Naika

Naïka

Naïka is a singer/songwriter born in Miami, Florida who developed an interest in music from an early age while living and traveling internationally with her family.

With parents hailing from Madagascar and Haiti, and growing up around the world in countries such as Guadeloupe, Kenya, France, South Africa and Vanuatu, Naïka’s multicultural background has shaped her both musically and individually which resulted in defining her unique sound she refers to as “World-Pop”.

In 2018, Naïka graduated from Boston’s prestigious ‘Berklee College of Music’ with a degree in Professional Music. Her songwriting abilities were first recognized when she won a scholarship in BMI’s annual “John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship”, where she was awarded first runner up in the nation-wide competition.

In 2017, she took the Haitian community by storm after releasing her take on the forgotten traditional song “Papa Gede Bel Gason”, which accumulated over 1M views online. Attention began fueling around Naïka after she released her first single “Ride” which organically amassed over 5 million streams on Spotify alone.

The song reached #2 on the ‘Spotify Viral Global’, and made its’ way to viral charts in over 12 countries around the world including the US, Canada, UK, France, Australia, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic and Argentina.

The success of ‘Ride’ led Naïka to sign a record deal with Capitol Records DE (a division under Universal Music Group) while she was still in her last semester as a college student. Two years later, after completing her contract with UMG, Naïka began to release her music independently.

In July 2020, Naïka released Part 1 of her debut two-part EP project entitled ‘Lost in Paradïse’, which garnered nearly 4 million streams across Spotify and Apple music.

In September 2020, Naïka released a cover of ‘Don’t Rush’ by Young T & Bugsey on Tik Tok that had a big viral moment. With over 20 millions views in just 3 months, Naïka quickly became an internet sensation, gaining the attention of some big names like Jason Derulo and even the original creators of the song, Young T & Bugsey who created a remix version featuring Naïka.

Following the success of ‘Don’t Rush’, Naïka’s song ‘Water”, which is the first song released from the Lost in Paradïse Part 2 Project, was featured in EA Sports Game Fifa 21’ and also placed on the soundtrack. The song accumulated over 40k Shazams in just 2 months.

Naïka’s dream is to bring people together through her music, to shatter stigmas and encourage human connection that goes beyond race, religion and gender.

Rhythm Ninja Drums

RHYTHM NINJA DRUMS

Rhythm Ninja Drums is a version of myself. It’s the other side of me that I hold tight amongst most company. There is just something about being behind a drum-set that just sets me free.

Je'raf

JE’RAF

Danceable noise hip-hop jazz funk monologue-core. We are a Chi-based band that combine hip hop, punk, funk, and free jazz elements into tight arrangements that implode into chaos while incorporating critical and satirical social commentary on police, conspiracy theories, and cults.

Demiser

DEMISER

Black/thrash outfit terrorizing the bible belt

Human Trials

THE HUMAN TRIALS

Mutated from the chaos cloud that engulfed the early 2020’s, John Gaetano and Tim Chambers locked themselves away within their Bridgeport, Chicago panic-room audio-sensory laboratory.

Their broad atmospheric range of sonic vibrant highs and melancholy melodic lows reminds us to …stop and smell the roses … before lighting them on fire.

Beneath The Hollow

BENEATH THE HOLLOW

Like Murder

LIKE MURDER

A Tribute to Acid Bath

Like Murder… started in 2019 by a group of local Cleveland, Ohio musicians and longtime friends, who gathered to celebrate and perform the underground heavy metal cult classic album “When The Kite String Pops” by Acid Bath. This happened on the 25th anniversary of the albums release. Long since defunct, in 1997, Acid Bath had grown into a cult following, bigger after the bands break-up then during its short lived gigging years. Like Murder… had intended to be a “one-off” show paying tribute to Acid Bath and their debut album. But with the resounding success of the show, to a sell out capacity audience in Cleveland, Ohio, it was clear that another show must happen. Two years later, Like Murder… resurfaced to celebrate “Paegan Terrorism Tactics”, the unfortunate final album of Acid Bath, to yet another sold out show.

Gig opportunities have surfaced for this band throughout the United States, making it clear that an audience exists. Like Murder… has begun the adventure of becoming the first ever, road ready Acid Bath tribute act.

The goal of Like Murder… has been the same throughout, to bring audiences, many who never got the opportunity to see Acid Bath, a live and raw experience of the music of Acid Bath. We very much grew up on this music, lived it during its existence and want to share and keep the music alive for fans of Acid Bath, both past, present and future.

Outer Heaven

OUTER HEAVEN

MIASMATIC NECROSIS

MIASMATIC NECROSIS

US Goregrind

Antichrist Siege Machine

A.S.M.

John Wiese

JOHN WIESE

Liturgy

LITURGY

Liturgy is the project of Hunter Hunt-Hendrix, whose yearning, energetic “transcendental black metal” exists in the space between metal, experimental, classical music and sacred ritual. The band is simultaneously a platform for fine art and theology

Selenoplexia

SELENOPLEXIA

Blackened death metal band based out of Chicago. With lyrical inspiration rooted in existential abjection and terror, Selenoplexia blends stream-of-consciousness songwriting with the brutality of the genre’s staples.

Founded in 2021 by guitarist Daniel and drummer Jonathan, and completed with the merciless vocals of Courtney and backbone of bassist Sawyer, Selenoplexia has created a haunting and intense live experience.

Selenoplexia released their first full-length album “Exalt and Despair” on October 13, 2023. The album was engineered and mixed by Spenser Morris at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, IL and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.

NIGHTFREAK

3 Piece Feral Punk and Roll from the Windy City. Blood, Sweat and Beers.

Cheap Monarchy

CHEAP MONARCHY

Cheap Monarchy has emerged as an exciting addition to the storied Chicago alternative music scene. A bright, alt-rock sound influenced by The Strokes, COIN, and Saint Motel coupled with energetic live performances make Cheap Monarchy a band to watch.

In 2021, Cheap Monarchy played shows at HVAC Pub, The Store, and Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern and were selected to play a set in Glen Ellyn’s SparkFest. In 2022, the band headlined a sold out show at The Store and performed at Chicago’s legendary Subterranean in Wicker Park. They will be releasing their debut EP in August. The boys look forward to seeing you on a dance floor near you soon!

Band Members include Nick Barella – Vocals / Keys, Gordon Utendahl – Lead Guitar, Justin Macmillan – Bass, Adam White – Drums, and Michael Taylor – Sax / Guitar

Chaosphere

CHAOSPHERE

Ryan
Nick
Beav
Eli

Tori Kilkenny

TORI KILKENNY

Lizard disguised as a person being an actor playing a comedian.

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra

JONATHAN SCALES FOURCHESTRA

Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.

BUNCHA BASTARDS

THE BUNCHA BASTARDS

The Buncha Bastards are an acoustic harmony duo from Peoria, Illinois.

Hulder

HULDER

Hulder’s darkness began to spread through the underground beginning in 2018 with the release of the Ascending the Raven Stone demo tape. A few more heavily traded and widely regarded cassette releases later, the band signed with Stygian Black Hand Records to release the first vinyl offering in the form of the EP, Embraced By Darkness Mysts…This solidified Hulder’s influence within the international metal scene but it wasn’t until the debut full length album, Godslastering: Hymns of a Forlorn Peasantry (Iron Bonehead Records), that both underground and more broad audiences were captivated by Hulder’s black metal craft. The long awaited first live performances took place in Olympia, Washington and New York City in the autumn of 2021. It was on the Winter Solstice of 2021 that a new partnership was announced with 20 Buck Spin Records, and plans for a new mini-album and second full length album were unveiled. The year 2022 will mark just the beginning of Hulder’s powerful live performances throughout the United States and, eventually, to lands beyond.

HAIL THE DARKNESS

Dead, Dead Swans

DEAD, DEAD SWANS

Folk band from the Midwest

Crowes Pasture

CROWES PASTURE

A roots-infused, internationally touring folk duo, Crowes Pasture performs sometimes joyful, and oftentimes, poignant, songs that reflect a mutual passion, sense of discovery and celebration of the human connection.

BRANDON SANDERS FROM THE OPERATORS

DBE (Credit - Zek Snaps)

D-BLOCK EUROPE

Platinum-selling South London collective D-Block Europe announce their highly-anticipated album, Lap 5, along with the release of their brand new single, ‘Fantasy’.

A summer anthem in waiting, ‘Fantasy’ arrives with a William Thomas-directed visual, displaying Young Adz and Dirtbike LB venturing into a high-spirited trance, enjoying the entertaining atmosphere.

Dropping on 16th September, Lap 5 magnifies D-Block Europe’s meteoric rise as they set their sights on global domination. Consistent in carving their own lane, Lap 5 is a celebration of the last five summers. Their upcoming record is the pinnacle of Young Adz and Dirtbike LB’s distinctive artistry and compelling penmanship. It will include previous servings, ‘Black Beatles’ and ‘Elegant & Gang’, both permanent fixtures in the Official Singles Chart, alongside a wealth of brand new material.

EXTC

For the first time in over 40 years, EXTC – featuring XTC’s original iconic drummer, Terry Chambers – is bringing the phenomenal XTC songbook to the stage. Fans can expect EXTC (named and approved by band leader, Andy Partridge) to equal the fire and passion of the original XTC line up, storming through hits and classics like Making Plans for Nigel, Senses Working Overtime, Sgt Rock, and many more.

Bed

BED

slow-fi

Moon Tide Gallery

MOON TIDE GALLERY

Moon Tide Gallery is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Based out of Baltimore, Maryland

Beach Goons

BEACH GOONS

Beach Goons is an alt-rock trio based out of San Diego, CA. They have described themselves as “Californian high school kids who love Bleeding Knees Club and watching Palo Alto while crying” and “Los vatostristes de Barrio Logan” (loosely translated, “the sadbois from Logan Heights”). They primarily make music in a genre they’ve dubbed “surf punk,” with lyrics in both English and Spanish.

unreqvited

UNREQVITED

As a result of journeying into his mind and collecting a wide range of emotions, 鬼 has included many lighter and more uplifting passages than previously on “Beautiful Ghosts”, although dark twists are balancing the score. New elements include a significant use of clean vocals throughout the album and there are even playfully progressive rhythms as in the opening track ‘All Is Lost’. The core elements that have shaped UNREQVITED in the past remain active as well. The massive anthemic refrains from “Mosaic I: L’amour Et L’ardeur” (2018) are equally present as the simple melancholic melodies from the 2016 debut album “Disquiet” and the orchestral grandeur of “Empathica” (2020). 
 Ever since 鬼 conceived UNREQVITED as a special musical vehicle for his multi-faceted creative output and brought it to light in 2016, his project has been a constantly shape-shifting and stylistically wide roaming creature. With “Beautiful Ghosts”, the Canadian is at the same time gathering the strands of his previous works and taking an innovative step forward that makes it even harder to slap just one label onto his sound. “Beautiful Ghosts” applies a rich palette of musical colours, hues, and shades that are passionately blended together by the theme of “love”.

Harakiri For The Sky

HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY

Harakiri for the Sky is an Austrian post-black metal band formed in Salzburg and Vienna in 2011 by vocalist JJ and multi-instrumentalist Matthias Sollak, formerly of black metal band Bifröst.

Nikki Morgan

NIKKI MORGAN

As the daughter of a minister and kin to a lot of church folk Nikki grew up listening to traditional gospel/christian music and spent much of her grade school days involved in school band playing clarinet and oboe. But, despite her early exposure to music, it wasn’t until the tender age of 28 when she finally began to start making music of her own.

Nikki was born and raised in North Carolina but Chicago is where she found her first home as a performer and songwriter. Starting out in the open mic scene it didn’t take long for her to garner local support and make her way to some great stages around the midwest: opening for acts such as Jaime Wyatt, Caroline Spence, Boo Ray, and Sean Watkins.

She is a former winner of the awarded Uncommon Ground Songwriting competition; she has been voted as a ‘Judge’s Pick’ in the Nashville Rising Song contest, and recently had her single Love.Save.Me make it to the semi-final round of the International Songwriting Competition.

Nikki finds a way to combine captivating melodies and insightful lyrics with a voice full of raw passion.  Her music is unapologetic in it efforts to grapple with real life; and yet elegantly embodies the essence of her “Carolina Soul”.

No Magic

NO MAGIC

Emo/Punk Trio from Chicago, Illinois featuring Vincent (drum), Isaiah
(guitar), and Jack (bass)

Exosphere

EXOSPHERE

For Fans Of: Mastodon, Yob, Neurosis, and Death
Exosphere is a Psychedelic Sludge band from Arlington Heights, IL comprised of Jackie Frank Russell III (Vocals, Guitar), Steven Graff (Guitar, Vocals), Henry Edwards (Bass), and Bill Kaszubowski (Drums)

Sawbuck

SAWBÜCK

The band established the roots of Sawbuck through house shows with other post-hardcore sounds. These were intimate events that often came to capacity through invite-only and privatized methods of concealing the address. Nevertheless, this gritty scene made music accessible. But then, is that not the point of DIY?

But since their backyard show and small festival days in 2018, the band has changed. Now a five-piece with two guitarists and a drastic, more heavy change in sound. The difference is no spur-of-the-moment decision. While post-hardcore and math-rock bands such as the Fall of Troy, Animals as Leaders, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. The broken rhythm and randomized cacophony are still prevalent in the newer material. The heavy guitar drops are more to elevate the Cathartic elements of the songs drawn from influences like the Chariot, Every Time I Die, and Vulvodynia.

Sawbuck plans on continuously changing and challenging its sound while maintaining that availability to its listeners as a DIY band.

k-death

K-DEATH

K-Death is a punk/metal/hard rock band with some hints of Arabic. Hailing from the Valpo region, the group is comprised of Eli Schott (bass), Don Orban (drums), and Panayotis Kaiafas (guitars and vocals)

coronary

CORONARY

4 piece hardcore punk from Chicago, featuring all your favorite Chicagoans.

ANCIENT DAYS

Doom/horror band from Indianapolis Indiana. Lurking in the shadows always.

SKY JETTA

Sky Jetta is a international DJ-Producer.

The Detroit sweet-heart became a music selector in her hometown in 2014, after dropping out of school at Columbia College Chicago. Jetta sound is nostalgic, funky, and overall fly to death, with blends that will cut through the entire dance floor and energy to make her sets unforgettable. No matter the event or crowd, the open format styled DJ Sky Jetta knows how to put on a show for any audience.

In 2016 Sky Jetta opened up for artist Rich The Kid and in 2018 had the opportunity to play Atlanta’s ‘A3C festival’ opening up for various artist such as Lil Wayne, Wu-tang and Trina to name a few.

Since then she has traveled city to city, state to state and country to country while working her fanbase in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, New York City, Toronto, London, and Montreal.

Sky Jetta is now the official DJ of grammy nominated — producer and songwriter Baby Tate.

Her objective is to encourage women from all backgrounds to be fearless in a male dominated industry —

Trash Fiasco

TRASH FIASCO

Based in Chicago, IL, Trash Fiasco is a punk fueled garage rock trio littered with loud tendencies. As described by Redacted Magazine, “At their best, Trash Fiasco sounds like a mob of Neanderthals pillaging a music store, having never seen an instrument but making loud sounds nonetheless…”

Releasing their debut album, “Stay Miserable”, in August of 2021, the group put their range on display featuring everything from raucous punk to what Radio Wigwam DJ Christian John called “brilliant” and WPNA 103.1 FM Chicago DJ, Adela Skowronski, described as “serious Misfits vibes” and sounding “deranged and crazy”.

As the follow-up, Trash Fiasco released a series of three singles: In Your Blood, Maniacal Frenzy, and Bastard From a Basket. This single series highlighted the quirky, yet dark, stylings of the group. This didn’t mark a new direction for the band, but rather unveiled more of what you didn’t know they had.

Trash Fiasco is comprised of Lucas Fuechsl (drums), Alex “Frodo” Steinbach (bass), and Frank Bruno (guitar/vocals).

Le Dominique

LEI DOMINIQUE

“I am not just one thing, I am everything” – Lei Dominique
Debut EP ‘Nostalgic Tear’ is out now!

JAMS The Flava Child

JAMS THE FLAVA CHILD

Chicago rapper, JAMS The Flava Child is a brilliant up and comer whose intense blend of hiphop beats with funk rhythms and his relatable themes has garnered him a loyal fanbase. In the past, he has sold out solo shows at Chicago’s notorious Schubas (250) and joined Kota The Friend on a sold out US tour in 2019. His latest release “Live From The Lac” hit the airwaves in July.

Veers

VEERS

English-born front man, guitarist, and principle songwriter Andrew Proctor moved to Los Angeles where he met Arizona natives Nick Lanata (bass) and Spencer Schuck (guitar), and Chris Neff (drums) who’d come from Portland, Oregon. Accomplished musicians all, the band’s chemistry was clear from the outset, and their electrifying concerts have allowed them to build a sizable and energetic fan base in Los Angeles.

Now, with all the pieces in place and the wind at their back, the band has stepped forward into an exciting 2022––with a new record deal, two new singles, a national tour and their debut album, Universe Reversal.

Check out singles “Wolf at the Door” and “Don’t Let It Be Me”

“(they) sound like they never stopped believing rock ’n’ roll could do the heavy lifting. ” – Buzzbands LA

cece maravilla

CECE MARAVILLA

Originally from Wisconsin, 19 year-old producer and artist Cece Maravilla now calls Chicago home and finds it a haven to create vulnerable and emotional tracks, including their collab with Heartgaze on “Lose Myself”

mohit

MOHIT

Mohit brings a hip-hop vibe from New Delhi, India with lyrics spun over atmospheric beats, evident in 2021 singles “The One” and “Zaaya”

HEARTGAZE

Heartgaze is a pop artist with releases such as debut album “Hiding in Bleachers” and 2020 EP “Beauty Adorns Virtue”

Thursday

THURSDAY

Thursday is an American post-hardcore band, formed in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1997. The band currently consists of Geoff Rickly, Tom Keeley, Steve Pedulla, Tim Payne, and Tucker Rule.

100719-anberlin

ANBERLIN

Anberlin is an American alternative rock band formed in Winter Haven, Florida in 2002. Since the beginning of 2007, the band consists of lead vocalist Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young.

Goodbye Sunshine

GOODBYE SUNSHINE

Chicago pop punk fun and right to the point.

“Keep Failing, You’re Doing Great!” Recorded and Produced by Joe Queer (the Queers). Mixed and Mastered by Brody Wilson (Billy Batts and the Made Men)

Sean Bair Flannery

SEAN BAIR FLANNERY

‘m a comic in Chicago. My first book, “Places I Can’t Return To” is available now on my website. I created & host The Blackout Diaries.

GEORGIA MOORE

Oil Lube & Filter Service
one silly gal
Killer Diller

KILLER DILLER

SUPERSONIC SKA STEADY VIA DETROIT Featuring members of BOP (harvey), J. Navarro & the Traitors, Hillbilly Knife Fight, The Exceptions, Telegraph, Superdot, Planet Detroit Nonet, The Luddites, The Atomic Fireballs, THEATRE BIZARRE ORCHESTRA

THE ABRUPTERS

THE ABRUPTERS

New Album Noticeably Cheerless coming summer 2022 on ASIAN MAN RECORDS. Ska/Soul/Reggae/Rocksteady

Highball Holiday

HIGHBALL HOLIDAY

20th and 21st century ska international and based in Wisconsin USA, Earth

Advorsa

ADVORSA

Advorsa is an American death metal band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2013. The band currently consists of guitarist Alan Russell, vocalist Angelo Hakey, guitarist David Krouwer, drummer Hector Huizar, and bassist James Lenten.  While they possess a strong death metal foundation, they are an amalgamation of all things heavy.  They strive to make each song unique and tell its own story.  Some of the subject matter of their songs includes The Evil Dead, H.P. Lovecraft,  Greek Mythology, and other horrific themes.

Side Hug

SIDE HUG

Side Hug formed in 2017, when three of the four members met while scooping ice cream on the North Side of Chicago. During a cold winter, when the ice cream shop was closed, the band recorded some of their first pop-tinged folk songs. Those songs later appeared on “Also,” their first EP. Two years later, with the addition of a fourth member, Side Hug took on a dreamier sound with their second EP “Wasted Summer” – evoking the nostalgia of a blazing and heartbroken Chicago summer.

Their newest single “Conversations” – featuring Lyd Landor (vocals/guitar), Allan Cardenas (lead guitar), Yuda Goldbloom (bass), and Christian Ovalle (drums) – continues to embrace themes of unrequited love, adding layers of grit to their sentimental sound. Where the band’s name hints at awkwardness, these boys bring a sound that’s anything but.

Side Hug has played with acts such as Jungle Giants, Tallies, and Chicago locals Beach Bunny.

Gentleman Speaker

GENTLEMAN SPEAKER

Playing at the intersection of indie rock and folk and hailing from Saint Paul, MN, Gentlemen Speaker released a self-titled album in 2019 and a sophomore album “The Well Between Continents” in fall of 2021. They’ve hit the road with their contingent of Tim Brecht – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Adam Fekete – Vocals, Guitar, Brian Nanoff – Bass, and Don Lavis – Drums.

8-bit crEEps

8-BIT CREEPS

A psych-wave quartet in a polygamist marriage with new-wave synths, fuzzed out guitars and big beats. New sounds from old circuits for your daily bread and circus. Released a new album “Dress For The Future” on 8/5 with lead singles “Madness” and “Graveyard Thinker.”

RICK KING’S ROYAL HUSTLE

Southside Chicago Native Rick King has played drum set for KoKo Taylor, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, B.B. King and many more touring globally.

A founding member of the funk-soul-jam band Lubriphonic, he played and produced five records with the band.

These days Rick steps out from behind the drum set to front his own band on Vocals and Percussion.

The seven piece band with horn section plays feel good soul music inspired by his former employers with flavors of Chicago Blues, Memphis Soul, New Orleans Funk and Kingston Reggae.

SSG KOBE

Colorfully stylish while pulling in intimate emotions and a delirious slew of inspiration from across generations, SSGKobe echoes the mystifying energy of the internet. Since creating his first songs five years ago, the Louisiana-born artist has unloaded bangers that vacillate between sullen and ecstatic, creating an Auto-Tune-drenched soundtrack for peers who process triumph and heartbreak by posting unfiltered captions on Instagram. In doing so, he’s cultivated a growing legion of fans—listeners, critics, and fellow artists as diverse as his influences.

Ko began to break out with “WYD,” a 2019 track that laced luxurious flexes and casual gunplay with artful randomness. He’s replicated that mix of refinement and hyperactivity with “MIA,” a song that lets loose exasperated yelps amid a tale of drug use, newfound wealth, and reluctant love. It evokes his mission to inspire listeners to find comfort in their identity but also to enjoy themselves. “I want my fans to be themselves and have fun,” says Ko, who, at 17, is preparing for not only a world in which he can play for those fans IRL, but his senior year of high school.

Raised in Centerville, Louisiana, SSGKobe’s road to musicianship wasn’t straightforward, but it felt inevitable. In many ways, it starts with a computer. Having jumped onto an HP desktop for the first time at just 3 years old, SSGKobe—whose name is derived from his Kobe Bryant fandom and a love of the Dragon Ball manga franchise—was born to be a star.

Because his friends weren’t always close by, he’d spend hours online, playing Flash games and listening to an endless stream of music, which would lead him to the sounds of Lil Wayne, local favorite Kevin Gates, and Chief Keef. Seeing Keef’s free-wheeling approach planted seeds of inspiration, and he soon realized that the web offered him a way out into the real world. “I think I really grasped that power. Knowing I could use the internet for anything,” remembers Ko.

SSGKobe began with a video game-focused YouTube channel that got a decent amount of subscribers, but his long game was music. For his first forays, he’d memorize Weezy lyrics and rap them to classmates. But soon enough, he was ready to try the real thing. Using a dancehall beat he got from a friend he met on Instagram, Ko wrote his first song in 2016. In order to record it, he waited until his mom was in the shower to use the voice memos app on her iPhone. He was too shy to show his friends the resulting song, which he presciently titled “Important,” but he did upload it to SoundCloud, and enough people listened to convince him the dream was viable.

By 2019, the secret was out, and by the time he dropped off his M3 project and songs like “WYD,” SSGKobe was on his way to stardom. After collaborating with Brockhampton for their album Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine, he dropped “Calabasas,” an exuberant cut that became his biggest to date and featured a visual directed by Cole Bennett. All of which helped solidify his place as a one-of-one rap talent destined to move from web buzz to true fame.

Looking ahead, SSGKobe’s dreaming big. He hopes to make the best album possible and, eventually, become the best artist of his generation—no big deal. While his profile is rising and his abilities are only growing sharper, he knows he has higher plateaus to surmount, bigger goals to fulfill, and more untold sounds to explore. “I still think I’m just starting,” says Ko.

MYTYME JAZZY ZSOUL FUNK

MINKA

SON ROMPE PERA

Born and raised in the deep outskirts of Mexico City, the Gama brothers are keeping alive the rich legacy of marimba music running through their family with their latest project, Son Rompe Pera. While firmly rooted in the tradition of this historic instrument, their fresh take on the folk icon challenges its limits as never before, moving it into the garage/punk world of urban misfits and firmly planting it in the 21st century.

Originally performing alongside their father at local events since they were kids, their
absolute unique blend comes from a typical youthful rebellion, when as teenagers they left behind their upbringing on the marimba and began to play in various punk, rockabilly and ska bands. Now they’ve gone full circle with the marimba back leading the way, and their live shows are a sweaty mess of dancing fans, with their authenticity shining through as they give their modern interpretation of Mexican, Peruvian, and Colombian classics, as well as their own original material and some surprise covers. The contrast of the traditional marimba with their youthful attitude and street sense connects the audience to the past while they dance into the future.

Their debut album was released on the ZZK Records imprint AYA on March 1, 2020 –
right as the pandemic began, thus denying the group any chance of travel to support a
record that landed on many year-end “best-ofs” for 2020. But travel restrictions didn’t stop the band from growing their fanbase over the past year. They had to cancel 2 US tours and 3 trips to Europe (including performances at WOMAD UK and Fusion Fest), but they still were able to partake in streaming events, and they virtually performed at the Barbes in the Woods Festival in NY, the Mole de Mayo Festival in Chicago, a special end-of-year World Music Insititute concert, Digital Carnaval from Cartagena, Colombia, as well as the Womex festival that was originally to take place in Budagest, Hungary, amongst many more.

 

DJ J SMOOTH

TYRIQ AND THE SOULFUL ONES

TYRIQ is a African-American Chicago-based Vocalist/Musician and Actor. He’s worked with the likes of 2x Grammy Awarding producer “Keith Harris” as his musical director for the #faceforwardproject here in Chicago, has opened for Local Chicago Artist “Erthe St. James” at city winery, and has recently been apart of the gospel choir called “music in the key of Chicago”. As a Performer, TYRIQ has performed at various Main places and stages such as Reggies Rock Club, City Winery, The 28th African Caribbean Jerk,Seafood, and Vegan Festival, Second City, Culture “live”, Next Showcase stages,Persona, and Lollapalooza. As well as local stages like Day21, Door 10, Aces Cafe, and many more. As an actor, he has performed in a D2 project play called U&I and devised piece for the People of Color project at Columbia Colleg Chicago. TYRIQ Also has 2 singles currently out called Nostalgic Mind ft. Charlie-Curtis Beard (prod. Jack Kapson and Charlie-Curtis Beard) and Love Reigns (prod. Jack Kapson). TYRIQ’s main music genres are Jazz,Gospel, Blues, Funk, R&B and currently plays the Alto Saxophone and the Piano. With a Focus in Vocal Performance and Minor in Acting, He truly values growth, love, passion, longevity, stability, acknowledgement, and teaching others.

Canyyn

CANYYN

( Pronounced Canyon) A power trio.
Heavy Stoner Doom Jams, Blistering Solos, Tight Grooves, Iommic Hendrixian Sonic Walls layered with Howlin Vocals from 3 Cavemen in Chicago. Debut Record Out Fall 2021.

PEN-15

“Hailing from parts unknown to any rational human being, PEN-15 is live, improvisational, interpretations of conceptual chaos. PEN-15 combines a mixture of early analog synth worship, with a lot of hard pounding beats, and blasting new synths for a batter that will leave you breathless.
PEN-15 will be coming in your earholes. Can you handle the magic?”
Riot Act

RIOT ACT

(Playing Riot “Fire Down Under” in full)

Riot Act features former Riot guitarist Rick Ventura, Don Chaffin-vocals, Paul Ranieri-bass, Claudio Galinski-drums. Riot Act is hard driving Rock-n-Roll! The band made their live debut January 2020 at the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame Gala. Their strong performance made a lasting impression on host Eddie Trunk. Catch it on Amazon Prime!

Riot Act tragically lost founding member Lou Kouvaris as the band was about to release an EP and embark on a European tour.After a few dark months and facing a world in quarantine, the band decided to go on, releasing a tribute video of the early Riot classic “Overdrive”. The band was ready to rock again!

Currently working on a new album and video, Riot Act ushers in a new era in hard driving rock! Stay tuned!

COURT CAU$T

DAPPA

DAP DeBarge
“Thanks for Nothin 2” Out Now