Concert Tue Aug 26 2014

City of The Weak Rolls Into Reggies 9/2

By Lucy Rendler-Kaplan

Consider it a sign of the times — modern rock band City of the Weak found their band through a text message conversation. As Stef Huschka (vocals) explains it, "A former member and I were texting each other trying to decide between 'Conquer the City' & "Day of the Weak." I got a text back combining them that said 'City of the Weak,' and we all were like, 'that's it.'"

City of The Weak (COTW) is a young band with some serious sound. They're able to combine a modern rock 'n roll overtone with catchy pop melodies, rhythmic riffs and moving bass lines. Stef ("with an F") founded the band after she moved from Montana to Minneapolis. "I moved specifically to start a band," she said. In 2011 at McNally Smith College of Music, Stef said she "jammed with different groups of people at the school, stuck with what I had, and rotated our lineup when needed." Joining Stef is Jackson Weyrauch (backup vocals/guitar), Brent Lindblad (guitar), and Cody Hoffman (bass).

The energetic Minneapolis-based rockers haven't slowed down since the release of their 5-song sophomore EP Disclosure in April 2014. It's already received some radio play, but the EP's journey to the airwaves wasn't all smooth sailing — a lot of work went into even just naming the album. As Stef said, "We juggled with the concept of the entire album. Eventually, we settled on the theme from our song 'Mannerisms,' which is illustrated by the happy family on the front cover of the record, and the abusive behind-the-scenes shot on the back. 'Disclosure' means to reveal something and make it known. That was the point of the whole concept, bringing hidden abuse to the light. It also doubles over to our whole concept as a band right now, we are slowly gaining popularity, and we as a band are starting to reveal to the world exactly what we are capable of."

Eariler this year, COTW toured around the Midwest with Stitched Up Heart, played a few tops as a special guest on the Vans Warped Tour and is currently on another Midwest tour. Their songs have appeared on The Food Channel's show Restaurant: Impossible, and ESPN used a song for NFL Total Access. Hearing their music on TV was almost an overwhelming experience for Jackson, "Words can't explain it: hearing your artwork, knowing hundreds of thousands of people are subconsciously listening to your own art is truly a great feeling." Nodding, Brent added, "It was literally a dream come true."

So what's in it for fans coming to the Chicago show? According to Stef, "they can expect a top-notch performance and crowd participation! Everyone better study up on their COTW lyrics in case I put a mic in your face..." Brent gives Chicago fans a bit of a warning, "Prepare for some sweaty, high energy, fun. We like to rock out hard and get crazy with our fans. No one leaves dry."

City of the Weak heads to Reggies Music Club on September 2nd to support Stitched Up Heart along with Phosphene and Lever. 17+ Tickets are $10 or $12 (at door). 7:30pm.