THRA
Arizona Death Sludge
ROD
Two lovers from Kentucky
Micah Wu
Angie Willcutt
FOEHAMMER
Washington DC’s Foehammer carve a monolithic slab of extreme doom on their second full length, MONUMENTUM. This hour-long plodding cavalcade writhes and undulates as if it were an ancient giant emerging from its subterranean lair. Serpentine guitar riffs ebb and flow between cascading waves of thick low-end din. This is colossal doom at its finest. Worship the almighty power chord at the altar of MONUMENTUM!
CLAIRE LIPARULO
Claire Liparulo is a diverse and dynamic Southwest Florida-based performer.
Imagine the sultry smoothness of Fleetwood Mac melded with the soulful command of Aretha Franklin, woven together by the romantic lover’s croon of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon.”
Her original music is inspired by artists such as Lucinda Williams, Jason Isbell, Joni Mitchell, and Chris Stapleton.
Claire’s heavily anticipated solo record, which highlights her soulfully expressive vocal style, includes players from Muscle Shoals and Nashville, is set for release later this year.
SERENA MONAY
Chicago Stand-Up Comedian
ST. JAMES JACKSON
St. James Jackson is an extremely talented, Chicago-based comedian who has one goal: Greatness. He started his career at the age of 17 when one day, while skipping class, he noticed that his school was having a talent show. He decided to try his luck at Stand-Up Comedy and immediately fell deeply in love with the art form.
From then on he began spending his every waking moment working to become an elite comic. Now, you can see this young gun all over Chicago performing.
On stage, St. James is a mix of being verbally brash and energetic. His unique cadence keeps you engaged and entertained the entire time. His comedy is personal, covering topics such as how it feels to live with a crazy religious family, his experiences with drugs, stories on race, growing up naïve, as well as an abundance of “dumb thoughts” he has while on the toilet.
St. James Jackson, with his work ethic and determination, has quickly became a hilarious comedian that you can’t miss!
HILARY JIMENEZ
75% Mexican, and 100% colonized, Hilary Jimenez is a Chicago based comedian, writer, and Limited Too Fitting Room Survivor, who’s comedy style is crossing the border and the line all while wearing designer shoes. Her comedy gives loud, abrasive voice to the female, chicana experience, with a self-deprecating wit and unapologetic delivery that makes her mother deeply uncomfortable.
Originally from the suburbs of Detroit, MI, Hilary graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Theatre Performance, and moved to Chicago to pursue the extremely lucrative career of Stand Up Comedy.
Hilary has performed at The Laugh Factory Chicago, Zanie’s, The Lincoln Lodge, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, and many more.
GRACE BAHLER
Grace Bahler (she/her) is a Chicago-based writer and comic. You can see her every Tuesday hosting Laugh Factory’s open mic or at various clubs around the city and Midwest region. Bahler currently writes for Reductress, Awf Mag, and the BOB & TOM Show. She is a graduate of Second City’s Conservatory as of 2021.
Bahler started performing in 2018 on a whim when she decided it was really fun and she kinda wanted to keep doing it? Soon thereafter, she opened for Ronny Chieng in Indianapolis before heading to Chicago like a beautiful little fool. After spending six months taking classes at The Second City and interning for “Highly Recommended” (a Laugh Factory show she’d go on to later co-produce for eight months), Bahler went back up to Montreal to finish her Bachelor of Arts at McGill University. There, she performed stand-up at The Comedy Nest and La P’tite Grenouille and played with The Pit Improv and Bring Your Own Juice sketch group. Around the time she graduated in 2019, Bahler was hired by Reductress as a contributing writer and not long after started writing monologue jokes for the nationally-syndicated BOB & TOM Show.
As for upcoming projects, she’s currently working on her first feature-length screenplay and has recently taken on producing The Rambler (Wednesdays in Lincoln Square). It’ll take her forever to update this website, so follow her on Twitter @sooospontaneous or Instagram @veryspontaneous (she’s sooooooo spontaneous).
CASA
Blues/jam band from the south side of Chicago
MUDDY WATERS “HARD AGAIN”
Hard Again is a studio album by American blues singer Muddy Waters. Released on January 10, 1977, it was the first of his albums produced by Johnny Winter. Hard Again was Waters’s first album on Blue Sky Records after leaving Chess Records and was well received by critics.
TAYLOR SWIFT “1989”
1989 is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was released on October 27, 2014, by Big Machine Records. After music critics questioned her status as a country musician following her pop and electronic-influenced fourth studio album Red (2012), Swift was inspired by 1980s synth-pop to recalibrate her artistry from country to pop music. On 1989, titled after her birth year to signify her symbolic artistic rebirth, Swift enlisted Max Martin as co-executive producer.
STEELY DAN “CAN’T BUY A THRILL”
Can’t Buy a Thrill is the debut studio album by American rock band Steely Dan, released in November 1972 by ABC Records. The album was written by band members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, recorded in August 1972 at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, California and produced by Gary Katz.
RIKI RACHTMAN
After his hugely successful spoken word show debut in Charlotte, North Carolina in September, Cathouse founder and former host of Headbangers Ball, Riki Rachtman will take “One Foot In The Gutter” on the road. An intimate evening of stories, tales and true life fables from Riki himself…from growing up in Hollywood, to all the raunch roll sleaze and debauchery that happened at the Cathouse. Never before has he shared his experiences of Headbangers Ball in an uncensored spoken word event. In all the “Once In A Lifetime” moments he’s had, and he’s had A LOT, this spoken word show is a personal highlight.
The former host of MTV’s legendary Headbanger’s Ball as well as the Founder of Hollywood’s most notorious rock club and epicenter of raunch, the infamous party place, the Cathouse, Riki did something he’s never done before: appeared in front of a very large audience and told his stories…not only some never before shared stories of the early days with some of the biggest names in rock n roll, but he opened up with his tales of drug addiction, jail, bankruptcy and his true rags to riches to rags to riches story. “One Foot In The Gutter,” is Riki’s very first speaking tour, the first time he’s discussed with an audience his career and past, how he helped define metal culture, and beyond.
Riki is uncensored, unapologetic and not at a loss for words. What was it really like hanging with some of the biggest rock stars on the planet when the cameras weren’t on? What really happened on MTV with Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Ozzy and others? Riki explains, “In my entire career, there is nothing that I am more proud of than this show. Walking out on stage was surreal for me. I was not introducing another band as I had done for decades. I was the opener and headliner. It was bizarre for me to realize that the packed house was there for me. The show was far more than a behind the scenes Headbanger’s Ball tell all. The show was not just the description of the raunch that happened at my club Cathouse. I opened up about my battles with drugs, my arrests, bankruptcy and a lot of bad choices. To know that some found inspiration in this show is the highest form of flattery.”
“With one show done I am ready to do it again and again and again. I will incorporate multimedia more and deliver an experience with highs and low’s. The idea of taking OFITG on tour truly is not only a dream come true, but the highlight of my career.”
THE JIMMY CARTER BAND
AWEFUL
Aweful have a sound that’s rooted deeply in 80s post-punk, yet has modern garage flair and intense neo-goth vocals, with notes bending and dripping in the vocals. The music is thick and lush, with a hard, sharp edge that’ll cut you if you’re not careful. (JerseyBeat.com)
BAT HEARSE
“Bat Hearse is an original ghoulish gothability horror outfit from Detroit. With songs like “Transylvania Moonshine,” “I Fell in Love with a Dead Girl,” and “Do the Bela (lugosi)” – this campy vampy fiendish five piece is KILLER fun! Members include frontman Rick Ruiner (vocals and writer), Nina Friday (vocalist/guitar), Jungle Josh (lead guitar and writer), Dana Deadly (bass guitar) and Ajax (drums and backup vocals). Rick Ruiner built the namesake Bat Hearse vehicle in 2004.
HOLY JOKE
Chicago based indie/alt-country band.
Debut single “Sink In” out 1/27, presave
RISK
Hailing from the best city in the world (Chicago) RISK a.k.a. RECOVERING INTROVERTED SCENE KIDZ are a Pop/Punk duo looking to push the boundaries of how poppy pop punk can actually get! The respective duo infuses sounds from artist like BLINK-182, The Chainsmokers, Sum 41, and Katy Perry. Made up of vocalist/guitarist Matt (THUNDER THIEF) LeGrand and drum enthusiast, Jeremiah (the RENEGADE) de la Peña. These two idiots sincerely hope that through their music people can find a sense of nostalgia, belonging, and freedom to be who they were always meant to be. An Emo, misunderstood, scene kid!
MOTHER OF GRAVES
After the success and lasting impact of their debut 2022 full-length, Where the Shadows Adorn, Indianapolis melodic death-doom purveyors Mother of Graves return to the surface with a new and prolific dose of melancholy.
The Periapt of Absence, out 10/18/2024 on Profound Lore Records, serves as a testament to Mother of Graves’ evolutionary journey and steadfast dedication to crafting their profoundly personal and enthralling rendition of death-doom metal.
Highlighted by Brandon Howe’s soul crushing and poetic vocals, this offering transcends boundaries, delving even deeper into realms of melancholy and introspection than their past offerings. The album expands on Mother of Graves’ engrossing atmospheres, crushing passages that shine light on their death metal roots, monumental hooks, and melodies that will resonate for years to come. The crushing production, provided by the band’s Ben Sandman with dynamic mastering by the legend Dan Swanö, amplifies the tight rhythm section anchored by Don Curtis on drums and Corey Clark on bass, while illuminating the intricate guitar harmonies skillfully woven by guitarists Sandman and Chris Morrison.
The Periapt of Absence is without a doubt their most in depth and significant material to date. Each song provides a poignant exploration of the human experience, where moments of despair are illuminated by glimmers of hope and fleeting beauty. Through eight cathartic tales of heartache, love, and loss, Mother of Graves beckons you to delve deep into the recesses of their dark and gloomy world.
ZACH DIETSCH
standup comedian in Chicago, IL
LELE MASON
Lele Mason is a rising actress, dancer, comedienne and professional guide in corporate leadership, professional development, team building, and communication. For your professional, organizational, corporate and comedic needs she is the lady to see.
CHRIS TRANI
Chris Trani is a fantastic stand-up comedian from Chicago who integrates all forms of comedy into his act: Stand-up, storytelling, crowd work, one-liners; and if need be, he can do it all in Spanish (kinda!). Winner of National Public Radio’s The MOTH and the SNUBFEST Comedy Festival for Storytelling, Chris has shared the stage with Roy Wood Jr. of The Daily Show, Beth Stelling of Netflix’s The Standups, and Dov Davidoff of HBO’s Crashing. Chris is the official house emcee at The House of Blues Stand-up Showcase and can be seen performing at clubs all throughout the country, including Chicago’s very own Laugh Factory.
JOURNEY TUPPER
Journey Like the Band & Tupper Like the Ware
LIAM TAYLOR
Liam Taylor has a four-octave vocal range, a passion for story telling, a desire to entertain audiences, and a beautiful cat named Olive.
BASIC PRINTER
Basic Printer is an experimental pop project that celebrates whimsy and vulnerability. Not your same-y bullshit.
“well, in truth, i’m a small creative man who thrives on authenticity. i feel like so much of what you see in the world involves people hiding their true selves.
i want to be the opposite of that – which is why i’m called basic printer. i’m an open book, merely producing what’s always been inside my head. press print, get what you’re looking for.
if you’re here, it’s probably because you like my music or just like that i’m a goofy internet man.
nice! so glad to meet you.”
-jesse aka basic printer
UNDER THE RUG
Austin, TX heart-on-sleeve indie/folk-rock band Under The Rug took leave from their mobile home and traveled across the U.S. to Los Angeles to record their third full-length album, Homesick For Another World, produced by Oak House Recording owner and David Fridmann understudy David Peters (Blake Mills, Empress Of). Western Canadian Music Awards’ “Breakout Artist of the Year” Ariel Posen – described by Rolling Stone as, “A modern-day guitar hero” – contributes slide guitar to the record. Under the Rug have been featured at American Songwriter, Rolling Stone India, Atwood Magazine, Americana UK and even received a co-sign from The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle. Lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Casey Dayan, guitarist Sean Campbell, and drummer Brendan McQueeney have taken a fanatical and steadfast approach to DIY marketing, which has helped grow the band’s audience exponentially since their 2019 debut album Pale King. Homesick For Another World’s Beatles-esque production flourishes underscore Dayan’s unique songwriting perspective. “Lonesome & Mad” underlines these elements with its agile hooks and crackling slide guitar from Ariel Posen, offering warm melodies and a wordless chorus in the outro. Packing a decade’s worth of friendship and songwriting in a beat-up van, Under the Rug’s on-the-go work ethic has yielded an expansive record, written on the road to Los Angeles, brimming with hope and hard-won truths from the heart.
ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN
Our album “Harbinger” is OUT NOW via Nuclear Blast Records.
DOOM FLOWER
Doom Flower is a Chicago-based band consisting of Jess Price (guitar/vocals), Bobby Burg (bass), Matt Lemke (synth) and Areif Sless-Kitain (drums).
“Limestone Ritual,” while reminiscent of many ’90’s and aughts alt-rock and trip-hop greats like Mazzy Star, The Breeders, Cat Power and Portishead, also sound unlike anything else currently being released. What’s most exciting about Doom Flower is that they’ve emerged fully formed. This is a band who understand who they are and what kind of music they want to make. And the execution confirms their skill set. There’s a ferocity in their decision making, from their controlled notes on the guitar to their minimalist percussion to Price’s soft, yet emotionally piercing vocals. Moody and evocative, Doom Flower has landed on a formula that should surely make them one of the city’s newest breakout successes.
-Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune
Limestone Ritual doesn’t have a single focal point–the interplay between Price’s tendrils of guitar and Burg’s resonant, minimal bass is as engrossing as Price’s half-mumbled singing. The sublime, easygoing guitar melody of “Break Cycle” exudes a sleepy optimism, which is exactly the tone I’d like to see for the music of 2023.
-Leor Galil, Chicago Reader
MAGIC GIANT
“The most festive band in the festival circuit,” MAGIC GIANT has amassed over 100M streams, had TV appearances ranging from the Today Show to Good Morning America, and been singled out by Billboard as one of “10 Awesome Bands” playing Coachella and by Rolling Stone as one of “10 Artists You Need to Know.” Their singles “Set on Fire,” “Window,” and “Disaster Party” have all broken the top 40 on the US radio charts.
The Die With Zero Tour is inspired by the bestselling book and official tour partner, Die With Zero by Bill Perkins and its theme of living life with no regrets. The nationwide tour kicks off Mar 11 accompanied with the release of a new EP.
Carrying forward the hopeful outlook of the alt group’s debut full length record In The Wind and sophomore studio album The Valley, their upcoming EP contains equal parts depth and optimism. Shares lead singer Austin Bisnow:
We recorded our first album in between shows on a solar-powered mobile recording studio. Our second studio album we were hunkered down during the pandemic and going through lots of changes like taking our careers completely independent for the first time since we started. This EP is about finding hope even when it seems daunting or impossible.
When the pandemic struck they responded by throwing one of the first digital music festivals of its kind with guests including The Lumineers, Woody Harrelson, Edward Norton, Walk the Moon, David Blaine, Jason Maz, LP, The Head & The Heart, Edward Sharpe, Glen Hansard, Walk Off The Earth, Ashe, Allen Stone and Local Natives, raising over $100,000 to deliver PPE to frontline hospital workers.
Not only does the group write and produce their records and direct their music videos, they plant a tree through a non-profit partner with every album sold, creating a mini forest with thousands of trees; and have thrown an annual music-festival-meets-summer-camp for their fans called Camp Misfits.
HIRS COLLECTIVE
The HIRS Collective exist to fight for, defend, and celebrate the survival of trans, queer, poc, black, women and any and all other folks who have to constantly face violence, marginalization, and oppression. We are a collective of freaks and faggots that will never stop existing. Infinite and never ending. No one is going to kill us, we are going to live forever.
NOCTAMBULIST
Denver based blackened/dissonant/brutal death metal conceived in 2015 .
MONOCHROMATIC BLACK
Monochromatic Black are an American Metal band from Long Island, New York. Formed in January 2018, the band’s originating line up consists of Vocalist Tanya Elizabeth, Guitarist John Gribbin, & Drummer Eddie DeCesare. Joining them on stage are guitarist Dan Rivera & bassist Arthur Erb to complete the 5 piece official line up.
– Their debut EP “Pneuma” was released in 2019 followed by extensive touring & the release of coordinating music videos. – This trend would continue throughout 2020 & include the writing and recording of their follow up to be released in 2021. – The sophomore release, “Vicissitude” was released in 2021 alongside a new merch spread, music videos and extensive tour dates.
ALUKAH
Alukah is a five piece metal act based out of Waldorf, Maryland. Between the numerous shows and national touring, Alukah has since released 2 major label albums, Defining Torment (Legend Recordings) in 2018, and their latest album Descending (Modern Empire Music) in early 2020.
INFERIOUS
Ohio Heavy Metal.
FLEETWOOD MAC (Artfinix School of Music)
Artfinix Student body is excited to showcase a tribute to Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
PINK FLOYD (Artfinix School of Music)
Artfinix student body is excited to showcase a tribute performance to Pink Floyd: The Wall
LUCK BE A LADY (Artfinix School of Music)
We’re extremely proud to showcase our students work of learning Jazz standards and some popular musical theater works. Come all and ready to have a blast.
GARAGE BAND (Artfinix School of Music)
WAX WING ONE
Home studio produced band out of Aurora, IL
ELLDEE
HELLSTRVCK
TRISTAN WELLS
The independent, Los Angeles based, Cleveland native artist Tristan Wells is here to serve up new flavors in the music world. With his self-produced melodic instrumentals and emotionally capturing top lines/lyrics, Tristan is sure to make a statement and connect with others through his creativity. Tristan – “i’m here to create music that inspires anyone who listens to move forward in life with positivity. we can do anything we put our minds to. if you’re listening, thank you. continue being great.
KBACKWOOD$
Kai Iversen or more popularly known as Kbackwood$ is a California based artist with ties to multiple states in the US such as Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. In his later teenage years music was the only thing that would bring him peace, putting every emotion into his music. He has been steadily raking in thousands of streams breaking 200,000 streams on his song “Red Lipstick”. With such a diverse discography touching on a bit of every genre there is bound to be something that resonates with anyone. From trap beats to electric guitars ringing out and his vocals that never disappoint paired with the experience of traveling so much and a pure passion for music Kbackwood$ is an artist you won’t want to miss.
RONEN
Ronen Ravitz, better known by his stage name Ronen, is a singer, songwriter, and producer who was born in Israel and later moved to Dallas, Texas at the age of four. Ronen began his career in production, producing for multiple underground artists like Lil Dusty G and Lil Peep, and in 2016 started recording his own original songs. In 2019, Ronen released his debut EP Hidden followed by Love Sick and in 2020 he released another EP Paranoia and announced Hidden 2.
LIL DUSTY G
LIL DUSTY G is an alternative musical artist born in South Florida. He began releasing music at age 16 alongside his friend and fellow alternative music artist, RONEN. DUSTY is a self produced, multi-instrumentalist focusing mainly on guitar. He began gaining major traction in 2019 with his single, INSECTS, and after four years of releasing music signed to DJ Marshmello’s label Polar Culture. The two then later collabed on their song PREACHED, and Marshmello went on to executive produce DUSTY’S 2022 debut album, UNDERGROWTH. DUSTY recently dropped his experimental, self-produced EP ROMEO, as well as collabs with RONEN and HELLSTRVCK who will be accompanying him on tour. The VANTABLACK tour will be his first.
PEACH JAM
Peach Jam is a collective of some the best musicians Chicago has to offer celebrating the music of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Formed in 2022, these players will transport you back in time to the Fillmore East and keep you moving all night long. Peach Jam brings together members of Chicago mainstays Cornmeal, Terrapin Flyer, Old Shoe, Helping Phriendly Orchestra, and the Brooklyn Charmers for a cosmic gumbo of hot jams, tight grooves, soaring vocal harmonies, and down-home blues that’ll make a believer out of any ABB fan. “People can you feel it? Love is everywhere!”
RAYZINE
RIC RHOADZ & GENRE FREE
HAUNT
Haunt are an American heavy metal band from Fresno, California. The band was originally created as a solo project by Trevor William Church. As such, he is technically the only original member in the lineup. Church is also the sole songwriter and lyricist in the group.
SKÁLD
FRANCE’S WORLD-FAMOUS NORDIC COLLECTIVE RETURNS
Far from the lands of the North, the echoes of such legends still ring out. The beliefs of those who populate these distant lands have been perpetuated, and despite the pressures of modern industrial society, the old folk traditions live on. It was in the countries where the people we call Vikings were found to be – Norway, Denmark, Sweden, or Iceland – that the Huldufolk (“the hidden people”) remained anchored in their everyday lives and traditions. At roadsides, deep in the forests and in the heart of the mountains, elves and trolls huddled together in a discreet coexistence with humankind, melting into a strange and wonderful wilderness. And now, it’s from among those people born of a far-off imagination that the poetic, epic sounds of SKÁLD are now venturing forward!
DETHEROUS
Unrelenting thrashing metal of DEATH from Calgary, AB
Signed to REDEFINING DARKNESS RECORDS
FORCE
Heavy metal punk
Kevin – Guitar/Vocals
Mike – Guitar
Sam – Drums
Chris – Bass
INFINITY DREAM
Melodic metal from Raleigh
Infinity Dream is:
Chris Bennett – lead vocals and guitars
Dina Altum – backing vocals and keys
John Wooten – bass
Marc Anthony – drums
CHAMBER MAGE
Siege Laden Heavy Metal hailing from Colorado. Sent from the Emerald Gods
SERPENT RIDER
Arcane and mystical Seattle epic heavy metal!
WITCHSLAYER
Hailing from Chicago, Witchslayer consists of 4 of Chicago’s best Metal musicians. Jeff Allen – Vocals, Ken Mandat – Guitars, Mick Lucid – Bass, Gabriel Anthony – Drums
SWEET HUDSON
Sweet Hudson is an Alt-Rock group based in Chicago. They explore the raw, untamed emotions of the young and dumb – whether that be love or wishing a novelty fast food item were available all year.
TOM PETTY “FULL MOON FEVER”
Full Moon Fever is the debut solo studio album by Tom Petty, released on April 24, 1989
BRAINBLEED
Created as the world closed down, pre-pandemic experimental recording driven BRAINBLEED turned quickly into a live venue-loving crossover calamity. As the plague surrendered, BRAINBLEED invites the listener through lightning fast sets to engage with the darker state of affairs like creeping isolation, injustice, inequality, and not puking on our couch.
INFLUEN5
INFLUEN5 was established in Chicago, IL in 2021 inspired by the sounds of Metal, Rock, Jazz, & Opera. With their raw, energetic and melodic sound INFLUEN5 is soaring and hungry to get to the top. Yan (bass), Lucy (lead singer), Dave (guitar), Alicia (Vocals, Sax, & Keys) and Fabian (drums) are rebooting Alternative Rock for a new generation of listeners.
MIATA & CREATIVE REVOLUTION
Creative Revolution (CR) is an urban recording label supported by a group of professional musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers. CR provides an array of services to artists and musicians around the world to reach their full potential and thrive within the entertainment industry.
HEET DETH
Heet Deth is a heavy noise rock band from Chicago, that inhabits somewhere in between glamour, doom and sludge – with influences such as Lightning Bolt, Queens of The Stone Age, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gilla Band, Moon Pussy and The Jesus Lizard. Heet Deth is the sound of unhinged growling chainsaw guitar riffs with bombastic drums that strike with the weight of 10,000 suns. Julia Bard and Laila Eskin’s vocals harmonize and cut to the bone.
JAMIE DE LEON
SHANNON BAKER AND THE BURNERS
Shannon Baker and her catalogue of melodic original songs have been a mainstay in musical venues all over Chicago. The Burners (Dan Kane, Michael Fitz, Bobby Puetz, and Pat Corbett) added sonic layers to a rich collection of songs that leave an echo of nostalgia for the classics of while remaining consistently fresh throughout.
VIVIAN GARCIA
Vivian Garcia is a Chicago based singer-songwriter. Her musical journey has taken her from studying rumba flamenca rhythms in Granada, Spain to jamming with international folk musicians in Madrid as well as singing with various bands in Chicago. Cold Bed is her first album and her latest EP In Between Times was released February 2016. She’s currently working on a new album for Spring/Summer 2022
CONWAY
Conway is an alternative rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The genesis of Conway came in the summer of 2017, when lead singer Aidan Hargis and guitarist Riley Allen began recording the first Conway EP, ‘Last Chance to Dance,’ in Allen’s bedroom, which was released in January 2018 and followed it with a split single ‘Forbidden Fruit’ & ‘Every Single Time,’ in September of that year. Since June of 2018, Conway has been gigging and touring all over the Midwest, gaining mileage, fans, and experience. They take the relentlessly catchy choruses from bands like Green Day, layered and twisting lyrics inspired by acts like The Arctic Monkeys paired with dark and self-aware subject matter, topped off with electronic alternative metal influences like Rob Zombie, and finally a big dose of cynical, carefree nihilism. With a brand new album on the way, and a partnership with Pavement Records, Conway is here to fill the void in rock music between the heavy, drop-tuned breakdowns and the neutered radio pop-rock that worms its way into the charts every week. Dirty and loose with hooks that won’t leave your head after you hear them, they’re on the march to prove that if rock is dead, music sounds best from six feet under.
PAT BOLDUC
King of crypto
LUIS AREVALO
I Tell Jokes And Create Content While Stuttering.
JESSICA MISRA
SEMI FAMOUS
THE MITOCHRONDRIACS
The Mitochondriacs are a band of membrane-bound cell organelles dedicated to generating quick basic punk modules under the directive of rigorous time and space restrictions.
Antonymous Mitochondriacal Release is punk rock that works on a cellular level and donates all its profit to international humane foundations.
ASHLEY
THE BRAZEL BAND
NINA KERN
9-uh not Neena. Nina Kern is a stand-up comedian, actor, and podcast host in Chicago, Illinois. Ever since escaping the clutches of her conservative hometown, Nina has made it her life’s passion to make people laugh using her life experiences. Nina’s comedy has been described as “an honest take on what it means to be a modern woman,” her comedy ranges in topics from the mundane to the insane! Since moving to Chicago, Nina has graced the stages at Zanies, Laugh Factory, and Comedy Bar. She has also hosted a recurring show at Laugh Factory. Nina has starred in commercials, web series, and a pilot. Nina also co-hosts a podcast, White Collars, Red Hands, which has over 70 episodes to date.
SUSIE AN
RACHEL HALL
Hopefully, you’re curious about who the hell am I but if you’re not, you’re about to find out anyway; I’m Rachel. Daughter of Linda Joy Muckelroy and Ray Allen Hall. I was born in Houston but grew up primarily grew up in Dallas, Texas. Rowlett, if you would like specifics. I am a actor, stand-up comedian, writer, podcast host, a bitch, a lover, child, mother, sinner, and a saint. Some of that was just lyrics from the song Bitch by Meredith Brooks but to quote Whitney Houston “I’m every woman.”
Currently, I am living my coldest dream ever in Chicago, IL and I am represented by the fabolous team over at DDO Artist Agency. Naturally, there’s no way to learn everything about each other from a About Me section but hopefully this broke the ice some.
BLOODRUNNER
Bloodrunner is a band from Chicago, IL with its roots in the 2000s metal scene. They’re here to take over the music world one state and country at a time and to get a new generation of fans to free themselves from the hell of everyday life.
EMPTY GRAVES
Moline, Illinois. Memes. Slams. A good ol’ time. Just some silly geese who enjoy making gross breakdowns.
DISSENTIENCE
Thrash/Death metal from Bethlehem, PA. Debut album, Empire Anatomy OUT NOW!
“Though the forges of the Bethlehem Steel have long been extinguished, Dissentience’s debut album Empire Anatomy is proof that the steel town still has plenty of metal to offer. Released in February 2022, Dissentience’s first full-length album refines the death-thrash groundwork laid out on the band’s previous effort without sacrificing intensity or musicality. From the opening moments of “War of Belief,” the band makes it known that the listener is in for a wild ride, twisting and turning through riffs at breakneck speed. Each track is constructed with the intent of maximum sonic impact without losing dynamism or integrity and while it clocks in at just over 40 minutes, the interplay between bombastic riffs and infectious melodies will have listeners scrambling to replay the album as soon as it’s over.”
SPACE AGE ZEROS
Putting Punk, Pop, Post Punk and Power Pop into a blender and serving it to you shaken, not stirred since 2022.
DEBUT RECORD OUT IN 2024!
TIGERSHARK DON’T QUIT
Gnarly sounds from northwest Indiana. Music’s Garbage Can.
BABY JESUS PAPER BOY
I love finding the blind spots in our collective musical memory, dusting them off and building from there. The best things in life seem strange yet somehow familiar, and that’s how I want my music to sound, too. A public school music teacher by day, I’m inspired by everything under the sun. After over a decade of teaching, I strongly believe that music is for everyone and should be played by everyone. From punk to folkloric music, a DIY aesthetic threads all musical tastes and styles. And in the words of Quincy Jones, there are only 2 types of music: good and bad…
TOMMY KESSLER
Tommy Kessler (he/him) is a St. Louis-raised, Chicago-based singer, songwriter, producer, audio engineer, and, above all else, electric guitarist. Having played guitar since the ripe age of nine, Tommy has developed a style all his own that informs the idiosyncratic musicality that imbues all of his projects. A prolific talent, Tommy released an album, three EPs, a double single, and a remix compilation in 2022 alone, all of which were entirely self-produced.
Tommy’s latest original project, MORTAL LOVE, was described by On the Block as “an enigma that falls between pop, industrial, and orchestral music. The melodies are simple and cascading… the project is reminiscent of a Jack White track: distortion anywhere and everywhere, but fully intelligible and digestible.”
MODERN DAIRY
Modern Dairy is a Chicago indie rock band with Geoff Cronin, Levi O’Brien, and Pat and Bobby Sullivan. Modern Dairy is interested in experimenting with their music, but never straying far from a dancey groove. On their 2nd EP, Scream Down the Stairs, they pushed into new spaces, instruments and song writing styles. Robert’s Beetle, a disco dream of a high rise hotel, In My Keys, a somber but hopeful waltz about the highs and lows of personal life, and Scream Down the Stairs, a driving, sonic ride through arguments and the places they took place showcase the variety and consistency of Modern Dairy. Geoff Cronin’s informal lyrics lay over Bobby Sullivan’s soulful guitar grooves, Levi O’Brien’s mindful bass and Pat Sullivan’s clever drum beats. Modern Dairy has played classic Chicago venues including Schuba’s, Chop Shop, Beat Kitchen, Subterranean, DIY venues, art galleries and even their own practice space.
RIC RHOADZ AND GENRE FREE
ZACK FEDOR & THE LONG GOODBYES
Zack Fedor is from the humble farming community of Waverly IL. As early as 2011 Zack could be found in the local taverns playing songs and making friends. Little did he know his love of music, fun times, and good company would become his way of life.
Zack Fedor and The Long Goodbyes takes listeners on a musical journey through the backroads and bars of small town USA. hardship, love, drinking, loss, partying, relationships, and being born in an area often forgotten about.
SCHOOL OF ROCK LIBERTYVILLE
School of Rock Libertyville is proud to serve our community with music lessons taught by real, practicing musicians. We teach everything from keys to piano, vocals, drums, and more (although guitar is a favorite among students here). The Libertyville area, flush with love for rock and country, is no stranger to musical talent, either. Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine went to Libertyville High School, and Adam Jones of Tool is also from the area. With enough practice, School of Rock Libertyville students may also hope to one day play at Fuel Room — a local venue popular with major touring rock bands.
PENNAL “PJ” JOHNSON
PJ is a Bassist, writer & entrepreneur from Chicago’s West Side. PJ began playing bass guitar at the age of 8 years old. His cousin bought a bass guitar and a keyboard for his son to play. He did not take to it and passed it on to PJ. While PJ was practicing with his cousins, PJ realized that he could play by ear. This was the beginning of a beautiful thing for PJ.
While PJ was attending Hugh Manley High School in Chicago, he learned to read music and to go on and sharpen his bass playing skills. In his sophomore year PJ was selected to be a part of Manley’s Jazz band. From there PJ was selected to be the bass player for The Chicago All-City Jazz Band from 1984 to 1987. During this time PJ received numerous awards which include “The Outstanding Soloist Award” at the Midwest Jazz Festival and “Outstanding Musician of the Year” from All City Jazz Band of Chicago.
After High school PJ started playing professionally around the Chicago area and Gospel recording artist Rev. Jessy Dixon approached me and asked me to become the full-time bass player for him and his choir. It was Rev. Dixon, who taught PJ showmanship and how to be a professional musician. This position provided PJ with the opportunity to perform with the talents of Andre and Sandra Crouch, Kurt Carr and Abraham Laboriel.
When not touring PJ is doing clinics and studio sessions. PJ’s goal is to enjoy Life simply to have fun!
THE CARROLL QUINTET
Chicago based trumpeter Marques Carroll is keeping the tradition of jazz alive while pushing the genre forward into exciting new territory. A bold performer and passionate educator, he is dedicated to preserving the authentic culture of jazz and spreading his holistic love of music around the world.
Born into a musical family in St. Louis, Marques fell in love with the trumpet when he was only 8 years old. His grandfather worked with jazz legend Clark Terry who would become a major influence on the young musician. Marques grew up absorbing the blues of Louis Armstrong and the laid back sounds of Miles Davis, eventually going on to study jazz performance at DePaul University. He expanded his palette to include classical and hip-hop influences, making him a throughly modern and versatile musician.
In addition to his prolific performing career, Marques is an accomplished educator. He is the former musical director for Chicago Jesuit Academy, currently teaches Jazz Trumpet at the University in Chicago and regularly holds clinics and master classes around the country. Marques is the leader of his own self titled quintet, the Trumpet Summit and co-leader of the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective, and also a permanent sub-member of The Count Basie Orchestra. His solo debut record, The Ancestors’ Call, and his sequel to his debut record, Foundations, are now available everywhere.
SHANE ANTHONY
Shane Anthony is a stand-up comedian, writer, and comedy photographer based in Chicago. She has become a familiar, respected, and sought-after voice on the scene. She is known for always supplying a uniquely dark, honest, and hilarious perspective on stage.
TINY THICKEMZ
CASKET ROBBERY
Emerging from the darkest and most desolate areas of the Midwest, Casket Robbery creates its own signature style of death metal by infusing horror and occult themes. Their trademark huge riffs and unstoppable grooves create the unrelenting, brutally catchy, and eerie sound that only Casket Robbery is known for. Death metal with a wink. Casket Robbery’s intense, high energy shows have quickly surfaced a die hard following. They continue to show a relentless work ethic and dedication to their fanbase. After the release of their debut album Casket Robbery has toured the United States continually, hitting large festivals like Full Terror Assault, Michigan Metal Fest, Toledo Death Fest, and Milwaukee Summerfest. Casket Robbery has shared the stage with Cannibal Corpse, Jungle Rot, Psycroptic, and more.
Casket Robbery has partnered with Blood Blast for the release of their second album, Rituals Of Death, which pushes the boundaries of their crushing horror aesthetic. The band’s darkest themes to date will be sure to please long time fans and continue to grow their rabid fan base. Your unrelenting nightmare has just begun.
BOOTHANGS
lil bitta dis lil bitto dat
COMPLACENT
DIY hardcore punk from Northwest Indiana. Tristan (he/him) Vox & Guitar, Peyton (she/her) Vox & Drums, Dalton (he/him) Vox & Bass