time to release a new song, titled "Tired Climb", from the new album Spiral Shadows. Though the full album isn't set to drop until October 26th, fans can listen to the new song on the band's MySpace. If the new tune doesn't tide you over, make sure to check out Kylesa when they perform at Riot Fest 2010 on Sunday, October 10th at Metro.

 

Prior to the release of their second full length, The Orchard, Ra Ra Riot stopped by the Street Date studios for a private performance of some of the bands first full run-throughs of songs from the new album. Watch them lay down "Foolish" below or head to streetdate.radio.com for the full experience.



 

Don't forget, Redmoon's J.O.E. Festival kicks off tomorrow, September 2nd at South Belmont Harbor. Head to to the fest at Belmont and Lakeshore to catch signature Redmoon spectacle performances including Last Of My Species (video clip below) plus The Luminarium designed by UK artists Architects of Air and tons of music each night on the main stage. Tickets are available at joyousoutdoorevent.org and the day of at the fest. If you're 21+, join us in SmartBar after J.O.E. for free entry all weekend with your wristband or ticket stub.



 

Joe Pug, a Chicago folk musician who has toured with M. Ward and Steve Earle, has just announced a month-long scamper across the U.S. with a decidedly pro-consumer twist. Tickets to almost all of the shows will cost $10, with few or no additional surcharges. On a recent blog post Pug railed against the ubiquity of "service" and "convenience" charges implemented by ticket brokers that can often double the listed prices of concert tickets. Recalling his last ticket buying experience, he wrote "half of my money was going to the band I loved, the other half to horse-thieves."

Joe Pug has a history of letting profit take a backseat to integrity. In 2008 he began a popular program on his website that has, to this date, mailed more than 15,000 CDs to listeners worldwide. He plans to use his site as a hub for tickets to many of the shows on his tour as a fee-free alternative to traditional vendors like Ticketmaster. Pug and his backing group, the Hundred Mile Band, will officially kick off their $10 tour Oct. 9 with a Chicago date at the Metro on Oct. 16.
-Matt Byrne, AV Club

Tickets to the show are available now!

 

This just in: electronica artist Caribou has announced that he'll be releasing a very limited Live LP/DVD from his All Tomorrow's Parties festival performance in New York. The release is titled (very appropriately, might I say) Caribou Vibration Ensemble Live at ATP New York. This special edition will feature two LPs as well as a DVD with a video of the performance. Where can you get this exquisite rarity, you ask? At Caribou's September 26th show at Metro, of course.

 

Though their album, Sidewalks, isn't set to drop until November 2nd, Matt & Kim will be giving fans a sweet surprise at the band's September 19th show at Metro. Between doors and show time, fans will get to hear the duo's new album played in its entirety on Metro's sound system. If you want a preview of the action, head over to the band's website where they've just released the brand new song, "Cameras", from the upcoming album.

 

The Temper Trap support band, The Hundred in the Hands earned a spot as KCRW's top track of the day. Visit the site to listen to and download "Commotion," a track off their upcoming debut full-length album.

 

Free Energy graced the SPIN magazine NYC office with a live performance to add to the SPINhouse live concert series. Peep the article at spin.com for a full show review, photos, and performance clips. You can catch Free Energy live at Metro when they open for Titus Andronicus on September 18th. TIckets are available now.

 

JUST ANNOUNCED - ON SALE NOW
Friday, September 3:
THE HUDSON BRANCH / CAMERA / REDS AND BLUE / MY MY MY

Thursday, September 23:
SUBFIX MASSIVE (All Building Event!) In Metro (18+): HUDSON MOHAWKE (LIVE) / STARKEY / PHADED / QUADRATIC / VIDEO BY THE CHICAGO ART DEPARTMENT & THE MACHINIST In Smart Bar (21+): DIESELBOY (EXTENDED D&B/DUBSTEP SET) / STUNNA / GRAND MARQUEE

ON SALE THIS SATURDAY 8/28 @ NOON IN METRO
Friday, September 24:
ONE NIGHT STAND's "GHOST" RELEASE PARTY with
GEMINI CLUB (LIVE - featuring Jonathan Marks on drums) / HEY CHAMP (DJ SET) / ONLY CHILDREN / MIDNIGHT CONSPIRACY / TEAM BAYSIDE HIGH / KID COLOR / Hosted by MONEYPENNY / Videos by HEY! CLICHE! VIDEO CLUB / Photobooth by GLITTER GUTS

 

Ohio-based music blog donewaiting.com caught up with Ezra Furman and The Harpoons to film the newest installment of the "Live at Electraplay" video sessions. Check out the session to watch live performances of The Harpoons' tracks "We Should Fight" (video below), "Fall In Love With My World" and "Hard Time In A Terrible Land" What's next for Ezra and his band? After spending some time out of the country, they're back in town and will play Redmoon's J.O.E. (Joyous Outdoor Event) Festival on September 3rd. Tickets to the festival are available now at joyousoutdoorevent.org.



 

New releases from upcoming Metro headliners, Ra Ra Riot & EELS, drop tomorrow, but you can hear both albums NOW. Listen to Ra Ra Riot's The Orchard in it's entirety on NPR's First Listen then head to EELS myspace for an exclusive preview of all the tracks from Tomorrow Morning.
Tickets are available now for EELS playing Metro on October 1st and Ra Ra Riot on October 5th.






 

Metro joins the music community in mourning the passing of Michael Been. Michael was best known as the vocalist and guitarist of The Call. Prior to The Call, Michael was living in Chicago and was in bands Aorta, Lovecraft, and later in California Moby Grape. After The Call disbanded, he released several solo albums, including the single “Let The Day Begin”, the theme for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign, and dabbled in film scoring and acting.
In addition to a long musical career of his own, Michael was a champion of his son Robert’s musical pursuits, not only as a devoted dad but as a professional mentor. Since 2000, Michael dedicated himself to a new stage of his career as a mentor, sound engineer and unofficial “fourth member” of his son’s band, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. We at Metro will always remember Michael’s pride in his son and excitement at being a part of his son’s career - something that was apparent to everyone he encountered backstage and on the road!

Rest in peace Michael.

 

Low on cash? Dirty Projectors understands. Head to their website and they'll hook you up with a digital copy of "Ascending Melody" for the low price of your email address. Not a bad trade if you ask me.

 

We're looking for motivated music fans to work in the Metro office this fall. Duties will include general assistance to the promotions department, writing blogs and feature stories for the Metro website, updating social networking sites, designing window displays, assisting in marketing campaigns, and working on other special projects. To be considered you should be responsible, creative, motivated, have excellent writing skills, and a serious interest in working in the music industry.

Think you have what it takes to be a Metro intern? Send your resume, cover letter, availability and a short writing sample to Lauren at metrochicago dot com by Wednesday August 25th to be considered.

 

Chicago's Redmoon Theater, famous for putting on unique & unexpected theatrical events, will be holding their first ever J.O.E. (joyous outdoor event) festival over Labor Day weekend (September 2-6th) at South Belmont Harbor. Those familiar with Redmoon probably have an idea of what to expect from an event put on by the eclectic theater company - tons of spectacle and guerrilla performances, art installations, and entertainment. What you my not expect is the Architects of Air's Luminarium, a huge, mind-blowing sculpture people can enter - think colored lights plus geometry plus bouncy castles plus star lab. In addition to the Luminarium and all-day acts and performances, each night of the festival will also feature musical entertainment curated by yours truly (see below for bands and dates). For more information or for tickets, visit joyousoutdoorevent.org. We'll see you at J.O.E.!

Thursday, September 2: JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND
Friday, September 3: EZRA FURMAN & THE HARPOONS
Saturday, September 4: SCOTLAND YARD GOSPEL CHOIR
Sunday, September 5: SSION / MY GOLD MASK
Monday, September 6: PURPLE APPLE


 

ON SALE NOW:
Friday, September 3: THE HUDSON BRANCH / CAMERA / REDS AND BLUE / MY MY MY
Friday, September 10: A.D.D. / KASTASYDE (CD Release) / THE BURNING DOWN
Thursday, September 23: "DO IT AGAIN" - One Man’s Quest To Reunite The Kinks (screening)

ON SALE THIS SATURDAY 8/21 @ NOON:
Friday, October 15: RUSKO
Saturday, October 16: JOE PUG
Thursday, November 4: BONOBO (LIVE)

 

As if being added as primary tour support for supergroup Gayngs wasn't enough, avant garde songstress Glasser graces the cover of The FADER's fall fashion issue. Visit theFADER.com to download the issue & read the cover story plus get a free download of Glasser's "Home," the first single off her highly anticipated new album Ring.

Catch Glasser supporting Gayngs at Metro on Thursday, September 30. Tickets are available now.

 

We're all counting down the days until the release of Deerhunter's Halcyon Digest on September 28th, but if you're especially eager to hear something new from the band, check out a recent review of one of their performances on nyctaper.com. Not only does the site cover their recent performance at Pier 54 in NYC, it also features a recording of the night's entire set, which you can download for free. Check it out, play it for your friends, then head over to see Deerhunter when they take the stage to play new material live at Metro on October 22nd.

 

Who doesn't love a good "best of" list? Here are the top 10 new bands on the scene that NME ranks as best of 2010. Who made number 1? That'd be our 9/18 Titus Andronicus openers, Best Coast - extra props for their obsession with cats. Read the full article to find out which newcomers grabbed spots 11 through 50.

10 – Grouplove
9 – Yuck
8 – Magnetic Man
7 – Darwin Deez
6 – Marina & The Diamonds
5 – The Smith Westerns
4 – Sleigh Bells
3 – Wu Luf
2 – The Drums
1 – Best Coast

 

Before you buy tickets to see Rusko on October 15th, enter for a chance to win a pair. All you gotta do to enter is RSVP on our Rusko facebook event page by 4pm this Friday. We'll notify the winner that night so you'll be able to buy tickets when they go on sale this Saturday at noon if you don't win.

In related news, Britney Spears recently hired Rusko to produce several songs on her upcoming album (whaaaat?!). More news on that to come, but don't be too surprised. Remember, Miike Snow's producer-duo Bloodshy & Avant scooped up a Grammy for their work on Spears' Toxic (hence the songs unrelenting power to make me get my dance on).

 

Not bad, Wiz Khalifa. The young rapper graces this months cover of Pollstar Magazine after recently being named MTV's hottest breakthrough MC.

 

Check out what Justin Vernon (Bon Iver, Gayngs) had to say about working with Kanye West at pitchfork.com. Be sure to check out Gayngs on Thursday September 30 at the Metro.

The rumors are true. And then some. Bon Iver mastermind Justin Vernon laid vocals down on "at least 10 songs" during three separate week-long trips to record with Kanye West in Hawaii earlier this year. While it's unclear how many of those tunes will actually make Kanye's forthcoming record-- due November 16-- at least one, "Lost in the World", seems to be a lock. In fact, the track-- which features newly recorded vocals by Vernon as well as a prominent sample of his Auto-Tuned song "Woods"-- could very well be the as-yet-untitled album's next single, according to a Kanye Ustream broadcast that aired last week.

- Ryan Dombal (pitchfork.com)

 

In addition to taking the stage at Metro on August 27th, Cameron McGill and What Army recently announced a U.S. fall tour with Margot & the Nuclear So and So's. If you want to hear some of the groups material before the 27th, make sure to check out McGill's Daytrotter session as well as a free download of their song "Dead Rose" from the new album, Is A Beast, set for release in Spring of 2011.

 

One of our current office favs, Free Energy, recently became the second band to grace the stage for Pitchfork's "POV Concert Series." What makes this series way cooler than most streaming internet performances you've seen? The fact that you, the viewer, can be the director. POV lets you choose to watch the band from six different camera angles during their set. Check it out at Pitchfork.tv. Also be sure to catch Free Energy on tour with Titus Andronicus at Metro on Saturday, September 18th. Tickets are on sale now.

 

ON SALE NOW:
Sunday, September 19: MATT & KIM
Friday, October 22: DEERHUNTER / REAL ESTATE / CASINO VS. JAPAN
Wednesday, October 27: BAYSIDE / SENSES FAIL / TITLE FIGHT / BALANCE AND COMPOSURE

ON SALE THIS SATURDAY 8/14 @ NOON:
Friday, September 17: DIRTY PROJECTORS / HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Tuesday, October 12: THE TEMPER TRAP / DELPHIC / THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS
Wednesday, October 13: THE WALKMEN / JAPANDROIDS / MINIATURE TIGERS
Thursday, October 21: PEPPER / BROTHER ALI


 

Our neighbors at Rockit Wrigley are offering a little something to sweeten the deal of seeing your favorite bands at Metro. Head down the street and show your Metro ticket stub at Rockit to get 20% off the cost of your food!

 

Two new shows have just been added to our lineup this fall - Dirty Projectors on September 17th and The Walkmen with Japandroids on October 13th. You can buy tickets to both starting this Saturday at noon, but we're giving you a chance to win tickets before they go on sale. To enter, visit Metro's twitter any time this week and RT the "new show" tweet for either (or both) Dirty Projectors or The Walkmen. We'll notify winners via twitter direct message around 5pm on Friday.

 

Thumbs up to everyone who came out for One Night Stand's Official Lollapalooza pre-party last weekend. Relive your night with a slew of freshly posted photos from Glitterguts and Everyoneisfamous.

See you at the next One Night Stand happening Saturday. August 28th!

 

While you were catching Zs on Thursday night, Titus Andronicus was performing "A More Perfect Union" on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Watch/re-watch it below.



 

ON SALE NOW:
Sunday, September 26: CARIBOU / EMERALDS
Monday, October 11: NEON INDIAN / PREFUSE 73 / CLASS ACTRESS

ON SALE THIS SATURDAY 8/7 @ NOON:
Sunday, August 29: CURREN$Y AND FRIENDS / HOSTED BY SKI BEATZ
Saturday, October 23: THE SWORD / KARMA TO BURN / MOUNT CARMEL
Thursday, October 28: BLACK MOUNTAIN / THE BLACK ANGELS


 

Synth enthusiasts, Neon Indian, just hit the road on a full scale US tour. Click here for the complete list of dates, including the just-announced October 11 show at Metro, plus info on a Psychic Chasms reissue.

Tickets are on sale now for Neon Indian at Metro on October 11th with Prefuse 73 and Miniature Tigers.

 

10/6 "Busted at Oz" Reunion moved to Double Door
10/7 Propagandhi show time changed to 8pm
10/8 co-headliner Jello Biafra and the Guantanmo School of Medicine added
10/9 Cap'n Jazz added as headliner
10/10 openers Torche, Kylesa, & Droids Attack added

Visit our shows page for full info!

 

Titus Andronicus tour mates, Best Coast, checked in with Pitchfork's Guest List last week, just one day after the release of their new album Crazy For You (which, btw, brags a Pitchfork "best new music" nod and a really sweet album cover). Read up on the duo's love of cat-shaped things and some of their personal favorites in books, music and shows.

Best Coast plays Metro on September 18th with Titus Andronicus, Free Energy, & Male Bonding. Tickets are available now

 

The new site has arrived! Check out all the features including contests, shows, the online store, the news section, and more.

 

If you weren't already planning on seeing Gary Numan's October 26th performance at Metro, you now have an even bigger incentive to get your tickets. Recoil, the musical project established by ex-Depeche Mode member Alan Wilder, has just been added to the lineup.

Recoil, an electronic experimental act established by Wilder in the '80's, is a definite departure from the traditionally pop-oriented sound of Depeche Mode. As Recoil, Wilder releases many recordings, but typically never leaves the studio to perform. That's exactly what makes his most recent 'Selected' Events Tour, in support of his new album (also titled Selected) so unique. Though the 'Selected' Events Tour has already featured shows worldwide, Recoil's stop at Metro will likely be the only collaboration with Numan, which makes this performance a unique not-to-miss experience.

 

While Metro & SP were supporting Matthew at Metro on Tuesday, our friends and neighbors at Wrigley Field were also showin' the love!

 

Before opening for Cut Copy at Metro on August 6, electro-pop group, Dragonette, will be hanging out from 5-6pm at borderline MUSIC on Broadway. RSVP to hang out with them via Facebook or Going.com for free admission & complimentary cocktails (21+). If you're one of the first ambitious 30 people through the doors, you'll also get a free gift from Dragonette & will be entered to win other prizes.

 

If you’re a Four Tet enthusiast, you’ve probably already heard the news. However, if you’re a fan of folk, electronica, techno, and all of those I-just-can’t-characterize-them-so-check-out-their-MySpace artists, I’d like you to meet Four Tet.

Also known as Kieran Hebden, Four Tet recently released a 12” for his single, “Angel Echoes” in the UK and Europe. The release also includes two remixes, one by Caribou and the other by John Hopkins. Unfortunately, those in North America will have to wait until August 3rd to get it. If you'd like to hear the song now though, check out this trippy video for “Angel Echoes”:



Make sure to catch Four Tet as he plays at Metro on Thursday, October 14th. Also playing will be John Hopkins. Tickets are currently on sale.

 

While Menomena's new album, Mines, isn't scheduled to drop 'til this Tuesday (July 27), you can stream it now in it's entirety on NPR's exclusive "First Listen." To add to the already exciting news, Stereogum has posted a free download of "TAOS," the second single off of Mines. Download the track here. Be sure to check out Menomena's performing hits from all four of their full-length albums at Metro on Saturday, September 25th along with openers Suckers. Tickets are available now.

 

It's been years in the making, but Metro's The Official Bootleg Series Vol. 1 is available for purchase today! This marks the first CD release from Metro and features ten tracks recorded live from our stage. All artists on the CD have donated the use of their songs allowing profit from sales to go directly to Chicago non-profit, Rock For Kids.

Pick up your copy The Official Bootleg at one of three places: Smart Bar from 6-9pm tonight for the free release party, the Metro Store, or online any time via the Metro store website.

Here's to another 28 years of great music in Chicago!

 

Chicago's own, The Smashing Pumpkins, will be in the flesh at Metro next Tuesday, July 27, playing a benefit concert for Madina Lake bassist, Matthew Leone.

Leone was hospitalized earlier this month after being brutally beaten in a street attack. Now, still in the hospital, Leone has no health insurance and is facing a mound of medical expenses. It's during these times that the music community has to look out for its own and that's exactly what we're doing. All ticket proceeds from the concert will go toward the Matthew Leone fund at Sweet Relief.

Tickets to the event go up for raffle on Wednesday, July 21st at noon. Read on for details:

There will be a raffle for tickets. Individuals can enter the raffle as many times as they wish for $10 each entry. A majority of the venue will be sold to raffle winners. Each winner will receive two tickets to the concert. Tickets are not transferable and winners must show ID matching their raffle entry. Raffle tickets will be available for sale through Metro website only beginning Wednesday July 21 at noon. The raffle will end at 2pm on Saturday July 24, 2010, and winners will be notified via email at 5pm on Saturday July 24, 2010.

There will also be a very limited amount of balcony VIP tickets put onsale for those fans who want to make a larger donation and ensure entry into this special event for $100 each. Balcony VIP tickets will go on sale Wednesday July 21 at noon.

Additionally, a limited amount of soundcheck VIP tickets will be available for $500 each. The soundcheck VIP event (approximately 30 minutes), set for the late afternoon, includes a meet and greet/photo with the Pumpkins and merchandise items, plus a seat at a table in the balcony for the show; this package is priced at $500 per person. Soundcheck VIP tickets will be available Wednesday July 21 at noon.

All proceeds from the raffle and concert will go to the Matthew Leone Fund at Sweet Relief. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. For more information on Sweet Relief, visit www.sweetrelief.org.

Here's to another 28 years of great music in Chicago!