Sep 20, 2016
Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos & Video: Wyatt BrakeThe road-warrior Steepwater guys keep the gravel and grit in their instruments as much as their appearance. Friday night at Schubas brought energy, boogie, and several dual-guitar shred fests throughout the balls-to-the-wall two hour set, drawn heavily from their latest release ...
Oct 23, 2014
The first time I ventured north to Milwaukee to see a Widespread Panic show was over the Fourth of July, 1997. The band was playing a rare two night stand at a smaller stage of the city's famed Summerfest. The pair of one-setters were at the Miller Oasis Stage, which featured metal bleacher-style seats. Oddly, rather...
Mar 19, 2014
In early February, I published a piece introducing a new Illinois music festival and doing some speculation on some of the talent that was To Be Announced.Now that the Phase Two lineup has been revealed, let's see how I did... Actually, not bad. but also room for improvement.I suggested that two of...
May 1, 2013
With so many live performance videos being unwatchable or unlistenable, it was so nice come across this document of Steepwater's 4/20 homecoming show. They've been hitting the road hard this spring, and for any Chicago folks who missed their return during this busy weekend, this recording feels just like being on stage with these guys. It...
Jun 25, 2012
We've creeped past the solstice marker and are entering the heart of festival season in the Midwest. The oddest trend for 2012 seems to be festivals moving locations, which no less than five of the fests that we are tracking declaring a new home this year. Here's our roundup of the most intriguing camping and / or...
Aug 19, 2011
Lots of interesting free music from some of The Barn's favorite bands in this week's Linkafication.Van Ghost is running a pretty badass promotion to pick the first single from their latest release at Grooveshark. You can also win a package for Chicago's North Coast Music Festival.Greensky Bluegrass is offering a free download of...
Jun 3, 2011
Our Symphony Sunday features was partially inspired by Cathy Richardson telling me about this event which will be broadcast this weekendMaybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney is looking for the best coverOur friends in The Steepwater Band have a brand new songGet well with Widespread Panic's John Bell (Wall Street Journal)Don't tell me this...
Mar 18, 2011
We took a week off from Linkafication last week, but that just means that this week's is just that much linkier.The Barn's favorite music industry crank Bob Lefsetz tears into Jon Bon Jovi, who has some misdirected hate for Steve Jobs. And the world keeps on turning.Robbie Robertson finds a new backing band:...
Dec 11, 2010
"The Stars Look Good Tonight" Steepwater Band's latest single is a perfect piece of hook-driven rock, accessible without being cloying, gutsy without being super-aggressive. An account with cdbaby will get you a free download if you're so inclined. Now they have a companion video as well -- combining some good ole empty loft performance footage...
Jun 11, 2010
Jeff Massey brings the same energy and enthusiasm to a friendly conversation that he brings to the stage. Engaging, reflexive and honest, the same qualities that make Steepwater Band music so exciting came through in this discussion. It was a privilege to speak with him about The Steepwater Band and his role in it --...