The boys of Fever Marlene have been lurking on the fringe of the national spotlight since the release of their 2007 album *Civil War*. However, the two-piece rock/electropop outfit has sustained a noteworthy dedication to not only the Milwaukee music scene, but also the overarching creative engine of the city.

After recording their 2008 follow-up album *White China* in New York’s famed Chelsea Hotel, band members Scott Starr (guitar, vocals) and Kevin Dunphy (drums, vocals) have set up shop in Bay View to begin work on their third studio album, and to light a fire under the ass of the city’s creative community. Let me explain:

The group records under Starr’s own label, Rev Pop Inc. Rev Pop is an interesting entity, in that it doubles as a creative firm. Starr, who day trades as a graphic designer, heads up the shop and they design and produce creative media (websites, photography, film/video, posters, t-shirts, etc) not only for Fever Marlene, but also for a range of clients.

Now, there is a kicker that ties all of this together: On Oct. 16, Starr will open the doors to Dirty Earth; a store to display and offer up all of these creative goodies. Located at 2534 on the Kinnickinnic strip, Dirty Earth will be filled with limited-edition photography, screen-print posters, locally designed apparel and accessories for both men and women, and local music, all produced and/or hand-picked by Starr and the Rev Pop crew.

Rev Pop is also working with various local artists on a series of 3 song LPs, which will be available at Dirty Earth.

“We want to collaborate with different groups and get them to try new things,” says Starr, “we want to take a band like The Wildbirds, and put a drum machine behind them.” The creative mojo is certainly in the air, and with any luck it will be contagious.

There will be a grand opening party at Dirty Earth on Friday night. It will be open to the public, and there will be wine. Also, be sure to catch the Fever’s live show on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Mad Planet, with The Constellations and The Figureheads.