Music

Kirby speaks with Ben Schneider, the man behind Lord Huron, in advance of the band's show Wednesday night at the Highdive.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts' biennial guitar festival has revealed who will be performing at the event this September.

Just an absurd amount of shows this week all over C-U, including the return of the Summer Stage show smack dab in the middle of Campustown on Saturday.

Katie talks with Stephen Larson and Daniel Southerland, the musical masterminds behind the Urbana Pops Orchestra concert “That's No Moon.”

Hoax, Laughboy, Need, and Soap Scum invade Error Records tonight, and Kirby discusses the event with a few of those involved with the show.

Katie talks with Peter Case about his influences, universal truths, and his upcoming show at The Highdive.

We have the scoop on Ellnora's artist announcement, which features a handful of terrific acts for this year's festival.

Plenty of shows around C-U this week, including Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti tonight at The Highdive, as well as a bunch at Error Records.

We spoke with Ariel Pink prior to his performance at The Highdive Monday night about touring, the Midwest, and his band's misconceived image.

Jon recounts last night's Night Beds show at Mike 'N Molly's.

Sometimes, local albums get overlooked here at Smile Politely. B-Sides, a new monthly local capsule review series, should help prevent that from happening.

The local video series offers a unique and diverse experience to help raise money.

Jon talks with Winston Yellen about his new album and finding where “home” is.

Finer Feelings is opening for Night Beds tonight at Mike 'N Molly's, and they talked with us about their new single release series, tonight's show, and their plans for their full-length debut.

Plenty of shows this week as May turns into June, including an excellent mid-week show by Night Beds at Mike 'N Molly's.

Katie gains insight into the noise, sound, and spoken word that's coming to Error Records Friday night.

Liz lets us know which artists to see at this year's Summer Camp Music Festival and the tie-ins with C-U.

Everything you need to know (and then some) about local emo-math rockers Hank., as they prepare for the release of their debut LP Pinched, coming this July.

A bunch of shows this week, including another experimental show, this time around at Error Records.

There could be dozens of categories to explore in the C-U music scene, but we've narrowed it down to a bunch that we're highlighting as the best over the past year.

Jeff discusses local kelzmer band Don't Ask and the traditions they embrace in their music.

Another mixtape release show leads the way this week in C-U's live music.

Katie talks to Mike Maimone of Mutts about their upcoming release show at Mike 'N Molly's.

Katie talks with Nick Martin and Isaac Arms, organizers of “Sound + Light,” a unique event blending film and music.

Plenty of shows going on this week, including an interesting show going down at the Art Theater mid-week.

It's time: Here's your initial lineup for Pygmalion Music Festival in 2013. Prepare yourselves.

Although May is just now beginning, April's showers haven't gone away completely. And neither has music that reminds us of Spring.

Elsinore's two new members Brad Threlkeld and James Treichler are ready to show fans what they can bring to the band, and insist they're not feeling the pressure of playing for the hometown crowd.

Katie enjoys the sights and sounds of “one-man recording studio” Nate Holley.

Elsinore's back-to-back shows at Cowboy Monkey and Mike 'N Molly's this week highlight the list of C-U shows.

Musical missionaries Nahko & Medicine for the People bring their uplifting messages of peace to some very danceable folk and tribal sounds.  

To prepare for Bob Dylan coming to Champaign we gathered some of the man's best songs, per the opinion of several people active in the C-U music scene, into one collection. 

Another Record Store Day come and gone. Sean was there to document the day and recap everything in photos.

Local bluegrass players foster a beautiful blend of traditional and newgrass sounds on their first record.

Seventeen shows listed this week. Enough music around C-U to last you a while, not to mention Bob Dylan is in town.

Our cities are very much alive when it comes to music, and Record Store Day is a clear indicator of all the greatness C-U has to offer. Check out our full guide to RSD 2013 in C-U.

The 21-year-old alt-country wunderkind is trying out some new material on the road before hitting the studio; RIYL: Blue Oyster Cult.

Now, Now’s Cacie Dalager recently took a few minutes during a break in between tours to talk with us about the success of their 2012 release Threads, getting signed with Chris Walla’s label Trans Records, and how to handle getting heckled.

Katie captures the artistry of conductor and soloist Ian Hobson as he performs Brahms at Smith Memorial Hall

Plenty of shows this week to see, but get ready, Record Store Day 2013 is upon us this Saturday.

Rock radio continues its slow disappearing act from Champaign's dial. But why? Jason shares some possible explanations for U-Rock 107.9's dismantling.

Krannert's offering commuters a break with a drive time rock and roll concert from JD McPherson.

The annual DoCha Festival took place this past weekend, and Monica was there to shoot photos and recap the fest at the Orpheum Theatre.

Tons of shows again this week in C-U, including Midwest Zine Fest over in Urbana at the Independent Media Center.

This weekend's Skeletal Lightning Festival was a runaway success, in no small part due to the community involvement that makes up the core of any healthy scene

We sit down with Skeletal Lightning founder to chat about this weekend's festival.

the Soil & the Sun return to Champaign and they’re bringing the gorgeousness.

The Fights' debut, self-titled EP reminds listeners that there's a lot more to country music than cowboy boots, fast cars, and Jason Aldean.