By Matt Harness
First of a two-part preview.
Five Bloodshot bands will take to the Illinois Lottery Taste Stage on Saturday for Bloodshot Records Day at the Taste of Chicago. We asked label co-founders Nan Warshaw and Rob Miller for some insight. We’ll have more on Friday.
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Beachwood Music: How did you get involved with the Taste of Chicago? How did you manage to get your own stage?
Rob Miller: Beats me.
Nan Warshaw: We’ve often had one or two bands play at Taste of Chicago, but this year the festival manager at the Mayor’s Office of Special Events contacted us early on to discuss ideas. The good folks at the Chicago Music Commission helped initiate these discussions.
The city wanted to step up the caliber of the Taste stage and keep it local. They embraced the idea of giving five local labels a day each on the Taste stage. With Bloodshot celebrating our 15th anniversary this year we were able to make this one of our big anniversary kick-off shows. We also like that the Taste is free and open to all.
Beachwood Music: Where does this festival rank for the Bloodshot bands in terms of overall exposure? Most of the walking garbage disposals at Taste probably never heard of Andre Williams. This must be thrilling for the label to be able to reach such an audience?
Rob Miller: One hopes, but who knows how many go there to open their minds to new music and how many are just there to cram an endless supply of elephant ears and rib tips in their faces. Of course, it is an honor that most of my brain can’t comprehend that we get our own day at such a huge event alongside other great Chicago labels.
Beachwood Music: Is there going to be any other Bloodshot presence at the festival? Perhaps a Jon Langford dunk tank?
Rob Miller: I will be doing my twirly dance, if that counts. That’s a presence, right? Maybe we will whip up some Bloodshot brand parking meters, a sure money generator!
Beachwood Music: As the label’s gurus, give us a rundown on each of the bands performing, Nan.
Andre Williams: He may be in his 70s, but he still struts out on stage in a sharp suit and hat, ready to entertain with bawdy lyrics, R&B-infused garage-y rock, and his sexy growl.
Deadstring Brothers: Exile-era Rolling Stones meet the Burrito Brothers. This is organ and pedal steel big rock with harmonies.
Dollar Store: Finest Midwest roots rock. Grew up through metal and punk. Working class imagery.
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir: Energetic champer pop for emo to art-punk fans, with dark, personal themes.
Waco Brothers: They are my favorite drug. They incite fun (without kitsch) and world change while masquerading as a bar band.
Beachwood Music: Rob?
Andre Williams: It’s Andre Freaking Williams! Who wouldn’t like to see a smutty R&B legend in front of a huge crowd of unsuspecting, sandal-wearing suburbanite fair-goers. It could be explosive. The kids will love it.
Deadstring Brothers: They just rock. If radio would play them, we wouldn’t need “classic rock.” Should go over well with the segment of the fans sneaking one-hitters into the park.
Dollar Store: Again, rock, pure and simple. Yet, mysteriously, no one seems able to do it anymore. Everyone’s too busy looking at their shoes or combing crumbs out of their ironic, Civil War re-enactor facial hair to bother. Reminds me of a rootsier Soul Asylum in their prime.
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir: New CD coming up. No one makes mental torpor and anguish so danceable. The gloom of Morrissey with the confrontational chutzpah of great punk bands. And a wicked fiddle player.
Waco Brothers: If, after several lukewarm beers in plastic cups and walking around all day, you do not find pleasure in the Waco Brothers, you do not deserve to have ears. Or to have fun.
Beachwood Music: One final question. Being the Taste of Chicago and all. Pair a food with each band.
Nan Warshaw: From my vegetarian perspective.
Andre Williams: A spicy black bean soup with a dollop of rich sour cream.
Deadstring Brothers: Creamy vegetable pot pie.
Dollar Store: Fresh corn on the cob slathered with butter.
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir: Vegetable tempura.
Waco Brothers: Garden grown tomatoes and cilantro salsa, fresh corn chips, a cold beer with a shot of whiskey. Alcohol is required with Waco food.
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Here’s the lineup:
Noon-1:15 p.m. – Andre Williams
1:45-3 p.m. – Deadstring Brothers
3:30-4:45 p.m. – Dollar Store
5:15-6:30 p.m. – Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
7-8:30 p.m. – Waco Brothers
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Bloodshot Briefing appears in this space every Friday. And sometimes on Thursdays, too. Matt welcomes your comments.
Posted on June 25, 2009