Varsity Dropout is an Iranian-American artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 2018 while attending college in the city, the project took on new meaning in 2020 when he made the decision to pursue music over grad school. A leap of faith shaped by loss, grief, and self-discovery. That same year, the passing of his mother transformed music from passion into necessity, becoming a vital source of therapy and healing.

Blending indie rock, folk, and alternative influences, Varsity Dropout creates emotionally compelling songs driven by honest lyrics and sticky melodies that linger long after they’re heard. Each live show builds deeper connection, turning personal experience into shared catharsis and inviting listeners into a world rooted in resilience, vulnerability, and belonging.

Welcome to the Dropout Fam 🖤

ALT-ROCK — CHI

Songwriter and guitarist Joey Acopiado is a student of the wide scope of contemporary music. From Rock to R&B, Acopiado covers it all, handcrafting each song with a clear respect and admiration for his musical heroes. However, this drive to nod his head to the golden-ages-gone-by of many genres has never impeded Acopiado on his mission to write things refreshingly unique.​

A deep lover of the blues … from the Chicago urban-blues stylings of artists like Paul Butterfield to more southern-fried guitar greats like Freddie King, Acopiado breathes energy into his music with a style of lead guitar playing that is infectiously expressive. In 2022, the Joey Acopiado Band is a string of musicians unlike any other, featuring the contributions of Dylan Barnett (second guitarist), Alex Garrin (bass), and Evan Hill (drums). When you see a show, you’ll witness this impressive outfit switch starkly from melodic indie ballads to hard-hitting blues-rock with ease.

Currently, this bombastic four-piece is based in Chicago, Illinois — and you can catch them gigging all throughout the city and suburbs.

Fank! is a Chicago-based alternative / indie rock band known for driving guitars, immersive synths, and dynamic songwriting.

The band has headlined Chicago venues including Beat Kitchen and Madame ZuZu’s, with upcoming festival appearances at Wicker Park Fest and Porchfest and a growing Midwest following. Their sound blends modern indie rock and psychedelic pop influences and is brought to life through expansive production and a rockin’, high-energy live show.

Fank! is a moving pulse of sound, energy, and color.

Their music blends the grit of rock with dreamlike layers of sound, creating a sonic experience that feels both familiar and otherworldly.

The band is building a growing community across the Midwest — bringing their high-intensity live show to more stages, festivals, and cities. Onstage, Fank! delivers a contagious, electric energy that pulls people in, gets the room moving, and stays with you long after the last note.