NOOSE RITUAL
Chicago area ghouls summoning up death metal with dissonant, doom and gloom vibes.
MARQUEAL JORDAN
A Los Angeles native who spent his teen years in Kansas City, KS, Marqueal has been based in the music-rich city of Chicago since 1995. Moving to the Windy City after earning a Business Administration degree at the University of Kansas, Marqueal began paying dues by playing gigs in every musical style imaginable. In those early years, he earned his reputation as a seasoned and magnetic performer. Marqueal was the front man for the critically acclaimed local original band, Fat Time, and a member of the spin-off band, Starcandy. By the early 2000’s, he was highly in demand to perform with the top musicians and bands in the city.
In 2008, Marqueal met Smooth Jazz star Brian Culbertson. Impressed by his playing and singing, Brian offered Marqueal a spot in his touring band. Over the next 10 years, Marqueal traveled the world with Brian, appeared in two DVDs, and was featured on four albums. The exposure gave him the confidence and desire to become a solo artist.
Marqueal’s solo debut album, Catalyst, was released in October 2013. It helped to establish him as an emerging artist in Smooth & Contemporary Jazz. After leaving Brian Culbertson’s band in the summer of 2018 to focus on his solo career, he recorded his second project, Intention & Purpose. Released in February 2019, the album is a musical journey through Contemporary Jazz, Soul/R&B and Hip Hop, and it showcases his growing skills as a songwriter, arranger and producer. The album yielded two Top 20 hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Singles Chart, “If You Only Knew” and “The Edge”. Currently, Marqueal is putting the finishing touches on his third solo album, All We Have Are Moments. After several delays, the album will be released in early 2022. The album’s lead single, “Last Call”, was released in March 2021 and was well received by SiriusXM Watercolors and Smooth Jazz Radio. To support the album, Marqueal will be rejoining Brian Culbertson on tour as a featured Special Guest in 2022, as well as touring on his own.
In addition to leading and touring with his own band, Marqueal occasionally tours with The Legendary Isley Brothers and the prodigious Guitarist/Vocalist Isaiah Sharkey. He has also shared the stage with some of the greats in music, performing with legends such as: Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Floetry, Aretha Franklin, Larry Graham, Buddy Guy, Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, Joe, KRS-One, Kenny Lattimore, Maysa, Frank McComb, Marcus Miller, Najee, Mike Phillips, Eric Roberson, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Sy Smith, and Kirk Whalum. In Chicago, he still performs locally with Brother John Kattke and Midnight Sun Band. Marqueal also collaborates with Chicago-based artist/producer DJ I.N.C., and has been featured on numerous projects of I.N.C.’s since 2000.
Marqueal was proud to be recognized by the Chicago Defender as a Man Of Excellence in 2014. Father, mentor and friend to many, Marqueal Jordan is a humble man who is focused on achieving greatness through his music and his deeds.
HILLERY BANKS
WONNIE
A Korean boy in Chicago writing math rock for nobody in his apartment
HYDRODATE
auditory emotion from the minds of cam olivia max + hendrix
DAARLING
a dynamic 3-piece indie rock band currently based in Chicago, Illinois.
They blend soft and delicate passages with bursts of intensity and noise paying homage to the soft-loud dynamics of 90s bands. Their first two singles, “Dig” and “Metamorphosis” are out now on all streaming platforms.
JOHN A. BEAVERS
Born in Chicago, melodic punk rock with hints of garage rock, hardcore, and riff-rock. Simple songs about life and the good and bad times.
MEMENTO MORI
Chicago based rock and roll.
GRAY GHOST
Dave – Guitars, Vocals
Jeff – Drums, Vocals
Russ – Basses, Vocals
Dwight – Vocals, Nintendos
FEELS LIKE KARMA
Emo? Punk? Hardcore? Horror? Alt? What side of karma do you want to see?
The band was established by guitarist Guillermo Martinez and vocalist Jessie Labriola before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Joliet, IL. During lockdown, many songs were written by the two and drummer Mike Thompson was founded later on who helped the band debut their first show opening for Framing Hanley at the WC Social Club on June 12th, 2021!
The most unique feature of Feels Like Karma is the backgrounds and influences each of the members come from, creating a sound that’s constantly changing.
Feels Like Karma’s main goals are to create music that involves each member and their influences, share what they have created with listeners, and to ultimately have fun while doing it.
You are welcomed, no matter who or what you are!
GOATBELLY
Three guys making some killer rock music from Chicago!
DYLAN MAHLER
Dylan is a Chicago comic in his second year. He cohosts two podcasts, Bad Comedy Podcast and Jerks. Dylan can be found @comedybaddie. He really loves to say “hell yeah.”
JAMAAL SANDERS
Jamaal Sanders is a Chicago born and raised comedian and Reverse Christian convert (Christian to atheist) who uses his “inside baseball knowledge” of the Bible for evil.
CRIPP DADDY
Donavan aka Crip Daddy is god’s most funny mistake and 1 half of Compound Media’s T.B.D. He’s made at least two or three people laugh for sure with his appearances on things like Jim & Sam, The Bonfire, R.A.P., and the no fly list. He has also opened for Doug Stanhope.
VRSTY
Sure, it’s easy to believe everything has been done before. VRSTY (Var-Si-Ty) prove it hasn’t. The New York City quartet—Joey Varela [vocals], Javy Dorrejo [bass], Chris Cody [drums], and Paul Gregory [guitar]—layer R&B vocal styles over heavy metallic grooves and chugging riffage. After posting up over 2 million streams and charting Billboard with their independent releases, the group crafted a unique and unexpected hybrid on their 2020 debut EP for Spinefarm Records, Cloud City.
Fueled by the success of Cloud City – which saw hit singles Massive & Shameless rack up over a million streams each in under a year – VRSTY will release their label debut full-length WELCOME HOME on January 21, 2022.
“When people ask me what we sound like, I say, ‘We’re whatever you want us to be’,” states Joey. “I can’t put a genre on us, because I’m a pop and R&B singer who loves metal. There are pop tracks, metal tracks, and R&B tracks. It’s super different heavy music with pop-inspired vocals. The genre has enough bands who sound similar. If you spend time trying to do what’s popular, you fall into a mode. That’s not something we’re interested in. The music has to be fun for us and the people listening to it.”
In the end, VRSTY break all of the rules and ultimately break ground.
FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS
What’s that old saying again? “The more things change, the more they stay the same”—right? When it comes to Michigan based metal outfit For the Fallen Dreams, perhaps a more fitting—but just as timeless—adage would be “change is the only constant.” With a career defined by constant progression and dedication to refining and rejuvenating their unique brand of aggressive, passionate metal, For the Fallen Dreams have consistently demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt and evolve their sound and dynamic despite overwhelming adversity—and all without sacrificing the core components of their sound. Built around explosive breakdowns, gut-wrenching grooves and lyricism that touches on everything from an introspective glimpse into the human condition to brotherhood and the cycles of life and death, these Midwestern masters of metal have made themselves a staple within the international heavy music community. Now signed to Arising Empire.
HIGH COMMAND
The brainchild of guitarist Ryan McArdle and vocalist Kevin Fitzgerald, HIGH COMMAND began in rebellion to the brutal winter months, yet quickly spiraled into a full-bore killing machine, initiating the recruitment of like-minded area friends, the lineup fleshed-out by guitarist Mike Bonetti, bassist Chris Berg, and drummer Ryan Pitz.
KRISTIN FORBES AKA LADY HATCHET ‘SOLO’
The Scotch Bonnets are punky reggae rockers from Baltimore, Maryland. Their sound is an infectious blend of Jamaican-inspired grooves with American rock and R&B stylings. The Scotch Bonnets’ leader and visionary is Lady Hatchet a.k.a. Kristin Forbes. A formidable triple threat as lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter, she leads a formitable quinet drawn from the Mid-Atlantic music scene.
EASTERN STANDARD TIME
Put together top musicians from Washington, DC’s Jazz and Reggae scenes, give them the recipe for the original Jamaican Ska, throw a heavy dose of vintage Soul in the mix, shake well, and the result is Eastern Standard Time.
BRANDON SANDERS (OPERATORS) & FRIENDS
8-piece Indianapolis Ska & Reggae band with a hint of Punk & other musical flavors
formed Nov 2018
LEAVING LIFTED FEAT JADE TREMBA & JOHN BUNKLEY
Leaving Lifted is a Reggae/Rock band from Detroit. With influences of Funk, and Ska, their live set provides high energy and danceable songs. In the past years, LL has performed some of the biggest shows, and festivals to date in the Michigan Reggae scene. Building their audience, they have performed multiple sold out shows statewide.
THE DANNIE DIESEL DOPE SHOW
“The Dannie Diesel Dope Show”
In her off time from History’s “American Pickers”, Danielle Colby is a marijuana advocate, as well as a striptease historian and performer with a focus on the art of burlesque, under the stage name “Dannie Diesel”.
The “Dannie Diesel Dope Show” is a weed fueled, fan dance and striptease celebration of all things dope! Dannie Diesel has invited Chicago’s very own Rock and roll burlesquer, “The original rascal without a cause”, Lilly Rascal, to co-produce this special event with her unique rock twist!
Our incredibly talented cast of performers comes to us by way of Chicago and Puerto Rico.
Our dancers have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft in movements such as Lyra, pole, burlesque, striptease, fire eating, sword swallowing, circus arts, fan dancing, contortion, costume design, etc.
CLUB CRIB
Club Crib is a Chicago-based one of a kind musical/visual trio. At the start of the lockdown due to the pandemic, the three friends (Matthew Skillz, RO’YA & That Dood Nate) decided to combine their creative talents together. With Matthew Skillz & That Dood Nate creating the music & RO’YA (Roshan) in charge of the visuals, they their first single Cheers in April, followed by their debut album release in July, a full-length lo-fi instrumental visual project, The Preface, featuring some of Chicago’s finest musical talent including Luke Titus, Jeff Gibbs Quartet, Jackson Shepard, Brian Sanborn, Slot-A, AMI, Kameron Lowe& more. This album was the cornerstone and the perfect springboard to their next project dropped in November, a four-track EP Friendsgiving, featuring fellow Chicago talents Add-2, Lea Violet, M.E.R.C, Cassius Tae & Denzel Lavell. The lead track ‘Love Easy’ was added to Soulection’s 497th episode, which was well received by fans. It only took a few months for the trio to get right back into the lab, with two projects already under their belt, teaming up with frequent collaborator Lea Violet on her single ‘Stargazing’ released in April 2021. Their next collaborative album titled ‘Baseline’ will be released on September 24th.
NOBLE BAUTISTA
Jazz/Soul singer-songwriter from Chicago, IL
LA PEST
WE WEREN’T INVITED
DIY Punk est. 2021.
We Weren’t Invited is Johnny Wynne (vocals), Isaac Rodriquez (guitar), Walker Wilson (drums), Clinton Coronado (bass) and Michael Locascio (guitar).
DRODI
NEW VIDEO “GLUE” FT THAT MEXICAN OT & PESO PESO OUT NOW
THAT MEXICAN OT
That Mexican OT is the fiery alias of 23-year-old rapper Virgil René Gazca. His early years were tumultuous; he lost his mother when he was eight, and his father was incarcerated around the same time. Gazca lived with his maternal grandmother until sixth grade when his dad was released and relocated the family to Austin. It wasn’t long before his dad chose to leave the family behind, so Gazca’s “strict and wonderful” stepmother stepped in and raised him. Gazca started rapping at the age of four, although he began seriously honing his craft under the eye of his Uncle Ramón, who introduced the musically voracious child to his crew, Kick Doe Click. Gazca dedicated his first song to his late mother, and by age 10 he’d taken on the moniker of V-Man and laid down bars on a Kick Doe Click record—a time he revisited on his 2022 single of the same name. His early style was defined by a burning love of Slim Shady-era Eminem and East Coast hip-hop luminaries like The Notorious B.I.G., which along with his Southern upbringing resulted in a unique approach to rap.
TO YOU, DEARY
MR. UNDERHILL
Founded in Chicago, IL., 2017, Mr. Underhill is an original band with a curious demeanor. Each of the members, Alice, Nick, Reg and Theo, find their comfort zone in the unknown. With elements of jazz, punk, and ghostly figures, Mr. Underhill is not just one thing. But one thing for sure is, these guys definitely don’t hold back from pouring their guts out for you.
MINISKIRT
Miniskirt is a four piece based in Chicago, IL. Made up of Priscilla Jimenez (bass/vocals), Steve Pigozzi (guitar/vocals), Conrad Navarro (guitar) and Jake Besen (drums). The band draws on a love of 60’s girl groups, garage rock, power pop, and punk to make dreamy and energetic sound. They can inspire a raucous pit or a joint to be passed around. Their self release debut album, Paint It Rad, is set to come out on April 23, 2024.
WILDCAT
Wildcat are a rock band influenced heavily by 90s grunge, alternative/indie rock and alt-country music. They’ve also got a full horn section, but they promise they’re not a ska band. Their infectious horn melodies and jangling guitars are not to be missed.
PETE’S DIARY
Pete’s Diary is an independent Chicago trio with more than 800k social media followers. Their Keep On Rock-in’ debut album releasing June 14, 2024 was written, recorded, and produced in Los Angeles with Keith Nel-son, founding lead guitarist of Buckcherry. It was mixed in Vancouver by Mike Fraser of AC/DC notoriety.Fans of AC/DC, GNR, early Van Halen, and Velvet Revolver will find more than one track to love on this rec-ord that features a guest guitar solo by Tracii Guns and ends with a Gary Moore inspired ballad.The band’s name evolved from Peter Dankelson’s medical diary and motivational speaking. Often referred to as “Angus Jr.,” Dankelson taught himself to play guitar despite hearing loss, disabilities on his fretting hand, and more than 30 reconstructive surgeries to overcome Goldenhar Syndrome. His autobiography, How I Learned to Rock My Life, is an Amazon bestseller.Dankelson is joined by Mac McRae who doubles on lead vocals and bass and Ryan “Rocky” Johnson on drums. Their energy is infectious, drawing increasing crowds wherever they play.
CAGE WILLIS
Genre bending, Alternative Outlaw, Southern Rock artist Cage Willis breaks all the rules with his debut album, “Who I Am.” Like dynamite drenched in gasoline, “Who I Am” delivers an undeniably explosive listening experience. Willis’ powerfully honest vocal, attitude fueled guitar playing, and inspirational songwriting will have you immersed in an instant. The debut album, produced by hit songwriter Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry, will leave your soul overflowing. A beautifully balanced masterpiece of modern tones paired with classic southern flavor. Follow Cage on social media for updates on new music, tour dates, and more!
NO/MÁS
Death/Grind from Washington D.C
LUCID ROOSTER
Progressive jam/funk/alternative band from the heart of Chicago
JESSIE REYEZ
I like to sing about shit I don’t like to talk about
BODYBOX
TWO FISTED TWO STEPPIN DOUBLEWIDE DEATH METAL STRAIGHT FROM THE DEPTHS OF FLORIDA.
MANTRA
Chicago based Metal band, With hardcore punk , Thrash and doom metal riffs sure to melt your brain.
GREGG HILL
NEW ORLEANS BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER, GREGG HILL IS SCRIPTING THE SONG OF HIS LIFE WITH A VOICE OFTEN FROM ANOTHER AGE. HIS FOURTH STUDIO ALBUM, BORN LIAR WAS PRODUCED AT THE DOGHOUSE STUDIO IN NASHVILLE BY 5X GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER/ENGINEER NEAL CAPPELLINO (ALISON KRAUSS, VINCE GILL, JOAN OSBORNE). ALONG WITH A STELLAR BACKING BAND, IT FEATURES RENOWNED ARTISTS KENNY VAUGHAN, RON BLOCK (UNION STATION), JEFF COFFIN (DAVE MATHEWS), SHANE THERIOT, AND ANDERS OSBORNE. THE RECORD WENT TO #95 ON THE AMA CHART, HIT #14 ON THE ALT-COUNTRY CHART, AND REMAINED AT #4 ON THE RELIX JAMBANDS CHART FOR TWO MONTHS. HILL HAILS FROM CHICAGO, NEW JERSEY, DALLAS, D.C., NY AND CURRENTLY NEW ORLEANS. HE IS NOT EASILY DEFINED. HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO OCCUPY WALL STREET, DID A TOUR OF DUTY IN THE CORPORATE WORLD, CREATED A SUCCESSFUL TECH START-UP, HIS SCULPTURES ARE SHOWN IN RESPECTED GALLERIES AROUND THE COUNTRY, AND HE TRAVELED AND STUDIED WITH ZEN MASTER THICH NHAT HANH. BUT MOSTLY HE HAS BEEN WRITING AND PLAYING SONGS THE WAY HIS DAD TAUGHT HIM TO WHEN HE WAS JUST A LITTLE KID…. SONGS LIKE “SKY OF GOLD” AND “CLINGING TO THE WIND”, AND “BORN LIAR” OFFER UP PLAIN SPOKEN STORYTELLING WITH MELODIES THAT BLOOM ON A ZEN SLAP OF RECOGNITION AND REVELATION. THE ORIGINS OF GREGG HILL’S MUSIC ARE COUNTRY, ROCK AND ROLL, ROOTS, AND FOLK. THESE ARE THE SONGS WRITTEN AFTER THE DAY’S WORK HAS BEEN DONE. VISIONARY, RESPONSIBLE, AND MATURE. HILL’S NEW RECORD TITLED BAYOU ST. JOHN, FEATURING ROLAND GUERIN, JOY CLARK, AND DOUG BELOTE, IS A DEPARTURE FROM EARLIER RECORDS AS IT IS A SINGER/SONGWRITER, ACOUSTIC BASED RECORD. IT WILL BE RELEASED IN SUMMER 2023.
GIVEAWAY
PREDISPOSED
Predisposed is a post-hardcore/emo band with spoken word elements. We are a Sacramento-based band with members from across California and Mexico. We hope that you can find something to connect with when listening to our songs. We are currently recording our debut EP with Esque Records (Kurt Travis, Eric Fodge) and Josh Benton (ex-DGD).
MOONDOUGH
Ken Raymundo is a talented Multi-Instrumental, Singer/Song Writer from Southern California, that goes by ‘Moondough’. Possessing a unique range of musical influences, he has created a signature sound that highlights his soulful melodies, smooth guitar progressions, and funky bass lines. With hired guns Stephen Taylor on drums and Steen (Machine) Kevett-Lopez on bass, Moondough is able to elevate his live performance as a trio that brings an infectious energy to the room that makes you want to dance. He also likes raccoons and says “that’s crazy” too much.
AMARIONETTE
Amarionette is a NÜ Funk/Rock band from Las Vegas, NV that formed in 2010. Over the last several years they have embarked on numerous tours with national acts such as Kurt Travis, Strawberry Girls, Eidola, Andrés, etc. Amarionette is Nick Raya, Spencer Berry, Ron Wells, and AJ Sarmiento.
KURT TRAVIS
Kurt Travis is an American singer, musician, and songwriter from Sacramento, California. He is currently part of the post-hardcore bands Royal Coda and Push Over and the math rock duo Gold Necklace, and was formerly a vocalist in the rock bands Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds.
RASPBERRY PIE
“….Orlando’s #1 dance band.” – Orlando Magazine
Since their first show in 2015, Raspberry Pie have been packing dance floors across the US. Raspberry Pie are all about funky, tongue in cheek songs with singalong choruses, with tunes like Loveseat, Nerdy Talk, and Wet Blankets being prime examples.
They’ve headlined at several notable cons across the US, including Florida Supercon in Miami, PAX East in Boston, and Dragon Con in Atlanta. In the summer of 2022, with a revamped and expanded band (now featuring the Molasses Brass and a cyborg drummer) they began touring nationally, with a whirlwind 2 week tour up and down the east coast.
They released their latest single, “Nostalgia” on March 24th.
Raspberry Pie is:
Doug – Lead vocals, guitar
Ryan – Lead vocals, backing vocals, keys
Mariah – Trombone
Ben – Bass, backing vocals
Rachel – Trumpet, lead and backing vocals
Kyle – Drums, percussion
CHICAGO SOUND COLLECTIVE
We are a Chicago music club that helps you discover your inner musician and play live at regular performances at local venues. We’ve built a fully equipped rehearsal space in the West Loop and have a supportive membership that has walked your exact path. Members have access to instructors who can teach a variety of instruments – from beginners to advanced. Our Membership collaborates to pick and practice songs to play at live gigs in Chicago venues regularly throughout the year.
YEEK (DJ SET)
Born & partially raised in New Jersey while spending developing years in both Southwest Florida & California, Yeek is a singer-songwriter/producer. Notably coined as an early adopter of the ‘genre-bending’ space and breaking through the essence of what ‘DIY’ stands for, Yeek is a creative in every sense of the word — straddling between the worlds of music, film, fashion, & art.
MITCH CLARK
You’ve heard his music on @Audible’s Original series ‘Breakthrough’, now you can hear it live! Join us and Songkick at Reggie’s in Chicago on August 2nd to experience Mitch Clark’s incredible music in person. Mitch Clark brought his soulful voice and heartfelt voice to ‘Breakthrough’ and judges Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland took note. With its unique blend of Americana, folk, country, and soul influences, Mitch’s music weaves a tapestry of stories and emotions that resonates with listeners of all ages.
TIM SEISSER & ELECTRIC FORECAST
Tim Seisser & Electric Forecast play the music of Weather Report
Underground Wonder Bar Alumni Reunion
CONVICTIONS
Emotion Captured In Noise. Our new single “STIGMATA” is out on now.
ALTARS
Enigmatic Australian Death Metal entity ALTARS rose sharply to prominence with the release of their 2013 debut ‘Paramnesia’ (Nuclear Winter Records/Blood Harvest). The record quickly drew widespread acclaim for the band’s dynamic, forward thinking compositions — hearkening to the genre’s forebears whilst carving a niche all their own. After a premature halt, in part due to a debilitating illness affecting co-founding member Cale Schmidt (vocals and bass, see also Monomakh), ALTARS entered a long period of dormancy. Guitarist Lewis Fischer joined the ranks of Melbourne outfit Ignivomous, while drummer Alan Cadman entered the fold of Adelaide’s occult StarGazer. All the while, ‘Paramnesia’ continued to gain status as a cult classic and glimpse of the band’s true potential. After eight years of silence, 2021 saw a revived ALTARS announce its resurrection with the promise of a new full-length album, and then the recruitment of Brendan Sloan (Convulsing) to fill the void on bass and vocals — cementing the band as a force to be reckoned with once more.
TALLAH
Tallah’s cruelly ferocious new album ‘The Generation Of Danger’, due for release on 9th September 2022 via Earache Records and recorded once more with producer Josh Schroeder at Random Awesome Studio, will only serve to extend their fascinatingly dark nu-core metal further into the metal community, continuing to build the beast Tallah have created and set loose.
As with ‘Matriphagy’, ‘The Generation Of Danger’ offers fans more than just an album of pioneering nu-core metal. Whilst it will most certainly be lauded for Justin’s acclaimed aptitude for embodying numerous characters and emotions in his outstanding vocal shape-shifting, celebrated for its breathtakingly turbulent dynamics and exemplified for the way it melds the ever-blossoming ingenuity of Tallah’s intrepid musicians, ‘The Generation Of Danger’ will reward those who delve deeper into the album and its supplementary content.
Justin reveals a taster of the conceptual intricacies behind the album: “’The Generation Of Danger’ is a concept album about a genius scientist who gets fed up with being swept under the rug. After the multi-billion-dollar corporation that employs him takes credit for his latest, award-winning invention, he snaps and retaliates against them by forcing them to take part in the greatest experiment the world of science has ever seen.”
GAVIN ELLIS
CITY TWIGS
The earliest visions of what would come to be City Twigs can be traced back to sticky, booze-filled basements, and house shows Mick and Jake had played together throughout college. A fully formed City Twigs spilled out early last year when Mick stumbled back in to Madison, Wisconsin. Between beers and stories, the song “Friend by My Side” was born. From there began many trips back and forth between Madison and Milwaukee refining and writing more of the album. Eventually, Old Pup and a few other Midwestern musicians were called upon to add to the already reminiscent country tones that were developing in Milwaukee. City Twigs debut album looks to portray the themes and stories gathered through basements and bars since its earliest conception.