JOHN WIESE
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
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 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
Ryan
Nick
Beav
Eli
TORI KILKENNY
Lizard disguised as a person being an actor playing a comedian.
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.
THE BUNCHA BASTARDS
The Buncha Bastards are an acoustic harmony duo from Peoria, Illinois.
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
Folk band from the Midwest
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
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
slow-fi
MOON TIDE GALLERY
Moon Tide Gallery is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Based out of Baltimore, Maryland
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
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
Mӕre – a malicious folk entity that creeps up on sleeping people’s chests during thenight and instils breathlessness and anxiety. It is this state of diffused terror and paralysis thathas been enshrined in HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY’s music ever since their 2012 debut album.January 2021 will see more tales from their feverish dreams ready to break out into the light ofday.With M.S.‘s captivating guitar melodies and J.J.‘s lyrics, ridden with trauma, delirium and loss,their unique mixture of black metal and post rock creates an inescapable maelstrom ofshattering screams and sudden acoustic guitar interludes.As pioneers of the “post“ movement, the Austrians have, ever since their conception in 2011,drawn fans and critics deeper and deeper into the depths of their melancholy, self-hate andanger.Their previous release “Arson” reached #29 in the German and #62 in the Austrian charts.”Mӕre” will be graced with several friends of the band who have entered into the intoxicatedworld of HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY to guest on the album; Alcest’s frontman Neige brings ahaunting flair to ‘Sing For The Damage We’ve Done’, the anonymous voice of Gaerea joins inon ‘Silver Needle // Golden Dawn’, and, as session drummer, the duo one again commit to noneother than Kerim “Krimh“ Lechner (Septicflesh, live-Behemoth). However, an act of HARAKIRIFOR THE SKY’s stature no longer needs to rely on namedropping to be noticed.“Mӕre“ was recorded during the spring quarantine of 2020, which may well have been thecause of the feeling of abandonment that permeates the ten songs. Self-loathing with numbingrestlessness will still echo through your bones long after the last note of the Placebo cover‘Song To Say Goodbye‘ has resonated. Recorded and produced by M.S. and mixed with thehelp of Daniel Fellner, this fifth oeuvre is another milestone in the history of the duo who willcelebrate their 10th anniversary in 2021.
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
Emo/Punk Trio from Chicago, Illinois featuring Vincent (drum), Isaiah
(guitar), and Jack (bass)
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)
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 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)
EAST MOON
We are East Moon. Post Hardcore/ Emo core. Formed in 2020. Based in Chicago. Debuted Singles in 2023. Debut EP in 2024.
CORONARY
Hardcore punk. Rad Girlfriend Records. THE FUTURE IS NOW.
ANCIENT DAYS
Doom/horror band from Indianapolis Indiana. Lurking in the shadows always.
BONITA APPLEBLUNT
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 —
POLICE STATE
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).
TK MAGYC
LEI DOMINIQUE
“I am not just one thing, I am everything” – Lei Dominique
Debut EP ‘Nostalgic Tear’ is out now!
POLYESTER THE SAINT
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
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
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 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”
FEAR
Legends. Formed in 1978 in Los Angeles, they shaped not only the sound of Punk Rock, but defined the attitude and style which countless others mimic to this day. FEAR was the first punk rock band to grace national television in North America via Saturday Night Live on Halloween 1981, courtesy of John Belushi, leaving the studio set in shambles. FEAR remain on the permanently banned list from Saturday Night Live to this very day, and are ranked the number one musical performance in the show’s robust history by Rolling Stone Magazine. Their first album has sold over 500,000 copies and is considered to be one of the top ten punk rock albums Of ALL TIME.
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.
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
From Chicago Illinois Goodbye Sunshine is bringing fun, quick pop punk hooks and hits. Goodbye Sunshine’s debut EP “Keep Failing, You’re Doing Great” was recorded and produced by the legend Joe Queer. This EP was recently voted by Independent Music Guide as one of the “Top 50” releases of 2022. Goodbye Sunshine is definitely for fans who likes Teenage Bottlerocket, the Queers, Masked Intruder, Screeching Weasel, Off With Their Heads, Capgun Heroes and 90’s pop punk.
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
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
New Album Noticeably Cheerless coming summer 2022 on ASIAN MAN RECORDS. Ska/Soul/Reggae/Rocksteady
HIGHBALL HOLIDAY
20th and 21st century ska international and based in Wisconsin USA, Earth
ADVORSA
Advorsa is a formidable American death metal powerhouse hailing from the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2013, Advorsa imbues each of their creations with a distinctive essence, crafting a captivating narrative that stands apart in the metal landscape. From blood-pumping homages to “The Evil Dead” to dark and eldritch odes inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, their lyrical themes are as diverse as they are bone-chilling.
SIDE HUG
Raised in the backyards and basements of Chicago’s music scene, Side Hug got their start with late night songwriting and intimate jam sessions, laying the foundation for their debut EP, Also (2017). A nostalgic fusion of folk and indie rock, the EP’s anchor is “Velvet,” a song that balances upbeat rhythms with reflective, slower moments.
The addition of Allan Cardenas on lead guitar and Jon Reyes on bass began a new chapter for Side Hug, and saw the release of their sophomore EP, Wasted Summer (2019), via Chicago label Midwest Action. Exploring dreamy, reverb-soaked textures and driving rhythms, moodier tracks like “Blue Line,” “New York” and “Birthday” reflect on the complexities of love and loss – a showcase of Side Hug’s evolution as a band. Between 2020 and 2024, the band also experimented with a blend of indie rock and Americana, releasing a series of singles that captured an era of isolation.
Side Hug’s debut LP, recorded at Palisade Studio (2024), promises to be a bold exploration of post-punk, shoegaze and art rock – mirroring the despondent, emotional subject matter of singer Lyd Landor’s inner world. With a DIY ethos and a commitment to authenticity, Side Hug is unafraid to embrace the plurality of their sound as they set the stage for their new release.
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
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.
COCHISE
no weapon formed against me shall prosper