Small Chicago has posted a bonus session recorded with Darren Spitzer of The Changes. It’s been a while since the last release from The Changes and it was good to hear Darren’s voice again.

Cains & Abels are hitting the road this month for a little mini-tour that will lead them to New York. So to spread the word for that they have released a video for their song “My Life Is Easy”.

Singer/songwriter Gia Margaret has made her way down to Austin this year in hopes of spreading the word on her lovely tunes. A SXSW Sampler EP is now available for free on her brand new website. Definitely check it out, along with an upcoming show at Subterranean on March 31th with Kelsey Wild. – Brendan Losch

Last month Patience Gloria released their sophomore album Consequence David for free their website. They play a quirky form of indie pop and clearly like to have a bit of fun. You can stream the album while at work today and then check out the band live tonight at Double Door. Also Veipa Cray, Bird Ate My Donut, and Imelda De La Cruz, and tickets are only $5.

The experimental electronic duo the OPUS released a new digital EP last week called Praying Mantis. The Opus is comprised of Mr. Echoes a.k.a. Fanum, and The Isle of Weight, and together they make atmospheric beats that are second to none. The ep features contributions from Billi D., Mc ADaD, and Eliot Lipp. The entire 8 track EP is only $4, and will fill your speakers with the perfect spring beats. The title track pops and snaps with drums and strings, and is really the centerpiece of this near concept EP. Echos & Weight have outdone themselves on this one, and you can stream and purchase their EP here. 

Last week we sent photographer Shalimar Beekman to Lincoln Hall capture some stills of the Company of Thieves show. You can find more of her images on her flickr page.

Starting today Atlantic Records’ Photo Finish label artists I Fight Dragons will launch a new one-hour radio show. The show will run every Monday night, at 8pm, and be based around fans calling in. This is the bands way of reconnecting with the legion of fans they have amassed over the last couple years. Be sure to tune in tonight and ask any questions you have about the band, the up-coming major label debut, and of course fighting dragons.

Greta Morgan (formerly of The Hush Sound) has a new project, Gold Motel, and they will be bringing their indie pop gems to the Sub-t tonight. This all ages show gets started at 6:30pm and is $10. Color Radio and Volcanoes Make Islands will be playing as well. – Brendan Losch

In support of the new album, We Became Your Family When You Died, which you can download for free, Bullets in Madison will be playing at Schubas on Saturday, March 20th. This 18 and over show starts at 10pm and is $10. We The Living and Chrash will also be playing. – Brendan Losch

Last month Bathetic Records released a split cassette featuring Cleveland’s Cloud Nothings and our Campfires. Yes a cassette tape, and that lo-fi hiss lends itself nicely to the laidback ‘60’s folkadelic style. It was printed in an edition of 100 and has already sold out. This follows closely on the heels of their cassette ep, Burning Rivers, TV Flickers, Drifting Off to Bed, that they released through Leftist Nautical Antiques. Campfires is defiantly a band on a mission this year.

Tomorrow, legendary punk band Naked Raygun will enter Transient Sound Studios to record a slew of songs for release on their ongoing 7” Series. The first 7” (their first recordings in 20 years) sold out in record time and the 2nd in the series will be released on vinyl and digitally on June 15th. The band is as crisp and aggressive as ever. They’ll also be filming a video for one of the new songs, but it has not been revealed which song it will be. During a recent two night stand at the House of Blues in Chicago, Naked Raygun debuted their first new songs in seventeen years. The crowd loved it and these singles will surely be well received. Later this summer, Raygun descends on Europe and the UK.

Are you looking for honest and hard-hitting rock music? Well, Scissors might have what you are looking for. They are releasing their new album, You Can Make It Dangerous, this Saturday, but you can stream it for free in multiple locations. To celebrate the release the band is performing at The Beat Kitchen this Saturday (Mar. 20th). Despite the albums title, this is release is perhaps the bands most accessible album. The band seems to balance punk with elements of pop and anthem rock. Everyone in attendance on the 20th will receive a free copy of You Can Make It Dangerous.