89 Mojo

It’s always fun to review an album by a local artist, and in the almost nine years that I’ve been doing this column, I’ve probably reviewed at least a hundred.

Grant June’s “Free for The Giving,” however, is far and away the best sounding of ’em all. I was immediately blown away by the high quality of the recording. It turns out the whole thing was recorded right here in Kenosha, at Skies Fall Studios and Renwood Messenger Studios. Major kudos to both businesses.

You may know Grant June as the resident guitar slinger in 89 Mojo, one of our city’s hardest working bands. Given that band’s busy schedule, I’m surprised the guy even found time to get a project like this off the ground. “Free for The Giving” pushes beyond the power pop of 89 Mojo, showing off keen hair-metal guitar flourishes and bridges that are catchy enough to be choruses on their own.

June’s voice is friendly and warm, with a familiarity that is instantly comfortable. “First Things First” and “The Other 167” are great car songs, and will undoubtedly lift your spirits. “Give You Me” is a beautiful acoustic ballad, accented with pretty vibraphone fills and shakers. It might be an ode to June’s wife or acknowledgement of a higher power. The album concludes with my favorite track, “Maybe It’s Me,” which also features guest vocals by 89 Mojo’s Al Schroeder. Its handclaps and “Na na na” refrain make it irresistible. It’s one of those songs that hits your ears and takes up residence in your brain. You just can’t stop singing it to yourself.

If you purchase “Free for The Giving,” which conveniently happens to be for sale at this column’s sponsor, CD-DVD-Games Warehouse, you can also feel good about the fact that all of the proceeds are going to support food banks and other non-profits. Support this artist!

- By Dan Pavelich - Kenosha News - 01/04/2013

89 Mojo, "Today!" (self released)
You've seen me review these local guys before, whom I believe are probably the best band in Kenosha. Most bands usually have their live act together or their studio work going for them - few have both. 89 Mojo, however, appears to have a bottomless tool box.
As soon as you hear the earnest vocals of the first line, "Mark my words, this will be the last song that I write for her," from "2000 Little Pieces," your ears can't help but pay attention. These guys play catchy Midwestern power pop, somewhat filtered through the alternative pop of the '90s.
"Today" sounds like prime Gin Blossoms and lyrically implores you to live your life to the fullest. By the second chorus, you'll be inspired to do just that. Likewise, the pretty ballads "Nothing More Beautiful" and "Mckayla's Lullaby" gently remind us to stop and give thanks for life's simple pleasures.
This disc couldn't have come at a better time, as it sounds best in the car with the windows rolled down. 89 Mojo has provided you the perfect summer soundtrack, now all you need is a sunny day and a twist cone.
- Kenosha News - 07/01/2011

89 Mojo, "Today!" (self released)
You've seen me review these local guys before, whom I believe are probably the best band in Kenosha. Most bands usually have their live act together or their studio work going for them - few have both. 89 Mojo, however, appears to have a bottomless tool box.
As soon as you hear the earnest vocals of the first line, "Mark my words, this will be the last song that I write for her," from "2000 Little Pieces," your ears can't help but pay attention. These guys play catchy Midwestern power pop, somewhat filtered through the alternative pop of the '90s.
"Today" sounds like prime Gin Blossoms and lyrically implores you to live your life to the fullest. By the second chorus, you'll be inspired to do just that. Likewise, the pretty ballads "Nothing More Beautiful" and "Mckayla's Lullaby" gently remind us to stop and give thanks for life's simple pleasures.
This disc couldn't have come at a better time, as it sounds best in the car with the windows rolled down. 89 Mojo has provided you the perfect summer soundtrack, now all you need is a sunny day and a twist cone.
- Kenosha News - 07/01/2011

...a brand of pop rock that is blazingly powerful, infectiously hooky and wicked good to listen to...

The band's CD demands attention right from the opening track....and 14 songs later, you find yourself lying in a pleasurable pop puddle. - Pat Fineran

...a brand of pop rock that is blazingly powerful, infectiously hooky and wicked good to listen to...

The band's CD demands attention right from the opening track....and 14 songs later, you find yourself lying in a pleasurable pop puddle. - Pat Fineran

Jonny Paycheck had "Take this job and shove it", Loverboy had "Working for the weekend", and now 89 Mojo has "Shitty Job", a beer-swillin' ode to the working man....bar-band rock that everyone can relate to.

(3-1/2 stars out of 5) - Editor's pick of the day

Jonny Paycheck had "Take this job and shove it", Loverboy had "Working for the weekend", and now 89 Mojo has "Shitty Job", a beer-swillin' ode to the working man....bar-band rock that everyone can relate to.

(3-1/2 stars out of 5) - Editor's pick of the day

89 Mojo,"89 Mojo" (indie release)

What was that old saying…"I know if a song is good the first few bars in"? Well, that theory holds well for 89 Mojo. When the first song kicks in, you just know you are about to embark upon a journey filled with power-pop hooks and harmonies galore! Throw in a little Cheap Trick influence and you are set. The self-analysis lyrics of these songs make you think you are looking into someone's diary, with subjects that the average Joe can relate to - and to me, that's what makes a great pop song. For example, "Glad You're Happy" is the perfect ode to hearing that an 'ex' is getting married! Great club-pop music that makes you wanna see if these guys can pull it off live…
- Ronnie

89 Mojo,"89 Mojo" (indie release)

What was that old saying…"I know if a song is good the first few bars in"? Well, that theory holds well for 89 Mojo. When the first song kicks in, you just know you are about to embark upon a journey filled with power-pop hooks and harmonies galore! Throw in a little Cheap Trick influence and you are set. The self-analysis lyrics of these songs make you think you are looking into someone's diary, with subjects that the average Joe can relate to - and to me, that's what makes a great pop song. For example, "Glad You're Happy" is the perfect ode to hearing that an 'ex' is getting married! Great club-pop music that makes you wanna see if these guys can pull it off live…
- Ronnie

If you've ever been to a bar in SE Wisconsin, you’ve probably seen 89 Mojo. If you are a music fan in the area, you probably love 89 Mojo. If you don’t like well-written, well-played music, turn away now: the results could be dangerous…
These guys have been around quite awhile – as long as I can remember. Back in the day, they used to be called Sahara Jack. There have been some name changes and lineup variations along the way, but they’ve finally come to rest as the inimitable 89 Mojo. Made up of Grant June on guitars, Dom Pedicone on bass, Al Schroeder on vocals, Brian Otwaska on the drums, and Chad Plageman on guitar, 89 Mojo are practically a Kenosha institution. Lots of melody, lots of talent, and lots have energy have kept them going long after others have put their guitars in the closet.
“Come to rest” was the wrong phrase, though. 89 Mojo are anything but at rest. They have played many of the area’s biggest shows: Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Racine’s Harborfest, Kenosha’s Cohorama, the Brat Stop, the annual Thoughts for Food benefit, Summer Celebration in Vernon Hills… the list goes on and on. They’ve also released their fifth album (aptly entitled Five) a little over a year ago, AND recorded an extra Christmas song last fall because they “wanted to keep the website fresh for fans.” And, if that wasn’t enough, they are already looking ahead to their next album!! June says they are thinking about possibly recording it live for release this coming summer.
But why only five songs on their latest release? First of all, says June, on the other albums, they have always tried to fit in as many songs as possible. “The result was that we weren’t always completely happy with the end product,” he said. Not that the other recordings sucked – they stand out as some of the best in the area – it’s just that as artists, they could see room for improvement. “This time, we picked 5 of our best songs, and worked them until we were happy.” The number 5 coincided with the fact that it was their fifth album, and it all just came together.
Their website has just about all the bells and whistles you could think of, too. Upcoming dates, a bio, photos uploaded regularly, downloadable songs dating back over a decade, merchandise, CDs, a message board, an Electronic Press Kit – it’s all there! Check it out at www.89mojo.com. You can even find some unreleased material, like the aforementioned Christmas tune “Wish,” and some other live tunes.
If you happen to be out and about in the near future, make sure you catch a live show. The next one in the area is January 28th at Coin’s Bar here in Kenosha.
Whether it’s their high-energy live show or great recordings, 89 Mojo will definitely put a spring in your step and a song in your heart.
- Matt Specht

If you've ever been to a bar in SE Wisconsin, you’ve probably seen 89 Mojo. If you are a music fan in the area, you probably love 89 Mojo. If you don’t like well-written, well-played music, turn away now: the results could be dangerous…
These guys have been around quite awhile – as long as I can remember. Back in the day, they used to be called Sahara Jack. There have been some name changes and lineup variations along the way, but they’ve finally come to rest as the inimitable 89 Mojo. Made up of Grant June on guitars, Dom Pedicone on bass, Al Schroeder on vocals, Brian Otwaska on the drums, and Chad Plageman on guitar, 89 Mojo are practically a Kenosha institution. Lots of melody, lots of talent, and lots have energy have kept them going long after others have put their guitars in the closet.
“Come to rest” was the wrong phrase, though. 89 Mojo are anything but at rest. They have played many of the area’s biggest shows: Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Racine’s Harborfest, Kenosha’s Cohorama, the Brat Stop, the annual Thoughts for Food benefit, Summer Celebration in Vernon Hills… the list goes on and on. They’ve also released their fifth album (aptly entitled Five) a little over a year ago, AND recorded an extra Christmas song last fall because they “wanted to keep the website fresh for fans.” And, if that wasn’t enough, they are already looking ahead to their next album!! June says they are thinking about possibly recording it live for release this coming summer.
But why only five songs on their latest release? First of all, says June, on the other albums, they have always tried to fit in as many songs as possible. “The result was that we weren’t always completely happy with the end product,” he said. Not that the other recordings sucked – they stand out as some of the best in the area – it’s just that as artists, they could see room for improvement. “This time, we picked 5 of our best songs, and worked them until we were happy.” The number 5 coincided with the fact that it was their fifth album, and it all just came together.
Their website has just about all the bells and whistles you could think of, too. Upcoming dates, a bio, photos uploaded regularly, downloadable songs dating back over a decade, merchandise, CDs, a message board, an Electronic Press Kit – it’s all there! Check it out at www.89mojo.com. You can even find some unreleased material, like the aforementioned Christmas tune “Wish,” and some other live tunes.
If you happen to be out and about in the near future, make sure you catch a live show. The next one in the area is January 28th at Coin’s Bar here in Kenosha.
Whether it’s their high-energy live show or great recordings, 89 Mojo will definitely put a spring in your step and a song in your heart.
- Matt Specht

By: Dennis M. Kelly

DK: How did 89 Mojo come into existence?
89 Mojo: Our bass player Dom and I had been in a popular local group called "Sahara Jack" which sort of fell apart during a trip out west. Once we got back, we spent a few months just hanging out in his basement, drinking and writing songs with a drum machine. What started out as a depressing time ended up becoming just the opposite, because it brought us back to why we started playing in the first place: a love of music and having fun. Soon after that, we hooked up with Brian Otwaska drums) and Brett Schuermann (vocals/guitar), who were previously in a band called "Moon Stevens." We started with the name "Epstein's Mother", but when we heard there was a band from Vegas that had rights to that name (who would've thought?!), we changed it 89 Mojo.

DK: Your first album “Fancy Free and So Naïve” came out in 1998, when did you form?
89 Mojo: Fall of '97 - our first gig was on New Year's Eve that year.

DK: Are you all the same members from day one? Or have there been personnel changes over the years?
89 Mojo: It's been Dom, Brian, and I since day one, with Al Schroeder (lead vocals) with us since 2001. We've had other friends/musicians record and gig with us aong the way (Paul Geasland on "Watchin' my world go by" and Ernie Grice on "89 Mojo") - it's been sort of an "open door" thing - but it's been the four of us for quite awhile now. And we've actually just begun working in another guitarist, Chad Plageman. He's been a long-time friend of ours, and it felt right.

DK: What would you say the greatest challenges have been for you as a band these past seven years?
89 Mojo: It's easy to get into a rut of playing a circle of clubs over and over. It's great to see the same people each time, but you need to get in front of new faces every now and then. Also, being a band that plays roughly half covers and half originals (when we're the only band for the whole night) can be pretty frustrating. Some of the clubs that generally run cover bands are afraid to book you, and you don't get the "indie-cred" from the all-original scene. We've released 5 discs, and play at least 20 of our own tunes on most nights - compared to the 12-15 an all-original band will play when sharing the bill with others. We just happen to be playing other great music as well.

DK: Rolling Stone magazine chose the song “Shitty Job” as an editors pick, how did that make you all feel?
89 Mojo: It was really exciting, for a number of reasons. First, it was just great to know that someone out there was listening. The fact that we were getting exposure to thousands of people who had never heard of us was also wonderful - it really showed us the power and reach of the internet.

DK: Now that your latest album “Five” is nearing a year old, how would you evaluate its success?
89 Mojo: Most of our fans say it's their favorite, so that's about all we could hope for.

DK: You’ve released an album/EP almost on for every year, do you have plans for another one before this year is over?
89 Mojo: Not this year - although we are planning on going in the studio to do a Christmas song and maybe one or two other songs. I doubt it be an actual release, though - just something to put on our site as a download. Maybe we'll have something sometime next year...we'll see how it goes.

DK: Have you released anything on video/DVD yet?
89 Mojo: We had a big show back in July, opening up for Grand Funk Railroad down in Vernon Hills, that we videotaped and dumped onto a DVD. It was just a one-camera thing from the sound booth, but it actually turned out pretty good. It got us thinking to film a little more often, and maybe eventually we could have something worth releasing.

DK: Have you played outside of Wisconsin yet?
89 Mojo: A few shows in Illinois and Indiana...but us cheeseheads get nervous when crossing borders!!

DK: Is it safe to say you enjoy playing out more than recording new albums?
89 Mojo: Definitely. Live, we're usually playing 45 songs over a period of a few hours. In the studio, you're nitpicking at the same 12 songs over a few months. But in the end, you're always happy you did it.

DK: How do you want your audience to feel when they see your shows?
89 Mojo: Well, the obvious answer here would be "intoxicated"! Seriously, just the simple fact that they enjoy themselves more at our show than by doing any of the million other entertainment choices they have on a saturday night.

DK: How often do you do 3 hour performances?
89 Mojo: Most of our shows are "all-nighters", where we play 3 hours of music between 10pm and 2am. Taking breaks suck, though, because that's usually when people leave, so we try to either get back up soon or do some acoustic stuff inbetween. A few clubs, though, will allow us to play from 10:30 straight on through to 1:30, with a small acoustic set in the middle to give the ears (and our drummer's blatter) a break. It's grueling, but has wo - Chicago Music Guide

By: Dennis M. Kelly

DK: How did 89 Mojo come into existence?
89 Mojo: Our bass player Dom and I had been in a popular local group called "Sahara Jack" which sort of fell apart during a trip out west. Once we got back, we spent a few months just hanging out in his basement, drinking and writing songs with a drum machine. What started out as a depressing time ended up becoming just the opposite, because it brought us back to why we started playing in the first place: a love of music and having fun. Soon after that, we hooked up with Brian Otwaska drums) and Brett Schuermann (vocals/guitar), who were previously in a band called "Moon Stevens." We started with the name "Epstein's Mother", but when we heard there was a band from Vegas that had rights to that name (who would've thought?!), we changed it 89 Mojo.

DK: Your first album “Fancy Free and So Naïve” came out in 1998, when did you form?
89 Mojo: Fall of '97 - our first gig was on New Year's Eve that year.

DK: Are you all the same members from day one? Or have there been personnel changes over the years?
89 Mojo: It's been Dom, Brian, and I since day one, with Al Schroeder (lead vocals) with us since 2001. We've had other friends/musicians record and gig with us aong the way (Paul Geasland on "Watchin' my world go by" and Ernie Grice on "89 Mojo") - it's been sort of an "open door" thing - but it's been the four of us for quite awhile now. And we've actually just begun working in another guitarist, Chad Plageman. He's been a long-time friend of ours, and it felt right.

DK: What would you say the greatest challenges have been for you as a band these past seven years?
89 Mojo: It's easy to get into a rut of playing a circle of clubs over and over. It's great to see the same people each time, but you need to get in front of new faces every now and then. Also, being a band that plays roughly half covers and half originals (when we're the only band for the whole night) can be pretty frustrating. Some of the clubs that generally run cover bands are afraid to book you, and you don't get the "indie-cred" from the all-original scene. We've released 5 discs, and play at least 20 of our own tunes on most nights - compared to the 12-15 an all-original band will play when sharing the bill with others. We just happen to be playing other great music as well.

DK: Rolling Stone magazine chose the song “Shitty Job” as an editors pick, how did that make you all feel?
89 Mojo: It was really exciting, for a number of reasons. First, it was just great to know that someone out there was listening. The fact that we were getting exposure to thousands of people who had never heard of us was also wonderful - it really showed us the power and reach of the internet.

DK: Now that your latest album “Five” is nearing a year old, how would you evaluate its success?
89 Mojo: Most of our fans say it's their favorite, so that's about all we could hope for.

DK: You’ve released an album/EP almost on for every year, do you have plans for another one before this year is over?
89 Mojo: Not this year - although we are planning on going in the studio to do a Christmas song and maybe one or two other songs. I doubt it be an actual release, though - just something to put on our site as a download. Maybe we'll have something sometime next year...we'll see how it goes.

DK: Have you released anything on video/DVD yet?
89 Mojo: We had a big show back in July, opening up for Grand Funk Railroad down in Vernon Hills, that we videotaped and dumped onto a DVD. It was just a one-camera thing from the sound booth, but it actually turned out pretty good. It got us thinking to film a little more often, and maybe eventually we could have something worth releasing.

DK: Have you played outside of Wisconsin yet?
89 Mojo: A few shows in Illinois and Indiana...but us cheeseheads get nervous when crossing borders!!

DK: Is it safe to say you enjoy playing out more than recording new albums?
89 Mojo: Definitely. Live, we're usually playing 45 songs over a period of a few hours. In the studio, you're nitpicking at the same 12 songs over a few months. But in the end, you're always happy you did it.

DK: How do you want your audience to feel when they see your shows?
89 Mojo: Well, the obvious answer here would be "intoxicated"! Seriously, just the simple fact that they enjoy themselves more at our show than by doing any of the million other entertainment choices they have on a saturday night.

DK: How often do you do 3 hour performances?
89 Mojo: Most of our shows are "all-nighters", where we play 3 hours of music between 10pm and 2am. Taking breaks suck, though, because that's usually when people leave, so we try to either get back up soon or do some acoustic stuff inbetween. A few clubs, though, will allow us to play from 10:30 straight on through to 1:30, with a small acoustic set in the middle to give the ears (and our drummer's blatter) a break. It's grueling, but has wo - Chicago Music Guide

(by Paddy Fineran)

The CD "Five" is another of those can't wait for summer to roll down the windows and blast the stereo collections. The Mojoans hit paydirt with "Five." The five songs and 17 minutes of rock pop bliss go by so quickly you find yourself leaving the disc in the player for another go around. - Kenosha News - Mar. 11, 2005

(by Dan Pavelich)

I first caught sight of 89 Mojo last summer at Racine's Harbor Fest. Within minutes of their set beginning, the small crowd in front of the stage swelled from dozens to hundreds. Duly impressed, I watched open-mouthed as the guys ripped through a scorching 80's medley, igniting the crowd.

When "89 Mojo Live" arrived, it was nearly a week before I got my hands on it. Apparently, others at The Kenosha News had experienced something similar to what I did at Harbor Fest last summer.

"Goodnight Miss Loneliness" kicks off the disc with a bit of midwestern power pop and an unforgettable chorus. Propelled by the tasteful twin-guitar attack of Grant June and Chad Plageman, this tune deserves to be a massive radio hit. The following tune, "Another Girl," is equally as wonderful. To put it simply, these guys write great radio singles.

Fronting the band, vocalist Al Schroeder does an amazing job of singing in tune, despite "Live" having been recorded in a sports bar. This is no small feat. The supporting harmonies are also very strong.

The band's secret weapon, however, is the rhythm section of Dom Pedicone and Brian Otwaska. Pedicone's bass holds down the bottom end, yet punches through the mix like another lead guitar. As for Otwaska, this guy is a veritable steam engine, propelling the show yet never getting in the way of the song.

A whopping total of nineteen tracks, combined with 89 Mojo's endless live energy, make this disc a real winner. As a bonus you even get "Wish," a studio recording of their original holiday tune. Drop by their website, order this disc and thank me later. - Kenosha News - 12/28/07

(by Dan Pavelich)

I first caught sight of 89 Mojo last summer at Racine's Harbor Fest. Within minutes of their set beginning, the small crowd in front of the stage swelled from dozens to hundreds. Duly impressed, I watched open-mouthed as the guys ripped through a scorching 80's medley, igniting the crowd.

When "89 Mojo Live" arrived, it was nearly a week before I got my hands on it. Apparently, others at The Kenosha News had experienced something similar to what I did at Harbor Fest last summer.

"Goodnight Miss Loneliness" kicks off the disc with a bit of midwestern power pop and an unforgettable chorus. Propelled by the tasteful twin-guitar attack of Grant June and Chad Plageman, this tune deserves to be a massive radio hit. The following tune, "Another Girl," is equally as wonderful. To put it simply, these guys write great radio singles.

Fronting the band, vocalist Al Schroeder does an amazing job of singing in tune, despite "Live" having been recorded in a sports bar. This is no small feat. The supporting harmonies are also very strong.

The band's secret weapon, however, is the rhythm section of Dom Pedicone and Brian Otwaska. Pedicone's bass holds down the bottom end, yet punches through the mix like another lead guitar. As for Otwaska, this guy is a veritable steam engine, propelling the show yet never getting in the way of the song.

A whopping total of nineteen tracks, combined with 89 Mojo's endless live energy, make this disc a real winner. As a bonus you even get "Wish," a studio recording of their original holiday tune. Drop by their website, order this disc and thank me later. - Kenosha News - 12/28/07