A couple months ago we wrote about our friends at Stripped & Chewed Records (formerly Second City Recordings) launching a Kickstarter page to get their label up and running. In order to realize their goal of pressing the label's first release to vinyl, Stripped & Chewed needed $4,000 from supporters. With the fundraising campaign about thirty hours away from closing, we can gladly report that the label has reached its goal (and then some). more ›

Having just celebrated their first year anniversary with a whole host of events, not to mention a profile in the New York Times. Not one to rest on their laurels, the indie radio station recently announced dates for its annual record fair on its blog. more ›

If there is anything we love here at the Chicagoist offices, certainly at the top of our list is anything we can get our grubby little hands on for free. Yes, we admit, we are lucky that we have access to some great stuff, but whenever we get the chance we want to share the love by sending any free schwag our readers' way, we are more then happy to do so. Yesterday, while this Chicagoista finally got the opportunity to clear away the cobwebs atop a pile of press releases while sipping on the non-alcoholic Chicagoist approved egg nog, we came upon a nice little stocking stuffer for you folks at home. Chicago's own folk-americana musician Joe Pug has released his seven-song-EP, Nation of Heat, as a free download in conjunction with WXRT. more ›

The Randolph Street Market kicks off this weekend, May 23 and 24, and takes place the last weekend of each month until September. The market also hosts over 200 vendors, including the Chicago Antique Market, the Vinyl Swap Meet, a fancy global food market and the indie Designer market. The Festival is at the Plumbers Hall complex, 1340 W. Washington or enter at 1350 Block of West Randolph between Ada and Ogden, part indoors and part outdoors. more ›

When he isn't suing former bandmates, Jay Bennett puts out records. Last November, the erstwhile Wilco guitarist issued Whatever Happened I Apologize, his fifth solo effort, through the online-only distributor Rock Proper, which offers free downloads of its releases. But for those who'd like to hold more than a jumble of ones and zeros in their hands, Bennett and Rock Proper have hooked up with a somewhat novel new service called Kickstarter: pledge some cash, and watch that download become a real live 12" record. more ›

Vinyl nerds, be warned. The 7th annual CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights is upon us—and this year’s media blitz complete with music, magazines, posters, and more will fill your arms with loads of entertainment and eye candy to last all summer long. Founded by the folks at CHIRP, a non-profit organization that aims to bring a new independent radio station to Chicago, this year’s event has a brand new location—the Chicago Journeymen’s Plumber’s Union. more ›