YIN WASTER
Yin Waster is a musical project from Griffin Mang and Gabe Huff. The music of Yin Waster combines many styles such as psychedelic, folk and jazz to make “Gas Station Folk”. Hope you all enjoy.
JOE DI ZILLO & SPECIAL CHEMISTRY
He has been playing the Chicago scene for years and brings a taste of indie rock & roll with a kick. Since a kid, Di Zillo has been influenced by Stevie Wonder, Al Green, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. “He doesn’t necessarily set out to write a country, pop, or blues song when he pens his music, but often the songs become an amalgam of classic American folk and rock, with earnest lyrics at the forefront.”
THE BEATLES
NEXT STOP MOTOWN
SKA VS REGGAE
TRI NOHBI
A rapper, producer, and singer from the East Side of Chicago, Tri Nohbi makes deeply melodic hip-hop inspired by everything from classic soul to gospel to old-school house music. But while each of his songs is built on catchy hooks and powerful rhythms, Tri Nohbi centers his lyrics on real-life storytelling that’s fearlessly honest. Tri grew up on an unlikely mix of gospel music and Chicago house, his mom’s two preferred genres. Also raised on Motown and soul legends like the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and Teddy Pendergrass, he’d never listened to hip-hop until Kanye West’s Graduation arrived in 2007 and quickly became his all-time favorite album.
OOS.MAAN
A dream house, is a house..but a dream boat, is a person
JOE RIAN
Joe Rian (Ryan) was adopted as an infant and raised in Rock Falls Illinois. Sings tavern songs, beer soaked and road worn.
Young Joe flunked out of college, moved out of the Midwest and scraped by like most 20 year olds working multiple -minimum wage jobs. The main gig was sweating away at gold and silver refinery on the west side of Phoenix AZ. Other jobs included telemarketing, working concrete, putting up and then chasing hot air balloons, selling buying club memberships, moving appliances and a very short stint collecting outstanding debts for characters you might find on a once popular TV series.
This was 1989 Arizona. That’s when he won an American Stratocaster on a radio contest signed by Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Then, pure chance found him at the last ever SRV concert. Weirder yet is that he ended up working at Buddy Guy’s Legends.
Summers would find him busking the streets of Chicago…where the real action was. Mid 90’s blues revival indeed was certainly a thing Heavy Blues… Street Blues really. That was never the only thing. Joe is certainly not a Bluesman, but a songwriter that likes to stir the sounds of Roots, Country and Folk styles into a nice pot of soup. Songs best consumed in your local tavern with a dirty floor.
THE JORGENSENS
Connections between partners, whether they be spiritual, romantic or creative can be the origin of true magic. The journey of Brianna and Kurt, and evolution of their creative collaboration, has yielded music that defines both of them through the vehicle of The Jorgensens. There is an honest authenticity of the repertoire they’ve created which is both timeless and classic. Their performances are genuine, soulful and relatable for many who will hear these songs. This kismet did not emerge overnight, but is the product of years of being in one another’s creative lives, collaboration, friendship, and inevitably falling in love.
Kurt Jorgensen has been a long time band leader, releasing eight albums to date, while receiving the praise of fans and critics alike. The Minnesota Music Awards has presented Kurt with singer of the year, entertainer of the year, songwriter of the year, album of the year, and song of the year.
Brianna Tagg-Jorgensen has played in a number of bands due to her multi instrumental talents. Being proficient at piano, guitar, and has been lucky enough to tour nationwide. Brianna has performed multiple times at South by Southwest and was the lead vocal on a track that was nominated for an Independent Music Award. Kurt and Brianna Jorgensen have toured the nation with their unique sound finding it to be a success no matter what the audience.
THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA
The band that formed as an idea of friends from several well known rock/metal bands (SOILWORK, ARCH ENEMY, MEAN STREAK) back almost a decade ago and has been dropping jaws ever since. With 5 albums already under their belt, 2 nominations for the Swedish Grammies, countless live shows and praises from fans and media alike, TNFO have steadily upped their game when it comes to paying tribute to a decade that influences all sorts of people and even industries to this day – the 80s. With hits like “Domino“, “Lovers In The Rain“, “West Ruth Ave“, “Divinyls“ or “This Time“, the band manages to maintain a variety of vibes and emotions within every album. From hard rockers, poppy digressions to progressive epics, disco-esque songs and almost cheesy yet loveable ballads.
DEREK CARUSO AND THE BLUES FUSE
This group is just try to bring joy and happiness to all our fans in every state! We honor the blues
MONDO CORTEZ & THE CHICAGO BLUES ANGELS
The best way to describe Chicago Blues Angels…
We play American Roots Music, Blues, Rockabilly & Rock n Roll with a whole lotta soul!! We bring old school, traditional music to the forefront with a high-energy attitude! You will experience a rocking’ guitar with the sophistication of a Jazz saxophone. Together, these create a highly combustible mixture of danceable grooves. Mondo Cortez, on guitar and vocals, has played with Nick Curran, Kim Wilson, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. He has shared the stage with Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Otis Rush, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Dave Meyers, Kid Ramos, and Eddie Taylor Jr. Mondo has also shared the stage with some of the famous rockabilly bands, such as The Paladins, Hillbilly Casino, Nick Curran, and the Nightlifes. When CBA is on the road they always connect with their local Rythm Sections wherever they might be playing from Downtown Chicago to Austin, Texas.
TED PARK
Ted Park is an out the mud Asian American success story. Born December 4, 1994 in Madison WI to immigrant parents, Ted grew up in humble beginnings. After dropping out of high school and taking a bus to New York to pursue his dream, Ted wound up in Canarsie Brooklyn living in his friends basement, then Harlem on 116th and 5th during his come up. Ted focused on music surrounded by love, loyalty, and new family who wanted to see him win. Ted caught viral success in 2016 with Hello (Who is this) which hit the Top 10 on Spotify & Billboards US Viral Chart landing a single deal with UMG / Capitol France. Another viral moment followed in 2017 with “Me Love” catching the eye of Korean American superstar Jay Park, leading to Ted signing with Jay’s H1ghr Music in 2018. Opening for Dumbfoundead, H1ghr and Jay on tours, the Genius BBQ with 2 Chainz and Jack Harlow, being pH-1’s surprise guest at Hiphop Playa Festival while releasing a massive output of songs with features from Jay, Jessi and more Ted built a loyal and authentic fanbase. Ted, now an independent artist in 2023 has racked up 20 million + streams and received praise from major media outlets Complex, Billboard, and Rolling Stone to name a few. In 2022 he performed the NBA halftime show at the LA Clippers, SXSW, and multiple cities on his Mini US tour. Now 2023 after opening for pH-1’s North America Tour, Ted is getting ready to release multiple albums and his first North America full headline tour before summer.
DERANGEMENT
DERANGEMENT is a Chicago death metal band specializing in all things pizza and caveman metal.
ABRADED
ABRADED was formed in 2018 by members of Cleveland based death metal groups Inoculation (Anthony Allen on guitar, Nick Nedley on bass) and Noxis ABREACTION (Patric Pariano on drums). Their EP “Descendants of the Swamp” was released in 2018 on cassette on Aggressively Uninterested records then subsequently rereleased on Vinyl and Pro CDs by Maggot Stomp. After focusing their attention on other projects, the group got together in May of 2021 to record a full length album. Their subsequent Full Length was released by Maggot Stomp 11/5/21. Shortly after the full length release, Evan Crouse and Mark Gallon were recruited to breathe new life and return to playing live with the band, while the old members focused their attention on the success of their main band Inoculation.
ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes.
JOYFRIEND
Chicago, Illinois seven seven seven three six five
ORUA
Rio de Janeiro indie group embarks on two international tours as it returns to the stage with a new line-up and increasingly sharpens its unique sound, between post-punk, krautrock, Brazilian guitar and noise.
Formed during one of the most turbulent periods in recent Brazilian history (which has seen a coup d’état, political imprisonment, and the rise of the extreme right), Oruã was idealized by Lê Almeida, a cultural agitator in Rio’s independent scene, through his label Transfusão Noise Records. Based around the meeting point that became the Escritório, a space of collective creation which fosters an artistic community and a music scene that dialogues with the Brazilian underground from a unique place, Oruã emerged in improvisation sessions that mixed repetitive bass lines, electric phrases and indie guitar solos, doses of feedback and wall of noise to afrobeat and Brazilian references that ranged from Luiz Gonzaga’s primal Pernambuco sound to Brazilian guitar references. The name came about when Lê heard Lee Ranaldo during a concert in Brazil pronouncing something similar to what would become the band’s name. He jotted it down on a piece of paper in the dark, and the next day the Sonic Youth guitarist had baptized the group without knowing it.
At the same time that fascist extremism was coming out of the sewers to reach federal power, a new racial consciousness was emerging in the country. And it reached Lê, born in one of the poorest areas of Rio de Janeiro, Baixada Fluminense, who then began to realize that he was not only a key player in the Brazilian independent scene, but that his work echoed the resistance of ancestors who fought to be able to do what they wanted, even if they were forbidden. This awakening coincided with the moment in which the group went all in around Brazil and the world, crossing state borders in the US and countries in Europe, which inevitably affected the band’s sound.
Two international tours brought Oruã closer to the foreign market, a path they had already been following in other ways, such as when they were discovered by the leader of the classic American band Built to Spill, indie guitar hero Doug Martsch.
Doug became enchanted with the Rio de Janeiro group and invited two of its members to join his group’s new line-up: Lê played the drums, João Luiz took over as Built to Spill’s second guitar, and João Casaes, who would later join Oruã playing synths, played the bass. The Brazilians spent three years working with Built to Spill, playing with the band and opening shows as Oruã, as well as participating in the recording and production of Built to Spill’s most recent album, When the Wind Forgets Your Name, released in 2022 on SubPop. Before that, and during this period, the group had also been making their own material available on albums like Sem Bença / Sem Crença (2017), Romã(2019), Íngreme (2021), all released both in Brazil and abroad.
During this period its members also changed. Photographer Karin Santa Rosa (leader of the band Balbela) joined the group in 2021 playing drums. Karin’s entry changed the band’s line-up, which also includes João Casaes on synths, Bigú Medine on bass, and Lê on guitars and vocals. With this new formation, they went on to do more than 60 dates in four months of touring across the United States.
In the year 2023 the group is preparing to return to international stages. There are two tours with more than 40 dates already scheduled, through the US and Europe, where they will present the new version of the group to a public, who in previous years had begun to get to know a sound with essential elements of Brazilian music to vanguard of contemporary music and the language of experimental rock. Lê’s unmistakable voice mixes with the electric pulsing of his deconstructed guitar over a sophisticated and mesmerizing soundscape, taking both audience and band into a collective trance.
Photo – Isabela Georgetti
Text – Alexandre Matias
SPREAD EAGLE
Remember when we could afford to live in Manhattan? Before it became a clean, safe, lipsynched island of trust fund babies? Remember when we could walk down Avenue A swilling a 40oz, or when we COULDN’T walk down Avenue B, for fear of our lives? Remember when the dirty East Village streets influenced a sound that was as real as the City was? Remember the name Spread Eagle? That’s right, SPREAD FUCKING EAGLE! Well, the seminal roving Streetmetal gang is back with an even badder attitude. They’re pissed off about what’s happened to their city, and have something to remind us about. In a time when everyone’s wondering where New York is headed, what you really need is a glimpse of where it came from. Where WE came from. Spread Eagle promise to put the word DANGER back into the absent minds of rock and roll. The first order of business is the highly acclaimed new studio album “SUBWAY TO THE STARS”. Dig your claws in and take a look back…to the future of New York City ROCK.
IRON BRIGADE
Traditional heavy metal band conquering Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
ABYSSWALKER
Venturing forth to rock where no one has rocked before.
All American Heavy Metal Duo from the barren wasteland of west Texas. Bringing Dark Fantasy metal to life.
Grandmaster:
Paul Saulburgh
Acolyte:
Aaron Hernandez
SPELLBOOK
Doom Rock, Occult Rock, Proto Metal…We just call it Rock n Roll! Formerly known as Witch Hazel.
WHITE MAGICIAN
White Magician, the Ultimate Magic and Friendship Experience.
SUMERLANDS
Sumerlands are a Philadelphia-based heavy metal quintet comprising scene veterans whose sound is rooted in 1970s hard rock and classic power metal from the ’80s and ’90s. Their acclaimed sound weds vintage metal styles to modern production thanks to guitarist Arthur Rizk. Following an acclaimed 2014 demo they signed with Relapse for their 2016 eponymous debut album. After touring, a personnel change, and the pandemic, they returned with a new singer for 2022’s Dreamkiller.
Sumerlands was the brainchild of guitarist/producer/engineer Arthur Rizk (War Hungry), and veteran vocalist Phil Swanson (Hour of 13, Seamount). They enlisted drummer Justin De Tore (Devil’s Dare, Boston Strangler), guitarist John Powers, and bassist Brad Raub (both ex-Leather). The Guardian Demo was issued in the summer of 2014, followed by a self-titled debut for Relapse in 2016. The album sold well and provided touring opportunities across the U.S. and Europe for several years.
The always-busy Swanson left Sumerlands amicably in 2020 to form Smith & Swanson with guitarist Tim Schmidt. Rizk recruited veteran vocalist Brendan Radigan (Battering Ram, Nachtstille, ex-Magic Circle) to replace him. After rehearsals, they played select dates further integrating him into their sound and approach.
In April 2022, Sumerlands issued the Ageless Life EP, that included the original “Heavens Above” and an inventive cover of Fleetwoot Mac’s “I’m So Afraid.” They followed it with the single and video for “Dreamkiller” in July. In September, the Rizk-produced full-length, also titled Dreamkiller, appeared from Relapse, followed by a North American tour. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
XIL
Speed metal/thrash n’ roll trio from the savage underground of south-central Texas!
We aim to play the loudest, rowdiest rock n roll steel at breakneck speed inspired by the likes of VENOM, BROKEN BONES, & TANK; laced with riffs with a healthy respect for the gods BLACK SABBATH & JUDAS PRIEST.
LEGION OF DOOM
(members of The Skull, Trouble, COC, Pentagram, St Vitus playing classics from all)
Legion of Doom is a Doom Metal Supergroup featuring members of Trouble, The Skull, Saint Vitus, COC, Leadfoot, Blood of the Sun, Lie Heavy, and Sacred Dawn!!
Have you ever wanted to hear all the heavy in one place? From its origins onward?
After the untimely passing of Eric Wagner (Trouble, The Skull), one of doom metal’s most notable and esteemed singers and songwriters, The Skull bassist and bandleader, Ron Holzner contemplated long and hard on whether it would be possible to carry on. Nine months and a lot of soul searching later, an idea was born.
Recalls Holzner, “I decided I want to honor the memory of Eric by still playing some of the songs that he crafted, and ones that Lothar and I wrote with him. I want his spirit to become eternal through his words and melody. And I also want to play many songs from the catalogs of everyone involved.”
Alongside guitarist Lothar Keller (The Skull, Sacred Dawn) and drummer Henry Vasquez (The Skull, Saint Vitus, Blood Of The Sun), Holzner decided to reach out to his longtime comrade, vocalist Karl Agell (Corrosion Of Conformity, Blind, Leadfoot, Lie Heavy) as well as vocalist Scott Reagers (Saint Vitus). And so LEGION OF DOOM has come to exist with an all-star lineup of some of doom’s most prestigious figureheads, here to share their ultimate heavy truth, taking the genre from what is known into uncharted territories.
“I would like to keep an open rotating guitar spot within the band”, notes Holzner, “This will keep us on our toes and keeps things fresh and different and ever changing. We have many friends we would like to jam with. Victor Griffin ( Place of Skulls, Death Row) was first to jump aboard, but conflicting schedules forced him to step aside for now.
Comments Keller, “Continuing The Skull in some kind of form seems like the right thing to do. LEGION OF DOOM is a perfect way to continue bringing doom metal to the fans! There is new music to finish and it’s important for us to follow through with bringing it out for everyone to hear.”
“This is gonna be a monster,” adds Vasquez.
“I have always gravitated towards heavier music. I have been involved with making it for over four decades,” reflects Agell. “When Ron asked me to join him in carrying on the doom metal tradition that he was part of and established first with Trouble and then The Skull, there was only one path forward. It’s been a great honor to sing Eric Wagner’s words and melodies and I truly look forward to performing songs from the massive legacy of all the members of LEGION OF DOOM.”
“Ron approached me and asked if I would be interested in participating in first a tribute to Eric Wagner who was a dear friend of mine and then a new musical adventure,” recalls Reagers. “We both concluded that we were not done with metal. How could I say, ‘no?!’ Karl, whom I respect and admire, adding his incredible vocals to this ensemble. My dear friend and bandmate Henry, the great Lothar Keller, and Ron whom I have known forever… This venture is gonna be fun. I look forward to working with these gentlemen!”
Concludes Holzner, “We are all seasoned veterans of the music business and prefer to let our music do the talking… And our music is gonna be speaking loudly! All the fans and bands…We are family. Combined, we are all the Legions Of Doom!”
LEGION OF DOOM will make its debut appearance at Legions Of Metal Fest in Chicago this June before heading overseas for a performances at Hellfest in France and The Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium…….with more live dates to be announced in the weeks to come.
ron
KARL VINCENT ROTH
In addition to producing his own EP and co-producing multiple Satsang albums, Roth has put his touch on an impressive stack of songs. From complex vocal arrangements to stripped-down storytelling, his passion for music and pursuit of perfection shine through in every project. Raised in a family of artists, Roth has been immersed in the world of music since he was seven. He plays multiple instruments professionally, has toured nationwide, and has composed many classical works—
just for fun.
GRAHAM GOOD & THE PAINTERS
Welcome to the home of Feel-Good, Funk-Rock-Folk, Believe in Yourself and Change the World kind of Music.
HOSTAGES
Formed in the city of broad shoulders. This four piece brings back the nostalgia of the early – mid 2000’s Chicago hardcore sound.
EXSANGUINATED
Long Island Death Metal
MUTILATRED
Death Metal from Toledo, OH.
Mutilatred are the unsung pioneers of the current “Primitive Caveman” Death Metal movement. Releasing a demo in 2014, followed by their first full length debut album, Dissecting Your Future in 2015, Mutilatred took audiences by storm with their devastating live performances. Originally including Patrick Meyers formerly of Premonitions of War, the band rarely turned down any show request, even playing as a 2 piece in rare cases, never failing to utterly “wow” any crowd. So much so, that in 2018 the band were hand-picked by Trevor of The Black Dahlia Murder to support them on a run of dates.
A few EPs later and pandemic nearly behind them, Mutilatred are back with their sophomore full length, Determined to Rot, their strongest and, by far, most sonically punishing release. 2022 is the year Mutilatred become a household name among Death Metal fanatics. For those uninitiated, Mutilatred are the MORTICIAN of our current generation and anyone who’s ever seen them live will tell you the same.
MORBID VISIONZ
Death from Little Rock
PAYTON MOORE
Atlanta native, Payton Moore, is excited to expand her journey in R&B! Payton’s angelic yet electrifying vocals and melodies create a one of one sound that identifies with her youthful fan base – in addition to her great ear for high quality / diverse production selection. Payton’s love for music and her fans is heavily shown through multiple avenues starting with the quality and message of the music. Live performance and day to day engagement also play a huge role in why consumers are continually connecting and discovering Payton daily. Payton Moore was born in San Fernando, CA and relocated to Atlanta in her early childhood years. In these early years Payton’s interest in music was evident as she began to sing and write music. Using platforms like YouTube, Instagram, along with various social media platforms to promote covers and original music. And since developed into a music career, that has impacted / inspired millions of people who continue to support.
THE STEM LORDS
SPEEDPVSSY
EARTH SHATTERING BLACK SPEED METAL FROM THE FOUL DEPTHS OF CHICAGO
EXPLOSION MAN-GUITAR/VOKILLS
DAVE-DRUMS
BRIAN-BASS/BEER BONG
REAL SLUMMY
HEALTH CLUB
Kenosha, WI
stick around for a while
MATHAIUS YOUNG
Mathaius Young is a 23-year-old genre-flexing artist, songwriter, and producer hailing from Indianapolis, IN that is now taking advantage of his new home studio in Los Angeles, CA. His heavy atmospheric (Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Alternative, and Pop) productions create a moment in time with top artists like Don Toliver, Rockie Fresh, Sonny Digital, Jazz Cartier, and many more. Mathaius’ inspiration from artists like Tyler The Creator, Pharrell Williams, and Jay Z has helped his career as an artist skyrocket on SoundCloud shattering a threshold of 3+ Million streams and over 1.4+ Million Streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
NIKO G4
Niko G4 also known as the original WEST$IDE pLAyer is a music recording artist from “Mid City” Los Angeles, CA. Known for his fly style and smooth flow he created a movement & brand called “ROLL WITH THE WINNER$” . The brand was established in 2013 which led to Niko’s first mixtape “Roll The Dice” that sparked his player mentality and lifestyle. The LA Visionary continued to master his mack’n and built a catalog worthy of a listen on any given day, if you want to be motivated to win listen to albums like “Worth the Risk ,” “pLAyer 4ever,” & “WINNERS Tape”. Safe to say that Niko is only getting started and will continue to thrive & keep timeless music alive in the industry today. The West$ide pLAyer raised on the Westside of Los Angeles (Pico) built his presence through his authentic style, original flows, & live shows. Working with plenty of West Coast Legends, G4 continues to showcase his appreciation for quality and classic music. Quoting his very own phrase “Fly Shit Only“ that is the mentality you leave with once you press play on his music.
OODAREDEVIL
Mr.2day&2morrow
BASTARD SQUAD
Hailing from the hallowed grounds of St. Louis, MO, Bastard Squad take their love for both new school and old school punk & hardcore and have crafted it into their own style. Initially founded in 1996, the band reformed in 2018. They feature current and ex-members of DFL (Epitaph Record), Better Days (Coin Toss Records), Very Metal (Beer City Records) and Breakmouth Annie. Since reforming they have put out 3 records and played with old school bands like The Adicts. T.S.O.L, Fear and Conflict. You can check them out on all major streaming platforms.
BASHFORTHEWORLD
Bashfortheworld is a rising star hailing from Dallas, TX building an impassioned loyal following for his lyricism, distinct style and flow – repping Texas and Migo culture. With 2M weekly streams across all platforms, Bash has independently released several projects including Me Myself & I Vol 1 & 2, and Un Verano en Nueva York with highlights Darkest Before Dawn with 10M+ streams, Bash Romo, Aztec Baby and Vida – gaining co-signs from Virgil Abloh, Erykah Badu, Lil Uzi Vert, Brent Faiyaz, Matthew Williams and more. He is currently working on a new project set for release on Cinco de Mayo, for which he has already dropped singles Plata o Plomo?, Third World and International Playas Club.
SHARITA LOVE JONES
ALEXANDER KLEINER
I began playing music at 17 years old through the Whitney Young High School guitar program. I was captivated by the instrument and blues music, determined to gain musical knowledge and experience. In college I studied classical Spanish guitar and big band jazz but remained drawn towards the sounds of the electric guitar, and the playing of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, and Joe Bonamassa. PERFORMANCE At 20 I started street performing in the underground subway stations and on the streets of downtown Chicago. My time there showed me how to truly play and feel the blues, how to improvise, and how to connect with listeners. I hope to combine all that I have learned as a professional guitarist and street musician into creating expressive and passionate music, and putting on awesome modern blues performances.
HALF PAST TWO
Having formed in 2006 and gigged with the likes of Reel Big Fish, The Aquabats, Less Than Jake, The Skatalites, RX Bandits, The Selecter, The English Beat, Mustard Plug, The Toasters, and Pato Banton, Half Past Two are veterans of the ever-thriving Orange County ska scene, but their forward-thinking approach also aligns them with with ska’s bold new generation. Their recent single “Shine” was a highlight of Asian Man Records, Bad Time Records, and Ska Punk Daily’s 2020 compilation ‘Ska Against Racism’ — a now-definitive document of the fast-growing New Tone ska movement — and it doubles as the lead single of Half Past Two’s self-titled album, released October 29, 2021 via Pay Attention Records, the new label from Ska Punk Daily and the venerable Jump Up Records. “I penned [‘Shine’] at the time my family found out that our daughter has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disease,” said singer Tara Hahn. “I didn’t write the words to share, but my bandmates really encouraged me to evolve the song.” It’s a powerful, vulnerable, and uplifting song, and a centerpiece of ‘Half Past Two,’ which has become one of the most anticipated albums of ska’s current resurgence.
Some people ask, how could ska — a genre filled with 9-piece bands (like HP2) that relies so heavily on the live show experience — have a resurgence during a pandemic? But, like many of the other ska bands and musicians who have recently come to prominence, Half Past Two didn’t let the socially distanced world slow them down. They made the best of it.
“Look, everything stopped and some of us have not rested, we reassessed and kept going!” Tara said. “There’s momentum and a lot of purpose right now, that’s going to become something really transformative and beautiful.”
Half Past Two brought that same energy to their new album, which came together like no other HP2 release. “It used to be ‘well everybody listen to this song and we’ll all meet up at band practice and work it out’ but getting 9 people into the same room is not an easy task these days,” said guitarist/vocalist Max Beckman. “A lot of these songs have had to be built in the studio piece by piece and player by player.” It was recorded, mixed, and mastered by David Irish at Pot of Gold Studios in Orange, CA, and Irish co-produced the album with Meagan Dolce.
Half Past Two might not have been able to get the whole band in the room at once, but this new album is actually Half Past Two’s most collaborative effort yet. “I think this is the most different songwriters we’ve had on one record, everybody is chipping in,” the band says. “Tara’s lyrics, Max, David, Jack, Din, writing songs or huge chunks of songs! It’s crazy! Everybody gets a credit!” They used more instruments than ever (“4 horns! 6 keyboards! Too many different guitars to count! More snares than you can shake a stick at!”) and their horn section contributed to the songwriting process more than ever. “In the past, whoever wrote the song would typically arrange the horn parts but all that has changed. Our current horn section are all brilliant writers and are coming up with more intricate, complex, and layered parts than we’ve presented previously.” It’s also the band’s first time collaborating with outside songwriters. Daniel Torres, ex-frontman of OC ska-punk veterans CodeName: Rocky, wrote the song “All About You,” and “Curtain Call” (which also appears on Pay Attention Records’ new ‘Too Hectic! California Ska Punk’ compilation) was written by Brandon Strumlauf of the now-defunct band Maxwell Smart.
Half Past Two’s album-making process took a little longer than usual due to COVID, but they kept the momentum going by rolling out singles on a regular basis throughout 2020 and 2021. As you can hear on the pre-release singles, Half Past Two pull inspiration from multiple eras of ska as well as anything from driving punk rock to shiny pop. They cite such influences as Reel Big Fish, Weezer, The Hippos, RX Bandits, and Mad Caddies, and they’re proud to coat their songs with a little sugar. “Someone on the internet thought they were making fun of us and called us ‘bubblegum ska’ and it’s honestly the best description I’ve ever heard of our band,” said Max. “I guess you can imagine a punk band that whittled away all the hard edges until they had a perfectly shaped heart, then they covered that heart in glitter and horns. That’s us.”
EUNJI KIM
Eunji Kim is a comedian and writer based in Chicago. She was a Senior Writer for Cards Against Humanity and can be seen performing stand-up at The Lincoln Lodge, Laugh Factory and all sorts of bar. She was a 2017 Bob Curry Fellow at Second City and a featured performer in the 2017 NBCUniversal Break Out Festival. She also co-hosts The Ajumma Podcast (@AjummaShow) with fellow Chicago comedian/Korean, Peter Kim (@Peterkz). Her TV credits include: Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago Med (NBC) and Work In Progress (Showtime). To learn other reasons she feels great about herself, follow her @TheBestEunji.
ANTHONY FUENTES
Anthony Fuentes is a Chicago-based stand-up comedian originally from Brooklyn, New York. Anthony has performed at clubs in New York City, Las Vegas, Wisconsin, Zanies in Chicago, The Laugh Factory, The Mikey O Show, as well as shows around the country. He was recently featured on WGN-TV, and the Kelly Clarkson Show. He recently filmed his first special titled “My Way”.
EMILY OGLE
Louisville raised, Chicago based comedian. One time a guy mixed the harshest whiskey with a splash of fruit and called it southern comfort, I couldn’t write myself a better bio then that!
CECILIA GONZALEZ
I’m a stand up comedian in the Chicagoland area!
TRACHEOTOMY
Tracheotomy are a young Deathcore group based out of South Florida playing a mix of 2000’s Deathcore and modern hardcore. With technical guitar and scary breakdowns scattered throughout their discography some noticeable influences can be heard such as Thy Art is Murder and Oceano.
ROCKTURNALS
Formed on Chicago’s west side at Superior Street Rehearsal Space and on stage at Live Wire Lounge, The Montrose Saloon & Phyllis’ Musical Inn, we’re now (the) ROCKTURNALS!!
When we started playing the new tunes out live we realized they may be worth trying to capture on tape. Twin flames in any light, they include “Capes”, “Rock & Roll Healer”, “Look The Other Way”, “Gypsy Eyes”, “Dixie-Fire” and our theme song “Rockturnal”.
With lyrics like “Holograms ain’t as cool as you” where it goes no one knows, but we’re gonna press record when we get it together. In the meantime, and in our journals, yeah Weer Rockturnal(s)!
(the) ROCKTURNALS are:
JEFF ALTERIO – LEAD GUITAR
CARLO COOPER – DRUMS
DAVE ASHDOWN – GUITAR
JUSTIN LOFTUS – BASS
ARTFINIX
“It’s Not Just Art . . . It’s An EXPERIENCE!”
LUNCHABELL
Dominique “Luncha’bell” Golphin is a native of Chicago and proudly represents the Windy City’s South Side. Performing has always been a dream of Luncha’bell whether it was Acting, Singing or showcasing her Clean Comedy Act in various cities. Her interest in the arts grew out of her educational training and experiences at Chicago’s Curie High School for the Performing Arts. “U Got Jokes” Gospel Ministries gave Luncha’bell her first chance to showcase to the world her funny side and to exalt God in a very unique way. Ms. Luncha’bell’s versatile style and appealing stage presence lead her to achieve over 150 shows in and out the City of Chicago in her 1st year as a Stand-Up Comedienne. She quickly grew a strong fan base and has graced the legendary stage of the Regal Theater in Chicago, with such prominent artists as: Janice & Author Sutton of Acme A&E winners of Verizon Wireless “How Sweet the Sound”, and R&B Recording Artist “Gemini” Of Men at Large.
AMBER RONAE N VINNIE
Hey I’m Amber💋 Singer Songwriter, Music lover, Foodie, R&B/neosoul/Pop From Indiana✈️ to Chicago…wedding band singer, solo artist.. ❤️ let’s connect
Vincent Roofe: Enjoying life, doing what I love and that music. Everything I’m on is positive or spiritual. 🇯🇲🇯🇲 Anything after that, dead!!.. Snapchat: vinnielloyd
SHARAY REED & THE RHYTHM BAND
Sharay Reed is a Grammy Nominated bassist/writer (Cory Henry “Something To Say”) and entrepreneur from Chicago, Illinois. He is a proficient player on the upright, electric, and synth bass, reads music fluently, and is a writer, arranger, and producer. Sharay is a founding member of Cory Henry and The Funk Apostles and has performed in the bands of Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Rachelle Ferrell, and Chaka Khan to name a few. His YouTube video “Chicago Gospel Musician Jam” is considered to be the “First Viral Bass Video”, with over 6M views and counting.
Sharay Reed graduated from DePaul University in Chicago, where he earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and a Master’s Degree (with Distinction) in Composition. He currently teaches, does Bass/Life consultation, session work, and plays bass for the New Faith Baptist Church International in Matteson, Il. He also does freelance bass playing and recording for a wide variety of artists and projects, and is a Master clinician.
Sharay plays a Fodera bass, and he endorses Gallien Krueger Amplifiers/Speakers, Dunlop Pedals and Strings, and Evostraps.
LEE KANEHIRA
Miss Lee was born and raised in Tagawa city, Fukuoka Prefecture, South Japan. She started to play classical piano in childhood. After graduating from a music college, she met the blues. Since then she taught herself and consistently playing the blues piano.
In 2004, she started to play with local blues bands as well as the musicians who are visiting her hometown on tour.
She is visiting Chicago every summer since 2008 and playing with great musicians, such as Kenny”Beedy Eyes”Smith, Billy Flynn, The Cash Box Kings etc.
Lately, she moved to Kanto area, and is playing many clubs in Tokyo with professional bluesmen including Takashi “Hotoke” Nagai, Kotez, Hitoshi Koide and Shun Kikuta.
Her first leader album “THE UNION MEETIN’” was recorded with great musicians in Chicago and released in July 2014. In 2016, She made 45 rpm single record “THESE BLUES KEEP DOGGIN’ ME/ BLUES IS EVERYWHERE” with Billy Flynn(g). The latest album “LEE’S BOOGIE”, which was focused on her solo piano playing, was released on 25 Nov, 2017.
She is also playing on album of many blues musicians, such as the blues.the-butcher-590213, Shun Kikuta & Blues Company, Shoji Naito and The Cash Box Kings, etc.
Miss Lee became the 2018 Chicago Blues Piano Contest winner. She is a lady blues pianist who is dedicated to playing old school Chicago blues, a rare kind in these days.
Her main influences are: Leroy Carr, Big Maceo, Otis Spann, Memphis Slim, Pinetop Perkins and Barrelhouse Chuck
SPITER
SPITER are a metal-punk band based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band have recently released their new record, Bathe the Babe in Bats’ Blood, via Hells Headbangers.
Richard Spider- Guitar/ Vocals
Bat- Bass
Snake- Drums
SPIRIT ADRIFT
HEAVY METAL ‘GHOST AT THE GALLOWS’ 8.18.23
NYSTRODAMUS
Nystrodamus is a Chicago high energy metal band. Throwing down breaking skulls and funny bones between sets.
KAYLEY HORTON
Kayley Horton is a larger-than-life comedian who specializes in misdirecting her audience while giggling through the evil grin on her face. She is a producer of Laughter Hours at the Lincoln Lodge and hosts a weekly open mic at Easy Bar. You can enjoy her mischievous sense of humor all over Chicago!
ALL SHADES OF WRONG
Prog and desert rock from Barcelona.
That’s what you get when you pick three like-minded individuals, lock them up in a smokey room and stuff them with vodka.
The love for drums and guitars keeps’em together, as they push their catchy rock tunes into the depths of Prog and Stoner.
Hear them obsessing over a single chord until it feels just right. Unlike the world we live in, that’s All Shades of Wrong.
THE BACK ALLEY
The Back Alley is a five-piece Chicago-based hybrid of Ax and the Hatchetmen’s guitarist Sal Defilippis and bassist Hunter Olshefke who joined frontman Ralph Porter, Jaden Cone (Guitar/Vocals), and Ben Peppler (Drums/Percussion) to perform and record original music from Ralph Porter’s discography while working on finding their own sound with new originals from the band. Although the group’s sound falls into the indie/alternative rock genre, their recordings, especially their live shows integrate elements of jazz and funk as many of the members have studied and played these genres in the past.
Given the young age of the band (Ralph Porter 20, Sal Defilippis 20, Jaden Cone 21, Ben Peppler 20, and Hunter Olshefke 20), they are consistently working on writing new material and playing venues around the Chicagoland area. You can keep up with the band’s upcoming shows and new music through Spotify and social media accounts.
OBSIDIAN HAMMER
Sludge/Doom/Crust Punk hybrid from Iowa, Illinois and Hell
Ross
Dayton
Nate
Eric
Lyndon
EYEDEKAY
Born and raised a Chigago native, Eyedekay is one of the most dynamic artist of today. Her name is a double entendre representing her initials, and her ability to create music across a wide spectrum of genres. A walking Jukeboxx, with this sultry songstress no two tracks sound alike. Never categorize her or box her in because she is full of surprises. She’s an all around trail blazer with roots in Pop, R&B, Funk, Soul, Blues, and Rock music. With a self proclaimed “natural ear for harmony” not only does she write and perform, but she produces as well. She’s performed live for the past 10 years and she’s ready to break though! Hear her voice!
INTELLECT
The Name You Can’t Forget!
Father, Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur.
ANTONIO WAAN
Juwaan Wright, known as AntonioWaan was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. Growing up, he had a passion for sports and a love for music as well. Basketball was his favorite sport to play, and began to write songs at an early age. He recorded his first song in the studio during the summer of 2010, and that is when he realized he wanted to become an Hip Hop artist.
Being a fan of East Coast Rap, some of his biggest musical influences are: Nas, Jay Z, Slick Rick and Notorious B.I.G. His musical style consists of delivering positive and motivating messages, while using his witty wordplay skills and a variety of flows. He started performing live throughout the Chicagoland area in the beginning of 2022. Also, Wright has recently released a compilation of singles and two projects, including his debut album called ‘Never Waste Talent’.
IRIS GATEWOOD
PAIGE ELLIS
R&B Singer/Songwriter
JAWSON DELL
Jawson Dell is a Colorado born and raised sing-songwriter based in Chicago. He writes all of his own music. He starts with the melody and then moves to the lyrics. Finally, he will sit down with his producer and together they shape the instrumentals around that foundation. Sound influences come from R&B, Blues, Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Rock. His music is a blend of many genres
DOUG O’LAKE
R & B Singer/Songwriter from Chi-Town
VINNIE ROOFE AND THE SQUADRONS
REGGIE REG
Master Impressionist, Voice-Over Impressario, Urban Cowboy, and Top Dog in an Underdog World!
MOTHERWIND
Hidden deep along the river bends of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, you’ll find Motherwind. Forming in August of 2020, the quartet—Anthony Frey (vocals, guitar), Nate Rogers (lead guitar), Michael Hargens (bass), Jackson Kleingartner (drums)—has already taken lengthy strides in revealing their primal artistry to the masses, despite their formation amid the coronavirus pandemic. The group originally began writing songs under the name “The Color Scene” at a horse sanctuary owned by a mutual friend. Since then, the band has branded themselves under the new name with an electrifying live show in their arsenal. The young group’s 70s-bred roots and alt-groove sound has left the floors of rock clubs and bars tremoring, and the concoction of psychedelic riffs and hair-raising chord progressions leaves their audiences stirred. Motherwind has shared the stage with the likes of Crobot, The Black Moods, Royal Bliss and P.O.D., and the band is consistently invited back to venues. With a heavy tour schedule during the summer of 2021, the young group has already shown efficacy in creating a blazing reputation within the up-and-coming rock scene. Current focuses of the band include constructing their own recording studio above a weight training facility, releasing their breakthrough EP, maintaining a consistent touring schedule and of course finding new and exciting ways to bring people together with their tasty brand of alt-rock.
LOVELY WORLD
Just like a satellite hurtling towards earth, Lovely World takes the pulse of our culture and mirrors it back to society. Unrequited love, drug addiction, social afflictions and fearful political etiquette are some of the themes this rock hard four piece puts into orbit. Just as you try and label them strictly a hard rock band, a new wave of beautiful harmonies and romantic notions will lay you down with crying guitar leads, solid bottom end and passionate vocals.
Hailing from Spartanburg, South Carolina, brothers Landon Rojas (lead vocals and guitar) and Cade Rojas (drums) formed Lovely World in 2015 with influences all across the spectrum.
Joined by bassist Michael Gilbert and guitarist Daniel Williams, the lineup was complete. Recording new music in 2021, and touring in 2022, the excitement is just beginning.