Best Electronica Artists In Chicago
It's the weekend and you feel like dancing. Not just dancing, but really dancing. Whether it's alone in your apartment, out at a loft party, or in a dance club, these are some great electronica artists that call Chicago home and you should check out.
The Prairie Cartel
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Prairie+Cartel
myspace.com/theprairiecartel
With members including Scott Lucas of Local H, Blake Smith and Mike Willison from Fig Dish and Caviar, and Daniel Marsden, you can probably guess that the music from The Prairie Cartel is going to be catchy, poppy, and with just enough grunge. Lead singer Scott Lucas has a rocker voice that's a little rough on the edges and it brings a cool texture to the music. They've been featured on Grand Theft Auto IV and have played shows with Klaxons and Simian Mobile Disco.
Songs to check out: Cracktown (you'll recognize the streets of Uptown being named), No Light Escapes Here
Gemini Club
http://www.last.fm/music/Gemini+Club
myspace.com/geminiclub
If you've been to a loft party or two in Chicago, chances are, you've heard Gemini Club. They play anywhere with speakers and have the intent to redefine "live" music: DJing with live vocals, live guitar and bass, and live synthesizers. They have a synth-pop sound that just makes you want to dance, whether you're at a dance party, in you car, or in your office cubicle and bursts with energy. They've performed with French Horn Rebellion and Maps and Atlases and have remixed The Vanish, Housse de Racket, and Shinichi Osawa.
Songs to check out: Mary's Day, Show Me a Showdown
Moneypenny
http://www.last.fm/music/Moneypenny
lovemoneypenny.com
Moneypenny is the female duo of DJ Mother Hubbard (Chess Hubbard) and DJ A-Cup (Jess Gonyea), both of whom had plenty of success on their own. They are long-time friends and in the spring of 2008, it only made sense that they combine forces and become a team. They've played at the 2008 Lolla after party, the Robyn benefit at Park West and Playboy's "Rock the Rabbit." In 2009, they decided it was time to write original music and made their worldwide debut at Lollapalooza 2009. They've shared the stage with Chromeo, The Heavy, and Phantom Planet in their early days. With their high energy and take-over-the-world attitude, you just can't miss these two ladies.
Songs to check out: Christine, Cool & The Gang
Hey Champ
http://www.last.fm/music/Hey+Champ
Originally hailing from Rockford, Illinois, Saam and Jon went their separate ways (Saam to law school, Jon to Princeton for music) and eventually met back up in Chicago and decided to add Pete on synth to the group...and Hey Champ was born. Their debut album, "Star" (Townie Records) shows just how they've been influenced by many different music styles: rock, synth, power-pop...and that all adds up to addictive, dance-your-face-off music. In 2008, Lupe Fiasco called them up and asked them to open for him on his tour and from there, it was stardom.
Songs to check out: Cold Dust Girl, No Future
Loyal Divide
http://www.last.fm/music/Loyal+Divide
theloyaldivide.com
This last band is a bit off the beaten path of electronica, but it certainly fits. The sound is vastly different from the other bands featured with more of an indie rock feel. Loyal Divide classifies themselves as a psychedelic indie pop group—if your music mood changes often and out of nowhere, Loyal Divide should grab your attention. Some songs are quiet and lulling with haunting vocals, others are a driving electronic pulse to get you going. If you're looking for something different from your run of the mill dance music or some music to just chill out to, Loyal Divide is what you're looking for.
Songs to check out: DDF, Vision Vision, Lover I Can Tell You
