Ghosthouse

By Candace Jordan, January 16, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Over 400 guests gathered for the inaugural Visual Sound Awards to recognize marketing and advertising campaigns, TV shows and films that have utilized music in the most successful and creative ways to drive value for Music Dealers’ global brand and entertainment partners, while showcasing the profound impact these projects have had on the emerging artists whose music is featured in the campaigns. The evening kicked off with an awards ceremony, during which The Visual Sound Awards winners were announced, and continued into the night with a rockin' after party featuring live performances by Music Dealers artists Metis, Greg Corner of Kill Hannah, Ghosthouse and Dot Dot Dot that brought down the house.

Music Dealers Clients change emerging musicians' lives every day. Behind all of these Visual Sound Awards nominees and winners, be it a Web or TV advertisement, are real artists whose life’s passion is creating music. And because Music Dealers clients chose to enhance their campaigns with music produced by these artists, they have been able to fund national tours, record new albums and build their professional teams propelling their careers to the next level all with the money generated from these placements.

In his Visual Sound Award acceptance speech, Music Dealers artist and the new sound of Coke Zero's "Make It Possible" global ad campaign, Metis, said "The song we created with Music Dealers for the Coke Zero campaign was truly a catalyst that catapulted my music career. It led to multiple record deal offers and so many other opportunities, and it all started with Music Dealers believing in us from an early stage and Coke giving us the global platform".

Check out all of the Visual Sound Awards winning campaigns and artists here (http://www.musicdealers.com/blog-entry/2013/1/16/music-dealers-events-visual-sound-awards-2013-recap-video)! And congrats to ALL! (Photos by Tyler Curtis of Darkroom Demons) - Chicago Now

Madcap Chicago Electro Boogie trio Ghosthouse have been an act we’ve been keeping an eye on for some time now. They are so much fun, like Chromeo and The Time and Prince in a blender. they’ve just dropped a new single, ‘Stop Drop & Roll’ with a full reMix package, for absolutely free!

‘Stop Drop & Roll’ is a precursor to their forthcoming EP, but that doesn’t mean it can’t fill out this single package in it’s own right. It’s funky as fuck and catchy as hell, complete with sing-a-long chorus and big synth stabs. Ghosthouse have got the retro-synth-Funk thing so locked down it’s hard to imagine world domination wouldn’t be an option. Seriously, ‘Stop Drop & Roll’ is infectious like boogie mind control. The reMix package is pretty stunning too, it’s amazing that this single is free. One of our favourite producers working today Miami Nights 1984 works some sweet sweet SynthWave magic, the sheer Funk of the original allowing MN84 to get a little groovier than usual. The reMix is of the quality we’ve come to expect from one of the leading lights of the SynthWave scene, a producer at the top of his game MN84’s reMix is all big vintage synths and mind-blowing solos. Another friend of electronic rumors, Sam Padrul, contributes a huge slice of laid back Disco with a cosmic twist and a chilled 70’s vibe to it’s electric piano lead line. It’s Disco of the inner-city variety, like a soundtrack to the summer’s heating up of the concrete and parties starting. The single is packed full of other versions of the track. Team Bayside High get digital slap bass heavy Electro with it while Shuteye drop some jump-up beats. J.Larroc’s mix is deep military Disco and the record is rounded off with some dancefloor Electro-House from Compact Disco. It’s a highly recommended collection with an unbelievable price. - Electronic Rumors

Best Band Name

GHOSTHOUSE

RUNNER-UP

UNIVORE - Chicago Reader

I’m standing outside The Congress Theater. It’s the day after St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s surprisingly bright outside. My phone rings at about 3:37pm. It’s Jimmy Con, one third of Chicago’s electro funk trio, Ghosthouse. They are running late because they “… [are] gettin’ [their] hair done.” Up until today, I had never talked to Jimmy Con, or any other members of Ghosthouse directly. After getting to know them a little and hanging out during a practice session, I still don’t know if they were just running late or actually getting their hair done. My money is on the latter.

BK: So help me fill in the gaps here, I did some reading; you guys formed about 7 years ago? But didn’t put the Ghosthouse self-titled out until this past October?

Jimmy Con: Chuck and I went to Columbia together and we met in the dorms. We started making beats together and were really big into doing the hip-hop thing. That’s how we got our start. I was making beats and Chuck was singing hooks for other artists and forms of Ghosthouse but it wasn't fulfilling enough for us so we decide to just start producing and writing for ourselves as a duo.

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BK: So where did the name Ghosthouse come from? Was it a Mario Brothers thing? Or was it the 80’s Umberto Lenzi movie?

JC: I didn’t even know about the movie until someone asked us about it years ago, which is absurd since I'm a huge campy horror movie fan. I hear it’s a really great one of those awful horror movies. How we really got the name was just when we were still producing a lot of hip-hop, we had so many artists under one roof at one time and we just didn’t know what to call it. It was like the Wu Tang Clan, 'you wanna be a part of Ghosthouse? Ok cool!' So I put the name Ghosthouse out there and it stuck. It seems like every band nowadays has “Ghost” in their name.

BK: So what is Ghosthouse all about now?

Chuck New: Making people dance.

JC: We have a lot of things in the works.

DH: We have some sick merch coming out.

JC: I mean, we are all about getting people out to our shows. We have the single coming out, a really cool remix contest through do312 and Zebo's “Hot Dog Records” and of course like Dylan said, we have some really great looking new merch coming out.

CN: …and we are always writing too. We like to have a lot of material to work with.

JC: I think we have really started to set ourselves apart from a lot of bands, especially in Chicago right now. Seemingly to me, the status quo was that you go to shows and watch the band and are almost in awe of how dedicated to their craft they are, or you act like a jerk and just stand around and watch. There are so many amazing artists out in this city that are total tech heads, gear heads, complete electronic masterminds and it's fantastic. I think we bring an outside element of just saying “f*ck it, let's dance, let's make it fun”. Almost like Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack, “So what?? So let's dance!” It doesn't always need to be taken so seriously. We just like to have a good time and for the most part, that always translates into an infection to the audience. They get the dancing bug.

BK: The cliché questions, who are your biggest influences?

JC: For me? Prince.

DH: Justice, they just did it louder- and it was so hard. I think it was too hard for some people.

BK: What about albums?

CN: I’d have to say Donny Hathaway Live. Just because, it’s different; he did that all in one take. It's pure.

JC: Live music that translates well to wax is always incredible. I have a live Prince album from 1985 with a 19 minute version of Purple Rain....it made me cry the first time I heard it. I'll share it with you.

BK: So how does the song creation process work? Is it more of a song idea first or is there a melody… or beat that gets lyrics built around it.

CN: Probably more of a beat that receives a building treatment. Jimmy will have some production piece that he’s working with and then I’ll see if it’s my range and a tempo or melody I can work with. Then I will work out my parts and from there we finish the song and it’s like a 50/50 split on the song writing since we kind of craft it all together.

BK: So for the live shows, you’ve got Dylan out there, how does that impact your sound?

DH: When we are on stage we are playing to backing tracks, so the way I play to it can really impact the sound and create a totally different feeling.

BK: So I know you guys don’t take anything too seriously, and you like to have a good time at your shows, got any good stories?

CN: Not too long ago we were playing a show where we were having technical difficulties all night. Amps were cutting out and all that good stuff. The venue wasn't really built for our sound. Mid way through the our set we decided to kill the noise and spare the small crowd our shenanigans. We had a few beverages and Dylan and Jimmy just started UFC fighting in the middle of - The Chicago Examiner

I’m standing outside The Congress Theater. It’s the day after St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s surprisingly bright outside. My phone rings at about 3:37pm. It’s Jimmy Con, one third of Chicago’s electro funk trio, Ghosthouse. They are running late because they “… [are] gettin’ [their] hair done.” Up until today, I had never talked to Jimmy Con, or any other members of Ghosthouse directly. After getting to know them a little and hanging out during a practice session, I still don’t know if they were just running late or actually getting their hair done. My money is on the latter.

BK: So help me fill in the gaps here, I did some reading; you guys formed about 7 years ago? But didn’t put the Ghosthouse self-titled out until this past October?

Jimmy Con: Chuck and I went to Columbia together and we met in the dorms. We started making beats together and were really big into doing the hip-hop thing. That’s how we got our start. I was making beats and Chuck was singing hooks for other artists and forms of Ghosthouse but it wasn't fulfilling enough for us so we decide to just start producing and writing for ourselves as a duo.

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BK: So where did the name Ghosthouse come from? Was it a Mario Brothers thing? Or was it the 80’s Umberto Lenzi movie?

JC: I didn’t even know about the movie until someone asked us about it years ago, which is absurd since I'm a huge campy horror movie fan. I hear it’s a really great one of those awful horror movies. How we really got the name was just when we were still producing a lot of hip-hop, we had so many artists under one roof at one time and we just didn’t know what to call it. It was like the Wu Tang Clan, 'you wanna be a part of Ghosthouse? Ok cool!' So I put the name Ghosthouse out there and it stuck. It seems like every band nowadays has “Ghost” in their name.

BK: So what is Ghosthouse all about now?

Chuck New: Making people dance.

JC: We have a lot of things in the works.

DH: We have some sick merch coming out.

JC: I mean, we are all about getting people out to our shows. We have the single coming out, a really cool remix contest through do312 and Zebo's “Hot Dog Records” and of course like Dylan said, we have some really great looking new merch coming out.

CN: …and we are always writing too. We like to have a lot of material to work with.

JC: I think we have really started to set ourselves apart from a lot of bands, especially in Chicago right now. Seemingly to me, the status quo was that you go to shows and watch the band and are almost in awe of how dedicated to their craft they are, or you act like a jerk and just stand around and watch. There are so many amazing artists out in this city that are total tech heads, gear heads, complete electronic masterminds and it's fantastic. I think we bring an outside element of just saying “f*ck it, let's dance, let's make it fun”. Almost like Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack, “So what?? So let's dance!” It doesn't always need to be taken so seriously. We just like to have a good time and for the most part, that always translates into an infection to the audience. They get the dancing bug.

BK: The cliché questions, who are your biggest influences?

JC: For me? Prince.

DH: Justice, they just did it louder- and it was so hard. I think it was too hard for some people.

BK: What about albums?

CN: I’d have to say Donny Hathaway Live. Just because, it’s different; he did that all in one take. It's pure.

JC: Live music that translates well to wax is always incredible. I have a live Prince album from 1985 with a 19 minute version of Purple Rain....it made me cry the first time I heard it. I'll share it with you.

BK: So how does the song creation process work? Is it more of a song idea first or is there a melody… or beat that gets lyrics built around it.

CN: Probably more of a beat that receives a building treatment. Jimmy will have some production piece that he’s working with and then I’ll see if it’s my range and a tempo or melody I can work with. Then I will work out my parts and from there we finish the song and it’s like a 50/50 split on the song writing since we kind of craft it all together.

BK: So for the live shows, you’ve got Dylan out there, how does that impact your sound?

DH: When we are on stage we are playing to backing tracks, so the way I play to it can really impact the sound and create a totally different feeling.

BK: So I know you guys don’t take anything too seriously, and you like to have a good time at your shows, got any good stories?

CN: Not too long ago we were playing a show where we were having technical difficulties all night. Amps were cutting out and all that good stuff. The venue wasn't really built for our sound. Mid way through the our set we decided to kill the noise and spare the small crowd our shenanigans. We had a few beverages and Dylan and Jimmy just started UFC fighting in the middle of - The Chicago Examiner

GHOSTHOUSE - ChicagoNow.com

From the city that is home to the biggest and the boldest of everything comes an understated funk duo named Ghosthouse that has the necessary chops, the warmth of delivery, and the cheesy synthesizers to invoke funk pioneers – yet there is a youthful exuberance that (usually) works for them.

Once again – though – I would have hoped their youthful vigor would have resulted in an LP. Recording four songs for release just never feels as satisfying as getting a full length that the listeners can sit for a spell and wrap their ears around.

It is even more exasperating when the music is as tight and righteous as Chicago’s own Ghosthouse. There is nothing new here – a lot of synthesizers and affected vocals – but the combination of Jimmy Con and Chuck New and their varied musical influences combine to make some pretty interesting music – then you only get four songs.

Song titles (titles in general) are safe from the copyright laws. If I wanted to go out and cut an album and call it Let it Be. I would be able to with no problem. I would never go anywhere because radio station programmers are lazy. They see the title and they go with the version they are familiar with.

Ghosthouse has a cut called “Private Dancer” and it has nothing to do with Tina Turner or her iconic song of the same name. This disc is fairly wrapped up with the Monkee’s 1960s classic “Stepping Stone.”

And just that soon it is over. You have to hit play again – or find something with a longer playing time and a similar beat. When your music is this soulful and sweet – and you are making the kind of music you want to make – why settle for four songs?

Stand Out Tracks

“Steppin’ Stone” - The Dead Hub

It’s hard to believe an album this good is being given away for FREE, but it is HALLOWEEN and GHOSTHOUSE is that awesome! Get your electro funk on, people. This album is golden from start to finish (much stronger than Chromeo’s last effort) and these cats are from right here in Chicago! For fans of Prince, Private, Chromeo, and dancing. Enjoy and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! GET IT HERE. - UR Chicago

Ghosthouse is a Chicago IL project headed by the infamous Jimmy Con and his tasty beats. Jimmy is a singer/songwriter who makes some mighty fine beats and has dance tracks that are infectious and classy. Original beats, sampled beats mixed with original beats and old school beats make for a fine four song EP. The track listing is as follows:

Private Dancer
Analog Man
I'm Not Your (Stepping Stone)
Comearound

Fashionably Late was produced by Jimmy Con with his musical partner in crime Chuck. They equally share production credits as well as writing the tracks except for a cover by The Monkees.

It was mixed and mastered by Graeme Williams at Dr.Caw Studio in Northbrook, IL. He is their most trusted engineer as nobody is more intuitive when it comes to working with the infamous Ghosthouse gang. Crystal Bishop and her company Ear Candy Chicago are an integral part of Ghosthoue's success and future plans. Besides managing Ghosthouse, Crystal also manages a group, Pyrofighter, that you should check out as well. (Ghosthouse did a remix for them that went to #1 on Purevolume). And the good news – Ghosthouse is currently in production for the follow up to this EP.

Starting with “Private Dancer” which from the get go sounds like a classic 80's dance track in the vein of Prince and Sheila E – but only in the beats and music. The lyrics are reminiscent of making public scenes of affection, taking it off and being a private dancer for someone for that one night. I like the way the song flows, the vocals really suit the song and the timing is bang on. A good lighthearted dance tune about a night of passion. “Analog Man” has an awesome funky groove that is on the skank and dirty side. So good. I really like how intuitive Jimmy and Chuck are when working on the beats and timing of the vocals in the layers of the song. Speaking of “the power of the toolbox” and being an analog man who has the power, the touch and the total package. Skank and dirty indeed! Swagger also goes a long way for the hipster in this song. Covering the 1960's song from The Monkees, “I'm Not Your (Stepping Stone)” has a good opening that doesn't really seem to sound like the song until it hits the chorus. Impressive. I like the original fresh beats in the verses of the song which only hint at the original melody of the song. Vocals are done well and come in at the right times. The final song “Comearound” is a ballad that is wrapped in deep beats and vocals. This song actually feels like velvet coming out of the speaker its that good. Good timing, vocal and harmonies, this song has a soft sweet melody under all those deep beats. I also like the real passion in the vocals in this song. Well done Ghosthouse! - Edge.Supernova.com

Ghosthouse - 9.2.5. - The Burning Ear

Ghosthouse is a funny name for this Chicago sex-funk duo because I can’t imagine any ghosts at a party these guys would throw. And fitting in just one house? I’m skeptical… Anyway, if you like Chromeo then you will like “9.2.5.” Big clapping synths, shoulder slinking beats, and lyrics that lay out a plan for getting down to business. It’s the perfect music for leading into the weekend. FIrst thing tomorrow I’m checking out what other gems they have cooking at their Soundcloud. - The Burning Ear

Download the ENTIRE new album for FREE! Pure electro funk GOLD! - UR Chicago

Move over, Chromeo — there’s a new electrofunk duo in town. Chicago’s Ghosthouse is the U.S.’s answer to Canada’s hottest thing to hit the dance floor this decade. Like Chromeo, Ghosthouse finds its inspiration in the sizzling, sexy jams of the ’80s, as its self-titled album exuberantly reveals. Ghosthouse is the first full-length to come of Chuck New and Jimmy Con’s musical collaboration, dripping with the cream of Prince’s crop, burning like the fuse on The Gap Band’s bomb and conjuring the Midas Touch of Midnight Star.

While the songs don’t include any actual samples from hits of the past, the group’s homage comes mighty close to the real thing at times, and it’s not limited to funk. While “Analog Man” sounds vaguely like a send-up to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Let’s Groove,” it’s also got a line that comes close to an Atomic Fireballs tribute with the words, “The man with the power, the power of the groovebox” (or is that a Bowie reference?). And “Flatline,” in addition to its feverish dance beats, is an obvious emulation of Van Halen.

Any dance party, ’80s or otherwise, wouldn’t be complete without the cool synths of “9.2.5,” which, as far as I’m concerned, is this album’s ultimate jam. It’s one of two songs on Ghosthouse that get the remix treatment at the end of the album, as well. These 10 songs are available for free, so don’t pass up this opportunity to funk up your music collection. - Hearingade Blog

Move over, Chromeo — there’s a new electrofunk duo in town. Chicago’s Ghosthouse is the U.S.’s answer to Canada’s hottest thing to hit the dance floor this decade. Like Chromeo, Ghosthouse finds its inspiration in the sizzling, sexy jams of the ’80s, as its self-titled album exuberantly reveals. Ghosthouse is the first full-length to come of Chuck New and Jimmy Con’s musical collaboration, dripping with the cream of Prince’s crop, burning like the fuse on The Gap Band’s bomb and conjuring the Midas Touch of Midnight Star.

While the songs don’t include any actual samples from hits of the past, the group’s homage comes mighty close to the real thing at times, and it’s not limited to funk. While “Analog Man” sounds vaguely like a send-up to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Let’s Groove,” it’s also got a line that comes close to an Atomic Fireballs tribute with the words, “The man with the power, the power of the groovebox” (or is that a Bowie reference?). And “Flatline,” in addition to its feverish dance beats, is an obvious emulation of Van Halen.

Any dance party, ’80s or otherwise, wouldn’t be complete without the cool synths of “9.2.5,” which, as far as I’m concerned, is this album’s ultimate jam. It’s one of two songs on Ghosthouse that get the remix treatment at the end of the album, as well. These 10 songs are available for free, so don’t pass up this opportunity to funk up your music collection. - Hearingade Blog

Last week we posted Sam Padrul’s amazing remix of Ghosthouse’s newest track 9.2.5. Catchy lyrics and 80s influenced funk lured us into checking out the original, and from there we got exploring. It was our first time hearing of the Chicago-based duo Jimmy Con and Chuck New, and once we got through their entire Soundcloud account, we had to know more.
Interestingly, the guys started with an electronic club style, having one of their pop tracks featured on MTV’s Jersey Shore (Season 4, Episode 2, if you’re interested). Now, with a sound comparable to Chromeo, Ghosthouse is described as “a hybrid of current pop and classic dance and funk hits with their own quintessential throwback cool.” Having just released a full-length self-titled debut album, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Ghosthouse is going to be big…
Give us a little history behind Ghosthouse. When did you guys start playing together? Where did the name come from?
The name goes way back. Back to the early days when Chuck and I (Jimmy) met at Columbia College as freshmen in the dorms. Back further than we care to remember in some cases. We decided to honor the name as it was always synonymous with any music we were making and with whomever.
This past spring you guys released your first EP: Fashionably Late. What kind of feedback did it receive?
Mostly positive, people were kind of surprised hearing that particular style of electro-funk come from us, as we used to mainly produce hip hop and pop but at the same time they were really excited. We were finally able to play to our individual strengths and it really translated in our performances. People really started buzz about us in Chicago after we released it.
Speaking of which, you had an electro/hip hop track featured on MTV’s Jersey Shore, Rx Music. Can you describe your musical evolution? Why did you change your style to electro-funk?
At the time, Chuck and I felt that our strength was more production and writing for other artists. We were going to try our hand as a production duo, because we could. When we started making our OWN pop songs, it turned into a job rather than a passion. We created a track called Analog Man for part of what was to become an electro-pop EP. We ended up scrapping everything except Analog Man and starting over. Once we did that, we never had more fun in our lives.

You’ve produced remixes for Chromeo and Parallels; how did that come about? Were they big influences in your new style?
Absolutely. We were privileged to play support to Parallels on their U.S tour while they were in Chicago and were instantly hooked to their sound, as they were to ours. It was so nice to see a fresh perspective from a really talented duo that have a lot in common with us. We got their approval for a remix that night. As for Chromeo, some constant tweeting and annoyances finally got their attention to look our way and once they gave us the nod we tried our best to make them smile. Chuck and I are huge fans of Chromeo and it obviously shows in our music. We just tried to take the remix to the depths of the 80s and it turned out being really nice. Their approval meant everything to us.
So where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics in your original tracks?
We really just try to honor and reflect the style of songwriting that is not represented in today’s music. We try to keep it simple, full of double entendres and fun at the same time, much like artists we have always idolized like Prince, Curtis Mayfield, Charlie Wilson….we could go on and on.
You just released your first full-length album, Ghosthouse. Was there any significance to having your new album released on Halloween? What was is like working with Sam Padrul on 9.2.5.?
We have ALWAYS wanted to have a Halloween release. I think our name is synonymous with the holiday. Also, Grassroots California released their official Halloween edition Ghosthouse hat that day (which even looks good on Chuck)….OH! and we love Halloween. Best time of the year. Working with Sam was incredible. We have a very large amount of respect for Sam Padrul. He’s a phenomenal talent coming out of this city and we were lucky to have him remix 9.2.5. He’s also a really fun guy to have a beverage with.
Drink of choice?
Chuck: Beer connesseuir. Vodka Sodas on show nights. Jimmy: Vodka sodas and Cherry Coke all day long. If we’re talking shots, pour the Jameo.
What can someone expect from a Ghosthouse live performance?
Wearing their soles out on their shoes.
Do you guys have any other upcoming releases, tour dates, or future plans?
We have a very stacked November in Chicago and looking forward to branching out to new cities and new venues for new faces. The feedback and love we have been shown has only inspired us to take it all the way. We have a music video is in the works as well.
Well thanks so much for chatting with us, we really feel like you guys are on the road to something big!
You guys rock. Glad to do it. Appreciate the sup - Remix86.com

We’re sure most of you are already familiar with Chicago party-rocker’s Ghosthouse, but if not, we’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you now. The group’s known for fusing funk, top-notch keyboard work and an 80s-sort-of-sentiment, and every thing they release just gets better and better.

Ghosthouse recently tapped fellow Chi-towner Sam Padrul to remix their hit 9.2.5. and the resulting track is absolute madness. We didn’t think it could get any funkier, but Padrul’s got a great knack for intricate production and final product has the potential to set fire to your feet.

We’ll cut the typing, and let you get listening…but seriously people, you’ll definitely wanna add this one to your library! - TheGetDownnn.com

Sam Padrul mentioned in the description for his remix about how the original is an awesome track. This couldn’t be more true, but what also must be said is how fantastic the remix is.
New to my radar, Chicago’s Ghosthouse can definitely be compared to Chromeo. Lotta synths, catchy lyrics and that addictive 80s influenced funk, but with unique style and finesse. And all that is summed up in their track Nine To Five.
Sam brings a softer, sensual touch to the track, showcasing bubbly bass riffs and guitar picks with fantastic synth support. We posted the track “All I Do” recently and I’ve been addicted to his pop/funk sound ever since, a feeling now emboldened by this latest free download. Yeah, I said free, the both of ‘em, so what are you waiting for? Let’s dance. - Remix86.com

I suppose the 80's throwback is a permanent part of the musical landscape even though we’ve entered fully into 90's relapse already (I’m just waiting for a quality C & C Music Factory reproduction!)… I’m definitely not complaining. Coming out of Chicago, Ghosthouse seem to take pride in being Chromeo’s star students. Songs like Private Dancer and 9.2.5 could very easily be mistaken as Chromeo tunes…except with Robert Palmer singing. However the duo breaks out of the electro pop form and show a funkier side with tunes like Analog Man and Crazy in Love… D Train would be proud. Good tunage…. grab the full length album for FREE on their bandcamp page: - Manalogue.com

It’s beginning to feel a little played out, but dammit I hope I never get over 80's inspired electro-funk. Ghosthouse, a duo straight out of Chicago and their answer to Montreal’s more famous electro-funk duo, Chromeo are a welcome inclusion to todays modern funk roster. Complete with Van Halen inspired synths, vocoders and enough funk to make George Clinton blush, Ghosthouse clearly have what it takes to take on some electro heavyweights. To prove they’re not screwing around, they have decided to release their debut album absolutely free. Download it in glorious 320 through their Bandcamp page. - CircleSquareTriangle.tv

Starting things off, Dani was kind enough to share with me this new track from Chicago’s own Ghosthouse. The tune comes courtesy of Hot Dog Records, and is a funky synth filled hit. Albeit, it’s definitely reminiscent of Chromeo, but not in a bad way at all (yes, I am a sucker for funky electro vocals). - DaniDeahl.com

Ghosthouse was featured on Season Four of MTV's 'The Jersey Shore.' - MTV

Ghosthouse - From their banger electrofunk set at NorthCoast to opening for the Dan Band last week at HOB, Ghosthouse is finding themselves in the right grooves… And we dig it, man do we dig it. - Do312.com

Ghosthouse is a Chicago IL project headed by the infamous Jimmy Con and his tasty beats. Jimmy is a singer/songwriter who makes some mighty fine beats and has dance tracks that are infectious and classy. Original beats, sampled beats mixed with original beats and old school beats make for a fine four song EP. The track listing is as follows:

Private Dancer
Analog Man
I’m Not Your (Stepping Stone)
Comearound
Fashionably Late was produced by Jimmy Con with his musical partner in crime Chuck. They equally share production credits as well as writing the tracks except for a cover by The Monkees.

It was mixed and mastered by Graeme Williams at Dr.Caw Studio in Northbrook, IL. He is their most trusted engineer as nobody is more intuitive when it comes to working with the infamous Ghosthouse gang. Crystal Bishop and her company Ear Candy Chicago are an integral part of Ghosthoue’s success and future plans. Besides managing Ghosthouse, Crystal also manages a group, Pyrofighter, that you should check out as well. (Ghosthouse did a remix for them that went to #1 on Purevolume). And the good news – Ghosthouse is currently in production for the follow up to this EP.

Starting with “Private Dancer” which from the get go sounds like a classic 80's dance track in the vein of Prince and Sheila E – but only in the beats and music. The lyrics are reminiscent of making public scenes of affection, taking it off and being a private dancer for someone for that one night. I like the way the song flows, the vocals really suit the song and the timing is bang on. A good lighthearted dance tune about a night of passion. “Analog Man” has an awesome funky groove that is on the skank and dirty side. So good. I really like how intuitive Jimmy and Chuck are when working on the beats and timing of the vocals in the layers of the song. Speaking of “the power of the toolbox” and being an analog man who has the power, the touch and the total package. Skank and dirty indeed! Swagger also goes a long way for the hipster in this song. Covering the 1960's song from The Monkees, “I’m Not Your (Stepping Stone)” has a good opening that doesn’t really seem to sound like the song until it hits the chorus. Impressive. I like the original fresh beats in the verses of the song which only hint at the original melody of the song. Vocals are done well and come in at the right times. The final song “Comearound” is a ballad that is wrapped in deep beats and vocals. This song actually feels like velvet coming out of the speaker its that good. Good timing, vocal and harmonies, this song has a soft sweet melody under all those deep beats. I also like the real passion in the vocals in this song. Well done Ghosthouse! - VanMusic.CA

Hip-hop beats, electro-synths and battle-worthy rhymes best describe the genetic makeup of Ghosthouse.

Add rock to that mix, and Ghosthouse seems unstoppable. The group--producer/MC Jimmy Con, freestyle MC A.D.D. and hook/keyboard enthusiast Chuck New--recently started performing with local rock band Breakers Broken.

With high-profile opening gigs for such veterans as The Roots, Q-Tip and Common, the supergroup is creating huge buzz among the emerging hip-hop/electro-rock scene.

"Opening up for The Roots was an awesome experience," Jimmy Con told RedEye. "We love their music."

RedEye recently chatted with the guys from Ghosthouse.

1. You guys were just selected to URB magazine's "Next 1,000" list. For people who don't know, what does this mean?
Jimmy Con: URB selects 20 breaking artists every week for a year, then fans listen and vote on who they like the best. URB magazine is a great platform for breaking artists. Because of our fans we're not just another name on the list; we have been able to take our music to the next level.

2. Why add a rock band to the equation?
JC: We knew Breakers Broken from high school and actually hooked up with them last summer at Battle of the Bands. We felt they would add a diverse element to our sound and take our live shows to the next level.

3. You'll be opening up for Wu-Tang Clan member GZA. Which members of Wu-Tang Clan influenced you the most?
JC: There are so many, and they are one [of] our biggest influences, but I would say RZA, Method Man, and Raekwon. ... Oh, and Ghostface too!
A.D.D.: RZA, GZA and Ghostface, for sure.
Chuck New: Method Man.

4. What was your overall vision for your album "Group Therapy"?
JC: Basically, we wanted to meld all of our different styles and influences together to create something unique. Every time we stepped into the studio it really was like group therapy--we just let everything out and that's what we put on the album.

5. Your single "Samuel L. Jackson" is getting heavy air play; what would Mr. Jackson have to say about the track?
JC: That's one bad mother-[bleep]! Matt Kuhnen is a RedEye special contributor.


http://redeye.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/red-chitunes-ghosthouse,0,2104619.htmlstory - Chicago Reader's Redeye

I had the pleasure of performing on the same bill as Ghosthouse about a month ago. This was the first time I was exposed to their musical mayhem and stageshow madness. I had no idea what to expect and needless to say once their set was over, they had won over new fans in my friends and I based off their performance alone. Their live show was solidified by each member’s talent in their individual roles and the raw energy they conveyed while performing.

A self-described “ElectroRockHop” unit, Ghosthouse definitely take genre bending and blending to the next level. Take the aforementioned elements and toss in some funk, new wave and pop to put a bit more comprehensiveness to understanding their sound palette. Combine the powers of their two frontmen and rhyme wizards, A.D.D. and Jimmy Con, add to the mix Chuck New, the keyboardist and talkbox master, and round it off with the Brothers Yamaya (Tim and Herf) on guitar and bass respectively, and you’ve got Ghosthouse.

When listening to an advance of their new Default EP, I’m happy to report that their talents translated extremely well onto the recorded format. Containing seven excellently produced songs, six new originals and one remix, Default is a journey through musical styles at 120 BPM (hey producers out there, get it?). The band take on super authentic sounding funk a la Parliament or Zapp, bring in some New Order-ish synth licks and round off with some Beastie Boys influenced type jams across the EP. One thing’s for sure, there’s a lil’ something for everyone on Default. This very well could be the feel-good hit of the winter.

Cop the new music and catch the Ghosthouse crew’s Default Record Release Show live at the Abbey Pub on Saturday, November 7, 2009. Show is at 9pm. Grab advanced tix here.

http://membersonlyav.com/?p=916&cpage=1#comment-116 - Vapor Eyes (David Cohen)

Gowhere Hip Hop is proud to introduce the next BIG thing out of CHICAGO… Ghosthouse! The four member Ghost team has just defeated 10 other bands for Da Tongue Magazine’s “Inauguration” battle of the bands. Their sound screams Chicago flow, but with a surprisingly fresh and addicting electronic twist. Developing a huge rep around Chicago with their innovative style, Ghosthouse is ready to embark on a nationwide college tour. Coming to a college near you, get ready for yet another surprise from Chicago with Ghosthouse!Their album Group Therapy is a goldmine of hits, and can be bought/previewed HERE or from their official MySpace page Ghosthouse Records. Enjoy! ~ Max G. –www.gowherehiphop.com - GoWhereHipHop.Com

Priding themselves on bringing together two genres that have previous only flirted in their relationship together, GhostHouse’s rock and hip hop influences have translated well in today’s current craving for musical experimentation. Enjoying love overseas by European DJs, the group has been hustling to make things happen stateside by opening for acts like Common, The Roots and Mickey Avalon, among others. Emcee A.D.D. is a veteran in Chicago’s underground freestyle circuit, from where GhostHouse was born. Their song “Samuel L. Jackson” was voted song of the year by SNRadio, the University of Illinois, Chicago radio station and rightfully so—the beats bump hard, and A.D.D. demonstrates why his verbal acrobatics has earned him so much attention, while vocalist/keyboardist Chuck New brings the track home with the hooks. Check it out below. - URB.com by Aylin Zafar

This is almost a summer song slush fund. Despite hailing from Chicago, GhostHouse molts more in a single song than most rappers do in a career. Spank Rock, OutKast, and codeine sippers of world all scramble on the angles of this electro-infused monument to being a “bad ass mutha fuckah”. Granted, that’s hardly new territory in the genre ego built, but the GhostHouse crew have some humility in their hubris, which makes the self-inflation part of the song’s sky high energy and not just bragadacio baggage.
The opening keyboard riff, wiry and alien, sounds like a totally warped and reinvented take of the keyboard wash in Justin Timberlake’s “My Love”. I’m no Timberlake fan, but I’ll take every version of that space age stutter that I can get. The verbal flow gets skipped like a stone and shifted into frenzied knots just before drifting into the slow-mo sludge hook. “Samuel L. Jackson” unpretentiously swarms you with switched up rhythms, sexy come on’s and a sound grafted from the best of the cutting edges.

—Terry Sawyer - PopMatters.com by Terry Sawyer

This week, locals with a spooky name showed us the meaning of the term "track-off," beating out the competition with a futuristic, catchy song called "Phaseshifter."

Slip your earbuds on and get ready to bob your head-- hard-- to Ghosthouse.

"Phaseshifter"

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/kyles-files/2009/10/and-the-track-star-isghosthouse.html

Also featured in October 18th Phsical Edition of Redeye (Chicago Newspaper) - Kyra Kyles

Hip-hop usually doesn't make the rounds here on soquitcherbitchen... but if its actually good, then why the eff not? So here I present to you Chicago based GhostHouse, and all else I really need to say about them stems from their myspace page: "holy shit these guys are white?!?!"

Alternative content


Mp3: GhostHouse - Samuel L Jackson

Mp3: GhostHouse - Get Down
Mp3: GhostHouse - Rock It Man

- soquitcherbitchen.blogspot.com

1) Why did you guys decide to go under the name of GhostHouse?

[argument ensues]…Some of our original beats that we created were heavily influenced by classic horrorfilms. While no one really seems to remember exactly how the l name came about, we do know that our ghost emblem is what sold us on keeping the name…people love it.

2) The CD title, "Group Therapy" must have a storybehind it. Tell me about it?

Ghosthouse started out as a loose collaborative effort among many, many Chicago underground MC’s – in the end we whittled it down to the four of us as we slowly found that together we had the best chemistry. The process was cumbersome and making the album therapeutic.

3) What was the greatest moment for the group together in 2008?

It’s a toss up between finishing the album and winning Chicago’s Premier All-city Hip-Hop Competition called“ The Inauguration.”

4) On your playing resume, who have you guys jammed with?

We’ve opened for The Roots, Common, Q-tip, Tech 9ne,GLC, and Mickey Avalon. When we were coming up we played house parties with the Cool Kids, and we have collaborated with many other Chicago emcees including our boys Dude N’ Nem (featured on track 8 “Unhappy”)

5) Nexopia is a Canadian based site, so tell us about Chicago?

Summers rock, winters suck, and Oprah governs all.

6) If you could play with any group or artist on the planet, who would they be?

Con: AC/DC, Prince, Timbaland, Nas, Mozart and Britney bitch.

A.D.D: Aesop Rock, Tech n9ne, Beck, DJ Shadow, OfMontreal, Cee-Lo and M.C. Pee Pants

Chuck New: Stevie Wonder, The Excellent Gentlemen,Jamie Lidell, and Capt. Guich & the Shrimp Shack Shooters

MO: Wu-Tang, Outkast, U.G.K

7) Rap and Hip-Hop are widely considered a thug music genre only about bitches and hoes, what is your standon these claims?

Chuck: When the music popularity contest became more about your image than your music, commercial music became a product to be targeted to a younger and younger audience, which made the dialogue part of an immature fad.

All: Within the timeline of hip-hop there was a clear transition that seems to have steered away from lyrical content. As GhostHouse, we are trying to find a happy medium between the old and the new. We don’t like to classify our music into a specific category or style. For example, we love performing with the rock/funk band Breakers Broken because it further emphasizes the ability of our group’s music to transcend any one particular genre. Most of our offensive lines are tongue-in-cheek. We don’t say “bitches” & “hoes” – we prefer “tramps”,“hussies”, and “loose floosies” -because we keep it gangsta – prohibition style.

8) What song from the CD do you pride yourselves on most, and why?

Samuel L. Jackson, because we had fun making the track lyrically, vocally, and production wise and it’s one of our favorites to perform.

9) Music, music, music. You guys make it, but what do you guys listen to, artists-wise?

Chuck: I stick to the oldies – the people that handed soul down like Aretha, Ray Charles, Curtis Mayfield,Donny Hathaway, George Benson, Marvin Gaye.

A.D.D. – I listen to anything and everything because it gives me a better perspective on how I want to spin and expand on my own work. It’s similar to the idea that the more books you read the better your vocabulary will become. For me, the more bizarre the better because it puts me out of my element. Right now I’m listening to: People Under the Stairs, the BlackGhosts, She & Him, Steve Winwood and Burial.

Con – Prince, Michael McDonald, Paul Van Dyk, Clipse,Three 6 mafia, Van Halen, DJ Assault, The Doors, Kraftwerk, anything from 80s Def Jam… actually, anything 80s period.

10) Winners of The Inauguration II, 2008! What the fuck do you guys have lined up for 2009 and beyond?

Dude, we are allowed to swear in this interview? Well fuck. Haha, as far as music goes…we are always working on new material. We have shows lined up in Chicago, we are launching a college tour, continuing our collaboration with the band Breakers Broken (www.BreakersBroken.com), and hopefully coming to a Province near you! Shout out to Shine.On for spreading the word. Hit us up on MySpace (www.myspace.com/ghosthouserecords) if you want to be involved eh?

- Nexopia Music Forum by Shine.On

Shouts To GWHH for these two tracks from up-and-coming rap group
“GhostHouse”. They’re always showing off the newest Chicago talent. Check these guys out.
GhostHouse - Samuel L Jackson [VeryHot]
http://www.zshare.net/audio/18497377d95dbeae/
GhostHouse - Rock It Man [Hot]
http://www.zshare.net/audio/18498293c850bafe/ - http://hear-it-first.net

http://motorcityblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/ghosthouse-record-release-default.html - MOTORCITYBLOG.COM