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The Scene was our Illinois arts & culture podcast through 2017. Rachel Otwell curated the podcast which provided full-length stories and follow-ups, links to other reports, and conversations with you.This podcast contained a range of stories from the world of arts & culture, from visual art to Springfield's DIY music scene, to profiles of interesting local characters. The podcast was about what makes artists tick, and the diverse culture that exists within our community.

Screaming Females Will Rock In Springfield

blacksheepspringfield.bigcartel.com

Ten years ago, three friends got together in New Jersey and formed an outfit called the Screaming Females. They were brought up in the gritty DIY scene, producing their own albums, doing their own promotion, and playing in houses and basements. These days, they still play in houses and basements, but they travel across the country doing it (and they also play in some more mainstream venues too.)

Marissa Paternoster (btw, check out her AMAZING visual artwork here) is the lead singer and guitar player. She was kind enough to join us from her home-base in Philadelphia (aka the room she keeps her stuff while not on tour, which is not very often) for this chat via Skype.

She tells us about how the group got started, how she measures success as an artist, and how she powered through shows while sick with mono. We'll also hear a few of the group's tunes. I dare you to listen without head-banging at least once:

 
 
 
 
THE SCREAMING FEMALES ARE COMING TO SPRINGFIELD!!! The show is at Black Sheep Cafe on Wednesday, March 25th. Tickets should be bought in advance, if there are any left. Check HERE.

Check out a music video from a song off the new album.

And here's a a goose-bump inducing Patti Smith cover, a collaborative effort that includes the lead singer of Garbage, Shirley Manson. Warning: Paternoster's guitar solo might give you a heart-attack.

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
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