Support: The World Underground

By Gene Wagendorf III   

The World Underground

John Yingling wants you to know that "good music still exists." While there's nothing remarkable about that in itself, the lengths to which he's willing to go to get the word out are truly astounding.

Our readers might be more familiar with John as the man behind Gonzo Chicago, the unquestioned authority on all things DIY scene in the city. If you've ever been to a basement or a warehouse to see shows, or zig-zagged across the city to catch every band on Record Store Day, you've probably seen John. He's up front, filming everything. He's outside, making friends, talking excitedly about bands only twenty people have heard of. In a culture where obscure musical knowledge is rewarded with impossible levels of Cool, John should be the baddest motherfucker in any given room. But then there's the truth about him: that he's one of the most down-to-earth people you'll ever meet.

Mr. Yingling's approachability, friendliness, and refreshing sincerity are his best qualities, with insane passion for and knowledge of underground music coming in at a close second. It's that combination that's allowed him to become one of the most respected members of Chicago's music scene without ever playing a note. Gonzo Chicago grew into a vital resource for local music fans, featuring information about upcoming shows alongside hours of excellent footage of some of the best bands going. As the project expanded, The Chicago Sonic Coalition was introduced, an event which I've gushed about on multiple occasions, and one that showcased just how much talent and creativity is kicking around Windy City basements.

Mortistork at The Chicago Sonic Coalition | Photo Credit: Ray Ellingsen

Now John is taking another step forward, and he needs your help.

Gene's 2012 favorites

By Gene Wagendorf III 

Twin Peaks at The Whip (photo by Gene Wagendorf III)

It's the end of the year and we're a music blog, so you know what that means: "best of" list time. That said, "best" is a silly and subjective word that we at Windy City Rock are trying to avoid this year. Instead we're offering you some lists of local favorites from several of our contributors. Over the next few days we'll be posting about our favorite Chicago records, bands, shows and what-have-you from 2012. Enjoy, and happy holidays!

5 Favorite Records

Twin Peaks - 'Sunken'
The soundtrack to my summer came courtesy of a group of delinquent minors who, between burning trees, skateboarding and prepping for college, managed to put together a record filled with anthemic, sunny jams. Expect big things out of Twin Peaks in 2013. Read a full review of Sunken here.

Fave track: Fast Eddie
Get the record: here

Running  - 'Asshole Savant'
Get Bent nailed it when they described Running as "an incendiary blast of rock ‘n’ roll akin to smashing Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music into the Stooges and then smashing that combo into Suicide." Asshole Savant does an admirable job of capturing the mayhem of Running's live sets. 

Fave track: I Can't Believe I'm Alive
Get the record: here

The Smashing Pumpkins - 'Oceania'
Oceania is Corgan and company's best record in the better part of a decade. Doesn't quite reach as high as it aims, but there are some beautiful moments here.

Fave track: Pinwheels
Get the record: here

Recap: The Chicago Sonic Coalition at Situations, 6/16

By Gene Wagendorf III    

Count Kindness (Photo courtesy of Gonzo Chicago)

It's not often that I see a show and come away thinking, "what the hell can I possibly write about that?" Such was Saturday's "mini-DIY-fest" at Situations, The Chicago Sonic Coalition.

We told you about it back in March, but in case you weren't listening (or are too lazy to click the link) I'll give you the gist here. John Yingling of Gonzo Chicago corralled 64 local musicians at the soon-to-be-gone Treasure Town, tossed their names in a hat and helped to create 17 new bands. Getting that many people in the same place at the same time is daunting enough, getting them to practice together for a couple months and create new music with each other is the kind of thing one should get a medal for. Shocking no one, not all of the bands made it. Those that did survive the lottery and the subsequent months of practice with new bands got together for a big show at Situations. The rules were fairly simple: put together a short set of music (with each band doing one cover) and knock the collective socks off whatever audience turned up to see this group of Frankenstein outfits.

Gonzo Chicago Needs Your Help!

Posted by Andrew Hertzberg

For half a decade now, the good people at Gonzo Chicago fronted by John Yingling have been obsessively and compulsively documenting the Chicago music scene. Such extensive filming has its drawbacks however, primarily financially. That’s where you come in. Right now there is fundraiser on IndieGoGo to help get Gonzo the equipment they need. Microphones, cameras, editing equipment: all of it requires $$$, which is hard to come by in the DIY lifestyle. So here’s your chance to help out, and let these people continue to do what they do best. Check out previous footage from the Handsome Furs, the Hot Machines, and more on their vimeo page. Don't take my word for it though. Here's a video from John himself:

I NEED YOUR HELP! from GONZO CHICAGO on Vimeo.

Still not enough for you? Ok, fine. Depending on how much you donate, you can get DVDs, Threadless Tees, a custom photo set / short film of a band of your choice, hell, even a Walkmen album that David Letterman used to clean fruit up from his desk. Every dollar over their $3500 goal will go to the non-profit CHIRP as well, so no need to stop donating once the mark is reached. Gotta hurry on this though: the goal has to be met by May 14^th.  Ever the optimists however, there is already a celebratory show taking place at the Mutiny on Friday May 20^th featuring Magic Milk, Tyler Jon Tyler, the Brothers Gross and Close Hits. With benefits, like this, every little bit counts, so please give anything you can and rest assured you helped out in documenting Chicago’s independent music history.