Page 67 - ION Indie Magazine JulyAugust 2019

Now, let us get into some issues that independent musicians face in the Windy City. The large city
venues want bands to be able to draw from the surrounding suburbs. They want you to sell tickets on
“off” nights as well. If you are playing a Friday or Saturday night it might be easier to sell tickets, but
then you are going up against national mega-stars. If you are accepted enough to consistently play the
music venues, then trying to compete in the bar scene is ridiculous. The bar owners simply want to
make money. They love to hire cover bands, tribute bands, or maybe they’ll host a karaoke night. If you
do get an original music gig, the patrons aren’t there for the music. If one of the major sports team is
having a big game, the TVs will be on and you must wait to play. As with any major city, there are plenty
of distractions to work against you. And do not even get me started with the weather and all the variables
that Mother Nature provides. We do not have the time nor space for me to get into that analysis.

I love Chicago. There is a lot of talent in the city and its surrounding suburbs. Tiny Kingdoms is one of
those bands. They are comprised of four friends who were influenced by the likes of Circa Survive,
Taking Back Sunday, Silverstein, and others. The band lineup includes Jake Newling (drums), Nico
Miural (guitar/vocals), Nick Collins (bass), and Ryan Mitchell (guitar). I am extremely proud to present
to you the ReverbNation featured artist…Tiny Kingdoms.

Tiny Kingdoms is a true indie rock band. Their genre is a bit of this and that. Again, as I have written
many times, it is all rock-n-roll to me. One thing is for certain in whatever genre box you try to fit them
into; they are damn good. Their unbridled passion flows through their chords, melodies, rhythms, and
powerhouse vocals which dance into the ears of the listener, leaving a memorable and highly energetic
impression. They represent the kind of band that I would stand up with and take a punch. They are
talented, deserving, and hardworking, hidden within the confines of the Upper Midwest grit. Yet, check
out their official video of the song “Cadets” and you will agree that their sound far transcends the vague
and vast boundaries that many refer to as Chicago.

Tiny Kingdoms are doing what they can to be noticed in the giant kingdom of Chicago. They are playing
the usual original act rooms like The Subterranean, Beat Kitchen, and suburban haunts when and
where they can. They also get out on the road when possible for short runs. They face all the dilemmas
that independent acts confront. They must juggle their life responsibilities with their passion. However,
these cats are keeping the dream alive! They are set to release a new single this August, “Tides.” Then
in the Fall, they will be recording at AGB Studios in Indiana working with the well-respected and highly
regarded producer Seth Henderson. Their next tour run will take them to Ann Arbor, Michigan,
Indianapolis, Indiana, and Champaign, Illinois. They are working the upper Midwest circuit as hard as
they can. They have also made jaunts to New York, Florida, and to Austin, TX to play during SXSW.

Tiny Kingdoms works, lives, and plays in the city of big shoulders. Like all DIY acts in the region, they
balance the burden of that work on their own shoulders. They are the kind of band that deserves so
much more, and I fully expect that you will be hearing more about them -- if talent and tenacity are any
measure of a band’s noteworthiness. And by all means -- if you have the chance to cross their path,
get out and see them live!

Support those pursuing their dreams against the odds. Sometimes…magic happens.

Learn more about Tiny Kingdoms on ReverbNation at:
https://www.reverbnation.com/tinykingdoms
Official Video “Cadets” https://youtu.be/JGePo5nkeeY