Emerging from the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, Dead Eyes is poised to take the rock and metal world by storm. What began with Zach Williams’ bold cross-country move—a journey that inspired their song ‘Prisoner’—has evolved into a powerful quartet known for their explosive sound and electrifying presence.
Featuring Zach Williams (vocals), Jim Poggi (guitar), Eric Rembecki (bass), and Chris Chapman (drums), Dead Eyes delivers massive choruses that resonate with anthemic power and influential breakdowns that leave a lasting impact. Their latest EP, Stability, reflects their journey of overcoming adversity and rising above life’s darkest moments, capturing the resilience that defines their music.
Their rise has been nothing short of meteoric. With 10 million global streams and a reputation for electrifying live shows, Dead Eyes has shared stages with metal heavyweights like I Prevail, Fit For A King, Woe, Is Me, and Attack Attack!. Their live performances are a testament to their raw energy, with each member bringing unique intensity to every show. Their music not only reflects their personal struggles and triumphs but also serves as a rallying cry for unity and strength.
At its core, Dead Eyes is more than just a band; they are a voice for those navigating their own struggles, offering a message of resilience and unity. Welcome to the DeadKru, where Baltimore grit meets metal might, and every song is a testament to strength and solidarity.
Fear of failure lives deep in many of us, however, the ability to overcome is what defines us.
Michigan-based Of Virtue, best known for their dynamic evolution and persistent trajectory, have planted their flag in over 35 countries across the globe thanks to a loyal fanbase who resonate with their authenticity. After sharing stages with giants like Three Days Grace, Imminence and Being As An Ocean, the band continues to prove they have dedicated blood, sweat & tears to be heard. It’s through their music that melodic, catchy and ethereal elements coalesce with brooding guitar riffs from Damon Tate & Michael Valadez to be complemented by the vocal stylings of Tyler Ennis & Tate then anchored by Ryan Trinh who adds a relentless pulse on drums.
Their hard work & consistency continues to pay off with milestones such as over 50m catalog streams, over 4m music video views, charting on Billboard and earning Top 50 Mediabase US radioplay spots. Their latest record, Omen, released October 2024, has quickly become a fan-favorite, selling out of multiple vinyl variants & thousands of CD copies, emphasizing their growing influence and audience dedication. Omen is home to a variety of vulnerabilities where Ennis & Tate discuss addiction, self-destruction, relationships gone awry and beyond. Each song like looking at a scar, learning the story behind the pain.
Once dismissed, Of Virtue’s unwavering authenticity continues to transform them from the underdog into the band you can’t miss.
Los Angeles, CA | Alternative Dark Pop-Rock In a world where music often borders on the formulaic, RIVALS defies the mold, crafting moods into irresistible melodies and connecting with fans on a visceral level. Their potent combination of powerful songwriting and energetic performances sets them apart, marking them as a truly unique presence in the modern music scene. Existing seamlessly in two worlds, they sketch an intriguing line between the bright allure of pop-rock and the intense, emotional realm of wilting post-hardcore. Their ability to vacillate between these styles produces an earth-shattering effect that is nothing short of mesmerizing. They wear their inspirations on their sleeves, drawing from a rich tapestry of influences while also collaborating with contemporaries, resulting in a clamor that demands the attention of diverse audiences. Their live performances are a testament to their commitment and dynamism.
Wisconsin-based band ARCHERS is a force to be reckoned with. Emerging in 2015 as the brainchild of founders Ben Koehler (guitar) and Nathanael Pulley (lead vocals), the duo laid the foundation for a dynamic musical journey. Sharing a passion for both the metalcore and pop-rock worlds, it wasn’t long before their casual creative outlet became a project that encapsulates the ups and downs of life, mental health, and relationships. With Oscar Porter (bass/vocals) and Grayson Mesarosh (drums) later joining the ranks, the members of ARCHERS continue to carve their path in the music industry on their own terms.
Proudly independent, the turning point for ARCHERS arrived in 2020 with the release of their EP, ‘New Normal.’ Their infectious soundscapes and introspective lyrics reminiscent of scene heavy-hitters like Dayseeker and Sleep Token resonated with listeners early on in their sonic development. From then on, the band has only fine-tuned their sound with standout singles like “Bitter” and “Say This Sober.” Each song weaves a story that is both vulnerable and visceral, a juxtaposition that resonates with the band’s loyal fanbase. There is strength and power to be reclaimed in the darkest of times, and ARCHERS find the light through their punchy blend of distorted guitars and soulful vocals.
Venturing beyond the studio, ARCHERS has been consistently touring across the country since 2022. From
consistently touring across the country since 2022. From making waves at Louder Than Life Festival and Blue Ridge Rock Festival to selling out rooms alongside acts like Savage Hands and Boys Of Fall, the energy and passion poured into their live shows continues to propel them forward. Gearing up for the release of a new EP in the Spring of 2024, the future of ARCHERS looks bright.
Formed in 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A. by 7 music school nerds, DOOM GONG has made a name for themselves internationally with their own home-baked genre, Denim Psych – a hodgepodge of psychedelic rock, jazz fusion, bedroom pop, lo-fi, contemporary classical music, as well as blood, sweat, and a lot of denim.
Having only released their first two LP’s in 2023 (DOOM GONG and Dream Behemoth), DOOM GONG has quickly become a mainstay of the psych scene in the U.S. and abroad, performing their enigmatic and seamless live shows alongside the likes of The Black Angels, BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah Las, King Buffalo, Bass Drum of Death, Death Valley Girls, HOLY WAVE, Gustaf, Ron Gallo and many others at music festivals including Purple City Music Festival (CAN), Big Stomp (KY) Back Alley Ballyhoo (IN), Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience (OH), Swampfest (CAN), Expansion Psychedelic Festival (KY), Moonshiners Ball (KY), and Jorts Fest (TN).
In 2024, DOOM GONG launched their international presence, completing two summer tours consisting of 24 shows across the eastern United States and Canada with immense reception. Soon after, the denim assemblage partnered with Romanus Records to produce vinyl of their debut album – all presses were sold out within an hour of its release. Throughout 2024, DOOM GONG will have delivered three singles with music videos: What Was the Question?, I Wanna Get Dim Sum (with my friends) (December 17th), and their inimitable arrangement of My Favorite Things (December 22nd). The denim dream has just begun: a third LP is set to release in early 2025 along with a FULL U.S. tour and possibly even a European tour.
MAF Teeski first started rapping in early 2018, jumping off the porch into the music game with his single titled “Dirty Cup” featuring artist JayLilMoney which led to Teeski releasing one of his first mixtapes “Double O Family Talk”. He later went on to drop his second mixtape “House Arrest the Mixtape” which became a well loved project amongst Chicago natives. As a proud Chicagoan, MAF Teeski is from the 99th & Princeton block of LarryLand on the Southside. Sonically and lyrically, Teeski is influenced by artists including NBA Youngboy, Pooh Shiesty and fellow Chicago native Lil Durk. With a striking voice and unique charm, his music is a gritty blend of Chicago drill and Street rap. With his latest mixtape Slick SZN featuring standout singles “Yea Yea” and “Cater 2 Slick” under his belt, MAF Teeski is poised to bring a hard-hitting fresh sound to the rap scene one bar at a time.
Revelry, a hard hitting rock band out of Murfreesboro, Tn, formed in 2019. Thunderous rhythms, screaming guitar licks, and smokey southern vocals fill the air as soon as these 5 take the stage. Years of cutting their teeth in dark and dusty dive bars led them to sharing the stage with acts like Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie, Them Dirty Roses, and Damon Johnson. They recently played an opening slot at the famed Ryman Auditorium with Yelawolf and Shooter Jennings for their sold out crowd. The group has released a slew of singles and now their debut EP of March 2024 “South of Nashville”.
Hailing from Portland, OR, indie rock singer/songwriter Myra Keyes has taken her silver guitar and planted herself in Chicago. With a sound that draws on female indie icons of the past and interweaves personal, raw, introspective lyrics, the 20-year-old college student released her debut full-length album, “Flower in the Brick,” in 2024.
Liptoss is a 6-piece pop/rock band based in Chicago featuring two lead female vocalists. They all met in a college classroom and the second they started making music, everything came together seamlessly. With their catchy guitar riffs, soaring vocal lines, and booming bass lines, Liptoss brings the energy to every show they play! They released their debut single, Lethal, March 14th and are excited to announce new music this summer.
“Stephen Hull is a blues musician from Racine, Wisconsin. He started playing the guitar at just 14 years old. Stephen continues to dazzle audiences with his soulful vocal sound and masterful skill on the guitar. Stephen has been rising fast in the blues clubs of Chicago and southeastern Wisconsin. Stephens strong musical roots gives the blues
community exciting evidence that the future of Blues music is in good hands.”
Hanna Simone is an American singer-songwriter born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. As a child, Hanna took a fascination to storytelling. With Brandi Carlile, Jewel, and Adele influencing her wild imagination, she began to blossom as a young singer-songwriter. As she aged and her experiences in life multiplied, Hanna gravitated toward creating music with the purpose of vulnerability. Paired with her smooth and soulful vocals, she writes knowing that all of us are equals charting individual courses. She wants to reach people in all walks of life. She can be described as an Americana/soul/RnB artist that can’t be tethered to an expectation.
Charlee Grider is a singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, WI. While they can mostly be seen commanding the stage in Indie Punk Thunderstorm “SCAM LIKELY”, their solo music taps into their more tender folk side that provides quite a juxtaposition from their usual stentorious performance. Charlee is elated to release their solo music in the early months of 2025! Black Lives Matter. Trans youth matters. Free Palestine. & guns don’t belong in schools.
FAETOOTH
Faetooth is a three-piece “fairy doom” band originating from Los Angeles. The group is composed of Ari May as guitarist and vocalist, Jenna Garcia as bassist and vocalist, and Rah Kanan on drums.
A compelling abrasive shoegaze band, dealing with the aesthetics of contrasting sounds.
Heavy like a gloomy dream yet soothingly vibrant.
The vulnerable soft floating voice of Manchester’s Isa Holliday underneath layers of grungy shoegaze soaked noisepop, seeking shelter from a f’ed up world.
Call it an asset, or call it a liability, Or Does It Explode is not easily captured within one genre label. For them, creating music is not simply about having a particular sound; it is about capturing the human experience in ways that words oftentimes fail. The emotions we feel range from joy to sadness or melancholia, to anger and frustration, to helplessness. So too, then, do the songs of oDiE. This means that one song may find them tapping into Midwest Emo twinkly guitar sounds, another relying on Post-Hardcore screaming, dissonant chords, and angular rhythms, and another creating a Progressive-adjacent scope of changes to time signature or tempo. What is always present is honesty and sincerity to what is being expressed.
Darsombra is a trans-apocalyptic galaxy rock duo from Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Known internationally for walking the line between glam-prog-psych-stoner metal and site-specific installation performance art, their hallucinogenic live shows are often met with the following responses: “I didn’t know what to expect, but that was awesome”, “I’ve never seen anything like that before”, and “it was like tripping on acid, without the acid.”
The band has a committed DIY cottage industry ethic, self-producing their music and videos and booking their own tours globally. They bring a stadium show in a cargo van or a handful of suitcases, and have performed in 48 states and 23 countries worldwide since their inception in 2005.
Formed in Little Rock, Arkansas, deFrance has been making waves in the music scene with their authentic rock sound. The band has been praised for their commitment to their craft, with American Songwriter noting their “relentless” work ethic and ability to “deliver on your first impressions.” Billboard highlighted their prolific nature, mentioning that Drew deFrance has multiple releases in the works alongside their latest album. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette praised their single “Lights Down Low,” comparing it to The Band’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City.” With over 1,000 live shows under their belt, deFrance’s music, touching on themes of rebellion, love, and heartbreak, resonates deeply with fans.
Think you have what it takes to perform in the Prohibition THC Smokefest Concert and open for Crucial Conflict & Do or Die? Sign up to have a chance to be the opening act for the biggest 4/20 concert in Chicago! Bring all your people to your performance and perform your best track!
The winner will be chosen in combination of judges and crowd participation granting them a 10 min set (2 songs) at the Prohibition Smokefest Concert. All artist are required to come with at least 10 people to cheer them on and have 3 of their best songs prepared.
Once chosen, not only will the winner perform that night, they will be interviewed by all of our participating podcasts. The winner will also earn VIP access to the event which includes a 15 mg infused beverage, a roll up, unlimited access to the HotBox buses and backstage areas. And finally, winning the Inaugural CannaVerse Cup filled with THC related products provided by Prohibition THC Cafe.
GAMBLERS
With millions of Spotify streams and a knack for blending organic and electronic sounds, Gamblers has become a standout force in modern indie music. Their hit single “Another Dose,” featuring Mick Jenkins, propelled their 2022 remix EP “When We Exit” into the spotlight, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. The group has seen airplay on both Sirius XM’s “Underground Garage” and local radio and has also been featured in PopMatters, Under the Radar, Paste Music, and other publications.
Led by founder and bandleader Michael McManus, Gamblers has transformed life’s challenges into electrifying music. Their latest album, Pulverizer, showcases their signature fusion of indie-pop, funk, and disco influences. The infectious grooves and sharp hooks tackle weighty themes with a vibrant energy that’s both contemplative and celebratory. The band’s dynamic live performances are anchored by drummer Johnny Hoblin’s precision and guitarist Jimmy Usher’s pop instincts, creating an experience that’s as polished as it is heartfelt.
With influences ranging from the Beach Boys to Mobb Deep and a sound described as “deep, patient, and hook-laden,” Gamblers is redefining what it means to be an indie band.
The Fresh Bears, originally forming in 2021, The Bears were born from the tight bond of brotherhood, friendship, and a love for music.
Hailing from Valparaiso IN, The Fresh Bears deliver a soulful, raw energy that captivates audiences and leaves them wanting more. Their release of their debut EP showcases their range of influences from blues to rock music as they display their musicianship in every note.
From smoky dive bars to packed-out venues, The Fresh Bears have earned a reputation for their electrifying live performances and undeniable stage presence.
The Bears are poised to make their mark on the world stage, sharing their distinctive sound and undeniable talent with audiences far and wide. So crank up the volume, and join The Fresh Bears on a musical journey that will leave you speechless and begging for more.
The Silver Palms is an Indie Rock band based in Chicago. While all 4 members grew up in the landlocked Midwest, they still find a way to blend surf-rock influences with catchy pop melodies and immersive lyrics.
The K.R.A – Defying Conventions, Defining a New Era! Born in the underground but destined for domination, The K.R.A. is a five-piece wrecking crew that smashes boundaries between rap, funk, and metal. Fueled by adrenaline, attitude, and a drive to elevate minds, The K.R.A. blends punishing riffs, explosive beats, and high-voltage lyricism into an unstoppable force of nature. At the heart of the mayhem is DJ TU-3, the sonic architect, spinning chaos into order with razor-sharp scratches, earth-shaking drops, and an electrifying presence that keeps the energy cranked to 11. Backed by a team of relentless musicians and a frontman who spits bars like firebombs, The K.R.A. doesn’t just play music—they unleash a Mind Over Matter Metal movement that empowers, energizes, and electrifies. Mission Statement: The K.R.A. is more than just music—it’s a movement. A high-energy fusion of raw metal power and razor-sharp hip-hop flow, we bring anthems of resilience, rebellion, and relentless self-belief to the world. We call it Mind Over Matter Metal—a sonic battle cry that pushes past limits, fuels the fire within, and proves that no obstacle is too great when the mind is stronger than the challenge. We’re here to ignite mosh pits, shake stages, and inspire warriors of every kind to take control of their destiny. No fear. No doubt. No surrender. This is The K.R.A. What Mind Over Matter Metal Means: This isn’t just about sound—it’s about strength. The K.R.A. stands for resilience, mental toughness, and never backing down. Life throws walls in your way—we break through them. Every lyric, every riff, and every beat is designed to push you past your limits and remind you that you are stronger than your struggles. We want this energy to spread like wildfire across the globe, uniting everyone who dares to dream bigger, fight harder, and rise higher. If you’re ready to step up, stand tall, and own your power, welcome to The K.R.A.—where the mind rules, the music roars, and the movement never stops. Join us as we shatter the boundaries of traditional rap and metal, forging a unique sound that’s raw, unapologetic, fun, and undeniably electrifying. With our debut album, we’re unleashing a sonic storm that’s set to redefine the rap metal and nu metal landscape. The K.R.A doesn’t conform to norms or follow the rules – we blaze our own trail, crafting music that’s as unpredictable as it is powerful. Brash, bold, and bursting with energy, our sound has drawn comparisons to the legendary Body Count, Rage Against The Machine, Public Enemy, Fever 333, Living Colour, Limp Bizkit, Korn, Aight Bet, and Fish Bone but make no mistake – we’re carving out our own legacy. Get ready to experience the future of rap metal – join us and be a part of history in the making!” The K.R.A Announces “Who The F Is U Tour 2025”! After an explosive 2024, The K.R.A is ready to hit the road for their first-ever Midwest tour, The Who The F Is U Tour. The journey kicks off in April 2025 and runs through December 2025, covering eight Midwest states, including their home state of Illinois. The K.R.A capped off 2024 with a series of unforgettable performances, opening for St. Louis icon Zeus Rebel in June, sharing the stage with legends Crucial Conflict at the Chicago 606 Anniversary, and closing the year strong at the Unrap Podcast: Spilled Barz Englewood Showcase. These pivotal moments have solidified their place as a force in the rap metal scene, setting the stage for a massive year ahead. Fans eager to witness the raw energy and intensity of The K.R.A live can sign up for the mailing list to be the first to receive tour updates, including dates, times, and locations. Exclusive tickets and special offers will be available to mailing list subscribers before they’re announced publicly. Get ready, Midwest—The K.R.A is coming to shake things up.
Deen Akbar ‘The RapGod’, born in the 90’s during the Renaissance of the Golden Era, he’s an acclaimed Hip Hop Artist from the Southside of Chicago. He wrote his first verse at 8 yrs old, and been creating ever since. Since 13 yrs old, he’s participated in many open mics, battles, competitions amd major events. In May of 2022, he won his first ‘Spittinbarz’ competition hosted by ‘Nico & Chopz Diggity’ ‘first place’ to open up for ‘Twista’ in Cincinnati, OH. He later release his first mixtape album ‘RapGod’ in July of 2022. In October of 2022, Deen Akbar has became the newest member of ‘Crucial Conflict’ through ‘Coldhard’ performing at the Sauce Festival. In December of 2022, he won his second ‘Spittinbarz’ competition ‘first place’ to open up for ‘Bizzy Bone’ in Cleveland, OH. In May of 2023, he becomes apart of the ‘I’m Busy Tour’ by Bizzy Bone to open up for him in Manitowoc, WI. In May of 2024, he wins his third ‘Spittinbarz’ competition in a row ‘first place’ to have his new single ‘I Did It’ produced and engineered by Ish Made DaBeat from the sophomore album ‘Long Overdue’ aired on POWER92 Raw Radio (92.3), 10-minute interview by Seandale, and he will open up for ‘Twista, Do Or Die, Crucial Conflict, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Da Brat, and many more at ‘The Piazza’ in Aurora, IL. on September 13th, 2024. Deen Akbar always came out on top with his rapid lyricism/wordplay, unique styles, storytelling ability, punch-lines, metaphors, similes, riddles, schemes, unorthodox teachings, and freestyles (off the top). He plans to restore Hip Hop back in it’s essence providing the guidance, truth, pain, struggle, knowledge of self and intellect thru his wordplay. #GodBodySourcezLLC #ChicagoArtist #DeenAkbar #RapGod #GodBodyz #GBZ #HipHop #Rap #Southside
Chicago’s Do or Die gained a hit with their first single, Po Pimp. Released on a tiny Chicago label, the track became a local hit and sparked the group’s signing by Houston’s Rap-A-Lot Records. Given a wide release in the summer of 1996, the single hit number 22, increasing the buzz for a full-length from the group. In September of that year, Picture This was released on Rap-A-Lot. Do or Die returned to action in the spring of 1998, releasing their second album, Headz or Tailz. Victory followed two years later. Back 2 the Game (2002) and Pimpin’ Ain’t Dead (2003) did well in Chicago and on the West Coast, but nationwide the group was being ignored by radio. With , , and all making guest appearances, 2005’s D.O.D. was an attempt to change this. A year later, Do or Die went in a totally different direction by releasing the hard, street-minded Get That Paper with the lone guest star. ~ John Bush, Rovi
Jon’s drive and love shows through his commitment to the business at the bands’ inception and his powerful voice and songwriting. Before the Prowlers, Jon’s bass playing was all over the spectrum of rock and world music. He’s kind, measured and loves dogs more than pretty much anyone you’ve ever met.
Welcome fellow wanderers to the spiritual bluegrass of Full Spectrum.
We perform music rooted in the driving rhythms of Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers- merged with powerful cosmic jams and mysteriously shifting melodies.
Grassfed Collective is an original bluegrass/jamgrass band based out of Chicago Illinois. The group seamlessly blendstraditional bluegrass feels, big harmonies, powerful original material, and driven jam sections to make every appearance special. Come graze in the pasture!
Jonathan Dombro – guitar
Stan Pszeniczka – mandolin
Elix Smith – banjo
Eric Fitts – upright bass
Josh Muchmore – dobro
Blending ‘s weed philosophy with a self-styled hopalong hip-hop sound based on the Old West, Chicago’s Crucial Conflict hit the airwaves in 1996 with the marijuana ode “Hay.” Members Wildstyle, Kilo, Coldhard, and grew up on Chicago’s West Side and began rapping as a way to pass time on the mean streets. Signed to the UNIV label in 1996, the foursome hit the R&B Top Five with the June release of The Final Tic, which went gold later that year. Good Side, Bad Side followed in 1998. After ten years of label conflicts and time spent collaborating on local projects, Crucial Conflict returned with Planet Crucon in 2008. New material failed to appear, but the group remained an active live act, including an appearance at the 2015 SXSW festival during ‘s Midwestern Artists Showcase. ~ John Bush, Rovi
Damon is a songwriter in Chicago by way of Minnesota and Iowa. He believes in the gathering power of music; how it can turn strangers into friends, create entire worlds, and hold so much mystery.
Dassah is an emerging singer-songwriter. Her debut single, “North Canal Street,” is a poignant song that showcases her talent for crafting beautiful stories and expressive lyrics. Passionate about music from a young age, Dassah has been writing songs and playing instruments throughout her life. She blends elements of indie, folk, pop, and jazz to create a distinct and captivating sound. Her songs invite listeners to connect with their emotions, and her live performances are noted for their sincerity and intimate atmosphere.
Reflections is the third solo album by the Grateful Dead’s guitarist Jerry Garcia, released in February 1976. Partway through production, Garcia stopped recording with his solo band and brought in the members of the Grateful Dead, who performed on four songs, plus a bonus jam from 2004 release. Three of the four Grateful Dead-performed songs had earlier live debuts: “Comes a Time” (1971), “They Love Each Other” (1973) and “It Must Have Been the Roses” (1974); “Might as Well” entered their rotation in 1976, and “Mission in the Rain” received a select few performances that same year. Most of the songs entered the live rotation of the new Jerry Garcia Band as well.
Wheels North is a Progressive New Grass band from the Illinois Fox Valley comprised of Mark Frystak (guitar/vocal), Hayley Skreens (banjo/vocal), Jesse Fuller (bass/vocal) and Chris Grant (violin). Wheels North offers powerful three-part harmonies, skillfully crafted song arrangements, and an enticing catalog of originals and covers. Their live show is engaging and energetic, and challenges the limits of grass based music.
Elusions, a group of five Chicagoan musicians join together to create dynamic rock music that shines a light on the universal trials of heartache, alcoholism, and love. The band combines the raw energy of punk rock, the soulful melodies of R&B, and the power of heavy metal, with lyrics that speak to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.
Kate Stephenson is a singer-songwriter from Illinois. A genre-bender (self-diagnosed), her sounds range from—- don’t move a muscle. seriously, do not move. there is a HUGE fucking shark behind you. it’s getting closer. do you have an open wound or something—- OH MY GOD DID YOU JUST GRAPPLE THAT SHARK WITH YOUR OWN HANDS?? AND WIN?????? AND I GOT IT ON VIDE– omg I forgot to press record.
Hailing from Pottsville, NSW, Eliza & The Delusionals have carved out a distinctive place in the indie pop-rock scene since their formation in 2017. Anchored by the magnetic presence of Eliza Klatt (vocals, guitar), the band’s lineup includes Kurt Skuse (guitar) and Ruby Lee (bass). Their music blends emotionally resonant lyrics with soaring melodies, striking a chord with audiences both in Australia and abroad.
2019 marked their international breakthrough with the release of Just Exist. The track resonated globally, securing high rotation on American radio, including SiriusXM AltNation, where it topped the Alt18 charts for an impressive 14 weeks. The song’s success earned the band Q Music’s Rock Song of the Year and Breakout Artist of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards in 2020. Riding this wave, Eliza & The Delusionals made their North American debut, supporting Silversun Pickups on a month-long tour that solidified their presence on the international stage.
Despite plans for 2020 being curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the band used the downtime creatively, crafting their debut album, Now And Then. Released in 2022, the album featured collaborations with industry heavyweights like Keith Harris (Black Eyed Peas) and Sarah Aarons (Zedd, Miley Cyrus). Critically acclaimed, Now And Thengarnered a 4.5-star review from Rolling Stone Australiaand was nominated for triple j’s J Award for Album of the Year. The album’s success spurred a sold-out national tour and a return to North America for festivals and another stint with Silversun Pickups.
2023 brought the recording of their sophomore album, Make It Feel Like The Garden released in full in late 2024. Written and recorded with collaborators including Oscar Dawson (Holy Holy) and mixed by Chris Collins (Royel Otis), the album features contributions from Brian Aubert (Silversun Pickups) and Butch Vig (Garbage, Nirvana). The lead single, Make It Feel Like The Garden, and its follow-up, Falling For You, showcased the band’s evolving sound and was showcased through multiple national tours across Australia.
Released in July 2024, Make It Feel Like The Garden debuted at #9 on the ARIA Top 50 Digital Albums chart, with further accolades across various categories. Plans for a national tour were temporarily postponed when Klatt sustained a hand injury requiring surgery, but her recovery saw the band return to form, touring North America with The Front Bottoms later that year.
With a dynamic blend of heartfelt songwriting and captivating live performances, Eliza & The Delusionals continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. As they prepare for their rescheduled Australian tour in 2025, the band’s story remains one of resilience, creativity, and unrelenting passion for music.
In 2023 Johnny was nominated for a BMA for Best Traditional Blues Artist. He maintains a relentless tour schedule across the US, in Japan, Europe and Mexico. He’s also gained a loyal YouTube following for his ‘nooks and crannies’ guitar lessons posted every Monday. Vintage Guitar praised his ‘stellar guitar playing’ and Living Blues called him “talented and audacious”.
Ivy Ford versatile, talented, an old soul. From singing the blues to being sultry, she is an indigo artist who’s gift connects those who are around her and those who listen. Whether leading a full band or serenading a small audience solo on stage, Ivy Ford commands an energy that is most magical.
Massachusetts-based rapper Millyz has cemented his reputation as a seasoned lyricist through his freestyles on Sway, Funk Flex, and live performances alongside Hip Hop heavyweights Jadakiss and Dave East to name a few. He has toured the United States and Europe, has millions of views online, and has a fan base that grows every day. What separates him from other artists is his authentic voice and versatility. With the ability to switch his style musically, he effortlessly floats over a wide range of beats from trap to melody Rap to classic East Coast Hip Hop. Infused in his music there is always the underlying theme of pain and hardship. He draws from his past and present, highlighting his neighborhood and the experiences that informed and impacted his world view.
Violence System was founded in 2015 by guitarist Joshua Curl and vocalist John Dernar originally as a studio project. The duo went on to release their debut EP “Instinct” in 2016, establishing their unique blend of brutal yet melodic death metal and orchestral elements. Following the release of the Instinct EP, the duo made the decision to form a full band, and make Violence System their main focus. Recruiting lead guitarist Brian Sawyer, bassist Harry Alvarez, and drummer Kendrick Van Deusen, the band was ready to take the Atlanta metal scene by storm. Violence System began writing for their first full length album, as well as playing as many shows as they could in the southeastern United States. Quickly developing a reputation as one of the most energetic and hardest hitting acts from Atlanta, anticipation for the full length album was growing. “Gehenna” was released February 15, 2019, further cementing Violence System as a metal act to keep an eye on. Since the release of their first full length album, the band has gone on to share the stage with bands such as Exodus, Kataklysm, Battlecross, Fallujah, Soulfly and Vatican, as well as become a national finalist in the “Battle For Wakken” international battle of the bands. Violence System is currently working on a follow up to 2019’s “Gehenna”.
Slackjaw is an American heavy metal trio based in South Carolina. The band was formed when Dallas Young (vocals, rhythm guitar, bassist), also widely known online as Soup, met Brady Riggenbach (lead guitarist) in 2017. Jacob Rigdon (drummer) was added to complete the trio in July 2021. Despite various lineup changes, Dallas and Brady held the band’s vision together by taking on multiple roles in the studio, with Brady being the studio drummer on almost every track to date. Through a mutual interest in Black Label Society and Pantera, Dallas and Brady quickly started writing material. The band’s first single, “Caught in the Crossfire,” and their first studio album, “Ritual of Dissonance,” were met with astounding appraisal from old and new fans alike. When the band formed, they gathered an impressive online following with no management, label, or supporting tour. With influences such as Pantera, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Meshuggah, Black Label Society, Tool, and many others, there’s no question this metal band has one goal: to follow in their predecessors’ footsteps and make albums that will stand the test of time.
All competitors welcome! Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve graced the stage before, we invite you to join us for the 2025 Chicago Air Guitar Championships.
The winner receives a spot in the National US Air Guitar Championships in July with airfare.
The Crooked Rugs are a psych-rock spaghetti-western band formed in Fort Collins, Colorado. They deliver a captivating blend of rock and roll that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Brining mysterious noise that manages to sound otherworldly and familiar at the same time.
Hailing from Fort Collins, CO these space cowboys are your musical guides on a journey to a universe of mystic psychedelic color. The Colorado quintet takes the compulsory ingredients of modern rock band instrumentation and creates something wonderfully foreign. Echoes of psych, prog, and garage rock resound, but each song is clearly the result of diligent experimentation.
Founded in 2019 by Jayce Haley, Nolan Brumbach, Jay LeCavalier and brothers, Rex and Finn Stowers, this band of brothers transitions smoothly through a variety of tunes to create an unforgettable experience that will take you on a journey through space and time. Releasing 5 albums in the past 4 years, the Rugs are known for their prolific output, telepathic connections, and filling the room with a swath of joyous emotion.
Opening for national touring acts from around the country such as The Babe Rainbow, Boogarins, Worn-Tin, Spoonbenders, Ron Gallo, Monsterwatch, Connor Kelly & The Timewarp, Hooveriii, The Bobby Lees, Imarhan, and more. The Band participates in regional festivals such as SXSW, Treefort, Desert Reverie, Endless Fest, Lincoln Calling, Psych’s Peak, & WHAT! Fest.
Biitchseat was formed in 2017 by best friends Talor Smith (she/they) and Kristin Schmit (she/her) not long after they met in college orchestra. Swapping out their cellos for guitars, they ended up with a genre-bending sound that blends the aesthetic of 90s alt-rock icons like Liz Phair and The Cranberries and re-engineers it into something as catchy as it is complex and timeless.
Biitchseat finds themselves riding through the peaks and valleys of emotional waves as they explore new depths in their sophomore album, Float. An album that is about how every aspect of what it means to be alive is simultaneously so hollow and so very full, and the beauty that resides in between. The unabashed pop and shimmer in their music is only matched by their live performances, which are always energetic and, at times, captivating and vulnerable.
Kat and the Hurricane is an all-queer and trans synth rock/indie-pop band from Madison, WI composed of guitarist/vocalist Kat Rhapsody (they/them), keyboardist/vocalist Benjamin Rose (they/them), and drummer Alex Nelson (they/them). The band has stirred up a storm across the Midwest since 2017 thanks to their energetic live shows, strong sense of community, and genre-defying songwriting. While preparing their debut full length album, Got It Out, the trio has appeared at several regional and national festivals, completed 3 regional and national tours, and received the coveted Artist of The Year award from their local Madison Area Music Association.
Got It Out, released in October 2024, represents a new high in Kat and the Hurricane’s craft of catharsis. Seamlessly weaving elements of synth rock, pop punk, indie-pop, alternative rock, indie-folk, and hip-hop across ten tracks, the band speaks to the growing pains of mental health and trauma healing. From the raucous stadium rock anthem, “Therapy,” high-energy pop-punk confessional “Caffeine & Alcohol,” and lush indie-pop closer, “Smoke,” Kat and the Hurricane illustrates how, even with some healing and a lot of getting it out, pain never truly goes away – it simply shifts.
