Will play for beer

When entertainers choose to align themselves with a product or service and smile big for the cameras, it's common for their fans to label them sellouts. But in the case of former local instrumental metal band Pelican, it made perfect sense when rumors suggested it'd be coming back from L.A. to play Dark Lord Day on April 25 at Three Floyds Brewery in Munster, Ind.—the only day when beer connoisseurs can buy the Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout—in exchange for the coveted beer. They are playing one show as part of the beer release's festivities, but not for beer and not for free. Still, Decider took this rumor as an opportunity to find out what local bands would sell out for and why.

Apteka
Who they are: Rock group once denied post-show drinks by a venue in Minneapolis for playing too loudly.
What they'd sell out for: Revolution Brewing
Why: Moonlighting as a bartender at the bike messenger-themed restaurant Handlebar, Apteka frontman Adam Lukas has developed a deep respect for the neighborhood hotspot’s owner, Josh Deth. That’s why Lukas can’t wait to see Deth’s new restaurant, Revolution Brewing, open in September. Lukas likes the idea of having more options when it comes to locally brewed beer, and expressed excitement about how, like Handlebar, Revolution Brewing will have Deth’s unusual community flair. “Handlebar started out as a Critical Mass hangout,” Lukas says. “And I’m sure there’ll be some of the same community focus to this new place.”
What it says about the band: Beer connoisseur to the core, Apteka stays true to local brands and blends.

The Hood Internet

Who they are: Mash-up duo rivaling Girl Talk for its addictive blend of hip-hop and indie-rock beats.
What they'd sell out for: Sparks
Why: STV SLV, a.k.a. Steve Reidel, said he and his Hood partner ABX, a.k.a. Aaron Brink, fill out a rider before each of their shows. In it, Reidel and Brink continually request the famed alcopop energy drink Sparks. Lamenting somewhat in jest, Reidel said this part of the rider has never been fulfilled and, unfortunately, never will be. After years of hosting tents at Chicago summer events like the Pitchfork Music Festival, MillerCoors removed Sparks from the market in its original form last year. In one Canadian show, however, the duo was warmly welcomed with Monster Energy drink. The fondness of the memory makes Reidel stop and sigh, recalling his long-lost first love, Sparks. “Hold on a moment,” he says. “Let’s take a moment to recognize fallen sodas.”
What it says about the band: The Hood Internet is comprised of simple men who enjoy simple things.

Sybris

Who they are: With singer Angela Mullenhour’s ethereal vocals floating over shredding guitars, Sybris rocks. Plain and simple. (The band will be joining Pelican at Three Floyds.)
What they'd sell out for: Subterranean
Why: The Sybris connection to Subterranean is twofold: the band’s drummer, Erick Mahle, works as the venue’s sound technician, and the local rock group has played both its record release shows there. Mullenhour says she loves the supportive ambiance of the venue so much that she would be willing to play a free benefit if Subterranean was hosting. “I always think back fondly on our first record release there,” Mullenhour says, recalling the 2005 event. When the band took the stage, fans greeted them by throwing flowers from the second floor balcony. “It was like we were in a bullfight or something,” she laughs. “And ever since that show, I just feel really comfortable playing there.”
What this says about the band: Supportive local artists who wouldn’t mind donating their time—and their post-grunge rock—to the community that helped nurture them.

Tight Phantomz

Who they are: Drawing influences from Led Zeppelin to The Flaming Lips, Tight Phantomz’s new double disc is sure to please all who listen—once they find a record label to release it, that is.
What they'd sell out for: The Empty Bottle, and its adjoining restaurant, Bite Café
Why: Tight Phantomz frontman Mike Lust has a complex relationship with his favorite Chicago venue, The Empty Bottle. “I’m very surprised at the fact they even let me in anymore,” he explains. “I have literally done somersaults over Rubbermaid garbage cans, I’ve played guitar on the bar, and I’ve clotheslined people off bar stools at last call.” But not only does Lust keep coming back, the singer—who also records bands at his Humbolt Park studio, Phantom Manor—likes to start his recording sessions at The Empty Bottle with some bloody marys.
What this says about the band: Much like the marys and Lust’s infectious excitement, this is a band that always leaves fans wanting more.