February 1, 2012
New Year, New Gigs, New Album.
The new year is off to a good start. The new album is coming together nicely - I've been playing some of the new songs at the full band and all-originals shows and getting some good responses to them.
Speaking of, we had a great time at Otto's in Dekalb last weekend. For those of you who weren't there, you missed a killer lineup. North of Eight, Lucrezio, and Jake Mack all did a stellar job. These are some seriously talented musicians who are worth taking the time to listen to. And if blues / blues-based rock is your thing, Jake Mack should be your new favorite band. Those guys blew the roof off.
So don't miss the next time - we're doing the full band thing again on March 10th at Goose Island Brewery Wrigleyville in Chicago. The first 50 fans will receive a download card good for a free copy of the Hello God This is Gregory Hyde album.
Hope to see you at a show soon.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
<<< BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES
If you're a musician, music fan,
or even just wondered what's up
with all the crap on the radio...
you NEED to watch this film.
December 27, 2011
New Year, New Gigs, New Album.
I'm extremely excited about what awaits in the coming months. First off, the Gregory Hyde band is already booked for 2 shows at some killer venues - January 28th at Otto's in Dekalb, and March 10th at Goose Island Brewery Wrigleyville in Chicago. If you didn't see us in 2010, you missed out. We're a pretty stinkin' good live band if I do say so myself. Need more incentive? Fine... the first 50 fans at each of those shows will receive a download card good for a free copy of the Hello God This is Gregory Hyde album.
Also, I'm playing an all originals acoustic show at The Elbo Room in Chicago on Tuesday, January 10th. Just in time for you to shake off that New Year's hangover, or to celebrate sticking with your resolution to see more live music in 2012.
Aaaannnd, the new album is moving ahead nicely. I just completed a new song, which I'll be debuting at The Elbo Room show, and may have another ready by the time that show rolls around.
Oh yeah, and I'm about to become a dad again any day now. That needs no hype to make it sound cool.
Stay safe, have fun, come out to a show and sing along.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
November 5, 2011
T-shirt 'Tober.
Congrats to everyone who won a free shirt through the facebook "T-Shirt 'Tober" contests! Even though November doesn't start with a T, keep your eyes peeled for more of the same this month.
Tis the Season to start booking for your Holiday parties. So if you, your friends & family, or your company are looking to hire me for a party or event this winter, now is the time to contact me. Those dates go fast...
The new album is in pre-production, which mostly means I'm selecting songs to record, trying out demos, and listening to a lot of new music to inspire the sonic direction of the recording. The "Foster the People" album has been a big player in that regard. So though it may be a departure from the Hello God This is Gregory Hyde disk in production, rest assured it will share the commonality of great songs you can sing along with.
Feel free to let me know some of the new albums you've been loving too.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
October 1, 2011
T-shirt 'Tober.
Hey guys. If you've "liked" my facebook artist page, you may have noticed that I've been giving away free t-shirts lately. (If you haven't, what the heck are you waiting for?! Click HERE, then click the "Like" button). Good news: all through the month of October, I'll be continuing the tradition.
The only requirement is that you have to be the first to answer correctly when I post a contest question. No worries, you don't need to be a MENSA member or even a rabid Gregory Hyde fan with complete knowledge of my mouthwash preference (Listerine). The questions are designed to provide the fairest, most even-playing field possible, and I offer up hints until the correct answer is guessed.
SO - "like" my page on facebook. Check in regularly for updates. Guess the right answer. Score a free Gregory Hyde shirt.
Aaaaaaaaaand... I've been posting some new YouTube videos. Some of which include a guitar lesson on how to play my song "Perfect Sometimes", a full-band live rendition of that same song, and some live video of me performing songs unavailable on any albums. Check 'em out by clicking HERE.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
September 1, 2011
New album in the works.
The summer gig load is starting to slow down, I just returned from a week of vocal vacation, and the basement studio is almost ready to go. I am VERY excited about recording again.
To tell the truth, I have 2 albums I already have a strong vision for. The first will be comprised of the Southern-esque style ballads and alt-country rock songs I've dabbled in over the past few years. If you were at the Chord on Blues show last month, you heard us debut the song "Memphis", which is indicative of the direction this disk will be heading. Strongly considering "Better", "A Beautiful Girl", "Come Around", and "Thank God I'm Not Religious" for the line-up as well, for those of you familiar with my back-catalog.
I've been majorly geeking-out on audio engineering and mixing books & podcasts, so I'm eager to use the newfound knowledge as well as experiment a little more this time around. The goal is to have the new disk available by early 2012. We shall see...
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
July 7, 2011
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT:
I'm playing my first full band show on August 20, 2011
at Chord On Blues in St. Charles, IL
A full-fledged rock and roll extravaganza is coming your way. The power trio of Doug Albregts, Aaron Wilson, and yours truly will be playing your favorite songs from the Hello God, This is Gregory Hyde album. Trust me, this will be unlike any show you've ever seen from me. So mark your calendars, invite everyone you've ever met, and hike your pants up to prepare for the flood of awesomeness you'll be standing in. (I just love hyperbole.)
Have you heard the Hello God, This is Gregory Hyde - Commentary Version yet? If not, dry your eyes - it's still available. Just send an e-mail to gh@gregoryhyde.com with COMMENTARY in the subject line, and I'll send you the link to download it for free.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
May 23, 2011
Hello everyone. Who likes free stuff?
Today is my birthday, so I'm giving YOU a gift - a FREE download of the commentary version of Hello God This is Gregory Hyde. Like the commentary track on a DVD, it's me walking you through how the songs were written and recorded. Just send an e-mail to gh@gregoryhyde.com with COMMENTARY in the subject, and I'll send you the link to download it for free.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
May 7, 2011
Greetings. The weather is getting nicer which means I'm playing a TON. This is good, because I absolutely love my job.
BIG NEWS - I'm going to be releasing a new recording soon. The commentary version of "Hello God This is Gregory Hyde". Ever watch the director's commentary on a DVD? Well this will be exactly like that, except I'll be taking you through the stories behind the songs and the making of the album. The best part? It's gonna be free. Watch for details.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
April 4, 2011
Okay, you get a break this year. It's been tradition for me to make an April Fools Day post with claims akin to getting signed by Motown records, being chosen as a guest judge on American Idol, or beating up John Mayer again, but not this year. True, some folks have fallen for my shenanigans year in and year out, but I feel a hiatus is necessary to keep the game interesting. Next year, watch your back. Maybe.
The Summer parties & weddings are starting to make a dent on the schedule, so if you'd like to book me for such an event, I'd recommend you start dialing now. I'll be back at Wildwood every week this month (we's like peas an' carr-ohts), and I'll be returning to play Downtown Glen Ellyn's Ladies Night Out event again this year - which is always a blast. Check the SHOWS page for more details.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
March 1, 2011
Still sore from all the snow shoveling (both here in Chicagoland and in my native Tulsa), trying to keep my fingers warm at gigs, and begrudgingly burning the menthol-laced flavor of coughdrops into the fibres of my tastebuds to try and keep my voice working... I'm ready for Spring. How about you?
I'm very excited about some of the shows coming up in the next few months. Check back on the SHOWS page often, as I'll be updating it as soon as they become finalized.
In other news, I had one of the music industry's biggest players listen to my music this week. Though it doesn't seem I struck said individual with a "Gregory Hyde is the new Bono" moment, he was complimentary. Gotta like that.
I've been toiling for months to complete my basement studio (with the help of some very dear and highly skilled friends), and I expect to be recording some new material very soon. More music to come...
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
January 26, 2011
I have some great news - I will be returning to my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma next week for a couple of shows. I realize this is a bit last-minute, so I thought I'd make it worth your while to be in attendance. Come to BOTH shows and you'll get a free Gregory Hyde T-shirt. Yep, absolutely free.
The first show is Sunday evening at Bodeans (6 - 9pm), the second on Wednesday at The Hunt Club (9pm - midnight). Details are on the SHOWS page, or you can click here to view the poster. I'm very excited about the shows and look forward to seeing all my Oklahoma friends, family and fans while I'm there.
In other news, I'm playing at the Front Street Cafe in Geneva, IL for the first time this Saturday night (8 - 11pm). I also ended my blog hiatus. Check it out.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
January 1, 2011
Happy New Year! 2010 was an incredible year for me, and I hope the same was true for you. The New Years Eve bash at Wildwood was a smash. I was joined on stage by my brother, Chris, who was in town from Seattle, and had we not rocked 2010 to death so successfully, we all might still be stuck in last year. You can show your appreciation in US currency.
Also noteworthy, I highly recommend checking out Beth Thornley's CD, Wash U Clean. It's an outstanding album filled with catchy pop tunes, insightful ballads, and adventurous romps. Without question, it's my fave album of last year.
I expect 2011 to be even better than last year. And if the Mayans were correct, it's the final full year for our universe - so get out and see some live SHOWS while you can!
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
November 22, 2010
This coming Monday, November 29th at 6pm, I will be opening the show for Lee DeWyze (2010 American Idol Winner) at the Chicago Hard Rock Cafe. This is a free, all ages show, so bring everyone you know!
Save the date - December 31, 2010. My brother Chris and I will be bringing the rock to the New Years Eve celebration at Wildwood in Geneva, IL. Check back here in the coming weeks for more information.
Also, Santa and I are teaming up early this year. For a limited time, you can get Gregory Hyde T-shirts for just $10 in the STORE. That's half-price, kids. Beat the rush, avoid the Black Friday madness, and do all your Holiday shopping here at www.gregoryhyde.com!!!
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
November 1, 2010
Hi kids. Winter is slowly creeping upon us after our standard 24 hours of fall weather here in the Chicagoland area. This means it's time to start booking for those Holiday parties! Give me a call for entertainment for your company Christmas party, friendly Holiday gathering, or Ugly Christmas Sweater Extravaganza.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
October 10, 2010
Boo. I am no longer playing at Potbelly locations in Wheaton, Elgin, or Naperville during the week. But you can still satisfy your Potbelly/Gregory Hyde jones on Friday & Saturday at the Geneva location 12-2pm.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
September 1, 2010
Last Friday, I had the privilege of opening up for Guster in Chicago at the John Hancock Center Plaza. The weather was gorgeous, the crowd was outstanding, and Guster rocked one heckuva great set. I also saw François Chau (Dr. Chang on Lost), and my wife and I made a successful first all-day trip to Chicago with Avery (our 1 month old). You can check out some pics by clicking here. Video coming soon!
This month has some great things in store - an all originals show at Graham's in Geneva on 09/03, my return to Wildwood in Geneva on 09/04, and maybe even another suprise gig waiting in the wings... check the SHOWS page often for updates.
Also worth noting - I will now be performing my lunchtime set on Tuesdays at the Potbelly in South Elgin instead of Wheaton. No worries, Wheaton fans - I'm still there every Thursday, so I'll continue to supply your sammich-chomping soundtrack.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
August 10, 2010
We're burning through summer, and as promised there have been quite a few special event & festival performances, BUT WAIT! More are on the way...
On Friday, August 27th, I'll be opening for Guster at the John Hancock Center Plaza in Chicago. I'm extremely excited about this show. Check the SHOWS page for more details.
Also, on Friday, September 3rd, I'll be performing a very special show at Graham's 318 in Geneva. Why so special? It's an all originals show - 2 hours of Gregory Hyde music. I'll be playing some of the faves from my albums as well as songs I've never played live before. Come sing along to the songs you know and chuckle at the folks who pretend like they know the words to the new ones.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
June 1, 2010
Driving to Tulsa, a major success of a show at Joe Momma's with my brother Chris, driving back to Chicago, buying a new house, packing, moving, preparing for a new baby, playing multiple shows in a day, doing some web overhauls... all in the last 2 weeks. Laziness is not something I struggle with.
Private party season is once again upon us! If you'd like to hire me to perform at your backyard party, grad party, wedding, or corporate event - call me now! These summer dates get booked up fast, especially on the weekends.
Speaking of web work - check out the STORE section. You can now place orders for packages that will save you money. So get a shirt with your copy of the new album and save some Benjamins. Better yet, buy the package of 50 CDs and get a free live performance at your place (First one to purchase it this month gets a free shirt thrown in!).
We're working hard to put together some great shows and events to promote the new CD. Want to help out? Drop me a line and let me know how you'd like to get involved. And always feel free to spread the word! Nothing moves things forward more than a good ol' friendly referral. That's how cults get started! Things to think about...
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
May 1, 2010
Winter has been gone throughout much of the country for months... and Chicagoland is finally catching up. Be on the lookout for some festivals and outdoor performances in the coming months.
BIG NEWS - I'll be playing my first official show in Tulsa in almost 5 years. So for all of you Tulsa fans who keep asking, mark your calendars for May 22nd at Joe Momma's in downtown Tulsa - check the SHOWS page for details. That performance will feature myself and my brother, Chris Hyde. We'll have copies of the CD and other merch for you to buy,... and maybe a few tricks up our sleeve...
This month also marks my return to Foxfire in Geneva, as well as my first performance at Shanahan's in Downers Grove.
NOTE: I will not be performing at any Potbelly locations between 05/21 & 05/31
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
April 20, 2010
WE DID IT!!!
Thanks to everyone who attended the CD Release show this last weekend. The event was a huge success, and I hope you all had as great a time as I did. Check out some pictures from the show HERE.
Special thanks to Chris Hyde, Les Hodge, Jimmy Chaos, Leo Ahlstrom, Cody Clausen and Jason Morris for lending their talents in performing and helping with other areas of the show. And a gigantic THANK YOU! goes to Patrick Neary and the Wildwood staff for hosting such an amazing event.
For all of you who were unable to attend but purchased your CDs online, they'll be arriving at your door this week!
So what happens next? Where do we go from here?... details coming soon. Exciting things, my friends.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
April 12, 2010
ONLY 5 DAYS until the CD Release Party for the new album, Hello God This is Gregory Hyde. We've worked very hard to make sure this will be a great show, so don't miss it!!! Here are the details:
Saturday, April 17th at Wildwood - 477 S. 3rd, Geneva, IL
6:30 - Doors open. Mingle, eat, drink, be merry, buy stuff (CDs, shirts, posters, etc.).
7:00 - Listening party. We'll play the new CD front to back.
8:00 - Intermission. Reflect on the awesomeness you just heard.
8:30 - Live show with guest musicians.
If the laws of space and time will not allow you to attend, your life isn't completely ruined (though it sure isn't as cool as it could be) - you can still order the CD online here and it will ship to you on the day of the show (4/17).
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
March 13, 2010
The new album is FINALLY done. Nearly 3 years in the making, Hello God This is Gregory Hyde is a full-band album of hard-hitting melodic rock songs. You can PREORDER your copy today!
ALSO - The Official CD Release Party will be held on Saturday, April 17th at Wildwood in Geneva, IL. We'll be playing the album in its entirety for your listening enjoyment. The new CD, shirts and other merchandise will be available for purchase, and there'll be some great food provided by Wildwood. DON'T MISS IT! Mark your calendars now... and check out the SHOWS page for more info.
And if all that wasn't enough, you may have noticed the newly redesigned website. Check out the pages for all the cool new features including the Blog, the E-mail Newsletter Signup (with a Free MP3!), and a pictures page with actual photos on it!
Hope you enoy it, and I hope to see you soon.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde
January 1, 2010
A gigantic THANK YOU goes out to all of you who came out to shows, bought CDs, and supported me in 2009. I couldn't do what I do without my fans, and I am eternally grateful for each and every person who has taken the time to listen.
New Years Eve at Wildwood was a gigantic success, so if you want to relive the magic (or get a taste if you missed out), don't worry - I'll be back at Wildwood a few times this month. Check the SCHEDULE page for more info.
The new album is in the final (yes, REALLY) stages of mixing. I am absolutely loving how this disk is sounding. After 2+ years and more money than I care to mention... I suppose I better. More news to come soon.
Regards, - Gregory Hyde