Hunter Amazing is a dynamic rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from Chicago. Since 2018, she has been crafting her unique sound, viewing music as a sonic diary that captures the essence of her life experiences and the spaces she inhabits. With each track, Hunter invites listeners into her world, weaving personal stories and emotions into captivating rhythms and melodies. Her artistry not only reflects her growth but also resonates deeply with anyone who has ever used music as a form of self-expression.
K. Marie, hailing from the south side of Chicago, has been entrancing audiences with her soulful voice from a young age. With nearly a decade of songwriting under her belt, K. Marie’s music is a fusion of heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies. She embodies the traits of a passionate and creative Pisces, infusing her music with love and emotion.
4×4 Animal Style is an emerging band from the south suburbs of Chicago. Their style can be primarily classified as indie, rock or alternative, but they also take inspiration from blues, rock, jazz, R&B and more. They’ve performed all over Chicago and the Chicagoland area, as well as in the emerging Illinois college scene, at schools such as Illinois State University, University of Illinois Champaign Urbana, University of Illinois Chicago, and more. In the summer of 2022 they released their debut single, “Raft”, and in the following winter released their eponymous debut EP, “4×4 Animal Style”. “Felt Right”, the latest single off their upcoming album was released on September 8th. “Squeeze”, the final single was released on October 8th. “When I Was Young”, their debut album,was released November 3rd.
The Sloppy Boys are a Los Feliz, California based party rock band comprised of Mike Hanford, Jefferson Dutton, and Tim Kalpakis from the comedy group The Birthday Boys. In 2022, the boys travelled to the legendary Sonic Ranch Studios where they teamed with super-producer Money Mark (Beastie Boys, Beck) to record their fourth album Sonic Ranch. The entire process was filmed by director Robert Holguin for his feature length comedy-rock-doc Blood, Sweat and Beers or How The Sloppy Boys Made an Album on a Farm in West Texas.
Megan Hozick is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter specializing in high-energy tunes with witty, creative lyrics. With influences of midwest emo, punk, and even a tiny bit of folk, her catchy melodies and powerhouse vocals come together with lyrics that range from dark to heartfelt to downright silly- making her a compelling force in the Chicago music scene. Her full band is comprised of a rotating crew of some of Chicago’s best musicians, including Joe McGuire, Matias de la Flor, Maria Requena, and more. Follow her on all the social media platforms (@meganhozick) for updates!
Flight Attendant delivers an experience.” – Rolling Stone
Often hailed as a “sonic unicorn” in Nashville’s bustling music scene, Flight Attendant energizes listeners with their infectious power-pop hooks and dynamic performances. This Nashville-based fivesome—Karalyne Winegarner (Lead Vocals, Keys), Vinny Maniscalco (Vocals, Guitar), Nikki Christie (Vocals, Viola), Derek Sprague (Drums), and Peyton Rodeffer (Vocals, Bass)—meld their passions for music (and fine wine) into a distinctive sound.
The band’s formation was a serendipitous blend of shared passions. Karalyne, a certified sommelier from Kansas City, crossed paths with Vinny, an award-winning bartender from Boston, while they were working and making music together for fun. They were soon joined by their co-worker Nikki from Los Angeles, Derek from Boston, and Peyton, all fellow bartenders, to complete the lineup.
Since their inception, Flight Attendant has released standout singles like “Man of Chaos” and “Therapy Couch,” with the latter earning significant radio play in 2024. They’ve played sold-out shows around the world and at major festivals including SXSW, Boulevardia, Tomato Arts Fest, and Crossroads Music Fest.
Influenced by bands like Queen, Florence and the Machine, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Caroline Polachek, Flight Attendant’s live performances continue to captivate audiences:
“Karalyne commands your attention like Freddie Mercury,” notes Glide Magazine.
Their eagerly awaited sophomore album, Under The Powerlines, produced by Swedish collaborator Anders Flemming, releases on November 8th. With a headlining Fall US Tour by TKO Agency, a European Spring Tour by Rola, and increasing radio support, Flight Attendant is set for an exhilarating take off.
German synth pop outfit And One formed in Berlin in 1989. DJs/producers Steve Naghavi and Chris Ruiz first met the previous year in a local dance club, bonding over their mutual affection for early industrial acts like Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb and borrowing their subsequent dual synthesizer and beatbox aesthetic from Depeche Mode. Upon signing to the fledgling Machinery label, And One issued their 1990 debut single, “Metal Hammer,” a significant club hit that set the stage for their first full-length effort, Anguish, completed with contributions from newly added third member Alex Two. And One closed out 1991 with the techno-inspired charity single “Aus der Traum,” originally titled “Saddam Hussein” and produced to benefit Greenpeace. The angry, cynical Flop! followed months later and heralded the exit of Ruiz, who resigned to pursue a solo career. With new drummer Joke Jay, And One cut the EP Monotonie, which invoked the electronic body music influences of their earliest work. Conversely, the 1993 full-length Spot proved their most commercial and accessible effort to date, generating the mainstream pop hit “Life Isn’t Easy in Germany.” Alex Two left the trio soon after, and with replacement keyboardist Rick Schah, And One recorded 1994’s I.S.T., generally considered their most ambitious and challenging project. A year later, Ruiz guested on the single “Deutschemaschine,” which marked the end of their long stint with Machinery. A bidding war quickly resulted, and after signing with Virgin And One issued Nordhausen in 1997. 9.9.99. 9 Uhr followed a year later, scoring the hit “Get You Closer.” In the wake of the follow-up, Virgin Superstar, Joke Jay handed in his resignation, and in 2001 Ruiz finally returned to And One full-time, appearing on the MP3-exclusive single “Amerika Brennt,” the group’s response to the terrorist attacks of September 11. As And One entered its third decade, their pace began to slow. A new full-length, Aggressor, did not hit retail until 2003, and a three-year gap preceded the release of 2006’s Bodypop. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
Nominated for Chicago’s most underrated comedian Cam Honeyager brings his unique perspective, wit, and crazy life stories to the stage. After starting comedy in college, Cam moved to Los Angeles and developed his comedy chops in LA’s most prominent clubs. Now based out of Chicago you can find him on some of comedy’s most historical stages; Zanies, The Laugh Factory, The Lincoln Lodge. He can also be found traveling in small town America telling jokes in bars, breweries, bowling alleys and even a couple of theaters.
He’s opened for some names almost as big as his waist line such as Mitch Fatel, Tommy Davidson, John Caparulo and many more. He hopes to one day become a big name himself, let’s hope heart disease doesn’t get him first.
Originally from Louisville Kentucky, James Fisher Jr. moved to Chicago and started doing comedy in 2012. Though as an adult, his biggest comedic influences all came from Boston(Patrice Oneal, Bill Burr, Dane cook), growing up he loved watching Comic View, a stand up comedy show on BET, and In Living Color, with the Wayans family, Jim Carrey and Jamie Fox being huge influences from that show. Since he has started, he has performed at all the local Chicago clubs(Zanies, Laugh factory, Comedy bar), in comedy festivals all over the United States, won several competitions and has featured and opened for Jacob Williams (America’s got talent, Wild n out), Hans Kim (Kill Tony Podcast) and SNL Cast Members Chris Redd and Tim Meadows. James is an energetic, funny, controversial yet personable entertainer who is always ready to have fun with the crowd!
Ask Carol, the alternative indie-rock duo from the remote Norwegian mountain community of Auma, defies their small size with a huge and powerful sound – featuring two guitars, drums, synth, and Carol’s innovative bass and guitar system. Their music ranges from fierce to gentle, drawing inspiration from bands like the Kills, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the White Stripes, with a distinct Nordic, melancholic twist. They’ve toured internationally, supported The Brian Jonestown Massacre, played at SXSW several times, and received critical acclaim for their debut album released on their indie label, ChoVan Records. Despite pandemic challenges, they’ve harnessed solitude to create a dark, introspective atmosphere in their music. Don’t miss the chance to experience Ask Carol’s unique and dynamic sound live in 2024.
Salami Rose Joe Louis is an genre traveler multi-instrumentalist female producer and a signee to Flying Lotus’s Brainfeeder label. She produces and records pretty much exclusively on her beloved Roland MV8800, nicknamed “Funfunfun”. Her debut record with Brainfeeder, ‘Zdenka 2080’, is a critically acclaimed, conceptual sci-fi epic that earned a nomination for Giles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards Best Album of 2020. Since then, she has toured supporting genre-bending luminaries Flying Lotus, Cinematic Orchestra, Toro y Moi, TuneYards, Clairo, and MNDSGN. Recent collaborations include a feature on Toro y Moi’s ‘Mahal’, a remix for Hiatus Kaiyote’s Ninja Tune/Brainfeeder release, and the 2024 collab album extravaganza”Sarah” with Philadelphia legend, Flanafi. More music coming very soon<3
This Will Destroy You is an American experimental rock band currently based in Los Angeles, California. Formed in San Marcos, Texas in 2004, the band typically composes lengthy, atmospheric, instrumental pieces featuring layers of effects-laden guitars cascading across the dynamic range of the sonic spectrum. In addition to their studio work and performing to diverse audiences around the world, the group has composed and recorded scores for a host of prominent feature-films, documentaries, and art installations.
Chan Fuze is an emerging artist from the music scene of Chicago. His sound is a unique blend of Alternative rock and Alternative R&B, drawing from a wide range of influences that include The Rolling Stones, Tame Impala, and Talking Heads.
With emotive vocals that soar over intricate guitar work, Chan Fuze’s music is a powerful and soulful expression of life’s triumphs and struggles. His upcoming Album promises to showcase his versatility as a songwriter and musician, with songs that range from heartfelt ballads to genre-bending rock anthems.
Fans of Alternative Rock, Alternative R&B, and everything in between won’t want to miss out on this rising star.
The Mummy Cats are a band for the people, the people that want to rock. Inspired by all great music, from as far back as the first caveman to hit two sticks together, The Mummy Cats deliver a highly unique, but strangely familiar tone that is unlike any other. You may think you’ve heard it all, but just wait until the next song.
“The Reveal’s ability to create and release tension is awe-inspiring…you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat just knowing that something exciting is about to happen.”
Recording artist on Stardumb Records!
Geoff Palmer is an American musician and songwriter from Rochester, New Hampshire, now living in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a founding member and songwriter for veteran garage rock/power pop band The Connection and punk band The Guts, along with being a member and songwriter with the Kurt Baker Band and solo artists.
Born and raised in Seattle, Nathan Nzanga is a first generation Congolese-American storyteller with a whole lot of love to share.
Recognizing the power in his pen, Nzanga speaks of a universal truth while taking his audience on an invigorating ride reflecting on his journey through life’s ups and downs. Sonically, Nathan wears all of his influences on his sleeves, blending hip-hop with elements of folk, R&B, soul, gospel and musical theatre.
Nzanga wouldn’t classify himself as just a rapper, but a SoulPop Storyteller.
Gold Haze’s musical journey is undeniably influenced by a range of talented artists, from Kanye West and JAY-Z to Drake and J. Cole. Starting as a producer in 2012 and later venturing into rapping in 2018, Haze’s evolution has been marked by consistent growth and collaborations with Chicago-based artists like Flex Sinatra. Their joint effort, “Hard To Be Humble,” garnered significant success in 2016, setting the stage for subsequent projects like “Separation,” which quickly amassed over a million plays on streaming platforms.
Haze’s versatility shines through his collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including G Herbo, Brittney Carter, Vic Mensa, and many more. Notably, his instrumentals have achieved recognition on major platforms like Soulection, as well as in commercial spots for brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, and Puma.
Haze’s artistry knows no bounds, evident in his mixtape “More Than Gold” in 2019, a precursor to his debut album “From Here On Out” released on February 10th, 2021. Interestingly, the album’s release date coincides with the debut of Kanye West’s influential album, “College Dropout,” a source of inspiration for Haze’s own musical pursuits.
The Gelheads are a guitar-driven post-punk quartet that formed in Chicago in 2001. Citing influences such as Cheap Trick, The Replacements, Jimmy Eat World, and The Foo Fighters – the band formulates crafty, hook-laden melodies backed by a hard-hitting rhythm section to create memorable anthems.
After their first single “Deer in Headlights” debuted on Chicago’s Q101, the band quickly rose through the ranks and found themselves travelling across the U.S., amassing a grassroots regional fanbase.
Over their 20-year career, the band has toured nationally opening for well-known artists including The Killers, KISS, Everclear, The Goo Goo Dolls, Papa Roach and Sugarcult; as well as earning a brief stint on the 2002 Vans Warped Tour.
The Gelheads have emerged from a period of lessened activity to release the “Tail Lights” an EP of three songs from a former session that were never completed and thought to be lost. The band worked with producer Andy Gerber at Chicago’s Million Yen Studios to painstakingly locate the original tracks and give them the mix they deserved. Tail Lights was released on March 12, 2021. The band is planning on festival appearances later in the summer and will re-enter the studio later this year.
Sumthing Strange is a breath of fresh air in the music industry with their unique sound that blends the classic 80’s vibe with modern elements. This Los Angeles-based band is a musical masterpiece, combining the essence of musical groups like Duran Duran, U2, and David Bowie to create something truly distinctive and captivating.
At the heart of Sumthing Strange’s success lies the brilliant songwriting skills of Johnny Matthew Coppolino and Gerardo Alexandro Prusmack both doing everything in their recording studio with all in house production and mastering. A wonderful and recent addition in 2023 has been Jesse Shadis holding down the percussion. Their music is a seamless fusion of electrifying and dynamic melodies, soulful lyrics, and powerful vocals that will leave you spellbound.
The band’s music takes you on a journey through different emotions, from the upbeat and energetic to the introspective and contemplative, all while maintaining a consistent style that is uniquely their own. Their music has a way of captivating the listener, leaving them mesmerized and wanting more. With their fresh and innovative approach to music, Sumthing Strange is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after bands in the industry. Their music is captivating listeners and keeping them engaged with its unique sound and style.
“Black Sunrise is a high potency rock band from Highland, Indiana. The band delivers a combo of haymaker heaviness with crushing grooves. Under the influence of their various inspirations, Black Sunrise creates heavy music for heavy people.”
Edgar Alejandro is a singer, songwriter, and musician who has written more than 60 songs in less than 3 years. He is 23 years old and was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in Los Angeles, California. Edgar Alejandro knows how to play guitar, vihuela, trumpet, bass, and piano. He is currently blending Jazz, Bossa Nova, Tumbado, Salsa, Indie, and Boleros with a Mariachi base, which sets his music apart, along with his high, solid, and well-tuned voice. Edgar Alejandro has a loyal fan base of over 250k people and more than 2.5 million streams on platforms. In 2024, he achieved over 10 million views on social media, with more than 1 million reach per month. His most well-known song, “A Tu Lado, ” has been used more than 100k times on Instagram and TikTok, and it has garnered over 1 million streams on Spotify, with numbers increasing daily, boosting his entire catalog. His first solo concert was in November 2023, where he sold 200 tickets. By mid-2024, he had sold out his show in LA in less than 3 weeks, and he is now going on tour across the USA with a waiting list of over 1,000 people. Edgar’s future in Regional Mexican music is very promising, with upcoming collaborations, plenty of new music, and shows.
JILUKA was formed in February 2015 with a four member line-up:
Ricko (vocals) Sena (guitar) Boogie (bass) Zyean (drums)
JILUKA expresses a variety of emotions by combining their aggressive metal sound with diverse musical essences and utilizing striking, melodious music.
The band is trademarked by an impressive musical evolution, interwoven with a musical sense indicative of the new generation.
Strongly embossed with the label of visual kei Deathcore from the start, both their growth as a band and a hybrid and metallic intensification resulted in the creation of visual kei modern metal.
Furthermore, JILUKA expanded their always energetic live performance endeavors and presented the world with their first full album “Metamorphose” in 2018.
Having marked their 5th year as a band with their first best-of album “XANADU” and an anniversary solo show in February 2020, JILUKA are on the cutting edge of V-Kei modern metal with the albums “Xtopia”(2020) and “IDOLA”(2021).
In October 2022, the band launched their ultimate new flagship “Electro Gothic Metal (EGM)” sound with the digital single “BLVCK”. In March 2023, their next digital single “OVERKILL” spread the possibilities of EGM. On October 27, 2023, JILUKA’s latest single “VENΦM” released on streaming platforms worldwide, the same day in which JILUKA made their overseas debut performance in Atlanta, GA in the US. Now, JILUKA is taking over the world with their signature EGM style!
After their formation in early 2019, Plethera started creating their music with one goal in mind, to reach people by spreading their message through words and contagious riffs. This Hard Rock/Metal band entered the local scene with their debut EP titled Trapped inside in 2019, later in the year they released a single title Far From Roses with a goal to broaden their discography. Staffed by Brandon Rice (Vocals), Brandon Johnson (Guitar), Michael Lenci (Guitar), Jacob Webber (Bass), and Alex Cervantes (Drums), the group came together to release a Home Recorded EP and single, Remastering their original Trapped Inside and Far From Roses tunes along with a new original single titled Eight Legged Freaks in Late 2022 and Early 2023. The bands sound relies heavily on their poetic verses combined with catchy and engaging guitar and drums, making them a thrill to listen to and digesting their lyrics.
Dejected is a heavy metal band from McHenry County, Illinois. We write about anger, betrayal, and mental health. Our art is a reflection of our reality and we are unapologetically blunt about it.
DENIER
Denier was formed in 2022 drawing from a wide range of metal sub-genres and eras to develop a sound that is both nostalgically reminiscent and pushing the boundaries of modern songwriting trappings. Seemingly relentless barrages of hardcore and beatdown riffs are pocked by soaring choruses.
Thank You, I’m Sorry released their first full band album “I’m Glad We’re Friends” in 2020 and we’ve been waiting for a follow up ever since. Saying “Growing in Strange Places” was well worth the wait is an understatement. Their third album finds the band following their most adventurous ambitions, sprinkling in styles ranging from dream pop to indie to riot grrrl. It’s also a cumulation of a seasoned band that has found their footing through years of touring and hard work. The know when to take risks and when they have a good thing to lean into to. If that isn’t growth, we don’t know what is.
COACH HOUSE was created in the heat of pandemic and it is believed that their music could be more contagious than the disease itself. As their sound waves travel through the air it first infects the listeners ears, giving them a feeling of euphoria and excitement. Next, it travels to their brain, resulting in rhythmic body movement (also known as dancing). Lastly, it attacks their heart and causes the victim to be a fan of COACH HOUSE till the day they die.
Soon after Joseph moved out of his mom’s house, he reconnected with old high school and college friends in Chicago to start band. Since September of 2020, COACH HOUSE has rehearsed twice a week in their dingy rehearsal space; quickly crafting their sound and building their catalogue of original music. Now with three singles mastered and scheduled to release, COACH HOUSE is ready to hit the stage and spread their post pandemic rock through the world.
Lawrence, Kansas, LYXE is a band with big guitars, a driving backbeat, and a glowing purple neon sign. Formed in 2019, they’re an energetic three-piece whose music blends the best of modern rock radio with danceable ’80s New Wave. If Wavves listened to a lot of early INXS, the music they made would sound like LYXE. I Heart Local Music describes them as “…easily Lawrence’s most exciting band at the moment, and they prove it with every show.”
Superunknown is the fourth studio album by American rock band Soundgarden, released on March 8, 1994, through A&M Records. Produced by Michael Beinhorn and the band themselves, Soundgarden began work on the album after touring in support of their previous album, Badmotorfinger (1991). Superunknown retained the heaviness of the band’s earlier releases while displaying a more diverse range of influences.
MY LIFE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN
From the depths of the global pandemic emerged a band determined to conquer all of the seven seas. My Life At The Bottom Of The Ocean was that band. Formed in July of 2022, “My Life” is a 2 piece indie-punk band hailing from Chicago, IL. Their music combines the high energy of punk and hardcore music with the melodic sensibilities, technical guitar-playing, and heartfelt lyricism of modern emo music.
Long time friends Kevin LaBarbera (Guitar/Vocals) and Connor Rudny (Drums, Percussion) make up the composition of the group. For only being a 2 man operation, their sound is massive, and their stage presence is undeniable. Drawing inspiration from bands like Title Fight, Circa Survive, and Nirvana, “My Life” is a melting pot of sounds, ideas, and sonic exploration. Not to be pegged into any one genre of music, My Life is one of those bands that has to be experienced for yourself. Catch them at a show near you and you won’t be disappointed you did!
Japanese Whispers is the second compilation album by British group The Cure. It was released in late 1983 by Fiction Records. The title is a pun on the children’s game Chinese whispers.
It includes the singles “Let’s Go to Bed”, “The Walk” and “The Love Cats”. The other tracks are the B-sides of these singles, although “Mr. Pink Eyes” (the second B-side for “The Love Cats”) was not included. The songs were recorded when the band was in a transitional phase after bassist Simon Gallup left following a tour to promote the previous album, Pornography. Beginning with these singles, Lol Tolhurst switched from drums to keyboards, a role he kept until his departure in 1989.
For the tracks from the “Let’s Go to Bed” and “The Walk” singles, the Cure was a duo consisting of Tolhurst and Robert Smith, with the addition of session drummer Steve Goulding (a member of Graham Parker and the Rumour) for the tracks from “Let’s Go to Bed”. For “The Love Cats” single, a full band was assembled with the addition of bassist/producer Phil Thornalley, who had worked with the band on Pornography, and drummer Andy Anderson, a lineup which would continue for the Concert live album.
Since 2019 this Madison trio— Amber Moth (vocals/guitar), Gage Moth (drums), and Mac Moth (bass)— has been developing their own cosmic gumbo of pop hooks, grunge, and garage doom. Drawing heavily from their combined love of bands like Frankie and the Witch Fingers, and Windhand, their first full-length album, “Honestly, Maybe,” and 2022’s EP, “In the Mourning,” explores a wide range of themes and sounds including fantasy-laden lyrics, flippant sad girl rock, heartfelt indie love songs, and sludgy homages to their doom influences.
Their upcoming album, “Stranger” (Out May 25th, 2024), sees the trio focus their sound, drawing on a well soaked in grunge, distortion, and deeply personal lyrics disguised as pop melodies.
In a nutshell, Lunar Moth is for weirdos, by weirdos: Fuzzed-out doom and bloom.
