Sima Cunningham, a prominent Chicago singer-songwriter, is set to release her highly anticipated solo album, “High Roller,” on August 30th through the New York-based label Ruination Record Company. This album has been in the making for nearly a decade, with some of the songs dating back over ten years. Cunningham, who is also part of the art-rock duo Finom with Macie Stewart, felt that now was the right time to share her solo work with the world.
The album, “High Roller,” explores various intimate relationships, with Cunningham drawing inspiration from the romanticism of friendships. She emphasizes the importance of treating friendships with the same reverence and adoration as romantic partnerships. One of the tracks, “For Liam,” is a heartfelt tribute to her younger brother, singer-songwriter Liam Kazar, expressing a deep sense of protection and love. Another poignant song, “Adonai,” serves as a tribute to a friend who tragically took his own life, showcasing Cunningham’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
Cunningham’s musical journey with “High Roller” was influenced by Harry Nilsson’s eclectic songwriting approach, resulting in a mix of rootsy rockers, flamboyant quasi-symphonic ballads, and tender acoustic tunes. She collaborated with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Dorian Gehring, to produce the album at their studio in Logan Square. The process involved experimenting with different ways to present the songs authentically.
The album features guest appearances from notable musicians such as Charles Rumback, Spencer Tweedy, Macie Stewart, Andrew Sa, and Elizabeth Moen, adding layers of depth and complexity to Cunningham’s solo work. With a decade-long journey of performing these songs live, Cunningham is excited for the audience to finally take them home and experience them in a new light.
In a separate musical endeavor, Chicago rapper and librarian Roy Kinsey has launched a GoFundMe campaign for Rapbrary, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving rap as a literary art form and creating spaces for banned and challenged books. Kinsey’s passion for history and literature shines through in his work, emphasizing the importance of spreading knowledge and preserving Black intellectual thought. The upcoming launch party for Rapbrary at Thalia Hall promises to be a celebration of music, literature, and community.
On a different note, local composer and producer Cesar Pino, also known as C3zr, is releasing a remix of his samba-inflected instrumental track, “Agua Viva.” Pino’s transition from pianist to electronic music producer was spurred by the lockdown, leading to the creation of his debut album, “Round Voyage.” The remix, done by rapper and producer Pugs Atomz, adds a fresh perspective to Pino’s vibrant sound, showcasing the versatility and collaborative spirit of Chicago’s music scene.
As the Chicago music scene continues to evolve and thrive, artists like Sima Cunningham, Roy Kinsey, and Cesar Pino are pushing boundaries and creating meaningful connections through their music. Their dedication to artistic expression and community engagement serves as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the city.
With a lineup of upcoming shows and events to look forward to, Chicago remains a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation in the music industry. From intimate solo performances to collaborative projects and community initiatives, the local scene continues to inspire and uplift audiences across genres and generations. As the city’s musical landscape continues to grow and evolve, the future looks bright for emerging and established artists alike.
