OutPastMidnight: Celebrating Five Years of Bringing Hip-Hop to Chicago
When Jay Post began his freshman year at Brooks College Prep in 2015, little did he know that it would be the start of something extraordinary. Joining the school’s poetry team, he crossed paths with sophomore Jimmi Gordon, sharing a mutual love for Chicago’s vibrant rap scene. Post recalls, “All those guys came up in the same spaces we did. We took the love for music and poetry and were like, ‘Why not do it ourselves, for real?'” Thus, OutPastMidnight was born, quickly establishing themselves as one of Chicago’s most promising hip-hop groups.
Transitioning from high school students experimenting in a studio to seasoned artists honing their craft, Gordon and Post found guidance at Young Chicago Authors (YCA) through the Emcee Wreckshop led by Add-2 and Defcee. Gordon reminisces, “They would bring MCs from all over the country to come and talk to us, showing us a lot of techniques.”
Collaborating and testing their material at YCA’s open mic WordPlay, the duo’s dedication shone through as they debuted a song every week for seven consecutive weeks, culminating in their 2022 full-length album “Teenage Bullshit.” However, it wasn’t until 2019 that they officially embraced the name OutPastMidnight, after meeting their manager, Dezareé Negrete. The duo’s connection with Negrete during an audition for her music-management class at Columbia College led to a fruitful partnership that propelled their music to new heights.
With the release of albums like “Teenage Bullshit” and “Super Stereo Bros.,” OutPastMidnight’s mission statement evolved to focus on making music and culture more accessible to underrepresented communities. This commitment was further solidified when they secured a DCASE Individual Artists grant to support their traveling open-mike series, Power to the People.
As OutPastMidnight gears up to celebrate five years under their name, they are set to headline Reggies Rock Club on Friday, September 6, joined by their band, the Graveyard Shift, and a lineup of artists who’ve supported and shared the stage with them. The event promises an electrifying night of hip-hop celebration, with performances by J Bambii, Chris Robbin’ (formerly F.A.B.L.E.), Heavy Crownz, Linda Sol, and DJ Tango, while poet Raych Jackson, a mentor to the duo, hosts the show.
cELLAbration: Honoring the Legacy of Ella Jenkins
Turning 100 in August, Ella Jenkins, the first lady of children’s music and a pioneering Black artist, continues to inspire generations with her timeless melodies. The Old Town School of Folk Music will host cELLAbration on Saturday, September 7, to pay tribute to Jenkins’ impactful contributions to music and culture.
Folkways Records released Jenkins’s first album, “Call-and-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing,” in 1957, setting the stage for a career dedicated to inclusiveness, equality, and the celebration of diverse musical traditions. Teaching artists at the Old Town School will perform Jenkins’s repertoire, inviting attendees to join in the call-and-response pedagogy that has defined her music.
Participants can expect to engage in a joyous celebration of unity and equality through song and dance, embodying Jenkins’ belief in the power of music to bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of community. The event promises to be a heartwarming homage to a legendary artist whose influence transcends generations.
Plum: Debut Album Celebration at the Empty Bottle
For fans of the local indie-rock scene, the postpunk trio Plum is a familiar name, comprising drummer Karissa Talanian, bassist-vocalist Heather Perry, and guitarist-vocalist Jeff Kelley. On Monday, September 9, Plum will headline the Empty Bottle to commemorate the release of their debut album, “Can’t Hold On to It.”
Formed a few years ago, Plum’s sound blends angular melodies with new-wave influences, creating a unique sonic landscape that captivates audiences. Talanian’s rhythmic prowess adds a psychedelic flair to the band’s music, enhancing their indie sleaze aesthetic and drawing comparisons to iconic acts like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Following a successful tour in Japan in 2023, Plum returns to Chicago to share their music with a hometown crowd, offering cassettes of a live set from Japan and tape and vinyl copies of “Can’t Hold On to It.” With Mrkt and Bloodhype opening the show, attendees can expect a night of raw energy and infectious tunes that showcase Plum’s eclectic musical sensibilities.
As Plum takes the stage at the Empty Bottle, they invite fans to immerse themselves in a sonic journey of self-discovery and introspection, marking a new chapter in their musical evolution.
In conclusion, the Chicago music scene continues to thrive with diverse talents like OutPastMidnight, Ella Jenkins, and Plum, each contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds that define the city’s cultural landscape. Through their dedication to their craft and unwavering passion for music, these artists inspire and uplift audiences, creating moments of connection and joy that transcend boundaries. As we celebrate their milestones and achievements, let us embrace the power of music to unite us and celebrate the beauty of artistic expression in all its forms.