A Decade of Eclecticism with Ghostly International

By Veronica Murtagh in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 21, 2009 7:20PM

Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Ghostly International has long been an independent label to watch. Label head, Sam Valenti, has a knack for culling a roster of some of the most interesting, off-kilter music out there. Though Ghostly has a decidedly electronic focus, Valenti is never one to adhere strictly to a single genre, and this open-mindedness is reflected in his artist roster which runs the gamut from DJ/Producer Matthew Dear to shoegaze band School of Seven Bells. Equally as strong as Ghostly's musical offerings is their carefully curated art pairings. Ghostly merges art and music flawlessly, teaming up artists, designers and musicians to form a label that is a sensory feast.

It's hard to believe that Ghostly has turned a decade old, but lucky for us, Chicago is one of a select group of cities slated for the label's series of 10 year anniversary parties. The evening features a little something for everyone, with electro from Solvent, local industrial outfit Kill Memory Crash, beats and funk from Eliot Lipp's side project, Dark Party, a DJ set from Mike Servito and the act we're looking forward to most, design wizard/musician Tycho. Tycho is a seriously talented artist and we're longtime fans of his poster art and look forward to hearing what his music is all about.

Ghostly International 10 Year Anniversary, tonight, August 21, at Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9 p.m., $20, 21+.