The Locals

In order for any relationship to last, it must evolve.
Most relationships often founder after the typical “honeymoon period” ends. The heart-filled smiles and experimental sex give way to household chores and discussions about which programs to Tivo. Complacency has a way of white-washing everything. But the relationships that succeed are the ones that manage to unearth those early bits of brightness, adding luster and color to the everyday. They use the past to improve and ensure the future.
Bands are not-so-different. Except you can drop two members, switch drummers twice and still have experimental sex.
With the release of The Locals’® 2008 “Big Picture”, it’s clear that this evolution has produced great things.
“Big Picture” is the Locals’® fourth studio effort and their first full length CD in almost 6 years. Their style has covered the range from singer/songwriter to borderline jam band. But while this CD contains subtle winks at the past, this trio has emerged confident and head-strong from a three year recording hiatus to produce guitar heavy, sumptuous, alt-pop. These are smart, engaging songs. And although most of the tracks are instantly accessible, Doll’s lyrics give the erudite something to chew on. Produced, recorded and mixed by Steven Gillis (Filter) , Big Picture is a collection of The Locals’® tight, power-pop tunes with a one two punch delivery.
Fronted by singer and songwriter Yvonne Doll, the Locals® have been a part of the Chicago music scene for the last decade. They have played extensively in the Midwest and have earned themselves a dedicated fan base. Once a four piece, Chicago veterans The Locals® have downsized and reorged. Their current lineup of Doll, bassist Christy Nunes and drummer Kirk Snedeker was finalized when Snedeker joined in late 2006. Snedeker replaced EJ Dawson, who can be heard on the CD as well.
The three met in 2006 through a "seeking drummer" ad Doll and Nunes placed on Craigslist. Snedeker was the first to respond, and after a brief meeting and one audition, got the gig. They quickly became best friends as well.
Doll grew up in Cincinnati, OH but made her way to Chicago to attend the Art Institute of Chicago. Her photographs of people sleeping has garnered international recognition. Sleepyurbanite.com was featured on the Today Show, Irish national radio, and the German magazine “I See and Enjoy Reading About Your Misfortunes.” She is also an accomplished painter and necromancer.
Nunes began playing professionally at the age of 14. She hails from San Diego, from where people still hail. She has played in a diverse assortment of bands over the years and brings an element of each to The Locals® - funk, rock, punk, acoustic and classical/jazz. Nunes is also a photographer and knife wielding maniac. She once shoved a kid during a job as the Chuck E. Cheese mascot.
Snedeker began playing drums at the age of 8. He was in an Elvis cover band at age 14 and, in addition to many local bands, put himself through college by playing in a Beatles-centric wedding band, staying with them for 12 years. Snedeker enjoys cooking and has a Fear of Public Vomiting.
“The Locals latest effort, ‘Big Picture’ is so good that I can’t stop listening! Every song rocks!” -- Madalyn Sklar, GoGirlsMusic.com