Archie Powell & The Exports are releasing a series of covers this month in video through youtube. The first two covers are "The Ballad of John and Yoko" by The Beatles and Devo's "Girl U Want". The band is clearly having a good time, but still these are quality covers.

The band is performing at The Viaduct on April 1st with Glittermouse and Republic of Lights, April 8th at Penny Road Pub (South Barrington), and April 15th at The Abbey.

Julie Meckler is joining Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts for a night of music at The Bottom Lounge hosted by the Chicago Acoustic Underground. Above is Julie practicing a new song she is adding to her live shows. It is "La Complainte de la Seine" by German composer Kurt Weill.

Will Phalen & The Stereo Addicts just released a new single called "Home Someday" which is backed with a cover of the Faces tune "Ooh La La".

Also on the bill for March 31st at The Bottom Lounge are Cook County Fair and BJSR. Tickets are $10 and the show starts at 8:30pm.

Black Math have released a trippy video for their track "Night Shade" which comes their Phantom Power which was released last year by Permanent Records.

Local label and publisher Another New Calligraphy recently announced the signing of the hauntingly beautiful Emily Cross (aka Cross Record). Late last year Emily released a series of free singles through bandcamp as Cross Record that were charming and entrancing that the local label could not resist. ANC will be releasing Emily's debut album Magnetic Current on April 19th.

In the last two months Emily has shared the stage with Thin Hymns, Pillars & Tongues, Can.Ky. Ree, and other like minded bands. She is well on her way to having a great emergence this year.

The Smoking Popes released their latest album, This Is Only A Test, on March 15th and performed down at SXSW the next night. The album is triumphant return for these '90's Chicago punk-pop hero's. The album is a concept album of sorts, and the band is currently down at SXSW tearing it up. Check out their live performce on JBTV here, and the video for their new track "Punk Band" below.