The Redeye's Will Fresch
THE IVORYS: Defying age to land gigs, respect
P...
THE IVORYS: Defying age to land gigs, respect
Published April 11 2007
The trio is made up of all 18-year-old high school seniors. Listen to "The Devil Knows Best" MP3 right here.
Getting booked in Chicago bars can be a struggle for local bands, especially if everyone in the group is underage.
"They'll ask us, 'Are you sure you're serious (about being in a band)?'," said Brendan Peleo-Lazar, drummer for The Ivorys.
Although the age factor has occasionally drawn skepticism from some talent bookers, Peleo-Lazar said, the local trio - all 18-year-old high-school seniors - has landed its fair share of stage time at the Empty Bottle, Subterranean and other bars.
"Once the venues hear a few of our songs, they realize we've put some time into our music," Peleo-Lazar said, speaking of his band mates Rob Thomas and Sam White.
A recent resurgence of talented young bands in the music industry also has helped the group. Peleo-Lazar credits bands such as the Arctic Monkeys, Panic! at the Disco, and Chicago's Fall Out Boy with causing record companies and concert promoters to pay closer attention to young acts.
"Media has changed in recent years," he said. "The focus has really shifted in our favor."
The Ivorys' have recorded a self-titled, six-song EP and are currently trying to nail down more Chicago gigs.
- Will Fresch is a RedEye special contributor.
Will Fresch - Chicago Redeye