FROM THE NEWS DESK OF ILLEGIBLE RECORDS

10/07/08 - OCTOBER PRODUCT RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT - MEDICINE CROW AND MEHR!!! The secret is out - Medicine Crow is releasing a brand new album! Long in development, the latest from the folk artist, an all instrumental epic titled "Hymn For Gaia", will finally be heard by the public. As reported here earlier(05/16/08), Medicine Crow had begun work on a new album which would be a departure for him as it would involve working under a new producer. That producer has now been revealed: instrumentalist, Eric Blades. Described as a "soundtrack for a movie that hasn't been made", the two (with Medicine Crow on acoustic guitar and Blades on keyboards and percussion)embarked on a sound that is best described as both meditative and majestic at the same time. On the heels of this excitement is ANOTHER new release coming out the same day - the mammoth and heavy album from Mehr! Speculated and clamored for since it's announcement last year, this collaborative effort from Chara Love on drums, Chris Hough on keyboards and Eric Blades on electric guitar is now about to be sprung on the public. Both releases will be available on Friday, October 17th, 2008 at Magdalena's Teahouse in Lansing, Mi with a special CD release show that will feature music by Medicine Crow (with a band of friends made up of various Illegible artists) as well as a special performance by Illegible Records favorite Celestial Mechanics! Admission is $5 - don't miss it!!

09/17/08 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS MOURNS A FRIEND... PHIL WINTERMUTE 02/26/45 - 09/08/08 The Illegible Community feels the loss of one of it's great friends and supporters, Phil Wintermute who died in his sleep in Lansing on September 8th. He was 63 years old. A wonderful and varied folk musician, Phil was a familiar and warm face in Illegible circles and even a participant in the first event held by Illegible Records - a benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005. "I remember that I had no idea who he was that night," recalls Eric Blades, head of the label "but I instantly liked him and was touched by his music." Medicine Crow also comments: "Phil was a soft-spoken, gentle soul who had a well integrated outlook on life and living and I miss him already. However, beneath his kind demeanor and easy going manner there was an iron will." Phil was an accomplished writer and musician in his own right and went on to release his acclaimed album "A Handful Of Dirt" on Earthwork Music - a collection he was very proud of. Impressed with this, Illegible began conversations with him to even begin another CD within it's own rosters. But life - and death got in the way. "Phil was a man you could trust and talk to," adds Eric "Chara Love and I saw him last month shortly before we performed at Farm Fest. He was the same old Phil. Still a good face to see. He had a comment online for the longest time and it was true: He was here to help." Illegible Records extends it's best wishes and prayers to the Wintermute family for it's great loss.

09/09/08 - SEPTEMBER PRODUCT RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT - PERRY McDONALD, LIGHT'S REACH AND ERIC BLADES!! Some great new music from some longstanding favorites on Illegible Records is to be released on Friday, 09/12/08! First up is the sophmore offering from Perry McDonald and his new album "Drive". Continuing in his familiar folk vein, Perry also incorporates a much more elaborate production this time out, meanwhile employing the help from of some other label cohorts, as well. Also on that day, marking it's debut on Illegible is the collaborative effort of LIGHT'S REACH featuring Dave Dawdy, Randall Carlson and Eric Blades. The buzz about this bold instrumental trio has been growing - don't miss them!! Rounding out the bunch is another 'thought' offering from Label head, Eric Blades with his latest, "BACKWARD THOUGHT". It's a CD that has been long in the making but sought by many who had heard snippets of it over the last couple of years. No release shows are currently planned but look for these CDs at local stores in Lansing MI as well as here at the PURCHASE page at Illegible Records!!

09/04/08 - STUDIO LAGOON CLOSES... WELCOME TO HARBOR STUDIOS!!! This past summer marked the end of original Illegible Records headquarters, Studio Lagoon, as it formally closed it's doors. Any moment of sadness for the location was quickly dissolved as it's successor was opened immediately on the other side of town - Harbor Studios! "It was a lot of work," says label head Eric Blades of the move of the headquarters "but I had some great help from some friends. During the move, I was amazed at how much Illegible was really comprised of - amazed and proud." Production at the new location has already begun on new work as well as work originally begun at Studio Lagoon. "We made a lot of great music at the old place," continues Eric "but I think the best is yet to come." Look for new releases from Harbor Studios to come soon!

05/16/08 - MEDICINE CROW CHANGING FEATHERS Usually one for words, Medicine Crow will always be the first person to spread news about his latest release or upcoming event. Not this time. Illegible Records News has just learned that the prolific songwriter recently entered Studio Lagoon and put in long hours on a as-yet-unknown project with an unrevealed producer surprisingly heading the effort. "No comment" states label head, Eric Blades in response to questions about the mysterious project that is presumbably slated for release later this year. Rumours of a different direction for Medicine Crow have been swirling as of late with little or no confirmation from Illegible Records but with this new revelation, even the birds aren't talking. Check back here regularly for more information as it becomes available.

04/22/08 - APRIL PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT: DENNIS PRESTON, GHETTO GAS JOHN AND STRINGTH!!! As promised, April 2008 is starting off with a huge BANG for Illegible Records with not one but three releases! All happening in one night at one show is the CD release for Dennis Preston's first album on the label: "Iceberg" as well as the new offering from Ghetto Gas John: "Another Side". Finally rounding it out is the project from Stringth (featuring Dennis Preston, Eric Blades and Perry McDonald)) also to be put out the same night. A well rounded evening with some incredible new music!! The event is being presented as a release show to be held on April 26th at 8:00pm at New Covenant Christian Church on 4415 W. St Joe Hwy, Lansing, MI!!! A $5 admission is in place with $3 for students. See you there!!!

04/18/08 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS CONTINUES MOMENTUM - AND GAINS STRINGTH!!! One project seemingly wasn't enough for Illegible Records star, Dennis Preston as he spearheads a new recording project for the label - Stringth!!! "I know that this music won't be for everyone" states Dennis "maybe every other one... maybe 2 out of 10? How about that kid that lives down the street around the corner?" As scooped earlier here at Illegible News (see 03/05/08), a new project has been unveiled for Illegible that pushes the level of avant-garde material that the label strives to offer. Featuring Dennis Preston on dulcimer as well as Eric Blades on acoustic 12string guitar and Perry McDonald on Banjo, the instrumental CD, due out this spring, promises to surprise many and awe even more. Preston, preparing for his own solo album's release on the label couldn't be more excited "In 1969 I wouldn't have thought that at my age now I'd be making music like this" he says and then, after a pause murmurs "Uh.... maybe I did and just forgot." Click on the ARTISTS page above to learn more and look for this new collaborative project album from Illegible Records and Stringth in the spring.

04/08/08 - LIGHT'S REACH SHINES ON ILLEGIBLE RECORDS! Straight from The Illegible Community comes another thrilling project for listeners everywhere - Light's Reach! With sweeping soundscapes fueled in part by label artists Randall Carlson on bass and Eric Blades on keyboards, this new instrumental offering also features Illegible newcomer Dave Dawdy on electric guitar who returns to music and performances after an extended hiatus. Randall Carlson elaborates further "It was an honor to work with two excellent musicians and friends whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for more than two decades. I have worked in various music projects with Eric and Dave, but this is the first collaborative effort between the three of us." For more information about this trio as well as the surprising 'making of' regarding their upcoming CD, please click on ARTISTS on the link above. Prepare to be illuminated - Light's Reach!!

03/17/08 - GHETTO GAS JOHN ANNOUNCES NEW ACOUSTIC CD Not letting his job in outer space get in the way, Celestial Mechanics' guitarist, Ghetto Gas John, has begun work on a new solo album for Illegible Records. Juggling writing duties with the recently announced follow up to the science fiction epic "Celestial Mechanics: Requiem For Hermes", John has found that this seperate album is proving to be quite a departure as he delves into unknown ground - acoustic guitar. "This is a record that I tried to have made about two years ago," recalls label head, Eric Blades. "It's warm, thoughtful and funny - a perfect follow up to 'Time To Begin'." The work is also something that fans have been clamoring for since the prolific blues player offered up material almost a year and a half ago at a special benefit concert. While he has always been skilled at the nylon-stringed classical guitar, Ghetto Gas John admittedly enters a different sound as he pursues reflections on his life and past, with this hollow, wooden device in tow - steel strings and all. Taking the reins on production for this work is the talented engineer, Perry McDonald at his own Stand Up And Panic Studios. The two have been hard at work for the last few months. Standing in as producer, Perry also contributes additional guitar work - filling out a cast that includes John's niece Nadia Johnson on occasional backing vocals as well as latest label addition Dennis Preston on Mandolin. Prepare for this new album from Ghetto Gas John and Illegible Records in the spring.

03/05/08 - DENNIS PRESTON ALBUM OFFICIALLY PUSHED BACK The long awaited Dennis Preston album is nearly finished! Titled "Iceberg", the upcoming release has taken some twists and turns since it's original start date. Previously slated for a late 2007 release, the work was then purposely delayed to expand and exploit the exciting ideas that had begun to materialize - particularly with on-the-spot improvisations, international flavorings and riveting percussion sections. The decision to push the album back was from Preston himself and producer Eric Blades. "There were too many great moments," says Eric "I mean, we COULD have had the album out by the end of the year but only at sacrificing and rushing by some nice material and leaving it all behind." The result is an epic undertaking with a myriad of guest stars both from Illegible Records and from outside the label with most songs pushing the limits of the equipment at hand. Look for this grand project to debut in late winter/early spring on Illegible Records. Reporter's Scoop: Rumors are swirling of an amazing announcement coming very soon regarding Dennis and some of the musicians on his album!

02/27/08 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS RETURNS TO THE STARS In response to 2007's last minute hit, "Requiem For Hermes", Illegible Records and album presenters Celestial Mechanics announce a new voyage to space for the four members and Lansing, Michigan's favorite record label! The instrumental album, released late last year, turned heads as it broke new ground in sales - especially for a band that didn't have a release show or immediate radio airplay. Despite these initial disadvantages, the group went on to sell large quantities of its units and garner attention in a crowded release schedule for the label. Sales aside, the CD registered in listeners for it's sound and inherent talent, also contributing to the decision to begin work again. Also in consideration for a follow up was a continuation of the concept album's epic storyline of mankind's first voyage into deep space - that ended in a cliffhanger. Album conceptulist and storywriter Eric Blades, drops hints at what to expect "The last one ended on an uncertain note with our fearless crew hurtling into the cosmos," he says "I can say that this new album may contain a destination - but to where? And is it a final one?" Look for these answers and great music from this group later this year!

11/05/07 - NOVEMBER PRODUCT RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT It's been a busy summer and fall for Illegible Records - and the harvest is coming in. November will be the month for not one or two but FOUR releases on Illegible Records including one on it's subsidiary, Asunder Records. First up is a dual release of Intelligent Design and Celestial Mechanics the first week of the month. Also, a special followup by Sharp Shore to it's earlier release this year and then a special release of the Medicine Crow LIVE CD on November 17th. This will be marked by a special performance at East Lansing, MI's Cappicinno Cafe at 7:00pm. Check the artists pages for more details!

07/12/07 - SPECIAL UPCOMING MEDICINE CROW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT Friday, May 18th of this year was a date to remember as one of the most powerful shows in the history of Illegible Records. A performance for the release of Medicine Crow's "Nahnah's Garden" album featuring the aforementined singer/songwriter was, thankfully, recorded and will be released as a special live album on the label. The unforgettable show also featured playing and support by fellow Illegible artists Randall Carlson, Chara Love and Ghetto Gas John. Look for more news and announcements about this upcoming release soon! 07/02/07 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS SIGNS DENNIS PRESTON!! Capitalizing on a brief discussion that they had months earlier, label head Eric Blades now officially welcomes well known mid-Michign visual artist Dennis Preston to Illegible Records! "I'm both excited and thankful to be able to have some of my music come out on the Illegible Records label" says Dennis as he prepares to record an album of all original material for the label. Eric shares his enthusiasm "Dennis fits right into The illegible Community and on top of that - he is a phenomenal musician!" Click on ARTISTS above to learn more details! 06/15/07 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCED!! Taking 2007 by the horns, Illegible Records announces a new product line for it's fans - Illegible Community Productions. These are new groups and projects based within the label that incorporate partnerships and friendships fostered since the label started in 2005. Included also in this new direction is the new, highly succesful Illegible Radio. Label head, Eric Blades, couldn't be happier. "Like so many things since this all began," he says "this is a dream come true. I'm very proud of what we are producing together now as a community." First up is the acoustic/new age/celtic duo SHARP SHORE, who's CD "Reclamation" was released on Illegible Records in February. This group features Shelby Blades on cello and flute with Eric Blades on acoustic 12 string guitar and percussion. Blues never sounded better with new age as it does now with CELESTIAL MECHANICS, a partnership featuring Chris Hough on keyboards with Ghetto Gas John on electric guitar with bass by Randall Carlson. Experimental instrumentalism and God meet with the formation of INTELLIGENT DESIGN, a Christian offering from Bass player Randall Carlson and Eric Blades on guitar and keyboards. Strong progressive rock comes from MEHR, a drum driven project from Chara Love on drums respectively and keyboardist Chris Hough. Other projects are in the works featuring the likes of Perry McDonald and Medicine Crow. Keep posted here or click on the ARTISTS page above to read about these brand new projects and to learn more. lllegible Records - a Community FOR the community. 06/06/07 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS RELEASES FIRST ARTIST COMPILATION!! Fulfilling a long-term goal, Illegible Records has released it's first artist compilation album! Entitled "Illegible Records Compilation Volume I" the CD features songs from all of the musicans currently on the label and even a couple of the side projects. It will retail for the extraordinary low price of US $5 but will be FREE with the purchase of any CD at any Illegible show or event as well as the Illegible Records PURCHASE page!! Look and listen for one of these bargains near you! 06/05/07 - AFTERLIFE MACHINE GOES TO THE GREAT BEYOND Reporting some great news and addressing months of speculation, Illegible Records head Eric Blades confirms that a highly anticipated record from Afterlife Machine will in fact not occur. "I know there are a number of people dissapointed in this," comments Eric "but I couldn't be happier for Rich." He refers to the fact that the reason that composer Richard Bates backed away from Afterlife Machine was due to the large amount of success he has found with his main band, Under One. The Lansing, Michigan based quintet have made quite a name for themselves and have elevated easily to the status of a succesful regional act. They are now recording their debut full length CD, entitled "Backlash", which is due out later in 2007. Richard cites lack of time to make the project what he really wanted as the main factor to his decision to leave the label. "I know I speak for all of us when I say that The Illegible Community wishes him the best of success," says Eric before adding "I look forward to someday when he can make this music a reality whenever and wherever that may be." http://www.underonemetal.com http://www.myspace.com/underone 05/17/07 - MAY PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT - MEDICINE CROW "NAHNAH'S GARDEN" Following a quiet trend, Medicine Crow has renewed his relationship with Illegible Records and is releasing his 'sequel' to last year's successful "A Much Better Reality". Titled "NahNah's Garden", he looks at the work as a companion piece to the former album and is hoping to present them as a pair. Kicking off the release, he will perform the work at a CD release show to be held Friday, May 18th at SCENE Metrospace located at 110 Charles St., East Lansing Mi 48823. The show starts at 8:00pm and he will be backed up by other Illegible Records artists - Randall Carlson on bass, Chara Love on percusion and, of course, Ghetto Gas John on electric guitar. See you there! 05/09/07 - ILLEGIBLE RADIO LAUNCHED!! After too long of a time in pre-production, Illegible Records has launched it's own internet based radio station - Illegible Radio - on this website! Featuring music from all of the Illegible Artists as well as DJ and production content from supporters and musicians of the label. Featured producers are Perry McDonald, David James, Peter Garlitz and Chara Love. Label head, Eric Blades (who also hosts a show) couldn't be happier "This is another step for us. We're making some great strides here as a community and in the common goal of getting our music heard." Click on 'RADIO' on the links above and support local music! 03/06/07 - SHELLEY JEFFREY JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shelley Jeffrey, a noted account, has joined the Illegible Records Board of Directors. She will begin and continue her tenure through 2007 and beyond. Welcome!! 11/27/06 - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BENEFIT AND CHRISTMAS CD RELEASE DETAILS ANNOUNCED Sunday, December 3rd at 7:00pm at Central United Methodist Church will be THE place to be in Lansing, Michigan as Illegible Records bans together to support Habitat For Humanity. The night will be extra special as the label will be releasing it's first ever holiday CD, "An Illegible Records Christmas: Shelter In The Night". Featured performers will be Medicine Crow, Chara Love and the ever enigmatic Sharp Shore. All playing an evening's worth of eclectic acoustic music. Admission to the event will be $5 with the donation of three canned goods to the church's food drive or $10. The CD, with a portion going to Habitat as well, will be $12. The address is 215 N. Capitol Ave Lansing, Michigan. "Lots of good things happening here," says label head Eric Blades "I can't wait for Lansing to see and hear it." 11/09/06 - INDIE 101: ERIC BLADES GIVES LECTURE TO LOCAL COLLEGE ON THE MUSIC BUSINESS AND ILLEGIBLE RECORDS Always looking for a way to help local and unheard musicians, Illegible Records founder and head, Eric Blades, accepted an invitation by the music department of Lansing Community College to give a classroom lecture on starting and running a record label. The class, held on Wednesday, November 8th, was "Business of Music" and is taught by local jazz great, Mike Daniels (pictured with Eric, left). The two had met in the early fall at a community event when the offer was made to Eric. "This was an honor and, in a way, kind of like coming home," says Eric, pointing out the fact that he had taken the very same class as a student a decade ago under former instructor Roger Clarke. "Years ago, when I would sit there," he adds "I never saw myself down the road giving a lecture like this!" The well-attended class was made up of several students representing many different types of music. After the lecture, questions were fielded in a brief Q&A that included topics ranging from distribution to promotion to label consideration. With talk of his returning for future semesters, Eric finds himself excited "I hope I was able to teach them something they can use and remember." 11/07/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PARTNER FOR CHRISTMAS ALBUM AND BENEFIT CONCERT On a chilly morning in October, Illegible Records artists quietly gathered at the label's own Studio Lagoon to band together for a long day of recording Christmas songs in hopes to support a needy cause: Habitat For Humanity. The result: a diverse and varied collection of traditional favorites to be released on CD. The album, featuring tracks from label favorites Medicine Crow, Chris Hough, as well as others will be released on Sunday, December 3rd with a special benefit concert to be held at Lansing, Michigan's historic Central United Methodist Church. "This was really something we should have done a while ago" says label head, Eric Blades. "We've been involved with some great charities but Habitat is a very special one and especially close to some of our friends." Tickets will be on sale for the show at the door with proceeds going to Habitat For Humanity directly. A healthy portion of CD sales will also aid this worthy organization. Please visit: http://www.habitatlansing.org and check back HERE for more details as this special date approaches! 11/06/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS LOSES A FRIEND Local Lansing musician and Illegible Records friend Dell Taylor died Monday, November 6th, 2006 from cancer. She was 35. Originally from Kentucky, Dell settled in Lansing, Michigan and secured a position as an instructor at Marshall Music. She assisted in behind the scenes production on Chara Love's "Core" album as well as performed in that record's CD release show. She had been asked and planned to participate in a proposed Illegible Records drum circle project that was, partly due to her declining health, put on hold. Illegible Records expresses it's sympathies and prayers to Dell's friends and family. 11/06/06 - CHARA LOVE RETURNS TO WITA A year after wowing the crowd at the Women In The Arts Festival, Chara Love returns for a special night time performance on Saturday, November 11th at 8:00pm. This year she will be in full support of her successful Illegible Records release, "Core" - still going strong months after it's debut last April. For more details, please visit the WITA website... http://www.witafestival.com 11/01/06 - LABEL RESTRUCTURING CONTINUES As reported earlier (see below), Illegible Records, after forming a Board of Directors, has entered a restructuring phase. This has resulted in bringing in new projects and canceling older and unreleased ones. "We have some VERY exciting artists and projects coming down the pike," says label head, Eric Blades. "They will start to be seen and heard early next year. It's true that we've moved on from some other projects and ideas, but we believe that we're on a good course." Browse through this site and hit the CONTACT button above if you are a fan or if you have any questions. 09/28/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS RESTRUCTURES - FORMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Earlier in the month of September Illegible Records had it's first Board of Directors meeting. Responding to unforseen growth and success in a relatively short period of time, label head and founder Eric Blades called together his most trusted and knowledgable peers to partake in this new direction for the fledgling corporation. "It was time," says Eric "Illegible had doubled in it's size in just a year. We made the transistion from local label to regional as we were playing everywhere from Missouri to Ohio to Michigan. Not to mention we're in the news more and more - I think it was the best moment to take this group to the next step." Aside from Eric serving as President, the new Board consists of Michael Iott (Vice President), Jessica Haney (Secretary), Shelby Blades (Treasurer), Heather N. Lafave (Public Relations Consultant), and Robert Rulison (Business Consultant). David Garlitz serves as a Board Associate and will be joined by Nancy Belanger in this capacity as well. Future Board member will be Ken Sitowski (Grant Consultant). "I'm going to retain final control," continues Eric "but I look at this as eleven heads being better than one." Meeting once a month, the Board will focus on label marketing, intelligent corporate growth and overall business review. Look for more news on this exciting development as it presents itself! 08/28/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS BENEFIT PROJECT DETAILS ANNOUNCED Following the IMMENSE success of Nicole Good Pierce's release of "Stand", Illegible Records is now directing it's full force behind it's benefit show on Thursday, August 31st. Held at Lansing's Magdalena's Tea House, the evening will showcase the release of the label's double CD "The Illegible Records Benefit Project". This ninety minute, 22 song collection is a live recording of Illegible Records' legendary concert for Katrina last winter. Featured on the album are performances from NICOLE GOOD PIERCE, MEDICINE CROW, CHARA LOVE, ERIC BLADES, GHETTO GAS JOHN and PERRY McDONALD. "The thing is, you can actually hear on the recordings themselves how good of a time we were having that night," remarks Mike Iott - also known as Medicine Crow. Label head, Eric Blades concurs "There was such a feeling of Community at that moment. But I suppose we've become spoiled since we feel that most of the time anyways here at Illegible." With virtually all of the original performers returning, the evening will spotlight three new (and one old) label acts: AFTERLIFE MACHINE, CHRIS HOUGH and SHARP SHORE. It will not be a show to miss. As reported eariler, a healthy portion of the proceeds from this album will go to three new charities. They are officially: The greater Lansing Food Bank, The International League for the Protection of Horses and Food Not Bombs. Also, portions of the $5 cover for Thursday's concert will go to these charities as well. As always, look for this mammoth release in stores and online Thursday the 31st and, please, join Illegible Records as it bands together for these worthy causes. 08/16/06 - AUGUST PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT! NICOLE GOOD PIERCE AND THE ILLEGIBLE RECORDS BENEFIT PROJECT TO BE RELEASED!! The long awaited and highly anticipated debut release from Illegible Records artist Nicole Good Pierce is finally set to be released on Wednesday, August 23rd! "It's been a long road. I'm very happy for her," remarks label head Eric Blades. An eleven song opus, Nicole celebrates this release with a special performance at Lansing, Michigan's prestigious Creole Gallery. Starting at 7:00pm, the show will be kicked off by a set by fellow Illegible Records artist, Medicine Crow! Don't miss this evening! ONE WEEK LATER a very special album will be officialy released on Thursday, August 31st: The Illegible Records Benefit Project. Recorded last winter, this LIVE double disc captures the efforts of The Illegible Records Community as it pooled it's resources for the victims of Hurricane Katrina with an evening of performances. Following Katrna, this year, the album's proceeds will go to three new charities: Food Not Bombs, The Salvation Army and The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH). Keeping in Tradition, this release will be celebrated at the same venue that started it all - Lansing's own Magdalena's Tea House - with an all new show with new talent. Look to this page for more information on this event in the next few days! This show starts at eight - Please come and support this charitable event. 07/21/06 - JULY PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT - ERIC BLADES TO BE RELEASED JULY 28TH!! July is quickly waning but there is enough time for Illegible Records to proudly announce July 28th as the official release date of "Heavy Thought" - the long-awaited new CD from the label head himself, Eric Blades! Describing it as an experiment in sound, tone and production, the instrumentalist finds himself almost too excited for words to talk about the CD which is focused solely on electric guitar. "This is the album a lot of people have been waiting for from me," he says enthusiastically. Adding to this, is the scheduling of a special RARE treat in the form of a release show to be held Friday, July 28th at 8pm at Gone Wired Cafe in downtown Lansing, Michigan. "I have no idea what to expect," says Eric, matter-of-factly "But it WILL be interesting...!" Check back here for news on Eric and his releases! 06/21/06 - JUNE PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT - RANDALL CARLSON TO BE RELEASED JUNE 30TH!! With the end of the month quickly coming upon us, Illegible Records is proud to announce the official release date of it's sixth product - the much anticipated unveiling on June 30th of Randall Carlson's CD "Acceleration"! "This is some great stuff. Wow," commented label head, Eric Blades soon after receiving the final masters. Due to a delay in Randall's move to Michigan, he will not be having a release party or show - HOWEVER - his product will be available the evening of the 30th at a Ghetto Gas John show held at 8pm at Gone Wired Cafe in downtown Lansing, Michigan. Click on 'ARTISTS' above to learn more about Randall and stay tuned here for more information on him and his eventual live performance schedule as well as where to obtain his product. 06/20/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS HITS FESTIVAL CIRCUIT It was only a matter of time before Illegible Records went from a local label to a regional one and this momentous step was taken the weekend of June 17th, 2006 as four of it's artists played at the CommUnity Peace Music Festival in Eldridge, Missouri. The first of four planned festival stops for the label this summer, the Peace Festival graciously hosted Medicine Crow and Ghetto Gas John with their special guests Chara Love and Eric Blades. The longstanding duo played a powerful set in the face of adverse weather conditions with percussion by Chara and "stunt guitar" work provided by Eric. The latter two were later gifted with seperate extended open sets each of their own as the weekend continued with the four being met with universal praise and warmth for their talent. All but Eric performed music from their latest CD releases as he instead played working selections on his transported twelve string acoustic guitar from an upcoming project yet to be announced. In the end, after enduring long drives, freak Ozark monsoons and critter attacks, the group left with friendships made, product sold and inspiration for the future including musical collaborations and special performances patterned after this very experience. Visit this page again for more information of upcoming festival stops as well as further developments of the Illegible Community's LIVE experience. 05/09/06 - MAY PRODUCT SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! GHETTO GAS JOHN TO BE RELEASED THIS MONTH!!! The Illegible Records train is not stopping - or even slowing down! Following the last two months of successful releases, the label shines it's spotlight on one of it's more beloved artists - Ghetto Gas John. Almost seven months to the day he signed, Illegible Records will put out John's first CD "Time To Begin" on Sunday, May 21st. The album will be celebrated with a CD Release Party open to the public and to be held at Magdalena's Tea House in Lansing, Michigan starting at 4:00pm. The party will feature "GGJ" performing cuts from his album with special guest Medicine Crow as well. "I've been looking forward to Ghetto Gas John's CD for so long," admits label head Eric Blades "his story really sums up what this label is about." Find out more of this story May 21st!!! 05/07/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS TAKING OVER LOCAL SCENE!! Initial product estimates have been blown away with strong sales by Illegible Records artists and there is no sign of it letting up! Launching a tour, Medicine Crow has developed a loyal following while Chris Hough, who released his CD at the same time, has enjoyed staggering sales by strong word of mouth. Meanwhile, Chara Love and Perry McDonald have invaded the scene with shows in the immediate community and writeups in the local papers! Stay tuned here for more news on the exciting strides made by these artists on Illegible Records!! 04/07/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS SIGNS AFTERLIFE MACHINE!! Always finding room for more great talent, Illegible Records has brought another sound into it's diverse catalog with the signing of heavy metal act Afterlife Machine. The project, headed by guitarist/composer Richard Bates, brings a new and aggresive tone to the expanding label with the assembling of a full length near-thrash tone. "I've known Rich for a lot of years," says label head Eric Blades "and I can honestly say that this CD is going to rock." Richard concurs "The chance for this music to finally be heard is just the coolest thing and I can't wait." Click on the ARTISTS icon above to learn more about the album as well as the long, strange journey of Afterlife Machine and follow it to the corresponding page. 04/04/06 - SECOND WAVE OF ILLEGIBLE CD RELEASES ANNOUNCED!!! Following on the great success of it's first two releases in March (Medicine Crow and Chris Hough - see below), Illegible Records has set artist and product dates for it's second batch of music releases for the month of April! Stepping up first is Chara Love on Friday, April 21st with her debut album "Core". This wonderful collection will be celebrated with a CD release party at Gone Wired Cafe in Lansing, Michigan (That night - Friday, April 21st) starting at 8:00pm. ONE WEEK LATER, Illegible Records will also put out Perry McDonald's moving self-titled album. He, too, will be having a CD release party at Magdalena's Tea House on Sunday, April 30th at 1:00pm in the afternoon. "This label is taking off," says label head, Eric Blades "We're so busy but still, so very proud of these next two solid releases." Chara Love, a veteran of sharing her songs with the public is anxiously awaiting the shows "I'm so excited!" she says "This is such a dream come true - I can't wait!" Perry McDonald chuckles and agrees: "This is all very cool!" Hit 'CONTACT' above to acquire more information and stay tuned here for more details! 03/29/06 - NICOLE GOOD PIERCE COMES FULL CIRCLE Following preliminary recording at Studio Lagoon with Eric Blades, Illegible Records artist Nicole Good Pierce moves to formally complete her CD project with Lansing's Glen Brown Productions. With a batch of studio slots at her disposal, Nicole plans to complete her project in time for a summer release. Check back here for more details as well as a release date as soon as it's ready! 03/26/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS ON PUBLIC RADIO As part of the promotion campaign for the release of Medicine Crow's brand new "A Much Better Reality" album, Mike Iott (Medicine Crow himself) and Illegible Records founder Eric Blades visited the spacious studios of Lansing Public Radio's WLNZ for an exciting and illuminating glimpse into on-air broadcasting. Program director, Lyn Peraino invited the pair out and conducted an interview showcasing music from Mike's CD with an in-studio performance as well as delving into the mystique of Medicine Crow. Turning the microphone onto Eric, Lyn then featured an on-air Q and A with the head of Illegible Records discussing with him the start of the company and it's plans. "Lyn was very gracious with us," said Eric listening to the broadcast the next day "She also made us sound like a million bucks!" Illegible Records hopes to continue it's relationship with Lansing Public Radio with future spotlights on it's artists. Stay tuned here for future appearances as well as tuning into Lansing, Michigan's WLNZ 89.7 FM! 03/21/06 - RELEASE EVENT A SUCCESS! The inaugural releases for Illegible Records were celebrated to success and applause Saturday, March 18th at Lansing Michigan's Gone Wired Cafe. With an anxious crowd in attendance, Medicine Crow took the stage and mesmerized the audience with selections from his brand new album "A Much Better Reality" while members of the label met and mingled with the public. Illegible Records founder Eric Blades found himself quite humbled by the moment "This is an important night. I can't stress enough how much this is a dream come true - for myself and the artists I'm so proud to have on this label." Also being released concurently was the debut album by Chris Hough whose product stood proudly alongside Medicine Crow's. The evening ended up being a joint effort on many of the artists' part: with great photography by Nicole Good Pierce, merchandise table handling by Shelby Blades, emergency supplies by Perry McDonald and finally the Medicine Crow performance itself being joined by Illegible artists Ghetto Gas John and Chara Love. In the end, CDs and shirts flew out the door as new friendships and endevours were forged and whimsied about accompanied by the well wishes of musicians on their way towards their own dreams. Stay tuned to this page for more dates and releases coming very soon! To obtain these great products, please click on PURCHASE above and follow the prompts. 02/20/06 - FIRST ILLEGIBLE RELEASES ANNOUNCED!!! Illegible Records has set artist and product dates for it's first two music releases! First up: Medicine Crow's "A Much Better Reality" album will be launched by the label Saturday, March 18th with a release party being held at Gone Wired Cafe in Lansing, Michigan at 7:00pm to celebrate. That SAME DAY, Illegible Records will release Chris Hough's "Polarity Shift" album as well. "It's going to be a hell of a day," says label head, Eric Blades "I couldn't be more proud." Mike Iott (Medicine Crow) agrees: "We're going to hit this ground runnin'..." Hit 'CONTACT' above to acquire more information and stay tuned here for more details! 01/14/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS SIGNS RANDALL CARLSON! Things are getting crowded at Illegible Records as the indie label has signed instrumentalist Randall Carlson to it's fold. Rock, pop and progressive mark the sound of the instrumental album due this spring! To learn more about the exciting upcoming release as well as this talented musician click on the ARTISTS icon above and follow it to his page. 01/12/06 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS FINDS PLACE ON MYSPACE Joining in what is arguably an internet phenomenon, Illegible Records now has a prescence within the MySpace online community. Providing pictures as well as music from it's artists, the label hopes to increase it's awareness as well as make new friends through MySpace's incredible networking abilities. You can view this page by clicking: http://www.myspace.com/illegiblerecords 12/08/05 - BENEFIT SHOW A SUCCESS! The night was cold but the tea was warm at the REMA relief show held at Magdelena's Tea House on Sunday, December 4th and the final tally is in with the night ending as a resounding success! With help from Illegible Records artists, the event was able to raise some much needed money for disaster relief. A recording was made of the night as well as video footage being taken also. For more information on this very special night for Illegible Records as well as some incredible pictures, push the PROJECTS icon on the menu above or click HERE. 12/01/05 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS ARTISTS JOIN EFFORT EN MASSE Much like the hurricane itself, the beginning was small but now all facets of Illegible Records have banded together to aid in follow-up relief efforts in the Katrina ravaged Gulf Coast. A benefit show hosted by Illegible Records artist Medicine Crow for the NPR featured REMA group (announced on this site earlier) has grown to feature other label artists Perry McDonald, Chara Love with Shelby Blades accompanying, Ghetto Gas John, Eric Blades and Nicole Good Pierce all performing live as well. THE SHOW WILL BE HELD AT MAGDALENA'S TEA HOUSE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH FROM 4 TO 8 P.M. The location's founder, vocalist Miko Fossum, will also be contributing a musical set with Medicine Crow. A video crew will be present to work in tandem with a planned live show recording of the event. As asked before, please help if you can! Visit these sites for more details: www.medicinecrow.net www.magdalenasteahouse.com 11/26/05 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS SIGNS GHETTO GAS JOHN! The artist roster of Illegible Records has just gotten a little longer with the addition of guitarist/singer/songwriter 'Ghetto Gas' John Overholt. With a rock and blues style fused with a touch of classical guitar, John also brings his wit and political starkness to the label as well his life long experience in music. Learn more about his upcoming release and him as well by clicking on the icon above marked ARTISTS and following it to his page. 11/17/05 - MEDICINE CROW TO PLAY BENEFIT SHOW Illegible Records artist Medicine Crow, along with others, will be performing a benefit concert for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the ravaged gulf coast region. The show, playing at Magdalena's Tea House in Lansing, Michigan, will be held December 4th from 4 to 8 pm. Help if you can! 11/16/05 - CHARA LOVE WOWS WITA Illegible Records artist Chara Love played an inspiring show at the Women In The Arts 20th anniversary festival in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, November 12th. Although not long, her show, set intimately in a church, had a dramatic moment when a woman approached Chara on stage to give her a blessing in gratitude for the power of her music. Chara hopes to continue her relationship with WITA and looks forward to impacting the artistic community. 11/15/05 - CHRIS HOUGH MAKES FULL RECOVERY - JUMPS INTO PROJECT After a small delay due to a rough bout with adult chickenpox (!), Illegible Records artist Chris Hough dramatically jumped into his long awaited project with earnest. Thank goodness for the recovery since his first official recording session with the label lasted an epic nine hours with the result of nearly half of his album being finished! The new age release also now has an official title: "Polarity Shift". Look for it soon in 2006! 11/13/05 - PERRY McDONALD VIDEO NOW ONLINE Footage editing and final work was completed in October on Perry McDonald's video for his song "The Way Home (Down In The Undertow)". Videographer Dave Collins is already at work on another project for Perry to coincide with his CD on Illegible Records scheduled to be released early in 2006. Illegiblerecords.com is proud to premiere this video - you can watch it by clicking HERE. 11/10/05 - CHARA LOVE TO PLAY AT WOMEN IN THE ARTS FESTIVAL Illegible Records' Chara Love will be appearing at the 20th annual Women In The Arts Festival in East Lansing, Michigan November 11-12. "This is something I wanted to do for a year now," says Chara "I'm very excited." She will be appearing Saturday on the day stage at 2:00 pm. Photo credit: David Garlitz Visit the Women In the Arts Festival for more details: http://www.witafestival.com 11/07/05 - WORK BEGINS ON ILLEGIBLE RECORDS DOCUMENTARY Illegible Records redefines itself again by expanding into the world of film with a locally produced video documentary. Lensed and engineered by videographer, Dave Collins, the currently shooting project will encompass the day-to-day workings of a small record label and it's overall production. Especially showcased will be the artists therein with footage showing everything from recording to negotiations as well as their own corner of the music scene. "I think this is just AWESOME," says Illegible Records owner, Eric Blades. "The exposure that these musicians will get will be considerable and it's just a great way to show our small musical community." The documentary will be packaged and sold as a DVD to help promote the artists and the label directly. With CD albums still in production and footage being collected, the overall project will not be available until early to mid 2006. A special page on this site will be devoted to the documentary but a short rough clip can be found HERE. 11/05/05 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS HITS 500 The website for Illegible Records has, in one month, had over 500 visitors. The number was hit on Thursday, November 3rd giving this site an average of 125 hits a week! The label thanks all who have worked towards the continued exposure of the artists here and the viewing of the content on these pages. 10/28/05 - SHELBY BLADES MAKES ADDITION TO SOUND Adding to her already varied list of musical instruments, Shelby Blades has moved to add one more to her upcoming album's sound: the flute. Having found one at a reasonable price online, she excitedly decided to up her repetoire one more notch. Look for this highly intriuging assortment early next year. 10/26/05 - PERRY McDONALD BRANCHES INTO VIDEO WORK FOR ALBUM As hinted at earlier, Illegible Records artist Perry McDonald has now made his first forays into music video with his song "The Way Home (Down In The Undertow)", a selection from his upcoming album release on the label. Working with videographer Dave Collins, footage was assembled early October in rural areas outside Lansing, Michigan as well as perforamance shots in Perry's own Stand Up & Panic Studio. Final editing was recently completed "The Way Home (Down In The Undertow)" and more video shooting is expected to resume for other songs as well. Perry's goal is to release a DVD collection featuring a solid catalog of his work to coincide with his music CD either together or in a seperate form that would showcase his often scenic lyricism. Check back later for more details as well as a possible sneak look at the video itself! 10/19/05 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS SIGNS MEDICINE CROW! It's official: Illegible Records' newest artist is Mike Iott, also known as Medicine Crow. Adding his eclectic blues and Native American sound to the label, Mike joins the ranks of fellow Illegible musicians with the hopes of spreading his personal philosophies - as well as his powerful music. Read more about him and his release by selecting the ARTISTS icon above and then following it to his page. 10/18/05 - ILLEGIBLE RECORDS NOW ON ALLRECORDLABELS.COM Making some of it's first forays onto the world wide web, Illegible Records' submission into allrecordlabels.com has been accepted! Now you, as well as the entire planet, can look up your favorite group of musicians! Just click on the link below. http://www.allrecordlables.com 10/16/05 - PERRY McDONALD, SHELBY BLADES AND CHARA LOVE TO JOIN FORCES Within a growing trend at Illegible Records, three of it's artists are agreeing to appear on eachother's upcoming releases. Chara Love will release her CD with Perry McDonald playing bass on most of her tracks and, likewise, Chara will lend background vocals to at least one of Perry's songs. Meanwhile, Shelby Blades will contribute cello to both projects. Illegible Records: musical community at it's best! 10/06/05 - WEB SITE LAUNCHED After much anticipation the official online home for Illegible Records is now open to the public. While still a work in progress, it is hoped that this site will offer a meeting place for featured artists of the label as well as serve in a promotion capacity. Please visit often to find updates on the label as well as the musicians within.