BYOB
Tickets $15 HERE.
V.V. Lightbody is the solo project of Vivian McConnell, a seasoned songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in Chicago. Flute-forward, cheeky, and a musical chameleon, V.V. writes songs that are witty and full of pleasure, but deliver a vulnerable punch. V.V. has established herself as a supportive insole of the thriving Chicago music scene.
Her 2020 LP Make a Shrine or Burn It (Acrophase Records) was released with much anticipation in May 2020. Referred to as ”a masterclass in self-reflection and female autonomy,” the first pressing sold out within 24 hours and received critical acclaim from Noisey, Stereogum, Paste, Gold Flake Paint, Chicago Tribune, and more. Jessi Roti writes of MASOBI, “An album of lingering farewells and cautiously optimistic beginnings punctuated by a deceptive wit, Lightbody - a.k.a. Vivian McConnell - turns her attention inward, exploring what it means to be with yourself after being with another; trading abstract, third-party narratives for those more poignant and conversational.” Since the release of MASOBI, V.V. Lightbody has finished making another full length LP. She's also been working on several other projects: her synth pop duo Valebol, which includes drummer and percussionist Daniel Villarreal, put out a record in 2024 via Otherly Love. She's also toured extensively as a member of Chicago’s beloved art rock group Finom, and contributed wide-ranging freelance production work for many artists under the name ‘Album Doula’.
V.V. Lightbody has been a collaborator and touring member of bands such as Finom, Cassandra Jenkins, Lala Lala, Elizabeth Moen, and recently started a duo called Valebol featuring drummer Daniel Villarreal-Carrillo (Dos Santos). She’s lended flute and vocals to Twin Peaks, Wilder Maker, Tomemitsu, Pool Holograph, and many more. In 2022, V.V. played guitar, keys, and sang in Harry Styles' band for BBC Radio One's Big Weekend Festival.
V.V. released a stunning new single last fall in anticipation of her third LP, coming soon:
"Best Problem" (Official Music Video)
Minor Moon released our 4th album, The Light Up Waltz via Ruination Record Co. in April 2024. With nods to cosmic American songwriters like JJ Cale, Gillian Welch, Judee Sill, Gram Parsons and Wilco, the album takes a big-hearted, kaleidoscopic lens to apocalyptic themes with an other-worldy twang. The resulting vision is "deeply adventurous ... [with] a sharp, reflective eye on the rearview mirror (Pop Matters)" and shot through with "soothing, sure-footed tenderness ... [and] an undeniable buoyancy" (Chicago Reader).
RIYL: Cass McCombs, Wilco, Phosphorescent, JJ Cale, Grizzly Bear
Videos: I Could See It Coming (Official Video), Miriam Underwater (Official Video), Hey, Dark Ones (Official Video), Audiotree (Live Session)
Recent Support: Fruit Bats, Kevin Morby, Rose City Band, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Rosali, Heavy Heavy, John Moreland, Racoma, Rich Ruth
Recent Press: Pop Matters, Chicago Reader, Third Coast Review, Various Small Flames, Philm, Paste, GoldFlakePaint
VV photo by Shannon Marks.
Minor Moon photo by Hannah Sellers.