Yna is a queer-Filipina, ambient indie producer and songwriter currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Drawing from their personal experiences and her drive to experiment with layers of synths, guitars, and bells, Yna’s lyricism and ethereal soundscapes are integral parts of her signature, cinematic sound. Media outlets describe Yna’s songs as “emotionally evocative music that makes you feel like the main character in an Oscar-winning tearjerker.” Driven by capturing their struggles with anxiety, relationships, and identity, Yna shows herself to the world through the words they sing. Yna wants listeners to live her own experiences through her music, also hoping that her songs can bring others comfort from the struggles they may be dealing with.
Raised in Southern California, Yna started singing at the age of four and taught herself how to play the guitar and piano at the age of nine. After releasing a number of singles, such as “unaligned” and “south loop,” Yna moved to Chicago in 2021 to pursue a career in music. Since moving to Chicago, Yna has made a name for herself in both IL and CA. In 2023, Yna formed their band, Yna and the Seasons, which played 15 shows throughout the year. Yna and the Seasons have performed at prominent venues in Chicago such as Schubas Tavern, Beat Kitchen and Sleeping Village as well as Chapman University in Orange, California.
Currently, Yna just released her self-titled, debut album, YNA.
We have been friends and played together in various bands for decades. We first met George Drag when our bands playedtogether at an American Legion show in 1992. Formed in autumn 2016 when George T. Drag (Butterflies, Honda Pavarotti) joined up with the Finn Swingley, Brian Daley, and Joe Daley (Demilos, Soft Speaker, The Saturday Nights), The Embryos make music fun. Peace and love.
As music fans we’re only ever given fragments of lives well lived, and we scrabble vicariously through them. Skinny Lister, though, have really given us as much as they can since 2009. They’ve led an endless parade gathering fans old and new, from the respected folk circuit to the riotous Download Festival, igniting pogoing mosh-pits at each. Over the past ten years they’ve travelled from rain-soaked London to the vast arteries of the USA, upgrading from narrow boat to Salty Dog Cruise, played huge tours across Europe and North America with Frank Turner, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly as well as headlining themselves across festivals, sweatboxes and ever-larger venues.
After three albums taking confident steps into an ever larger world, their fourth offering, The Story Is… (produced and mixed by Barny Barnicott – Arctic Monkeys, The Enemy, The Temper Trap) takes the tales of the everyday, the minutiae of our lives, and turns them into potent pop that rings oh so true.
Skinny Lister have opened their lives up more than ever before on The Story Is…, allowing us in and giving everyone a space to express joy, to deeply relate to the lines that strike a chord, and to throw ourselves into living with renewed abandon, hope, happiness and excitement, with stories enough to fill several lifetimes.
Paul Grace Smith – Guitar and Lead Vocals
Jamy Holliday – Guitar and Vocals
Gretta Smak – Guitar and Vocals
Kellen Mutter – Bass and Vocals
Illi Vassiliadis – Drums
Lionn Van Der Horst – Drums
Dan Durecki – Drums
(Not all 3 at once)
Why are they so LOUD?
The Strains are 100% street. They cut their teeth on the nitty gritty spanning many decades. Individually from the gutters of Detroit in the mid 70s , to the Bowery in New York in the late 70s , the frigid climes of Minneapolis in the 80s , and the dive bars of Europe in the post Cold War era in the 90s and 2000s, only to meet up in Detroit in the NOW. These guys do not mince words or notes. They have been there through every fashion change and shift in taste, yet remain true to what has been fundamental throughout the decades. The rock and roll spirit. This live album captures them at their most real. Songs about truth. Songs about hurt. Songs about hope.
Richard “Handsome Dick” Manitoba, also known as “The Handsomest Man In Rock & Roll”, and the “World’s Greatest Entertainer” (at least since Sammy Davis Jr. left us) was born Richard Blum in The Bronx, New York, January 29, 1954. Richard is a musician, most well known for being the lead singer (for most of 45 years) with the New York City legendary punk band, THE DICTATORS.
MR. MANITOBA also spent 14 years (starting around 2004) on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, hosting “The Handsome Dick Radio Program“, a national show, 5 nights a week in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.
And that ain’t all folks!. Handsome Dick has owned the coolest rock ‘n’ roll tavern in the Western Hemisphere for just about 20 years now. Oddly enough, it’s called Manitoba’s Bar and it’s located at 99 Avenue B between 6 and 7 Streets in New York City’s, East Village, on…the lush beautiful island of Manhattan.
HDM occasionally sang lead with the MC5 (at the time called DKT/MC5) which included Michael Davis, “Brother” Wayne Kramer and Dennis “Machinegun” Thompson, founding members of Detroit’s legendary MIGHTY pre-punk rock and roll band, The MC5.
MR. MANITOBA was a guest on his pal, Jimmy’s television program, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon“. HDM was a major character on an ill-fated, half hour reality show called Barmageddon. He proudly sat with the late great chef, Anthony Bourdain chowing down on White Castles at MR. MANITOBA’S childhood Bronx White Castle.
HDM recently traveled to Nashville, TN to work on an album with the legendary Jon Tiven, recording 18 songs in 4 1/2 days with some of Nashville’s finest musicians.
“We feel confident the album will be released in 2019…. it’s called “Born In The Bronx”.
MR. MANITOBA has a new podcast: “You Don’t Know Dick!” with Handsome Dick Manitoba. It’s available on itunes, Google Play & Stitcher.
“A podcast can reach an infinite amount of people…. because you don’t have to buy anything! All you have to do is turn on your cell phone AND SUBSCRIBE!!! AND PLEASE GIVE US A 5 STAR RATING AND GIVE US A NICE LINE OR TWO IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
When was the last person you met that didn’t have a cell phone?…or an iPad…or a computer?…the world over… It’s all you got to do, turn it on, subscribe to it for FREE. Not only that, I’m not part of somebody’s idea, passion & dream.
I’m not filling in the holes/spaces of what somebody else has invented. I am creating the whole thing that I do. I will live and die with myself, it’s all up to me! I don’t have to push anything I don’t want to push. I don’t have to shill for a record label, for example.
I am no longer an actor in somebody else’s movie I am the director of my own movie”
Michael Angeles is an R&B artist from Southern California. With his soulful voice and skillful guitar playing, he turns life’s discontentments and love’s missed chances into heartfelt melodies. Angeles is a storyteller through music, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the ups and downs of his journey.
The Remote Controls were formed in 2022 in Indianapolis, IN.
They play punk rock songs and they play them really fast.
One of them drummed for Sloppy Seconds one time.
Another one opened for Green Day in the 1900’s.
The other one typed this bio.
Combining garage rock, punk, and post punk, you get MANIA. Chicago’s newest form of familiar faces bringing high energy Rock n Roll. NEVER MIND THE REST, HERE’S MANIA!
Trash Pandas is a multi-award-winning rock and roll band from the Green Bay/Fox Cities area. Originally formed in 2019, this band has taken inspiration from many subgenres of rock music such as punk, alternative, grunge, and metal to create a sound that is truly unique to them. Their creative blend of music styles makes them versatile enough to book with many different lineups and has helped them book many shows not only in their local area, but also throughout Wisconsin and branching into Minnesota and Illinois. This group has been described by many in the scene as a “must-see”, and “the hardest working band in Northeast Wisconsin”.
A guitar and drum complimented duo with a punk blues rock sound, original music and explosive live music performances is driven by Julian Routheaux (the french) and Travis Pashek (the irish) who sonically repent their sins through a explosion of soul, slide guitar and high attack drumming. Theses brothers born of the deep north woods, the band created to be “the French Irish Coalition”
Psych. Garage Punk – Brought together by fate, a vision, or just bad luck; Coyote Fire captivates audiences with a ferocious blend of scorching guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and high energy punk rock. Their sound paints portraits of pain, rage, and vivacity of life. An untamed spirit poised to set the underground Rock scene ablaze.
Magic Wands is an American dark dream pop duo formed in Nashville TN by guitarists and vocalists Chris and Dexy Valentine. Based in Los Angeles, the band is known for their shimmering and dreamy sound, which incorporates elements of gothic post punk, and dark dream pop. Their music is characterized by its heavily-textured guitars, droning synths, and ethereal vocals, which are designed to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Magic Wands have released several albums to date, each showcasing their unique sound and style. Their music has been praised for its euphoric quality, which is particularly evident in their live performances. Magic Wands is a band that is dedicated to creating music that is both imaginative and emotionally-engaging. They have built a dedicated following of fans who are drawn to their unique sound and their ability to create a sense of mysticism and wonder through their music.
Emma Ohm is a self-proclaimed firecracker. She prides herself off of making music that is groovy, powerful, and that “lets her light shine” (Matthew 5:16). Nothing short of a powerhouse, she sings, plays a Tele, writes her own songs, and produces in a genre that blends the fluidity of soul and blues with the hard hitting elements of rock and funk.
Diondre Dunigan is a songwriter based in the south side of Chicago. Dedicated to fostering spaces for feeling, community, and presence, he sings songs of life’s little moments, big ones, and the through lines between them. With alternative folk sensibilities, a tuned ear, and a tuned heart, Diondre creates spaces where the music and listener can be present together, and listeners can be present with one another.
Sunflower Summit (she/they) is a queer Chicago based artist. With a mission to support their community through music and mental health discussions, Sunflower Summit writes and performs music that hits right in the feels. Made up of vocalist and writer Maria Requena, and cellist and bassist Allison Hill, the duo creates intimate and cozy energy for every performance that any listener can connect with!
Since 2019, Sunflower Summit has released several albums and EPS, including Love Notes, In This Moment, and When It Snows, and a new album is in the works! Follow along on Sunflower Summit’s happenings on Instagram and support them on Patreon!
Honest Enemy emerges from the depths of musical fusion, defying genre boundaries and delivering a powerful sonic experience that combines the raw energy of rock, the aggression of metal, and the alternative spirit. With a unique sound that blurs the lines between genres, Honest Enemy stands as a formidable presence in the realm of heavy music.
Maddie Naughton is a comic from the suburbs of Chicago. You can find her around the city and has performed at clubs such as Laugh Factory and The Lincoln Lodge. Critics have claimed she brings a strong “medium dick energy” to the stage.
Mike Pickerl is a comic based out of Wheaton Illinois but can be seen performing all over The Midwest. He has performed at the Lincoln Lodge, The Comedy Vault, Zanies Rosemont, Zanies Chicago and The Comedy Bar. He speaks frankly about his struggles with addiction, interspersed with surrealist one liners.
Based in Chicago, Chris has been making audiences laugh with his stand-up for about four years. As a veteran of the Armed Forces and a devoted family man, he draws much of his comedic material from life experiences bringing a relatable and heartfelt message to the stage.
Born in the backwoods of West Virginia, Hunter Hirsh was raised amidst a sea of ATVs and truck nuts. Now in Chicago, he performs on stages throughout the city and the Greater Midwest area. His jokes range from commentary on Jazz music to deluded rants on the beauty of being a firefighter. Hunter currently holds the record for the loudest but most endearing comic in the Midwest.
Coming straight out of Queens with a captivating mix of modern rock and a hint of vintage guitar, NYC based outfit King Falcon has released their eagerly-awaited self-titled debut album. Showcasing an exhilarating blend of indie-rock adventurousness and Classic Rock swagger, King Falcon’s exceptional songwriting recalls artists like Black Keys, Jack White, Cage the Elephant, The Strokes, Royal Blood, and The Killers.
From the ashes of Curio (2009-2019) comes Wendigo Fever; a country twang-infused rock n’ roll outfit from Chicago. In 2024, songwriter Chris Pluska assembled long-time collaborators Donovan Foote (bass) and Gary Landess (drums) to flesh out a project that had been kicking around since the pandemic. Inspired by and using the themes of the Native American folklore surrounding the Wendigo, a supernatural creature that stands as a cautionary tale against selfishness and isolation, the band conjures a feral sound with songs about loss, temptation, and the struggles within.
Wendigo Fever will release their debut album and begin performing live at a juke joint near you in 2025.
Nia Asiel is a game changing upcoming singer-songwriter from the beautiful city of Chicago, IL. She brings a unique sound to the world of R&B through her lyrics, melodies, and relatable stories. With her constantly growing buzz and persistence, Nia Asiel will take the music industry by storm.
The south side of Chicago has a tough working class reputation, it’s also known for one of the largest populations of Irish people this side of the Emerald Isle. So it’s not entirely incongruous that a hard luck kid from the south side of town would choose to play traditional Irish folk music in pubs around the neighborhood. At 18, Anthony (T.) Duggins, was doing just that – playing pub favorites and covers of greats like Christy Moore, and Ewan MacColl. Before long his brother and his best friends were playing the original songs he had written as well, and so became The Tossers. The name was taken from an old slang term used for worthless British coins in Sean O’Casey’s play The Plough and the Stars. The coins became useless after the southern Irish Free State won independence from Britain, and started to print it’s own currency. The term tosser has since come to mean wanker, or it’s American equivalent, jag off.
Gritty funked out ska rock, Skirt is a midwestern beach band proudly hailing from Northwest Indiana’s The Region. Formed in 2022, combining an eclectic mix of styles and inspiration to create their own “aggressively laid back” signature sound that accurately represents the working class blue collar beach town attitudes of where they were born and raised.
Madison, Wisconsin based funk band, RARE ELEMENT has developed a strong reputation for its high-intensity, live shows. The band’s highly talented 7-piece roster, including 3-piece horn section, bring massive energy to the stage at each performance. The band is influenced by classic funk artists such as Fred Wesley, The Meters, Clyde Stubblefield, and Herbie Hancock. See for yourself why Maximum Ink Magazine dubbed Rare Element as “Madison’s Newest Super Group”!
Chad Whittinghill (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Bryan Husk (tenor, baritone sax) first met in 2003 as members of the urban neo-soul band, VIBE SYNDICATE. Unbeknownst to them, they would spend the next 20 years playing side by side with some of Wisconsin’s finest funk and blues bands. For years, they honed their skilled working together with CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD‘s weekly Funky Monday shows. Later, the two would team up with Hammond B-3 ace Jimmy Voegeli and his blues powerhouse, THE JIMMYS. Over the years, they shared a common goal to create a band where this horn section could be pushed to it’s limit. Finally, in 2018, a roster of highly skilled musicians was assembled and Rare Element was created.
Completing the horn section is Nat McIntosh (trombone). Nat is a long-time member and composer for the phenomenal YOUNGBLOOD BRASS BAND. Nat continues to record and tour internationally with Youngblood.
The band also includes MAMA Award Winner Todd Phipps (keyboards, B3 organ) of THE BLUE OLIVES (and many other bands). Todd was recently honored with his addition to the roster of Hammond Organs endorsed artists!
Longtime Madison talent, Joe Niesen brings his super funky guitar playing and song writing to the band. Joe has a long history of performing with many of Madison’s finest bands.
Driving the band is ultra funky bassist Rob Garza. Rob is also a a longtime member of the Purple Veins Prince Tribute Band
The bands newest member is 2-time Grammy nominated drummer Joey B. Banks. Joey is a 5-time recipient of the MAMA Awards Drummer of the year as well as a highly accomplished music educator and former member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. He has dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of his longtime friend and mentor Clyde Stubblefield. Joey can also be seen performing with the great Steely Dan tribute STEELY DANE.
Joey B. Banks is a music entrepreneur from Madison, Wisconsin.
He is a 2-time Grammy nominated drummer and also the 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2020 Madison Area Music Association Drummer of the Year.
Joey B. is a graduate of the Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood, California and a proud Madison Scout Drum and Bugle Corps Alum, and Director and founder of the award winning youth ensemble Black Star Drum Line.
Joey B is a master percussionist that also specializes in Drum kit,Marching/Percussive Arts, Music Education, Artist Development and Artist/Band Bookings, and “talent seller” for his entertainment and promotions business, JBent Productions.
Our Vices hails from Metro Detroit. Starting in the spring of 2013, they have never strayed away from writing the most heavy hitting and melodic music possible. Releasing their first EP “Survive” in October 2014. This was their introduction into the music scene but they thought they had more to offer. They went into the studio with Mike Martenson of Boys Of Fall to create their second, more long form, EP titled “Polarity”. This EP gained them a lot of traction and new opportunities. Following this they wrote a slew of singles throughout 2017 and 2018 before choosing to switch producers. Late 2019 they stepped into the studio with Lee Albrecht. Releasing their first single with him in November 2019 titled “Deathwish”. After having a period of too much time on their hands (2020) they pumped out three new singles in the following years which eventually were compiled to create “The Fog” EP. Adding a new member to the band in 2022 gave a fresh perspective to writing. They’re gearing up to release new music in 2024 and hitting a city near you.
North Carolina shapeshifting, atmospheric, noise rockers WAILIN STORMS released The Silver Snake Unfolds on July 22, 2022 via Gilead Media. Following the bands highly acclaimed, breakthrough album, Rattle (2020) – which received praise from NPR, Brooklyn Vegan, Treble, PopMatters, Indy Week, and more, The Silver Snake Unfolds shows the band delivering eight new tracks – portrayed as a 40 minute, sepia-toned journey of captivating vignettes – manifesting wounded souls battling addiction, hopelessness, and a hellish storm of never ending and vengeful anxiety. Fuzzed-out, hypnotic guitars fused with angst and laced with overdriven microdoses of moody and psychedelic dreamscapes play out like a binge-worthy, cinematic obsession. Justin Storms’ serpentining and seductively poetic vocals lure you into a fever dream of vestiges laced with bittersweet, alluring danger. Fueled by the grit and dust of the American South, WAILIN STORMS reveals ghost-story-like confessions of mysticism, folklore, and survival.
Jake Racina’s unique songwriting and guitar playing blends jazz and folk with insightful lyrics, forging his own path between the territories of melancholy and humor. Heralded as a “world-class sad clown” with a “forlorn sense of timelessness”, Racina just might entertain you.
Kiki is currently a singer-songwriter and a producer based in Chicago specializing in a wide range of contemporary styles such as Jazz, R&B, Pop and Funk,with some of her influences being Wayne Shorter and James Brown. Winning a singing competition at the age of 10 is what drove Kiki to pursue music as a profession. A recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies, she credits her expansion of her musical journey to industry professionals such as Cheryl Wilson, amongst others. Thanks to her vigorous training and numerous stage experiences both with lead and background vocals, she landed a brief role as a background vocalist in the TV show Empire in early 2020.
“Learning how to sing is also about learning how to share your emotions and your stories to your audiences.” she says. With her sheer dedication, passion, faith and love for music, along with her upbeat and fun-loving personality, Kiki is translating that into her music journey.
Kiéla Adira is a vocalist, songwriter, creative director, and educator from the Southside of Chicago who has performed internationally, opening for artists such as Common, Anthony Hamilton, Renée Fleming, and Yo-Yo Ma. She has feature credits with artists like Terrace Martin, Chromeo, and A-trak, and was recognized by Time Magazine for one of the best songs & albums of Summer 2022 for her feature with Chicago funk-rapper Ric Wilson. Some of Kiéla’s musical influences are Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Missy Elliott, Ella Fitzgerald and Jazmine Sullivan. Kiéla uses her artistry and soulful vocals to inspire, spread love, and uplift her audience while exuding both positivity and vulnerability. Check out her debut EP “GROWTH.” and her newest EP “Fool’s Croon” on all streaming platforms, and follow Kiéla on Instagram (Kiela.adira) to stay updated on her upcoming tour dates and music releases!
MOON DESTROYS is the brainchild of Guitarist Juan Montoya (ex-Torche, MonstrO, Killer be Killed) and Drummer Evan Diprima (Gold Pyramid, ex -Royal Thunder). The band released their debut ep, ‘Maiden Voyage’ in 2020 via Brutal Panda Records, then took a brief hiatus. In 2024, Vocalist/Guitarist Charlie Suárez (MonstrO, Sunday Driver) joined the fold. Suárez previously graced the stage with Montoya in the Miami/Atlanta band, MonstrO.
Bringing elements of heavy rock and psychedelia, the band is a powerhouse of seasoned musicians that draw influences from The Cure, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. In the summer of 2024 the band self-recorded and produced their debut full length record, expected to be released sometime in 2025.
“California psychedelic heavy rock champions SACRI MONTI blaze a scorching trail of superb shredding and smoldering riff-o-rama on their Tee Pee Records debut.”
Claire Parlette is a stand-up comedian from Toledo, Ohio, known for lighting up the room with animated performances and physical comedy. As a producer of popular shows WIGS: Stand-Up Comedy in WIGS and Comedy and Caviar, she blends humor and creativity, bringing a fresh twist to the comedy scene. Her lively antics, bring a one-of-a-kind experience taking the scene by storm. Get ready for a wild ride of comedy that you won’t forget!
Mike Dwyer is a Chicagoland native who has tried various careers in various places and has never enjoyed any of them. He returned to Chicago to start stand-up as he entered middle age. He has cultivated a unique style that blends observations from his many failures and the mindset that created them. He is a regular on Roast Battle Chicago and Comic Court at Lincoln Lodge, and he performs on numerous independent showcases in Chicago and elsewhere.
Xavier Lamont is an executive biscuit concierge & peanut butter sommelier at the George Washington Carver Technical Institute for Legumology AKA The Fighting Black Beans
XL also a hilarious Chicago based standup comedian, writer, actor and is host of America’s #1 Animated Black Fake News Show on YouTube that’s based in Chicago: WHHN AKA WHAT HAD HAPPENED NEWS!
