The Success of Made In Aurora

Local music scenes don’t emerge out of thin air. Like any movement, they require much effort, and the loyal dedication of everyone involved.

The record store Kiss the Sky in Geneva has been at the center of the music scene in the west suburbs of Chicago for years. Owner Steve Warrenfeltz has supported local musicians for a long time by helping organize various local shows, and selling their albums without taking a cut on the sale.

Recently Warrenfeltz came up with an outside the box idea that will help keep his store at the forefront of the music scene. While talking with some local musicians in his store, they came up with the idea to make a collaborative record, to showcase the local music scene.

That idea became a reality on Record Store Day, April 16, when Made In Aurora hit the shelves in his store. The album features various local artists singing their original material.

It’s an excellent showcase for the local artists, and should help to propel interest in their music. (I have to lay down a disclaimer here. I am a part of the volunteer marketing team for this project. I believe in what it’s doing, and the music really is good. Really good.)

Many of these artists have their own original albums, they’ve written, recorded and promoted. Many are veterans of the local scene, having played shows for years. They fight their fight. Made In Aurora's success should come through increased press and notoriety because of the collaborative effort. The album has already sold through more than half the initial run of 500.

If the music wasn’t enough, the proceeds from the album are going to the Paul Ruby Foundation, to help fight Parkinson’s. The album is something that all the musicians on it should be proud of for years to come. It’s not just a great local album. It’s a great album—one that hopefully generates interest in the local music scene for years to come.

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