A few Chicago music news bites

• Daytrotter has a brand new session up with locally-based quartet California Wives. If you like what you hear, check out their synth-infused, new wavey indie rock tonight, January 12th, at Lincoln Hall as part of Tomorrow Never Knows '11

• Did you know that Windy City bar/music spot Darkroom is about to turn eight? It's true, and they've got an anniversary party planned to celebrate. This Friday, January 14th, head over starting at 9 p.m. for performances by The Jordan Years and Diplomats of Sound. DJs LA*Jesus and East of Eden Express will also be on hand. Free before 11 p.m., $8 after

• Giantsystem.tv has been dishing out some truly rad live music videos from top-notch Chicago bands to start off the new year. Click here to check out last week’s video of In Tall Buildings and here to watch this week’s installment featuring Netherfriends

• Loud Loop Press talked with local indie electronic duo Houses about their music, future plans and spending time in Hawaii (which I must say sounds pretty damn nice right now...yes, fellow Chicagoans?). Read the Q&A here

• Chicago's Scattered Trees are prepping the release of full-length album Sympathy on April 5, and in the meantime are offering a track titled "A Conversation About Death on New Year's Eve" for free download. For more info and another mp3, check out our recent Q&A with frontman Nate Eiesland. You can catch the band live January 21st at Schubas