Company of Thieves

We met, we write, we're trying.
Company of Thieves is proof that everything happens for a reason. When Genevieve Schatz and Marc Walloch met by chance nearly two years ago in Chicago’s bustling Union Station, they never imagined that the encounter would lead to the evolution of the band that they now call home. Schatz, a singer “since she could talk,” and Walloch, a seasoned guitarist, were introduced by mutual acquaintances. A casual discussion of their shared love of the Beatles ensued and the two forged an instant connection. It was not long before they were spending a lot of time together — writing songs in the confines of their apartments and performing at a weekly Monday night music event in the city.
Schatz and Walloch spent the bulk of 2006 crafting the songs that would ultimately make up Company of Thieves’ first full-length CD Ordinary Riches, which was released for public consumption in May of 2007. It has since been described by Yahoo! as “hands down, one of the best debut albums of 2007,” and an article in the October issue of UR Chicago said “Schatz’s vocals are explosive, dominating the aural palette.” Independent, and as yet still unsigned, the band worked on the CD with friend and famed Fallout Boy and The Hush Sound producer Sean O’Keefe, financing and releasing “Ordinary Riches” all on their own.
Company of Thieves sites Motown, soul, 1960’s and 1970’s rock n’ roll, Wilco, Neil Young, Fiona Apple and — of course — the Beatles, among their influences. In fact, the name “Company of Thieves” stems from the group’s feeling that their material is their own, more textured version of the music produced by their favorite artists, and therefore, a form of “thievery.” The Thieves spent a busy fall and winter on tour that has yet to slow down, playing summer staples such as Summerfest and Wicker Park fest. During this time, Company of Thieves have seen a quick rise in the number of their fans as well as contagious excitement throughout the music industry. Some notable performances include: several sold-out shows at legendary Chicago venues, Beat Kitchen and Schuba’s, sharing the stage with The Polyphonic Spree, Jack's Mannequin, Teddy Geiger, Sara Bareilles, among others, and participating in the Yahoo! Billboard Live showcase at B.B. King’s in New York City.In 2008, Company of Thieves has been dedicated to building its fanbase extending out from their home in Chicago to the Midwest and beyond, including three shows at industry gathering SXSW in March and a recent opportunity to play in front of 8,000 professional lacrosse fans at legendary Madison Square Garden. Having won the 2007 New York Songwriters Circle Songwriting Grand Prize, Company of Thieves is ready to fulfill their billing as “one of the top bands to watch in 2008” by Chicago area Beep! Media.
Regarding Company of Thieves:
“You have succeeded in completely breaking my heart, filling it with a sort of melancholy optimism, and gluing it back together with Midwestern mud.” –Arthi Meera, Fair and Kind
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