Out of Order
Thursday, April 2 at darkroom, 9 p.m.; $5 with RSVP to rsvp@outoforderchicago.com, $10
For the second installment of their monthly party, Sang and Paul in Chicago welcome the legendary Arthur Baker. Baker’s early-’80s production work (Afrika Bambataa, New Order) still continues to influence modern music. Local up-and-coming band Blah Blah Blah performs live and DJ Intel also spins.

Ladytron and The Faint
Friday, April 3 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $10
Ladytron and the Faint bring their pop/dance/rock sounds to Metro for shows on Friday and Saturday (along with Telepathe). If you’re up for more of a dance party, both acts play DJ sets along with the Dark Wave Disco DJs and opener Figo Friday night in Metro’s basement (aka Smartbar).

Robotronic vs. Detroit
Friday, April 3 at Sonotheque, 7 p.m.; $7 before 10 p.m., $10 after
You don’t have to be a nightlife writer or social-scene expert to know that Detroit leaves much to be desired when it comes to fun events and great clubs (there’s no CenterstageDetroit.com for a reason). But any music fan can tell you that what Detroit lacks in bottle service and atmosphere, it more than makes up for with a rich musical history. Tonight, Thelonious Funk of SwankSociety.com and Jerome Derradji (BBE) represent for Chicago, while influential Detroit producers and DJs Randolph and Rick ‘The Godson’ Wilhite come to town for another installment of the eternal Detroit vs. Chicago dance-music debate.

photo: Clifton Henri

Million $ Mano
Saturday, April 4 at Evil Olive, 10 p.m.
Evil Olive celebrates two years of bringing cheap drinks, hip DJs and partying until damn near the break of dawn to Wicker Park. The celebration comes to a close on Saturday with Million $ Mano, who, since we checked in with him last summer, has kept himself busy playing clubs, festivals and promotional events around the country. As with all weekend events at Olive, this party goes ’til 5 a.m., so wear your most comfortable dancing shoes and make sure you have enough cash to satisfy your booze demons.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

If there’s one thing I can say with certainty, it’s that DJing isn’t easy. There are many flavors to keep in mind when mixing a set, including crowd control, vibe, song order and style, and if a DJ happens to be tasteless in any of those departments he or she may as well call it quits. I’ve seen crowds turn on DJs within three songs, which makes the DJ culture as ruthless as it is rewarding. So when I wanted to interview a representative of this unique world, I looked for a person that was experienced and talented enough to have seen it and done it all, and the name that inevitably came to mind was Intel.

Known as one of the hardest-working DJs around, Intel has become synonymous with the Chicago hip-hop scene. As a budding DJ he learned the ropes from legendary DJs Spryte, Adapt (both from Chicago Tribe) and PNS (Molemen), who collectively provided Intel with enough insight to confidently venture off on his own. Since then he’s held down numerous residencies (at one point he held eight), and his sets, often described as “instant party starters,” have earned him opening spots for high-profile artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Dilated Peoples and Atmosphere to name a few. But what makes Intel a pillar in Chicago’s unforgiving nightlife scene is his ability to appeal to the dance-floor fanatics as much as the immobile barflies-often within the same set at that. I caught up with Intel on a rare off night and was lucky enough to hear about how it all got started and the records that ignited the fire.

How did you become interested in DJing?
I first got interested in DJing from attending parties throughout Chicago. I was always fascinated by the way a DJ could control the entire vibe and mood of a party. My brother bought the “scratch master” DJ kit, which was a pair of BD10’s and a mixer, from the back pages of The Source magazine. I started messing around on his decks, learning to blend and scratch. I eventually started buying my own records and got my first set of 1200 turntables. I met up with the original Chicago Tribe guys, Spryte and Adapt, and we started throwing our own parties.

Do you remember your first record?
The first cassette tapes I ever bought were The Real Roxanne, a Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five collection, and I believe Licensed To Ill. The first CD I ever bought was Urban Dance Squad’s second album. My first record I bought as a listener was the “Jam On It” 12 inch single by Newcleus. We used to breakdance hardcore to that song. And of course Michael Jackson’s Thriller on vinyl when it came out. I’m pretty sure almost everyone bought that though; nothing like a sweet gatefold picture of Mike. I don’t remember the first record I actually bought when I started to DJ though. I used to buy so many; no rent no bills.

Take me back to your first gig.
My first DJ gig out in public was at The Playhouse in Forest Park, Illinois. It was the first of many Chicago Tribe parties. Somehow we got DJ PNS to come out to the burbs to DJ. Surprisingly this party popped off pretty hard. I remember mixing in my bedroom for like a week picking out the perfect records and order to play them in. I still have the flyer: a full-page black and white xerox hand-drawn flyer. Those were the days.

You’ve DJ’d for a lot of artists. Which were your favorites and which were the worst?
There’s been a lot of really great shows I’ve been lucky to be a part of. When I think favorites, Scott Hendy and Andy Smith at Smartbar, Africa Bambaataa at Smartbar, MF Doom at Metro, Steinski at Smartbar and the Wu-Tang Clan at House of Blues all come to mind. 2009 has barely started and I have a ton of favorite moments already. I’m very excited for this year.

I don’t think I have any least favorites. I can say there’s been some events that should have been better attended but that always happens. I guess I can say the Florida stop on the DJ Vadim Soundcatcher tour was maybe my least favorite. We made the best of it though. Have you ever seen DJ Vadim rap and sing his own songs? I have.

Now as a DJ you’re essentially in the heart of Chicago nightlife, so you got to give me at least one crazy story.
I DJ’d a Tony Touch and DJ Muggs party at a club called Circus in Chicago. They had Tony Touch in the main room playing party jams, and they stuck Muggs and I in the back lounge room. The room pretty much consisted of veiled beds, couches, a bar and DJ booth. We were playing downtempo and hip-hop while people were getting faded and making out. We basically became people’s make-out mixtape. A little weird.

Maybe the craziest thing to happen was at the Ghostface Killah show at Joe’s. A rapper named Tru Life started a glass-bottle fight with the crowd. I got caught in the middle of it on stage, and tried to cover the turntables and stay safe. Insane and Intense. I thought the show would get shut down for sure, but Ghost showed up and rocked the hell out of that place. Maybe add the Ghostface performance to my favorites list.

Worrying about the tables before your own safety? A true DJ indeed. How do you feel about the city ordinance they’re trying to pass – the one where independent promoters have to get a ridiculously expensive insurance liability?
I’m very opposed to it. It will silence the voice of many up-and-coming bands, DJs, rappers, etc. I would be nowhere if I wasn’t able to throw and promote my own shows.

Favorite venues to spin at?
I really enjoy the sound at Smartbar and Spy Bar. I always have a blast at darkroom and Funky Buddha. Lava and Metro have always been good to me. And any place in Northern California, and Portland.

Favorite chill spots?
Places I go to chill? I like going to the movies and cooking. So I’m going to say my house is my favorite chill spot. If I go out, probably Lava on a Tuesday night. There really aren’t enough downtempo chill lounge nights left in Chicago. I wish there was. I’ll get to work on that.

What are your most prized records?
DJ Shadow, “What Does Your Soul Look Like” (Mo’Wax), 1995

I remember first hearing this track and it completely blew my mind. So smooth and so soulful. How can you not like it? It completely changed my outlook on music and DJing.

Portishead, “Mysterons” (Go! Discs/London), 1994

Q101 had a 120-minute kind of show a while back and they were talking about this up-and-coming group Portishead. They played two tracks and I was completely sold. The next day I went out and bought the album on vinyl. I used to always play out this track.

Al Kooper, Steve Stills and Mike Bloomfield, “Season Of The Witch” (Columbia), 1968

I’m not really sure why I’m picking this song, it just seems right. I can listen to it like 20 times in a row and not get sick of it.

Grace Jones, “Williams Blood” Aeroplane rejected remix (Wall of Sounds), 2008

OK, well the source material isn’t new, but Aeroplane’s take is. It rolls so smooth and solid – deep and hypnotic. I have no idea why Jones’s label would reject this.

Troublemaker, “Follow The Leader” (Hollyrock), 2007
It has a nice, melodic, dubsteppish vibe. A real speaker beater. Play it loud and melt faces.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Rapture: Blondie vs. Run DMC
Friday, March 27 at Subterranean, 9 p.m.; Free
Subterranean’s newest party, Rapture, features a night of hip-hop, post-punk, rock and new wave, from the time that ushered in those sounds, the late ’70s and early ’80s. Tonight, DJs SR-71 and Avi Sic join resident DJ Trew for a party that pays tribute to the groundbreaking artists and genres.

Spandexxx
Friday, March 27 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; free with RSVP to rsvp@enpriseentertainment.com, $10 otherwise
When she was just in high school in the late ’80s, Lady Tigra, along with Bunny D as L’Trimm, laid down one of the most popular underground Miami Bass songs ever, “Cars with the Boom.” Now, a decade later, she’s back blasting speakers with fun, throwback hip-hop and dance jams and headlining URChicago.com and Venus Zine’s monthly dance party, Spandexxx. Most of the crowd at Sonotheque was likely in diapers when L’Trimm hit the scene, but Lady Tigra is no nostalgia act; she’s still promoting, writing jingles and producing in New York (and somehow still looks just as young as the club kids getting down to her sounds). Cassette and Count Rockula also perform along with resident DJs Rocktapussy. Get there early for free Red Stripe from 9-10 and giveaways from Chicago’s best independent, woman-owned sex shop, Early to Bed.

East of Edens Soul Express
Saturday, March 28 at Hideout, 11:30 p.m.; $5
Following a performance by Rabbit Factory Records artists Wiley and the Checkmates, the East of Edens Soul Express, music aficionados James Porter and John Ciba (co-owner of Rabbit Factory turn the Hideout into a full-blown soulful dance party. Be ready for a serious soul shakedown.

Gui Borrato
Saturday, March 28 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $10 before midnight, $15 after
Brazilian composer and DJ Gui Borrato comes to town to celebrate his latest album, Take My Breath Away, released on well-regarded techno label Kompakt. The album has already caused quite a stir among electronic music and techno fans and we’re sure that, alongside Zuvuya Recordings’ Gabriel Palomo, Sevron and Audiophile, this night just might make you rethink the future of techno.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Thanks to albums from Cap D, Primeridian, The Pacifics and Iomos Marad, the All Natural label has built a solid reputation around its ability to produce uncompromising Chicago hip-hop. So when news broke that it was going to release a funk/disco fusion album, many idealists were left scratching their heads, wondering if this was the beginning of the end. But label co-founder Tone B. Nimble has always had a fondness for the city’s house scene.

Early on, Tone’s eclectic tastes in music opened doors for various collaborations including one with longtime friend and founder of the Black Stone Theatre Collective, Andy C. The BSTC is one of the most formidable groups to emerge from the underground dance scene, and with All Natural’s stamp of approval, it’s no wonder that the collective is in such high demand. Centerstage had the opportunity to catch up with Andy C. and talk about everything from the band’s early beginnings to house chores.

Who makes up BSTC and what are your respective talents?
The main people behind the music are myself [Andy C.] and Tunji. The touring band consists of: Tunji-guitar, Myron Cherry-drums, Will Bagget-bass, Sticko-bass, Chris Paquette-percussion, Fred Jackson-sax, Shaun Johnson-trumpet, myself-keyboards and the lead vocalists are Keanna Johnson aka KeeKee Rose, JL, Yaw and Jamice, with Dejuan on background vocals.

Other contributing members to the studio project were James “cuz” Thomas-drums (Soul People), Shawn Wallace-keyboards [Soul People], CJ Tucker-drums, Frayne Lewis-bass (Urban Knights), Marshall Knight-bass, Zzaje-various, Low Down Brass Band-horns, Steve “Funkworm” Butler-guitar, Kenny Keys-keyboards, Corey Wilkes-trumpet, and guest vocalists Russoul and Maggie Brown, and last but not least, my father Wallace “Corkey” Arvinger, my personal music historian!

Wow. Now your name is derived from the Blackstone Theatre. How did that scene help inspire you? ,br>
The unity of the scene around that time inspired me to create the collective. During the ’50s and ’60s Chicago was the center of the music world, and when the who’s who of the world-music scene were in town, they would all hook up and jam at Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase that was in the front of the Hotel and Theatre building. The beauty and spontaneity of great musicians jamming together, locking on a groove, there is nothing like that type of experience. BSTC was created to bring that experience back to the forefront, because it is badly needed.

So when BSTC sits down to lay out a song, what goes into that creative process?

Well, most of the time I will start with an idea for a song, and then I will flesh out the basic parts. Then I will go into the studio with Tunji, and we will add additional instrumentation, and/or vocals if needed. From there the song will go through many stages of completion till it feels right. In fact “Fly Away,” a song off the Music for a Saturday Evening album, was built around a vocal melody Keanna sang on my voice mail. I recorded it into Pro Tools and we fleshed the song out around her melody.

Does anyone in particular emerge as a leader or is it more organic?

I would be the leader of the band, but in a live situation, it is definitely organic; everyone feeds off of each other and the energy from the room.

How did you link up with the All Natural label?

Well Tone B. Nimble and myself grew up together. So basically this is an extension of us working on music from our high school and college days. We had just finished the first two records of the project [Jazz In Outerspace], and I asked Tone to take a listen and tell me what he thought. He loved it, and called me back right away and we started to put it together from there. So far so good!

Tell me about Music for a Saturday Evening and what went into that album.
A whole lot of hard work! The album is four years in the making and basically a window into the many modes and moods of Chicago music. In putting this record together I wanted to make a record that reminded me of some of the best Saturdays of my life, as well as highlighting what I think are some of the best talents in the city of Chicago and beyond. Growing up listening to incredible music while doing my chores, that seemed to make time pass so fast, it almost felt like I wasn’t working at all, and at the same time it inspired me to finish so I could enjoy Saturday evenings. With this record I wanted to bring back that feeling, so younger generations would have an opportunity to experience what inspired me to take this journey!

Any favorite venues in Chicago to perform at?

We haven’t performed at too many venues in Chicago, but I would have to say out of the venues we have performed at I personally liked the darkroom. Just big enough to feel like a rock star and small enough for the reality of bad attendance to sink in-not to deter you though-and a great sound system, and as a performer that’s the best of both worlds! Secondly the Double Door, its stage space is wonderful when you have seven musicians, and four singers.

What about Chicago inspires you?

The weather actually, you only really get three or four months of really pleasant weather here. For me that alone reminds me to focus and stay grinding, because unfortunately nothing stays the same, so you must always be as prepared as you can. If you have lived in Chicago for any amount of time you know what I mean.

Upcoming projects for 2009?

Summer 2009: The BSTC Experience EP. This project is for all of our house and disco fans who helped introduce the BSTC on a global scale-shouts out to Leonard Part 6 for putting the house scene up on Jazz In Outerspace, and to Vic Lavender for the ill remix. It’s seven dance-floor joints inspired by the ’80s and ’90s Chicago club scene at venues like Warehouse, Music Box, Power Plant, Powerhouse and Bismark Pavilion; it’s basically a thank you to all of our fans that wanted to hear us go there. We are also working on a summer and fall tour, check our MySpace, or our blog for upcoming show dates and more info on the tour.

Check out BSTC on Friday, March 27 at the Double Door.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Club Life ‘09 is devoted to all the great people I spent Mardi Gras with in Sydney this month. You all know who you are, thanks for making my trip down under a very memorable one.

Tracklisting:

1) Deliver Me – Paul Harris feat Cevin Fisher (Seamus Haji)
2) Keep The Flame Alive – Dom Almond Remix
3) Release Me – Deep Velvet (Fatblock Techport)
4) No Promises – Hott 22 ft Bonnie Bailey (Thomas Gold Remix)
5) Remember The Love – Tom Middleton (Soul Avengerz)
6) Can’t Stop – Sandy Rivera (David Penn Remix)
7) Imagination – Tikaro & J Loui
Sensation Shot – Stylus Robb and Mattias
9) Let the Music Play – Shannon (Chris Cox & Trent Cantrelle Remix)
10) Now That You’re Gone – Juan Kidd and Felix Baumgartber ft Lisa Millett (Club Mix)
11) Addicted – Serge Devant

If you enjoy this podcast:
1. Let me know, you can find me on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/funkylondon and Facebook (Phil Hewson)
2. Let others know, leave your comments on the iTunes music store and on the website at http://funkylondon.podomatic.com!
3. Donate via Paypal to help me keep this Podcast going.

Thanks to everyone who continues to donate and support the Funky London Podcast! Your support makes this podcast possible.

Cut Copy DJ Set
Wednesday, March 18 at Berlin, 9 p.m.; $10
If you couldn’t get tickets to Cut Copy’s show at the Vic Theatre or if you want to get up close and personal with members of the band, head across the street to Berlin to catch the after-party, appropriately titled the Cutters Party. The band gets behind the turntables along with fellow Aussies Knightlife, Daisy O’Dell and Jordan Z.

Disco Unusual Social Club
Thursday, March 19-Saturday March 21 at various venues, 9 p.m.; $5, no cover with RSVP to discounusualsocialclub@gmail.com
Lono Brazil, the man behind the regular throwdown at Danny’s, said it best himself: “all good things must come to a trend!” The party that’s gaining quite a buzz among nightlife fans and dance-music aficionados is poised to take over this weekend. Very special guest disco DJs and producers Lovefingers and Lee Douglas are in town, so Lono is taking DUSC around town. “Dancin’ in the Exposphere” kicks off Thursday at Danny’s, makes its debut on Friday at Sonotheque and concludes in Pilsen at Simone’s Bar on Saturday. We hope all the people who couldn’t get into Danny’s to hear the sounds get a chance to make it to one of these events to finally see what all the fuss is about.

Fischerspooner DJ Set
Friday March 20 at Debonair Social Club, 10 p.m.; $20
It seems like ages ago that electroclash nights were taking over the clubs, a movement which was due in large part to Fischerspooner’s huge hit, “Emerge.” While the scene eventually fizzled, Fischerspooner went on to be heralded by other acclaimed artists and fashionistas and even broke the UK Top 40, so it’s no surprise that the duo’s already gaining lots of hype for its upcoming sophomore album, Entertainment. The tour hits Chicago May 30 and we can’t wait to see how the guys combine edgy, futuristic fashion, art, dance music and technology this time around. Until then, we’ll take this DJ date to give us a sneak peak of things to come.

Busy P
Saturday, March 21 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $15
His name may not be as easily recognizable as other Ed Banger artists such as Daft Punk, Uffie or Justice, but these French dance-music superstars owe a big part of their success to Pedro Winter, aka Busy P. Besides the fact that he owns Ed Banger records and managed Daft Punk from the ’90s until around 2006, Busy P is a mean producer and DJ, having more than a few sick remixes under his belt, including the infectious “Chop Suey” track. He’s joined by locals James Amato, Skyler and Derek Specs for a fun “first day of Spring” dance party.

Uberjam
Saturday, March 21 at Crocodile, 10 p.m.; Free
The basement at Crocodile is still the place to head on the weekend for the young, cool, see and be seen crowd. But it’s not all a scene; DJs Trew and Mass Transit provide the deep throwback ’90s tracks that get us all nostalgic and if not full-on dancing, at least moving around. Add in the good cocktails, free pizza, cool decor and no cover and you’ve got one of the best finds for cheap Saturday-night fun.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

When listening to contemporary soul it’s always important not to get overzealous with the comparisons. Sure the JB’s, Funkadelic, Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions, Earth Wind & Fire and The Meters set the precedent, but one must remember it was a vastly different time and place occupied by a completely different generation of fans. In a nutshell, ’70s soul was a genre that defied convention with its fearless attempts to soundtrack a turbulent sociopolitical climate. Even if we’re not really “post-racial,” things have changed.

Different things are expected of soul bands these days, too; a funky backbeat isn’t enough. Groups are now expected to be flavorful in progression and uncompromising in both character and presentation.

Judging from its new album, Beat of Our Own Drum, Chicago’s own JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound is far more than a band lost in nostalgia. Instead, the Uptown Sound covers a diverse range of sounds owing as much to rock and punk as to soul and R&B. Ben Taylor’s work on bass dances like thunder throughout, with the accompanying lightning coming courtesy of drummer Kevin Marks. Together the two provide a soundscape over which JC Brooks (lead vocal) can wail, scream, harmonize and downright beg. Billy Bungeroth (guitar) adds a softer tone that takes over when words won’t suffice.

It’s a pleasure to know that Chicago hasn’t forgotten its roots in soul and R&B, and JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound is a living testament. This explains why the folks at Numero Group invited the group to be the backing band at its Eccentric Soul Revue on April 4.

Centerstage was fortunate enough to catch up with Billy Bungeroth before the group’s album release party at the Empty Bottle on February 28, and talk about how a simple ad on Craigslist started it all.

Tell me about how JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound came together?
I was playing in an indie-rock band a year or so ago, but listening almost exclusively to ’60s soul records. I wrote a bio for that indie-rock band that included the word “sexy,” I referenced Wilson Pickett, and talked about how the audience would dance and celebrate at our shows. I got reamed out by the other guys for writing a bio that didn’t fit us, and they told me people don’t go to places like the Empty Bottle to dance. So I put an ad on Craigslist with a vision of a multi-racial band that made sexy and political music that you could dance to. JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound are the guys who showed up at my doorstep to answer that ad. My life has changed considerably since then. And people know how to get down at the Empty Bottle by the way.

How has Chicago played a role?
Musically Chicago held the homes of our highest musical inspirations from both ends of the spectrum. From Curtis Mayfield to Jeff Tweedy, there are so many names from this city. Experimental innovators like Phil Cohran, Sun Ra and The Pharaohs plus soul giants like Sam Cooke, The Staple Singers and Gene Chandler. And literally our friends and contemporaries like Marvin Tate, Califone, Tortoise, Ken Vandermark and The Cool Kids. We are on fertile soil here. Just stop into any club, any night.

Take me back to your first performance together.
Summer 2007. The band dressed in tight white sailor pants and black shirts because I’d seen a picture of Booker T. & the MG’s in similar outfits. We played after a band called Scattered Maize in which the entire band dressed in mid-1800s Indian garb. JC was out of this world that night. I mean he was cool in the rehearsals leading up to it but brother just cut loose that night. He killed it. Of those 30 people in the audience there that night four or five have been to every Chicago show since. And this is me thanking them for that.

Who are some of your influences from both the past and present music scenes?
Well, the Chicago list is above. The first night we hung out there was a lot of talk about Stax Records, Gang Of Four, Fugazi, BLK JKS, Al Green, The Stooges, The Meters and James Brown.

But when we’re in the van after about two hours of cool music everybody’s iPods start getting dry and exposing a lot of New Jack Swing like Keith Sweat, Tevin Campbell, Guy, New Edition, BBD and Janet. Living Colour is inevitably discussed. And then I put on some rare Shuggie Otis and it’s like that weird interlude never even happened. Not a word.

Your album is a blend of soul, rock and punk, which stems from a long line of influences. How do you pay homage while still remaining progressive?
It’s an interesting balance. I find that mainstream rock ‘n’ roll and R&B from 1958-1974 is almost unanimously amazing. And then in ‘75 it gets bloated and overwrought, but about that time the underground takes over, punk replaces rock and hip-hop replaces R&B. Our music is just re-imagining that first era with the knowledge of the second underground era.

I know too much about Joy Division and PIL to ever play my guitar right. And JC has heard too much Spearhead and PE to write lyrics about just “Baby, baby, I love you,” but we don’t want the audience to stand and watch us emote like they do in the post-punk, post-rap world. We’ll play with all the primal energy we can at times, but it’s always in service of that audience living in that moment. We aren’t pretending the past 35 years didn’t happen. We’re just saying you can listen with your ears and shake your booty at the same time. One nation under a groove.

No doubt! Tell me about your album [Beat of Our Own Drum].
Here’s how it works for every band “on the verge” in Chi-town.

Go to the studio. Fork over your money to your buddy who’s cutting you a deal in a converted Polish social club. Set up. Smoke cigarettes. Play your best, pretty much all live. Pray someday someone will hear it. Mix it. Tell a lot of jokes. Pray someone hears it. Smoke cigarettes. Get into a fight about a song. Read pornography. Eat some food. Forget about it. Smoke cigarettes. Drive home listening to the unmastered copy, proud-as-all-hell. Tell your girlfriend it was an amazing four days before you pass out for 12 hours. Go back to your day job. Fall asleep. Dream that someone hears it and invests in your music. Wake up still proud, but praying that next time you can be even more true to the sound you hear in your head.

You’re going to be backing some legends at The Eccentric Soul Revue. How did you initially link up with Numero?
I think they called us ’cause of our good friend John Ciba from Rabbit Factory Records. And then I think they sent a spy to one of our shows, I’m not entirely sure. All I know is I’d been listening to their records for years so when that call came in it was like a jump up-and-down moment for me. They are the authority on obscure Chicago Soul.

What’s it like so far working with legends like Syl Johnson, the Kennedy brothers, Nate Evans, Renaldo Domino and The Notations?
Well, Syl doesn’t know this but I had a picture of him in my room in high school [that] I stole off a telephone pole on Cottage Grove. Probably the only little brat on the North Shore in the late ’90s with one of those, but it’s an honor. Darrow Kennedy and the Kaldirons are hilarious, we watch them crack jokes like they’re the cool uncles at a family cookout. Renaldo Domino is great ’cause it’s amazing to see someone come back to it. And Cliff Curry of the Notations and Bruce Rodgers are about as positive of people as I’ve met in recent years; soul is a descriptor for them. And Syl, he’s just Syl, man. He may be older now but he’s so feisty James Brown would turn the corner if he came walking down his street with a stick.

Now the combination of contemporary soul and old-school soul seems easy enough, but I’ve heard other situations not turn out so well. Have these guys passed on any words of wisdom?
First of all these guys are more into contemporary music than I am. You’re talking about guys in their 60s into sampler keyboards, computerized guitars and the Wu Tang Clan. We’re the ones who are hung up on old 45s and analog tape. As far as what we’ve learned from them, too much too list here for me personally. Many years of soul knowledge in The Eccentric Soul Revue, that’s for sure. They are the real deal.
I could see Syl saying “Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothin ta fuck wit,” I really can.

Any favorite venues in Chicago to perform at?
The Uptown Theater will be after President Obama and Jesus Christ restore it together wearing jet packs. Until then the Hideout and The Empty Bottle are the places we call home. But we play them all – the Double Door, Martyrs’, darkroom. We’re doing a show promoting literacy next month at Metro [March 19], that’ll be a first for us.

Where does JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound like to relax when not performing?
The Second City.

Any sound Chicago advice?
A lot of people think Chicago is the step on the road to another destination. It’s not. Chicago is the destination. We live in the greatest city on Earth. Mind it, support it. If you dig music and you like to dance and you like heart-drenched ballads and funky post-punk workouts then there’s a dude named Mr. JC Brooks in Chicago I think you ought to go and see.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Pete Rock
Friday, March 13 at Zentra, 9 p.m.; $10
Hip-hop producer and DJ Pete Rock, best known for his ’90s collaboration with MC CL Smooth, has been staying busy since the two found success with the infectious “Reminisce.” He has a collection of well-regarded collaborations and instrumental albums under his belt in recent years, so don’t look at this as solely a throwback show. Rock is joined tonight by Dirty Social DJs Intel and Merk for 3 floors of hip-hop fun.

Holi 2009

Friday, March 13 at Funky Buddha Lounge, 9 p.m.; RSVP at rsvp.goodforparty.com for reduced admission
The Good For Party crew brings us Holi Chicago-style at Funky Buddha. Holi is a colorful, bright spiritual festival and party celebrated in India. Whole villages get together to get drunk, have a huge paint fight and lose control. Create your own Holi celebration tonight while dancing to the bhangra tunes of Bhangratheque’s Jimmy Singh and Tony Talwar and sip on specialty Indian-inspired cocktails. RSVP to rsvp.goodforparty.com for reduced admission.

Lovers Rock
Saturday, March 14 at The Burlington, 9 p.m.; Free
DJs Andy Mazur and Adam Waytz are back at it again at The Burlington. This time, instead of pitting Motown against Stax, they’re dropping a night of slow jams, R&B, soul and more for the Logan Square crowd.

Goorin Bros. and Akira Party
Saturday, March 14 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; Free before midnight, $10 after
Local fashion giant Akira joins forces with cool hat and accessories company Goorin Brothers for the first of what is set to be a series of regular parties at Sonotheque. Tonight, they kick off with a fashion show, Goorin Brothers giveaways and dance tunes from DJs Josh Deep and Rich Medina.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Now in its 23rd year, Austin’s South By Southwest music festival (March 13-17) has become the proving ground of the music industry. Not all the action happens on the major stages, though; bands from all over the world show up uninvited, taking to the streets to rock everything from house parties to pedestrian bridges at 3 a.m., all in the name of exposure. Performers and promoters are forced to get creative with their marketing, which is why you end up with offerings like PB&J sandwiches with Elvis prints toasted onto the bread.

The local bands we caught up with won’t have to go to such gimmicky lengths, as they all scored official showcases at SXSW. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be tempted. From DJ supergroup Orchard Lounge and Common-esque prodigy Vince P to female Andrew Bird ringer Anni Rossi and minimalist metal crew Disappears, a few of this year’s finest let us know how they’re going to rock Austin’s socks off – officially and unofficially.

Ezra Furman & The Harpoons

You’re a bird, flying south. How are you going to spread your wings and represent Chicago?
I am going to wear a cardboard costume shaped like the Sears Tower. Inside this costume will be a small tape recorder playing a tape of Frank Sinatra’s “My Kind of Town.” That oughta do it.

You’re an official SXSW contender. But do you plan on joining the thousands of others taking to guerrilla/unofficial house and day parties?<br.
Last year when we went, I walked around playing my guitar alone. I met a homeless kid with a banjo and we played songs for each other for a good long while. Is this what you are talking about? If so, I may try to do something similar. But I really don’t know anything about any gorillas. Please invite us to one of these parties if you know of any. We’re not as hip, maybe; we haven’t been invited.

Oh! Unless what you mean is our show on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Creekside Lounge. That’s in the day.

Of those thousands of bands, who are you most excited to see?
Camera Obscura melts my heart. I hope I can see them. I LOVE THEM! Not to mention Motel Motel from New York and Joe Pug from Chicago. There’s a lot to investigate and I love musical investigation.

They say the only bad thing about Austin is that it’s surrounded by Texas. What’s the only bad thing about Chicago?
On the red line, there used to be a stop called Grand, and it was so great when the train would stop there because the P.A.-thing would say, “This is Grand,” and it sounded like they were just enjoying the experience of being an automated announcement machine. But then they changed the stop to be called Grand and State, and now it says “This is Grand and State,” and that’s much less interesting. Why’d they change that?! That’s the only bad thing about Chicago.

What’s your favorite Chicago dish Texas BBQ won’t ever touch?
I like my mom’s matzah ball soup. Does this count? (If you say it doesn’t count, you have a cold, cold heart). Furthermore, nobody beats the fish sandwich at Buffalo Joe’s on Green Bay Road in Evanston.

Again, congrats on your journey south. But when can we catch you again back home?
April 18th at the Empty Bottle. We’re doing a tour with lots of stops in the Midwest. I think the shows will really be special and of the highest quality. ESPECIALLY the Chicago show.

Disappears

You’re a bird, flying south. How are you going to spread your wings and represent Chicago?
We’re doing some shows on the way down and back – Lawrence, Fayetteville, Denton, Memphis and St. Louis. It’s going to be pretty interesting as we’ve got just over 30 minutes of music and no one knows who we are. But we’re looking forward to it.

You’re an official SXSW contender. But do you plan on joining the thousands of others taking to guerrilla/unofficial house and day parties?
Yeah we’d love to get into something like that, last time i was there the best stuff I saw was “unofficial.” We don’t know what’s going on yet but I’d like to work something like that out.

Of those thousands of bands, who are you most excited to see?
I’d love to see The Strange Boys but they’re playing the same night that we are so hopefully they’re doing something else. I’d like to see The Soft Pack,
Crystal Stilts, whatever band Matt Williams is going to be playing in.

They say the only bad thing about Austin is that it’s surrounded by Texas. What’s the only bad thing about Chicago?
Hmmmm…the parking on my street?

What’s your favorite Chicago dish Texas BBQ won’t ever touch?

I wish they’d do something about the deep-dish pizza epidemic this city is in. I mean, I think we can do better than that.

Again, congrats on your journey south. But when can we catch you again back home?

Saturday, March 28th at Schubas, with the Fruit Bats.

Anni Rossi

You’re a bird, flying south. How are you going to spread your wings and represent Chicago?
I will be performing tracks from my new album titled Rockwell, which I named after the Chicago street I used to live on.

You’re an official SXSW contender. But do you plan on joining the thousands of others taking to guerrilla/unofficial house and day parties?
Oh yes. I am playing four day parties, including a backyard BBQ hosted by a friend I used to go to high school with. Looking forward to both the official showcases and unofficial stuff!

Of those thousands of bands, who are you most excited to see?
Lady Lucille, Beach House, Parts and Labor and The Dirty Projectors.

They say the only bad thing about Austin is that it’s surrounded by Texas. What’s the only bad thing about Chicago?
Midway Airport.

What’s your favorite Chicago dish Texas BBQ won’t ever touch?
Beet bruschetta (w/ goat cheese) from Lula.

Again, congrats on your journey south. But when can we catch you again back home?
APRIL 4th @ The Hideout with These United States!

Orchard Lounge

You’re a bird, flying south. How are you going to spread your wings and represent Chicago?
Well, we’ll be playing DJ sets for four nights straight in Austin. I think the best way we can represent our city, and our collective, is to show off our versatility and unique style. We certainly don’t want to hit the partygoers with strictly Chicago House, either. As much as we love what this city has done for electronic music, we’d like to offer up a mix of music that will appeal to a wide range of dance-floor fanatics. I think, as a group, we’re hoping to play for people who have an open mind, and who are willing to experience something new. Much like the inhabitants of Chicago.

You’re an official SXSW contender. But do you plan on joining the thousands of others taking to guerrilla/unofficial house and day parties?
You better believe it. We’re fans, too. As DJs and tastemakers, it’s our job to expose the masses to unfamiliar new artists and records. We hope to experience a plethora of different sounds at SXSW, but like always, it seems the most memorable events are the unofficial and unannounced ones. While we’re not hosting any parties ourselves, we hope to get on the decks at a handful of different soirees. Last year SXSW invited artists we’ve been fans of for a long time, like Diskjokke and Lindstrom. This year it seems the organizers wanted even more of a presence of forward-thinking electronic music producers and DJs, so we’re looking forward to rubbing shoulders with like-minded artists we all admire.

Of those thousands of bands, who are you most excited to see?
Not to sound conceited or capricious, but…Orchard Lounge. Since our collective consists of three people who rotate spinning records, I’m most looking forward to seeing my wife and best friend up there doing what they love to do. Plus, I can all but guarantee that the bands that end up blowing our minds are the ones we’ve never heard of until Austin. That’s why the festival has such appeal.

They say the only bad thing about Austin is that it’s surrounded by Texas. What’s the only bad thing about Chicago?
That it’s surrounded by Schaumburg and Naperville.

What’s your favorite Chicago dish Texas BBQ won’t ever touch?
No Texan culinary guru will ever be able to pique my interest in a hot dog like Hot Doug’s has.

Again, congrats on your journey south. But when can we catch you again back home?

Thank you, we’re stoked. And since our calendar is always changing, just check out www.myspace.com/orchardlounge for upcoming gigs.

Vince P

You’re a bird, flying south. How are you going to spread your wings and represent Chicago?
I plan on putting on one of the best shows at SXSW and to have people talking about my show for the rest of the year! Would you expect anything less from a
Chi Town kid?

You’re an official SXSW contender. But do you plan on joining the thousands of others taking to guerrilla/unofficial house and day parties?
No I don’t think I will be playing any guerrilla/unofficial parties. I was talking to Perez Hilton about hopefully landing a performance at his SXSW Party, but as of now I don’t think it is going to happen unless something changes in the next week or so. With this being my first year I just plan to play my showcase and check out a bunch of shows while I am in Austin.

Of those thousands of bands, who are you most excited to see?

For the official showcases I am stoked to be checking out GLC, Pugslee
Atomz (who are both from Chicago), 8 Ball & MJG, Talib Kweli and Asher Roth.
For the unofficial showcases I just got invited to attend Kanye’s GOOD Music
Showcase and I will also be checking out an all-Chicago showcase where I am looking forward to seeing Hollywood Holt, Million $ Mano and Skyler.

They say the only bad thing about Austin is that it’s surrounded by Texas. What’s the only bad thing about Chicago?
The winters. I hate the cold. I think from here on out I am going to tour during the winter and come back to Chicago for spring and summer and I am not even joking about this!

What’s your favorite Chicago dish Texas BBQ won’t ever touch?

Chicago-style pizza. When my buddies come into town I always challenge them to eat more than two pieces of deep-dish Chicago-style pizza in one sitting. I do not have a friend that has passed the challenge yet.

Again, congrats on your journey south. But when can we catch you again back home?
I am putting together a mixtape release party for my project Too Cool For
School in May that will be at Underground. I will be on the road touring until late April so I will take a week or so off and get back to it.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Just the other day I was on my way home, and I decided to grab some steak tacos from this hole-in-the-wall spot. Starving, I consumed them all in a matter of minutes, and without hesitation I nestled onto my comfy futon and slipped into a food coma. When I awoke I was eye-to-eye with a piece of left-over meat that found refuge in a crevice of the foil wrapping it originally came in. I was both satisfied and disgusted at the same time, and couldn’t help but wonder what I just put my body through. Seeking answers I picked up the self-titled album of local beatsmiths Meat Number 5, inserted it into my computer and pressed play.

What I heard was an eerie opus of instrumentals that could have easily been the soundtrack to my “too bizarre to write about” daydream. The slamming drum breaks and splices of meat-inspired dialogue made me laugh and bob my head all in one motion, and when it was finished, I played it all over again. It’s a traditional album by hip-hop standards, yet it’s one that toys with unheard rhythms and abstract concepts reminiscent of DJ Shadow. Centerstage thought it would be fun to catch up with Ricky Ropesack (one-half of the duo) and get the skinny on how the concept came together. Grab your favorite meat product and follow along.

Who’s Meat Number 5 and what are your respective talents?

Me, Carter Bryant aka Ricky Ropesack. I’m the beatmaker/drummer and Ian Osborn aka Big Once is the-DJ/Co-producer.

What is it about meat that’s so compelling to you and why the number 5?

Meat Number 5 generally represents everything that is completely disgusting and wrong, yet totally awesome about meat. It’s a play on Yellow number 5, but for meat. Also it’s a vision of a genetically engineered meat which continually feeds and grows off of itself and ingests its own excrement. Perpetually growing bigger and bigger; eventually providing delicious meat for everyone for all times.

How did Ricky Ropesack and Big Once come together?

We initially met at an impromptu jam session at a hip-hop show in 2004, then went on to be in a band called The Cankles. After a couple years, The Cankles dissolved, and we decided to make an album based on the Meat Number 5 concept.

Tell me about your self-titled album.

It came together pretty quickly actually, I went on a rampage and banged out all the beats in 2-3 weeks, and invited Ian to contribute to it. Within two to three months, the album was completed, and it was the most focused project either of us had ever been a part of. Right now, we are finishing up an EP that will be released on Lab-O records in May, which will feature four new tracks and remixes from Maker, Earmint and MaddJazz. Plus, we have begun working on our next full-length album, which will be out in 2010.

There aren’t a whole lot of musicians doing what you guys are doing. Are there any artists out there that you’re really feeling?

Right now, we’re really feeling dubstep guys like Burial & Loefah, and also listening to a lot of Glitch Mob & Electric Wizard.

There’s an Opus quality to your beats were you influenced directly by them?
We like the Opus, we played a show with them a while back, but our main influences are DJ Shadow, Prince Paul, TRS-80 (Ropesack) & DJ Yella, Lench Mob, and J-Zone (Big Once).

Any favorite spots in Chicago to get your meat on?

Out of all the shows we’ve rocked so far, our favorites are probably Empty Bottle and Sonotheque.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!