Here’s our seven featured First Friday submissions for July of 2021. Once again it’s to see some new music and videos from some of our friends in the scene along with some newer artists to discover from around the Chicago metro area. We also will be featuring a few of the submissions in upcoming Rock in Chicago Show podcast episodes later in the month as there are some interesting stories behind the music
If you like what you hear, please support them below with likes, shares and purchasing their music and merchandise. Links are provided with each listing
Featured Artists
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Lorna Donley & The Veil
The band is ‘Lorna Donley & The Veil.’ The name might be familiar to you if you’re into the ’80s Chicago punk scene. Lorna was in DA!. This music was recently reissued on vinyl.
We will be diving deeper into this story later this month on the Rock In Chicago Show. -
Bret Figura: Shut-In Sounds Volume III
I’m first a drummer, then fairly new to solo composition as of Covid. 🙂
“Shut-In Sounds III: The Riteousness of Spring” is an experiment in music. First, I composed a batch of instrumentals. Then, I thought it’d be fun to solicit a bunch of friends to lend their vocal & lyrical talents on top the instrumentals I made since we were unable to create together in person. The artists chose an instrumental that spoke to them and were given complete freedom of expression to compose their vocals as they saw fit.
Bandcamp exclusive digital release:
https://bretfigura.bandcamp.com/…/shut-in-sounds-iii…
16 songs, 16 featured vocalists – Joel Ahrweiler, Jim Allen, Matthew Biskie, Ryan Butterfield, Dan Dougherty, Jross Green, Patrick Gunderson, Kevin Krauss, Candice Latimer, Todd Leiter-Weintraub, Melissa Powers, Erica Renee, Michael Shehan, Gabrielle Sutton, Scott Tipping, and Clarissa Worley
100% proceeds will be split between NIVA – National Independent Venue Association – & CIVL – Chicago Independent Venue LeagueOne of my favorite Chicago drummers and engineers I’ve admired from afar, Alex Hall, has mastered this release! Alex runs Reliable Recorders, and has worked with some of my personal favs like The Flat Five, J.D. McPherson, Pokey LaFarge, Joel Paterson and many others – hallalex.com
Composed, Played, Mixed by Bret Figura at Casa Figura. Each featured artist composed their vocal part(s). Vocal tracks recorded by each artist where ever possible: bathrooms, cars, basements, closets, studios, etc.
We will be diving deeper into Bret’s story later this month on the Rock In Chicago Show.
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Young Detectives
Chicago-based indie alternative rock group Young Detectives are best known for their upbeat music. With driving melodies and choruses, their music draws influence from artists like Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, The Killers, and Modest Mouse.
Longtime friends Stephen (drums) and Christopher (vocals/guitar) began sharing songs and collaborating during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The group went on to release two singles that year ‘One More Time’ and ‘In Your Roots’. In late 2020, the group added both Bart (bass) and Ben (guitar). The four are currently waiting on their debut EP ‘come & say goodnight’ which is set to release in July of 2021! -
Corrected Proofs
“Corrected Proofs” is a solo songwriting project of Christopher Dean Hayes, with help from his friends in the band, The Damn Tracks. The songs are Bible and Qur’an inspired about peace, unity, God’s love, and true Islam. (Submitters/Submission)
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The Guap Squad Gang
The Guap Squad Gang is a mix of funk, hip hop, jazz, rock, and synthwave with mischievous lyrics. The band is composed of multi instrumentalists and vocalists that take the listener to titillating musical adventures. They are currently signed to Tiny House Tapes.
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David Forman Project
David Forman Project has worked with Matt Walker (Smashing Pumpkins. Morrissey, Garbage, Filter), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, countless others), Steve Albini (Nirvana, PJ Harvey,), and Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Jon Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, countless others). DFP is funk rock and incorporates many other genres within its catalog. DFP has also has songs placed in TV shows, movies and commercials.
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Kadooge!
Kadooge! is a rock band from Aurora, IL.
Our latest single dropped June 4th and more material will be released this summer.