Suburban Sound Syndicate is Leveling Up Their Experience

Syndicate Sound Session 007; Photo c/o Olivia Morgan
Narration by Bear Swiftly

If you’re anything like me, you reference philosophies for rationalizing progression through life. Maybe you appreciate Ancient Greek philosophers like Thales, Diogenes, Socrates, Aristotle, or Plato. Conversely, Stoic wisdom from the likes of Dardanus, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius might be more your flavor. How about nihilism with Nietzsche or the kind of sorrowful pessimism supplied through Schopenhauer? Rebel against meaninglessness and dictate your own values and free will like Jean-Paul Sartre. I know, that’s a lot of names, and you might be wondering if I have a point to make with all of this? Certainly, and Tony Massih can attest to this: we need experience, both good and bad, to improve and strengthen ourselves.

If life is anything like an RPG, you start at level one and advance from there. Through trials and tribulations, completing quests, working through events and circumstance, and discovering unique companions along the way, we gain experience that unlocks new skills, talents, and environments. In the gaming universe, you have boss fights and quests of difficulty that nearly drain you of all your energy and resources. However, once you hit that next level, your life and mana are instantly replenished. Video Game Theory. Level up.

That introduction brings me to sharing some awesome news about Suburban Sound Syndicate. The homies are seeing their vision continue to expand forth in matriculating towards grander opportunities. This year alone, 3S has thrown five fantastic Syndicate Sound Sessions, episodes 006-010. Four of them took place at Rookie’s Rochaus in West Dundee, and one was held at Bass Station in Waukegan, IL. Each and every edition was packed to the gills with top tier entertainment and production value second to none. They’ve hosted headliners like kLL sMTH, Random Rab, Smigonaut, Somatoast, Vinja, and collaborated with awesome organizations like The Rust Music Collective.

Already in 2025, Suburban Sound Syndicate has presented more than thirty-five one-of-a-kind musical acts, supported by elite visual jockeys and production elements, alongside unique dance and flow artistry. Word has gotten out about the quality of these events, there’s a noticeable buzz outside the 3S hive, and Durty Nellie’s in Palatine, IL has inquired of them about throwing events using their building. This is an exciting development, and 3S would be remiss if they didn’t explore this opportunity. Adding another venue alongside Rookies Rochaus and Bass Station for hosting events is a big win. Level up.

Syndicate Sound Session 005; Photo c/o Andrew Massih

While speaking with Josh a couple of weeks ago, he reflected on some happenings that have occurred during the Syndicate’s journey. At times uncomfortable, but necessary to the organization’s evolution. Use everything at your disposal to complete your objective, progress your character, and access new rewards. 3S has hosted events at Rookie’s Rochaus since very nearly the beginning, the second edition of Syndicate Sound Sessions to be exact. During that period of early shows, West Dundee banned fire spinning thanks to their concerts. At Syndicate Sound Session 005, during BoggDogg’s headline performance, somehow the fire alarm got activated. “Well that was a stressful happening”, but one that was navigated with care and consideration. Josh and his cohorts made sure no one was in any harm, danger wasn’t imminent, the building wasn’t actually on fire, and worked with the local fire department to finish out the epic night with extra hutzpah. Level up.

There have been plenty more instances behind the scenes that have proven that Josh and the rest of the Syndicate are up to the pursuit of their goals. Organizing efforts for building out before shows and tearing down afterward over a dozen separate dates. Booking talent and ensuring that all details of their riders and contracts are taken care of. Making sure local laws and ordinances are respected (“Hey Buddy, adult beverages inside, please”). Keep the community safe. These are just some examples of how 3S have taken care of business throughout this venture and journey. “OOO-YEAH, LEVEL UP, HOGAN!!!”

Now, I’m both excited and proud to announce this development on behalf of the homies at Suburban Sound Syndicate. Starting June 19, 3S will be hosting a weekly community series at Durty Nellies every Thursday. They’re calling these events, Community Thursdaze, and they’ll run from 7 to midnight. Durty Nellies gives them the opportunity to continue expanding their operation like never before, with ample space for over 500 attendees, more than 30 vendors and live painters, and still have plenty of room for dancing and getting down. [Guttoral] “Level up!”

Durty Nellies offers a performance hall complete with its own bar, balcony space with another full bar and dining room, and a rooftop outdoor patio which 3S has got some terrific plans for. How about Yoga with Payton Kiely, a sweet second stage, and since it is outdoors, a spot where you and the homies can burn a few too. 3S is hella herb friendly, and they’ve already got some local dispensaries signing on as sponsors to their action. Plus, Thursdays are half-price burgers. Oh, really!?! Oh, yeah!!! Show up early to eat, get your energy reserves up, and dance til midnight. 3S has only just begun releasing details on what they’re planning to do, so keep up to date with them by signing up for their newsletter at suburbansoundsyndicate.com.

Furthermore, there are less than two weeks until Syndicate Sound Session 011, which is also being held at Durty Nellies. Boy, this one is going to be fire, and not just because Celestial Ember Collective is going to be spinning it. iLL.GATES and his camp caught notice of the energy and electricity they’ve been putting forth and will be headlining this event. HUUUUGGGGEEEE!!! Foxy Dope, Slaycub, Mayple, Spaceship Earth, Duper, Vermyllion, and Sukkatash will all be lending main stage performances in support. Plus Nebulas, Kataya, and SimonSays will be throwing down on the Rooftop patio.

As always, the music will be powered by a Funktion-One system supplied by Sub Valley Sound. Keeping with consistency, LED and TV Walls will be fashioned courtesy of Birdsigh and Nuvotion with laser tech supplied by Deep Frequency Corp. ChicagoAmp and Olivia Morgan Graphics will continue capturing incredible photo and video. Celestial Ember Collective will persist with their thematic dancing and artistry, and you’ll have plenty of vendors and live painters on hand for beautiful boutique and shopping experiences. Furthermore, there will be free tea compliments of Tipped Tea, and if you get hungry, Durty Nellies has a baller food menu. The kitchen is open until 11pm, nightly.

Needless to say, this is an exciting development for the homies at 3S. No matter what your philosophy, and I’ve touched on a few different voices and perspectives, the common thread is you have to experience life to encourage growth. Though it’s rarely comfortable, ESPECIALLY in the early stages, it’s necessary to put yourself in situations where you can discover new talents, skills, atmospheres of interest, and meet new people. Such is life, its flavors are at times bitter, but the fortune you stand to gain at the end of a quests completion is worthy of your investment of time and energy. “Oh yea, that’s a 10-4 buddy, we’re Leveling up.”

Tickets are now available for Syndicate Sound Session 011, and if you want a coupon code to save yourself some money, holler at your boy, Bear. Plus, keep an eye on Suburban Sound Syndicate’s Facebook page for details about these oncoming Community Thursdaze events. Also, Suburban Sound Syndicate isn’t closing the door on Rookies Rochaus. They’ve made it abundantly clear to me that Rookies Rochaus is a venue they harbor a deep amount of love and respect for. Just like how they still throw events at Bass Station, they’d like to keep Rookies Rochaus in the rotation. Durty Nellies location provides them a platform to try new things and incorporate elements of showmanship that West Dundee won’t allow. Namely, fire spinning. That’s great news for patrons looking for world-class entertainment without having to leave the suburbs. Plus access to the Metrarail train line now means folks from the city can realistically come out and enjoy these events, too. That’s one helluva a philosophy we can all appreciate. “Hell yeah, we got ourselves another Level up, WOO!!!”

This is Bear Swiftly, the Electro Scribe, signing off. Sayonara all you samurai.

Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.

–Electro Scribe–

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