Chillwave is alive and well in Chicago. Magicks combines mellow indie-pop with atmospheric noise to create what Magicks (either seriously or not) refers to as “beach daze.” And beach daze seems to perfectly describe that moment where you’ve been baking under the sun for far too long and then sets that feeling to music.  Recently taking the lead on vocals, Monica Rose is a thoughtfully stylish Chicago, Illinois-based indie jazzy/pop singer-songwriter, rollerblader, subconscious mind student, future fashion icon, and skilled painter. She intrinsically fuses that healing melody that helps us deal with our day, as this is a caring musician who selflessly makes music to help others through her art.

Swellshark is a Chicago-based duo incorporating smart lyrics, textural drumming, electric uke, loop pedals, beatboxing, and the occasional mouth trumpet. At times big and intricate, and at others quiet and intimate, the resultant sound crackles with both joy and intensity. Each member hails from a strong musical background. Henry Kellam (drums, bass, & beatboxing) gained experience in punk, classical, and jazz performance, and is the drummer of metal band Save the Son, who have performed at venues such as Bottom Lounge and Pub Yahoo. Shélan O’Keefe (vocals, guitar, & electric ukulele) began as a singer/songwriter and is an alumni of Girls Rock! Chicago, having played at Metro, Schuba’s, and The Vic. Together, they form Swellshark.

 The pair’s live debut, in October 2014, was opening for antifolk legend (and long-time Swellshark hero) Jeffrey Lewis, at Schuba’s Tavern in Chicago. Since then, Swellshark has played with the Australian duo Oxford & Co. at Township, poet Harold Green at The Promontory, and with local support at Martyrs’ and Debonair Social Club. In the summer of 2015, the band traveled to Iceland, spending over a month traveling the country to work on new material, film take-away style music videos, and busk throughout the various tiny towns they visited. “Songs From the Island,” Swellshark’s first official EP, was born out of these experiences and independently released a few months after their return. 2016 marks a new direction for the duo, who have begun to work on their first full-length album. With topics both playful and serious, covering betrayal, self-destruction, and PBS painter Bob Ross, Swellshark has many musical surprises in store as they continue to hone their live set and signature, off-the-cuff music videos.

All Rocket Boosters and Astro Dudes beware, The Bombats are here to save your souls with rock and roll.

“Fall Classic is one of the best unheralded bands in Chicago’s rock scene, though the group’s latest album, “Gospel,” certainly has the power to change that status. A personal album for frontman/guitarist Ryan Jeffrey Smith, “Gospel” addresses his loss of faith via an album that is curious and unpredictable, one that mixes genres and influences seamlessly and tempers odd-angled arrangements with luscious harmonies.”
-Jessica Hopper, CHICAGO TRIBUNE