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. 

Rachel Ries is packing her bags and leaving Chicago. To say thank you and goodbye she is offering a limited edition package of goodies to her fans. In her special $30 "Farewell Chicago Bundle" you will receive her 2007 release Without A Bird on 180 gram vinyl and CD, a Without A Bird T-shirt, and a jar of Rachel's homemade jam!.

Rachel's last Chicago show is this Saturday at The Hideout with Detholz!

In May the French Label African Tape will be releasing Big'n's first new music since 2000. The new Ep will be called Spare The Horse, and feature four new tracks. The tracks were recorded by Greg Norman at Electrical Audio earlier this year. Currently it will only be released as vinyl import, but if you enjoy the spastic sounds of this classic noise markers it will be well worth it.

The French label also release a collection of singles and unreleased tracks by Big'n last month called Dying Breed.

Salva has released his new album Complex Housing via Friends of Friends Music and is available in a baby blue vinyl edition. He also premiered a new video for their track "Keys Open Doors" today on Pitchfork Tv, and released a new podcast via xlr8r. Paul Salva is really pushing Chicago house into a new realm with this one.

Salva will be performing at SXSW on 3/18 @ 9pm at the Surefire Showcase @ Barcelona.