MWA Approved: Sidewalk Chalk and Midwest Hype at the Empty Bottle – 1/9

Compared to the past few days, Chicago will be experiencing near-tropical weather this evening; at least over 20-degrees! Inside the Empty Bottle, an awesome line-up of hip-hop and indie musicians will continue to warm up the audience.

Design by Ryan Hoevenaar.
Design by Ryan Hoevenaar.

Taking the stage first will be Soul Low, a trio of indie rockers from Wisconsin. The group have quickly gained popularity in the Milwaukee music scene since their 2013 release, UNEASY. We’re quite infatuated with the album, actually, and are looking forward to seeing it translated into a live performance.

Bridging the gap between indie rock and hip-hop will be Freaks for Geeks. F4G has a little bit of something for everyone, and floats between genres while still maintaining a signature sound. The band will be playing songs off of their self-released debut, Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em. The show also serves as the outfit’s EP Release show, so be prepared to celebrate.

Next to the stage will be a  blend of jazz, hip-hop, funk, and pop. Midwest Hype are characterized by a strong reggae beat which is then emphasized by brass swells and quickly-articulated rap. This outfit is energetic, fresh, and generally awesome. Recently featured on Vocalo and Chicago Mixtape, Midwest Hype are not only talented, but active members of Chicago’s music scene as well. The outfit’s next release, The Time, is due out in March, but in the meantime,  stream their most recent release, DAYGLOW, below. The album is aptly named – it’s warm and filled with awesome melodies.

Headlining the evening are Chicago favorites, Sidewalk Chalk. The group recently released “There She Goes” off of their upcoming album, Leaves. We recently gave “There She Goes” a spin, head over to the post and check it out. Of their forthcoming album, MC Rico Sisney states, “The album is about growth, growing pains, and letting go of the past if need be”. Vocalist Maggie Vagle adds, “It’s also about unfolding into a new color. Shedding to shine brighter.”

Check out the colorful video for “Water Song” below:

Sidewalk Chalk have been praised for their live show on more than one occasion, and have been named “Most Outstanding Group” at the 2012 Chicago Music Awards and “Best Local Hip-Hop Artist“ by Chicago Reader. With a solid debut and a promising album on the horizon, the octet is sure to bring it at the Empty Bottle.

Words can’t explain how much we’re looking forward to this show with our friends at the EB. One of the best parts? Tickets are only $5. Doors at 8:30; show starts at 9:00; 21+. RSVP on Facebook, buy tickets here, and we’ll see you later tonight. Be sure to say “Hey!” to the Midwest Action crew.

Sidewalk Chalk Official | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Midwest Hype Official | Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Freaks for Geeks | Soul Low