Blowin' up in '09

Hey Champ

Who: Chicago-area pop trio Hey Champ has been kicking around the Midwest for the last few years but finally has a bit of steam and blog love behind them. The group recently signed with Lupe Fiasco’s 1st and 15th label and opened for Justice on New Year’s Eve.

What: Singer Saam Hagshenas has the perfect voice for the band’s simple, pure pop songs, which range from straightforward mainstream radio material to, recently, more energetic and danceable rave-ups. Hey Champ boil down guitars and keyboards to their basics, and then let them tag team until your toes or ass (or both) give in.

Most likely to blow up: “Cold Dust Girl,” a shimmering, synth-heavy track that’s like a mix of Chicago dance machines Walter Meego and pop purists the Changes.—MP