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Company of Thieves are Anything but 'Ordinary'

Chicago South-siders Company of Thieves recently stopped by our office to lay down an acoustic set. Comprised of Marc Walloch, Mike Ortiz and frontwoman Genevieve Schatz, the Thieves specialize in up-tempo folk-rock melodies, combined with Schatz's blushing wails.

Before scoring a label deal, Walloch and Schatz first met at Union Station in Chicago and could be seen in the back of coffee shops, participating in open mic nights throughout the city. After finding a drummer in Ortiz, the group was signed to Wind-up Records and their debut, 'Ordinary Riches,' was born.

While the trio exude breezy confidence, they did tell us that they are a little nervous to be headlining shows "in cities we've never been to" -- referring to their current West Coast tour. However Schatz, a self-proclaimed "theater dork," was quick to reassure the group that "it's fun to go into new experiences where you don't know what's going to happen." That adventurous attitude and a mutual appreciation for "awkward" situations has turned this Midwestern co-ed trio into a tight-knit family, that may lead them to many found treasures down the road.




Company of Thieves Visit Spinner

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

    Elizabeth Bruneau, AOL Music

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itssubjunctive

I'm glad to see this band getting some press. They are absolutely fantastic, both on the record and as live performers. I've had the privilege to see them three times now and can't wait for the tour with the Plain White T's later this summer to see them once again.

May 26 2009 at 3:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
crackupinthesun

what a gorgeous voice! this band rocks!

May 10 2009 at 1:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
crackupinthesun

what a gorgeous voice! this band rocks!

May 10 2009 at 1:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
archenmy13

I love CoT amazing amazing people with so much great talent!

May 07 2009 at 4:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jenn

Great Article. it's about time "Company of Thieves" is getting more attention. Great photos

May 07 2009 at 11:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AlanLovesDown

I love this band soooo much. This album is great and so are their pictures. They have such a great confidence in themselves and their music, and it shows in their pictures. Amazing.

May 05 2009 at 10:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lm4mobile

The entire album is filled with complex and rich music, and Genevieve Schatz's classic and strong voice carries the songs with catchy and often soothing melodies. My first impression of her vocal styling was that she sounded like a 1950's female pop singer making an attempt at contemporary music, and it's nothing short of amazing and fascinating.

While the guitar work of Marc Walloch is seemingly simplistic at times with graceful string picking, he shows his great talent with occasional guitar solos (check out the end of "Under The Umbrella") and complex riffs that give the band a unique sound. And with Mike Ortiz carrying the appropriate beats for each song, the trio is a perfect fit. After several listens, you'll find yourself coming back for more.

Sample "Ordinary Riches" on iTunes to get a taste, if anything, and if they seem remotely interesting, buy the album. It's one of the best albums I've purchased in a long time!

http://www.companyofthieves.net

May 04 2009 at 4:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lm4mobile

The entire album is filled with complex and rich music, and Genevieve Schatz's classic and strong voice carries the songs with catchy and often soothing melodies. My first impression of her vocal styling was that she sounded like a 1950's female pop singer making an attempt at contemporary music, and it's nothing short of amazing and fascinating.

While the guitar work of Marc Walloch is seemingly simplistic at times with graceful string picking, he shows his great talent with occasional guitar solos (check out the end of "Under The Umbrella") and complex riffs that give the band a unique sound. And with Mike Ortiz carrying the appropriate beats for each song, the trio is a perfect fit. After several listens, you'll find yourself coming back for more.

Sample "Ordinary Riches" on iTunes to get a taste, if anything, and if they seem remotely interesting, buy the album. It's one of the best albums I've purchased in a long time!

http://www.companyofthieves.net

May 04 2009 at 4:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Erika

Great photos! As always, you rock so hard sometimes it hurts (a very good hurt). :)

Wish I could see you in Denver later this week!

May 04 2009 at 2:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Erika

The pictures look fantastic! As always, you rock so hard it hurts sometimes (a very good hurt). :)

Wish I could see you in Denver later this week!

May 04 2009 at 2:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply