The Future Laureates

Artist Information

Biography

Hey there, welcome! We're glad you came. For starters, check out this live footage of The Future Laureates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS9omhdU4Yw

For a live review from their album release show, check out: http://music-defined.com/2012/05/14/the-future-laureates-at-subterannean-51212/

With a successful presence at SXSW and Summerfest 2012, plus airplay on 140 college radio stations, The Future Laureates are celebrating with unabashed energy and triumph. Offering positive punk-rock energy with folk/pop musicianship, their sonic champagne is frothing and bubbling with the release of their third studio album, FORTRESS SESSIONS. It is seriously full of fun. Check out a review of their sold-out album release show here: http://music-defined.com/2012/05/14/the-future-laureates-at-subterannean-51212/

2011’s RETHINK THE RECESSION led to reviews of “Kingston Blues,” the EP’s single, as “a fresh and fun melody led by a lively rhythm, brisk percussion, and warm, spirited vocals.” (Chicagoist.com) and “…it’s not just a gimmicky thing; he jams the livin’ crap outta that uke!” (DailyLimerick.net). The same year, the album won licensing deals with a variety of shows on MTV, Showtime, and Discovery Networks via Tinderbox music.

Touring has brought together even more fans through numerous Midwest and East Coast journeys as well as hometown venues including Chicago’s House of Blues, DC’s Rock and Roll Hotel, and the Congress Theater for the 3rd and 4th annual Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festivals. They’ve shared crowds with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Drive-By Truckers, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, hellogoodbye, Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Dawes, Smash Mouth, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, The Roots, ZZ Top, Brendan Benson, GIVERS, and Thievery Corporation.

For press inquiries, please contact august@novo.net.

Instrumentation

Danny Surico - Rhythm Guitar and Vocals
Matthew Daigler - Ukulele and Vocals
James Hyde - Bass and Vocals
Joe Haggenjos - Lead Guitar
Rob Durkee - Drums

Discography

The Future Laureates' music can be downloaded for the price of your choosing (even free): http://thefuturelaureates.bandcamp.com/

LP (Released May 12, 2012: FORTRESS SESSIONS
Track Listing:
1.) Galahad’s Song
2.) For Debbie
3.) Carry Me Away
4.) Lovely
5.) Crooked Third Wheel
6.) Serenity
7.) Song for My Grandchild
8.) Witchcraft and Imagery
9.) My Friend, the Guarded Wall
10.) Escape from the Shadows
11.) Convert Them in Convertibles
12.) Lines

EP (released March 9, 2011): RETHINK THE RECESSION
Track Listing:
1.) Creative Differences
2.) Kingston Blues
3.) Metro Detroit in a Recession

LP (released May of 2008): YOUR MOM WOULD LIKE US
Track Listing:
1.) Hanging
2.) Hit it and Quit it
3.) Santiago
4.) Polyphemus
5.) Halfway Home
6.) FYI
7.) Park Bench
8.) Salt in the Wound (Our Country)
9.) What You're Doing to Me

A laureate (lor'-ee-it), defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, is: the recipient of honor or recognition for achievement in an art or science

Official Website

http://www.thefuturelaureates.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Youtube
• Bandcamp (name your own price)

Audio

• For Debbie
  Listen  
• Lovely
  Listen  
• Serenity
  Listen  
• Witchcraft and Imagery
  Listen  
• Lines
  Listen  

Lyrics

• For Debbie
• Lovely
• Serenity
• Witchcraft and Imagery
• Lines

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• The Future Laureates at Subterranean 5/12/12 [+ Show ]
  

  When I did an interview with The Future Laureates at the beginning of April, Danny Surico said somet...When I did an interview with The Future Laureates at the beginning of April, Danny Surico said something I didn’t quite grasp at the time. He said, “We’re a pop band, but I want our shows to have the energy of a punk show.” At the time that seemed impossible-postpunk maybe, but not a real down and dirty CBGB’s in the 70's type punk show. Saturday night, as if trying to prove me wrong, the band put on one of the most electric shows I’ve seen in a while, with Danny doing everything short of cutting his body up with shards of glass on stage.
  
  The show was sold out, and you could easily tell that everyone in the crowd was there for the main attraction. Thanks a lot Tree and Cobalt & The Hired Guns. You’re cool, but the quicker you get off stage, the sooner we can get this party started. It was nice to see that members of the audience included some of Future Laureates fellow Chicago Roots Collective family like Trevor Jones of Molehill and Kristina Priceman of Mike Mangione And The Union (who joined the band on violin for a couple songs). The section of the room I was in, about four feet from the stage on the right, was filled with family and friends of the band, as well as the James Hyde cheering section.
  
  As this was the release show for the bands new full-length, Fortress Sessions, they stuck mainly to new material, leading with the first tune off that record, “Galahad’s Song.” The sound at SubT was a little better than usual as I heard it, which was probably helped by Matt Daigler and Danny’s sweet harmonies. The drums, usually such a tricky thing in the small venue, were no problem at all and everything came out crystal clear.
  
  If you know the band you already know that they tread mostly in earnest lyrics and bouncy rhythms that keep feet shuffling and grins appearing. This set was no different, charging through fun dance-y numbers like “Crooked Third Wheel” and “For Debbie.” The crowd was loving every second, but I was waiting for those quieter moments when the guys wear their hearts on their sleeves.
  
  That came in at a few different times. When they played “Carry Me Away” I thought they were hitting it just right. My favorite performance of the evening was when they really brought it down, almost to a halt, with “Lines.” I’m a big fan of the song, but it seemed like some others in the audience were more interested in talking to each other about whatever, so that’s their loss. The phrasing was perfect and it sounded just different enough from the record that you could appreciate the small changes.
  
  I really enjoyed the bands version of “Moonshiner.” It seemed like maybe I was the only one there familiar with that one, but I’m sure that’s not true. It’s been covered famously by Bob Dylan and less famously by Uncle Tupelo. I really liked the way they arranged it, with Joe Redmond killing the electric guitar solo.
  
  They also covered Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” which got a much better reaction from the crowd. In fact, the only misstep the band made was following this song with a slow one. I thought there was an opportunity there to blow the roof off the venue, but I could see the counter argument as well.
  
  This was a raucous show. Much more so than I had imagined. The next morning I woke up exhausted and aching from my neck to my feet from constant nodding and bouncing.
  Generally that’s how I know if a show was good or not. The three song encore the band finished out with played toward their faithful fans. The only song I really knew well enough to sing along to was “Santiago.” The audience would have easily stayed til 3 am if the band had kept playing.
  
  Now that their record is out, the party never has to stop. You can buy it on their bandcamp page for only ten dollars.
  

• College Testimonials [+ Show ]
  

  “If I was able to secure funding for such a performance, The Future Laureates would be on top of my ...“If I was able to secure funding for such a performance, The Future Laureates would be on top of my wish list…”
  --Kevin O’Leary, Illinois Institute of Technology alumnus (class of 2011)
  Former SGA Finance Board Chair and WIIT Technical Director
  
  "The Future Laureates are the quintessential college band. I’ve heard them play at university fundraisers, concerts, local bars, and I even saw them (for the first time) in a crowded, unfinished basement packed with a cornucopia of college kids, all singing and dancing along to the tunes of this friendly band. My favorite part about working with The Future Laureates is their collective humor: I love to watch them interact with each other and the crowd. Once we threw a benefit concert the night of the presidential election. Needless to say, the turnout was less than substantial. But those who remained on campus and wandered through the student union became immediately captivated by the stage presence of this great group of guys. The Future Laureates were our saviors that night, and responsible for over half of our audience!"
  --Nicki Shamel, Loyola University Chicago alumna (class of 2010)
  Former Gannon Scholar and current International Marketing Assistant at Sony Music Entertainment
  
  "The Future Laureates are truly a Midwest band. I think they have a sound that would really appeal to students and would be a band that we would want to come back for years to come. They are easy to relate to and they will always try to make their next show their best show. The Future Laureates have always been extremely professional to work with and are extremely helpful. I love them and I would highly suggest booking them in the future!"
  --David Mattingly, University of Dayton graduate school alumnus (class of 2011)
  Former President of UD’s Campus Activities Board
  
  "I’ve had the pleasure of working with The Future Laureates several times in the past for benefit shows I have organized for my student organization, Invisible Conflicts. The band was consistently punctual, helpful, and accommodating. They always draw a crowd and are successful in keeping the crowd active throughout their set. The Future Laureates have all of the beneficial qualities that are difficult to find in most bands when navigating the booking/event planning process, and they are always the first band I contact when planning a new event."
  --Erin Pophal, Loyola University Chicago alumna (class of 2011)
  Founding member of Invisible Conflicts (www.invisibleconflicts.org)
  

• Press and Praise for The Future Laureates [+ Show ]
  

  “My experience working with Danny and The Future Laureates has been 110% positive. They are a smart ...“My experience working with Danny and The Future Laureates has been 110% positive. They are a smart group of people that care about not only being good musicians, but being good professionals. They have a desire to share their knowledge and experiences with their fellow musicians, and it’s great to see musicians that care strongly about their community.” --Tess Cychosz, Member Relations, Sonicbids
  
  [The Future Laureates] put on one of the most electric shows I’ve seen in a while, with Danny doing everything short of cutting his body up with shards of glass on stage” (MUSIC-DEFINED.COM).
  
  Fortress Sessions is a record that holds up a mirror to the group’s personalities. It’s fun, it’s ambitious, and it’s sweet. It might be the first summer record of the year in Chicago (MUSIC-DEFINED.COM).
  
  “Infectious sing along choruses and a strong melodic core” (DAYTON DAILY NEWS).
  
  “The new album is a collection of energetic, acoustic-driven pop melodies with a charming folk feel” (CHICAGOIST.COM).
  
  “[Rethink the Recession's] ‘Kingston Blues' is a fresh and fun melody led by a lively rhythm, brisk percussion, and warm, spirited vocals” (CHICAGOIST.COM)
  
  "The Future Laureates bring an energetic and thirsty crowd to their energetic and dynamic set each time they play. I've had a great time working with these guys, as they certainly bring a level of professionalism and focus to the game that I don't see with many emerging bands. And have I mentioned how damn good they are at selling tickets!?" --Mike Raspatello, Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest Producer
  
  “Rockin’, in a toe-tapping, melodic way. It’s not just a gimmicky thing; he jams the livin’ crap outta that uke!” (DAILYLIMERICK.NET)

• DOWNLOAD THEN SEE: The Future Laureates [+ Show ]
  

  The Future Laureates have had a busy year so far—they signed with CAUDog Records, played the Chicago...The Future Laureates have had a busy year so far—they signed with CAUDog Records, played the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival, and took a trip down south for SXSW. Now the three-piece is preparing for the release of its second full-length album, Fortress Sessions.
  Much like the band’s previous material, the new album is a collection of energetic, acoustic-driven pop melodies with a charming folk feel. It starts out with “Galahad’s Song,” a medieval-themed ballad whose narrator is the illegitimate son of Lancelot, but the rest of the songs are a bit more down-to-earth, seemingly comprised of parts of the songwriter’s life. For example, “Lovely” narrates a date at a local venue with lyrics like “Jon Drake and the Shakes are shaking Beat Kitchen tonight./You showed up looking so lovely, always looking so lovely.”
  Many of the tracks are this type of straight-forward love (or break-up) song about a girl, and while the album’s sweet and simple lyrics are at times refreshing, they at times risk sounding like all that embarrassing poetry we wrote when we were thirteen. Fortunately, uke player and primary singer Matthew Daigler makes up for this with his rich and confident vocals. Check it out for yourself; the band is giving away a few free tracks off the new album:
  MP3: The Future Laureates “For Debbie”
  MP3: The Future Laureates “Lovely”
  MP3: The Future Laureates “Serenity”
  You can also hear some of their new material live when the band holds a CD release show for Fortress Sessions this Saturday at Subterranean. Opening will be Cobalt & The Hired Guns and Tree. For now, watch two hands fall in love in this new video for “Kingston Blues”:
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvsqMaT-M3o&feature=player_embedded
  
  The Future Laureates play Saturday, May 12 at Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave, 8:30 p.m., $10 in advance or $12 day of, 21+

• The boys are back in town: Loyola alumni to play at House of Blues [+ Show ]
  

  Only a few years ago, a Loyola student might have walked down Winthrop Avenue and heard the basement...Only a few years ago, a Loyola student might have walked down Winthrop Avenue and heard the basement rehearsals of student band, The Future Laureates. Now, only a few years after graduating, Loyola alumni James Hyde, Matthew Daigler, Danny Surico and Steve Minogue are taking their independent pop/folk group to one of Chicago's most famous venues - the House of Blues.
  
  The Future Laureates will be playing a 17+ show Friday, Sept. 10 at 8:30 p.m. The band is opening for The Giving Tree Band, a bluegrass group who is having a CD release party that night. Other performers will include How Far to Austin and JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound. Tickets can be bought for affordable presale prices online or from the bands.
  
  "The best explanation [of our music] we've heard is ‘fun, but aggressive,'" Daigler, who plays guitar and sings for the band, said. The Future Laureates' sound can change from show to show as the instrumentation is rearranged between mandolin, ukulele, electric and acoustic guitars, drums, bass and multiple layers of vocal harmonies.
  
  "The goal is to tour eventually, but lately we are focusing a lot on music in our lives," Surico said. Lately, the band has been writing more music than ever and plans to record their next full-length album in December.
  
  Since the May 2008 release of their first album, Your Mom Would Like Us, The Future Laureates have performed at local clubs like The Double Door and Lincoln Hall. Playing the House of Blues this weekend shows how far the band has come from their Lake Shore campus roots, where they performed at events like Ramblerfest, Gannon Scholars fundraisers and the Invisible Conflicts benefit concert.
  
  The band formed during most of the members' junior year at Loyola in the winter of 2006. "It was kind of spontaneous. It all happened quickly," Surico said.
  
  As Loyola musicians, they were all individually asked to perform at the Loyola's Got Talent fundraiser for Hunger Week and decided to perform together instead.
  
  "What I remember about open mics at Loyola is the smaller circles. It's really easy to meet people and everybody is really into it," said Hyde, the band's bass player and vocalist.
  
  "There are so many opportunities to play on campus," Daigler said.
  
  "So many people come out, Loyola is great about that. We want to stay a part of things (at Loyola)," Surico added.
  
  The Future Laureates will also be playing at the Red Line Tap on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The band will perform at the Rogers Park bar with Mapmaker, another Loyola student band.
  
  The Future Laureates are also founding members of the Chicago Roots Collective, a support group for local musicians trying to connect, share music and land gigs.
  
  The group encourages fans to reach out via email at TheFutureLaureates@gmail.com
  
  Article by William Maxwell Kellerman
  Published: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
  
  
  
  

• Spare a Few Dollars for Streetwise [+ Show ]
  

  The Future Laureates Headline the StreetWise Benefit Show Like its vendors, StreetWise has made it ...The Future Laureates Headline the StreetWise Benefit Show
  Like its vendors, StreetWise has made it through some tough times - the organization was in imminent danger of going out of business back in 2009, but quickly received more than enough donations to keep it afloat. In a continued effort to keep the non-for-profit healthily funded, a few local bands and House Call Entertainment are teaming up to host a benefit show.
  The show will take place this Friday at the Beat Kitchen. Headlining will be eager folk-pop-rockers The Future Laureates, who just returned from an East Coast tour. Preceding them will be Detroit rockers The Hand Grenades, as well as local folk pop acts Bassel and the Supernaturals and Tree. Fifty percent of the night’s proceeds will go straight to the non-for-profit.
  
  For those of you who’ve been stuck under a rock, StreetWise is a locally-focused magazine that was founded in 1992. Aside from the publishing aspect of the business, it provides job training, social services and a source of income for the homeless. The vendors you see on the street pay 90 cents for each magazine, sell it for $2, and keep the profit.
  
  Maybe you do business with your neighborhood vendor, and maybe you just pass by and avoid eye contact. We’re not judging, jerk. Either way, Friday’s show is a good opportunity to take in some tunes while contributing to a worthy cause. And if you can’t make it out to support the organization this time around, keep in mind that the StreetWise Gala is also just around the corner.
  
  The StreetWise benefit show is Friday, August 19 at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont, 9 p.m., $8, 21+
  
  Contact the author of this article or email tips@chicagoist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
  Filed in Arts & Events and tagged Bassel and the Supernaturals, beat kitchen, benefit, music, streetwise, The Future Laureates, The Hand Grenades

Setlist

The Future Laureates can play up to 2 hours of original music.

Basic Requirements

Calendar