Chicago Music Scene Years (2004-2009) A period of musical collaboration across Chicago's indie scene
I kept a regular performance schedule several nights a week during these years with my own bands, touring acts, local collaborations, and other ongoing projects. Shows happened at venues like Schubas, The Hideout, The Empty Bottle, and The Metro, with touring that stretched across the Midwest and East Coast, and festival appearances at SXSW, Lollapalooza, and the Pritzker Pavilion.
Smallwire (c. 2004-2008) Chicago quintet where I served as bandleader, lead vocalist, and principal songwriter, playing guitar and violin. The band included Kristin Barendregt (vocals, keyboards), Basia Bhojraj (lead guitar), Tom Shriner (bass, songwriter), and Jeff Grubbs (drums, percussion). We released an EP and a full-length album issued through MoorWorks in Japan (2008).
The 1900s (2004-2010)
Seven-piece indie pop ensemble where I contributed as multi-instrumentalist. The band evolved from experimental beginnings toward vintage sunshine pop and contemporary folk-pop, releasing several albums through Parasol Records, including "Cold & Kind" (2007) and performed at major festivals.
Additional work Session and touring collaborations with various local and visiting acts.