EMELINE

With 1 billion global streams, EMELINE has quickly emerged as one of pop’s most provocative and powerful new voices. Known for her spellbinding vocals and fearless, feminist perspective, she first turned heads performing at the Women’s March—and hasn’t stopped since. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and storyteller with roots in theater, EMELINE writes, produces, and directs every aspect of her artistic universe—from her razor-sharp songs and cinematic music videos to her high-impact social media presence.

Her sound blends the glamour and drama of ABBA, Queen, and Madonna with raw, modern-day honesty, creating a pop experience that’s as defiant as it is infectious. With sold-out shows built around female empowerment and a growing legion of fans who find freedom in her message, EMELINE isn’t just making music—she’s starting a movement.

Her highly anticipated debut EP, the devil on my bra strap, released early May 2025 and was intensely supported across DSP editorial playlists, cosigned by Elton John on Rocket Hour on Apple Music, and landed her upcoming support as a featured artist for YouTube Music PRIDE. Her debut album is following quickly thereafter, set to release early 2026. 

ACT CASUAL

Act Casual, a dynamic fusion band hailing from Detroit, has garnered attention for their electrifying performances, haunting harmonies, and innovative improvisational style. Merging elements of blues, funk, extended instrumentals, and catchy pop melodies, the band has become a vibrant force within the Midwest music scene. Their rise from intimate basement jam sessions to sold-out performances at renowned venues such as Detroit’s Magic Stick, Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig, and Columbus’s Woodlands Tavern reflects their growing popularity and dedicated fanbase.

In addition to their local engagements, Act Casual has made significant strides in the festival circuit, performing at prominent events such as Summer Camp Music Festival, Hookahville, Weekend at the Cave, Solshine Reverie, Summer’s End Smokeout, Ann Arbor Hash Bash, and Arts Beats & Eats. The band was invited to perform at a Bernie Sanders campaign rally and has also opened for notable national acts including Bootsy Collins, Wishbone Ash, Larry McCray, Laith al-Saadi, Brendan Bayliss and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey’s McGee, The New Mastersounds, Ekoostik Hookah, Spafford, Dopapod, Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Moon Hooch, Muruga Booker and Gabe Gonzalez of Parliament Funkadelic, The Werks, Mihali, Magic Beans, Dixon’s Violin, and The Nth Power.

Act Casual’s palpable stage presence and energetic performances have attracted media attention, leading to features in publications such as Rolling Stone, Detroit Metro Times, Music Connection Magazine, Local Spins, and The Stratton Setlist. Their latest album “Livin’ a Lie”, which has surpassed 50,000 streams on Spotify and received airplay on 101 WRIF and 101.9 WDET, has solidified their status in the independent music scene. Act Casual recently completed their 35+ date summer tour and a recording session at Third Coast Recording Co., looking ahead the band plans on releasing new music at the end of 2025.

KILLER HEARTS

Killer Hearts are a blood-soaked, leather clad, electrifying rock and roll band based out of Houston, Texas. Formed in 2015, led by brothers Brandon Barger on guitar and Jerrie Boy Barger on vocals, Killer Hearts have been spreading their Southern Sleaze all over the US for the better part of the last decade. NEW ALBUM “Unchained & Bloodstained” coming out on 10/24/25 on Screaming Crow Records!

GLYPH

Intergalactic Power Metal. Always anti-dragon.

Glyph is: Barbara Blackthorne – Lead Vocals Jeff Black – Keyboards Rob Steinway – Guitars Darin Wall – Bass Jeff Potts – Lead Guitars Damien Rainaud – Drums

SAM RUSSO

UK based singer-songwriter and punk rock troubadour. Long defined by his singular voice and quietly defiant songwriting, Russo continues to chart his own course, never chasing trends, always reaching for something honest. Whether performing solo or with his band, he remains a uniquely vital presence in modern punk-inspired songwriting: not chasing discovery, just steadily becoming unmissable.

BURSTING

Ben, Tyler, Kayhan, and Korty.
From Chicago.

SPEAKEASY

Blood Monolith

BLOOD MONOLITH

Shelby Lermo – Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Wall – Guitar
Nolan – Bass
Nadia Tydings-Lynch – Drums

WRAITH KNIGHT

Epic & Cinematic Dungeon/Medieval Music.

ROME

Formed in 2005 by Jerome Reuter, ROME has since released over 20 studio albums and numerous other official releases. ROME’s musical and lyrical world is genuinely unique, blending traditional songwriting craftsmanship, challenging arrangements and fine poetry into one monstrous and intimate musical output that combines chanson, apocalyptic folk, martial industrial, and cold wave

THE HOUSE FLIES

The House Flies, a gothic/post-punk band based in Moline, IL Our sound blends atmospheric gothic textures with driving post-punk energy.

Die Krupps

DIE KRUPPS

For 45 years, Die Krupps has been synonymous with innovation, energy, and an uncompromising attitude. What Jürgen Engler and Ralf Dörper have created is more than just music – it’s a movement, a soundtrack for rebellion and change that has blurred the lines between EBM, industrial, and metal, leaving a lasting mark on the international music landscape.
 
In 2025, Die Krupps will celebrate this extraordinary anniversary with a new chapter: the highly anticipated release of their new album in the second half of the year. Capturing the essence of the band, this album masterfully combines their strengths. Pounding industrial beats meet dark, atmospheric melodies; anthemic choruses fuse with uncompromising lyrics. Die Krupps remain true to their DNA while reinventing themselves once again. It promises to be an album that will captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike – a statement proving that, after 45 years, this band still burns with passion.
 
Jürgen Engler, the driving creative force and tireless soul of the band – founder, musical visionary, composer, and multi-instrumentalist – along with Ralf Dörper, the visionary lyricist and sound architect, are more than ready to write the next chapter in Die Krupps’ history. Together with extraordinary drummer Paul Keller and new addition, guitarist Dylan Smith, they make one thing clear: the industrial revolution is far from over.
 
A special addition to the band, Dylan Smith, known for his time with the legendary The Sisters of Mercy, now strengthens Die Krupps with his unique stage presence and musical experience. Smith brings fresh energy and a distinctive dynamic to the group, elevating the band’s already powerful sound to a new level. His contributions add an extra dimension to the upcoming album – dark, powerful, and electrifying.
 
The upcoming anniversary tour and new album are an invitation to fans to witness the band’s evolution live – a journey through the past, present, and future of one of the most influential bands in the international music scene. Die Krupps are not just part of history – they’re still writing it. 2025 will be loud, intense, and unforgettable.

Ad Infinitum

AD INFINITUM

Ad Infinitum stands as a formidable force in the modern metal scene, with a sound that melds haunting melodies, crushing riffs, and dynamic storytelling. Formed in 2018 by the charismatic and versatile frontwoman Melissa Bonny, the band has rapidly risen through the ranks, carving out a distinct niche with their intense and evocative music. Ad Infinitum’s 2020 debut, “Chapter I: Monarchy,” announced their arrival with a thunderous roar, setting the stage for what would be an unstoppable ascent. This record was shortly followed by “Chapter II – Legacy” in 2021 and “Chapter III – Downfall” in 2023.

With their 4th album “Abyss”, the band further refined their identity, delivering an even more aggressive and sonically complex record that pushes the boundaries of modern metal. The powerful lineup— with Melissa Bonny’s limitless and versatile vocals, Adrian Thessenvitz’s intricate and masterly guitar work, Korbinian Benedict’s driving and powerful bass, and Niklas Müller’s thunderous and incisive drumming—creates a soundscape that is both grand and intimate, capturing the full spectrum of human emotion and experience.

Ad Infinitum continues to blaze their path with unrelenting passion and innovation, drawing fans deeper into their mesmerizing, immersive world with every release. As rising stars of the new wave of modern metal, they remain committed to exploring new territories and shattering expectations with each powerful performance.

Tulip

TULIP

apocalyptic musical theater from texas

KOIN FLIP CO

Koin Flip Co. is a Chicago emo/punk power trio making loud music for louder feelings. Austin Williams on bass/vocals, Isaiah Quino on guitar/vocals, and Chris Felo on drums/vocals, they deliver punchy riffs, emotional chaos, and just enough melody to make you yell in the car. It’s fast, it’s cathartic, and it probably costs more in strings than it brings in at the door.

Bad luck? Blame the coin

JAVELIN

We are a noise rock/grunge band

SUNDAZED

Formed with three of the original members from Hitsleep. Sundazed is a reggae/rock band formed in the south Chicago suburbs that brings you melodic west coast beach vibes from the shores of Lake Michigan. In 2022, they wrote their first song titled ‘Feelin Good’, starting them on the journey to creating the band’s debut EP. The record will take you on a ride with energetic ska and reggae influenced jams to catchy sing-alongs, you’ll be hooked after the first listen. The band first hit the stage at Bottom Lounge in Chicago, opening up for Easy Star All-Stars with a fresh take into the reggae scene. Sundazed accents mesmerizing and uplifting sounds that have a unique take on alternative rock music.

TONY “CHICAGO” RUSSELL

Tony Chicago Russell is an Emmy Award-winning musical director and bassist celebrated for his extraordinary ear, technical mastery, and ability to bring some of music’s most iconic performances to life. His talent ultimately propelled him into collaborations with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Usher, Jay-Z, Jamie Foxx, and Kendrick Lamar, with whom he has worked extensively since 2013.

JASON ISAAC

Jason Isaac is a Chicago based comedian from the Southside.

He started in August last year and has performed at Second City, Lincoln Lodge, winner of The Gauntlet this year in September and produces a show “Choppin It Up Comedy ” a pop up comedy show in Barbershops across the city.

DAN GARCIA

Dan Garcia is a stand up comedian, producer, and filmmaker born and raised in Chicago. He hopes to one day have a Netflix special labeled “irreverent” even though he’s not entirely sure what that means.

Credits: Laugh Factory, Zanies, Burbank Comedy Festival Best of Fest, Tower City Comedy Festival, Madison Comedy Week.

Evening underground

EVENING UNDERGROUND

Rock bangers with a Southern Flair. The best hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today! 🤘

JOHN INGHRAM BAND

John Inghram, an accomplished bassist, songwriter, and producer, has left an undeniable musical imprint on his native Appalachia and beyond. Renowned for his virtuosity on the bass, Inghram’s career has been punctuated by dynamic collaborations with a wide range of musical luminaries. From jazz with legends like mentor Bob Thompson, Larry Coryell, or Jane Monheit to country, rock, and jam artists such as Tim O’Brien, Sierra Ferrell, Fletcher’s Grove and Vince Herman, Inghram’s bass lines have been the backbone of many unforgettable performances.

As a songwriter, Inghram has woven genre-bending tales that resonate with emotion and depth. His writing prowess extends beyond basslines, showcasing a unique ability to craft sonic landscapes that linger in the hearts and ears of listeners. In the studio, Inghram is a skilled producer and brings a keen ear and creative vision to the forefront of any project he is working on.

Inghram’s multifaceted musical journey stands as a testament to his unwavering passion for the craft, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends genres and captivates audiences.

COUPLE 2 TRIO

Three members of the highly praised Chicago Latin Funk band ESSO join forces to present a mix of acoustic & electronic sounds coming from drums, bass, & sax; Couple2Trio has a firm foundation in the funk, a headspace facing towards jazz’z outer space, & you know we got love for these streets. If that sounds good to you, come give a listen to our particular brand of sonic brew.

LUSCIA JANE

Luscia Jane is a 6-piece Forest Funk band from Chicago with a unique style that blends soul, psychedelic rock, jazz, world, folk, and funk, embodies inspiration from nature, and holds environmental activism via spiritual connection at the helm of its message.

DOUG SHORTS W/ MASTER PLAN INC

Born Frederick Douglas Shorts and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Doug grew up surrounded by music. He came from a deeply musical family and was inspired early on by his six uncles, all excellent singers. Although they wouldn’t let young Doug sing with them, their rejection lit a fire in him that would never go out.

Doug was a member of several vocal groups, starting with The Mannequins, his high school group. Right out of high school, he joined Dakar Records’ recording group The Visitors. After a short tour, he left to form his own unit. While studying at the Jerry Butler Songwriters Workshop, Doug was mentored by legendary producer Calvin Carter.

In 1974, Doug and a group of friends formed Master Plan Inc., a self-contained funk band. They recorded for Brunswick Records, and their tune “Something to Be Done” became an underground soul classic. Master Plan Inc. toured the Midwest and Canada throughout the ’70s and ’80s before disbanding.

In 2012, Doug Shorts returned as a solo artist, releasing music on Cherries Records, Daptone Records, and his own label, Yawl’s Music Productions. His single “Get With the Program” opened many new doors and gained him fans around the world.

As a result of this renewed success, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year, with new releases coming via Love Touch Records (Toronto), Funk Night Records (Detroit), and Yawl’s Music Productions (Chicago).

Doug also has an ongoing collaboration with Chicago underground rapper Robust. Together, they’ve created several genre-blending tracks. Their single “Life Ain’t Eazy” was released in April 2025 on the Yawl’s label.

SUMMERBRUISE

Summerbruise was founded in 1969 by Paul Rangus in Indianapolis, Indiana. Paul built his business on the premise, “Quality is our Recipe®,” which remains the guidepost of the Summerbruise system. Summerbruise is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads with hand-chopped lettuce, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Summerbruise Company (NASDAQ: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Today, Summerbruise and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 6,600 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world’s most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at summerbruise69@gmail.com or on Twitter and Instagram using @summerbruise69, and on Facebook www.facebook.com/summerbruise69.

LEISURE HOUR

midwest emo/ pop punk from muncie, indiana

all for you, till we’re through

FACHOSO

Desde la tierra de la torta ahogada con ustedes FACHOSO

Nothing But Silence

NOTHING BUT SILENCE

Nothing But Silence is an indie dark-wave/post-punk/dreampop based in Chicago. Sounds influenced from 80s dark-wave to modern day dream-pop. The unique sounds coming from Pilsen, Chicago described as “Vibes & Stuff”.

CARLY COSGROVE

Rising from the fiercely DIY Philadelphia underground, CARLY COSGROVE graft achingly vulnerable lyrics atop a bed of mathy rhythms, intricate guitar work and a penchant for indie-rock cool meets emo authenticity. Their debut album, 2022’s See You In Chemistry, was the sound of figuring life out in real time, tracing personal growth through anxiety, depression, and self-actualization – heavy subjects for a band originally formed as a low-stress side-project stopgap in 2018. “Every record feels like me answering the question, ‘How are you doing?’” says singer/guitarist Lucas Naylor. “I don’t know much, but I know myself better than basically anything else.”

That quest for the answers to life’s big questions is once again front and center on the band’s second album, THE CLEANEST OF HOUSES ARE EMPTY, as Naylor, bassist Helen Barsz, and drummer Tyler Kramer find themselves face to face with the chronic emotional struggles of life in the modern age. From the stop-start polyrhythms of first single “You Old Dog” and garage-rock sheen of “Random Dancing” and “What Are You, A Cop,” which sounds like Motion City Soundtrack filtering “Everlong” through their idiosyncratic rock tilt, The Cleanest Of Houses is the type of record Carly Cosgrove simply couldn’t have made last time – not musically, and certainly not emotionally. They needed to live, through hard touring and harder life experiences.

ENDY B

Poet📓 Screenwriter 📝 Rapper 🎤

Im Not A Rapper, I Just Like To Write ✍🏽

MYEKEHL

mikey from da midwest.

T STAR VERSE

T Star Verse is a rapper and entertainer from the south and west sides of Chicago, she began her music career at 12 years old and has been able to get people to have fun, feel like a boss b***h, and speak their truth. Being that T Star Verse is a female rapper from Chicago, a lot of people expect her sound to be either drill or hypersexual, but she is big on expressing her authenticity and experiences through her story-telling and array of flows. Her sound is versatile filled with high energy and some vibey moments. Welcome to the T Star Verse!

RECOECHI

Recoechi was born and raised on the south-east side of Chicago. He grew up during the Chief Keef era of Chicago Hip Hop. When he discovered other artists like Tupac Shakur, Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole it unlocked another dimension for him and inspired him to use music as a way to describe and change his environment and those around him. Recoe is heavily involved in community organizing – working with Healthy Hood Chi and his own EastSide Collection , which was co-founded by the producer C-Sick.

Musically, Recoe’s name has been bubbling in the Chicago music scene since late 2023 when he linked up with producers such as C-Sick, Renzell, and Thelonious Martin, as well as caught the eye of Sway Calloway and local outlets like Illanoize Radio and The Chicago Reader.

MARTI X

Marti X is a visionary hip-hop artist whose music weaves soulful melodies with unapologetic storytelling. Raised in Chicago, Marti’s artistry reflects the heartbeat of his community and a deep connection to his roots. His lyrics often champion Black identity, resilience, and unity, delivering a bold and authentic sound that uplifts and inspires.

Influenced by legends like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Kanye West, Marti’s work blends introspection with sharp social commentary. From the revolutionary themes of Conscious Spirit Thug to the creative versatility of Ditties Vol. 1, his discography reflects his evolution as an artist and his commitment to elevating the culture. With his forthcoming project, The Breakup Pack, Marti explores love, heartbreak, and healing with the same fearless honesty that defines his craft.

Marti X’s music is a celebration of Black excellence and individuality, offering listeners a journey that is as empowering as it is entertaining.

PRINCE DRIVE

Prince Drive’s music is a heartfelt, eccentric, fun approach to lyricism. The vision is to keep hiphop alive but never confine to one genre as an artist. The music he makes reflects the issues of life and worldly issues viewed through personal own experiences and perception. As for some who like to run away from their individuality, he runs, towards it.

Luminator

LUMINATOR

Luminator is a fantasy power metal band based out of Seattle/Tacoma WA.

Blind Oath

BLIND OATH

Wretched Warriors and Devout Defenders of the TrÜest of Faiths.
Tulsa, OK USA

Fires In The Distance

FIRES IN THE DISTANCE

Melodic Death Metal from CT, USA

Wanted

WANTED

Formed in the summer of 2021, WANTED is a band with the distinct goal of resurrecting traditional loud, and melodic styles of heavy metal that ruled the airwaves in the mid to late 1980s. The band’s main influences consist of Dokken, Ratt, and Van Halen. WANTED was put together in the VERY small town of Leonard, MI (a mile east of Oxford, MI).

Initially consisting of Jon Rochefski (Vocals), Jameson Clark (Drums), Alan Mares (Lead Guitar), Christian Shonts (2nd Guitar) and Nathan Reschak (Bass guitar), the band played local restaurants and organized backyard parties throughout late 2021. After a few months of doing so, the band went to the studio to record their single “Let Me”, released in February of 2022

Paul Slezak was picked to take on the spot as bassist in March of 2022

Nate Peck was recruited as lead vocals in May of 2022 in order to better fit the sound the band was aiming for. After some cool success with American Idol, Nate had to leave and work on a different project in Nashville , granting Sterling Primeau the spot as lead vocals

The band put out their album “Cutting Edge” on June 27th, 2025, and it has been their most recent effort since.

(Current Lineup) Lead Vocals – Sterling Primeau Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals- Alan Mares Rhythm Guitar – Christian Shonts Bass Guitar – Paul Slezak Drums – Chris Rajt

Trouble

TROUBLE

Trouble is an American metal band noted as one of the pioneers of their genre. The band created a distinct style taking influences of the British heavy metal bands Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, and psychedelic rock of the 1970s. A critically acclaimed group, their first two albums, Psalm 9 and The Skull are cited as landmarks of doom metal. To date, Trouble has released nine studio albums including their latest release,”The Distortion Field” (July 2013 on FRW Music) featuring new singer Kyle Thomas. “The Distortion Field” was listed in CMJ’s Top 50 Rock Albums of the Year and came in at #125 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums Chart, and #25 on the Top New Artist Albums Chart (Heatseekers).

Rhapsody Of Fire

RHAPSODY OF FIRE

For more than thirty years, fans of symphonic melodic metal act Rhapsody Of Fire have been able to rely on one thing: there’s nothing half-hearted about this band. Rhapsody Of Fire mastermind and founder Alex Staropoli looks back at an impressive record of 14 studio albums, three EPs and two live recordings to date, all marked by lots of heart and soul, passion and a virtually inexhaustible wealth of ideas. Since 1993, the Italian keyboardist has been hailed as the creator of the film score metal genre and his band as one of the most charismatic acts worldwide. In addition, Staropoli has enlisted a highly creative first-rate guitarist in Roby De Micheli, who joined the fold in 2011, contributing lots of gritty metal riffs and virtuoso solos to contrast the band’s symphonic orchestral style. Their latest studio album ‘Challenge The Wind’ is marked by Staropoli and De Micheli’s zest and energy, but also by a number of surprises. The most obvious one: “Compared to all previous Rhapsody Of Fire releases, the current album consists exclusively of up-tempo numbers, not a single ballad in sight,” reveals the composer and keyboardist. “None of our other records have featured as much pure, unadulterated metal as ‘Challenge The Wind’!”

Uncle Sexy and the Nephews

UNCLE SEXY AND FRIENDS

Featuring members of : Pat Egan and the Heavy Hearts, Harlem Natural, Rocks off, Tongues Unknown, The Magpies, The Deadbolts and more!

The Treetops

THE TREETOPS

We play music and also our skin feels weird on our bodies | Chicago

HENRY HOLDEN

Henry Holden is an indie-folk singer-songwriter originally from San Francisco and now based in Chicago. He began writing music in college and released his first EP in 2019, followed by his debut full-length album in 2021. Henry first gained traction on TikTok and Instagram by posting performance videos, which helped him build an early audience.

He started recording music in his apartment, and every song on Spotify is fully self-recorded and self-produced. His first album, Playing House, marked a turning point, and his second album, Runaway Child, followed in 2023. He is currently working on his third album, with plans to release it in 2026.

Influenced by Bon Iver, John Mayer, Noah Kahan, Jim Croce, and James Taylor, Henry’s style blends modern indie-folk with classic songwriter roots. As a member of the SoFar Sounds Chicago artist community, he regularly performs at venues across the city, bringing a reflective, heartfelt presence to every stage.

BLUFF CITY

Bluff City an R&B group that consists of 3 humble down south young men. Frank, Trevante, & Keem. Using their vocal versatility in their songs sets them a part and puts them in their own lane currently. R&B groups have been underrated for sometime now but these fellas have the formulas and the substance to bring it back full force! Check Bluff City out now on all social media outlets at @itsbluffcity

KIDD KENN

Kidd Kenn is finally growing up. The Chicago rapper, named in homage to his idol Nicki Minaj (you know, like Barbie’s boyfriend), broke out when he was just a high school freshman with gleefully gay twists on street hits from his hometown, most virally FBG Duck’s “Slide.” He built on the hype with a string of projects—Childish, Child’s Play, and Problem Child—that lean into the image of a precocious rascal flinging spitballs and texting your boyfriend from the back of the bus. But now, after years of nurturing his rep as a problem child, Kenn realized something about himself. “I’m old as fuck,” the 19-year-old says with a laugh. Kenn’s new EP on 4th and Broadway/Def Jam Recordings, Grown, fashions a new mold. He’s rapping with the wisdom and self-understanding of an adult

YDOTGDOT

OutwestFreak & SouthsideFreak & EastsideFreak

Inspired by rap icons; such as T.I./Tupac /Young Jeezy and Jay Z. YdotGdot learned by the age of 15, how to rap like the best and entertain like the greats.

SHERRIONN

ᑕᕼIᑕᗩGOᔕ ᖇᑎᗷ ᗷᒪᑌE ᑭᖇIᑎT🧸
Singer | Songwriter | Entertainer

Lil M.U.

Lil M.U. is a rising female rap artist from the heart of Chicago’s South Side—Englewood—bringing raw energy, authenticity, and culture to the mic. Having officially launched her rap career in October 2024, Lil M.U. is already carving out a lane that’s all her own. Her sound is a vibrant fusion of her roots, rhythm, and resilience. With a deep background in dance and DJing, Lil M.U. doesn’t just make music—she creates a full-bodied experience that hits hard in the streets and on the stage. Her lyrics reflect the real stories of her community, blending sharp flows with beats that celebrate her heritage and hometown hustle. Whether she’s spitting bars or spinning tracks, Lil M.U. stands for movement—of bodies, of minds, and of culture. She’s not just repping the South Side—she’s redefining it.

AREN’T WE AMPHIBIANS

Aren’t We Amphibians make chaotic and cathartic anthems for anyone who finds beauty in the world despite all the reasons not to. On their debut full-length, Parade! Parade!, the San Diego-based trio transform the emo playbook into something weirdly joyful and instantly memorable. The act of “parading,” in the band’s context, is the opposite of wallowing; taking all of your past experiences, good or bad, and using them as a means to appreciate the fact you made it this far at all.

Formed by lifelong friends Joshua Talbot (he/him; vocalist and guitarist), Brandon Cunningham (he/him; drummer) and his brother Tyler Cunningham (he/him, bassist), Aren’t We Amphibians–AWA–is a true testament to growing up with your band, not just bouncing from one to the other. Every awkward phase of life has led to the creation of Parade! Parade!, and they’ve experienced it all together. This album marks both their mission statement and a map to their future; a commitment to continue finding light amidst the wreckage of life.

FOOTBALLHEAD

Footballhead is a Chicago-based alternative rock band headed by Ryan Nolen. At its heart, the band is a vessel to toil forward through internal and external insecurity. It also serves the unrelenting spirit of new-millennium Midwestern youth, with MTV and skatepark dreams in the core of their memories. By blending pop structures with alt and emo sounds, Footballhead channels the frantic, dramatic, and anthemic to map the pressure points of existence. It’s outcast music, revitalized in search of a modern, blissful awakening. 

Nolen was a skate kid from the western Chicago suburbs; the one who only kicked it with older neighborhood kids. The punkish attitude of late-90s and early-aughts alt-rock galvanized Nolen, from the infectiously fun music down to the fashion. A teenage relocation to Palm Springs, CA coincided with Nolen inundating himself with all the music he could: Warped Tour, 411 videos, Limewire and the like. The Footballhead ethos comes from this comfort zone of pop impulses and raucous energy, carried by a DIY spirit that grants Nolen the autonomy to facilitate honesty and reflection. 

Joined by Snow Ellet, Adam Siska, Liam Burns, and Robby Kuntz, Footballhead crafts supercharged rock songs like brief, open secrets. However weathered one is from their struggles and mistakes, this music offers unbridled fun as a reprieve, and salves for the shaken. These are your old friends inviting you in to commiserate, elevate, and believe.

RILEY!

the motherfucking band.