Glasko

This is a band that is covering all the bases on the path to success. They seem to have a very attuned sense of self which they're crafting into a rarified version. Focused, determined, honed into presenting a band and not just a loosely confederated group of people and songs. Its that extra level of continuity that gives even the casual observer the impression that Glasko has big things in its future. - Todd Berns (producer, director, writer)

Watch out for new band of hard rocking enthusiasts called Glasko. The Chicago-based group perform mostly original music that bridges the genres of alternative and classic rock.
Having caught their energized performance at the aforementioned "South Haven Showdown", this writer was very impressed with what the group had to offer after only eight months of playing together. - Written by DJ/Editor Tom Lounges

By Kent Green
For RedEye

Chicago band Glasko started 2009 on a high note.

The group won a band competition to play the South by Southwest festival. Its first full-length album, "Madrigold," was issued as a private release. Two songs got play on hundreds of college radio stations.

Then founding guitarist Mike Scheiman left in May to pursue a job in Cleveland.

"We're having regular attendance at our shows, our name's out there, people are talking about the new album, and then to lose a very key player in the middle of that, it screws with your momentum," singer Eric Michaels said, adding that he didn't begrudge Scheiman's decision.



Michaels, bassist Nick Alvarado and drummer Andrew Sabo found new guitarist Jacques Rene just two weeks before the band's Saturday show. The new foursome have been practicing obsessively since. Rene has brought an energy, drive and talent that has re-invigorated the group, they say.

"Some of the stuff that he's already come up with, in just one week, it's awesome, it sounds really good," Alvarado said, prompting a humble thanks from Rene.

KENT GREEN IS A REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR.

5 QUESTIONS FOR ...
RedEye asked Glasko singer Eric Michaels five questions about the group.

What's the craziest thing that's happened to the band?
During our second show since forming in 2006, Jimmy Stafford from Train came up onstage and played "Fred and Gin" with us. That was bizarre.

What's the most interesting/surprising/unique thing about the band?
It's four different people, four different styles and musical backgrounds. Yet when we write music together, things seem to all come together to one unique, coherent sound.

How do you describe your sound?
One thing I wanted to do was not only have nice, strong melodies but to figure out a way to pair more melodic vocals and strong melodies with gritty, ballsy guitar work. On a few of our songs, I believe that we've accomplished that.

What makes your live show great?
Audience interaction. It often helps to have friends shouting lyrics with us, especially on "Fred and Gin." Also, watch to see how many times I almost decapitate Nick when swinging my guitar.

Tell us something totally random about the band.
We got kicked out of a patio bar in Austin. I hope it wasn't because of our show.

- Chicago Tribune

If there was an ideal definition for what Glasko, the band name, means, it would be nothing like Glasgow, Scotland. Lead singer Eric Michaels visited Glasgow(pronounced like Glasko) and realized the place was dirty, ugly and depressing.

The Chicago-based indie rock band would be much happier saying the word looks cool and credit themselves for coming up with it. The four other members include drummer Andrew Sabo, bassist Nick Alvarado, guitarist Mike Scheiman and pianist Kate Schell.

What started off in one of Loyola’s dorm rooms has now become another band to look out for in Chicago’s indierock scene. For the past two-and-a-half years, the band has toured throughout the Midwest and launched their first full-length album, Madrigold, on May 7.

The Chronicle talked to Michaels about what influenced its recently released album, the good and bad side of being a Chicago band and who would be a part of their “dream tour.”

The Chronicle: How have your shows changed throughout the years?
Eric Michaels: We went from playing [at] crappy dive bars, and now we play once a month in Chicago and we play every week. That’s how we started building up our fan base. We’ve become more professional. Our sound is better. It’s becoming more indie, as opposed to pop-rock.

What was your influence for ‘Madrigold’?
This album has been in the making for three years. It’s me collaborating with different musicians that have come in and out of the band. It’s become a big compilation piece that is like a chronicle of the last three years maturing me as a songwriter. Since then, my writing has matured. It’s not just one single sound, it’s got it all. It has some soul folk, hard rock, soft ballads and it’s got creepy shit.

What do you want to accomplish with your music?
I’ve already accomplished a few things that I set for myself. My first landmark was to play SXSW and get to the point where we could become more self-sufficient rather than taking everything out of our own pockets. We’re looking at a Midwest tour this summer. We got offered to play in Colorado, so we might do that.

What are the advantages of being a Chicago band?
I don’t know if there are advantages. I’m going to call it a disadvantage to being a Chicago band, because when people ask about the music industry in America, they will point to New York, Nashville and LA. Those are the big label stops and where there are movements. Chicago has great bands, but it took them a really long time. The advantage is that it is a small community here and you get to know everybody and you start to develop great relationships with other bands. Once you start to play and develop a relationship with the main promoters, it gets a little easier to book the better venues. There’s so much at your fingertips. The climb-up is a little bit easier.

If you could go on tour with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Radiohead. I’m so obsessed with Radiohead, it’s disgusting. That would be like the Mecca for me as a musician. There’s a reason why they’re so famous. - Columbia Chronicle