Passion, discipline, raw energy, and focused talent are what you'll encompass when you experience the music of MER.

Based out of Chicago, MER began as a singer songwriter. Originally influenced by James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, and other folk music, MER found his form of honest expression through voice and guitar. Café’s and small bars allowed MER to develop his stage presence at an early age. Eventually, influences spread to funk and jazz in the stylings of James Brown, Prince, John Scofield, and Madeski, Martin, and Wood. Consistent growth has opened up MER’s influences to progressive rock bands such as Rush, Porcupine Tree, Muse, and Mars Volta.

For the last six years, MER has been creating music that transcends many musical genres. MER’s eclectic taste in music has brought forth a "melting pot" of sounds consisting of pop, rock, funk, folk, Latin, and jazz. No matter what your musical flavor may be, you’ll find something in MER’s music to groove to.

MER has dedicated himself to writing diverse and honest music and playing energetic live shows. There’s no better way to receive music than witnessing a live show and MER’s sets act as testimony. MER's devotion to music has earned him the right to share stages with Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, Pat Green, Grammy nominated Liquid Soul, Fastball, Kill Hannah, John Wesley Harding, Ekoostik Hookah, Virginia Coalition, The Pat McGee Band and many other national touring acts.

Visit Mer Website

Dave Tamkin's new EP "Only Traffic" is the first of collection of two full band and solo acoustic percussive assaults. Produced by Wesley John Cichosz and Dave Tamkin, with additional engineering by Jim Godsey. This two year project delivers 6 songs of personal lyrics set against a musical rollercoaster of shake your ass instrumentation and emotion. Pick up yours today.
 
Chicago Singer/Songwriter, Dave Tamkin, has created his own unique style of rhythmic-acoustic rock that's based around a fresh musical vision. His shows vary from intimate solo acoustic performances to a full band experience encapsulating a mixture of personal lyrics and skilled songwriting set against a high-energy percussive backbone.
 While touring nationally, he's shared the stage with Guster, Rusted Root, Fountains of Wayne, Butch Walker, Warsaw, Vertical Horizon, Stroke 9, Will Hoge, Little Feat and The Commitments, to name a few. All those who have been in attendance bear witness to a unique stage show that bursts at the seams with positive energy.

Tamkin has a style that is hard to resist. His lyrics are unbashedly honest and his passion for playing is undying. Dave sings and plays with emotion not commonly seen in the music world these days. He creates a distinct sound with a sonic percussive assault mixed with a vivid, melodic instrumental bed, shaken with a twist of passionate vocal lines.

The Dave Tamkin and Co. lineup is filled up with solid Chicago musicians, Jason Vinluan (violin), Tom "the bird" Galla, on Bass, Bryan Sansom and Mike Alongi on Drums, Michaele Arvidson on Keys and Wes Cichosz on guitar and saxaphone. Dave Tamkin and Co. create a distinct sound that will make you shake your ass.

His CD Re-Release party will be @ the Double Door in Chicago on May 5th, 2006,  Also appearing will be Bascom Hill, Motil, and Seven Day Run -- DoubleDoor.com for more details.

The history of Bottle of Justus dates back to the late 90’s where the band originated on the campus of Illinois State University. Twin brothers Chris and Joe Quinlan formed the band along with Jeff Johnson and Erik Bogdonas. Bottle of Justus quickly progressed from playing fraternity parties to touring around the nation (including selling out the House of Blues in Chicago). BOJ has gone on to release three albums during the past few years. Their first CD America Cries (2001) garnered a lot of buzz on the national scene. While the second release On Air (2003) was produced by Jason Elgin (Creed, Collective Soul) and is full of hooky/radio singles. The latest album Lemon Live (2004) captures the energy the band puts into their live shows. The new full length CD titled suddenly o.k. (2005) came out on January 4, 2005. It was recorded over a two month period in Birmingham, AL at Synchromesh Studios with Jason Elgin. The release party will took place at the House of Blues in Chicago on January 8, 2005. BOJ has shared the stage with: Maroon 5, Vertical Horizon, Guster, Better Than Ezra, Stroke 9, Eve 6, Ben Folds, Collective Soul, Sister Hazel, Rusted Root, Lifehouse, Tonic, Dave Navarro, Cake, The Bodeans, Soul Asylum, Sugar Ray, and many other national acts across the country.

King Solomon's Grave, a funk-rock band from Chicago, got their start on the campus of Illinois State University. Groovy guitar riffs, solid backing beats, and fantastic bass work round out their sound. Singer Nathan Holley's voice sparkles on every song, with his guitar work searing on each track. Drummer Mike Alongi just might be one of the best. Touted as one of the most talented unsigned drummers in the nation, Mike will definately give the listener what they want. Bassist Josh Mills is in a league of his own, slapping, popping, and tapping his way to bass stardom. The vocal harmonies are very pleasing to the ear, spot-on and unique. Their sounds lend themselves to many genres, making it possible for KSG to step on the stage with many different styles of acts. Funk, Hip-hop, R&B, and Rock round out the KSG sound. KSG has shared the stage with: Better than Ezra, Cowboy Mouth, O.A.R., MC Lyte, Cee-Lo, Umphrey's McGee, Seven Mary Three, Slightly Stoopid, George Lynch from Dokken, Michael Glabicki from Rusted Root, and Virginia Coalition to name a few. Lead singer Nathan Holley has been spotted playing acoustic at shows with Bon-Jovi, GooGoo Dolls, Ja-Rule, Ciara, Lloyd, and many others. KSG has appeared at venues such as: The Mark, Braden Auditorium, Durty Nellie's, the Metro, House of Blues, Double Door, Copper Dragon, Mississippi Nights, the Cubby Bear and many more... NEWS!!!!!!!! Nathan has since moved to Jacksonville, FL, but the band will continue to tour all across the nation... KSG Shows: Nathan Holley - Lead guitars, Lead Vocals Josh Mills - Bass, Vocals Mike Alongi - Drums Nathan Holley Acoustic Shows: A digital one man band. No pre-recorded anythings! Everything you hear is looped live in front of you. Drums, bass, vocals, synth, beat-box, you name it he does it.