ODETARI
Houston, TX. Follow da Insta I like to talk to y’all <3
UFO “STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT”
Strangers in the Night with original subtitle A Double Live Album is a live album by the British rock band UFO, first released in 1979 (see 1979 in music) on the Chrysalis label.
“Hello Chicago! Would you please welcome from England, U! F! O!”
During the hard rockin’ high-times of the ’70s, the live album achieved iconic status. During the era of excess, the double live album ruled turntables. In January of 1979, with five previous studio albums recorded under their contract with Chrysalis Records, UFO issued Strangers in the Night. In my humble opinion, this LP stands as the greatest official concert recording ever unleashed from the wild world of hard rock and heavy metal. Featuring the classic, high-flyin’ UFO line-up of vocalist Phil Mogg, bassist Pete Way, mercurial anthem-rock guitarist Michael Schenker, drummer Andy Parker, and Paul Raymond on keyboards, S I T N captures the band firing on all cylinders during the Autumn of 1978 US tour.
Most cuts included where recorded at the Chicago International Ampitheater since “the people in Chicago really took us to their hearts. We did well in other cities, but Chicago was like a home-away-from-home for us, and to this day it’s a special place for UFO.” – Pete Way
SCORPIONS “BLACKOUT”
Blackout is the eighth studio album by the German rock band Scorpions. It was released in 1982 by Harvest and Mercury Records.
ESTATE SALE
Swirling organs, analog circuitry, omnivorous world influences, digital manipulation and an all-American high lonesome sound come together in Estate Sale’s new album, combining emotional and plaintive song-writing and singing, offbeat instrumentation, retro sensibility, and modern production.
In an effort to stay sane during quarantine, Joey Colando (Meekos & Me, Kidd Bayou) and David Wechsler (Piñataland, Tyranny of Dave) teamed up to craft an album detailing the vagaries of modern American life. Colando would write songs and record them into his phone and Wechsler would try hard to keep up with arrangement ideas on his computer. On one collaborative song, No Road, both of them stumped for lyrics for the end section, they asked songwriter Anna Soltys (Anna Soltys & The Familiar, Syzygal) to help finish the lyrics, which started a collaboration that led to her singing on 6 of the album’s tracks, including duets with Colando on both No Road and the epic finale Curtain Call, a song detailing the fraught relationship between Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Mayo Methot.
Breaking quarantine to record final parts (and re-record phone recordings), they set up an impromptu recording studio in an empty Chicago theater closed by the pandemic. The 10 songs span the gamut, from obviously inspired by current events to a meditative road movie without a destination, the indifferent hand of fate, and, of course, the inescapable bête noire of songwriting, relationships.
MINOCQUA
Minocqua hails from all around the Chicago-land area. They are an indie pop band with influences by artist such as Mac Demarco, Tame Impala, and the late Her’s. Minocqua has the rambunctious Carter Levin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Michael Wlodek on drums, Russel Oren on bass, Cade Leassner on lead guitar, and the talented Chris Smith on keys. The band is in the midst of recording singles for an EP that will be coming out soon in 2024
THE BRAYMORES
The Braymores are an indie/folk/alt rock group from Chicago, Illinois featuring Matt Tilles (Vocals/Guitar) Keegan Melaniphy (Guitar) Russell Oren (Drums) and Wyatt Prather (Bass).
THE BITES
Newly signed to Earache Records – Hollywood’s hottest rock band, The Bites.
Primed to drop jaws with their monster hybrid of breathtaking garage rock rhythms, gargantuan choruses that stay in your head for days, an unashamedly retro style and, above all, their dedication to creating party-starting vibes at their gigs. For the Bites, every show is an excuse to party!
Coming later in 2023, their debut album ‘Squeeze’ resurrects the style, hop and swagger of early rock’n’roll, displaying the no-nonsense attitude of The Hives, and is divinely inspired by the sheer recklessness of Mötley Crüe.
No 80s throwbacks, The Bites were founded in 2019 by ever-effervescent frontman Jordan Tyler, as he watched his profile on TikTok blow up with over 2 million likes of his classic rock covers, completed a line up with the addition of drummer and producer extraordinaire Mark Hylander. Along with lightning fast guitarists Dustin Coon and Jono Richer and bass champion Zack Currier, The Bites continue to electrify audiences across the US and soon the world.
“We built this band on authenticity. Everything we do, from the songs, to the stage, to the way we dress, is just genuinely who we are and how we operate. We don’t have to try or go out of our way to be rock and roll, we just do what we do and the end result is vicious,” Jordan testifies.
‘Squeeze’ will be ready for you to sink your teeth into in July of 2023.
D.O.S.
Back to the roots of old school punk and hardcore street punk hailing from Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Ron – Guitar/Vox
Joe – Vox
James – Drums
Andrea – Bass
BETTER KNOWN AS
An alter ego that’s evolved into a sonic superhero, better known as continues to redefine the city’s airwaves. With tracks like “CHECK” rumbling speakers throughout the underground last year, BKA has built a one-of-one world since releasing his debut project, ‘WE MET IN 2025’ years ago. Although his latest project ‘LATELY’ is filled with daring soundscapes, it’s heartfelt at its core — a perfect depiction of BKA’s character. Don’t miss tracks like “Bare My Soul” and “Loveline” on stage.
D2X
The 26-year-old Southside native’s latest album ‘Hotel 1105’ is not only striped with jazzy undertones and heartfelt, powerful lyricism, but is laced with intention. His soulful sophomore effort earned critical praise from outlets such as NFR, Illanoize, Album Of The Year and more. A step up from his 2021 project ‘The Color Blue,’ D2X’s initial hoop dreams have turned into a hip-hop chronicle worth a second glance.
LANGDON KENNEDY
Originally from Chicago, Langdon Kennedy is a singer-songwriter currently based in Northern California. He has played shows in Nashville, San Francisco, Chicago and England. His full band, The Kennedy Compound, once opened for Los Lobos.
DECLAN KENNEDY AND HIS GUILTY PARTY
Declan was raised in Oak Lawn, IL, a south suburb of Chicago. He grew up playing the piano and guitar, and began writing songs at age 14.
He moved to Nashville in 2015 where he attended Belmont University, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in Audio Engineering Technology and Mathematics in 2018.
His love for music has been largely influenced by his parents, both of whom are singers, creators, and fans of John Prine. His musical inspirations also include Conor Oberst, Elliott Smith, Blake Mills, Sufjan Stevens, and Big Thief.
He received his signature hat as a Christmas gift in 2018.
THE METALLIQUES
silky sounds from dimension zero
THE STUMBLEBUM BRASS BAND
Gritty NYC punk blaring out of brass instruments and pounding drums.
THE GODDAMN RANCHHAND BAND
Hailing from Alaska The Goddamn Ranchhand Band lays down hours of bootstomping originals.
MEAN MISTREATER
Mean Mistreater is a heavy rock band from Austin, Texas, formed in 2023. Armed with heart racing riffs and powerful vocals they meld classic metal and retro hard rock, inspired by bands like Chastain, Warlock, and W.A.S.P.
OWLBEAR
DYSPLACER
A band of kung fu heavy metal warriors on a mission to grow our strength and abilities till we reach the skies!! We share with you tales of triumphant victories and the truth of the ninja, striking with a blade sharp enough to cut time it’s self! We are Dyspläcer
THEANDRIC
THEANDRIC is an epic and powerful hard rock/heavy metal band from Detroit, Michigan. We love all kinds of heavy music across the spectrum, from traditional to progressive to extreme. Some of the bands we have been compared to include Iron Maiden, Dio, and Fates Warning.
We have shared the stage with national acts such as Anvil, Raven and Immortal Guardian, but we also value immensely being part of the local scene which includes such killer bands as Finality, Imminent Sonic Destruction, Among These Ashes, Forge the Sun, Blood Rune Sigil, Snakes at the Gatehouse, Lady Luna and the Devil and more! You can always count on us to play a high energy, tight and entertaining show!
Whether they be acoustic or electric shows, acoustic rock or heavy metal, family-friendly or edgy , we are prepared to leave everything on the stage to make the event unforgettable!
ELSTON AVE.
Elston Ave is a pop-punk influenced band hailing from Chicago Illinois. The four members have diverse music backgrounds that influence the sound of Elston Ave. From heavy hitting high energy breakdowns to melodic “stuck in your head” choruses , Elston Ave has a little something for everybody. The members include Peri Nikas on guitar and vocals, Mike Wright on bass and vocals, Jayden Daniel on guitar and vocals, and Sam Paolillo on drums. IG @elstonave
DEATH BY TECHNOLOGY
Death By Technology is a self-proclaimed Scrap Metal band based out of Chicago, IL. Formed in 2004.
RAMONES “RAMONES”
Ramones is the debut studio album by the American punk rock band Ramones, released on April 23, 1976, by Sire Records. After Hit Parader editor Lisa Robinson saw the band at a gig in New York City, she wrote about them in an article and contacted Danny Fields, insisting that he be their manager. Fields agreed and convinced Craig Leon to produce Ramones, and the band recorded a demo for prospective record labels. Leon persuaded Sire president Seymour Stein to listen to the band perform, and he later offered the band a recording contract. The Ramones began recording in January 1976, needing only seven days and $6,400 to record the album.
The album cover, photographed by Punk magazine’s Roberta Bayley, features the four members leaning against a brick wall in New York City. The record company paid only $125 for the front photo, which has since become one of the most imitated album covers of all time. The back cover depicts an eagle belt buckle along with the album’s liner notes. After its release, Ramones was promoted with two singles, which failed to chart. The Ramones also began touring to help sell records; these tour dates were mostly based in the United States, although two were booked in Britain.
CARSON
An artist from Chicago, making good vibes for the people.
COMMIT THIS TO MEMORY
Punk Pop artist from Aurora IL. Come and sing songs about relationship highs and lows
SITB
SITB, like John Lennon, Jonathon Davis and Mr Beast started a punk band.
SIN.
Sin. is a supersonic psychedelic garage rock project based out of the depths of the underground music scene in Chicago, Illinois. The band is fronted by Ethan Oliver on vocals and guitar, Brian Chindblom on lead guitar, Joe McTague on bass and Caleb Nelson on drums. This 4 piece powerhouse of a group uses glamourous sparkly chords, fuzzy and spacey guitar tones, simple yet effective rock beats, exhilarating bass lines, and chilling vocals to create a beautiful amalgamation of “Do It Yourself”, psychedelic rock fusion.
Sin. Is a reclamation of the the biblical term “sin”. It is a rejection of the shame surrounding human desire and emotions especially as it pertains to the Christian faith. Sin. embraces our animalistic tendencies, our primal instincts, the darker sides of our hearts.
WORM
NANO
A Japanese bilingual singer born in New York. In 2010, nano began sharing English covers of Japanese songs on sites such as YouTube and quickly received positive response from viewers around the world. In March, 2012, nano made a professional debut with the release of a 1st album “nanoir”. “nanoir” ranked in 10th in the DailyOricon Charts on the first day of release.
In 2015, the 3rd studio album “Rock on.” was released, which reached 4th on the Oricon Daily Charts, creating a big movement in the field of J-pop. Following the debut in 2013, nano held a first Live Concert “Remember you color.” at the Shinkiba Studio Coast, which sold out 2,500 tickets within the first day.
A Zepp Live Tour followed quickly after, and nano has been actively holding concerts both in Japan and Internationally. In 2015, nano’s first concert in Germany and Taiwan took place.
In 2018, a sold out concert or 2,800 people was held in San Jose, America, nano’s first concert back in home-country. Nano continues to reach out beyond borders, connecting people around the world through music.
HAKI N DEM
Haki N’ Dem (Demonstrators) is an exceptional R&B/soul group hailing from Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, led by the immensely talented young musician Haki (Drake Materre), who not only dazzles with his incredible vocals but also showcases his mastery of multiple instruments. Alongside Haki, Haki N Dem features piano, vocals, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone, and guitar, delivering a funky, neo-soul experience reminiscent of the legendary of influences of Prince, Earth Wind and Fire, and Sly and the Family Stone. Featuring political and social elements, Haki N Dem creates and performs a wide variety of music that encapsulates themes such as race, love, addiction, police brutality, change and spirituality. Haki N Dem strives to fulfill the mission of lending their artistry for activism to become Prodigy SAINTS: young and talented students against inner-city negligence toward society.
MEDICAL MIRACLE
Medical Miracle is an indie dreampop/rock duo formed in Chicago by Richard Yepez and JD Miralles. Inspired by slowcore melodic vocals along with combining shoegaze and edgier guitar tones invoke feelings of emotional release and forgotten angst.
STREET DOVE
Street Dove is an indie pop band based in Chicago, IL that combines elements of indie rock, synth-pop, psych rock, and dream pop. The band is made up of Cody Fenske (songwriter, rhythm guitar, vocals), Alex Hendrickson (keyboards and samples), Brennan Tremblay (drums and samples), Curtis Ryan (bass), and Sam Allyn (lead guitar).
DAUNDRY
debut album “pria” out now
SAIYO
A Post-Emo Experience
From South Carolina to the Midwest; SAIYO is the culmination of Jon Brown’s musical quest to create something ‘boldly different yet comfortably familiar.’
It is the soundtrack to our biography, our experience, in a nice little package.
Jon B: Guitar, Vocals
Kestrel B: Guitar, Vocals
Eldon A: MC, Vocals
Mark P: Bass
Chris E: Drums
WOLFRAM
WOLFRAM (pronounced “wul fruhm”) is a hard rock band out of Avondale, Chicago. The band was formed in 2021 by vocalist and guitarist Ryan Fritz, and features Vic “Vulgar” Pedraza on Drums, w Tim Matlock on bass, from trip 6
PASSENGERS
PASSENGERS; a current workshop project of different styles of metal and hard-hitting guitar accompanied by beating drums.
MORTAL WOUND
BUILD A UNION WITH CATASTROPHE
Death Metal from Los Angeles CA
A$$2A$$
A Chicago collective of musicians that know how to rock! You can catch them Every Friday playing at the Power Hour! open mic in Wicker Park.
CLARENCE WILLIAMS
Clarence Williams is an up and coming comedian from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can find him performing stand up at bars, cafes and clubs all over the Midwest. His comedic style consists of short stories and one-liners with a dark and dirty twist. Not one to make the audience the target of his jokes, Williams prefers to keep his humorous focus on clever wordplay and witty punchlines.
DARRICK JONES
Darrick J, from Chicago, has been in comedy since 2014. His style is a personable one, making people laugh by turning real, culturally-infused anxieties into hilarious stories. He runs an open mic called Laughs in Lakeview, and has produced/performed at The Laugh Factory Chicago, Riddles Comedy Club, Comedy Shrine, The Comedy Bar, Zanies Rosemont and a variety of venues across Chicago and the midwest!
SUCKER PUNCH ROCKS
Chicagoland’s rock and pop cover band that you never saw coming
WATCHTOWER
Watchtower remains on the most over-the-top prog metal outfits of all-time. Their songs often came off as excuses to shred away and show off their member’s instrumental prowess, and although the group remains quite obscure, they (along with Dream Theater) spawned countless musical offspring by the ’90s — Spock’s Beard, Dali’s Dilemma, Cairo, Ice Age, Royal Hunt, etc. The Texas-based band first came together in the early ’80s, drawing inspiration from such established challenging rockers as Rush and Iron Maiden — and featuring the lineup of frontman Jason McMaster, guitarist Ron Jarzombek, bassist Doug Keyser, and drummer Rick Colaluca. 1986 saw the release of the group’s debut album, Energetic Disassembly, as Watchtower immediately built a cult following in Europe, where prog metal is widely worshipped.
Just before recording sessions were to begin for Watchtower’s sophomore effort, McMaster left the group to join Guns N’ Roses-disciples Dangerous Toys, and was replaced with former Hades vocalist Alan Tecchio in time for 1989’s Control and Resistance (a demo of McMaster singing the Control songs became a hot item in fan trading circles). The band split shortly thereafter after Jarzombek came down with an ailment that affected his hands, as not much was heard from the group or its members until the late ’90s, when McMaster rejoined the band for a huge metal festival in Germany, which led to further shows opening for Dream Theater and a planned third album in the works. In 2001, Watchtower issued a collection of unreleased demos on the Monster label to tide fans over until a proper third studio effort appears. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi
ICE HOWL
Swords drawn ⚔. Ice Howl is a riff focused Groovy Power Metal band from Indiana. We love fantasy and riffs. We hope you do too!
MOURN THE LIGHT
At one moment delivering crushingly massive riffs, only to jump at the next turn, galloping along with shades of classic power metal taking hold and leading the way. All the while focused on incredibly memorable songs, with catchy hooks and singalong choruses.
MOURN THE LIGHT is incredibly proud to have signed a worldwide record deal with ARGONAUTA RECORDS.
NESTLE CHILD LABOR DIVISION
Post-bop jazz and math rock band from Chicago.
GYMSHORTS
GYMSHORTS is from Rhode Island and like the band’s home state frontwoman Sarah Greenwell is a petite powerhouse that marches to the beat of her own drum. Endearingly rebellious, fiercely independent, and hellbent on causing a commotion, Greenwell embodies the kind of rambunctious unpredictability that has personified some of pop culture’s most legendary troublemakers; a little bit Bart Simpson, a hint of Kevin McCallister, and a dash of Dennis The Menace form the inspirational foundation of
GYMSHORTS’ particular brand of punk n roll, smoked to perfection in the back of Jeff Spicoli’s van.
GYMSHORTS are a sarcastic grin and a pair of bloodshot eyes behind pitch-black Wayfarers in the back row of class, a best friend and a bad influence all rolled into one.
GYMSHORTS takes musical cues from a deep well of sources, with touchpoints that range from trailblazing new wave punks The Nerves to sassy turn of the millennium bad girls The Donnas tossed into a creative woodchipper with midcentury surf guitar and wooly, flannel wrapped grunge. The resulting sound is ragged and raw and immediately magnetic, rough and tumble with the kind of lived-in authenticity of a scuffed-up pair of skate shoes. A sturdy platform for the band’s unabashedly unique identity that is equal parts bratty and wise, tightly wound and poised to launch in nearly any direction at a moment’s notice.
Blistering speed and high-octane thrills characterize a GYMSHORTS’ live set, like a juiced-up NASCAR laying a righteous burnout in the winner’s circle, a springy mosh of unbridled exuberance that has earned the band coveted spots supporting Death Valley Girls, Tacocat, La Luz and many others on tours stretching across the globe from Texas to Thailand. As buoyant ambassadors of plucky stick-it-to the-man attitude, GYMSHORTS never fail to leave crowds sweaty and satisfied in the aftermath of a ferocious blitzkrieg bop, decimating eardrums in a whirlwind of maximum volume sonic debauchery with an enthusiastic heart of gold. GYMSHORTS’ catalog is available on Bandcamp and your favorite streaming platforms. Pick up their LPs and 7”s at your local record store and don’t miss an opportunity to party hard with GYMSHORTS when the band comes to your city.
PHNX.WAV
Multidimensional Indigenous artist, Sonically uplifting humanity.
ELIJAH LEFLORE
Elijah LeFlore is a multitalented musician and award-winning filmmaker from the Southside of Chicago, IL. He bridges the gap between modern hip-hop and R & B. Rooted in a strong musical foundation, LeFlore’s mother is a talented writer and poet. LeFlore began playing the violin and trumpet at an early age, and he was introduced to hip hop at seven years old. His musical influences span genres, including artists such as Stevie Wonder, Frank Ocean, Kanye West, and Andre 3000. Beginning as a fun activity between friends, LeFlore would participate in freestyles in school. He began pursuing a career in music at the age of 16. LeFlore’s SoundCloud includes more than two dozen singles and loose tracks as well as his 2014 debut EP called “Lucid Dreams”– a hip-hop-infused coming of age tale chronicling his road to success. LeFlore is a member of “The Lucky Six” Chicago collective known as NuWorld, a label whose aim is to present a new perspective in the local music scene. In 2018, LeFlore’s short film, “Shaded Smiles,” won the Best Indie Filmmaker category at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Awards . LeFlore maintained his prolific run in 2021, releasing six singles. LeFlore released his debut album, “Sunset Radio,” Jan. 25, 2022. Follow him at the social media links below for updates and announcements.
INE’A J
Ine’a J, R&B artist also known as The Pen Fairy, singer/ songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Making her way with press from Lyrical Lemonade, The Chicago Reader, Vocalo Radio, etc, she is Chicago’s very own rising gem. Well rounded being musically talented, an educated scholar (MBA, BSBA) and businesswoman with her brand The Repertoire encapsulating all of her creative talents including fashion, music, modeling, as well as e-commerce retailing [Vox Magazine, Who We Are Now Project 2020 and The Christian Science Monitor] Ine’a J debuted in December 2021 with hit song ‘4EVA’ leading into latter studio projects ‘Planet J’ (EP), ‘The Colors’ (EP), popular singles such as “Wait 4 U”, and more. Performing all throughout Chicago (Navi Pier, Reggie’s- headliner, etc) she leads listeners heavily into anticipated future releases. Make sure to follow her instagram @ineajofficial to stay up to date.
SOMETHING IN THE SHADOWS
DEMSFIGHTINWORDS
HoodCore/Nu-Beatdown from Northwest Indiana
FAILURE
Fastcore/Powerviolence trio from North Italy since 2017
Los – Vox
Achille – Guitar
Steve – Drums/vox
YACOPSAE
EXTORTION
BONGINATOR
TWO-STEPPING NEON WEED DEATH