ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Accessory

If you’re in tune with the Chicago music scene, you’re likely already familiar with musician Jason Balla’s projects Dehd, Earring, and the no longer active NE-HI. Balla’s latest musical endeavor comes in the form of his lo-fi solo project: Accessory. Under the Accessory moniker, Balla released the track “Eyes for Berlin” this past Monday, as a follow up to the 2018 album Blue Tape. Balla describes the sensation of finding a new perspective in a familiar setting in the song— “It's about finding new eyes. Seeing the old and everyday that has become the background of my life with a fresh sense of wonder.”

The new music arrived just before a hometown headline gig at The Empty Bottle on Thursday, January 16th. With a live line up that will feature members of Bunny, Deeper, Grapetooth, The Hecks, Twin Peaks, and V.V. Lightbody, this Accessory show will certainly deliver a fresh perspective of some of Chicago’s finest musicians that we’ve all come to know and love. Tune into “Eyes For Berlin” below, and grab your tickets to see Accessory with Tenci and Products tonight here.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Diane Coffee

Sometimes drummers need to step out from behind the kit and show their full talent. That's exactly former Foxygen drummer, Shaun Fleming, did with Diane Coffee.

Cooped up in his New York City apartment, he recorded his first album "My Friend Fish" for a 2013 release. Fleming said he didn't enjoy the hustle and bustle of city living, so he ended up moving to Bloomington, Indiana, home of his label Jagjaguwar. There, Fleming brought in session musicians to give his second LP "Everybody's a Good Dog" a bigger sound.

He's stayed in Bloomington and just released his third album "Internet Arms" last year.

For an introduction though, spin "Green" from his debut, which is one of my favorite songs of all-time. 

Before he's set to open for the New Pornographers, Diane Coffee will perform two back-to-back nights at Hideout on Jan. 23 and 24.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Hatari

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I really wish there was an Icelandic, industrial, BDSM, performance-art band I could rock with”?  Well, look no further, ANCHR has you covered.  The anti-capitalist trio, Hatari, which consists of Matthías Haraldsson, Klemens Hannigan, and Einar Stefánsson, first captured America's attention when John Oliver featured the band on his show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.  Hatari's song “Hatrið Mun Sigra”, which translates in English to "Hate Will Prevail", won them a spot in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.  Things got a bit awkward though when the 2019 contest's host city was Tel Aviv, Israel, and the band has been vocal about their opposition to Israel's occupation of Palestine. Although the band finished the competition in 10th place, they've been able to grab people's attention across the globe with their spectacle-filled live performances. Myself being proof of that statement since I, being a Puerto Rican guy from the southwest side of Chicago, am still shook from their performances two months after Iceland Airwaves has concluded.  

Fireworks, Dancers, and Leather, Oh My! Hatari's live show will have you wide eyed from start to finish. I was fortunate enough to catch them in their homeland of Iceland at the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. There, Hatari played on back to back nights with a full production show at the Reykjavik Art Museum and then closed down the festival with a stripped down, more intimate and sweaty performance at Gaukurinn, a vegan watering hole in downtown Reykjavik.  Both shows were fun and dance filled. I did not understand one single word they were saying and yet their performances were personal highlights in an already awesome, music filled festival weekend. Check out their performance of “X” at Studio 12 below, but believe me their show is truly one that has to be witnessed in person to get the full effect!

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Dilly Dally

It's Monday, you're probably tired and your coffee may be watered down. Enter Toronto-based Dilly Dally who just have that special something that will make you perk up instantly.

If you took a look at their cover art, you may assume they're a Gothic heavy metal band. That's not the case, but lead singer Katie Monks certainly brings that type of energy with occasional melodic screaming.

"I Feel Free" was no doubt one of the best songs of 2018. Let's hope for a third full-length album in 2020.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Black Belt Eagle Scout

As we enter a new decade, I think it's safe to say the world needs more songs that are over 6 minutes long. Starting off slow and ending with Joy Formidable "Whirring" vibes, "Soft Stud" by Black Belt Eagle Scout is the perfect song to start your weekend with.

The woman behind the stage name, Katherine Paul (KP), has been busy since her first release in 2018. Coming right back with second LP "At the Party With My Brown Friends" last year, there's no signs of slowing down for Paul. She's about to embark on a tour in her native Pacific Northwest. 

With the evocative "At the Party" below, she should be touring across the world sooner than later. Tune in below, and for more on KP, check out our interview with her here.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Post Animal

If you’re a frequent ANCHR Magazine reader, then you’re likely already familiar with Chicago’s Post Animal, but they have new music on the way that warrants them today’s AAOTD feature!

After a successful first album run that took the five-piece on national tours and saw them playing festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, the band has steadily been gearing up to release their sophomore effort via Polyvinyl Records. Leading up to the February 14th release of Forward Motion Godyssey, Post Animal released singles “Safe or Not” and “Schedule” in late 2019, and they just shared the record’s third single, “Fitness,” this week. The epic five-minute track embodies the same winding energy that builds up and releases across their saga of a second album.

In addition to the pristine production on Forward Motion Godyssey and the band’s fluid combination of genres, Post Animal continues to stand out among the rest by featuring vocals and lyrics from multiple band members; If you were to listen to Post Animal on shuffle, it’s sometimes hard to believe these songs came from the same band thanks to the vocal distinctions.

Tune into “Fitness” and “Safe or Not” below, and see where you can catch Post Animal on tour here. And of course, don’t forget to pre-order the album here.

Thumbnail photo by Marie Renaud

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Forth Wanderers

Started as a high school band back in New Jersey in 2013, 5-piece Forth Wanderers were signed to Sub Pop after two EP's and debut LP "Tough Love."

Third single "Nevermine" from their second self-titled album was one of the best songs of 2018 as the band keeps it simple through honest songwriting.

"Pictures of me will not fade, from your head/ They're none of which you can replace/ in your bed," singer and lyricist  Ava Trilling beautifully pens.

Check out their entire Audiotree session from back in the summer of 2017. "Nevermine” starts around the 16 minute mark.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Holly,

Today’s AAOTD goes to Chicago’s own Holly, who put a fresh spin on classic soul influences. Perfectly meshing blues and jazz with lead singer Tanner Bednar’s smooth and soulful vocals, Holly,’s debut EP Letters from Lawndale will hook you on the first listen. To follow up their debut, the band is currently recording new music to be released this year, so be sure to follow them for the latest updates.

Holly, will be headlining Schubas this Friday, January 10th, and you can tune into their performances at Sofar Sounds and JBTV below.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Pom Pom Squad

Holy hell, hat tip to my buddy Tony in NYC for telling me to check out Pom Pom Squad. "Heavy, Heavy" is an instant top songs of 2019 contender. The energy at the end made me repeat the song three times before I could get up.

If Savages,-inspired punk isn't your thing, check out their beautiful slower love song "Cherry Blossom" below.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Wombo

I only recently heard Wombo for the first time, when they opened up for White Reaper at their sold out Metro show last month. The second the Louisville trio of Sydney Chadwick, Cameron Lowe, and Joel Taylor hit the stage, they caught my ear with a sound that reminded me of so many of my favorite bands while also having a distinctive and unique twist of their own.

Described as “avant-pop / post-punk / whatever-rock” in their Facebook bio, Wombo doesn’t just stick in one lane on their 2017 debut album Staring at Trees. The band released a follow up single “Sad World” in October 2019, and here’s hoping we’ll get even more new tunes in 2020!

Tune into that latest single and “Claire’s Lair” from their first album below.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Bully

Straight out of Nashville's rock scene, Bully spent the better part of the last decade touring around the world, but always had a special place in their heart for Chicago.

"But I'm just a circle in Logan Square, spinning around in my underwear," lead singer Alicia Bognanno howls on standout track "Milkman."

With two albums under their belt, the last one coming out in 2017, look for the band to release new music in 2020.

Enjoy the brief, powerful track "I Remember" below along with "Milkman."

PREMIERE: "Tell Me" by Motel Breakfast

Motel Breakfast is Jimmy Drenovsky, Mick O'Donnell, Conor Brennan, Jesse Nasadowski, Drue Devente. Photo by Maddie Houlihan

Ahead of Motel Breakfast’s self-titled album release on February 7th, we’re giving you the first listen of the debut record’s second single, “Tell Me.”

Talking about the single’s origins, the band says it was the first song written as a five-piece after bassist Drue Devente joined in 2018. “It’s the most collaborative song we've written to date. Starting with the goal of writing an interesting and dynamic 3-chord song, it became something that Mick, Jesse, and Jim workshopped into rough form during a weekend at Mick's cottage.” The group then brought the song to Drue and Conor to continue developing it. “It continued to change as everyone put distinct fingerprints onto the piece and it worked its way into live sets. This final form came into being with help from our friend Sam Veren on trumpet, and the studio guidance of producer Andy Goitia,” vocalist and guitarist Jimmy Drenovsky says.

The whole album is a culmination of three years of writing, performing, and recording throughout the Midwest. Every song on the self-titled album was recorded analog in the summer of 2019, with the sessions split between Treehouse Records in Chicago and Williamson Magnetic Recording in Madison. “The aim for the album was to capture the energy and chemistry of our live performance in the same way rock bands have done for decades — straight to tape,” the band says.

Get your first listen of “Tell Me” below, and keep an eye for it on all other streaming services tomorrow, January 3rd.

Cover photo and design by Mike Heinz

Keep up with Motel Breakfast on Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Barrie

Let’s close out 2019 with sold good ol’ dream pop from the Brooklyn-based Barrie. Singer, songwriter and namesake of the project Barrie Lindsay is joined by band members from different cities around the world to bring her narratives to life.

Although Barrie just released their debut single “Canyons” in early 2018, they have already gained tons of traction from their first full-length album Happy to Be Here, which dropped in May 2019. Barrie has already followed up the album with some additional singles “Human Nature” and “Drag” in October, so it likely won’t be long until we’re graced with even more music from them!

Listen to “Darjeeling” and “Talo Uno” by Barrie below, and make sure you snag your tickets to the Winspear Review at Lincoln Hall on January 10th. Barrie will be playing alongside Divino Niño, Major Murphy and more!

Thumbnail image by Alex Bandoni

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: The Garrys

The Garrys was another band I stumbled across during my time at Iceland Airwaves this year, and I’m so glad that their description on the festival app caught my eye. “If Ed Sullivan went on a date with the Spice Girls, they would eat ice cream sandwiches and dance to the Garrys,” their description read…and who wouldn’t be intrigued by that?

I showed up to their set at Kex Hostel early and was not disappointed at all by how accurate that blurb in their bio had been. The trio of sisters hailing from Saskatoon put a dash of cheeky attitude into their perfect mix of 1950’s rock and doo-wop influence, and their sibling harmonies placed a cherry on top of their smooth style.

So far, The Garrys have released two albums— Surf Manitou in 2017 and Warm Buds in 2016 and I can’t wait to hear what they have in store next. Be sure to follow them for the latest updates, and listen to “In This Dream” and “Manitouna” below.

Thumbnail photo by Gina Brass

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Loose Tooth

Inspired by the lack of winter here in Chicago, we head down under for this edition of AAOTD where it actually is summer.

Loose Tooth are a three-piece indie band signed to Courtney Barnett's Milk! Records. All three members contribute to vocals, something I think more bands should consider.

Dive into non-single "You Want It" and first single off their debut LP "Keep On" below.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Cullen Omori

If you woke up and received a new stereo system for Christmas, this post is for you. 

You may know Cullen Omori as the lead singer of former Chicago band Smith Westerns (RIP), but it's a crime of epic proportions his work hasn't gotten the credit it deserves since he went solo in 2016.

Debut album "New Misery," where Omori plays every instrument, is incredible. Judging by Twitter, it seems like Omori has followed his brother's lead and went back to school at Northwestern. It makes sense to have a backup plan when you spent your traditional college years touring the planet. Nonetheless, I hope Omori keeps making music in 2020. 

He remained honest on second Sub-Pop release "The Diet" and subsequent single "Happiness Reigns" provided one of the best music videos of 2018. Dive into it below along with one of my favorite songs of the decade "Sour Silk" and first single "Cinnamon."

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Moaning

Let's crank up the gain on Christmas Eve and get a little heavier with L.A. rockers Moaning. Their debut self-titled LP flew under the radar, but it shouldn't have.

As someone who can't stand metal but loves punk more than life itself, it's all about being melodic when things get heavy. 

"Do you care 'cause I do?/Are you there 'cause I am?... Don't go," lead singer Sean Solomon pleads to a lover who is moving on.

The trio signed to Sub-Pop in 2017 after "Don't Go" was released as a demo. It's easy to see why the iconic label signed them. 

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Say Sue Me

When most think of South Korean music, they think of K-pop. Say Sue Me is here to change that.

Started as a surf rock band in 2014, they just wrapped up their first ever North American tour and have already made waves in their country. The band was reportedly the second most nominated act at the 2019 Korean Music Awards, taking home two awards. 

Most of their tightly-knit songs revolve around love, an obvious theme in music, but they pull it off in a fresh way. Check out standout track "But I Like You" and new single "Good People" below.

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Axel Flóvent

Just last month, I had the fortune of visiting Iceland for the first time and while I was there, I attended Iceland Airwaves festival. Set up much like SXSW festival in that it takes place at different venues around the city with some official and unofficial shows, Iceland Airwaves provides the perfect opportunity to discover new artists in the beautiful city of Reykjavík. One of my favorite new discoveries during my time at Airwaves was Icelandic musician Axel Flóvent. From the second I heard the harmonious layered vocals on his most popular song “Forest Fires,” I was mesmerized by Flóvent’s sound. “I Painted you a picture/Picture full of light,” he sings on “Forest Fires,” foreshadowing the picture he is able to paint for listeners with his lyrical storytelling.

On Flóvent’s latest single “Tourist,” released at the end of November, we’re greeted with distant, distorted guitars that will whisk you off into another world. The dynamic song features a built up chorus that keeps your lured in.

So far Flóvent has only released a couple of EPs and stand alone singles, but make sure you follow him for updates on new releases and potentially an LP in 2020. He will also be embarking on his first North American tour in 2020 opening for Radical Face, including a stop in Chicago at Thalia Hall.

Thumbnail photo by Clara Schicketanz

ANCHR's Artist of the Day: Alice Skye

I recently stumbled across the Australian singer songwriter Alice Skye while skimming through the list of showcasing artists slated to perform at SXSW Festival 2020. After only the first few guitar strums of Skye’s most streamed song “Friends with Feelings,” I was hooked by the mellow melody and the delicate yet warm quality of Skye’s vocals that enveloped my ears. “I’m trying real hard to make friends with my feelings /But I’m not sure I want to get to know them at all,” she sings about the all too-relatable fear of opening up and being honest with yourself.

“Friends With Feelings” acts as the title track for Skye’s 2018 debut album, which delivered the equally as wonderful singles “Poetry by Text” and “60%” In the short time since I came across Skye’s music, her entire album has gone into my regular listening rotation and I can’t wait to hear what her next release brings as a follow up to Friends With Feelings. If you’re making your way to SXSW in March, make sure to add her to your schedule too!

Thumbnail image by Michelle Grace Hunder