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Showing a little love to local endeavors, GIANT SYSTEM CHICAGO is a project based out of, you guessed it, Chicago. Their purpose and primary focus is to “make motion pictures of bands playing their music in their spaces.” Each clip or “episode” is shot live on location in a selected band’s basement, living room, attic, or garage (whatever they utilize for their practice space) and has the band perform one of their songs. Sounds kinda boring, doesn’t it? But the mini-films are so well done, they come across more like high definition concert footage rather than practice space run-throughs. Lots of lights and cameras and in some cases smoke/mirrors. All makes for entertaining viewings, regardless of location (Chicago or otherwise).

From the well-lit and expansive suburban space used by wedded duo J+J+J or the cramped crevice that Chicago Stone Lightning Band use to polish their craft, it’s kinda cool to see where these semi well-known hometown groups create their music. Yeah, yeah, the bands aren’t “truly” practicing. No one’s sitting ‘round in their underwear pickin’ noses or grumbling about where a song’s bridge should go. Members are well aware they’re being filmed (maybe cuz of the multiple cameras and lights and mics in the room). But it’s an intriguing look that’s normally only issued when bands with dough to burn deliver a DVD full of “all-access” multi-media footage/garbage.

Guess I’m a little slow on the uptake, as they’ve just released their 20th episode of the series. It’s of jazz, spoken word, electronic outfit Magical Beautiful. Find that below. I’ve also provided a video of Hollows. It’s one of GSC’s earlier clips, but they’re a great band. Plus I’ve got a crush on like, all, of the girls in the group. Keep up the good work, GSC.