In late March, Kali Masi released their second full-length, titled [laughs]. The album represents a major step forward for the band and showcases the significant growth they’ve experienced since the release of their last record. We recently caught up with singer/guitarist Sam Porter and bassist Anthony Elliott and discussed how the album was written and recorded. (The band’s lineup is fortified by guitarist Wes Moore and drummer John Garrison). We also talked about what inspired some of the lyrics, the record’s overall message, their plans for the rest of the year and more.
Continue Reading…The inaugural T1 Fest will take place on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th at The Forge in Joliet, IL. All proceeds from the shows will go to the JDRF, (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to assist in their fight against type 1 diabetes. Organizer Jim Costanzo felt compelled to establish the event after his family was affected by the disease. He explained, “My nephew Joey was diagnosed at the age of three and like so many others, we had no understanding of it, but we quickly learned that this is a very serious illness.” He continued, “Working with the JDRF to learn what lied ahead for him, we saw so many families that were not able to handle the financial burden of providing care for their child. We have since made it a goal to raise as much money as possible to assist the JDRF in their mission to raise awareness and find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”
Costanzo cited his experiences growing up in Chicago’s punk scene as motivation for coordinating this fest. When reflecting on those times, he said “What we found was a community, a scene where even as teenagers we could make a difference. Whether it was playing shows against racism or gathering coats for the homeless, we saw that through music change was possible. One day we were discussing ideas on how we could do our part and we thought it would be great to put on a benefit show like back in the day.”
After setting his idea in motion, Costanzo was able to assemble a lineup that features numerous noteworthy acts. Friday night is headlined by Flatfoot 56 with support from Brendan Kelly, (The Lawrence Arms/Wandering Birds) The Brokedowns, and Andrew Thomas. Saturday’s festivities begin at 3:30 PM, with the following bands playing: The Smoking Popes, The Lillingtons, 88 Fingers Louie, Dan Vapid & The Cheats, Vandoliers, Kali Masi, The Reaganomics, and Cap Gun Heroes. Tickets for each individual night are available, as well as weekend passes, and can be purchased here.
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Earlier this month, Kali Masi played Chop Shop and we caught up with the band before the show. We spoke with singer/guitarist Sam Porter, guitarist/singer Wes Moore and drummer John Garrison, (bassist/singer Anthony Elliot unfortunately couldn’t be present). We talked about the band’s recent touring experiences, including opening for Less Than Jake for several weeks and their current European tour. We also discussed their latest record, Wind Instrument, in regards to how it was written and recorded. The album combines various genres and progressive songwriting to create a sound that’s genuinely distinctive. It also captures their continuing drive to evolve as musicians and push beyond the boundaries of their previous work. In addition, we addressed their plans for the rest of the year, as well as random topics like Simon & Garfunkel, The Lord of the Rings and more.
This morning, Riot Fest announced their first wave lineup. This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the event. Blink-182, Slayer, a reunited Bikini Kill, The Raconteurs, Rise Against, The Flaming Lips, and Jawbreaker are among the headliners that have been revealed thus far. The festival, which takes place Sept. 13 – 15 in Douglas Park, will also include Ween, Patti Smith, Rancid, Violent Femmes, Descendents, The B-52’s, Avail, Against Me!, Hot Snakes, Less Than Jake, Cursive, and many others. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Additional bands will be announced in the coming weeks.
Full Album Performances by:
Against Me! – Reinventing Axl Rose + Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Avail – Over The James
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
Dashboard Confessional – The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot
Glassjaw – Worship and Tribute
The Selecter – Too Much Pressure
Senses Fail – From the Depths of Dreams + Let It Enfold You
Taking Back Sunday – Tell All Your Friends + Louder Now
Ween – The Mollusk