Alt-rock five-piece Smut formed in Cincinnati in 2014, and within a couple years, their shoegaze-dappled heavy rock had caught the ear of Bully front woman Alicia Bognanno, who offered them a crucial tour-support spot. In the time since Smut’s previous full-length, 2017’s End of Sam-soon, they’ve relocated to Chicago, dialed back the aggression in their […]
Tag: Cincinnati
Posted inMusic
With Natural Brown Prom Queen, experimental pop fiddler Sudan Archives looks inward
When she filmed the music video for “OMG BRITT,” a trap anthem off of her new record, Natural Brown Prom Queen, Brittney Parks was determined to smash a violin on camera. Not just any violin, either: She wanted to destroy her very first instrument, the one on which she’d taught herself to play by ear […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Western Exhibitions invites a Cincinnati art center to Chicago
“Visionaries + Voices” presents sincere and humble work from an Ohio-based nonprofit that supports artists with disabilities.
Posted inMusic
Folk genius Dwain Story died a legend to the few who still knew his music
Dwain Story roomed with Phil Ochs and made a fan of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, but mental illness denied him a career like theirs.
Posted inMusic
Blues guitarist Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis learned his raw, propulsive style from John Lee Hooker
Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis got his start walking on broken glass in a traveling variety troupe, but he became an institution at Chicago’s most famous outdoor market.
Posted inBlogs
Emanuel embraces Madigan’s CPD reform lawsuit—while fighting an identical suit from Black Lives Matter
Chicago’s mayor gets aboard a police reform effort from Illinois’s attorney general, but will victims of police violence be sidelined?
Posted inBlogs
For federal oversight of police reform to work, pressure from the community must continue
A Black Lives Matter lawsuit seeking federal oversight over CPD reform has real power—but only if there’s pressure on leadership from the ground up.
Posted inBlogs
Tashi Dorji and Tyler Damon play Chicago behind the year’s most exciting improvised album
Guitarist Tashi Dorji and drummer Tyler Damon both came to free improv through punk, and their unpredictable, energetic music still bears its mark.
Posted inMusic
Ganser’s Alicia Gaines on the only way to make Twin Peaks’ music more unsettling
Current musical obsessions of Ganser bassist Alicia Gaines, No Friends zine editor Ray Martinez, and the Reader’s Kevin Warwick
Posted inBlogs
Analyzing Chicago’s violence problem and other news
Also, Rahm scores big with Illinois General Assembly override of Rauner’s pension bill veto.
Posted inMusic
Leo Burnett music producer Jocelyn Brown on an anthem for every lady holding her own
Current musical obsessions of Leo Burnett senior music producer Jocelyn Brown, music writer Meagan Fredette, and Reader staffer Leor Galil
Posted inBlogs
Covering the rust belt for readers who don’t like to think they’re part of it
A website for the rust belt turns one.
Posted inBlogs
12 O’Clock Track: Cincy’s Tweens blow out the bubblegum on “Rattle and Rollin'”
Today’s 12 O’Clock Track is “Rattle & Rollin’,” from Cincy-based trio Tweens.
Posted inBlogs
Spotted: Cinners Cincinnati Chili Restaurant and Bar
Cincinnati chili is coming to Ravenswood. Or maybe not.