New Lenox Musician Releases Album Featuring Local Vocalists

NEW LENOX, IL — The live-events industry was hugely impacted over the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic — musicians couldn't play many of their usual shows since annual concerts and festivals were canceled.

So, Bret Figura, a drummer who lives in New Lenox and a long-time musician on the local scene, decided to share music in a slightly different way by composing an album entirely at home. Figura said this is the second album he's made in this fashion.

Figura, who has played in several bands and ensembles of a variety of genres, said he tries not to say no to an offer, as it is a learning experience and a way to meet new people.

Currently, he plays drums in The Real Gone (rockabilly/surf rock), The 3rd City Brass Band (New Orleans style brass band), Dan Dougherty (original rock), Beaumont (instrumental, post-rock), and does various session work.

"During COVID, I took to writing solo, as I spent most of my musical past supporting other writers from behind the drums. It's been great to explore the writing process since it's something I've not really done in the past," Figura said. "I don't adhere to any style or genre when writing. I let the music lead. Generally, I let each choice in the writing process determine and cement the direction of any given tune."

Figura said since getting together with other musicians wasn't possible, he decided to experiment and created "Shut-In Sounds III: The Riteousness of Spring," which was released on May 24.

The album features several local vocalists, and proceeds go to #SaveOurStages, with profits split between the National Independent Venue Association and the Chicago Independent Venue League.

Figura, who works as a graphic designer, said he didn't feel the need or want to collect money from this project.

"In producing the two Shut-In Sounds records, I did ask the participants about charity ideas, but it soon became clear what to do as the very industry we rely on was in dire trouble," Figura said. "The venues, staff and crews, venue owners, full-time entertainers, etc., they needed help."

Figura said the album has 16 songs, with 16 featured vocalists, including Joel M. Ahrweiler, Jim Allen, Matthew Biskie, Ryan Butterfield, Dan Dougherty, Jross Green, Patrick Gunderson, Kevin Krauss, Candice Latimer, Todd Leiter-Weintraub, Melissa Powers, Erica Renee, Michael Shehan, Gabrielle Sutton, Scott Tipping and Clarissa Worley.

Figura said his favorites parts of making the album were the unfolding of the original instrumental track, getting the vocal mixing, mastering the album with fellow drummer and engineer Alex Hall, and finally sharing it with everyone.

"People can donate whatever they can handle [to get the album] and it's all going to help the arts community," he said.