evolved.fm

Written by Voytek Tusz

A new era dawns in the music world today. Record labels and event promoters struggle to adjust to the changes in the industry and the ever more volatile consumer preferences. Amidst disappointing talent-scouting efforts resulting in a wave of “one-hit-wonders”, an exciting concept has taken shape from the underground ranks of the Windy City. The Exodos Music Box is proud to present Playground LIVE.

The story of Playground LIVE’s emergence is one that inspires scores of future artists to get their first set of turntables, their first guitar, or that shiny new drum set they saw in the store window once. A story of two friends who simultaneously embarked on two very different musical journeys and twenty years later found themselves standing together looking in the same direction.

Playground LIVE is a sensory extravaganza that fuses the world of electronic composition with the unabashed mechanical energy of acoustic percussion. The group’s founders, Andre Solaris and Mark Paul firmly placed their innovative new approach to live performances in what is commonly known as intelligent dance music or IDM. This genre of dance music includes such groundbreaking acts like The Orb, Autechre, Chemical Brothers, and Underworld among others.

Andre Solaris and Mark Paul met accidentally at one of Chicago’s famous sub-culture venues on the North side of the city. Instantly identifying a kindred soul in each other they cultivated their friendship and a common affinity for music over the past two decades. The electronic movements of the late 80’ and 90’s inspired Andre’s musical career. As a founder of FUEL Promote Group he helped shape the Chicago dance music industry. His continuous involvement in electronic music as a syndicated radio DJ on various Chicago FM stations and later on XM Satellite Radio influenced and educated music enthusiasts for nearly fifteen years.

Mark Paul’s affair with music began in Chicago’s thriving rock movement. After emerging from his modest beginnings as a cover band drummer, he made a name for himself in the rock circles as one of the most versatile performers. He was a part of jazz bands, symphonic orchestras, jazz-fusion combos, and experimental rock groups. His ability to dynamically fuse elements of various genres in live performance, allowed him to create a unique and exciting new approach to drumming that gives Playground LIVE intense energy and unpredictability. His natural talent and hard work in drumming found an audience in Chicago’s rock scene. However, it was his love for dance music and a long time involvement as a local jock that contributed in the creative process that lead to the inception of Playground LIVE.

Musically, Playground LIVE draws from various genres of house music to create its own unique sound. Andre Solaris’ careful and refined track selection lends itself perfectly to Mark Paul’s expert percussion skills as the duo invites the audience to get lost in the intricate play between the electronic and the organic side of music.

Andre and Mark have set ambitious goals for Playground and with a little bit of good fortune 2009 should bring positive results for this talented act. Keep a sharp eye on this exciting new act coming soon to your favorite nightclub!!!