Join Ladybug on Saturday, March 1st at 2pm to hear her recent conversation with L.A. based producer, multi-instrumentalist, and artist, Stephen Buono of collaborative music project, Church Chords.
Church Chords’ debut LP, elvis, he was Schlager, showcases a remarkable blend of experimental sounds, and boasts a remarkable lineup of artists and collaborators. The result is a compelling and complex soundscape that demands attention.
The journey of elvis, he was Schlager began in Chicago in 2016 when Buono relocated to the Windy City. Inspired by the vibrant music scene of Chicago, he envisioned an album with a distinct Chicago-centric identity, featuring local talent exclusively. Buono’s first attempt was an experimental session at Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio, aiming to blend “electric-era” Miles Davis with Black Sabbath. Though the experiment fell short of his expectations, it remained a valuable asset for later reconsideration.
In 2017, Buono moved to Los Angeles and revisited the shelved material from the previous year. Collaborating with musicians like bassist Devin Hoff, percussionist John Herndon, and multi-instrumentalist Ben Boye, they breathed new life into the existing tracks, forming the foundation for the album. What emerged was a 35-minute continuous improvisation, transforming the dynamic and structure of the work.
