Posts tagged with ‘Folk’

Chris Darby got an awesome write up, and from the sound of it, a spot on the cover of this weeks Redeye magazine in Chicago. The publication is associated with the Chicago Tribune. Here’s what they had to say about Chris:

Chris Darby of Portage Park has held a lot of titles: carpenter, bike messenger, busboy; but the one that’s earned him the most recognition is folk musician.

The singer-guitarist formed the band Them Damn Kids in La Grange nine years ago with friend Rolland Gairroes, whom he met in college in Missouri a few years before.

Darby says his lyrics and sound are rooted in his own “working class” experiences. They’re heavily influenced by his folk peers in Chicago and states he’s visited in the Midwest during his tours, making his connection to the genre an easy fit.

“It seemed to come up naturally, I guess. There wasn’t really a plan,” said Darby, 30, who considers lyric-based tunes to be folk music.

Darby’s new plan is to tour the Midwest for six weeks this summer with a stop June 10 at the Red Line Tap in Rogers Park as part of a three-day songwriter festival. Them Damn Kids, which produced four full-length albums known for their hushed vocals, is on hiatus, so he’s a solo artist now.

Over the years, he’s performed 400 shows in 30 states, including a residency at Uncommon Ground in Lakeview, and hosted songwriter showcases for local folk musicians and those on tour.

As he’s toured the country, Darby’s met musicians at shows and through friends of friends, who’ve lent him a couch to crash on. He’s returned the favor by giving touring artists a place to stay and gas money.

Darby said he’s felt comfortable relying on others because he belongs to a tight musician network.

“It’s pretty safe,” Darby said. “If someone seems like a loose cannon, I just sleep in my car.”

Darby admitted the lengths that he goes to for other musicians is “pretty extensive,” but he praised Chicago’s folk population as “really communal. People are interested in what other people are doing and willing to help each other out.”

Read the full article here. Congrats, Chris!

My Old Kentucky Blog did a great write-up on Lee Miles’ for their ‘New Song’ feature and made No You’re Not. You’re Disloyal their new song of the day today, December 28th. Here’s an excerpt:

Fort Wayne’s Lee Miles is hell-bent on proving that, even if Jack and Diane are the blessed couple of Indiana roots music, the story need not end there for The Hoosier state. Through the course of a dozen thoughtful and tuneful numbers, Miles’ newest record, The Leaving, makes it abundantly clear that this is a young man with his own voice and plenty to say. More impressively, he avoids the temptation of trying to be too clever, a trap that has snared more young folkies than is fit for mention. (Read more)

Sixty Years War Collective is incredibly honored to introduce you to a brand new artist we’ve added to our roster, Jon Keller.

Keller has recently completed work on his first full length recording, Down In A Mirror, a nine song LP that draws from influences such as Elliot Smith, Gram Parsons and Tom Waits.

This soft spoken, but incredibly centered Folk/Rock album is smart, engaging and full of depth. A pleasure to listen to from start to finish and a testament to Keller’s songwriting, guitar playing and vocal talents.

You can purchase a digital version of the album right now on iTunes, with a physical release coming very soon. 

Keller will be hosting a CD release show this Saturday, August 28th to celebrate the release of this incredible record. If you’re in the Fort Wayne area, you don’t want to miss it.