“Horrible are the Chicago answer to the nostalgic raucous bliss of the 80’s Indie Rock circuit. Hard rocking, melodic and undeniably chaotically beautiful, what’s not to love about that? If Frank Black and Richard Hell had an amphetamine love child it would sound something not too distant to this.” -Dan Stothard, Musically Fresh
“Well I’m glad you like playing your music, honey, but I think I just want to listen to Adele instead” -Pat’s mom
You’ve probably heard “guitar music is dying” or something like that a dozen times over the past 20 years, but please, keep your voice down and don’t tell 96 Cougar. The Chicago-based four piece’s only rule is “it has to rock,” and that’s what they’ve been doing since 2019. New Noise Magazine describes them as having “a touch of The Replacements and Hüsker Dü with their nostalgia-tinged, ‘80s-style pop punk with gorgeous melodies,” two comparisons they’ll gladly take and parlay into an SST Records deal, provided they can find a time machine and 1986-appropriate outfits. The band has a full length record titled The Finest Crime slated for release in mid-2023.
Hacienda is a Chicago-based cover band featuring the music of Joy Division and New Order
ZERO ~The ultimate tribute to Smashing Pumpkins……
This authentic representation of the Smashing Pumpkins is both a must see and hear performance featuring a Grammy Nominated lead guitarist. All members are professional seasoned musicians with the amazing ability to portray themselves as Smashing Pumpkin members Billy Corgan, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin and D’arcy Wretzky.
Most recent venues include the world famous Scout Bar and House of Blues ~ Houston where expectations were surpassed with the professionalism and outstanding performance of these four talented musicians.
Chicago’s premiere tribute to the music of Interpol Evil brings the music of Interpol to life in a dynamic performance that evokes the early days of the New York indie-rock legends.
Evil is Zaid Estrada on lead guitar, Mike Sabia on drums, Gus Matchain on bass, and Nestor Quezada on rhythm guitar/vocal.
Intially started as a one-off performance, Evil quickly solidified into a crowd favorite. The adrenaline-driven act is sonically faithful to the source material and covers the early classics as well as newer hits.
Gore-soaked Death Metal from Indianapolis, Indiana
Louisville, Kentucky’s VOLCANDRA have announced their 2022 return, burning brightly with incandescent verve and an audaciously ambitious sci-fi-inspired take on the black metal genre. VOLCANDRA will be releasing their Prosthetic Records debut release in the form of a four-track EP, titled Border World, due out on June 24.
Since their 2019 inception and a well-received 2020 debut full-length, Into the Azure, VOLCANDRA have steadfastly been honing their craft on both the live-circuit and in the recording studio. Across Border World’s runtime, VOLCANDRA offers a distinctively futuristic vision of melodic black metal – with lyrical tales of possessed mythical beasts, draconic cyborgs and mystical border worlds inspired by a deep love for video games and futuristic storytelling. All of these thematic elements are brought to life in stunning fashion by Varises Otak (Cattle Decapitation, Cryptopsy and Amon Amarth)’s cover art.
Herb Howard
Host/MC
Radio Host @wvon1690
CoHost @herbntou
Chicago Bears Beat Reporter @itsthebigs
Host of “Bear With Me”
Experience Curator-H2 Entertainment
Comedian
A SneakerHead👟with Punchlines🥊 and one day I’m a #MakeTheWorldLaugh
Kahala A.K.A NectarBait. Singer.songwriter. Welcome to my seasons.
Zack Fedor is Illinois’ country musician. Since 2011 Zack Fedor has been a regular feature of bars, tavern’s, fairs, and festivals all across the Midwest. Playing songs and Zack Fedor is Illinois’ barstool musician. Since 2011 Zack Fedor has been a regular feature of bars, tavern’s, fairs, and festivals all across the Midwest. Playing songs and making friends everywhere he goes!
Coming To A Dive Bar Near You
Devon Kay & The Solutions are a power pop band from the flats of the Midwest. A super-group of Chicago musicians playing their feelings in a major key, prepare to ponder your very existence as you power through the last sip of your mostly-backwashed Pabst. Prepare for an adrenaline filled ride into terrifying mind of Devon as he explores what makes him tick. Life isn’t too short. It’s too long.
The Oblivion Archetype is a melodic metal band from the NW Chicago Suburbs, with roots based in Lexington, KY. Formed in early 2019, The Oblivion Archetype is comprised of members from Society’s Plague (Eclipse Records) and Âstillian, utilizing a blend of aggressive melodic death metal with modern metal undertones.
Chicago’s premier drum machine fuzz punk outfit. NO DRUMMERS! NOT EVER!
Undertow was formed in 2004 as an improvised Jazz trio with a DIY Punk aesthetic. The trio of Michael Baker (bass & piano), Josh Beatty (saxophones), and Henry Mayer (drums & Electronics) recorded the Elmhurst Sessions in 2007 and performed throughout Chicago until 2011. Henry passed away in 2022. Josh & Michael decided to reform the group after playing at Henrys memorial gathering.
Songwriter and guitarist Joey Acopiado is a student of the wide scope of contemporary music. From Rock to R&B, Acopiado covers it all, handcrafting each song with a clear respect and admiration for his musical heroes. However, this drive to nod his head to the golden-ages-gone-by of many genres has never impeded Acopiado on his mission to write things refreshingly unique.
A deep lover of the blues … from the Chicago urban-blues stylings of artists like Paul Butterfield to more southern-fried guitar greats like Freddie King, Acopiado breathes energy into his music with a style of lead guitar playing that is infectiously expressive. In 2022, the Joey Acopiado Band is a string of musicians unlike any other, featuring the contributions of Dylan Barnett (second guitarist), Alex Garrin (bass), and Evan Hill (drums). When you see a show, you’ll witness this impressive outfit switch starkly from melodic indie ballads to hard-hitting blues-rock with ease.
Currently, this bombastic four-piece is based in Chicago, Illinois — and you can catch them gigging all throughout the city and suburbs.
Rock ‘n Soul band based outta Chi Citaa
Jack Moony & The Sun Drops is a Blues Rock band based out of Chicago, Illinois.
Ugly Nate is a four-piece band featuring Nathaniel Herrera(Vocals/Guitar), Japneet Chaabra (Drums), Matthew Agari (Keyboard), and Cole Burrell (Bass). They are young minds taking doing cool stuff and actively play shows in the Chicagoland Area.
Aisle Five is a dynamic indie/alternative band hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago. Formed during their college years, this talented group of musicians—lead singer Izzie Rutledge, guitarists Malcolm Filichia and Simon Shah, bassist Meriah Fearon, and drummer Ethan Reinbach—came together through a shared passion for music. Once formed it did not take long for the band to turn into a collaborative and creative force.
Aisle Five’s music weaves together the dreamy melodies of indie rock and raw energy of alternative pop. The duo of Malcolm Filichia and Simon Shah provides the band’s distinct guitar-driven sound. Their intricate and melodic guitar work intertwines seamlessly with Meriah Fearon’s funky bass lines providing the backbone of Aisle Five’s music. Ethan Reinbach propels the band’s music with relentless energy through his unique mix of precision and controlled chaos, seamlessly transitioning between delicate patterns and explosive fills. The soulful vocals of Izzie Rutledge top off the band’s sound as she effortlessly captivates audiences with the band’s infectious melodies.
After a string of successful shows in Chicago, Aisle Five embarked on a Midwest tour to celebrate the release of their debut EP, “Emergency Mood Ring.” Riding on this momentum the band has much in store for the next year.
The sauciest rock band in Chicago
Chicago songwriter Emma Butterworth is carving a niche for herself in the American indie scene with her uniquely soulful brand of indie-leaning folk rock. A keen storyteller and careful lyricist, she cuts straight to the heart of life’s big questions, examining moments of love, loss, growth, and self-acceptance with characteristic wit and wisdom. Her cheeky stage presence reveals a curious mind and a penchant for deeply melancholic songs, while her lush vocals have been compared to iconic acts like Brandi Carlile and The Head and the Heart. There’s a casual power when Butterworth sings that feels both practiced and raw: agile, occasionally vulnerable, but always sure—hers is a voice you’d follow in an emergency. The root of that strength lies in her own, joyful sense of self, which infuses even her most somber ballads with a buoyant, silver-lined charm.
Out from the quiet orchards of rural Michigan with a nomadic itch, Libby DeCamp has spent an adolescence in close companionship with bodies of music and literature of conscious yesteryear, among hinterlands of horses and history. Driven by a will to connect on a raw, human level, Libby makes lyrically-edged folk and roots-steeped music with a bewitching sense of urgency, and delivers with a honeyed vocal closeness that reaches listeners of all kinds. The soundscape is captivating- dark, visceral, and laced with western, blues, ragtime, and early rock and roll muses. Born from fervent ties to both “The Old , Weird America” and perhaps the “New, Weird America” and the collective voices that have sung their truths through the ages, DeCamp’s writing carries an unflinching intention to reflect the times and sing the humanity within them.
Speared by her debut EP titled “Cross Sections,” following a number of years cutting teeth in various folk groups right out of high school) DeCamp has rounded her home state and toured cross-country with no time to waste, taking her show on the road extensively, both solo and with the two-brother rhythm section, Adam and Brandon Schreiber. Grammy award-winning producer Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, John Hammond) praises “DeCamp’s ability as an artist to absorb and express a wide range of diverse influences, to convincingly invoke the struggles of the human condition…” and notes that “The authentic, weathered flavor of the music for each song provides the atmosphere and movement to draw the listener in to the intimacy of the stories.” Her work , finding resonances from the dives and dancehalls of Nashville and New Orleans, to protest and mutual aid shows, to notable spots like Tulsa’s Woody Guthrie Center and The Detroit Institute of Arts, has been spotlighted by TedX, scored multiple placements on MTV hit shows, and continues to peak interest with spacial, provocative recordings and an entrancing live energy.
“Westward and Faster”, the songwriter’s full-length debut (released May, 2021) is a daring, ten-song set of vicissitudes of American life in all its color- charged in times of critical social and political upheaval. The interplay of the plain-sung poetry with sprawling, spaghetti western-like guitar lines, pedal steel, and deep, live-cut grooves with upright bass and vintage drums conjures something entirely new, with homage to the old American musical lexicon. The opening song, “Asked for Water” (the title itself a nod to a traditional blues line) kicks off the tone of the record by laying the metaphor of the real-life unfolding of the Standing Rock and Flint Water crises right into personal perspective, beckoning a closer understanding and sense of connectedness with its verse, “And it all funnels down to just this one thing/ Is my safety what will separate me?” The vantage frequently shifts from worldly to otherworldly throughout the album, from lighthearted grooves to deeply meditative cuts with melodies and licks that linger long after the first listen. “Westward and Faster” is available on all major platforms May, 2021.
Ontonio Kareem is a comedian, writer, actor and a rising stars of the comedy world . Ontonio’s awkward upbringing in Chicago is to blame for his uniquely introspective and subdued style on stage. His unique comedy has gained national attention, allowing him to tour nationally with Chris Redd Janelle James, Roy Wood Jr., and Craig Robinson. Ontonio currently performs at comedy festivals all over the country (Laughfest in Grand Rapids, Oak City in Raleigh, World Comedy Expo, Flyover Fest in St. Louis) and can be seen producing his monthly sketch/stand-up show Lowkey Funny at Laugh Factory Chicago.
Stand-Up Comedian
Arcem is a quartet consisting of Dave Mckie, Scott Kooima, Matthew Pressel, and Babe Woodward. All of which who have been playing music in the greater Midwest area for over collectively 20 years. Arcem draws inspiration from such genres but not limited to, Post-Metal, Post-Rock, Progressive Metal, and Drone. Their sound is unmistakeable and undeniable.
I’m black boy joy in da flesh!
Traveling Artist/ Host/MC/Comedian/Beatboxer/Loop Specialist/Minister/Teacher & Reformed FukBoi…eh…Reforming!
Arlieta Hall is a Chicago native, Filmmaker, Comedian, Improviser, Actress, Mixologist, and a Certified Dementia Communication Specialist. She is a caregiver for her father who is person with Alzheimer’s and on a life journey to find her laughter by using vulnerable energy to create platforms to express herself!
More than meets the eye, The Cybertronic Spree are here on Earth with one critical mission: To party like it’s 1986! This band of Transformers has been brought together by the power of rock ’n roll and they can’t be stopped. Join Hotrod, Arcee, Rumble, Unicron, Soundwave, Bumblebee, Shockwave and a Quintesson as they prove they’ve got the power to light your darkest hour. Known across the galaxy for having cast aside their warring factions in the search for the ultimate party, these rockstars in disguise play music from The Transformers: The Movie, hit film and anime songs, and video game covers. They blend their love for the ’80s and ’80s metal into an energon-fueled, unforgettable live show!
Curtis Foster is an independent hip-hop artist from Chicago who blends a variety of influences into his own brand of “melodic hip-hop”. Lyrically his rhymes incorporate details of personal struggle, self-reflection, contemplation, motivation, wordplay just for the hell of it, and a healthy dose of nerd and movie culture references.
Sonically his sound typically incorporates elements of old-school and modern hip-hop with hard-hitting, fast-paced production, quick-fire bars, and an injection of melody for good measure. His writing abilities are displayed through the versatility of his music, switching from rapid-fire, aggressive rhymes to slower, more melodic flows and even infusing elements of rock and punk music through his guitar playing.
He’s worked with and opened for a number of notable acts including Wrekonize of ¡MAYDAY!, Ekoh, Joe Budden, Ja Rule, Cam’ron, Curren$y, and KXNG Crooked.
Gorgatron is a Death Metal band based out of Fargo, North Dakota. The band released a new album entitled Pathogenic Automation in 2020 via Blood Blast Distribution. The new record features Cameron Dewald on bass, who joined the band in 2014, long-time members Matt Johnson on Drums and Paul Johnson on guitar, Karl Schmidt on vocals and Neal Stein on guitar, who re-joined the band in 2018.
Gorgatron’s sound is based on a “love of the riff” approach to writing and rooted in the old-school stylingsof Death Metal and Thrash. (For fans of Suffocation, Morbid Angel, Necrophagist, Hate Eternal, Sepultura, Megadeth, Origin, Municipal Waste, Skinless, Goatwhore, Razor, Nile, Slayer, Etc…)
The idea for the band started sometime around 2006. After a couple demos and lineup changes, the first record Torturtorium was released independently in 2010. The lineup changed again for the sophomore LP Inner Supremacy, and was released independently in 2015.Gorgatron has completed multiple DIY tours all over the States, from north to south, east to west, and preformed at multiple Metal Fest.
You may have experienced Gorgatron if you attended Las Vegas Death Fest 8, Philadelphia Infest 3, Manitoba Metal Fest 2019, Slam Dakota Metal Fest, Topeka Metal Fest, Spring Bash Milwaukee, ‘The Road to GorgaMania’ Tour, Pathology and Pyrexias spring 2020 tour, ‘The Ultimate Midwest’ Tour, ‘Midwest Madness’ Tour, ‘Too Drunk For the Kumite Tour.Gorgatron joined the ranks of Extreme Management Group in 2017 alongside heavy hitters;Suffocation, Cattle Decapitation, Cryptopsy, Decrepit Birth, Disgorge, Rings of Saturn, Internal Bleeding and more.
With a new album in the works, 2020 is going to be a very heavy year for Gorgatron. From 2006-2020 Gorgatron has shared the stage with many notable bands, Anthrax, Testament, Black Dahlia Murder, Goatwhore, Skeleton Witch, Anal Cunt, Defeated Sanity, Anal Blast, Origin, Pathology, Machine Head, Vital Remains, Havok, Weedeater, Devourment, Eat The Turnbuckle, Beyond Creation, Mortician, Gorgasm, Visceral Disgorge, Jucifer, Unmerciful, and many more…
The first album in DZ Riley’s collection, Entropy, follows the steady decline of an elderly man experiencing the various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a heart wrenching and equally beautiful experience that explores the psychological and emotional toll the disease has on those affected by it. All proceeds made by this album are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association
The Sunflower Headlights are a motley band of wayward Chicago musicians who deliver folk rock tunes influenced by the sounds of the 1960’s and 1970’s. In addition to their original music, the Headlights cover jukebox songs throughout the decades, from classic rock to 90’s/2000’s nostalgic hits. They play regularly at venues throughout the Midwest, including many popular restaurants, bars, breweries, community centers and concert halls.
The Headlights released their debut single, “Hot Springs Post Office,” in May 2021, following up with their eponymous first album in August 2021 and their second album, “Sweet Dreams and Ice Creams,” in December 2021. You can listen to their newest single, “Avalanche,” on all major music streaming platforms.
Alex Carpani is an Italian-French composer, keyboardist, singer, producer, musicologist and artistic director. He graduated in DAMS at the University of Bologna with a thesis on the music of Nino Rota in Fellini’s films that won the 1st prize of the Fellini Foundation. He graduated at CET (a famous Italian music school) in composition and arrangement of music for films with Stelvio Cipriani, after having won a European Union scholarship that allowed him to attend the school. He has written and self-produced a great amount of instrumental music for more than 15 years: new age, electronic music, symphonic music, music mixed with poetry, drum’n’bass, electro-jazz, music for theatre shows and documentaries. Since 2007 he has dedicated himself to rock, releasing 6 rock albums with Italian and foreign labels which had positive feedbacks with both audience and critics, allowing him to collaborate, in studio and live, with some well known musicians of the national and international scene, such as David Jackson of Van der Graaf Generator, David Cross of King Crimson, Paul Whitehead, graphic designer of early Genesis, Aldo Tagliapietra of Le Orme, Bernardo Lanzetti of Acqua Fragile and PFM. He has performed about 130 concerts in 20 countries of 3 continents with his band, appearing in the most important live clubs and festivals of the international progressive rock field. He has founded the band Aerostation with Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (former drummer of Ligabue, Clan Destino, C.S.I.) releasing in 2018 the homonym debut album with Aerostella/Immaginifica label, performing concerts in Italy and abroad and opening for PFM at major events as well. In April 2022 his new album “Microcosm” has been released: it’s a rock album sung in English and mixing progressive rock, alternative rock and jazz-rock.
Will Mallard is a 23 year old multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer from Decatur, IL. Currently based in Boston, MA, Will is sparking a new wave of alternative electronic music with his debut project “A Brief Glimpse, Vol. 1”.
Current line up:
Eric – vocals
Frank Rizzo – guitars
ChrisMyass – bass
Creature – drums
Frank Rizzo – Guitars, Bass, Drums on Warriors of mince and Bring me my detonators, Executive Producer
Eric Miller – Vocals, Co-producer
Just some friends having fun writing and recording music we love.
Frank Rizzo drums for HENRYxCHINASKI
Eric Miller – singer of Morbid Obesity and Baja Boyz
Chicago’s Slayer Tribute band.
Riley and the RTZ are a folk punk band from southern Minnesota comprised of Riley of The Rail Yard Ghosts, Charley of the Key Kids and John the Florida-man who was captured naked after fleeing the chicken coop. Each an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and songwriter in their own right, and all veterans of the Minnesota music scene, having performed in numerous bands all over the state, and country-wide as well. Formed in Northfield, Minnesota on a wish, in a dream. Bluesy, gut-stomping all-cattle-no-cowboy fuckrock for meteorologists who like storm chasing shitfaced tornadoes full of railway sleepers and hobo teeth. Coming to a flaming dumpster near you.
Chicago Hardcore.
“A suite of soul songs that follow the arc of a relationship through time. The project is inspired by Motown vibes and showcases Russell’s expressive delivery of heartfelt love songs written by Wendy Maness, Jonathan Maness and Russell Walker.” ~Ante Flow Records
Chicago Deathcore/Hardcore
Single “Slashed” to be Released Everywhere Oct 21st
The Bad Reputation is an ALL FEMALE tribute band to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Based out of the Chicago area, founding member and lead singer, Loretta Remington, captivates audiences with her uncanny ability to capture the looks and sound of Joan Jett, bringing the ultimate Joan Jett experience. Being a part of the Chicago music scene for years, the band members will charm the audience with their experience and talent, creating a family-friendly show–full of power, fun and energy! The band consists of the following musicians:
Lorrie Kountz | Lead guitar, synth, vocals
Loretta Remington | Lead vocals
Laura Jansons | Guitar, vocals
Donna Lee | Bass guitar, Vocals
Terry Lynn | Drums, Vocals
Bringing you the music of Parliament Funkadelic and more…
Seddy Hendrinx bobs and weaves between moments of unfiltered emotion, upbeat elation, and undeniable excitement. Through flaunting unmatched unpredictability, the Duval County rapper and singer presents a slick signature style unlike anything else in the game. He asserts himself as a dynamic and diverse disruptor whose uncanny melodic sensibility matches his unbridled intensity. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, music always spoke to Seddy. He immersed himself in records by Tupac, Lauryn Hill, André 3000, DMX, Future, and Erykah Badu. While dying from a gunshot wound, his best friend Johnell urged Seddy to “Ball out for me.” So, Seddy picked up a microphone and did just that. Making waves on Soundcloud, he unleashed music at a prolific pace with projects such as The Roots, Just Cause EP, Death B4 Dishonor: Loyalty Over Everything, Roots II, and B.H.D. (Black Hearted Demon). However, he leveled up on 2020’s Sayless powered by collaborations a la “Plus 10” [feat. Jack Harlow], “Run It Up” [feat. G Herbo], and “45” [feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie]. In addition to plugs from REVOLT, Respect, and more, Earmilk raved, “Hendrinx has quickly become a creative force to be reckoned with, releasing a series of superb albums including Sayless and Roots II.” After racking up tens of millions of streams and views, he perfects this vision on his 2022 mixtape, Well Sed [Generation Now/Atlantic Records].
Even without considering themselves such, the Falcon are still something of a Chicago punk rock supergroup, resulting from the union of vocalist/guitarist Brendan Kelly (the Lawrence Arms, Slapstick, the Broadways), bassist Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio, Slapstick, Tuesday), drummer Neil Hennessy (the Lawrence Arms, Colossal), and guitarist Todd Mohney (Rise Against). Friends from over the years, the members of the Falcon initially came together after Kellyhad written some songs that he didn’t feel quite fit his current band, the Lawrence Arms. He got to talking with Mohney about starting a band together, but aside from coming up with their name, not much happened until about a year later. Needing a bassist, Kelly showed Andriano the songs while hanging out one day and he immediately signed on. A phone call to Hennessy later cemented the group. Haphazardly recording their rowdy debut EP themselves with no budget, the resulting God Don’t Make No Trash or Up Your Ass with Broken Glass was finally issued in December 2004 on Red Scare (the label’s first release); the guys also donated a track to Fat Wreck’s 2005 compilation Protect: A Benefit for the National Association to Protect Children. Members all continued work with their separate bands before getting back together to record their follow-up release, the rawkin’ full-length Unicornography, which appeared in late September 2006. By that point, the Falcon was down to a trio with Mohney gone from the lineup. For the next eight years, the group remained largely inactive, reuniting in 2014 to celebrate Red Scare’s tenth anniversary. The re-formation eventually inspired the Falcon to return to the studio, where they produced their sophomore LP, 2016’s Gather Up the Chaps. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi