JAM MECHANICS
A bi-weekly songwriting podcast from Bug Hunter and The Narcissist Cookbook
J REMY
AMYNA LOVE
Singer/Songwriter/Artist
BABA FATS
Baba Fats is a 7-piece band based out of the Chequamegon Bay in northern Wisconsin. Previously described as “the furthest thing from classic rock in the North Woods”, their music blends styles from Afro-beat to contemporary jazz. The sound could best be described as instrumental, groove music with some room to stretch out. It’s the band’s goal to consistently put on a fun, great sounding live show that is engaging to audiences and artistically honest.
Baba Fats began to take form somewhere around the year 2019. Several members had worked together in other groups prior – notably Paul’s Bunyan, The Rags and the Northland College Big Band. From time to time they will appear as a slimmed down iteration of the band dubbed “Baba Lite”.
RENE BENTON
There aren’t many guitarists who possess the versatility as Rene Benton. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, his musical influences ranges from progressive rockers Kansas to the sophisticated funk of the Cameo.
MANUEL
From coast to coast, from calm to chaos, the diverse and dynamic career of Manuel Urgiles shines brightly through MANUEL, one of Maine’s most promising contemporary instrumentalists. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA with Peruvian roots, Manuel’s journey is as rich and varied as his heritage. As a father of two, he carries a mantle of pride, duty, and joy—responsibilities that have both challenged and championed him as a man and musician.
MANUEL’s music is a powerful blend of percussive passion, groove, and blistering shred, encapsulating the essence of Progressive Latin Metal. He proves that ‘soul’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘singer,’ with his lyrical guitar lines and lightning-fast fingers conveying deep meaning and melodrama, leaving nothing unsaid in his instrumental storytelling.
His 2023 EP, Underneath, mixed and mastered by the esteemed Stacy Parrish (known for his work with Robert Plant, Brandy Carlile, and Elvis Costello), marks a significant milestone early in what promises to be a long and vibrant career. Stacy Parrish, a renowned recording engineer, music producer, musician, and songwriter with six Grammy awards, described Manuel’s EP as a true musical revelation. “Manuel’s EP is a true musical revelation, defying conventions and pushing boundaries with its genre-defying fusion of heavy metal, Latin rhythms, and surf elements. His guitar prowess is nothing short of awe-inspiring, delivering a sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression.”
Following the release of Underneath, Manuel has continued to impress with two powerful singles, “Pandemonium Sunset” and “Fuerza,” both ferocious tracks that take listeners on an epic journey.
MATT MILLER
Matt Miller started his project with one goal in mind.
Incorporating elements of death metal, classical music, black metal, and progressive metal creates an amalgamation that excites the imagination while crushing and elevating the listener. Engaging as it is menacing this alloy is dynamic and captivating.
STILL MACHINE
Chicago post-punk
YES MA’AM
Born from the swamps and overpasses of the American South, Yes Ma’am merges Depression Era blues, jazz and bluegrass with instrumental virtuosity and the raw, emotional storytelling of early punk rock. Matt’s soulful voice and authentic stage presence have made him a muse for the traveling community and solidified his legendary status as street-corner royalty. His sound has shaped a generation of musicians, whether he’s performing solo or with a rotating ensemble of folk punk’s finest.
MARTIAL FIELDS
GRAVE GNAW
illinoise
MEAN GREEN
Mean Green, who consist of Jake Helms (vocals, guitar), Alex Weirback (bass), and James Matthews (drums). They embrace the core of Metal music and creates a strong, passionate, and unapologetic sound. A sense of gloom and misery permeates their music, which is frequently distinguished by sluggish, crushing riffs, thudding drumming, and eerie voices.
APE VERMIN
Progressive sludge metal. For fans of, High on fire, Crowbar, Mastodon, Sepultura & Conan
REGAN KELLY
Regan is a Chicago based comedian and a co-producer of South Loop standup. Every Monday night at Reggies!
SAMIR ABDUL
Samir Abdul is a Chicago-based stand-up comedian and producer originally from Darfur, Sudan.
A survivor of the Darfur genocide, he turns lived experience into sharp, fearless comedy blending personal storytelling, political insight, and cultural contradictions to find humor in truths! He has performed at The Second City, Zanies, Laugh Factory, Don’t Tell Comedy, and The Den Theatre, sharing stages with talents such as AGT’s Learnmore Jonasi and WGN’s Pat Tomasulo.
He’s also the creator and producer of Up’N Coming at The Second City, a fast-growing showcase that has drawn over 1,000 audience members and helped spotlight rising talent in Chicago. Beyond the stage, Samir serves as an Artist-in-Residence at Northwestern University, where he explores how comedy can shape public dialogue.
JIWON
artist from nyc
GRAN MORENO
Gran Moreno emerges as one of the most captivating voices in the new wave of
psychedelic rock. With a sound rooted in analog warmth and expansive textures, the
Austin-based band crafts songs that feel like sonic mirages—equal parts groove, grit,
and atmosphere. Their music lives at the intersection of distortion and introspection,
where hypnotic riffs, heavy rhythms, and emotionally charged melodies build
immersive landscapes that demand to be felt as much as heard.
At the core of Gran Moreno is a deep commitment to storytelling through sound. Their
upcoming album is a conceptual two-part release: Side A: El Sol and Side B: La Luna.
Each side represents a different emotional plane—El Sol radiates urgency, energy, and
clarity, while La Luna leans into shadow, mystery, and reflection. The first release, El Sol, captures the band at full intensity, delivering a vivid, unfiltered introduction to their evolving identity.
On stage, Gran Moreno transforms their sound into a full-body experience. Their live
shows blend sonic power with visual depth, pulling audiences into a shared trance
that feels both personal and communal. As they continue to shape their universe with
bold creativity and a fierce independent spirit, Gran Moreno isn’t just making music—
they’re building a world of their own.
THEKIDSZN
STONE NOMADS
Stone Nomads is an American Metal power trio based in Houston TX. The band, formed by Jon Cosky (Guitar/Vocals) and Jude Sisk (Bass/Vocals) in 2021, incorporates the sounds of early Doom Metal, modern Sludge Metal and all things heavy. Conceptually, the music explores the journey of life and death through the heavier and darker side of things, delivered via sludged-out, powerful riff-based sonics.
WOLFTOOTH
Hailing from the Midwest via Richmond IN comes the “Stoner Metal Riff Worshipers” Wolftooth consisting of a pack of well seasoned musicians (all 20+ yr metal scene veterans) determined to raise the bar of the almighty riff.
BOOGARINS
Brazilian psychedelic rock band Boogarins mark the 10th anniversary of their
acclaimed second album, “Manual, ou Guia Livre de Dissolução dos Sonhos”, with a commemorative live show featuring the record performed in its entirety. Nominated for a Latin Grammy Award and regarded as a defining release of their generation, the album helped establish the band as one of Brazil’s most important contemporary rock acts. Recorded in Gijón, Spain, during a break in their first international tour, the album captured the energy of a band whose songs were forged on the road and shaped by live experimentation. For this anniversary performance, Boogarins revisit the album through the lens of their evolved live sound, bringing back classic arrangements and improvisations that became central to their concerts.
More than a nostalgic celebration, the show aims to create new memories by reconnecting audiences—both longtime followers and new listeners—with the music, stories, and spirit of “Manual.” The Miami Beach Bandshell show will feature special guest Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas, who is also collaborating with Boogarins on a new single set for release early this year.
VIOLENT TESTIMONY
Violent Testimony is a four-piece grind/death/thrash band from the barren wastelands of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The band first formed in early 2014 by Nathan Yanchek (guitar), Dylan Newbury (drums), and Tylor Wade (vocals/guitar). The band initially played thrash metal with some grind flavor. After playing handfuls of shows in Wyoming and Colorado, the band went on hiatus in mid-2015 while its members pursued other projects such as Casket Huffer and Dystopioid. The band later restarted in 2022 with the same members and a more vicious grind sound. With the addition of Than Wilson (Casket Huffer, ex-Truth, ex-Deadspeak) on bass, Violent Testimony has since has brought a devastating combination of grind/death/thrash metal to the Rocky Mountain region. The band has been aggressively writing, recording, and playing one rowdy show after the other, looking to push its sound and following to the next level. The band released its first EP “Devastate” in March 2024. Violent Testimony now follows up with its first full-length album “Aggravate” ripping through 21 crushing tracks in less than 26 minutes and delivering the aggressive rowdy energy Violent Testimony has become known for in their scene. “Aggravate” is now out via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions.
Violent Testimony has had the honor of sharing the stage with epic bands such as DRI, Eyehategod, No/Mas, BRAT, Bonginator, 908, Trigger, Spectral Voice, Groin, Genestealer, and many more.
ATOLL
Formed in 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona, Atoll has spent over a decade crafting their signature blend of death metal. Combining elements of slam, grind, groove, and hints of hardcore, Atoll masterfully balances tasty riffs and brutal intensity.
HOT MESS
rock n roll from Milwaukee
DOUBLE IDENTITY
Pop / Rock from the western suburbs of Chicago.
SECOND SHOT
Second Shot Chicago Pop Punk
STATIC TRIP
Your new favorite midwestern wall of sound
PERSIAN COWBOY
we love cats and having a good time
FRIENDLY FACES
Friendly Faces is a alt folk band outta Chicago, Illinois. All music is written and preformed by Cameron Goulder and Griffin Mang and now with Jakob Morris on bass.
DOUGLAS
wings out now <3
JAMES THE BONELESS
Eclectic weirdo rock played with a missing-bones guitar style, funky bass, thundering drums, sax, & synth!
BREAD ON FORK
Bread on Fork is a 7-piece pop-funk band from Chicago, IL. Inspired by jazz, neo-soul, psych rock, and folk, they write about the experiences of youth in the contemporary age, while looking for whimsy in the unfortunate.
breadonfork@gmail.com for bookings.
Mary James – Vocals Bea Fuadin – Vocals Stephen Ryan – Guitar Samara Waters – Guitar Khalif Alston – Keys Matt McGrath – Bass Will Penne – Drums
RANI BYNUM
Chicago based artist ✨Rani✨ Thank you for listening and supporting🫶🏽
THE HOMICIDOLS
The Homicidols – Chicago Skate Punk
SLUG NUDGER
WOVEN
Chicago shoegaze
FUNERAL PLAIN
noisey chicago slowcore ☭
WIDE ORBIT
Chicago’s Wide Orbit is a Midwest cough drop for the sore soul. With their debut album entitled “Introducing… Wide Orbit” releasing in 2025 on US label, 22TWENTY, their introduction to the scene is a convincing lure that shines from every angle. Recorded in a room too small to even fit the entire band, this homegrown group of college-town friends has utilized practical limits to create magic. Etching out their own sound that’s subtle in its prowess and easy to connect to, the 6 piece band, led by Ryan Tuohy, proves to be as unpretentious as it is youthful. He hones melodies with a unique honesty, but before it all gets too innocent, there’s still a hue of irreverence that shines through. It’s the sound of misfits looking for a musical home, an orbit of their own. Group harmonies, instrumentals, a mid-song hiatus, 1/2 time grooves and piano solos all contribute to their idiosyncratic sound. The core of the album was tracked live, imbuing it with a certain canter and looseness. After years of playing the stylistic chameleon, Tuohy has touched down on a path that feels true to himself. The devoted songwriter has written and produced a DIY American daydream; an album that was written to be played live, to be interacted with, to hit the road.
CREEPY LITTLE THINGS
Dark, heavy and impactful music.
DARK MACHINE NATION
Dark Machine Nation is intense vocal Power Noise/Industrial Hardcore from Dayton, OH; the brainchild of Therion Major.
Inspired by the noise of manufacturing and the sounds of Gabber/Hardcore Techno and Electro-Industrial, Dark Machine Nation aims to become the truest, hardest sound in industrial.
Häxa
Häxa is a dark electronic project with influences from pagan folk, witch house, goth/industrial, and synthwave. Music for space witches, Häxa is a bridge between the technological, mystical and temporal realms.
MEL TEPID & THEM SOUL-SKA FARMERS
Mel began playing ska and soul in 1995 and has been with Mad Butcher records since 1999. His music has been played around the world in countless countries (even before streaming). It appears in film and television. He has done shows in Prague, Budapest, Vienna, London … you get the point.
With the Soul-Ska Farmers their stew combines ska, soul, hillbilly and sometimes it boils over onto the stove top.
WHISKEY BRISKET
We are a ska band from Springfield, Ohio ready to spread our creative angst across the world for all to know and love
INSPECTER 7
American Ska Band from New Brunswick, New Jersey established in 1992
D.M. WESLEY & MIGHTY HANDFUL
Blending the soul of folk, the grit of country, and the fire of classic and southern rock….with a dash of 90’s pop-punk and grunge…..
D.M. Wesley and the Mighty Handful brings high energy performances to every stage they play!
THE MAINLINERS
Raised in Southern California by parents who brought them to DIY punk shows and spun classic punk records in the house, Hollywood, CA-based punk up-and-comers, The Mainliners, are the real thing. And they embrace their roots, taking inspiration from such legendary SoCal bands as TSOL, Descendants, and DI, and drawing comparisons to others in the vanguard, from The Circle Jerks to The Adolescents.
Formed in the crucible of pent-up creative energy that was a quarantine-era art/punk house in Los Angeles, the band hit the ground running – writing songs, playing shows, and switching instruments for a year and a half before the official four man lineup of Cash Mathieu on vocals, Colin Martin on guitar, Adrian Morris on bass, and Jackson Fox on drums was cemented.
Since then, the band has been hard at work developing their musical and visual language across several singles, an EP, an album, and a live album, all released since 2023. They’ve been tearing up stages across the country and getting their name out there playing with bands such as Enjoy, Gvllow, Civic, and Bad Nerves. They also played to a huge crowd as the only punk band on the 2024 edition of Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in their hometown of Los Angeles, proving that The Mainliners’ sound, look, and message connects, not just with punks, but with fans of good music.
PATRIARCHY
WITCH CLUB SATAN
Witch Club Satan is an occult, feminist Black Metal band forged in raw energy and defiance. Composed of Nikoline Spjelkavik (guitar), Victoria Røising (bass), and Johanna Holt Kleive (drums), the trio of witches, channeling their voices alongside the echoes of their ancestors and the persecuted women burned at the stake. Their music is an incantation of spells, transforming each performance into a ritualistic, all-encompassing experience- an assault on the senses through extreme visuals and immersive elements. Musically, they draw from the early, punk roots of Norwegian black metal, yet carve out a sound entirely their own. Together with their audience, Witch Club Satan conjures a relentless, primal force, a sonic mayhem, a feral scream of resistance.
WAXED
Formed by frontman Luc Richards and guitarist Davis Haley, Nashville crossover thrash quintet Waxed is now a full cadre with Will Alley on bass, Noel Richards on guitar, and Ian Sundstrom on drums. Known for the ferocity of their live shows, Waxed concocts a sludgy brew of heavy riffs, cutting leads, and quick turnarounds that make for a truly unique brand of rock n’ roll. Having recently opened up for Jack White and Converge, their newest single “Big Blind” follows the group’s 2022 debut album Give Up and 2023’s Idlewild, a split EP with local heavy hitters Soot.
“‘Big Blind’ is a song about dominating personal shortcomings by whatever means necessary and failing even still,” says Richards. “Wherever you go, there you are. We feel like the song stays true to our sound but also represents our ever evolving approach to songwriting. We write the music that we want to hear and strive to never lock ourselves in a box creatively.”
GLOTAKU
Glotaku is a party series featuring cosplay, live DJs, games, vendors, and more!
4CF
CYBERTRASH
HAVE LOVE, HAVE MERCY
JUNO
independent pop/indie/alternative artist from the Bay Area, known for hyperpop-influenced tracks like “hero” and “la fleur”.
THE BANSHEES
The Banshees are a high-energy traditional Irish ballad group from Chicago. Founded by Tony Duggins, Aaron Duggins, and Pete Muschong (from legendary Chicago Irish band The Tossers).
With their debut album now streaming, The Banshees are delivering electrifying live shows that resonate with both traditionalists and modern music fans alike. The voices and spirits of ancient Ireland and old America resound in every word, every note and every room they play.
BELLA MOSS
Bella Moss is an up-and-coming artist from Dubuque, Iowa, with a pure, mellow voice that has the power to captivate an audience. Her heartfelt folk style is clear and transcends genres. She began learning guitar off YouTube and has evolved to play the banjo, mandolin, bass guitar, violin, and harp.
CARO GRANNER
caro granner (she/they) is an indie folk musician based in chicago, il. caro draws from a variety of sources to craft a lyrical, nostalgic, and heartfelt sound– from the folk and bluegrass sounds of childhood family road trips, to the wordplay and storytelling of musical theatre, to the humor and melancholy of treasured artists like samia, jensen mcrae, phoebe bridgers, christian lee hutson, and andy shauf. outside of making music, caro is an early childhood teacher and proud front desk person.
ALIEJHA
21-year-old folk singer/songwriter & model based in Chicago, IL.
C.SHREVE THE PROFESSOR
Chris Shreve is a NC based MC/producer & founder of the hip-hop collective Free The Optimus. His brainchild–FTO–became an award winning blog era success, earning their following & relevance through an unrelenting tour & release schedule, largely driven by Shreve’s vision.
The Professor moniker references his 12 years as a university professor teaching biostatistics. He defines Free The Optimus as “a call to action—to set free our optimal ability & our optimistic perspective & to transform the world around us.”
From the writers at Earmilk: “C.Shreve’s lyrical prowess is undeniable. FTO is known for bringing positive & poetic lyrics that flow over jazz influenced hip hop beats that bring in a hint of soul. Their lyrical talent goes above & beyond what is expected in rap music these days.” Since 2009, FTO has helped to define Carolina music & continues to set the bar for hip hop in the live space.
Shreve has toured & shared stages with The Pharcyde, Big Boi, CL Smooth, The Hieroglyphics, Lupe Fiasco, Raekwon, Onyx, Gift of Gab, Cannibal Ox, Camp Lo, Nappy Roots, Talib Kweli, Oddisee, Guilty Simpson, Planet Asia, Tanya Morgan, Chubb Rock, Slum Village, Zion I, Marley Marl et al. He’s performed at Hopscotch, Blue Plum, LAAF, Beats & Bars, Boone in Blossom, Drink Durham, Brooklyn Wildlife, GURP Fest, Shrimp N Grits & AVL Fest.
His work has been featured on Shade45, Hip HopDX, Earmilk, Revolt TV, I Still Love HER, INDYweek, & has been spun by both DJ Premier & Chuck D.
KING GARBAGE
This GRAMMY® Award-winning band has quietly impacted pop, R&B, and hip-hop with
production credits from The Weeknd, Travis Scott, and SZA, to Jazmine Sullivan, Ellie Goulding
and Billy Porter. In 2021, KG co-wrote “Sing” for Jon Batiste’s We Are. It gathered eight
GRAMMY® Award nominations, and took home an award for “Album of the Year.” KG also
penned “Sweeter” [feat. Terrace Martin] on Leon Bridges’ Gold-Diggers Sound, which notched a
GRAMMY® nod in the category of “Best R&B Album.”
Along with being known as producers, they have rocked stages along side Talib Kweli,
Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Mr. Bungle, and the Nate Smith trio.
Be sure to check out their contemporary take on American Soul on their first 2 albums- “Make It
Sweat” (2017) and “Heavy Metal Greasy Love” (2022) on Mike Patton’s Ipecac Records. KG is
currently working on a 3rd studio album.
SEBASTIAN RIDER
Think dirty but decadent slabs of blues rock riffage, boot-stomping delta swagger and a cocksure voice – Classic Rock Magazine UK
Sebastian Rider is a Los Angeles-based singer, guitarist, and songwriter blending alternative blues rock with heart, soul, and swagger. Formerly known as Blue House/Bluhauz and the frontman of Berklee-formed rock band Stone Giant, he’s performed major festivals including Lollapalooza Argentina and Chile and shared stages with acts like Gorillaz and Tame Impala.
A Berklee College of Music graduate (songwriting major), Sebastian’s journey includes a standout moment performing Led Zeppelin music for Jimmy Page at Berklee’s 2014 commencement after first meeting him in England years earlier.
His solo debut album (released August 6, 2021) led by the single “Purify My Soul” reflects his focus on spirituality, self-awareness, and personal growth, earning recognition from outlets like Billboard, Spotify, Classic Rock Magazine, Berklee, and Blues Rock Review (Top 20 Albums of 2021).
Since moving to Los Angeles in 2022, he’s become a fixture in the local rock scene, performing at venues like Whisky A Go Go and the Viper Room, and appearing on Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea (2023). He’s also a Recording Academy Grammy voting member and has released singles “Get It On,” “I Got Mine,” and “Running” from his upcoming second album, expected in 2026.
ZENO CAMERA
Zeno Camera is a Brazilian-American pop musician. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Zeno started writing songs at 12, which is either adorable or suspiciously early depending on who you ask. He grew up in what he describes as an “extremely musical household,” meaning family jam sessions were just as common as dinner. Now based in Chicago, Zeno has carved out a name for himself in the college music scene, performing across the city and opening for major acts. After the release of his debut album Xeno, which critics (aka his friends) described as “actually really good,” Zeno dropped his latest EP – Syc*amor*e – a moody, melodic deep dive into messy feelings and metaphor trees.
WHAT’S VITAL
I don’t know you tell me. I asked first.
What’s Vital is a Chicago indie rock band and the songwriting project of Max King. Everything is 100% independently written and produced.
Thanks for listening!
WOOF
WOOF is known for crafting emotionally charged, post-punk-inspired tracks with a raw and rebellious edge.
With a passion for blending gritty soundscapes and reflective lyrics, WOOF creates music that explores both human and personal transformation themes.
A daily practitioner of meditation and spirituality, WOOF’s work reflects a deep connection to inner growth while staying true to his rebellious spirit.
He prides himself in showing people how to embrace their shadow especially if they’re outcasts like himself.
ERICA RICCARDI CELEBRATION OF LIFE
GERHART
Rock n’ Roll Trio with volume and energy!!!
HENDRIX EFFECT
Northwest Indiana’s dedication band to the GOAT: Jimi Hendrix Experience, Band of Gypsys. ☮️💟🎸
Paul Navarro – guitar/vox
Jesse Fernandez – drums/vox
Mason Wilson – bass/vox
ELI BRIDGES
Eli Bridges is a New York City based actor, voice over artist and musician. Most recently he played the part of Sebastian in Axis Theatre Company’s aclaimed off-broadway production of Twelfth Night. He attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy after moving from his home town in Northfield, MA to persue theater. His television/film credits include LAW AND ORDER SVU, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN (dir. Edward Norton), FBI MOST WANTED, JESSICA JONES and YOUNGER to name a few.
His musical projects include his solo act under the name Eli Bridges, Mama Juke and CC and the Boys. Mama Juke has performed in the SXSW festival and plays all over the country. His solo album, Long Night, will be released this February. Eli travels to different cities around the world as a street performer and has performed in numerous venues across the country.
TONGUES UNKNOWN
Tongues Unknown is the musical project of Chicago born/Brooklyn based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Connor Grant. After years of performing with a wide range of Midwestern artists, he relocated to New York to pursue his own music. His 2017 self-titled debut full-length album was written on planes, trains and automobiles while on the road with Sean Lennon’s The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger. Once the writing process was complete, he began the laborious journey of making the record as a one-man band – producing and performing everything that made the final cut.
The resulting album offers audiences a diverse 10 track-collection of genre-bending, experimental rock that exhibits a uniquely eclectic musical palate. It take’s listeners on a musical journey through thick textures and complex arrangements, illuminating the general sense of celebration that’s at the root of the album and beautifully reflected in the cover art painted by Michael Brieger.
The Tongues Unknown live experience is as unusual and captivating as the record itself. Through a one-of-a-kind looping rig that could loosely be described as a psych rock spaceship, Grant seamlessly loops and layers drums, bass, keys and guitar – all the while singing and wildly manipulating sounds on the fly.
Catch Tongues Unknown in a city near you, and stay tuned for more music. There’s more coming soon.
SUN.DYLE
SUN.DYLE is a Fort Wayne, Indiana based 5-piece ensemble that radiates the warmth of jazz, the enchanting vibes of neo-soul, and the rhythmic heartbeats of R&B. Hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, the members of SUN.DYLE converge to create a harmonious blend of genres that persuades the listener to feel, think and transcend.
THE CURIOUS LARGE BAND
We are a five piece alternative pop band dedicated to catchy hooks, curious sounds, and large living. Our sound is centered around the vocal harmonies of Drew Swartz and Sophie Delay, supplemented by driving drum beats and rolling basslines that have equal footing in 60’s style pop and diy punk. Ranging from rootsy folk to full blown rock n roll, our sets span a wide variety of styles while remaining consistent with our vision of high energy original music. We are deeply rooted in visual art, printmaking, and zines!! So we’re more than happy to whip up a flyer if called upon.
Featuring Drew Swartz on vocal/guitar
Sophie Delay on vocals/percussion
Mark Palomino drums/guitar
Nicole Kezdy on bass
Owen Clary on drums/percussion
THE TAXMEN
“The Taxmen” are a nationally touring band based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2024 they released their debut album, “Dead Man’s Float”, comprised of 14 original songs. In the past year, The Taxmen have performed in New York City to Chicago to Florida to Minneapolis, and everywhere in between! This spring, they won 1st place in Marquette University radio’s battle of the bands. Will (Guitar), Anthony (Bass), Jeff (Guitar), and Will (Drums) are keeping the sound of rock bands alive and are introducing the music of the Beatles to a new generation. The Taxmen’s vocal harmonies and musicianship bring a youthful energy that is sure to ignite the room and bring any party to life! (Singing and dancing is highly encouraged)…
THE 321’S
The 321’s are here to breathe life back into rock, delivering a sonic experience that’s as captivating as it is revolutionary.
LUV MOORE
I am Luv Moore, formerly known as Jaz Moore. I was born in Memphis, TN but spent most of my late childhood and beyond in Louisville, KY. My music is the embodiment of sensual soul and contemporary R&B.
KAYZONE
Psychedelic Rock Band from Chicago, Illinois
CHERYL RODEY BAND
A Chicagoland local and full time musician, Cheryl Rodey is a vocal powerhouse and songwriter, with a raw, emotional honesty that makes you sit up and pay attention. Whether performing her own well-crafted originals or blowing the roof off with her version of well known tunes, she is an exciting and dynamic musician to catch. Cheryl has opened for popular artists such as, Daughtry and other national acts. Check out Cheryl’s music, available on all streaming services.
MIDNIGHT IN HARLEM
A Tribute to Tedeschi Trucks Band
THE MASTERS COLLECTION
The Masters Collection is a network of independent artists that come together under one umbrella for the purpose of musical production and performance.
SARMAT
Sci-fI / jazz influenced metal
VIANO AND THE WAVE
Viano is a Chicago based singer songwriter guitarist with a self described Neo-Blues style.
ABEL
RABID WRECK
Punk rock outta Milwaukee, Wisconsin
JASON VEST
Jason Vest, a retired veteran who traded his boots for a microphone, brings a unique perspective to comedy. As a multi-platform viral content creator, he’s amassed 150,000 followers in the last three years, using his digital platform not only for laughs but also as a mental health advocate. His brand of humor is a bizarre mix of the unexpected and the insightful, tackling everything from the silly to the absurdly profound. Jason has graced stages at comedy clubs like the Chicago Laugh Factory, Chicago Comedy Bar, Kenosha Comedy Club, and Comic Strip Live. He’s also a former regular host of the “Future of Comedy Show,” Michigan’s longest-running comedy production. His voice has hit the airwaves on KROQ’s Loveline, where he delves into the weird world of feet. Plus, he’s shown his hosting chops with the ’90s band Lit. Jason has made a name for himself on the “Kill Tony” show, the largest live online podcast recorded at the Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas, where he’s appeared twice and won the Big Joke Book award, proving he can find comedy in the silliest places. His humor doesn’t just reflect society; it holds up a funhouse mirror to it, making us laugh at our own ridiculousness.
SOUTH LOOP STANDUP
A brand new standup comedy showcase in Chicago’s South Loop! Every Monday at Reggies!
VINTO VAN GO
THE CYNZ
The Cynz are a full-throttle rock band formed around the songwriting talents of Cyndi Dawson and Henry Seiz. The band has been called “the closest thing to the 1970s CBGB’s you will get from a band that formed in 2011.” Their songs are hard-rocking tales of pain, heartbreak, survival, determination, redemption, and unbridled joy at 120 mph! They are a fixture on the Lower East Side, NYC.
LOEWY
LOEWY is a collection of music makers hailing from Berwyn, IL. Their music is born out of an appreciation for many different generes; their creations have undercurrents rooted in rock and alternative sounds spanning across time and states of mind. Collectively they have decades of experience making and sharing music.
Their live performances are energetic, electric, and fresh. Each time they take the stage offers something new for their audience.
BAYWAY
New Jersey’s underdogs Bayway have been in the hardcore scene since the early 2000’s when long t-shirts reigned and crowd killing was more than a trend, it was a fucking lifestyle.
In a world where poverty is curren$y, members of Bayway come from Elizabeth, Linden and Newark bringing you a street sound that is real and authentic. Not one fabricated by trust funds and stipends.
Bayway lives for New Jersey Hardcore and God has entrusted Bayway with the New Jersey Hardcore Scene. Bayway believes we must protect our great freedoms to jump off the stage, take the mic and punch the air.
For too long men on the internet have said, “that wouldn’t happen if I was there” or “try that with me and see what happens” well they’re not here. This is our scene and we intend to keep it that way!
Under Bayway’s great leadership-we will defeat the evil forces dedicated to destroying our scene.
SNUFFED ON SIGHT
BAY AREA DUMMY DEATH
SPLIT CHAIN
There’s a phrase you’ll hear repeatedly when in the company of Split Chain: “The Chain does what it wants”. As mantras go, it’s used by the Bristol, UK quintet as a means of encapsulating the broad-minded, unconstrained creative freedom with which they approach their art, as well as a means through which to try to make sense of the sky-rocketing trajectory the band have found themselves on.
Call it instinct, fate, divine intervention, whatever – the whims of ‘The Chain’ have led to a moment where one thing is abundantly clear: Split Chain are one of the hottest, zeitgeist-capturing new bands in the world.
“Split Chain is something that none of us feel like we have any control of,” says frontman Bert Martinez-Cowles. “Split Chain simply does what it wants and what it needs.”
It is at this juncture in Split Chain’s journey that debut album motionblur arrives. Described by Bert as “a coming of age story”, the album channels the conflicting and contradictory angst, excitement, joy and pain of growing up and discovering your true sense of self. motionblur presents a story that speaks to both Split Chain’s members’ personal experiences and those shared together in the past few dizzying years; a visceral, kaleidoscopic wall of sound where unsettling, disorientating confusion meets a fevered adrenaline-rush. motionblur is an album to experience, to feel, to engulf; it’s the blissful sense of euphoria that comes with drowning in its waves.