Triangle Offense are making there way to the limelight with talent pumpin in their veins. Consisting of Aux A.R., Rhymster & Mike Booth these guys are reaching for all aspects of the industry. From producing their own music to writing their own lyrics and coordinating their own events, they really are the jack of all trades.
The Trio is getting ready to take over the summer. Over the months they have been building their portfolio, practicing and rehearsing for live sets. Taking their music to fans and artists alike at Ever Evolved events and making connections, they have made their way to the lineup of the Cruisin USA Curren$y tour where they will perform at the Metro alongside the $pitta June 1st. A feat reached on their own, they will have a chance to unleash their unreleased tracks off their upcoming summer mixtape Jack of All Trades to the unsuspecting mass. This will be the 2nd time to performing on a Curren$y tour lineup; the first being at Portage Theater.
This mixtape is packed with energy and local Chicago talent. Their Interlude with the Shaman Mista Dent alone fills you with adrenaline by the end of this track you will be on your feet! Most recently releasing Want Us Round featuring Jimmy Capeesh and Fly Dubb for a free download, laying down some chill vibes and smooth production byFrekwenzy and Triangle MC Rhymster himself; the Trio is proving to be muli-talented from networking and working on their own music from start to finish. Is Chicago ready for the Trianle Offense?
In spirit of the holiday season, a few artists at Ever Evolved decided to release singles to their fans, keeping them on edge with their albums/mixtapes/projects coming out in the near future.
To start with Triangle Offense members Rhymster and AR, they released a short teaser called New Year. The full Triangle album is planning to be released in mid 2016.
Triangle Offense member Rhymster, also released a single featuring Jimmy Capeesh. Jimmy Capeesh is also planning to start a project through Ever Evolved, being released some time in 2016.
Finally, we have A.B.S, with his mixtape Road to Fame being released this Thursday. He posted a single called Everybody Else on his SoundCloud to give fans a little taste of what is to come for the album this week.
Want to hear more from Ever Evolved?
Come out to Midnight Marauders tomorrow at 10pm. Combining with an open mic and jam Session, it will also feature artists A.B.S, AR and Machobeatz for their album/mixtape release party. (AR releases tomorrow and Macho releases in early 2016) Come out for a night of music and good vibes!
This past Friday, The Black Couch Studio and Gallery owner, Mark Narens, hosted an intimate art show at Bang! Salon in Wicker Park. The night starting at 7pm featured live-looping music from Ever Evolved’s own artist, Cameron Broderick. Singing popular songs such as Lights by Ellie Goulding, and So Close by Alex Clare made everyone pay attention to his unique layering and bright talent.
Cam Broderick Live Looping for the Guests of the evening
Of course though, the first thing you’ll notice about the salon is how eclectic it is. It’s electric colored walls and friendly staff is definitely something that jumped out at me. Not only that, but at how many salons do you see an empty Jack bottle being used for a sprayer ?
Who knew Jack Daniel’s had so many uses?
I had the pleasure to talk to many staff members of the night and finally bumped into the owner, Eli. Searching for more about Bang! Salon, I just had to ask him how he opened up shop. Working for 5 months out of his apartment with 2 other stylists from a previous failed business venture, they started to raise money for their salon. Luckily, his building used to be a commercial space, and he was legally able to incorporate Bang! before he even opened up the current location. Saving as he went, having loyal clientele and borrowing just a little money let him open up shop for almost nothing. “Month by month I bought a chair here, a mirror there, to what it is now. I mean we’ve been open for 8 and a half years now, with 8 full time stylists, 2 in training, and a full time front desk manager.”
What’s even more special is that Bang! Salon is in the process of expanding, going from 6 chairs to 16. ” A lot of what is contributed to the success is not only my educational background of the industry [he also teaches], but also in 2012 I won Hair Stylist of the year for North America (North American Hairstyling Awards). I was nominated in 2 categories, and I won the biggest one … that gave us a lot of local recognition in Chicago, because I was the only one to win it here ever! That’s what helped us get to this next level, which is the expansion. ” It was surprising to find out from Eli that there was an awards ceremony dedicated to great hair stylists. It’s something that always will be around as a profession, so its appealing to know that stylists, such as Eli, can and do get recognized for their efforts.
The BIG question I asked though is, what really makes Bang! Salon different from those in the surrounding area? Eli gladly answered, “My goal was to work in an environment where everyone was passionate … they are just as [excited] about what they are doing on their clients as I am. We like that comforting and welcoming environment, [not stuffy and closed in like most salons, Bang! doesn’t even smell like hair products when you walk in]. We’re super diverse, catering from babies to older and elderly people … as artists it keeps us from getting bored and doing the same type of hair all the time. … We’re here to be the best we can be as stylists, cater to our client’s needs as well as we can; [but overall] just get along and respect each other as artists.”
When I asked if Eli had anything else to add, he spoke up about a company he is currently teaming up with, Lock and Loaded,a men’s grooming company. He’s their artistic director. They share a lot of the same values as Eli has with Bang! After developing for 5 years, the duo finally released a product line of 4 men’s styling products, shampoo and a conditioner. Even though it’s Chicago based, it’s quickly blowing up nationally, and starting to move its way across waters. The craziest part about it is the product has only been launched for 4 weeks. “Its fun to see that take off the way it is,” Eli adds.
Coming back to Friday’s event, this was actually Bang!’s first art show. Mark Narens had some wonderful pieces and prints displayed on the walls, and even laid some down on the leather chairs for people to pick up and investigate for themselves. Eli adds, “… just to do an event like this … [supporting] artists, I don’t see enough support in Chicago with complimentary artistic fields as there are … so I’m really happy to help Support The Black Couch.” And The Black Couch supports the salons. They used to support local shops in the neighborhood because they supported art. But since they wanted to get back in it again, they called around to see who would be interested in hosting Mark’s show. Bang! was the first salon they made contact with. “As soon as I walked in for the first time I knew this was it” said mark, “This is the place.”
A lovely psychedelic piece by Mark Narens
To book an appointment with Bang! Salon, call : (773)- 276- 9414
As you walk into The Black Couch, the first thing you’re going to notice is the atmosphere. The paint splattered and mural decorated floors, the art pieces covering the walls, and the amount of people gathered in the common space for 2nd Fridays, a monthly open mic. This past Friday however, Ever Evolved teamed up with The Black Couch to create the first ever Midnight Marauders. It added to the open mic event, allowing artists to perform and display their talents. As the night progressed, we saw many different talents from Ever Evolved, including A.B.S, Rhymster, Mike Booth, and AR performing freestyle and spoken word. This also gave new people a chance to come out later in the night, to be able to express their talents. Night Owls can expand their creativity as it went on well past 2am. Now, next month, it will take on as its own separate event so keep checking EverEvolved’s Facebook for event updates!
This past Saturday, we are proud to announce the winners of Verbal Warfare 3 Tag Team edition: Mike Booth and AR from our very own Ever Evolved team! The win was not easy though, beating out 6 other duos that were in attendance, and overall won a cash prize of 400 dollars. The venue, Subterranean in Wicker Park, was well crowded, with at least 75 people in attendance. The team of Ever Evolved, Varie Magazine and J. Norm also had slight success with the raffle, raising 50 dollars for Sacred Transformations. The people that entered and won the raffle were ecstatic about winning their prizes. When the winner for the art piece by Mark, owner of The Black Couch Studio And Art Gallery was announced, he waved his ticket in the air, so filled with joy that he got to take home the 3 foot beauty. Overall, it was a very successful night for all three teams and we’ll be looking forward to part 4 in the upcoming months.
October 10th at Subterranean, Ever Evolved will teaming up with J. Norm and Varie Magazine to be hosting the third Verbal Warfare. We are not holding Verbal Warfare 3 (VW3) for us, but to give back to our community. From the founding of this label, we have been striving to make a difference on how Chicago is viewed to outsiders; from the music we create that’s anti-drill, to supporting art fulfilled charities.Verbal Warfare 3 allows rappers to battle in front of a live audience, and an online presence through gigity.tv livestream. Audience members can purchase raffle tickets for prizes. These include but are not limited to a photo shoot, studio time, free original instrumentals, a design voucher, and an art piece donated by The Black Couch Studio. But here’s the best part: 100% of all raffle ticket purchases go to Sacred Transformations.
Sacred Transformations strives to make the lives of others better through art. Described in their mission statement, “Sacred Transformations is dedicated to helping people who are tattooed, scarred, branded and or burnt from negative experiences to transform those marks into art pieces that celebrate one’s individuality. The experience empowers the individual to express in their own terms who they are inside. It is our goal for those marks to be converted into a source of daily inspiration to maintain sobriety, to be committed to the welfare and betterment of children, family, community and self. Our organization believes that transformative tattoos will provide a historically qualified link to spirituality and culture and deliver the individual a new rite of passage – a symbol of evolving consciousness and personal evolution.”
Ever Evolved chose this organization specifically because of its dedication to the arts. It brings upon the idea of providing positive energy to its clients, helping them feel clean and happy with their soul from the inside out.
In other aspects of this event, VW3 is the first tag team rap battle. Sign up begins immediately at 10:30pm for teams, so make sure to get there early to get a slot in the competition. If there are slots left, solo rappers can be listed and paired up randomly with others. First, second, and third place prizes will be given out. Winners will be decided by the crowd decision. We hope to see you there!
Some Music Festival’s like to have a certain theme to match the genre of music that will be played or it can be a regular festival with multiple music genres. Whether going to Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Made in America or the Riot Fest, take a chance on different fashion styles. Think outside the box other than a regular t-shirt and jeans, sandals and gym shoes, mix it up a bit. This current 2015 year, the new fad seems to be a bohemian look or the 90’S trend. Take a look below for a few stylish ensembles that can help inspire an idea for an fashionable 2015 Music Festival look.
Men
Gentlemen, the task of shopping is always more incomplex then women. Of course no one wants to look like a dork, a douche bag or just plain ole undignified. No matter what look dope to the highest degree. Possibly you may bump into a famous music artist or the woman of your dreams.
Ladies we want to be comfortable, free to just be cute and somewhat half-naked (laughs) it’s all good because it hot outside and we want to look even hotter.
Nothing like friends to the End, Bro’s before….Ladies sticking together through the weather. During music festivals, groups of friends like to come up with the idea of dressing the same way. The theme could be The Nerdy crew, Best Friends Forever,The “Bro” group, The flower power look, and more!
Accessories
Make sure the look has it’s finishing touches with Jewelry, Sporty Watches, Hats and Headbands. Also carry extra mints,toiletries, deodorant, fragrance, selfie stick, in a cool Backpack that coordinates with the outfit.
Comfortable shoes
When the music hits, the audience jumps up and down, walking through grass and dirt in inevitable and someone may step on your feet. Wear the most comfortable shoes to keep from hurting your toes or gaining imperfections toward the feet area. Dr. Scholls may be necessary to insert inside the shoe area for comfort. Remember there will be alot of standing and walking around for hours throughout the event.
Still not sure of what to wear? Try Pinterest for more ideas. Find your favorite local stores in the mall or shop online to select clothing items that are unique and affordable for the special Festival look! Good luck 😉✌
In the words of one of the greatest musicians of all time “Music is my Religion” – Jimi Hendrix.
All over the world people come together to celebrate music in harmony. The tickets may cost an arm and a leg (pricey) but the experience is significant. Along with Fun, Food, Music, Selfies and fashion, Music Festival’s can also have a downside if a game plan is not in effect beforehand. Take a look at these 6 unforgettable tips that can help sustain an fantastic experience!
6. Stay Hydrated
The Food and drinks are not cheap, bring cash and make sure to have plenty of bottles of water packed. Also bringing a personal insulated water bottle is not a bad idea either, that way refilling your own personal bottle will not be a problem.
5. Porter potties? or Bush?
After drinking all of that water and eating food, it has to come out sometime during the festival. Where should I go?? Let’s face it the world is filled with people who don’t care vs. germ-a-phobes. The nearest stores also claim they have a no public washroom policy. What to do? Be prepared to use the porter potty or find yourself a bush as my friend Bria Douglas says. A personal roll of toilet paper may be needed as well.
4. Prepare for the weather
When it rain it pours, the weather man said it would be a nice hot summer day but as always…. he predicted wrong once again. Especially here in Chicago, never underestimate the weather change at the last minute. Be prepared to bring an umbrealla, poncho, light jacket and wear closed toe shoes.
3. Crowd Etiquette
So the guy that’s standing in front of you just had to lift his heavy girlfriend on his shoulders so she can see David Guetta better for her SnapChat. Excuse me? Can you not right now? If this happens politely tap your comrade and ask if they can please get down or plan B: Try to move to another tight spot or plan C: Kick his ass (your choice)
2. Plan and pack
Always have a portable phone charger, sun screen, hat and sunglasses and whatever else necessities that is needed while out in the music battlefield.
1. Be safe and Have FUN
Become open minded it’s a music festival, not an execution. Chill with the homies, best friend or girlfriend/boyfriend. Try to even make new associates. Festivals are sometimes presented with a theme and commonly held outdoors with other attractions such as food and merchandise vending, performance art and social activities. So relax and Enjoy it! For more information on ALL the 2015 festivals click Here and for all my Chicago peoples click this link Herefor all Chicago Festivals.
Even I will be turning up at Lollapalooza on August 1st, Hope to see you all there 😜
evolvmusic1.wordpress.com 