Tag Archives: jon bellion

9 Can’t Miss Concerts in Chicago This October: A$AP Mob, Katy Perry & More

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Don’t think just that summer is over that great live music also has to end. As the festivals wrap up and the leaves fall in the Windy City, the concerts move indoors to some of the best venues and arenas in Chicago. And October especially is a great month to catch a concert or two in Chicago, with stars and legends like Katy Perry and Janet Jackson set to visit and artists like Hoodie Allen, Jon Bellion and the A$AP Mob scheduled to tear up the stage with headlining shows of their own.

Check out our list of the 9 can’t miss concerts in Chicago this month!

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Summerfest Day 3 In Photos: Jon Bellion, House of Pain, Barns Courtney & More

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Kicking off the first weekend of Summerfest 2017, for its big 50th anniversary, Day 3 of the Milwaukee festival saw performances from a diverse selection of music. From emerging names in music like Barns Courtney and Jon Bellion, to legends like House of Pain, Summerfest had something for everyone last night, and fans did not leave disappointed.

Check out our Summerfest Day 3 photos below of Jon Bellion, House of Pain, Barns Courtney and more!

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Lollapalooza Announces 2017 Aftershows: Royal Blood, Jon Bellion, Banks & More

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

If you missed out on buying wristbands for Lollapalooza this year, or you just want to extend your festival experience, don’t worry because the premiere Chicago festival has announced its full lineup of 2017 aftershows. The aftershows will run from August 1st until the 6th and will feature performances across some of the city’s best clubs and concert halls.

Performing Lolla aftershows this year will be Royal Blood, Jon Bellion, Banks, Spood, Foster The People, Towkio, Mac DeMarco and many more. Tickets for the aftershows will go on sale this Friday at 10AM.

Check out some of our favorite aftershows below and see the full lineup of shows at Do312.com.

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Our 25 Most Anticipated Headliners of Summerfest’s 50th Anniversary

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Summerfest went all out for its huge 50th Anniversary! After the Milwaukee festival announced the release of its lineup last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, fans were instantly relieved to see that Summerfest nailed it! Joining its previously announced American Family Insurance Amphitheater headliners, the ground stage headliners which were shared last night also show why Summerfest is a can’t miss festival this year.

This year Summerfest will take place from June 28 – July 2 and July 4 – July 9 at the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee, WI, and fans can check here for ticket information. Ticket prices start at just $13 and $90 right now for an 11-day pass, with various promotions that run all festival long. Summerfest is one of the most unique music festivals that the country has to offer, so don’t miss out!

It wasn’t easy to decide who we are most excited to see at Summerfest this year, but definitely hit the jump to check out our 25 most anticipated acts of Summerfest 2017. And be sure to check out Summerfest.com for more information!

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Photos: Jon Bellion Brings The Human Condition Tour to Milwaukee

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Last night one of rap’s most talented brought his headlining tour to The Rave in Milwaukee, WI. And while everyone in attendance came into the night knowing that artist Jon Bellion is equally talented at rapping, singing, producing and songwriting, those who saw him live for the first time on Friday night now know that the emerging artist can perform his ass off as well. Throughout the night, as the sold out crowd weathered the summer heat in the packed venue with Rave staff passing out water bottles and spraying fans with water guns, Bellion showcased everything that makes him one of the most diverse emerging acts in rap music today. Whether he was remaking his beats live for the crowd, singing at his mic stand, or rapping as he jumped from stage left to stage right, Bellion gave his all last night.

Bellion didn’t travel alone either, as he brought Alec Benjamin, Blaque Keyz and an entertaining opening performance from Son Real to get the night off on a great note. Of course though it was Bellion who stole the show. Performing some of his fan favorites, like ‘All Time Low’, ‘Jim Morrison’ and a number of records from his most recent LP, even with a memorable encore and a nearly 90-minute set, the crowd was still left wanting more.

The highlight of the night though had nothing to do with his records however, as early into his set, Jon Bellion stopped the music for a moment of silence and to have his crowd send positive energy to fans who were unable to attend the night’s performance because they were involved in a car accident. This moment, combined with the fact that Bellion sold out the venue despite not yet having a catalog of huge hits and still being an emerging artist, shows that Bellion has a special relationship with his fans that most artists just can’t match. Even if you weren’t his biggest fan, you could certainly feel that energy in the crowd last night, as Bellion put on a memorable show for Milwaukee.

Check out our photos from Jon Bellion’s Milwaukee performance below and check out the remaining dates of The Human Condition Tour at his official website.

Continue reading Photos: Jon Bellion Brings The Human Condition Tour to Milwaukee

Photos: Jon Bellion Performs at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago

BY JESUS MONTERO

Photo by Jesus Montero/The Early Registration
Photo by Jesus Montero/The Early Registration

Last week we interviewed Jon Bellion and DJ White Shadow, as part of their new partnership with W Hotels (check out the full conversation here). After sitting down with the two talented artists, we were invited to Jon’s show later that night at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago. Bellion killed it and we got some great shots while he rocked the Chitown crowd!

Check out our photos below, as we sent our photographer Jesus Montero to capture some of the night’s best moments.

Continue reading Photos: Jon Bellion Performs at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago

Interview: Jon Bellion Partners with W Hotels and DJ White Shadow Amidst Debut Studio Album Release

BY JESUS MONTERO

DJ White Shadow and Jon Bellion
Photo by Jesus Montero

Jon Bellion has been on a steady rise thanks to his creative unique sound, that has molded him into an artist that has many paying attention. The Long Island producer, singer and songwriter for years has been working his way up to this critical point in his career.

Bellion’s has seen success most notably from his first three free mixtape/albums: Translations Through Speakers, The Separation, and The Definition. He is also known for his work on Eminem’s hit record ‘Monster’, featuring Rihanna. Bellion this year though, has caught the mainstream spotlight once again by this time signing the vocals for Zedd’s hit summer song ‘Beautiful Now’. And now, Bellion partnered up with longtime Lady Gaga producer and friend DJ White Shadow for his “Destination Tour”, partnering up with the luxurious W Hotels nationwide.

The ‘Beautiful Now’ singer is also set to release his first full length studio album, Beautiful Mind, later this year, which has the bar set high from his first three projects. “It was definitely a labor of love for the last three years.” said Bellion. “I think the next step is just naturally growing, I think I’ve given the fans enough to trust me for them to spend their hard earned money on something that I’ve worked on.” Bellion’s thoughts were focused on his fans, as this will be his first project that is going for sale. “I’ll always cater to the fans and I’m never going to over-charge for tickets, that’s always going to be a constant thing in mind. But I think now the next step is going to iTunes and the radio, or having it in stores. It’s a sense of legitimacy that comes from that.”

Paul Blair better known as “DJ White Shadow” was recently named Music Director for North America as part of W’s new Global Music Collective. His roles include handpicking music talent. “As a human being you want to keep developing things that you enjoy and things that you do.” White Shadow on his role of picking music talent, told us “I started out when I was 19 years old. I used to make techno, I used to travel to Europe to put records out, then it was about making music for somebody else and reaching a larger audience and I feel like I’ve done that. Now what I really enjoy is helping out people be the best they can possibly be. Right now at this specific junction in my life I am really excited to help other people out.”

The relationship between White Shadow and Bellion is both professional and personal. The big brother always looking out for what’s best for his younger sibling was present during the interview. “For Jon, where he’s at the point of his career maybe he doesn’t have the ability to walk into a situation that I just have sitting.” White Shadow explained “The first day I met Jon I said, ‘I have to fucking sign this kid.’ The day that I met him I literally knew he was going to be giant one day.”

DJ White Shadow is best known for his work as a producer for Lady Gaga’s albums Born This Way and Artpop. White Shadow added , “Everybody wants to be a superstar,” when talking about the work needed to make it in the music industry. “Everyone wants to be famous. This is hard work. Hard work to the point where you stress your body, brain, and your relationships out. You can tell if you’ve been around long enough if a person is going to be able to make it or not. Being an artist is not going up on stage and putting a microphone in your hand. It’s about creating so much more.”

The business partnership between DJ White Shadow and Bellion on behalf of the W Hotels includes touring and exclusive experiences to fans. “I knew if I send him here, he wasn’t going to get drunk in the lobby and pour champagne everywhere.” DJ White Shadow’s trust in Bellion’s character extends beyond his musical talent. “I know he has the ability to become a stronger business person and a better performer, and whatever I can contribute to helping him do that.”

A testimony to the traditional way of creating music, DJ White Shadow sites technology as constantly evolving. “That’s what exciting to me, finding people that want to work hard.” said DJ White Shadow. “You’re able to have enough equipment to record a full blown record in your bedroom. When I was first making records I had a Roland 808 Juno that I took out every credit card out that I could to buy it. There’s a lot of things that are exciting. Finding people that work hard, finding music that sounds great and people that really know what it takes to be an artist and helping support those people.”

In a few short years, Bellion has set himself up in a big way to breakout when his first studio album drops. Chicago was his second to last stop on his North American tour. Bellion sees the process he’s made and the journey his currently on as a “blessing”. “Last tour it was 13 guys in an 11 passenger van playing anywhere from 800 people sold out in New York to a bar in the middle of North Carolina with 200-250 kids. This year, every venue quadrupled and completely sold out with oversells and bumped up rooms. To see the progression that fast, it’s incredible.” Bellion also explained the resources DJ White Shadow offered that made this tour more memorable. “Then out of no where, we were all prepared to tough it out, being in the band. I get a call from one of my best friends in the industry (points to DJ White Shadow), and it’s like ‘I’m music directing for the W hotels, we can get you a tour bus.’ To see the growth and to able to carter to thousand of more fans and being healthy (is amazing). Last year it was grueling with my health, touring in a small van. To see my career grow getting to work with companies like the W Hotels… It’s been amazing. This tour has been so much fun, last year was grueling, this year I’ve been having a lot of fun.”

Bellion performs with his band, that is made up of his friends from college. Bellion also uses his close friends for social media content and when creating videos. “We made a promise to each other when we were jamming in college six to seven years ago that we would stick together if one person were to make it, we would all keep jamming. Their my best friends and it feels like I’m at summer camp with them right now.” He also cites the people he surrounds himself with as a major influence to his success. Traveling and performing across the country has made many surreal moments for Bellion and his band of musically talented friends. “These are God fearing cats that love their craft and decided to actually make music in the craft of making music.” Bellion added. “It’s an incredible thing to see my best friends that I met in college and (who I were) jamming with when we didn’t know what the hell was going on for us. Just recently a show in New York (it) sold out 60 days in advance. That’s three thousands people. We all look at each other and it keeps us in check because we tell each other, ‘Remember when I couldn’t afford lunch at school and you had to swipe your dinner card for me?’ These are the same guys. It’s a blessing!”

White Shadow also shared how his first studio session with Bellion went. “If you’re light minded and you have success in your blinders, that’s what you’re moving towards. It’s a beautiful thing to see light minded people like you and racing with you and help support you. It’s incredible, that’s what I saw at my first session.”

Bellion delivers a unique hybrid of smoothing electronic sounds with his singing and rap productions. His multitalented approach has Bellion’s input into his songwriting and live performances, to directing his music videos. He also posts videos on YouTube showing fans the “Behind The Scenes” of his music “The soup of what the internet is today created an avalanche of content because technology made it so accessible.” Bellion explains his involvement with all aspect of his music. “What kids want is to gravitate toward something that’s real, I’m just a person who is putting their heart and soul into everything. I think the second my touch comes off everything is the second nobody is going to give a shit about me. My touch will always still on my music.”

White Shadow also weighed in on the topic of the importance artists must have with their content. “There’s a lot of artist out there that do none of there music. None of their content, nothing. Those people can’t sell out a “House of Blues” because people who do listen to music have no connection with that artist whatsoever. Who wants to pay to see that?” White Shadow was not shy for words about the music direction that seems to be very present in today’s music. “That’s some Milli Vanili shit.” White Shadow explained. “There’s a lot of really good DJ’s that have never made a song in their life and have seven albums out. It’s a weird time in music, but to see someone like Jon doing what he’s doing, it’s refreshing and awesome to me but also it should be refreshing and awesome for everybody who actually is an artist and musician.” White Shadow also added what he believes is one of the things that works in the music industry. “If you’re not honest and open and legitimate about what you’re doing, you’re going to get called out, that’s the best thing that has happened recently. If somebody unplugs your shit when you’re signing a record and your record keeps going, the whole world is going to know about it. Everything has to be open and honest, carefully crafted in order to be great.”

Bellion is continuing to rise up the ranks of emerging new artists, due to his contributions to other artists. That will soon be in the past according to Bellion, “My commercial success has been a blessing.” With his well deserved success, Bellion is someone who will definitely make a name for himself in the future for his unique and captivating music. “Starving artist do die hungry and my artistry, I put everything into that.”

To finish our interview Bellion shared an update of his forthcoming album, Beautiful Mind. Bellion stated “I’m like ninety percent done with it.” A goal for Bellion is to constantly change and grow as an artist. “I’ve improved my craft from that last (project). That’s always been my goal. Every (project) that I dropped, I want to be greater, lyrically more precise to get my point across. I think this next album is just the next step in my growth. Anybody can take it how ever they want to take it but I know for myself I’ve checked boxes from my last (project) that makes this album much better.”

Songs of the Week ft. The National, Jon Bellion and More!

BY TER STAFF

Songs of the Week

These are the highlights of this past week in music! Hopefully you can bump these tracks on your way to work to brighten up your Monday mornings, and to stay up-to-date on today’s music. This week we have new music from indie rock’s The National, rapper Jon Bellion (along with a new headlining tour), and even Soulja Boy Tell Em. Get started at the jump below to check out our favorite records of the past week.

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Jon Bellion Announces 2015 Headlining Tour; Releases New Song, “Woodstock”

BY TER STAFF

Courtesy of Visionary Music Group

Fans of singer-songwriter/rapper Jon Bellion will be happy to learn that the Logic-affiliated rapper has just announced his new 2015 headlining tour, and he even dropped a new song to go with it. “The Definition Tour” (named after his 2014 project) will kick off on May 26th at The Rave in Milwaukee and will run through July, where it returns to the Midwest for stops in Detroit and Chicago.

If a new tour wasn’t enough, Bellion also released his new music festival inspired track ‘Woodstock’, featuring additional vocals from Travis Mendes. Bellion describes the track as a “psychedelic musical fiction”, and fans can definitely expect to hear it live this summer.

Check out the tour dates and listen to ‘Woodstock (Psychedelic Fiction)’ below!

Continue reading Jon Bellion Announces 2015 Headlining Tour; Releases New Song, “Woodstock”