Released nearly a year ago, Where Astronauts Go To Hide have toured relentlessly in support of their debut album Among Friends. There are still on the road, but will return home on Feb. 28th as they perform at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark St.) with Brendan Losch and Brett Saxon. This show is all ages and is free, but donations are welcome. 

After a ten year absence from the Chicago music scene The Blacks returned last fall to play a reunion show of sort at Bloodshot Records 15thAnniversary Hideout Block Party. It was clear that they still had that spark that generated to albums in the late nineties. True they’ve lost a decade, but as I listened through their new ep In Sickness and Health it is clear they haven’t lost the passion or chemistry. The album is filled with introspection, but at its height it is simple and pure rock with country undertones.

In Sickness and Health is a digital-only EP that will be available on March 6th. The first 300 downloads (preorder now) come with a limited-edition poster designed by Danny Black and silk screened by Crosshair Silkscreen. All downloads of the EP include an enhanced package of lyrics, original artwork, photos and the documentary on the Blacks rise and fall, "Bring It Back From The Dead" by John Boston and Glorious Noise Productions.

The Blacks will be celebrating the release of the ep on March 9th at Schubas.

I just received a new single of the trio Kid Savant. “Better Side of Paradise” is track that begins like a standard Coldplay ballad, but subtly morphs into somewhat of a club track. This track just adds to the mystery and hopeful anticipation lead up to what stands to be a wonderful debut album. Hopefully we will be getting news to that effect soon. Until then we will just have to continue to enjoy these mp3’s they throw our way.

Derek Porter is an Illinois-bred, Chicago based songwriter, musician and producer following in the footsteps of his father, Bruce, a pianist and songwriter of 30+ years. Derek's songs are his craft - he writes for all the groups in the Piercing Music collective. These songs span genres, including folk, rockabilly and pop. His upcoming solo album, Strangers, Vol. 1, makes the softer sounds of his past work its focus. The album is a quick, satisfying listen, which will segue into Vol. 2, to be released in the near future.

Just as many label across the country and around the world struggle and search for new and inventive ways to survive in a digital world, a collection of talented Chicago music professional may have solved the problem. Rubyhornet's Closed Sessions label may very well be at the forefront of a new movement in the digital music age. With each of the Closed Sessions founders having years of experience in their respective fields, they combined their expertise in Audio Engineering (Mike Kolar who is chief engineer and owner of Chicago’s SoundScape Studios), Media Technology (Omar Solis) and Viral Media (DJ RTC EIC of Rubyhornet.com and also a renowned DJ who has performed and worked hand in hand with numerous labels and artists) to create a one-stop shop that caters to everything an artist requires to create compelling music. It is a fascinating concept, but these men have taken it beyond concept and created Closed Sessions: Vol. 1.

When a participating artist comes to Chicago, they are taken to SoundScape Studios with RubyHornet.com’s full video team and the studio is equipped and catered to fit their individual needs. Once comfortable, they are able to cycle through the Closed Sessions catalog and pick the beat of their choice. Once they have chosen their beat, they are left to do what they do, make great music. It allows the emcee to expand their sound while enjoying the safety and structure of the Closed Session experience. The sessions are photographed and videotaped.

Since conducting the first Closed Session with New Orleans’ recording artist Curren$y, artists such as Amanda Diva, Kidz In The Hall, Tanya Morgan, U-N-I, Bun B, Donnis, Rhymefest, Skyzoo, Big Pooh, and many others have participated. The label recently released a single created with Emilio Rojas called "Helluva Year" and the video above explains the process. The first Closed Sessions EP, presented and mixed by DJ RTC, will be released in March 2nd and will contain nine songs. The collection will be distributed digitally as a free download. Below are the first two tracks they have released from the ep. Welcome to the future of music.