History
CAU began as an effort to support original music in Chicago. At the time, Myspace.com was just taking off and Facebook.com was just a gleam in the Internet's eye. CAU offered an online home for singer-songwriters to share their music when such opportunities were
not the norm.
Eager to create more opportunities for musicians and utilize “new” technology like podcasts, Michael Teach founded CAU along with Jacob Covington and Michael Narvaez.
CAU podcasts were created with a radio-show format, providing close-up interviews with singer-songwriters and their music. A "podcast" is similar to a radio "broadcast", except the podcast is available online and can be listened to on any Mp3 player or iPod.
Each episode is recorded live at the CAU studio in Chicago. The studio puts musicians at ease with windows overlooking Armitage Avenue. Inside, it’s decorated with house plants, music memorabilia and a wide collection of guitars and hand percussion- not
to mention a bright yellow, mint-condition drum set.
Musicians from Chicago nation-wide have made the trip to be captured on CAU's podcasts. Touching more folks than just Chicagoans, CAU photos and podcasts reach music fans in over 33 countries.
Teach, a natural entrepreneur, was part of his first audio-related company at age 14, as he and a close friend became fascinated by a kit for building a stereo amplifier. The hard-working pair became locally famous for their skills in building and installing custom home-stereo set-ups in their Chicago suburb.
It’s also handy that Teach is also a live sound engineer, musician, and a songwriter. Formerly, he worked in the non-for-profit healthcare industry and as a bartender (no doubt where he honed his awesome martini mixing) and holds ten years of experience as an event manager.
As a key member of the operating team of an 800-seat live music venue in Vail, Colorado, he worked closely with such national acts as Harry Chapin, Hank Williams, Jr., and Ritchie Havens.
Teach’s love of putting on great events, experience with music and audio, and his unceasing commitment to the original music scene in Chicago keep CAU ticking.
Looking forward, CAU's offerings will continue to grow, including streaming video online and live music showcases in Chicago and beyond. Stay tuned!
