I've got to be honest. When I was in college all I really did was drink excessively and not study. For anything. Ever. I was obviously a model student.

That's why I'm super impressed by Columbia College's AEMMP Records, a student-run record label that's bringing Chicago to Texas for South By Southwest. If you're planning on making the trip down south, don't miss this! —Katherine

Moneypenny | SXSW Mixtape | Download

For our SXSW mixtape, we decided to showcase our Chicago friends that make great music. Download the mix and hear some of the finest up and coming Chicago artists. Also segments of unreleased and new Moneypenny songs for your listening pleasure. ENJOY! xoxo - $¢

SHAPERS - Hot Gravy Available by SHAPERS

Tomorrow night (a.k.a. 3/11) Chicago ambient-rockers Shapers are having their record release party at The Hideout for their first full release “Little, Big.” For an album that seemingly has no popular peers, it is getting praises from Time Out to the Tribune. At times “Little, Big” feels like a high school marching band jamming until they’re taken over by alien invaders. Other times songs like “Milkbug” sound like true 60’s acid rock—if listened to it too stoned could it give you a serious head rush, so think about sitting down before you listen to it through head phones.

They have a clear ambient/noise genre influence, which before hearing “Little, Big” I personally could not get into. Shapers have composed "Little, Big" in a way that gives the noise genre some musical legitimacy in my eyes. If you’ve been looking for some truly unique good new music come to The Hideout tomorrow at 9pm. $5 to get in, with openers Old Fake and Driftless Pony Club.  

"I'll roll one tonight, for your sorrows."

New video from Big Boi's upcoming album, Sir Luscious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty! The last we heard from Big Boi, it was October 2009. He just leaked "Shine Blockas", an irresistible jam with a soulful beat and a fabulous assist from Gucci Mane.

Now we've got the video for "Fo Yo Sorrows", a celebration of stonerdom and blunt smoking that features Too $hort and George Clinton. I feel like this is stating the obvious, but Sir Luscious Leftfoot? It's going to be ridiculous! Can't wait for this album. —Katherine

Sir Luscious Leftfoot is scheduled to be released Summer 2010.

On February 22nd, 2010, I sat down with Minneapolis electro-duo Lookbook while they were in town for the UR Chicago-sponsored Amplify New Music Series at Schubas. Maggie Morrison (vocals) and Grant Cutler (guitar/production) discussed their album Wild At Heart, defining their sound and making memories here in Chicago.

This video exemplifies their quiet yet quirky personas—most people in Schubas that were there to see them walked right past as they were eating dinner at a bar table. Check out our video if you missed the show—or if you just want to relive Maggie’s booming voice.—Wilson 

Broken Bells
Broken Bells
Columbia Records
March 9th, 2010

by Katherine Champagne

I wasn't really interested in Broken Bells. There's so much fantastic music out there nowadays, vying for my attention—and I didn't really think Broken Bells deserved it. There's a part of me that will always be on the lookout for the newest song, the rarest track—and a band comprised of two musical powerhouses, Brian Burton AKA "Danger Mouse" and James Mercer, lead singer/composer of The Shins definitely do not qualify as "unknown" in any way.

And seriously? In light of all the controversial lineup changes within the Shins, Mercer comes off as a major douche-nozzle, power-hungry and distrusting of his bandmates. Just as Vampire Weekend is oft-derided for seeming elitist and WASP-y—although they really are just some normal dudes trying project an image, guys, c'mon!—I find Mercer's attitude to be a total turnoff. (As for Danger Mouse, he is God and can do whatever he likes. A master chameleon who refuses to fit into boxes or labels.)

Esser - Headlock (Midnight Conspiracy Dubstep Remix) by Midnight Conspiracy

New remix of Esser's "Headlock" from local trio Midnight Conspiracy! The remix was recently featured on Crookers' BBC Radio One show and word on the street is that Esser himself digs the fresh take on his song. Download the song for free via SoundCloud above.

New (totally awesome looking) trailer for Disney's Tron sequel, Tron Legacy. It's a hotly anticipated release by cinephiles and audiophiles alike, since:

• • Tron is reportedly going to be visually astounding. And duh, of course, in 3D. Get used to those dorky glasses—they aren't going anywhere in the near future.
• • Recent Oscar winner Jeff Bridges takes a lead role as Sam Flynn.
• • Everyone's favorite electronic music masters, Daft Punk, are composing the score.

So. Opening day box office sales records? Watch your back—Tron Legacy is scheduled for release in December 2010.

In late February this year, when Chicagoans are questioning why they're still living in this lightless city, Justin Staple and I went to Lincoln Hall—which is quickly becoming my new favorite Chicago venue—to catch up with Victorian DJ Daedelus and opener Nosaj Thing during the middle of their Magical Properties tour.

Daedelus had amazing insights on what it means to dig for samples, fighting bullets with magic and why it's important to him to be accessible to fans. I can't stress how nice Daedelus was to talk to and how his persona makes much more sense when you think of everything he does, down to the way he moves his body, as art.—Wilson