Ego Mechanics is an alternative rock duo located in Chicago featuring Seth Arp on guitar and vocals, and Jonathan Ross on drums. The band came together after Seth moved to Chicago about three years ago and made a post on Craigslist looking for somebody to start a band with. Jonathan responded, and the two exchanged emails for a while. Then, Seth went to go meet Jonathan at his house and the two formed a great connection and made an awesome band.
They had thought of about 150 possible names for the band but decided on the name Ego Mechanics. The name comes from a lyric in the song “Potion Approaching” by Arctic Monkeys; a band which has heavily impacted them both. Individually, Seth has a lot of musical influences from The White Stripes and early 2000s indie rock, while Jonathan has influences from 70’s punk and 90’s grunge. The band is rooted mostly in blues-rock but has expanded to include alternative rock and punk rock. Currently, the band is working on a new EP. This has been in the works since April 2018 and will tentatively be ready by Summer 2019. Seth is excited for the album to come out because the band has grown and expanded their sound since their last EP that was released in 2016. The band’s favorite song to play comes from this album and is called “Rubik’s Cube.” Seth describes it as the most punk rock song they’ve done and has a lot of fun interactions between the two band members. Once the album is released, listeners can expect to be impressed by two people making such a big and impressive sound. Ego Mechanics plays primarily in smaller, more intimate venues in Chicago. However, they have also played at Summerfest, and even in Orlando, Florida. They are currently working to branch out with hopes to do a small midwestern tour over the summer. But their ultimate goal for the band would be to tour around the country and the world and get to play at events like Lollapalooza or Coachella. Seth says that it’s always awesome when people want to talk to the band after a show, so they definitely have a great connection with their fans and audience. If you want to interact with the band from home, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or website egomechanicsmusic.com. They’re also on Spotify, Amazon, iTunes and Google Play. With their awesome new album coming out, you don’t want to miss any updates from them!
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Not many musicians or bands can make the prestigious Robert Plant question his musical abilities. Small town Michigan based foursome Greta Van Fleet does just that. Millennials have finally been awarded their equivalent of an ostentatious, thundering, and wildly fun rock and roll band. However, critics have been debating this claim since 2017. One cannot help but wonder if Greta Van Fleet is the second generation of Led Zeppelin or simply copycats. What they are viewed as is up to interpretation for whoever listens. The band comprises of vocalist Josh Kiszka, his brothers Jake and Sam on guitar and bass, as well as drummer Danny Wagner. All members appear as if they stepped out of a time machine dating back to the counterculture generation. The music community is torn between how the unique up and comers should be perceived. The current fans and future groupies view them as saviors of classic rock. Individuals who are critical of the old school musicians simply view them as four inexperienced boys who are playing dress-up in 70s garb.
The Kiszka brothers and Wagner are all blossoming with youthful energy and vast potential. They are walking and talking contradictions who are blowing the minds of their elders. They are a ragtag pack of youths with a developed and sophisticated sound. The oldest band members are only at the tender age of twenty-two. The band has been around since 2012 and achieved their level of success in a mere six years. The Kiszka’s exposure to their parent’s impressive record collection has highly influenced their aged sound. In 2017 they signed to Lava Records and are releasing their first full album in October. They have gained the attention of seasoned musicians such as Elton John, whom they have performed alongside with. Despite quickly rising the ranks of the music world, some believe Greta Van Fleet contributes little originality to the industry. All bands will have their fair share confidence boosting approval and limb-shaking criticism. Feedback from both sides helps musicians develop their craft and grow as individuals. Gretta Van Fleet is a special gem in a pile of gravel, the gravel being oversampled and autotuned pop. Not many new bands possess the ability to stand out in our culture of dominant popular music. Those who claim the band lacks originality and diversity among their songs can preach their views until their heart gives out. In the end, Gretta Van Fleet belongs to our generation, they are our Led Zeppelin. They have the potential to reach the same level of success as the bands they embody in their music. Fifty years from now, they will evolve into the classic band young musicians idolize and grow up with. – Jon B Photo: Jon Gagner A wise woman once said, who I met virtually, “… your early 20’s is like a secret second puberty that no one prepared you for.” This statement packs a wallop that would send the most confident twentysomething to their knees. These words were uttered (gracefully typed) by Eliza Hanson, an up and coming musician and realist from Milwaukee. Hanson’s EP, “Any Day Now,” delivers an existential tale of human emotions and dilemmas we all experience, but very few of us face head on. We all suffer through isolation, doubt, and even loathing of ourselves. We must ask: can I uncover a blue sky in the storm of my troubles? Can happiness exist without sadness? Am I my own worst enemy? Eliza Hanson does not shy away these inquires of self-reflection.
I just think being in your early 20’s is like a secret second puberty that no one prepared you for.
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