Derek Nelson & The Musicians

For years the songs created by Derek Nelson had never really met the ears of an audience, existing only in his head and within the crowded pages of his notebooks.  Despite playing his first gig ever in May of 2009, Derek Nelson has been writing songs since junior high, and so it comes as no surprise that Derek Nelson's debut EP, Something Obscure, comes across as the work of a finely seasoned folk veteran.  Released in October of 2009 to praise from the likes of Spin Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, and Jim Derogatis of the Chicago Sun Times, Something Obscure takes it's time and doesn't force a thing upon the listener.  Where other Windy City musicians bring the din and clamor of our fine metropolis to the mix, Nelson's music somehow escapes the grip of the city and brings to mind a relaxing day at the beach--the waters of Lake Michigan lapping gently against the coast of Chicago.  Nelson's velvet vocals are soaked with soul, floating somewhere between the likes of Langhorne Slim, Jim James, and Easy Tiger-era Ryan Adams.  With poignant lyrics delivered effortlessly over simple guitar arrangements and mournful wails of the harmonica, Something Obscure makes for a hauntingly beautiful listening experience.

Derek Nelson and The Musicians will be playing tomorrow night, Friday, August 27th, as a part of the Square Affair at Logan Square Auditorium.  The bill also features other local acts Jon Drake & The Shakes, The Minneapolis Henrys, and The Shams Band, as well as DJ sets by Dirty Diamonds.  On the eve of this inaugural event, we spoke with Derek about Springsteen, songwriting, and the art of working the word 'thump' into an interview as many times as possible.          

LSD:  The songs on your EP, Something Obscure, are delivered quite effortlessly. The simple structure of the songs paired with your haunting vocal melodies make for a very calm and relaxed listening experience. Is this relaxed feel translated to the stage, or do you try to rock a bit more when playing live with The Musicians?

Derek Nelson:  I'd say we definitely turn it up a few notches live, and we will on our upcoming album, as well. The EP from last year was my first time releasing anything, so we made a conscious decision not to overreach, and kept everything as simple and quaint as possible. Over the last year, the band and I have been writing a lot of new songs, and they definitely have a fuller, more thumping sound. We've added some thump to the old songs, too. Did I just say thump twice?

LSD:  Are most of your songs written with a full band in mind or do you approach the songwriting with more of a solo, singer-songwriter mentality and develop the tunes from there?

DN:  They usually start out as sketches in the wee hours of the morning with simple ideas for melodies and lyrics, or are written with Pete — the guitarist/drummer and best of friends since middle school, when I was miniature and he was, well, still incredibly tall. From there, the ideas are developed with Cathy (violin) and Ryan (bass) and Sarah (vocals/'shaking things'), who bring stuff out of these songs that wouldn't come out with anybody else.

LSD:  The RedEye once wrote that you 'prove there's nothing inherently bland about a dude with a guitar.' Do you think that statement can ever really be true?

DN:  I'd say that most dudes with a guitar are pretty bland, but there are exceptions. I have no idea if I'm there yet. Generally, though, it's a good rule of thumb to be doing something different and saying something meaningful. Take Springsteen, for example: even for all his huge, wall-of-sound records, "Nebraska" is still my favorite album by him.

LSD:  Have you had any formal training in music?

DN:  Nope. Took piano lessons once in college, but that's it.

LSD:  Where are you from originally? How long have you been in Chicago and what brought you here?

DN:  I'm from the north suburbs here in Chicago. I moved out to Missouri for college, and stayed for a year after. I've been back living and playing in Chicago for about a year and a half.

LSD:  Have most of your shows been played in Chicago? Have you ventured far from the city?

DN:  We've played a couple times back in Missouri, but other than that, we've stuck to Chicago.

LSD:  Are there plans for a Derek Nelson and the Musicians tour? Any new recorded material in the works? Has your sound changed since your last release?

DN:  We've been hard at work on a new album due to drop on November 11 at Schubas. We're very amped to release it, as it'll be a great representation of the sound of our live show, with fuller instrumentation and a more grizzly, energetic feeling (fighting the urge to say "thump" again). After The Square Affair, we'll be focusing on wrapping that up for the next couple months.

LSD:  What are you interested in with regards to songwriting these days?

DN:  Just telling compelling, more cohesive stories. I've been listening a lot to the English folk scene of late, and they're great at it — Laura Marling, Jonny Flynn, the like.

LSD:  How did you come to be involved in the Square Affair?

DN:  We're good friends with the guys in The Shams Band, and we were pumped when we heard that this show was coming together, especially considering the other bands on the bill. It's going to be a great night, and can't believe it's already here. The little things leading up to it — busking out in the square, playing at the farmers market, the pre-parties — everything has been really cohesive and cool. Party of the summer this Friday, friends.

LSD:  Favorite Logan Square hangouts?

DN:  Longman and Eagle is the best breakfast I've ever had. I really like New Wave Coffee, too.
 

***

 

The Square Affair: tomorrow night, Friday August 27th, at Logan Square Auditorium.  Do it!

 

The Minneapolis Henrys

Despite their name, The Minneapolis Henrys make it very clear that they are indeed a Chicago band.  Though forming in the Second City, members of the band have relocated from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, but not without bringing with them baggage packed with sounds of the likes of The Replacements, Lifter Puller, and Husker Du--godfathers of the always rich MSP rock scene.  Fuzzy power chords and a driving rhythm section push songs like 'The Ballad of Robert Murdoch,' which begins with a fantastic lyrical nod to the Land of 10,000 Lakes:  Woke up near Brainerd / found my shoes and walked away / headed back to the city / 169 all the way.  Other tracks such as 'The Way of the Albatross' and 'Letters From Odysseus'--a melancholy ballad laced with twinges of Modest Mouse--demonstrate The MPLS Henrys ability to layer subtle blends of folk and pop into the mix as well.  Their debut LP, The Way of the Albatross, is available now via Grape Juice Records.  Be sure to check it out.  

The MPLS Henrys will be perfoming August 27th as a part of the Square Affair, which also features Jon Drake & The Shakes, The Shams Band, and Derek Nelson and the Musicians.  In anticipation of the event, we spoke with Henrys vocalist/guitarist Jai Henry about the band, Chicago, and the Twin Cities.

LSD:  I read that the band originally hails from the Minneapolis area. How do you compare the music scene in the Twin Cities versus that in Chicago? Are there similarities? Differences?

Jai Henry:  Well to clarify, The Minneapolis Henrys are a Chicago band. We formed here, and we love it. Chicago is a big and exciting city with a diverse population and a thriving music scene. Meanwhile Minneapolis is much smaller, but no less culturally important. Some of the coolest, cutting edge music comes out of The Twin Cities. It's hard to pick favorites, but we choose to live in Chicago

LSD:  Why did you sell out the Twin Cities?

JH:  I really don't think we did sell out the Twins.  We live in Chicago, but we pay eternal homage to our roots through our name. Whether we stay in Chicago or move to Seattle when grunge comes back, we will ALWAYS be The Minneapolis Henrys.

LSD:  You released your first LP, The Way of the Albotross, via Grape Juice Records. Can you tell me a little bit about the label?

JH:  Grape Juice started back in '06 as a San Francisco label by Nick Rush and Ian Tsan (now drummer for the MPLS Henrys and Rambos) with the release of my solo album, Shipwrecked on The Shores of Persephone. They have since relocated to Chicago and put out records by The Henrys, The Butcher's Boy, Curtis Evans, ...soihadto...., and The Lower 48.  Good kids.

LSD:  What do the MPLS Henrys have in the works right now? Any plans to tour? New record in the works? If so, what changes, if any, have been made in terms of the band's sound since the your last LP?

JH:  We are currently writing songs for what will be the first of a few EP's. Our current stuff brings more of what Henrys fans have come to expect: rhythm-centric grooves, quirky subject matter and infectious singalongability.

Tour is a different story. In these tough times, The Henrys find ourselves without the reliable transportation needed to embark on extended road trips. We've had our share and more of bad luck on the road: Accidents, lemons, gas guzzlers, money pits etc. So for the time being we focus our attention to Chicago, other regional cities and the internet. But we'll get back out soon enough!

LSD:  Can you give me some insight into the band's songwriting process? Is there a primary songwriter or is it more of a group effort? What different influences does each band member bring to the table?

JH:  So far I bring in either completed or skeletal songs, and in either case we adapt them and arrange them for the band. I don't like to bring songs in that are complete, just to have them not fit with what the other guys' feel. I prefer to bring in an outline and see how it builds organically and democratically.

LSD:  Before the formation of the MPLS Henrys, what was everybody up to, musically and/or otherwise?

JH:  I was a sensitive male folk-rock solo artist after originally being in an emo-indie type outfit back home.
Brandon was a guitar player and singer in a super-metal band called Satanic Ballerinas.  Ian was the drummer for legendary Minneapolis teen-prog band Linus

LSD:  Does the band reside in Logan Square? What are some favorite stomping grounds in the neighborhood?

JH:  We all live in Logan Square. Favorites include The Whirlaway, Lula, Logan Theater, Cozy Corner, Unity Park, Palmer Square, Two-way, Cole's. It goes on an on, this is a great neighborhood.

LSD:  Tell me a little bit about how the idea for The Square Affair came about. Have you collaborated with the other bands on the bill before?

JH:  This is the first time that the Henrys have played with any of the other acts on this bill, though Jon Drake & The Shakes played this year's Windy City Winter Ball, which was a Grape Juice production.

We wanted to do something that highlighted our community. Logan Square is on the rise and we feel proud to be a small part of what makes it such a cool place to live and/or hang out in. This is a celebration of that.

LSD:  Who would win in a fight between The Henrys and the Shakes? Be honest.

JH:  The Minneapolis Henrys would quickly and humanely vanquish Jon Drake & The Shakes in any combat situation. It would never come to that, as we are far too likeable to ever have to fight...they're pretty nice themselves! But if it did happen, then yes, we would make orphans of their children.

LSD:  You've got seven and a half words to sell The Square Affair, let people know why they should come out...go!

JH:  It will be a Square Affair to rememb
  

The Thermals!

photo by Alicia J. Rose

Following an amicable split from Sub Pop Records back in 2008, The Thermals signed to Kill Rock Stars and released their last album, Now We Can See, in 2009.  The album, written from the viewpoint of the dead, examines a life in retrospect through cerebral songwriting and catchy pop melodies delivered over dirty and gritty guitar hooks.  Having toured the globe on the release of this masterpiece of modern pop-punk rock, The Thermals are set to release their follow up album, Personal Life, on September 7th.  The sophomore effort under the Kill Rock Stars label finds The Thermals working once again with musician/producer Chris Walla, whose production credits include work with Nada Surf, The Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie, and Hot Hot Heat, as well as previous Thermals albums More Parts per Million and Fuckin A.   

Embarking on a fall tour of the United States beginning in September, The Thermals come to the neighborhood to play the Logan Square Auditorium on Sunday, October 3rd, on a bill that also features the indie-rock outfit Cymbals Eat Guitars.  In anticipation of the gig, we talked with The Thermals front man Hutch Harris about the forthcoming album, Lula's Cafe and the Fireside Bowl.

LSD:  You've never been one to refrain from expressing your political beliefs through the music, though I think you've been very successful at calling attention to certain issues without sounding too preachy. Nobody wants to be told how to live their lives, and it seems to me you'd be more likely to kick the soapbox than use it as a platform to lecture. With regards to your songwriting, how do you balance discontent with certain issues or policies without coming across as the pulpiteer?

Hutch Harris:  Basically I just sing what I feel and sometimes it ends up like a story, sometimes it sounds like the rantings of a crazy person...sometimes both!  I'm trying to stir feelings in people and give them a rush rather than trying to get a point across.

LSD:  I've read that you had employed a sort of 'cautious optimism' in regards to the election of President Barack Obama. We've seen some major changes in domestic policy, but a lot of our foreign exploits that began under Bush/Cheney have been continued under the new administration. Now that you've been given some time to reflect, what are your impressions of Obama's presidency thus far? Are any of those opinions reflected on the new album?

HH:  I think Obama's presidency is in some ways very positive, however we are still engaged in two wars that look like they will never end. These opinions are not reflected on the new record. The new record is mainly about toxic personal relationships. There is one song, "Power Lies", which is sung from the point of view of a successful leader who constantly doubts his own abilities.

LSD:  You've revisited old friend and producer Chris Walla on the new record, Personal Life, which is set for release September 7.  How has bringing him back into the mix changed the direction of the sound on this album compared your previous two studio efforts?

HH:  We knew before we went into the studio with Chris that we wanted to make a simple, stripped-down modern rock record. We knew Chris would be the perfect person to help us realize this.

LSD:  Your earlier recordings as Hutch and Kathy are acoustic tunes with more of a stripped down folky feel. Was it a conscious decision to veer from that path in favor of a heavier, more punk influenced sound, or did things seem to naturally progress in that direction?

HH:  After we worked a year or so on the Hutch and Kathy record I wanted to make something that was faster, louder and more immediate. So it was conscious, and natural.

LSD:  What sort of music are you listening to these days? Any particular bands that have caught your attention lately?

HH:  I like Thin Lizzy and Kraftwerk.  I don't listen to a lot of music recorded after 1980. Except The Cure and Smashing Pumpkins.

LSD:  Let's talk a bit about Chicago, you've played some pretty high profile gigs here recently, Pitchfork Music Festival in 2009 and a summer set at Millenium Park this past July. When did The Thermals first come to Chicago and where did you play? Any particular memories of your first time in town?

HH:  Yeah we love Chicago we've played there a ton.  The first Thermals show in Chicago was at the Fireside Bowl.  We actually played there a few times, with older bands of ours as well. The first time Kathy and I came to Chicago was in 1997 with a band called Haelah.

LSD:  Have you had a chance to check out any of the local eateries during past trips to Chicago?

HH:  Dude, wherever we go we are eating all the time. In chicago we love Karyn's. We also love intelligentsia coffee.

LSD:  If you have a chance before the gig at Logan Square Auditorium you'll have to check out Lula's Cafe right below the venue. They are sort of a culinary institution in the neighborhood.

HH:  Of course! We ate there last time we played Logan Square.  It was delicious.

LSD:  Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I'm looking forward to checking out the new album. Best of luck on the road and we'll see you October 3rd at the Logan Square Auditorium.

HH:  Thanks!

The Shams Band

In an already flooded valley of self-labeled folk-rock outfits, The Shams Band is the dirt--the levy that stays true to form against a flood of watered down acts.  With heavy doses of rockabilly and a juke-joint prowess, The Shams Band draw from folk, blues, and country influences to create a sound that is unmistakably of the Midwest.  From the lazy harmonica and dusty vocal harmonies of 'Des Plains River' to bar-room shuffles like 'I Will Love You The Most,' The Shams Band navigate the waters of Americana well.  And they've amassed the company to prove it, having shared the stage with David Grisman, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, The Avett Brothers, and Dr. Dog, to name a few.    

Originally from Oak Park, IL, The Shams Band landed on the Chicago music scene in late 2008 with a breakout performance at the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival at the Congress Theatre.  They hit the ground running, immediately plowing their way into the fields of fans and critics alike.  Since then they've played regularly at venues around the city including stops at Taste of Chicago and the Daley Plaza Farmer's Market where they garnered an audience with the mayor himself.

Ever-active participants in the local music community, TSB guitarist/songwriter Donnie Biggins began the Chicago Roots Collective in 2009, a collaborative venture that showcases local music at venues throughout the city.  The Shams Band will be performing at the Logan Square Auditorium as part of The Square Affair, a multi-band bill sponsored by businesses in the neighborhood.  In the days leading up to The Square Affair, we talked with Donnie about the band's upcoming album, burning LeBron James jerseys, and why your first stop on the way to a bar should always be your fridge.

LSD: What has the band been up to this summer?

Donnie Biggins:  Finishing our album Champange. It is our first full length and we took our time with it. We are very happy with the finished product. A CD release party is in the works for the Fall.  We played Ribfest, Taste of Chicago and played for Mayor Daley at the 1st Farmer's Market of the summer at Daley Plaza in May. It was a great time and great publicity being able to play out in public in our fine city.  We also took a mini tour with friend and fellow musician, Rachele Eve. We traveled to Grand Rapids, MI, Livonia, MI and Akron, OH. This was right after the Lebron announcement. Lot's of burning jersey's in Akron.

LSD:  Is all of the band from the Midwest? What was everybody doing before the formation of The Shams Band?

DB:  We are all from Oak Park, IL. There are five members; Doug Hill, Brian Patterson, Paul Gulyas, Ben White, and myself. Brian, Ben, Paul and I were all good friends since we were 13. Some of us even knew each other in elementary school. Doug came into the picture after college. I knew of him from some cousins. He is our Poppa in the group and keeps our young minds level-headed. This is the first band I have ever been a part of.

LSD:  Does the band hold down 'day jobs'? What do you guys do to supplement income when you aren't playing with the band? I get up at noon and...

DB:  Doug is a high school teacher. I substitute teach at the same high school. I do independent booking through my production company called "Harmonica Dunn." I also do odd jobs for elderly woman (i.e. clean gutters, garages, paint, etc.). Paul delivers organic food from Fresh Pick's (every employee I have met from there is a musician). Brian is a freelance graphic designer. And Ben is a teacher's assistant at a school for children with autism.

We'd like to quit our day jobs and fully dedicate our lives to music. The goal: how do we pay that rent? And oh yea... um health insurance? It isn't a flattering life in this country to be a musician. Most people think we don't do anything and are lazy hippies. I spend atleast 6 hours a day in band related work. Emailing people and scheduling meetings with other musicians takes up my nights.

LSD:  How did you guys come to be involved with The Square Affair?

DB: I first met Jon Drake at The Two Way Lounge. We began talking about putting a show together. He got Grape Juice Productions involved and I brought Derek Nelson into the mix. We have been meeting once a week since April. Crazy to think about all the time we have put in to put on a show with 4 local Logan Square acts. It is our project and one we hope to catch on for a bigger outdoor event next summer.

LSD:  Does the band reside in the Logan Square?

DB:  Yes, we literally live one block from the Auditorium. We are going to walk our gear there for the load in.

LSD:  When you're needing a drink and your in the neighborhood, what's the first stop?  Unless of course the band doesn't drink, in which case this interview is over. Just kidding...but not really.

DB:  Well first I grab a beer from my fridge for the walk over. I have 2 spots I always go to. Originally, it was the Two Way Lounge. I feel very comfortable in that place. You get all walks of life in there, and that is a major attraction.  My new favorite spot is the Rocking Horse. Thursday nights they have $3 craft brews. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me. The staff that works there is local and are very welcoming.

LSD:  Can you tell me a little bit about the Chicago Roots Collective?

DB:  The Chicago Roots Collective stems from an idea I had Spring of 2009. We participated in the 2008 Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival (our first gig ever in Chicago). After that, I wanted to put together a set of shows for the summer that were Pre-CBB Festival shows. What ended up happening was I met a group of 10 bands and we started putting on successful shows that have 3-4 bands a night. We work together on promotion, we share gear, and we have always had successful nights, some might argue the best local nights of any bands out of Chicago in a long time. For example, we had a show at Double Door in April and drew 530 people between 4 bands. That is near capacity (600) and a sellout. Our next big collaborative adventure is November 5th and 6th at Elbo Room. We booked the whole weekend and plan on selling out the entire weekend.

Currently I book the Chicago Roots Collective Showcase at Lincoln Hall. Once Lincoln Hall opened, it was a perfect chance to get our collective in there and provide local bands the opportunity to play such a fantastic venue.  August 25th will be my 6th show there. I try to have a CRC band involved as much as I can, but the goal is simply to get the most hard working Chicago bands on bills together.

LSD:  You guys are getting ready to release your new album, Champagne. When can we expect it to hit the streets?

DB:  It is being pressed and mastered. We are working out the date of the actual release still. Want to make sure it is thoughtfully planned. If you'd like to review it before it is out, we will be more than willing to get you a copy.

LSD:  That would be great!  Can you describe the recording process? Overdubbing? Live takes with the full band?

DB: Our tracks started with live takes concentrating on getting the drums recorded. We worked with Mitchell Cepaitis of Kilo Studios to perfect the drums. Mitch is also Mixing and Mastering our final recordings. The rest of the recordings took place in our studio in Logan Square. The process is long, long, long. Next time we record, we are going to schedule out 2 weeks and do it all right then. We already have the songs ready for our second album, so expect another one soon.

LSD:  Are there any plans to tour on the release of Champagne? What else does the band have in store for the near future?

DB:  Touring is a definite. I would like to start touring 2-3 times a month. Summer time next year is going to be huge for us. We hope to take part in more Chicago festivals and to also hit the road for the majority of the summer.

LSD:  You've got seven and a half words to sell the Square Affair, let people know why they should come out...go!

DB:  Local, live, drunk, party, neighbors, and handsome faces. 

That's actually eight words, but nobody's counting.    

Jon Drake & The Shakes

It's been a hell of a summer for Jon Drake and The Shakes.  Kicking it off with a late spring European excursion that brought their folksy union of sweat-drenched American pop to eager audiences in France, The Shakes returned stateside with several open-air outings on the Chicago street festival circuit, including stops at the Taste of Chicago, Northalsted Market Days, Milwaukee Avenue Arts Fest, and Ribfest. 

But despite the band's evergrowing reach, Jon Drake & The Shakes stand proud to call Logan Square home, hanging their caps on the close-quartered stages of local watering holes like Cole's Bar, Quenchers Saloon, and The Whistler.  All eight members of the band reside in the neighborhood. 

"We dote on Logan Square," declared Jon Drake recently to The Logan Square Dispatch.  "All of us."

On more than one occasion this summer the inspiringly hard-working ensemble doubled down on their performances, breaking down after higher-profile festival appearances and hours (sometimes minutes) later loading in to play smaller, intimate Logan Square bar gigs, where shoulder-to-shoulder camaraderie was the norm for the band and fans alike.  Accessible and unassuming, The Shakes wear their hearts on the torn and frayed knees of their jeans. To see them live is to be a Shake--the hoots and hollers of over-served bar patrons as much a part of the composition as the guitars and violin.

The Shakes' busy summer will culminate with The Square Affair, held at Logan Square Auditorium on Friday, August 27th.  Jon Drake & The Shakes will be headlining the event along with other local acts The Shams Band, The Minneapolis Henrys, and Derek Nelson and the Musicians.  DJ sets will also be provided by The Dirty Diamonds. These are all great bands, and certainly a group to keep our eyes on. You can catch up with all of them on Sundays prior to The Square Affair as they gather in front of Wolfbait to busk the sidewalks of the boulevard, socialize, and promote the show.

In anticipation of The Square Affair, Jon Drake was kind enough to talk with The Logan Square Dispatch about the band, Polaroids, and why rumors about the French are bullshit. 

LSD: Recently you’ve been selling quite a bit of photography equipment on Craigslist. Who do you owe money to this time?

Jon Drake: Yes, yes I have been selling photography gear lately. I still have a strobe/softbox and reflector kit available as well as a Panasonic DVX, Portabrace Case, and Fender Lonestar Strat (American made) for sale. Priced to go, serious inquiries only: jonathandrake30@gmail.com. Our first tour in France was supported by the individuals who went. I'm still catching up from the trip mentally and financially. The moment I came back I knew I had to reduce the clutter in my life and the first thing to go was all non-musical, non-darkroom photography related materials, and some items I once thought essential but now seem like burdens. Joe, our keyboard/guitarist, is also a talented photographer- he can have the digital world, I'll keep the analog alive.

LSD: The Square Affair is the last Shakes show before the fall tour. Can you expand upon the tour at all? How extensive will the tour be? What cities are you planning on hitting? Any anticipated highlights?

JD:  Our fall tour is two fold: We are releasing our upcoming EP "Side B" and this tour is one big release party, but not only that- this tour is our first run of a circuit 'The Shakes' are building that we'll visit once a month or so. We have good friends in Cincinnati, Louisville, Detroit, and Minneapolis. It's just a matter of choosing the cities we want to build relationships with and making dates. We're looking at getting our EP done first, then touring in the late fall.

LSD:  Tell me a little more about the band's tour of France. How did that come about, and what are some of the fundamental differences between planning for a European tour vs. a tour in the States? How were you guys received overseas?

JD:  France. Oh, France. We fell in love with France and have been a little heartbroken since. It took a moment to remember why I came home... It was actually a hard time adjusting back into the flow of American life. To answer your question, we have family friends in Strasbourg- my sister's best friend to be exact. My brother Jim had made the trip less than a year earlier and played his music all over Europe. He had since put together his band 'Jaime Rojo' and decided to go back. When I got the invite, I was on board instantly. I figured if I didn't go now, I'd probably wait until I was too old to really enjoy France let alone the people (and women). We banded together, a few of The Shakes and Jaime Rojo, to form a tour that lasted roughly two weeks. It was the most incredible two weeks of our lives to date. I still can hardly explain to people how it felt, and still feels. It was like meeting the love of your life knowing you'll be sent off to war next week.

Planning France was both easy and difficult. What was hard was the anticipation. In Chicago, I make phone calls or send emails to venues and get a response by the end of the day! In France, everything moves at it's own pace. Lunch lasts two hours and is at the same time everyday for everyone. All businesses are closed. Not a soul works on Sundays, and there are a lot of optional bank holidays. Not only that, the venues we played don't really have booking agents. They form co-ops, or a 'collectíf', that run the venues and the members make a 'fight' for certain nights and productions. They basically have to convince all their friends over beers and cigarettes that our bill is a good idea. Once it's a go, every one in the collectíf get's on board and pitches in anyway they can.

What made it very easy was our tour managers- they were citizens of Strasbourg. They planned everything from food to lodging, venues, dates, local bands, press, television spots, blogs, video shoots for websites, etc. They were fairly new at planning a tour, and repeatedly said "We are not professionals, but we think this will work". As far as we were concerned, they were top notch. Entire communities banded together to support us. (Check out http://www.audreycanales.com/ for our 'Festival Strasbourg-Chicago' links and stories.)

Our first show had thirty or so people, and a little over a week later our last show had too many people to fit in the venue. The crowd had poured over into the streets where they made a party for us when our sets were finished. We sold our EPs, signed autographs, spoke our broken French, laughed our asses off, and let our hearts grow ten fold. Our last night in France we went to a bar in Strasbourg called "Café Atlantico", which was a river boat with the best view of the city, and all the folks we had met at the shows started popping up. Soon we filled the place, took and exchanged Polaroid pictures with everyone, and said goodbye to some of the most wonderful people on the planet. That being said, the rumors about the French are fucking bullshit.

What was most incredible was how much our music and performances meant to the people who came to the shows. It was a rare and pure gift to them. They were so overjoyed after we finished sometimes it seemed like they were holding back tears. I mean, American musicians come to France and are... humble? Heartwarming? Respectful? And passionate? Once again, rumors are bullshit and apparently go both ways. The thing was though, they gave us countless gifts each time they smiled and said hello, cheered and clapped, and welcomed us into their hearts and homes.

LSD:  Tell me a little bit about the venues you guys played in France. How do you compare them to venues in Chicago? I can still smoke in the clubs there, right?

JD:  The venues in France are non-smoking, but most places let you drink outside while you smoke- so who cares! We played places the size of a shoebox, where the owner was the bartender, waitress, host, and psychiatrist. Then we played places that were the same as our dirty American rock venues, and even a jazz club with a baby grand piano- where we closed with American jazz standards to the delight of the venue employees.

LSD:  Can you describe The Shakes songwriting process for me? How much of the composition is done on your part? Do other members of the band create their own lines or do you usually have a melody in mind for each instrument when you bring a song to the band?

JD:  Songwriting. I write the songs and the band makes them great. Usually it starts and ends with whiskey.

LSD: On your Myspace page the music is described as ‘smart.’ I don’t get it. What does that mean?

JD:  What is smart pop? It's a group of musicians who understand the importance of space in the structure of a song. The songs have substance. The parts are clever and inspired. We don't flex our muscles to attract a mate.

LSD:  How did The Shakes come to be involved in The Square Affair?

JD:  I banded together Chicago's finest young event planners Ian & Quinn Tsan, Kate Paris (Grape Juice Records), and Donnie Biggins (Harmonica Dunn, Chicago Roots Collective) to put together an annual event. The show went through a few forms and potential neighborhoods before we all realized we were equally in love with Logan Square, where we all happen to live and make our music... So it was simply a matter of getting the date, hooking up with Empty Bottle Presents, doing our best work yet and involving everyone we could! We've received sponsorship from over ten locally owned businesses including beer sponsorship from Old Style. With our 'Square Affair' merchandise, we're raising money for Intonation- a Logan Square non-profit that puts instruments and lessons into the hands of underprivileged children. We are fully intending on reaching our sell out mark of 800 covers and tickets, and we need all the help we can get. We are very proud of the work we've been doing and can not thank our sponsors enough. Speaking of... New Wave Cafe, El Cid, Haritics Salon, Fresh Picks, Caio, Café con Leche, The Rocking Horse, The Boiler Room, Twisted Scizzors, and Old Style: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Tell your friends about the party of the summer: The Square Affair @ The Logan Square Auditorium 8/27 8:00pm $8/$12door 17+. Jon Drake & The Shakes with The Shams Band, The MPLS Henrys, Derek Nelson and the Musicians.

Come see us for Sundays on The Square- each Sunday leading up to the event, we gather in front of Wolfbait for acoustic performances, good times, promotion of the show, and lots of smiles. We are getting to know our neighbors, you should too!

LSD:  You guys have the numbers on your side, but who would win in a fight between The Shakes and the Minneapolis Henrys? Be honest.

JD:  Don't mess with The Shakes man...

LSD:  When can we expect the next record from The Shakes?

JD:  Our next record "Side B" is due out in the late fall of this year. Keep a look out.

LSD:  You’ve got seven and a half words to sell The Square Affair, let people know why they should come out…go!

JD:  The Square Affair: party of the summer.

And indeed it just may be.  Be sure to check it out Friday, August 27th at the Logan Square Auditorium.

Genesis.

     A little while back I signed on to contribute to a developing website dedicated to the happenings of Logan Square.  My intentions were to cover the cultural beat in the neighborhood, among other things.  A couple of hours ago I received word that the site will be no longer, the creator had taken a job, there would be no time.  Having already invested my own time as well as the time of local organizers, artists, and musicans of both local and national acclaim, I decided to get real.
    'Fuck it,' I said.  'I'll do it myself.' 
    And with a copy of Levon Helm's Dirt Farmer on loan from my neighbor, a plate of pita and hummus, a few cigarettes, and a six-pack of IBC root beer, I set out to create The Logan Square Dispatch.
     Somewhere in the middle my dog Coltrane and I went for a walk.  Under the hum of the streetlights we strolled down Altgeld along a current of crickets and locusts.  They droned unseen from thickets of overgrown wildflowers crowding the sidewalk.  We cut through the alley behind Bernard, snouts of faceless dogs snorting up sand and gravel where wooden fences gapped from the alley surface.  Lichen green, brick red.  And under the hum of the street lights we walked down Kimball towards home. 
     Logan Square is where we live, Logan Square is where we get high.
    
     Welcome, Squares, to The Logan Square Dispatch.  This will be our home until it isn't anymore.

     Stay tuned for concerns of local culture.