Date: 4/10/2014

Dave Collis (B.A. Dec. 2013) founding member and lead singer of Chicago-based noise rock band My Dad, celebrates the new 7” record release, Mouth Bleeder. Sean Samet (B.A. 2003) is now managing a major North American trade association. Matt DeWine (B.A. 2004) is keeping Pieholden Suite Sound recording studio alive and well in its Ukranian Village neighborhood. Sophomore Adam Kowalczyk is bringing to life a new “idea lab,” 32 forty, in Bridgeport.

Online music publication, Pop ’stache , features Dave Collis (B.A. Dec 2013), founding member and lead singer of Chicago-based noise rock band My Dad. The article was published on 4/6/2014, a week before the band’s 4/10 show to celebrate the release of its new 7″ record, “Mouth Bleeder”. Over vegan pizza at the Boiler Room, Collis talked about what it’s like to play in a band with three drummers, what he enjoys most about the touring life, and the story behind the band’s name.

Sean Samet (B.A. 2003), was just named executive director of the Wallcoverings Association (WA) , the trade association dedicated to representing, connecting, and supporting manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of residential and commercial wallcoverings in North America. Samet will manage the WA’s programs that gather information on market trends, foster leading business practices, and provide industry education and information through a series of national events, newsletters, continuing education units, and media partners. Following his studies at Audio Arts & Acoustics, Sean earned his MBA in finance from the University of Illinois, Chicago, moving on to his new and very successful career.

Matt DeWine (B.A. 2003) works hard to keep Jay Bennett’s lifetime collection of instruments in working condition with an on-site equipment repair workshop.  DeWine began working with the late Bennett (past member of Wilco) after finishing his Audio Design & Production (then “Recording”) studies, at Columbia College Chicago’s Audio Arts & Acoustics Department. “He [Bennett] said I was welcome anytime. I took it literally and never left.”  Most of the equipment at Pieholden comes from Bennett’s life collection. “He was addicted to making music and recording. It’s a lifetime of fun toys, and it’s no small feat to keep it working.  I realized Jay’s guitar collection is vast and old, and I wanted to maintain it”, said Matt. For more information, see this Chicago Reader article (10/14/2013).

Sophomore Adam Kowalczyk, with the help of partners Benn Jordan and Barmey Ung, kicked off a new eclectic school of art,32 forty, in Bridgeport on September 28th, 2013. They’re asking artists and musicians of all stripes to contact them to teach classes, produce events, or rent the facility for rehearsals and performances. Adam has already been featured in the 10/4/13 issue of DNAinfo Chicago  and the 10/28/13 issue of the Columbia Chronicle.
In addition to 32 forty, Adam has been doing post-production freelance work for Swingline, Quartet, and other retailers, while composing and producing his own music, expected to be released independently within Spring 2014.
In spite of his busy professional and creative schedules, Adam has maintained a fine academic record and, according to his instructors, always goes above and beyond requirements in his Audio Arts & Acoustics courses.