Drew Delneky, a Chicago native, is a songwriter, music educator and performer. He holds a Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre from Columbia College Chicago and is currently completing his Master’s in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. His vocal training began at the age of 6, under the direction of Daniel Kane and longtime Vaudeville performer Lori Rocklin. Early in his career he landed lead roles in Les Misérables and Bye Bye Birdie, as well as numerous vocal performances in the style of crooning. He is well versed in vocals, guitar, piano, and bass guitar. Drew has trained and performed with musical artists such as Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, and Shirley King. Over the span of his performance career, Drew has been a founding member of numerous musical ensembles, including The Prime, Yeh Boi, Blackjack Kings, Funk Vendetta, Bluewater Kings and Feelgood. He has recorded albums with Gravity Studios, Waterdog Studios, Ultra Records, as well as solo projects with Information Playback Reel. Notable performances include venues such as The House of Blues, North Coast Music Festival, United Center, Wrigley Field, and Game of Thrones Traveling Choir. Throughout numerous appearances spanning across the U.S. Drew has opened for bands such as St. Lucia, Dr. John, Shaun Martin, Spare Parts and many more. He is currently one of five lead singers for the band Affinity with production company Aragon Artists.
Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slam’s critically acclaimed album ‘Roll Away’ in 2007 (“I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix” Patrick McDonald – Seattle Times), Davy’s star has only risen. His sophomore release ‘Coming Up For Air’ was produced by the legendary Peter Frampton (“Davy already has a recognizable style. He’s definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,’’- Peter Frampton), with subsequent tours seeing him supporting and sharing the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, The Who, Joe Bonamassa, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Brian Setzer, the Sammy Hagar-fronted supergroup Chickenfoot, and guitar hero Joe Satriani who called Davy “My favorite modern Bluesman”. Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances (Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS Good Morning America among others), and has been praised with high accolades from heroes and press alike – but it’s not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their missions orbiting Earth. Never one to be satisfied or to sit still, Knowles has explored multiple genres and styles, from the hard-hitting 70’s classic rock influenced album ‘Three Miles From Avalon’, to the haunting acoustic delta blues of ‘1932’, and the sweet, soul-searching folk of 2023’s ‘If I Should Wander’. Whether spending an evening onstage armed with just an acoustic guitar, or wielding his well worn and trusty Telecaster while fronting his blues/rock trio – and at any point in between the two – Davy Knowles is a versatile and formidable songwriter and musician.
In Effect Hardcore is pleased to bring you the music video premier for “Jah Is Dead” by the Poughkeepsie, NY 3-piece RBNX. The track is the first single off of their upcoming 10 song release titled “Nothing Here Is Yours” which will first be available on all streaming sites on September 29th with CD, cassette and colored vinyl versions all available through PATIENT ZERO RECORDS.
St. Julien consists of five handsome and well-endowed local Chicago musicians who were inspired by the blues and rock roots of their city.
The 5 members are: Tony Ladas (Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Trevor Van Vleck (Vocals & Piano), Brad Gayman (Lead Guitar), Andrew Erblich (Bass), and Cam Buhrmaster (Drums).
Together, they create a unique sound that resonates with audiences. Tony and Trevor’s vocals, Brad’s lead guitar riffs, Andrew’s bass, and Cam’s drumming form the core of their music.
St. Julien has quickly embedded itself into Chicago’s music scene, performing at iconic venues like Cubby Bear, Schubas, and Cobra Lounge. Experience the power of St. Julien’s storytelling through blues rock and stay updated with their latest news and performances on our website.
Fractal Universe is a French Progressive Metal Band founded in 2014.
With their 2019’s sophomore record Rhizomes Of Insanity, released on Metal Blade Records the band created one of the most musically, lyrically, and emotionally complex and compelling progressive metal works of the twenty-first century.
The band toured the record hard, joining heavyweights Obscura in February/March of 2020, making for one of the last tours in the world pre-pandemic, and in doing so sated their faithful while winning legions of new followers.
With its successor, The Impassable Horizon, they have gone even deeper, effortlessly following the trajectory they set themselves on to create an album that is riveting from start to finish.
And with the introduction of Wilquin’s newly honed saxophone skills to their live set, alongside working with Gojira’s Christian Andreu on their stage scenery and production, the band hit the road again for an extended European tour with Evergrey, and playing various festivals including Hellfest Open Air and 70000 Tons of Metal.
Recently the band teamed up with M-Theory Audio, and is on the verge of unleashing its most ambitous record to date, “The Great Filters”, due on April 4th 2025.
Cosmosquad is a highly regarded fusion rock band originally formed by Shane Gaalaas and Jeff Kollman (gt). They have released five CDs including their most recent one, ‘The Morbid Tango’.
BILLY BRAGG “TALKING WITH THE TAXMAN ABOUT POETRY”
Talking with the Taxman About Poetry is the third album by Billy Bragg, released in September 1986. With production by John Porter and Kenny Jones, Talking with the Taxman About Poetry featured more musicians than Bragg’s previous works, which were generally little more than Bragg himself and a guitar.
There were two singles released from the album. While “Levi Stubbs’ Tears” peaked at No. 29 in the UK, the follow-up “Greetings to the New Brunette” fell short, only managing No. 58 a few months later.
As a kid diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, I wrote rhymes to escape. I was so disconnected from my own reality that I delved into a world of my own creation. But when I ran the risk of not being able to graduate high school, I used the same determination that fueled my passion, to propel and excel. Around this time, I grew interest in creating my own Hip-Hop music. This led me to enroll in the “Audio Engineering” program at Flashpoint Chicago, where I connected with other Artists’ in creative ways. After college, I re-assessed my path. Through a journey of self-exploration, spirituality, and well-being, I started connecting with my true self and purpose: to be an artist that utilizes his knowledge and experience to connect with and help other people.
Stark(of HUEY) is a bold emcee, junior mentor, open mic host, and father from the west-side of Chicago. Using his experimental sound, Stark shares his life through his art as a skilled writer, singer, and producer. Stark is a HUEY(Headstrong Urban Educated Youth) Gang co-founder and a 2-time YCA LTAB MC Olympics champion who has worked for and with organizations such as Art of Culture Inc. (formerly Donda’s House), Young Chicago Authors, and the Chicago Public Library’s YOUMedia. Stark has performed at various events including Chicago Park District’s TIPFest, Common Ground Foundation’s AAHHFest, and The Obama Foundation’s Chicago Community Conversation. Among Stark’s many performance venues are The Promontory, Wire, UIC Forum, and Huntington Bank Pavilion. His strengths include delivery, improvisation, and live performance. Stark credits Chance The Rapper, J. Cole, Big Sean, and Frank Ocean as inspirations. Stark’s ultimate career goal is to become a prominent figure and philanthropist in Chicago, focusing on cultivating enrichment programs and centers on the city’s west side and beyond.
Wave Cage is a jazz fusion/electronic band featuring Jarrett Purdy on keys and synths, Ryan Garmoe on trumpet, Nolan Schroeder on sax, and Chris Jensen on drums.
Their debut studio album Even You Can See in the Dark (Shifting Paradigm Records, 2023) is dedicated to DIY music and art scenes everywhere. The album is a celebration of how collaboration nurtures creative communities, creates a sense of belonging, and encourages artistic and personal growth. Even You Can See in the Dark was made possible thanks to support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council.
Wave Cage’s first project The Portrait EP, was described by Little Village Magazine as “an engaging, atmospheric, beautifully produced, and humorous recording”, and by the River Cities’ Reader as “evoking the smooth melodies and diverse textures of early Weather Report; the ambitious, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink arrangements of groups such as Jaga Jazzist; and the more genre-agnostic trip-hop beat decisions of such projects as Thievery Corporation and Zero 7.”
“Retrogression is a three-piece death metal band from Chicago, IL. Bassist DJ Rodriguez, drummer Geoff Ruiz, and guitarist/vocalist Craig Needles set out with the DIY spirit of old school hardcore and the goal of writing unrelentingly furious songs full of catchy riffs and everything they love about heavy metal music. While rooted in old school and modern death, they integrate the melodic riffing of punk and thrash, the crushing weight of doom, and punishing hardcore breakdowns. Their violent, socially-conscious lyrics fuel the urgency, intensity, and rage.
In 2024, they self-recorded, mixed, mastered, and released their debut 3-song demo, capturing their raw and chaotic live energy.”
Crime in Antarctica is a Chicago-based post punk/post hardcore band that formed on the cusp of 2024. Dissonant harmony and blaring guitars support the lyrics; aiming to explore the absurdity of the present and weight of the past. The first single off of their upcoming EP was released in September with three more to follow.
While the group is firmly anchored in the lineage of punk rock, Crime in Antarctica has defined their sound by embracing the full scope of its tenderness and ferocity, creating a sound all their own.
In celebration of High Fidelity for the 25th anniversary, Chicago-Based Eclectic Cover Band, SOUNDTRACK SERENADE will be REUNITING to perform the movie’s soundtrack live at the glorious Shack in Reggies.
Soundtrack Serenade is part “live-music party” and part “game show” for fans of cinema and the classic songs that establish the backdrop for a compilation of the best movies of all time. A collection of some of Chicago’s finest jazz and rock musicians perform a movie soundtrack – all the songs that are on the soundtrack as well as choice cuts from the movie that didn’t make the record are performed while the movie is shown on screen. In-between songs, the band conducts trivia (from the performed movie) for the crowd to win prizes such as delicious shots of Malort. Other gems include pints of beer served in pint glasses or something similar, legal advice from the Saloon’s owner, some 70s things, umbrellas, DVDs and leftover items from last summer.
SOUNDTRACK SERENADE IS:
NEIL ALGER-Guitar/Vocals
CHARLIE SHORT-Bass/Vocals
HOLLY SENCHAK-Guitar/Vocals
DAN INEGTHRONE-Keys
CHRIS ANDERSON-Drums
SOMEONE GOOD-Trumpet
Fernando Jones created Blues Camp, an international music program, and established it on Monday, July 5, 2010 on the campus of Columbia College Chicago in the Music Center. Jones said, “It has been a dream since childhood to have a centrally located place where children could come and play the Blues in a user-friendly, nurturing environment on a college or performing arts campus.”
Embodying the anxiety, tension, and anger of the covid era in which they were born, Into The Silo conveys themes of disillusionment, disappointment, and resilience on their second release, “Blackening Skies.” Chicago, IL
LOWBOY is a jazz-fusion band from Madison, WI. The trio consists of pianist Malik Staude, bassist Elliot Jewell, and drummer Josh Marineau. The band formed in early 2024 and has been active in the local Madison music scene ever since. Their uniquely special shows include intricate melodies, improvisational jams and funky grooves. Between the trio’s strong interpersonal chemistry and high-energy sound, it’s hard to resist the urge to dance and GET LOW with LOWBOY! LOWBOY takes inspiration from other groups like Snarky Puppy, Vulfpeck, and CASIOPEA, where genres blend together and the sound is… hard to put into words. They like to combine genres and play with different time signatures and feels. This brings elements of prog music, sprinkled with a little bit of jazz and lots of funk to make it unique, catchy, and fun to listen to.
Prison Affair is a musical project born in Barcelona around 2018.
Lo-fi sound based on synthesized guitar riffs, forceful bass line and denatured vocals. All this supported by a tight rhythm box. In power-trio format for live shows, Adri (Brux, Psycho Tendencies) joins the drums.
Prison Affair features ‘mutant Chuck Berry licks, a direct-to-board guitar sound, fast closed hi-hat drumming, and the over-the-top warble you’d want from 8-bit punk.’
Oracle, a band hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, has emerged as a sonic force that melds the velocity of thrash with the soaring melodies, intricate arrangements, and vocal stylings of power metal. Since their inception in 2014, Oracle has pursued a singular mission: to craft a unique auditory experience that captivates listeners, transporting them through a musical journey unlike any other.
TYKIN is a traditional heavy rock band that claims Rochester, NY. Known for their powerful riffs and dynamic performances, TYKIN has made a mark on the local music scene. With their debut single ‘Strangers,’ they have captured the essence of classic rock while adding their own modern twist. Passionate about their craft, TYKIN is excited about future releases and continues to bring raw energy and authenticity to their music. Stay tuned for more electrifying tracks from TYKIN!”
SPECIFIC DATES AND ROOMS BANDS ARE PLAYING ARE TBD
Stay Tuned for announcements on the specific dates and rooms the current Legions of Metal Fest 2025 lineup will be playing.
JANEECE
Janeece (she/they) is a dynamic singer-songwriter based in Chicago, whose music is a vibrant fusion of indie, pop, and soul. Janeece started sharing her artistry with the world in 2020. Since then, they’ve become known for crafting songs that are not only deeply relatable but also captivates listeners with a sound that is immensely inviting—perfect for those who march to the beat of their own drum.
Influenced by the raw honesty of Maggie Rogers, the soulful storytelling of Mereba, the introspective lyricism of Arlo Parks, and the innovative beats of Sylvan Esso, Janeece brings a rich tapestry of emotions to every track. Her work is a testament to the power of self-expression and the beauty of blending genres.
Janeece’s music is not just a listening experience; it’s an invitation to connect, to feel, and to find solace in the rhythms and melodies that echo the complexities of life.
Jaesen Pemberton is a newly Chicago based musician originally from Oklahoma. Specializing in folk music she tells story through her guitar style and use of metaphor. Some of her music has been called “haunting” and “siren like”. She played a variety of venues for over 14 years in Oklahoma and is now excitedly playing more shows here in Chicago.
Measuring Marigolds (Joshua Ruebeck) is a folk singer from Pennsylvania who’s called the Midwest home for the last 10 years. Their introspective songwriting explores the quiet moments in life; the days when you wake up and have 30 seconds before existential dread sets in; the joy of catching snowflakes on your tongue. Many of their songs draw heavily on the 60s songwriters they grew up listening to like Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Phil Ochs, as well as current performers including Haley Heynderickx, Vashti Bunyan, and Lady Lamb.
Valkyrie’s Fire is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Nashville, TN. Their music is a perfect blend of powerful vocals, intricate guitar riffs, pronounced low-end attack, and captivating symphonic elements. Don’t miss their live shows, where they bring their captivating music to life and offer a one-of-a-kind experience for their fans.
Patty PerShayla is already a rarity as a combination singer and bassist, but has established herself as a stand-out performer by meanwhile perching on one leg or strutting the stage in platform heels. She is heard before she is seen, boasting a big voice for a relatively small vessel, and certainly has a lot to say—challenging gender norms, confronting imposter syndrome, processing trauma—and don’t even think about getting on her bad side.
Patty’s first full-length solo record, SAD GIRL APOCALYPSE: bummer songs and ukulele adventures, is a short detour from the more adventurous, socially charged, electrifying rock she’s known for. SAD GIRL leans more introspective and many of the songs are a periscopic view from her basement bunker (a bedroom which was legally a closet) during the world’s most recent apocalyptic events. In under 30 minutes, listeners may empathetically experience the effects of confusion, betrayal, existential crises, grief, anxiety, substance abuse, childhood trauma, and an unshakeable sense of dread—but there is still space to dance through the tears. SAD GIRL is an experimental record, co-recorded and co-produced by PerShayla and frequent collaborator, Lucas Powell, in their home studio, featuring Patty’s multi-instrumentalism, incredibly versatile voice, devastatingly clever lyrics, and even cover art illustration. Patty promises to hang up her acoustic guitar and return to heavy songs and punk anthems in 2025 when her tears have dried.
Kat Diaz hails from the rough streets of Des Moines, Iowa, but has called Chicago home for the last 12 years.
Her humor can be described as a dry piece of toast buttered with wordplay and served with physical act outs that make you wonder “CAN all Latinas dance?”
Kat has trained at The Second City and has appeared at Laugh Factory, Den Theatre and the Latina Comedy Festival. She currently produces Buena Onda at Lincoln Lodge.
Snowcuffs is a Chicago-based band rooted in dream pop with a slightly experimental edge. With dueling guitars and looping synths, the five-piece, female-fronted band creates hypnotic pop hooks and a lush, multilayered sound.
Dead Leaf Echo is a music/art collective that released their debut LP Thought and Language in 2013. That album was strongly influenced by many 4AD acts, brought into sharp focus by the mixing of John Fryer (Lush, NIN, Depeche Mode) and featuring artwork by 4AD’s legendary designer, V23’s Vaughan Oliver (Pixies, Bauhaus), which further enhanced their strong aesthetic connections to that label.
In 2019, the band had just wrapped a tour of the West Coast featuring a performance at KEXP’s “John in the Morning” and flew back to NYC to begin recording their third LP. Planning to release the record and tour Europe in the Autumn of 2020, the band’s preparations were scuppered by the outbreak of the pandemic. Using the down time to remain creative, Dead Leaf Echo finished recording the rest of the LP while in lockdown from both their home and practice studio. James Aparacio (Spiritualized, Depeche Mode) mixed the while Jeff Berner (Psychic TV, Shilpa Ray) did the final recordings at Studio G. Joe Lambert (Blondie, Deerhunter) was brought in to master. Stay tuned for more Dead Leaf Echo news coming soon…
The PSB are a satanic bluegrass band from KCMO. They are suspicious of traditional bluegrass and play a style of gothic folk, punk and thrash metal. Often involving cannibalism and murder, their lyrics focus on themes of satan, misery and the joys of death.
The Brokes are a note-for-note tribute to the Strokes formed in 2022 by five mainstays of the Toronto music world. After what was to be a one-off Halloween show, demand for more was made clear and has only grown with a perfect track record of sell-out Toronto performances. With a deep repertoire of songs off of every major release, The Brokes weave through the timeless classics and fan favourite deep cuts of The Strokes catalogue with precision, poise, and unbridled energy.
Every Brokes show is a party and celebration of not just the most iconic rock ‘n’ roll band of the 21st century, but of an era. The Brokes are the next best thing to the real thing; with every crack of the voice, wardrobe choice and signature guitar tone, this Toronto-based fivesome brings you the subtleties and essence of NYC’s finest. The Brokes carry the title of Canada’s Premier Tribute to The Strokes with the awareness of responsibility that comes with a moniker of such heft; attention to detail and a relentless drive to attain perfection is their biggest asset.
Too broke to Stroke? Try the next best thing to the real thing.
Try… The Brokes.
Born on the 25th of November 1978, I entered the world in the general hospital of Burnley, Lancashire, England.
As a young child my parents soon found that I had far too much energy and, in an attempt to tire me out, decided to send me to gymnastics lessons! Apparently one characteristic of an only child (that’s me) is that they tend to throw all their energy into one thing… so it was that I became obsessed with gymnastics; entering competitions, reading books, choosing the subject whenever I had to do a school project and eventually going to training sessions 4 days a week.
At around the age of 7, whilst still a gymnast, I expressed an interest in playing the guitar – my dad had always played and we would often sing songs together. My parents bought me a child-sized nylon strung acoustic guitar for Christmas and I started taking classical guitar lessons.
DRUUNA is a heavy metal band formed in Chicago in 2024. Their riff heavy style of music is influenced by many different styles of heavy metal, stoner rock, desert, psychedelic, and doom. They are currently in the process of recording their debut EP.
Masonic Wave is a revelation, a five-piece powerhouse navigating the currents of Chicago’s vast musical landscape. A blend of metal, noise rock, punk and progressive rawness.
Bruce Lamont, vocalist/saxophone, finds himself not only at the forefront of Masonic Wave but also at the helm of Chicago’s Yakuza, showcasing his versatile musical palette. The chemistry between Scott Spidale and Sean Hulet on guitars is the driving force behind the band’s dynamic sound. Complemented by Clayton DeMuth on drums and Arman Mabry on bass, Masonic Wave stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and shared passion. A collective of seasoned musicians who’ve forged a friendship with an undying love for the raw spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and raw spirits.
“Masonic Wave 2024 self-titled release is inspired and dangerous to touch, coming off as a radioactive swill of the music the bands members have enjoyed over the years.”
Blizzard of Ozz is the debut studio album by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, released on 12 September 1980 in the UK and on 27 March 1981 in the US. The album was Osbourne’s first release following his firing from Black Sabbath in 1979. Blizzard of Ozz is the first of two studio albums Osbourne recorded with guitarist Randy Rhoads prior to Rhoads’ death in 1982. In 2017, it was ranked 9th on Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time”.
Kick is the sixth studio album by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 by WEA in Australia, Atlantic Records in the United States and Mercury Records in Europe.
As the band’s most successful studio album, it is certified six times platinum by the RIAA, and spawned four US top 10 singles, “New Sensation”, “Never Tear Us Apart”, “Devil Inside” and “Need You Tonight”, the last of which reached the top of the Billboard singles charts. At the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards, the band took home five Moonmen for the “Need You Tonight”/”Mediate” video.
The album was produced by British producer Chris Thomas and recorded by David Nicholas in Sydney, Australia, and in Paris, France. The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain at Air Studios in London.
EAGLEWING
Russell Ponder
Yancy Green
Charlie Miller
Ross Murphy
Kyle G
LA-based metal/hard rock band feat. singer James-Paul Luna (Holy Grail), guitarist Fili Bibiano (Fortress) and drummer Ben Richardson (Wild Eyes). Building on their celebrated musical pasts, the trio were united by the goal of mining the deep, rich seams of classic heavy metal, with a premium on songwriting and a focus on the epic themes of real life: triumph, tragedy, and heartbreak.
“RIGHT IN THE EYE” A LIVE MOVIE-CONCERT OF GEORGES MÉLIÈS’ FILMS
“A magical adventure of film and music, unlike any movie-concert I have ever seen.”
-Edinburgh Fringe Festival review
«Right in the Eye is more than a showcase of the silent films of Georges Méliès, it is more than a showcase of modern music performed live. Rather, it is the perfect synthesis of the two, where Georges Méliès’ films and the live performance of Jean-François Alcoléa’s music perfectly complement each other »
– Cultural voice of North Carolina
Right in the Eye – En plein dans l’œil
A creation by Jean-François Alcoléa
Based of Georges Méliès’ Films
Concept, musical compositions and sound creation, keyboard, strings
structure, melodica, objects: Jean François Alcoléa
Drum, guitar: Fabrice Favriou
Sound, keyboard, percussions, objects: Thomas Desmartis
Light manager, video: Mathieu Lucas
Andrye hails from sunshine state Florida but began her bright comedy career in Chicago. She has performed all around Chicago at Laugh factory, Lincoln lodge and comedy bar.
Brian James Hoffman is a folk rock singer songwriter out of rural South Dakota.
THE ALRIGHT MAYBES
A skip from the 60s to now, taking note of baroque pop and 80s/90s alternative along the way, The Alright Maybes find grand moments in the 3-minute song. Crafty indie rock with a classic pop sensibility. The tug of war between their dreamlike melodies and hypnotic instrumentals underscores the personal longing in their lyrics, delivered by the heavenly voice of Angela Reinhart.
The Alright Maybes’ story begins at a 2020 Halloween party in Chicago. Founding and current members Angie Reinhart, Julian Daniell and Luke Ray decided to share the songs that had been living in their heads. A string of singles and EPs helped the band find their people, and secure opening slots for the likes of Heartless Bastards and Haley Reinhart. Hear them raw (Always Almost EP), frustrated (“Gone”), contemplative (Blue Sky Thinking EP), or on a personal mission (upcoming single “Mind’s Made Up”). The Alright Maybes are a product of their eclectic record collections, and the variety of live music in Chicago, where the band remains today.
In between live shows, the band is constantly widening their musical palette in the studio. The next chapter begins December 6, 2024 with the release of their energetic and dreamy single “Mind’s Made Up.”
“NDPNDNT”, pronounced “independent”, but spelled without the vowels, is a 25 year old biracial, African American hip hop artist from Chicago, Illinois that recently graduated Columbia College Chicago in May 2018 with a bachelor’s in Business & Entreprenuership. He is an alumni for Donda’s House, now known as “Art of Culture”, started by Dr. Donda West, the mother of Kanye West. He has performed in various venues such as the Taste of Chicago, North Coast Festival and WGN, all in 2018. In 2019 he appeared in Netflix’s “Rhythm & Flow” and BET’s “Next Rap Star”. NDPNDNT is also a songwriter, and was given a songwriting deal for Fox’s “Empire” in 2018. Then, in 2020 was given a role as a singer right before the show’s demise which led to his eligibility for SAG-AFTRA. NDPNDNT has been mentored by artists such as Rhymefest, Phenom, King Los, Mark Hubbard and more.
Leland Philpot, a Chicago-based Producer and Rapper, has garnered widespread recognition for his viral remix of “Agatha All Along,” amassing over 1.7 million views on social media.
His musical journey began at The Computer Clubhouse in Rogers Park, where he discovered his passion for music production at the age of 14. With a steadfast dedication to his craft, Leland’s faith serves as the cornerstone of his musical expression, aiming to inspire and uplift through his thoughtful lyrics and compositions.
Alongside his notable achievements in the music industry, he remains a vocal advocate for mental health, advocating for the Gospel’s transformative power in everyday life.
With his record label, BabelScatter Productions, Leland Philpot continues to spread joy and enlightenment through the universal language of music.
Hailing from New York City, teenatown is the electrifying indie pop-rock project pioneered by musicians Tina Miller and Diego Agoytia. Meeting in the Lower East Side at a house show, the two formed a friendship over their love of live music as artists healed in the post-pandemic scene. Once becoming collaborators, the project debuted as a five-piece rock group in 2023. However; due to life changes and members moving cities, the two friends decided to size down to a two piece in 2024 – investing in gear that would transcend their recorded sound into an eccentric live experience. With influences such as Paramore, Twenty One Pilots, Evanescence, Tennis, and Magdalena Bay, teenatown continues to move towards high speeds of success – being featured on Apple Music’s “All New Rock” playlist, playing shows all around New York City and gearing up for the release of their debut EP in 2025.
Sons of Arrakis (SOA) is a band based in Montreal formed in June 2018. The formation is fairly influenced by the universe ofthe Dune novels written by Frank Herbert. The members describe their own music as Melange Rock and Cinematographic Sci-Fi Rock which differentiate them from “the vast sea of stoner rock bands with their lightning armor-piercing torpedo” (Grotesqualizer, 2019).
Castle Rat is a Medieval Fantasy Doom Metal band led by the Rat Queen on a mission to expand and defend ‘The Realm’ fromthose who seek to destroy it. She is joined by The Count, The Plague Doctor, and The Druid. Together they face the relentless wrath of their arch nemesis: Death Herself — ‘The Rat Reaperess.”
Marketing the NonBinary Fantasy. With a decade of drag under her girdle, Auntie Heroine is known for her quick wit and insult comedy on the mic as an emcee. She will get the sleepiest of crowds out of their walkers and doing prune juice keg-stands! There are four pillars to Auntie Heroine: Comedy, Drama, Horror, and Sexy! When you come to one of Auntie’s shows you will see crowds laughing, crying, screaming in horror, or getting all hot and heavy. If you are looking for an Emcee to get the party rockin’, an entertainer that will leave your audience’s jaws six feet under, or just a stand-in lunch lady at your local public school, Auntie Heroine is your queen!
A seasoned American blackened death metal group with ties to , , Void Omnia, , and , Ulthar pair uncompromising sonic brutality with Lovecraftian terror. Emerging in 2014, the California trio released their punishing debut album, Cosmovore, in 2018 on . The group found new ways to invoke horror in 2023 with the malevolent Anthronomicon and Helionomicon.
Founded in 2014 by Bay Area veterans Shelby Lermo (, ), Justin Ennis (Void Omnia, ex-, ex-), and Steve Peacock (), Ulthar, who take their name from the short story “The Cats of Ulthar,” unleashed their crushing debut album, Cosmovore, on the world in 2018. Evoking the blazing, technical death metal attack of bands like and , the group quickly found favor with the extreme metal community and wasted little time getting back into the studio to begin work on their sophomore effort. The resulting Providence, which like its predecessor, sought out the darkest corners of technical death metal, was issued by and released in 2020.
A period of profound creativity spurred by the social and societal limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the release of two new studio LPs from Ulthar in 2023. Anthronomicon and Helionomicon saw the band dig deep into their black metal war chest and deliver a pair of albums that added sinister new textures and unrelenting sonic malevolence to their ever-expanding blackened death metal sound. ~ James Christopher Monger, Rovi
