Suddenly locked down during the pandemic only four months into their marriage, Jeremy Rosenblum and Erin Sydney founded the post-punk/indie-pop project 37 Houses to express the frustrations that come with the complications and difficulties of even the best of relationships.
With Rosenblum writing songs and Sydney lending her voice to the vocals, they recorded their debut self-titled album entirely in their own living room. The album, released November 2024, draws influence from artists ranging from post-punk greats like Sharon Van Etten and indie pop artists like Built to Spill, Pulp, and Modest Mouse.
When the late, great Phil May of The Pretty Things (cited as a major influence by both David Bowie and Jimmy Hendrix) began curating songs for what would become the band’s final studio album, amongst covers of songs by Muddy Waters, Sheryl Crow and Robert Johnson, May included a song by British singer-songwriter Will Varley. In becoming an avid fan of the troubadour from Kent he joined an army of followers that has been growing steadily across the globe for last ten years and includes the likes of Billy Bragg, Skin from Skunk Anansie and Adam Duritz from Counting Crows, all of whom consider Will to be one of the best songwriters of his generation.
In recent years Will has become a regular collaborator in the writing rooms of Nashville and Los Angeles, co-writing songs with Grammy award winning and CMA winning artists from the heart of the country music world. But over the last few months he has been holed up in his ramshackle studio, deep in the Kentish wilderness, working away on his latest offering – a new album now firmly on the horizon.
There is a sheer depth to Will’s writing that sets him apart, and has propelled his music far and wide. From the Dylanesque, post-apocalyptic dystopia of 2021’s “Dreamland” to the captivating and ambitious “Weddings and Wars,” in which he endeavours to compress the entire history of the world into four minutes, Varley’s songs seem to transcend themselves, marrying vivid imagery, emotion and surrealism to capture his musings in a way that is quite remarkable.
When the world ground to a halt during the pandemic, Varley refused to stand still. As well as writing his first novel, Will honed his skills in the studio, producing ‘Hit And Run’ for multi platinum artist Eagle Eye Cherry. He also entered Nashville’s International Songwriting Competition (Judged by Tom Waits and Coldplay amongst others), sending in his entry after a night of lockdown drinking. Out of over 20,000 entries Will’s song came 3rd.
The stage has been Varley’s constant companion, from the open mics of south London to Shepherds Bush Empire and The Albert Hall. Over the years he has toured relentlessly, selling out shows across Europe and America, and opening for Frank Turner, Valerie June and The Proclaimers. Further high praise from the likes of Tim Minchin, Donovan, and Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention have helped fan the flames, as his audience continues to grow both on the road and online. His self made music videos have clocked up millions of views on YouTube and his catalogue of recorded albums has surpassed a staggering 30,000,000 streams on Spotify alone.
In 2023 Will signed a worldwide record deal with US label MNRK Music Group, who over the years have been home to the likes of Chuck Berry, Townes Van Zandt and The Lumineers. With a new team behind him and touring plans being hatched for this summer and beyond, Will is poised for an enormous 12 months ahead, as he gears up for the release of his seventh studio album.
Kat Baptista is a Chicago-based songwriter building small storms out of omnichord hums and late-night confessions.
PRYCE
PRYCE is a Chicago-born artist whose music lives in the grey areas—between growth and resistance, healing and hurt. Her music opens the door to a journey not just of accountability, but of honesty: about holding on to what she should let go of, about being selfish, and sometimes giving people a reason to leave. Through raw lyricism and genre-blurring sound, PRYCE captures the messiness of becoming.
She’s committed to making music that doesn’t just sound good, but feels real—encouraging listeners to sit with their emotions instead of escaping them. For PRYCE, a great song doesn’t just let you disassociate—it helps you face yourself.
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.
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.
Phoenix-based heavy rock solo artist and songwriter known for blending post-hardcore, trap metal, and alternative rock. Renowned for raw vocals, screams, and heavy riffs, she gained traction for her intense, emotive sound and recent collaboration with Drowning Pool.
Kingdom Collapse create the soundtrack to survival. The San Antonio, TX hard rock band alchemizes unfathomable tragedy, trauma, loss, failure, and stress into massive and magnetic anthems powered by pummeling instrumentation and arena-size hooks that remind you to never give up.
Kingdom Collapse originated out of the childhood friendship between aforementioned vocalist Jonathan Norris and bassist Aaron Smith, who grew up together, found music around the same time, and recognized its power after Jonathan endured the loss of his father at eight-years-old.
In order to cope, he immediately retreated into music and the embrace of a small community — which included Aaron’s family. This was the turning point where both boys realized the power of friendship, the power of music, and their potential together. “I saw my father die right in front of my eyes,” Jonathan sighs. “I didn’t even know what was happening. In some ways, that darkness has never left. Music became my light. I connected with it, and it gave me hope for the future. Kingdom Collapse is a band that carries that torch.”
Jonathan and Aaron each made the rounds in local bands and even collaborated a few times on short-lived projects. When they finally joined forces in Kingdom Collapse, it was as if everything they’d gone through as friends prepared them to make a statement together.
Jonathan tapped Aaron to play bass, and they rounded out the lineup by welcoming guitarist David Work and drummer Gaston Flores into the fold. Their quiet and devoted grind paid off when their breakout track “Uprise” resonated on a global scale, gathering 5 million-plus Spotify streams and bulldozing the way for 2022’s independent Unbreakable EP. The latter housed their biggest single to date “Unbreakable,” which has generated north of 11 million Spotify streams and hit No. 1 on Octane. Unafraid to put in the work, the four-piece didn’t bother with day jobs and went all-in on music, hitting the road for hundreds of shows a year. They shared stages with everyone from Three Days Grace and Nothing More to From Ashes To New, Fire From The Gods, ATTACK ATTACK!, and Adelita’s Way.
In 2025, they caught the attention of Mascot Records and inked a deal with the label. Now, Kingdom Collapse hold nothing back on their new single.
Hailing from the DMV area, Savage Hands have positioned themselves at the forefront of the new wave rock scene taking over the country. Driven by powerful instrumentals paired with belting vocal hooks; the band has cut their teeth working with writer/producer Andrew Baylis (Jellyroll, Yung Gravy, Brantley Gilbert) to develop a truly fresh sounding catalog of music. With an absolutely electric live show, Savage Hands brings it all to the stage at every show. This is a band you will be adding to your daily playlists and concert schedules for years to come.
“Corners of the Sky” is a psychedelic garage rock band hailing from Kansas City, based for a while in Lawrence. Revered locally for energetic performances and a bombastic stage presence, the four young musicians are slowly building a loyal following, frequently gigging around the greater KC/Lawrence area. “COTS” (acronym) innovates improvisational elements in each song, known as “the jammy bit,” where the song breaks away for a while before diving back into the main melody and ending it off. The individual members take it a step further, showcasing unique alterations/inventions for their instruments, one such example being the lead singer’s microphone, constructed with parts from an old telephone.
Loathe are an English heavy metal band from Liverpool. The band’s music makes use of elements of metalcore and nu metal, while also incorporating more experimental aspects from genres like shoegaze, progressive metal and industrial music.
All Under Heaven is a New Jersey-based shoegaze/alternative rock band formed in 2017 by songwriter Nick DeFabritus. Known for blending dreamy, reverb-drenched textures with melodic, high-voltage riffs and emo-influenced vocals, the band released their debut LP, What Lies Ahead Of Me, in 2024.
With over 800 shows across Europe, the UK, and Mexico, Dirty Sound Magnet have become one of the most electrifying forces in modern rock. Hailing from Switzerland, the trio has built a reputation for their mesmerising musical world and intense, unpredictable live performances. Hypnotic stage presence, rock star charisma, instrumental mastery, poetic lyricism, and unrelenting energy — no DSM show is ever the same.
Stavros Dzodzos (guitar, vocals), Marco Mottolini (bass, backing vocals), and Maxime Cosandey (drums, backing vocals) formed the band as teenagers in Fribourg. What began as obsession quickly turned into a life’s mission. Their path has always been crystal clear: There is no Plan B.
Their sound channels the essence of the Golden Age of Rock — the energy of Led Zeppelin, the heaviness of Black Sabbath, the mysticism of The Doors — while boldly carving new territory. With psychedelic currents à la Tame Impala and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and lyrics that dissect modern society with a sharp, poetic edge, Dirty Sound Magnet have forged a musical identity that is entirely their own.
Since the release of their acclaimed third album DSM-III (2022, Hummus Records), the band has reached new heights: sold-out tours, headlining 2-hour shows across the continent, and performing at major festivals like Hellfest, Fusion Festival, Resurrection Fest, Bospop, and Burg Herzberg Festival. Their DIY ethic and unstoppable momentum have made them one of Europe’s most exciting underground success stories.
Their fourth studio album Me and My Shadow will be released on January 30th, 2026. Fueled by years on the road and the confidence gained through hundreds of intense shows, it is the band’s most powerful and focused record to date — the next step in a story that shows no signs of slowing down.
ELTON JOHN “LIVE FROM MOSCOW 1979” BY SIMPLY ELTON
Live from Moscow 1979 is a live album by British musician Elton John released in April 2019. It was recorded during John’s May 1979 tour of the Soviet Union, when he played a series of shows in Leningrad and Moscow accompanied by percussionist Ray Cooper. The live recordings were initially broadcast by BBC Radio 1 and were long available on bootleg albums. Footage was also included in the 1979 documentary To Russia…With Elton.
The official release, as a limited-edition double LP, was issued for Record Store Day 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the tour. The album was then re-released in 2020 on vinyl and CD, and in digital music stores.
Brian Harris is a virtuoso pianist, trained at Hartt School of Music in Connecticut and is also an experienced jazz pianist and at his core a true rock-n-roller. Brian created the Simply Elton show in 2012, envisioning a tribute to Sir Elton John that captured the magic and energy of the icon’s live performances. He performed over the years as a solo pianist and backing keyboardist/backing vocalist in many bands. Brian also served three years as a Sergeant in the Fourth U.S. Army Band stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, performing as the band’s primary pianist. In 2012, it was time for him to step out front. And there has been NO looking back! Brian has performed hundreds of Simply Elton shows thrilling audiences all over, and looks forward to MANY more in the years to come. Brian and Simply Elton have performed internationally in the British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, Mexico and China, along with a steady schedule of performances in the midwest and throughout the United States. The essence of the Simply Elton act is that it brings together Brian’s energy, finely-tuned “Elton” vocals, love of wearing wild outfits on stage, and of course his virtuoso piano technique to make Simply Elton a fitting tribute to the rock & roll genius of Elton John.
Simply Elton is backed by the Mad Hatters Band, a group of seasoned and talented rock & roll professionals that set the foundation for Simply Elton to fly over. Brian and the group are based in the Chicago area, yet perform literally anywhere/everywhere in the world that an over-the-top Elton show is desired! He also enjoys performing intimate solo performances on occasion (as did Sir Elton himself as well).
Julia Capello, known professionally as Julia Wolf, is an American singer, songwriter and record producer from Long Island, New York. Known for her ethereal vocals and self-produced alt-pop sound, she blends elements of indie pop, alternative rock, and R&B.
Scatterbox is an American punk rock band from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Formed in 2000, the current lineup includes Tom White, Scott Rozell, Mark Cogburn, Ryan White, and Sean Nicol. They are currently signed with Blackhouse Records of Spokane, Washington.
At School of Rock Oswego, we offer more than just music lessons. We build a community that fosters personal growth. Our performance-based music education combines one-on-one instruction with group rehearsals, helping students develop both musical proficiency and essential life skills.
Our approach is proven to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. An independent study found that after joining our programs, 96.2% of parents saw a boost in their child’s self-confidence and 95.9% reported improved teamwork skills.* Find out why we’re different from other music lessons near you and visit our school today.
Chicago pianist/producer C3zr blends electronic elements, ear-worm hip-hop beats, vintage lo-fi, symphonic textures, and stylistic jazz instrumentation. A frequent collaborator with local and rising talent, his diverse approach has reached a growing fanbase.
GRAMMY Award-Winning Trumpeter/Producer Maurice MOBETTA BrownLate night.
Live music. One-of-one moments.MOBETTA & Friends is a late-night celebration of live musicianship—bringing together jazz, hip-hop, funk, and soul in one room for fearless improvisation and spontaneous collaboration.
Led by Maurice MOBETTA Brown, the night unfolds as a continuous, high-energy live jam—featuring world-class musicians, special guests, DJ, and one-of-one moments. Energy flows from start to finish—blending live performance and late-night DJ culture into one seamless experience.It’s a space where artists connect, the audience becomes part of the experience, and every night is its own moment.Built on community, creativity, and the spirit of the jam session—MOBETTA & Friends keeps the energy alive long after the lights go down.
Nemophila is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in Tokyo in 2019. It consists of vocalist Mayu, guitarist Hazuki, bassist Haraguchi-san and drummer Tamu Murata. While independently releasing three singles between 2020 and 2021, Nemophila garnered a sizable multinational following online by uploading videos to YouTube.
Nourished by nightmares and the throbbing pulse of pragmatic terror, CARNIFEX have returned with their ninth full-length studio album, Necromanteum.
While it may come as a surprise to some fans, the themes of Necromanteum are a little less personal compared to previous releases. Vocalist and founder Scott Ian Lewis explains: “We wanted to delve into more supernatural and ethereal subjects like astral projection, the duality of man, and the crossroads of intellectualism and the supernatural… There was indeed a time when Doctors were also performing seances!”
Decades ago, wealthy intellectuals began installing psychomanteum in their homes; a secret room completely filled with mirrors, or a single mirror, and in complete darkness, in order to speak to the dead in other dimensions, and gain their knowledge. It was often used as a healing tool to help dissolve grief, or considered a form of prophecy. Necromanteum presents the concept: what if you could use that kind of room to speak with death, itself? What secrets of the world could you uncover from a direct conversation with the grim reaper? Not a monster, but a fellow intellect.
“This album is for the fans,” states Lewis. “We’re always striving to give you the best version of us, but it’s only ours until we turn it in. Then it becomes everyone else’s record. It’s a form of entertainment, and we truly hope to help listeners break away from real life, and have some escape into our little world through the Necromanteum .”
Noah Jennings emerged on the Chicago music scene in 2026 with a sound that felt both familiar and fearless. Blending elements of bluegrass, rock, and Americana, his music moves effortlessly between dusty backroads and wide-open sonic landscapes. Rooted in strong songwriting and driven by feel as much as technique, Jennings creates songs that invite listeners in, no matter where they come from. Whether you’re drawn to twang, groove, introspection, or raw energy, his music offers something for everyone, honest, expansive, and always alive.
Rottweiler was the name given by Uncle Ricky when Greg Sheffield was a child. With both bark and bite, his performances harness the energy of a wild dog into a soulful suite of high concept pop music. From heavy experimental R&B pieces to hook-filled folk rock earworms, Rottweiler aims to push boundaries at all costs.
DAVID ANTHONY MARSHALL
Midwestern-born and shaped by time in California, David Anthony Marshall is a singer-songwriter and guitarist blending classic rock, R&B, folk, jazz, and Motown influences. With soulful vocals and expressive guitar work, his music pairs heartfelt storytelling with rich, timeless sound—bridging heartland roots and West Coast spirit.
Austin, Texas based singer/songwriter/guitarist Emily Wolfe explores and obliterates the boundaries of rock-and-roll and modern pop, mining equal inspiration from the likes of Judas Priest and Ariana Grande in her bold but masterful genre-bending music. Wolfe has shared stages with the likes of Heart, The Pretenders and Gary Clark Jr. She’s a self-taught guitar player starting at the age of 5. After self-releasing her EP Roulette in 2014 followed by single “Atta Blues” in 2016, Emily used 2017 and 2018 to strategize and write new music. She released a debut self-titled, full-length album in February 2019, produced by Ben Tanner of the Alabama Shakes. Wolfe has been described as a sonic merging of PJ Harvey and Jack White and is guaranteed to not disappoint early fans who are already along for the ride to greatness. Wolfe and her music have been featured and profiled by The Wall Street Journal, MTV, NPR, and American Songwriter
Brian Fallon’s rockstar days are firmly behind him. And no one is more accepting of that fact than Brian Fallon.
Having recently turned 40, the New Jersey legend has left more than his youth in his rearview. His former outfit, The Gaslight Anthem, reunited for a string of reunion shows in 2018 but now only exists in that murky grey area known as “indefinite hiatus.” He released two well-received solo albums in the past four years, 2016’s Painkillers and 2018’s Sleepwalkers, but even those records dwell more in the rock genre than anywhere else.
Now, with his new solo album, Local Honey, and a partnership for his own label with the venerated, artist-friendly outpost Thirty Tigers (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell), Fallon has made the record he has always wanted to make and has put himself in a place to release it exactly as he pleases. Its acoustic-leaning, introspective, singer-songwriter artistry is a benchmark of a time and place, a heartfelt and grown-up sound that has been in his mind and in his heart for a long while. Unique amongst his output, Local Honey is a snapshot of Fallon’s current existence and a masterstroke from an artist whose songwriting talent is boiling over.
Josh Swanson – Bass
Katie Thornton – Guitar, Vocals
Mike Wilson – Drums
Will Olsen – Guitar, Vocals
THE SLOW DEATH
No Light to See is the 5th studio album from The Slow Death, and by far their most artistically sweeping and impressive with its smart hooks, soaring guitar leads, powerful drumming, and lyrics that’ll make you cry sung by a wild man who can’t quiet the howling of the ghosts in his head, and is weighed down by the bleakness burdening everyone around him.
Tape and Tears a folk-pop-punk band based out of Northern Wisconsin, blending hauntingly honest lyricism with dirty and delicate vocalizations. Created by singer-songwriter Gilliana Hope with support from Quiver the Busker, the duo embraces DIY in every aspect of the project. Their instrumentation blends guitar, banjo, ukulele, cajon, and eclectic harmonizations. In the vein of artists Stick and Poke, Local News Legend and Toh Kay, Tape and Tears is ready to inject a soft and gritty energy into the folk-punk scene.
As their debut album Grace of Any Kind releases on February 13th, Tape and Tears is currently preparing to embark on a Midwest tour in March. Featured friends support Tape and Tears touring endeavors.
Natalie Brooke is a rock star. A virtuoso funk / rock keys player leading her powerhouse 4-piece band from the Baltimore area. The explosive act is fronted by Natalie on keys, synth, keytar, and vocals and backed by drummer Nathan Shulkin, Nester on the bass, and Luke Walker on the guitar.
She kicks off every show with a punch and never lets the energy drop – audiences move, dance, scream, jump, and ride the wild wave of the set with her and the band. Natalie’s music was once said to be a mashup of Rick James and Rush. She has an undeniably infectious vibe featuring a fiery blend of fast tempos and sloshy rock elements balanced with her transcendent jazz and classical roots. Natalie brings an exceptionally unique approach to the keyboard that is equally percussive and melodic that lights up the show with every electrifying note she plays. She is on a meteoric rise, frequently sharing the stage with pillars of the rock, funk, and jazz scenes. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & the UN, Big Something, Cris Jacobs, Doom Flamingo, Sunsquabi, lespecial, and the Magic Beans are a few of the artists Natalie has played with recently.
Natalie’s artistry thrives in the space between vulnerability and fire. With her new full-length album, Measured in Moments, arriving October 10, 2025 the Maryland-based pianist, vocalist, and bandleader reveals her most fearless work yet. A bold, expansive statement that charts her path from quiet, ear-trained prodigy to commanding frontwoman, composer, and collaborator.
Tim Hort is a Chicago-based studio and live musician, and publisher, with recent material charting in the “Top 100” nationally for college and independent stations. Hort has recently self-released music featuring Grammy-winning contributors and has recorded and produced with Chicago’s Doug McBride at Gravity Studios on this album. Hort performs regionally as a solo artist and with full band The Radio Hour, and is currently booking venues to tour.
Tim Hort’s music has been compared to: Talking Heads (Bandblurb.com) David Byrne, White Stripes, The Mindless Self Indulgence (Skope: Diverse Music Media for the Digital Age) Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Local H, The Futureheads, Maximo Park (Thom Rosesenberg, Rock N’ Roll View, London) Radiohead, Cure (Music Street Journal) David Bowie (Vents Magazine) Classic Ash Grunwald, Xavier Rudd, Bob Iver, Horse Feathers, The Decemberists, Pink Floyd, Andrew Bird (Tori Reynolds, AllWhat’sRock.com) Saosin, Story of
the year, Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard, Talking Heads (Bandblurb.com)
Manic Street Preachers, The Horrors, Wall of VooDoo, Miles Kane.
Hailing from the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago DOWN/POUR has been rocking venues, festivals and private parties for the past 20+ years! DOWN/POUR is Chicago’s Premier AC/DC Concert Experience . In 2008, we were asked by the folks at ACDC.com to submit a video for the #ACDCgiveitallyougot campaign promoting the new AC/DC album Black Ice. The video was featured on ACDC.com. We’ve also been fortunate to be featured on two Voltage Overload: A Tribute to AC/DC albums, which highlights some of the best AC/DC tribute acts across the country.
DOWN/POUR plays through equipment very similar to AC/DC, which helps us get that authentic AC/DC tone. A 1971 Marshall Superlead and a 1973 Marshall Superbass are used for our outdoor shows while we tame down, ever so slightly, with a late 60’s spec. hand built Marshall JTM45 and JTM50 clones for our inside shows. Plugged into these amps are Gretsch Falcons and Gibson SGs. Michael plays a custom Yamaha drum kit with a Signature Gretsch snare drum. Guy shakes the floor through Fender Basses and a tc electronic Bass rig that packs a punch for any venue. Coupled with Rhett’s incredible talent, singing BOTH Bon and Brian era songs as they were originally intended, the blend of both guitars, bass, and drums rounds out the massive sonic assault.
A Chicago based Post Outlaw Country/Rock Band. Singer/Songwriter Jeff Givens writes songs forged from lived experience. Blending Waylon’s grit with Seger’s drive and Americana soul, he’s recorded two of his four albums at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals AL
Armanii Day hails from the Chicago land area Giving an energy not found anywhere else, Armanii expresses herself through eclectic, soulful sounds, lyricism that’s easy to relate to, and even humorous, with a prinkle of wordplay that’ll make you have to rewind. You’ll find yourself being able to understand where the complicated, but optimistic Armanii Day is coming from with every word. Armanii is seasoned in her artistry and a force that shouldn’t be reckoned with. Armanii was raised around music junkies who instilled Jazz, House, and Neo Soul into her very diverse ear. You can hear those influences seeping through Armanii’s Sound.
Growing up, singer/songwriter Cassy Jade was fascinated with
various forms of artistic expression, but she found her true
calling in singing. Since the age of eight, she’s been writing and
performing her own songs.
From her earliest days spent in the south side of Chicago, Cassy
was surrounded by physical forms of art such as painting and
drawing. She credits her environment in shaping her creative
perspective, colorful imagination, and powerful, art-centric
intuition.
At only seventeen, Cassy recorded her first single,
“Blood,
” in
Toronto as a collaborative cut with the DARKSPARK Foundation.
The debut instantly propelled Cassy onto international playlists
as she revealed her distinctive style of low-pitched, breathy notes
with a twist of sensuous undertones. She’s developed a vibrant
and vivacious signature style that resonates strongly in the
hearts and minds of listeners through her sensational voice,
artistic versatility, and powerful songwriting.
Cassy embraces every opportunity to develop her music and
share her art. While Cassy isn’t defined by any one specific style
or sound, much of her inspiration flows from RnB, blues, and
pop.
Inspired by his older brothers, Foree, Marvin and Greg, Jones taught himself how to play guitar when he was just four years old, and has been playing ever since. Today, he’s still an internationally traveled performer and educator; as a bandleader Fernando Jones & My Band! is a sharp dressed, raw guitar driven original sounding power trio. Their sound is full, sexy, and always evolving. Whether playing alone in someone’s living room or with his band in concert, each performance is entertaining and engaging among multigenerational audiences. He has no tricks or gimmicks and is easy to work with and is one of the most complete Bluesmen and scholars of his generation.
Jones is on faculty in the Music Department at Columbia College Chicago as the founding Blues Ensemble director. There, his Blues Camp for student musicians ages 12 to 18 is in-residence. He is published in the Journal of Popular Music.
The hilarious Chicago based comedian Mike Samp has been making people laugh since childhood. After taking acting classes at The Second City Training Center, he realized that acting would be a strong part of his future (comedic acting to be exact).
Wampus Milk Daddies is a six-piece Rock/Jazz Fusion band from Indianapolis, Indiana. We write fast, melodic tunes that feature all of our members individual sounds and styles. Our goal is to create a groovy, fun, and engaging performance that’ll rock your socks off and leave your sides split!
Trumpet – Ethan Hodes Tenor, Alto and Soprano Saxophone – Tony Maas
We are NewClearFusion – a Chicago Neo-Soul/Funk band of multi-instrumentalists who met and started playing together in 2023 at Whitney Young High School. NewClearFusion combines dual lead guitars with R&B rhythm and soulful vocals to create a unique, modern sound. We released our debut EP, Aether, in April 2024 and our second album, HALF-LIFE, in April 2025, on all streaming platforms.
Failed Models, hailing from Chicago, delves into societal disillusionment, existential introspection, and the inherent contradictions of the human experience. Their music is a visceral expression of frustration, defiance, and a yearning for authenticity in a world that often feels artificial.
Popstar is a Minneapolis-based duo consisting of Alec Tonjes and Lars Oslund, blending metal, industrial, and hyper-pop, featuring aggressive tones and distorted vocals. They released their debut EP, Obscene, in April 2024, featuring the single “Afterparty”. They are known for high-energy live performances.
“A revitalizing breath of fresh air, the self-titled debut from Chicago’s Free Times is a wild, interstellar journey. Blending the cosmic psych of Spacemen 3 with the raw energy of free jazz and jagged guitar work, they’ve crafted a sound that is simultaneously laid back and scorchingly fierce—an endlessly addictive experience for adventurous listeners.”-
-Record Crates United
Although they claim to be entirely human, Pleasantries’s music is at times as dark as Satan or as lovely as a chorus of angels. Animated videos, boundless guitar shredding, and an effortless fusion of indie rock, symphonic instrumentals, and synthwave grooves meet influences like Jack Stauber, Bill Wurtz and Tally Hall.
CINEMA STEREO is a high-energy alternative rock band with an affinity for writing infectious music with an original sound. Originally from Orlando, FL, and now based in Nashville, TN, the band draws from a diverse range of influences. Known for their raw emotion in their music, driving rhythms, and captivating lyrics, CINEMA STEREO is constantly evolving, drawing from diverse genres to craft a sound that’s uniquely their own. CINEMA STEREO consists of 2 unique individuals: lead vocalist, bassist & keyboard player Ian Rayha and guitarist Sebastian Borysek. With a fearless approach to creativity, they’re making their mark as one of the most exciting new voices in rock music today
(Previously Silvertone) Planet Chasers is evolved modern rock, Polished and Feral. For us, playing and going to live shows is the paramount experience in life. It’s the whole plot, and we are chasing it relentlessly. Redlining it no matter what the cost. No plan B.
Michelle Sanchez is an alternative rock artist from Chicago blending raw emotion with sharp style. Her music channels punk roots and personal truths, with a voice that cuts deep and lyrics that hit harder. Honest, loud, and completely her own—Michelle makes rock that feels real.
Herbert Walker was more than a husband, father, and grandfather—he was a respected musician, composer, and producer who spent decades pouring his talent into the music community. He was part of the fabric of Chicago’s creative legacy, one of the many gifted individuals whose work may not always have been in the spotlight, but whose impact was deeply felt. Herbert Walker’s contribution to culture touched lives around the world. But to those who loved him most, he was simply “Herb”—a man of warmth, creativity, and quiet strength.
In December, Herbert was hospitalized and fell into a coma. For months, his family held onto faith, showing up every day with hope, love, and prayers. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:45 a.m., Herbert peacefully transitioned in Chicago. This loss has been devastating for his wife, Susan, their children, grandchildren, and extended family. And while they are grieving, they are also facing an overwhelming financial burden. Herbert did not have insurance, and after months in the hospital, the medical bills have become a significant weight on the family. What should be a time to mourn and remember his life is now compounded by stress and uncertainty.
We are asking for your support to help ease this burden. Your donation will go directly toward outstanding medical expenses from his hospitalization since December, funeral and memorial costs, and providing stability for his wife Susan during this incredibly difficult time. No amount is too small. Every contribution, every prayer, every share matters. If Herbert ever made you smile, inspired you through his music, or simply crossed your path in a meaningful way, this is a moment to give back to the family he loved so deeply. Let’s come together to honor his life by supporting those he leaves behind. Thank you for your love, generosity, and support during this time.
What if you could combine the best elements of gothic drama, dark cinema, and industrial-pop sensibility into one artist? What if that artist had been the voice of Dave ‘Rave’ Ogilvie’s (NIN/Skinny Puppy) industrial-pop project Jakalope (604 Records), and later co-fronted the Top 20 Billboard-charting duo Sons of Daughters (Open Road Records), as seen on the inaugural season of The Launch (CTV)?
A hybrid heavy on the epic and the angst is the natural result, like Madonna getting in the car with Trent Reznor for a road trip and needing a playlist. You don’t have to imagine what that sounds like, it’s OUDi. Since the release of her 2024 debut album EVERYBODY DIES, OUDi has amassed over 500,000 streams and has landed multiple Apple Music Editorial playlists. In 2025, OUDi released the heavy, hook-driven single SAVE YOU NOW amassed over 400 playlist ads in the first 2 weeks and was featured on the Riot Games’ Valorant platform.
Last year, OUDi won Best Original Song at the Nashville Film Festival for FAITHFUL DEFENDERS, distributed through the Cate Blanchett–founded Proof of Concept program supporting women and nonbinary filmmakers, an apt recognition of the cinematic scope embedded throughout her work.
OUDi pursues world conquest through Bailer Music Publishing (Munich/Nashville), partnered with More Dope Music Agency (Atlanta), Social Talk Agency (Toronto), and Antiskeptic Entertainment (Toronto).
Elijah Cruise is an alternative artist and producer based out of Nashville, TN. His debut EP, Dark Romance, showcases his artistic vision, cinematic production style, and powerhouse vocals. Drawing influence from many different eras and mediums, Elijah blends them into something that feels entirely his own.
He’s been steadily carving out his lane—building a ride-or-die fanbase not just on TikTok, but through nonstop touring throughout the year.
Listening to his music feels like stepping into a moody, 2010s Tumblr-era world inspired by Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys, and The Neighbourhood—while still maintaining a uniquely captivating sound that sets him apart.
The story began with his breakout single Poem of a Killer, a collaboration with WE ARE FURY, earning over 2.5 million streams and a feature on BBC Radio 1. He followed it with the alt-rock anthems Vampire U and Suicide In Her Head, both surpassing 100K streams within their first month.
In 2025, Elijah Cruise headlined two tours, played over 45 shows, and released three new singles—Chérie, Dark Romance, and Loverboy—all gaining viral traction on TikTok and opening the door to a whole new audience. These releases culminated in his debut EP, Dark Romance, a six-song project that feels equally cinematic and nostalgic.
The Dollheads are a sibling punk powerhouse hailing from Las Vegas, NV. Angela Avery (lead guitar, vocals), Samantha Avery (bass, backup vocals), and Austin Avery (drums) have been making music together since 2017. They officially formed The Dollheads in 2021 and began carving their own path, releasing their debut full-length album, What Teenage Angst?, in September 2022. Their follow-up EP, Et Cetera, dropped in May 2023, setting the stage for their Punk Rock Bowling debut and a string of major festival appearances, including Life is Beautiful (Las Vegas, 2022), Loud Women (London, 2023), Punk Rock Saves Lives Festival (Denver, 2024), and Rebellion Music Festival (Blackpool, UK, 2024). They’ve also played club shows at Punk Rock Bowling and Rebellion, toured the western U.S., and hit stages across England. Upcoming festival stops include SBAM Fest (Wels, Austria, 2025) and Rebellion (2025).
For Amy and Ben, sadplant is the result of a friendship that stretches back to 1986. What started as two friends bonded by music, skate culture, and punk ethics eventually grew into a band built on the same values: positivity, independence, and doing things their own way.
Staying true to classic DIY principles, sadplant has self-released eleven albums over the years, building a catalog fueled by raw energy, melody, and heart. Their eleventh album released in 2026 is continuing a long tradition of making music on their own terms.
Alongside bandmate Phil, sadplant delivers fast, upbeat skatepunk that balances speed and aggression with an unmistakably positive spirit. Their songs channel the energy of classic punk while keeping the focus on friendship, resilience, and staying optimistic when life gets messy.
Amy and Ben also bring serious punk pedigree to the band. Both previously played in and toured extensively with the legendary New York hardcore band Murphy’s Law, carrying those years of experience on the road and in the studio into everything sadplant does today.
Decades after their friendship began, sadplant remains a testament to what happens when lifelong friends keep making music simply because they love it. No hype, no shortcuts—just fast songs, good vibes, and pure DIY punk.
Christine Ferrera is a nationally touring stand-up comedian and storyteller. She is known for her dark, absurd, self-deprecating yet relatable humor. She has opened for acclaimed comics Michael Ian Black, River Butcher and Emma Willmann, and performs regularly at clubs, crawl spaces and condemned malls around the Midwest. Ferrera’s book, Starbux Diary, about her decade-long correspondence with Starbucks Coffee was included in City Paper’s Top Ten Baltimore Books of 2015 and described as, “Hilariously personal.” Her work has been presented on NPR’s The Story and The Signal, and she was a featured performer at the Amsterdam Fringe Festival as well as Wham City Comedy’s (Adult Swim) USA Tour. The Bad Oracle wrote of her stand-up, “Ferrera’s rigorous with her crafted style… but presents humor of greater nuance and bite.” She lives and works and eats and prays and loves in Chicago.
