BACKSTAGE PASS ARTICLE SEPTEMBER 1997
TIME BEINGS
Creative integrity as a base component combined with the driving force of melodic beat is what propels THE TIME BEINGS presence on stage as well as their musical energy and aura. A vibe that builds momentum that not only comes from themselves but also from the crowd’s anticipation of true entertainment.
This Villa Park, IL based band is not new to Chicago’s club circuit having appeared over the past five years at Club Stodola, Avalon, the Thirsty Whale, Brixie’s, Smiler Coogans, Beat Kitchen, Cue Club, the Playhouse, Dome Room, Cabana Beach Club, Elbo Room, Fitzgerald’s, Schuba’s and Double Door. Originally raising from the ashes of one time club favorites THE CODE, (which disbanded in 1989), this trio regrouped in late 1991 to form the TIME BEINGS.
As with other band members you might know, these guys also live double lives, one with “band life” and another, we all know as “real life”. This trio composed of Tony “Gaetto”, Jon Raleigh and Steve Granstrom are well acquainted with this dual lifestyle.
“Gaeto”,as the other members and friends refer to him, is the drummer responsible for that melodic beat and sets the tone for the driving energy on his set of Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals. Coming from former band experiences in COLOUR HUEMANITY and THE CODE, he has been performing since 1987, when he was brought into the mix with Steve and Jon. Though always alert on the job as a electrician, he also keeps in mind his personal dreams and goals like doing opening gigs for some national bands, maybe like one of his favorites, Tragically Hip. He is also known to make anything mechanical work with the help of his “real life” job experience.
The multi-talented guitarist, Jon Raleigh, grew up in Schaumburg and resides in Brookfield where he is a real estate paralegal. Adept at reading those complex legal documents that cross his desk daily he is also the consultant for the band. Since junior high he has been writing songs, playing guitar, organ and piano with his Jackson Soloist, Dean Bel-Aire and Digitech rp-1. His Marshall JCM is bi-amped with a GK GL-500 at his side. He lists 12 FISHING GAME, THE SHRUGS and THE CODE as his band member resume and background. Jon still continues to feed his creative drive that performing first ignited back in 1987. So for the time, being the present, he has joined forces with this trio in putting together songs for “Lemonade” the upcoming CD.
When he is not doing layouts as a printer, Steve Granstrom is cranking on his Washburn-Hartke combo. He has been creating rhythms for songs he’s been writing with his buddy, Jon Raleigh since junior high school, as well as similar band experience in THE SHRUGS and THE CODE since 1987. If you frequent Simon’s on Chicago’s North Side, you just may have run into Steve, and if you have caught LOVEKIT on stage you would have seen him in the audience. Steve makes it abundantly clear of his appreciation and respect for fellow Chicago popsters OFF BROADWAY whom he credits with helping his band and musical career immensely. As one of the primary songwriters for this trio his switch to bass from guitar for “the time being” will continue until they find a bassist who can really click with them. Hence the origin of how the name developed.
Not only did the moniker develop but so did a six-song cassette recorded at Villa Park’s Metropolis Studios in 1993. It received airplay on Chicago WXRT’s “Local Anesthetic” as well as favorable reviews in The Chicago Sun Times, Showcase Magazine, and Illinois Entertainer. Robert Crane president of the Red Dog Music Group, describes their sound as a “unique delivery of alternative/pop songs with blues underpinnings and rich vocal harmonies.” He attributed this unique sound as what attracted all the favorable attention. Robert who heads the independent label the group is signed to is also a close confidant and business advisor. He states, “This new release is simply excellent. I continue to believe that if our marketing and distribution plan is successful, people will recognize that the new CD may be one of the best pop records to come out of Chicago in years.” High praise from one’s label, but then again Robert is one of the most enthusiastic of small label producers. His other acts include longtime Chicago favorites THE CLEANING LADYS, among others.
Just out of ATLAS Studios in the Andersonville area of Chicago, they have recently finished recording the new CD. With the superb engineering talent of Matt Allison, a Windy City Recorders alumni whose past projects with TITANIC LOVE AFFAIR, THE ELVIS BROTHERS, OFF BROADWAY and members of the BEACH BOYS, just to name a few, shares the production credits with THE TIME BEINGS. Allison Commented for a press release that “it was an excellent experience to work with the band... Those sessions were characterized by a lot of inside jokes... I felt a strong sense of camaraderie with the band to put out the best possible product and I think we approached that goal.” When asked about his favorite track it was by far the fourth track... “Digging Into My Brain”. Allison continued, “It’s similar to some of the WEBSTIRS and LOVE KIT material in that vocals, melody and songwriting drive the cart but these guys have crunchier guitars.”
Feeling a need to accommodate both their urban and suburban fans the band plan’s on making one big celebration out of that third week of September when the disk is officially released and distributed by Midwest Artist’s Distribution for Red Dog Music Group. THE TIME BEINGS have scheduled two cd release party’s this month for “Lemonade”. One is suburban at Berwyn’s legendary FITZGERALD’S on Saturday September 20th. The other is a city performance at Chicago’s DOUBLE DOOR on Milwaukee Ave Wednesday September 24th. Their live show is heavy driving and strong on lyrical content. To find out about other upcoming shows or ordering information email timebeings@icsp.net or call 630-852-4059. Touring plans are in the works so catch ‘em now while they are still in the area for “THE TIME BEING.”
