Our (fairly) regular roundup of Music & Arts related news from Chicago-based web media, featuring thoughts and insight from some of the city’s most dedicated writers.
- Contest: The Bears of Blue River Album Art Design
The Bears of Blue River, folksy Chicago band, have just returned from touring, and released their last album, Dames, in 2011. Their sound is light, fun, and refreshing, perfect for a sunny Chicago day. They’re in the process of creating their next album, and they’ve taken an innovative approach to its concept. The Bears of Blue River have decided to let their fans create the design for the album art, and the winner of this contest could be you! Take a listen to one of their songs, “Blue Ribbon,” below to get inspired:
The contest prize features some pretty nifty items, including number 1 of a 250-set hand-numbered pink vinyl, a framed copy of the winning artwork, and a personal shout out to you in the album liner notes to say thanks. Beyond the prizes for the winner, the band wanted to make sure that everyone who submitted an entry felt their gratitude; each person that enters the contest will also be recognized in the album liner notes. Pretty cool, right?
Contest entries can be sent in the form of photographs, paintings, illustrations and digital artwork, so there’s plenty of room for variety and creativity within your design. Send your finished product to The Bears of Blue River by June 30 for consideration via email or standard mail at the contest’s website, where you can find further details and specifications for your entry.
- Mucca Pazza Release New Album, Video for "Boss Taurus"
Safety Fifth, the new album by Mucca Pazza, Chicago’s number one punk marching band, comes out June 12 on Electric Cowbell Records. That very night, they’ll be celebrating with a concert at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Tickets are $15 online or at the door — if there are any left. Above is a music video for “Boss Taurus” off the album (is that a “Bitchin’ Camaro” allusion?)
You can pre-order Safety Fifth now on vinyl or CD, and if you do so before the 12th, you’ll receive a free poster designed by Kathleen Judge.
- One For The Road: Happy Birthday, Northwestern University
We dug up some old photos of the scenic Evanston campus to help them celebrate the 162 years of good ideas that would follow that first one. [ more › ]
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