Chicago, IL (PRWEB) April 24, 2015
Chicago rock stars of business and science recorded and released an EP of original and unique cover song arrangements through Altered Stage LLC, a private, members-only club for recreational musicians. The release of the Club's first compilation album featuring members, entitled “Vol. I: Be.” is available digitally through most major digital music channels worldwide including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Rdio and others.
Altered Stage is a new and unique private club concept that focuses on giving a complete and perpetual music experience for people who’ve chosen careers in professions other than music. The company’s goal is to create and foster a vibrant community of likeminded individuals of all musical skill levels – from beginner to advanced – who share a passion for making music. The club provides ongoing music instruction, holds regular group jam sessions and quarterly gigs at known Chicago venues such as Reggie’s Music Joint, and works with members to write and publish music. Altered Stage’s inaugural release, Vol. I: Be., is the first of a series of albums planned by the club through its Altered Records label.
“Our members are rock stars in their respective fields of banking, accounting, science, marketing, and other professions. Altered Stage gives them the opportunity to blow off steam and express themselves creatively in a supportive environment that makes music part of their everyday life,” said Jeff Bergau, founder of Altered Stage. “Vol. I: Be. is the culmination of our members’ energy and passion for music in the context of their busy personal and professional lives.”
“Vol. I: Be.” includes five tracks from five Altered Stage members:
- David Klumpp Ph.D., a professor and research scientist at Northwestern University, wrote two tracks, “Triage” and “Sedan,” on which he contributed lead vocals and guitar.
- Coleen Gilmartin, an accountant, contributed a haunting, singer/songwriter-style cover arrangement of Mansions on the Moon’s “Leaves Fall,” on which she sang and played lead guitar. Dr. Klumpp also added accent guitar and Gilmartin’s father, John Gilmartin, played trumpet.
- Seamus O’Mahoney, a banking executive, and his recently-formed “dad band,” The Pigs, contributed a rockabilly cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Hey Hey What Can I Do,” on which O’Mahoney served as lead vocalist and guitarist. Altered Stage member Coleen Gilmartin provided backing vocals.
- Patrick Dwyer, a video game developer for Robomodo and adjunct professor at De Paul University, wrote one track, “Drone,” with Bergau and Sean Cimino, a customer operations executive for a global pharmaceutical company. The track features Dwyer on guitar, Cimino on vocals, and Bergau on bass.
“Most of the members represented on this album have been playing music for a relatively short period of time. It’s a massive accomplishment for them to share their music with the world and it’s a tribute to the encouraging Altered Stage community,” said Jason Steele, Altered Stage partner and head of instruction and programming. “While the album itself is truly multi-genre, the musicianship and soul put into it is consistent throughout. We’re all looking forward to Vol. II.”
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About Altered Stage
Founded in 2014, Altered Stage is a private, membership-based club for recreational musicians. The company is dedicated to building a dynamic community of likeminded individuals who love music but have chosen non-music-related careers. Catering to amateur musicians of all skill levels, Altered Stage offers music instruction and related programming such as gigs at popular Chicago music venues, group jam sessions, band matchmaking, and music writing/recording/publishing services through its Altered Records label. The company currently operates two temporary practice studios in downtown Chicago and plans to open its permanent facility in Chicago’s West Loop in 2015. For more information visit http://www.alteredstage.com
