Cosmo Sex School Records is pleased to announce the brand new release from The Denmark Veseys (Jerry Joseph & Steve Drizos). The Denmark Veseys is a Portland, Oregon based duo consisting of acclaimed singer/songwriter Jerry Joseph (Little Women, The Jackmormons, Stockholm Syndrome) and drummer/percussionist Steve Drizos (Dexter Grove). A slight departure from Joseph’s past projects, The Denmark Veseys’ self-titled debut introduces a new pop sensibility while still retaining the raw energy that has defined his career. The album, recorded at Chase Park Transduction Studios in Athens, GA and produced by Dave Barbe (Drive-By Truckers, REM, Son Volt), was created in a live performance atmosphere. The Denmark Veseys completed the record in just six days, capturing a true representation of the band’s sound. A sound that lies somewhere between Sly & The Family Stone’s “Family Affair” and Peter Gabriel's “I Can’t Remember” with a big tip of the hat to the late, great Chris Whitley.

It is said that if you don't know your past, you don't know your future; well Groundation knows its past, and they're stepping into the future. While capturing the essence of true roots reggae, internationally acclaimed Groundation aims to take the art of genre-bending to new heights by blending elements of both Jazz/Funk fusion and transcendental Dub in their amalgam of sound.

The name 'Groundation' came from the Rastafarian ceremony of the same name. Its goal of trying to get everyone on the same level so people can communicate and feel free to educate each other while also learning from each other. Groundation was founded in the fall of 1998 when three long time musicians Marcus Urani (organ/keys/piano), Ryan Newman (bass), and Harrison Stafford (guitar/lead vocals) came together to form the core of the pioneering sound.

They were later Joined in 2000 by San Francisco based Jazz trumpeter David Chachere and the North Bay’s Kelsey Howard on trombone. Groundation saxophonist Jason Robinson has gone on to become the head of the Jazz program at UC San Diego as well as breathing new life into the Southern California Jazz scene. Drummer Paul Spina (Les Claypool, Will Bernard’s Mother Bug) has been with the group since taking over from original set player James Stafford in December 2001. Bay area percussionist Mingo Lewis Jr. brings Latin and African infused rhythms, adding heady layers to Groundation’s already stout syncopations. Jamaicans Kerry Ann Morgan and Kim Pommell, joining the group in 2006 and 2007 respectively, have already helped take Groundation’s harmonies and live shows to new heights.

Though Groundation has played in 30 countries on 4 continents in just the last few years (headlining huge multi-genre festivals in France, Italy, Morocco and Brazil to name but a few), Summer ’08 marks their first tour in the U.S. east of Colorado. Worlds will collide as Groundation’s internationally seasoned high-energy show style meets the American heartland, culminating in what will surely be a historic tour.

Chicago debut, album release of "Wobble Factor." Although mostly known in the breakbeat scene, Tipper's output includes strong hints of electro and idm amongst other styles. He is known for his interest in extreme bass frequencies, with his releases often including lengthy subbass test tones at the end. He, and likeminded people from his previous label Fuel Records, have also engaged in stunts like emptying a swimming pool, covering it with an acoustic canopy and enjoying the bass, or drowning out The Prodigy on the main stage of the V Festival with their car sound systems parked several miles away.

In celebration and support of Tipper's new album "Wobble Factor," Entheon will host Tipper's first Chicago performance, and Tippermusic has produced a Limited Edition CD of the album, which will be given away at the Kinetic Playground on the 12th of July. Otherwise this is a digital only release, so please support him via his ministore hosted by Addictech .


BLVD + MC Souleye
A spontaneous collaboration has led to a full-time partnership between four young emerging artists, as Colorado-based MC Souleye joins instrumental San Francisco trio BLVD on the road and in the studio. Consistent West Coast touring has brought this collaboration to the vanguard of the live electronica movement and continues to break down boundaries between dance club culture and the live music community. The synthesis of these two scenes is at the heart of BLVD's primary focus since the band's inception in 2003. BLVD's live interpretations of what are generally considered to be electronic musical forms blend naturally with MC Souleye's conscious and rhythmic approach to rapping. Together they create a dynamic sound with broad appeal.

AnaSia
Small in size but large in presence, ANASIA has carved out her own unique scape & sound guaranteed to get the dancefloor crunked & connected. integrating multi-genre music & all spaces in between, she weaves an experience eclectic in rhythms & rhymes with a whole lot of low-end love featuring deep grimey dubstep, big & beautiful midtempo breaks & glitched out global-slut psy-hop.


MO2
"Burgeoning, upstart, fresh-faced, young, up-and-coming...all of these words and phrases describe San Francisco's MO2..." They are a "very
determined and talented band performing with palpable joy and intense respect for one another, demonstrating the power of simplicity and organic melodies." (HMGN Music) MO2 has developed a unique and explosive sound by combining four-to-the-floor dance breaks with contagious pop hooks and ethereal progressions, allowing them national recognition in their debut year.

"The Heavy Pets combine elegant songwriting with blazing chops, thought-provoking lyrics and a heavy, danceable backbeat."- HighTimes.com

The Heavy Pets grew up together in Goshen, NY, and have been writing and playing original music together for over ten years. Now based in Ft Lauderdale, FL, The Heavy Pets have played over 450 shows together under various names, and have shared the stage with acts such as Particle, Oteil Burbridge, Tea Leaf Green, and George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. Guitarist Jeff Lloyd made his South Florida debut jamming with George and P-Funk at Revolution New Years Eve '04-'05 and has since appeared with the funk legend twice, including an April 20, 2005 rager at the Culture Room with Bernie Worrell.

The Pets first blipped on the national radar screen when they were selected to play the 2006 Langerado Music Festival, where they performed alongside acts like Ben Harper, The Disco Biscuits, and the Black Crowes. They followed the festival with a tour of the Northeast, hitting venues like NYC's the Knitting Factory, The 8X10 in Baltimore, and Albany, NY's Red Square.

The High Times "Unsigned Band of the Week" (May '06), followed the Northeast run with an amazing weekend at the Green Parrot in Key West, where they performed 8 sets of material with no repeats. In September, The Heavy Pets performed at the Symbiosis Gathering in Angel's Camp, CA, and October brought them to the Maple Leaf in New Orleans to perform with Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. In addition to priding themselves on impeccable musicianship, the band has a staggering catalog of original material.

March '007 will bring their double-disc debut album entitled "Whale" - a 21-track behemoth that ranges from progressive, high-energy, guitar-driven rock n roll, to funky reggae, to inspired, reflective folk music.

The Heavy Pets are:
Joe Dupell-bass/vocals
Mike Garulli –guitars/vocals
Jeff Lloyd-guitars/vocals
Ryan Neuburger-drums/vocals
Jim Wuest-keys/vocals

Forming in the sumer of 2005, Uncle Boogie Pants has been making a mark on the Chicago jamband scene and has established a large, fiercely loyal fanbase. In the last few years Uncle Boogie Pants has shared the stage with such big names as Papa Grows Funk and Vince Welnick. As their reputation continues to grow, they are creating a buz from coast to coast. Relix Magazine said that their debut album, "Volume and Verse", is "full of ripping guitar solos, carefully calculated compositions and tight, multi-part harmonies." And, "like Phish, Moe or Umphrey's McGee before them, these guys simply rip."

They say modern day Renaissance folk are simply multi-talented. For Love in October, The Musik Group's Minneapolis-based movers and shakers, they transcend what it means to have their fingers in a little bit of everything. Their debut full-length, Pontus, The Devil, and Me, is set to be unleashed January 22, 2008, and showcases LiO's ability to diversify all the subgenres found in pop.

"It doesn't bother me to say that we're a Swedish pop rock band," says frontman Erik Widman. "Actually it bothers me more to be called a 'band' because that limits you to the scope of music. I see LiO venturing into other artistic areas over the years. I want us to be known as creators, not musicians."

LiO brings more than music to the table, as the band dabbles in visual arts, constantly producing light-hearted short films, as well as elaborate music videos. With the acclaimed independent release of "A Day in the Life Of," the band has set the bar high for their next two music videos, currently in production.

Native Swedish brothers, Erik and Kent Widman, formed LiOin the summer of 2006 and quickly released a snappy six-song EP recorded by Ed Rose, which went on to receive national radio airplay and glowing reviews. The lineup has evolved over time and now also includes guitarist Ryan Morgon and drummer Troy Groenke.

The name of the debut full-length album, Pontus, The Devil, and Me, was chosen to reflect the schizophrenic nature of the songs. "We noticed that there was a real contrast from song to song, and that they basically fell into three categories," says Erik. "A - songs that tell a story about somebody or something (Pontus); B - Fast angry dark songs reflecting the bipolar nature of humans (the devil); and personal songs (me)."

A myriad of songs comprise Pontus, The Devil, and Me, from poppy tracks about growing up in Sweden ("Circa 1989") to a chaotic instrumental melody of thought ("An Average Idea") to an ode to vagabond lovers ("Song 11").

The track "Vi Går till Stranden" is completely in Swedish - a first for the band. "I like the fact that we can make a multilingual CD and get away with it. Not many bands can do that," says Erik. "I also like that only Swedish people can understand it. It's kind of nice to write something to someone, and it's all the more special when it's made just for them and no one else can understand it."

With Pontus, The Devil, and Me, LiO has painted the picture of life complete with love, sadness and the awkwardness that falls between.

Love in October is:

Erik Widman - Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Moog
Kent Widman - Bass, Moog
Ryan Morgon - Guitar
Troy Groenke - Drums

This Powerhouse two piece is fronted by charismatic singer/guitarist/songwriter Damon Ranger and backed by the mighty Gregg Potter on drums. Hailing from Chicago, Blackbox intertwines enormous guitars, pummeling drums, catchy hooks, and big choruses into beautifully crafted rock/pop songs.

Blackbox has played with Social Distortion, Billy Corgan, Marty Casey and The Lovehammers, Chevelle, Taproot, Jet, Local H, Mest, Alkaline Trio, Future Leaders of the World, Lit, The Riddlin Kids, Denver Harbor, The Virgins, Solace For Now, The Black Mariah, Exit The Kings, The Last Vegas, The Frogs, Hot Action Cop, Monster Magnet, Bullets and Octaine, Neko Case, Huck Johns, Fig Dish, John Ralston, and more.

Blackbox was direct support at Summerfest's Rock Stage (World's largest outdoor music festival) with Saliva in 2007. Blackbox also was invited to a few Midwest stops on Gigantour 2006. Blackbox is also packing fans in on hometown headliner shows at House of Blues, Double Door, Kinetic Playground, The Note, even getting a residency at The Lakeshore Theater in 2005 and 2006, plus touring the east and west coast. Along with Summerfest and Gigantour, Blackbox has been invited to perform at MOBFest, International Pop Overthrow, Dewey Beach Music Conference, and NAMM.

From February 1-Feburary 13, 2007 Blackbox, as an unsigned band, was the Q101.1 “Cage Match” champions on Q101 Chicago radio with the song “Girls Like You”. Blackbox enjoyed constant radio airplay on a major market radio station and getting voted the top song for 13 days straight.

In September 2007 Q101.1 Radio Chicago named Blackbox the next "Band to Bust Out"

Miller Light purchased massive airtime on Q101.1 to back up the Band to Bust Out Campaign. In one of the promotions Blackbox took on Former WWF Heavyweight Champion The Iron Sheik in a Rock and Wrestling event.

Blackbox also enjoyed 10 straight weeks of radio airplay, interviews, and live performances on the various Q101.1 radio shows.

Blackbox has gotten their own TV/Internet segment with CBS 2 Chicago.

Since July 2007 Blackbox has had Sonic Youth, Silverchair, Patti Smith, Rhymefest, Perez Hilton, Lupe Fiasco, GZA (Wu-Tang Clan), Motion City Soundtrack, Peter Bjorn and John, Cold War Kids, Satallite Party, Snow Patrol, G Love, Electric Six, Sparklehorse, and more on as guests.

A quick tongue and constant self-promotion scored Blackbox their own Internet radio/video show on www.fearlessradio.com “Blackbox Fever” can be caught every Sunday from 5-7 p.m. Central Time. Blackbox Fever is a reality based radio show about Blackbox. Listeners are tuning in and growing with the band. It’s the ultimate connection tool! Some in studio guests have included Guns N’ Roses, Counting Crows, Blacktop Mourning, Local H, Ron Jeremy, Seka, Pat Travers, and Under The Influence of Giants, and many more. NBC News Channel 5 Chicago did a six minute feature piece on Blackbox and their radio show in March of 2006. ABC News Chicago (the number 1 rated newscast in the country) has featured Blackbox three times: in October and November 2004 and November 11th 2007 which Blackbox performed “Never Enough” on the Morning Show. CBS Chicago features Blackbox songs up to 10 times a month during segments on all their news shows. May 5th 2007 Blackbox performed “Sick” live on the CBS afternoon show. October 27th, 2007 CBS featured Blackbox live in studio on their morning show. Blackbox performed “Up All Night” “Sick” and “Like This” Modern Drummer Magazine featured Gregg in the January 2004 issue (pg.118) and in the Oct 2005 issue as well. In 2006 Modern Drummer gave Gregg his own blog on their website www.moderndrummer.com

Blackbox has achieved radio airplay in Chicago on Q101, 94.7, 88.9, and 95.1 Wiil Rock, plus many college markets, including Madison, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Dayton, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia. Gregg Potter proudly uses (and endorses) Gibralter Hardware, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Aquarian Drumheads, Slug, and Trick Drums.

Blackbox has two clothing endorsement deals with Cut-Throat Fightgear and Marty Flint accessories.

The Pioneer Press recently called Chicago based sextet HOW FAR TO AUSTIN ". . . a raucous blend of Elvis Costellos' irreverent 'radio, radio' era rock and the finest soul of the late, great James Brown - a live show you should stretch out for!"

The band likes to think of themselves as hot as a pistol rock 'n roll laced with incredible lyrical depth; keen musicianship; and unforgetable vocal melodies that border on the addictive.

However you sum it up, the highly energetic one-of-a-kind pop/rock/soul blend that defines HOW FAR TO AUSTIN has contributed to the fast growth of a loyal fanbase and a reputation as a must-see live act in the midwest. HOW FAR TO AUSTIN has made themselves comfortable on some of the most notable stages in the midwest and performed with a number of amazing regional/national acts including HELLO DAVE; THE NADAS; MR. BLOTTO; GHETTOBILLIES; DOMESTIC PROBLEMS; DAVE TAMKIN; THE AUGUST; SIMMERING; and many more.

"Like Phish, Umphrey’s McGee, and Moe before them, this band simply rips."

- Relix Magazine, April/May 2008

Kinetic Playground & Little Fire Productions presents the Uncle Boogie Pants Summer Festival Shows / 2008. Dates for our 10,000 Lakes Festival Battle of the Bands winner, are June 11, July 2, July 16. The weekend of Lolapolooza, Uncle Boogie Pants will deliver three after hour shows with special guests - July 31, August 1 & 2. Go to www.uncleboogiepants.com or myspace./ etc for more details and the UBP summer tour schedule.

"Like Phish, Humprhey Magees, and moe before them, this band simply rips."

- Relix Magazine, April/May 2008

Kinetic Playground & Little Fire Productions presents the Uncle Boogie Pants Summer Festival Shows / 2008. Dates for our 10,000 Lakes Festival Battle of the Bands winner, are June 11, July 2, July 16. The weekend of Lolapolooza, Uncle Boogie Pants will deliver three after hour shows with special guests - July 31, August 1 & 2. Go to www.uncleboogiepants.com or myspace./ etc for more details and the UBP summer tour schedule.

Your mind is elevated, your soul is lifted & your booty is shakin'. With sets of deep organic electronica-- mixing live instrumentation and electronic devices, J Wail is setting off clubs, venues and festivals.

Jonah Gabriel Lipsky aka J Wail, although a native New Yorker, has resided in Asheville, NC and Phoenix, AZ for a good portion of his life. Musical instruments have always been a passion since his early days. When Jonah was 2 years of age, his mother passed away. The beautiful classical guitar his mother played was later passed down to him. Although he rarely takes it out on stage the symbol, connection, essence, and inspiration of his mother and the guitar lies deep within his soul.

His enthusiasm and strong desire to share and spread his music has earned him a reputation as one of the hardest working, up and coming artists in the industry. J Wail's current tour began in March 2007. His longest break from the road since has been only 2 weeks. With 50,000 road miles, countless air miles, and 150+ shows since the start of the Tour, he has performed on all corners of the continent. Coinciding with the tours, community involvement and fund raisers are of utmost importance.

Stretching into the DJ-based dance sound with the approach of a live band he creates his "avant-garde club-funk-rock" through innovative techniques using live guitar, bass, vocals, synthesizers, and live electronics. His ability to experiment and improvise nightly has led to several appearances and collaborations with some prominent musicians. On-stage guests/jams have included national artists Michael Travis/Jason Hahn (EOTO/String Cheese Incident, Dean Ween (Ween), Brock Butler (Perpetual Groove), Ekoostik Hookah, Tom Constanten (Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, ex member of the Grateful Dead), and members of the Brazilian Girls. J Wail has performed opening slots for national artists such as Bassnectar, Particle, Perpetual Groove, Toubab Krewe, and DJ Le Spam & the Spam Allstars. J Wail's unique styles and techniques infuse the audience with a taste of something completely new and fresh.

A song as catchy and convincing as "The Tease," with its wildly high-pitched vocal lead, simply can't go unheard. The Radiohead-esque duskiness of "Ancestor" works in an odd way, too, melodic and assured in all of its percussion parts. The psycho dreaminess of "Lights" adds depth, even if it sounds a little too-cool-for-school (it does, however have the catchiest hook of all the songs I've heard.) We'll see what comes of this, but Loyal Divide seems to have gotten off to a fine start." - Newcity Magazine

There remains one true payoff for a musician -the release of performance. Chicago’s Loyal Divide understands this well. To witness their live show is to witness a channeling of heaped aggravation; to hear them is to hear the musical approximation of fevered confession. Truly a live act, Loyal Divide knows how to produce electricity from frustration –frustration with poverty, each other, and the road. The band looks forward to only one thing: leaving all the sludge behind for a brief moment of on-stage catharsis, in turn strengthening their bond and legitimizing their hard work. When not performing, the group goes subterranean, retreating to their basement, away from the outside world, socializing with no one but themselves and their instruments. In an effort to stave off boredom, the group has forever committed to developing their sound; something along the seams of the genres they adore most: Hip Hop, Ambient, Shoegaze, and Pop. Loyal Divide hope to eventually join the ranks of music's most forward thinking luminaries -artists like Animal Collective, Liars, and Radiohead- groups who push boundaries while captivating listeners, who trade in conformity for vision, licks for nuance. Of their self titled EP, the Columbus Alive remarked that "the band's potential shows most in its attention to detail - a gleeful piano slide amidst a harrowing rocker, video-game bleeps coupled with hiccupping horns, a well-placed female backing vocal…it sounds carefully considered and powerfully executed.

Empra is a rock/progressive/experimental band from Chicago, IL. Formed in early 2007, Empra is the brainchild of front man Saim Salahuddin. After leaving Chicago outfit Rotary Effect, Saim met with drummer Ryan Krienitz at a part time job and Empra was born.

With initial support at home-ground Loyola University, Empra started playing shows at smaller venues to promote their debut album Shades and Sunlight. After generating an enthusiastic response, the band moved on to compete in local contests and events. Eventually Empra developed a faithful fan base in all major Chicago campuses. In their last effort, Empra participated in Lollapalooza's Last Band Standing contest and experienced immense support from the contest voters. Recently vocalist/guitarist Saim completed a successful promotional tour of Europe.

The Empra ideology is raw guitar riffs and catchy beats. The sound is created in an effort to keep things as natural and minimalistic as possible. With Saim's lead rhythms and Ryan's trip-tastic beats, Empra released the minor radio hit "Moscow Satellite". With the addition of bassist/rhythm guitarist Obaid Khawaja to the lineup, Empra successfully achieved the energy driven sound they are known for. Empra has been featured on Radio Fm 91 and interviewed on German AAG tv.

Every Empra performance leaves you wanting more. The guitar driven melodies and beat breakdowns symbolize the energy that is Chicago. The moody bass lines will mesmerize you, and experimentation in other genres will instigate your senses. Drop by and see what the hype is all about!

Twilight Revival’s songs represent a convergence of 80s college rock (REM, the Replacements) and modern indie/americana (Wilco, My Morning Jacket).

Beneath all the well-crafted hooks and sonic adventurism, Twilight Revival’s sound is rooted in an undercurrent of sincerity and conviction. Their style is equally nostalgic and visionary . . . a worthy representation of American music’s past, present and future. Twilight Revival have performed at all the best Chicago venues, including Schubas, Martyrs, Double Door, The Abbey Pub, Fitzgeralds, Subterranean, Empty Bottle and Beat Kitchen amoung others in the city, as well as The House Cafe, Clearwater Theater and Durty Nellie's in the outlying suburbs. And they have landed slots in national showcases such as International Pop Overthrow and MidPoint Music Festival. The band has received airplay on WXRT, WLUW, WONC and other radio stations. They've also appeared on TV, scoring a covetted spot on the kitchy public access favorite, Chic-a-Go-Go. The press has responded with universal praise. Listen to the tunes posted here, pick up the CD, or come to a Twilight Revival show and see for yourself what all the buzz is about.

The Days are an alternative rock band based in Chicago, Il. In their four years together, they have played the stages of some of Chicago's most lauded venues, including The Metro, Congress Theater, Old Town School of Folk Music, and Abbey Pub-- in addition to recording 2005's "Great Big World" and 2007's "Situate EP," both available on iTunes. Edging out the contours of alt-rock, some of The Days' influences include The New Pornographers, Death Cab for Cutie, and hometown rockers like Wilco and The Redwalls.

A manifestation of pure expression.

"This is something different. This is the music people live to." ...With heart-wrenching emotion, and epic-anthemic choruses their sound can captivate a listener from the first note to the last. Makeshift Prodigy takes a live show to the next level and thrives on making the listening/viewing experience to be simply one of the best evenings of their fan's lives and yet an unforgettable & incomparable experience. With energy and emotion Makeshift Prodigy takes the listener to another state of mind by creating music that is not just what everyone else is doing, but what comes from the soul of the musicians to the soul of the listener. Their explosive choruses and laid back, smooth flowing, melodic vocal style make for an intensely beautiful, energetic, and memorable live experience that the listener can take home with them to embrace the powerful message this band has to give...

Rev-er-ie: a state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; lost in a reverie. Three inviduals, one vison: Stephen Di Cicco (guitar/vocals), Kevin Schneider (bass), and Brad Weitzman (drums).

In a mere 4 years, Chicago natives, Reverie have become a promising component in an ongoing battle between the doldrummed mediocrity of current trends and the devotion to innovation and originality. After gaining a devoted following and making their way through local and college scenes, Reverie is sharing the stages of Chicago's finest rock venues and festivals with fellow local artists such as Camera, Lucid Ground, AMFM, and Turn of the Century. Since 2004, Reverie has embarked on several national tours; has been played on such radio stations as XRT, Q101, Fearless Radio, and Hostage Radio; has been featured in publications like The Northwest Indiana Times and Pioneer Press; has been featured on multiple Windy City Records compilations; and have received rave reviews from critics for their self recorded and produced LP, "shAkY comA," released in February of 2007. Reverie is finalizing their tertiary, "A Boy and His Crown," due for release later this month to be followed up with a two week supporting tour. Reverie is love. Reverie loves you.

The way rock 'n roll should, Blackdog captures the essence of what rock and roll was before being over-processed, canned, and shelved. There's a difference between emulation and actualization. Blackdog is real, original rock n' roll.

Moxxy is quite unlike any music act in the industry right now. All you have to do is hear Moxxy and you'll agree that something big is in the works for these talented musicians. Anyone can play a great show in front of motivated and packed house... but no one can bring more energy to a lethargic and disinterested audience like Moxxy. Their on-stage chemistry draws the audience into their music to the point where inhibitions float away and the music reaches you at a visceral and ethereal level all at once. Describing their sound is almost useless; its something you have to feel, to experience in order to appreciate. Moxxy is a pseudonym for the original "moxie," meaning "aggressive energy, initiative, and skill, along with the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage." The shoe fits. From the wicked guitar riffs and insane percussion to the low, smooth, subtly powerful bass and lyrics that make your heart skip a beat, Moxxy's in-your-face style merges with a broad range of influences to create a perfectly unique sound that defies all labels and characterizations. Is modern music ready for Moxxy? They would say that they are modern music, and the world is still trying to catch its breath.