Logan Square

Hailing from the western suburbs of Chicago, Logan Square always bring a high level of energy, charisma, and talent to every show they play. The band has a sound that combines the dark, slightly morbid undertones of Alkaline Trio with the melodic romanticism of bands like Jawbreaker and the Ataris. Singer/guitar player Brad Chagdes' songwriting and recording experience began when he was five when he would make up songs and record them on a Fisher-Price tape recorder. Starting in junior high school, he regularily snuck a walkman into class and hid the wires in a hooded sweatshirt so he could listen to music. He filled his notebooks with lyrics for songs he hoped to record. Brad met bass player Steve Lyons and drummer Chris Smith in a suburban Chicago high school in 2000 and they quickly formed Logan Square. After a series of guitar players, including Lance Tamras, Brandon Green, former Screeching Weasel guitar player Dave Naked, and Chris Tiritilli, they finally found Jon Sapsford and he joined as the current guitar player. Just before that, Logan Square landed a deal with independent label Fearless Records. "It was exciting after all this time for someone to believe in us, especially a label like Fearless. They are one of the more dominant and intelligent labels out there," Brad said. Logan Square have a large selection of songs in their catalog. The band put out two EPs and one full-length album under their former name, 15 Minutes Late. Their newest CD, "Pessimism & Satire," which they recorded In November and December with producer Sean O'Keefe (Fall Out Boy, Hawthorne Heights, Motion City Soundtrack), will be released on Fearless Records on June 6, 2006. This will be Logan Square's label debut. "We tried to make it so anyone with a day to day problem could find at least one song that tackles what they're going through," Brad said. They've supported sold out shows at the Chicago's House of Blues and The Metro, opening for Motion City Soundtrack, Plain White T's, and Lucky Boys Confusion. Logan Square also has support from Chicago radio stations. They are regulars on Q101's Sunday Local Show and have played a live set during rush hour. WONC 89.1 in Naperville, IL, one of the more popular college radio stations, is also a long-time supporter. Logan Square obviously enjoy what they're doing; you'll never see them simply going through the motions of playing a show. "We like to entertain. I enjoy the struggle of winning over people who have never heard us before," Brad said.