SITUATIONCHICAGO

As music fans across Chicago and beyond mourn the loss of live music, the industry has been left wondering what comes next.  In our 8th month of the Pandemic, everyone from musicians, to fans, to venue workers have felt the devastating effects of these unprecedented times.  Though the network of live music has come to a halt, the community of caring, generous, motivated Chicago creatives continues to uplift and support one another.  situationchicago, created by Trey Elder of the Quiet Pterodactyl non-profit, has become a shining example of the resilience of the music community.  Featuring 25 Chicago musicians, this project is a massive collaboration of creative energy aiming to support local venues struggling during the Pandemic.  “The situationchicago project was a direct response to the pandemic and the unknown closure times of our venues. 2020 was originally supposed to be events-driven for Quiet Pterodactyl, so when those events were cancelled, it just felt right to brainstorm to see what else we could do to help the music community in it's time of need. "First to close, last to open" is a phrase that summarizes the current state of music venues, theaters...anywhere people gather indoors to enjoy the arts...and it's not looking good that they will be able to re-open anywhere close to functioning capacity soon.”

Available via Bandcamp, situationchicago has created a 25 track vinyl record with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the venues needing it the most.  From Jeff Tweedy, to Rick Wilson, to OK Go, this record supports a meaningful cause on top of being an awesome compilation of the city’s music.  “We wanted to represent different music styles and parts of the city, as well as a variety of "bigger name" and local, up and coming, amazing talent that Chicago has to offer. Some we already had personal connections with, some were recommended by the music venues that are also a part of the project, and others were just artists we had appreciated from afar. All of the artists were excited to be able to give back to these venues they all know and play (have played) in. Smaller, local venues are the lifeblood of where artists develop their craft, and many of Chicago's venues have been supporting the diverse scene here for decades.”

Upon speaking with featured artists Girl K, Rich Jones, and Miss Alex White of White Mystery, it seems these artists were equally as passionate about the mission as Trey was when he created situationchicago.  Rich Jones speaks to situationchicago saying that “It resonates because it's us using our music as a way to sustain many of the venues that have hosted us over the years. Also pretty cool to have a collection of songs featuring multiple generations of artists, many of whom myself and others are indebted to in regard to the groundwork they laid for us to have what we enjoy today.”

Just as the city’s artists were willing to jump in and help, local sponsors were quickly looped in as extra support for the cause.  Working closely with Smashed Plastic to press the record, Trey explains “We definitely couldn't have done it without them, as well as the financial support of our other sponsors: Dark Matter Coffee, Revolution Brewing, Malort, and Nature's Grace and Wellness. They all came together out of a love for music to ensure the sales, not just proceeds, went back to music venues… Typically a record like this would take well over a year to create - including signed artist contracts, mixing/mastering, graphic design, jackets made, having plates made and approved, etc, etc, and finally...pressing a record - and between QP and Smashed we were able to have a record in hand in just under 4 months.”

For Chicago musicians and frequent concert-goers, we all know the indescribable magic of the city’s live music scene.  Miss Alex from White Mystery notes, “The Chicago live music scene is vibrant and active. Bands can play a show in Logan Square and a party in Pilsen in one night, and still make it to a friend's DJ set before last call. There's a variety and fearlessness that is unique to our town… hopefully the future of live music is around the corner, with a blend of the old and new.”   Rich Jones comments on the Chicago scene, “people really know how to perform their shit. Also that there was always at least 3-5 shows I would consider going to at any given time of the week, sometimes 2-3 in a night if I was really making moves. I know some places have a lot of activity but it was really fun to bounce around and have a high level of confidence that wherever I end up will be just as good as where I'm coming from.”

Basement: What is your hope for the future of live music?

Rich Jones: That Live Nation doesn't buy everything up. If that happens, underground I go ;)

It’s hard to say when live music will have its revival, but as projects like situationchicago demonstrate, there are always ways to continue supporting, promoting, and enjoying live music.  When I asked Trey and the artists featured in this project about their hopes for the future of live music, their responses were unanimously hopeful and optimistic.  Girl K expresses hope that “it comes back soon, and when it does I know it's going to be absolutely amazing. I hope that the government takes more initiative in protecting venues, and the arts in the future and that people take more precautions towards practicing safety at social events!”  Similarly, Miss Alex stays optimistic, urging people to “wear a mask, wash your hands, and support music anyway possible until live shows are back.”

“I just want to go see shows again… Watch your favorite local artists' live streams and chip in to their Venmos; buy merch from venues; buy the situationchicago record and dinner packages at savechicagomusic.org; go to saveourstages.com to easily tell Congress this industry needs government assistance; most importantly, recognize how music and other art forms are a crucial part of our everyday existence. They are not luxuries, they are necessities, and we all need to make sure they continue to exist.” -Trey Elder

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