Alfredo Ramirez Corral
Don’t mess with success. At least that’s Corral’s resolution for 2004, after he witnessed his band, Grupo Montez de Durango, peak at No. 2 on the Latin charts with its album “De Durango a Chicago.”
“The plan is to continue to do what our fans want us to do and what our fans want to hear. I built a studio and gym in my house. That’s going to be my hobby–working out in the morning and then recording in the studio. The plan is to improve our style with a better sound. We’re going to start touring on Jan. 25,
God willing. We’ll head to Minnesota, Florida, California and Texas. And we hope to tour Mexico with Banda Recodo [a Mexican banda group]. And then the new album will come out in June or July.”
Diverse
You’ve heard the words “next big thing” enough to doubt anyone who gets slapped with the title, and since we wouldn’t want to jinx the kid anyhow, we’ll refrain. But we will say that on his recent release, “One A.M.,” this Chicago-bred rapper is delivering enough clever tongue twisters to rival Mos Def with a one-of-a-kind voice and style.
“My New Year’s resolution would be to do everything in my control to stay out on the road touring. I really appreciate the notion of connecting with people through your music. Touring allows you to do just that every night and in a new city, with new people and new things to explore.”
Elizabeth Elmore
The frontwoman for indie-popsters The Reputation is known as much for her unflinching lyrics about relationships as she is for her catchy guitar hooks. Her band recently inked a deal with Lookout! Records (former home to Green Day and The Donnas), and the group is desperately trying to wrap up recording for the new album as Elmore simultaneously tries to complete her Northwestern University law degree.
“We work about as hard as we can, so our resolution really can’t be to work harder as a band. Though our record is due in 10 days, and I still have five songs worth of lyrics to write, not to mention the five days I have to complete the 40- and 55-page papers that I need to finish up for law school–papers that I’ve already gotten an extension on. We don’t even have a name for the album and a lot of the songs yet. Then, there’s the album artwork due by Jan. 26, and we haven’t even taken any band photos. I was joking with the guys that I need to relax more, but this album’s never going to come out if I do that. I guess my resolution is to finish this album.”
Frank Catalano
As the local jazz saxophonist prepares to head into the studio with ex-Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlain and David Bowie’s keyboardist, Mike Garson, to record a jazz-tinged album, he says this is his year to tone down his partying.
“Everything I was ever hoping for–like when I was in high school wondering what I was going to do with my life–is starting to happen now. So I’m looking to ease up on my partying this year and get into better shape. I went through my day planner and found out that I went to 120 parties last year–121, actually. And I really like martinis, so depending on when and where I’m at, I might have two or three a night. That winds up being like an extra 1,500 calories a day, which really starts to bog me down. So I’ve been doing this Body for Life thing at Bally’s and I haven’t really been drinking at all–aside from a little champagne on New Year’s, that is. I figure as long as I’ve got the energy and the stamina, it’s full-steam ahead.”
Lonesome Organist
This one-man-band has to be seen to be truly appreciated. On a homemade musical rig, the Lonesome Organist plays drums with one hand and one foot, alternates between organ and guitar with the other hand, does a little one-foot tap dancing, and splits time between singing and blowing through the harmonica strapped around his neck. Last summer’s release, “Forms and Follies,” isn’t a replacement for seeing him perform live, but should satisfy the masses until his next local gig.
“My New Year’s resolution was to go to Japan and I’m already keeping it. … I leave to play shows there in about a week and I’m really excited. Japan is like Mars compared to Chicago. You can get a good cup of coffee from a machine for next to nothing; the sushi is good, everywhere and affordable; and everything is really clean. So since I’m accomplishing that resolution, my new one is to finally get my band of monkeys together to accompany me on stage. It’s getting lonesome up there.”
Iomos Marad
After Chicago hip-hop veterans All Natural stumbled upon Iomos Marad spitting like-minded positive lyrics to the beat of his own drum (literally–he raps while boom-bapping on his well-traveled drum kit), they snatched him up for their label, Family Tree. His debut full-length release last year, “Deep Rooted,” proved their A&R skills were as sharp as any.
“My resolution for the New Year is to get on a big tour like the Okayplayer tour so that I can showcase my talents, travel and see things outside of Chicago.
I want to put out as much music as I can–an EP, album and like 10 mix tapes. I want my music to reach and touch everybody of all shapes, sizes and colors, and I want to have something of substance to say in this day and age when rappers doing so-called music don’t say anything.”
