Album Notes

In March of 2000, five men joined together to form the Chicago-based band Trading Brains. With a love of classic and unique rock 'n' roll as their bond, and drawing upon a diverse range of inspiration such as Miles Davis, Black Sabbath, the Beatles, and Radiohead, they flung themselves into their passion and have not looked back.

Within a month of their beginning, Trading Brains had recorded their first demo, a four-song, self titled effort. By June, they were playing regular shows among the underground of the Chicago music scene. Moving and evolving quickly, the band continued to write unique and original compositions, drawing a faithful gathering to each of their increasingly popular live shows. With new music in hand, the band returned to the studio in September of 2000 and recorded their six-song EP, Fear of the Letter I. With a quality recording, Trading Brains soon found their music on the Chicago airwaves, appearing on such local radio stations as 95.1 WIIL and 93.1 WXRT. Using this momentum, Trading Brains continues to write unique music and is making plans to record their first full-length album. Their energetic live shows across Chicago and its suburbs have received high praise and have earned the band increasingly higher profile shows. All the while, Trading Brains keeps reaching for the sky and beyond.

Drummer Gregg Watson is a veteran of many Chicago-area bands. With almost two decades of honing his craft, Gregg is the founder and the foundation of Trading Brains. His hypnotic and expressive beats provide the heartbeat for the band's music. Greg is also talented with the guitar and is one of the band's songwriters.

Another longtime Chicago music veteran, guitarist Erik LaVergne is Trading Brains' lead songwriter. Whether haunting or hard-edged, Erik's unique and accomplished style continues to buck the norm and takes the band to ever-changing landscapes. His emotional influence and ceaseless drive fuel the band's quest for greater heights.

Gregg convinced his longtime friend Jason Permenter to be Trading Brains' lead singer and lyricist. An award-winning writer since grade school, Jason's lyrics are poetic and meaningful, giving voice to the others' musical emotions. His stage presence and distinctive vocals spearhead Trading Brains' powerful live shows.

The uniqueness of Trading Brains is provided by keyboardist Joe Kolodz. An epic and emotional player, Joe provides the distinctive sound that separates this band from the others. The perfect compliment to Erik's guitar and also instrumental in the band's songwriting, Joe's energetic and beautiful style is always a crowd favorite.

Joe's brother and the band's bassist, Chris Kolodz, defines the energy and style of Trading Brains. A student of music and a veteran of other bands, Chris is always expanding his influence and inspiration. After adding his own twist, he then focuses these elements into his playing and the band's songwriting. Whether laying down a funky bass groove or playing spectral flute melodies, Chris is Trading Brains' hammer and feather.