Former international street performer turned emcee, Sonal Aggarwal has brought her talents to Chicago as an actor, comedian, producer and movement artist. Her one woman show The Alchemy of Bliss played for a sold out weekend at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater and you can see her on Netflix’s Easy as well as the short A Period Piece which debuted at SXSW 2020. She is a regular host of the Moth.
Bay Area rapper Lil Bean came up in a supportive and closely knit rap scene, striking out in a big way regionally before gaining national attention. Funneling his lived experiences into clean, melodic songs, Lil Bean’s music captured the pain, loss, and excitement of growing up in challenging surroundings, with projects like 2020 mixtape 4THECULTURE highlighting his emotionally resonant delivery and storytelling lyricism.
ANTI-CHRISTIAN DEATH METAL (USA)
Since 2016, Antichrist Siege Machine has been churning forward, fueled by the hellborne compulsion to demolish everything in its path. From its inception, its trajectory has been aimed at the vulnerable heart of the great schism which weakens all whom it divides. Its campaign is to wage heretical warfare against all those who fear it. Those who have not yet felt the overwhelming force of ASM will swiftly submit as they heed its declaration: “Schism Perpetration is the resounding strike against the legions of false allies, forged legacies, and mockeries of true satanic hate. Antichrist Siege Machine bears the banner of godless strength above a battering ram against theocracy and its accomplices. A fatal blow will be dealt to the peddlers of false teachings and their atrocities committed against humanity.” Their latest EP, “Filth of the World” is an impetuous rapid-fire barrage that hearkens back to ASM’s demo days with quick songs and menacing mid-range screams, but with the finesse of seasoned veterans. On this EP, ASM show they haven’t settled into one formula and stuck with it, nor have they forgotten their origins, but instead continue to build on their foundation, upward and onward with all weaponry aimed at the heavens themselves.
Zoanoids are a Punk band from Kalamazoo Michigan that formed in Spring of 2019. They released their debut album on vinyl in December 2020 through Hey Pizza! Records to critical acclaim. They won the “Best New Band” award in 2020 from the popular Dummy Room Punk Rock podcast.
While punk rock often wears black, Hayley and the Crushers paint the scene in hot pink – and make no apologies for it. The Detroit band is a turbo-charged, glitter-bombed tsunami of bold, bad girl power. Born in the sunny surf town of San Luis Obispo, California, their sound exists in a retro-futuristic sweet spot where 80s daydreams collide with underground ferocity, always delivered with a wink and a nod to the classics. Led by guitarist Hayley Cain and bassist Dr. Cain Esq., they caught the ear of New Wave icon Josie Cotton in 2021, who signed the group to LA’s Kitten Robot Records, and proclaimed the band “the naked embodiment of power pop punk.” The Crushers’ subsequent album Modern Adult Kicks (2022) was produced by Paul Roessler of The Screamers, whose producer credits include Richie Ramone and labelmates TSOL. Kicks solidified the band’s ability to dance between grit and glitz, matching raw power with radio-ready hooks. A 2022 move to Detroit energized new audiences and has infused the band’s poolside antics with Motor City muscle. Unsubscribe from the Underground (2024) doubles down on sticky, shimmering melodies and ever-present quirkiness: Bright blasts of sugary punk collide with 60s girl group romance and fist-pumping adrenaline—all par for the course in the Crusherverse.
Musician/Songwriter. Lead singer of Smoking Popes. Worship Leader at Village Church of Barrington IL.
The Hideout Sessions stands as a powerful and highly listenable document of Smoking Popes frontman Josh Caterer stretching out with a new band of accomplished players for a one-night-only, live-to-tape recording. The album is being released by Pravda Records on 12” vinyl LP in gatefold sleeve, CD, as digital download and via streaming platforms on March 26.
On October 28th, 2020, Caterer joined forces with John San Juan (Hushdrops) and John Perrin (NRBQ) to rock out 21st century versions of songs your grandparents used to dance to “back in the day.” They covered a few Popes songs, too. It was an inspired evening of music. The recording took place on stage at the Hideout, one of Chicago’s most beloved intimate music venues. Due to the pandemic, the Hideout’s doors had been closed to the public for several months, and the room had to be empty for this performance, save for the skeleton crew of sound engineers who captured the event. As Josh and his band recorded the album, the entire thing was live-streamed as a ticketed virtual concert.
The result was a high-quality rock show – raw, sweet, honest and cathartic. Harnessing the unique blend of punk energy and Sinatra-style sophistication that has made Caterer’s work with the Smoking Popes so enduring, The Hideout Sessions throws a surprising mix of musical ingredients into the power-pop blender, and what comes out is a truly satisfying and savory sonic experience.
International Orange (a.k.a. IO) is the brainchild of New York City veteran musicians and longtime friends Todd Isler and David Phelps. Leo Traversa provides the grooviest bass and Adam Morrison’s keys are the perfect sauce.
IO’s innovative funky originals marry the slide guitar of the American South to the sensibilities of India, Africa, Brazil and beyond.
The members of IO have played around the globe. Their genre-crossing resume stretches from Joe Lovano to Phish’s Mike Gordon, Angelique Kidjo, Tania Maria, John Medeski, Abdoulaye Debate and Francis Mbappe, Ivan Neville, Melvin Sparks, Steve Kimock, Jack Mcduff, Betty Buckley and on and on…
Formed in late 2018 by co-lead guitarists Jason Schultz (Wraith, Mind’s Horizon) and Martin Bowman (Farwatch), Idol Throne is a band with a sonic mission and vision; the blending of elements from U.S. Power and Bay-Area Thrash Metal, combined with a progressive sense of songwriting, guitar-forward arrangements and a strong focus on melody. Joined by drummer/percussionist Aaron Grove (Axxios) in early 2019, and vocalist Jake Quintanilla (Mind’s Horizon) in 2020, the band made the most of the extended downtime caused by the global pandemic to record demo “Proof of Life” in the Fall of 2020, which was released on streaming platforms January 1st, 2021.
Bassist Trevor Kuta (Xenopredator) joined the band in early 2022, and solidified Idol Throne’s live lineup. The band’s debut LP “The Sibylline Age” was released in July of 2022 on Stormspell Records, to positive reception, and saw the band begin to define the eclectic mix of styles, genres, and influences that make up their sonic palette.
Now in 2023 the band is hard at work on the follow-up to “The Sibylline Age” and is focused on live performances around the U.S. Stay tuned for new music to come in 2024 and beyond.
Indiana Thrash/Power/Prog Since 2018
Music for the hungry ear!!
Country band from Chicago
Born and raised in Minnesota, Tommy Goodroad’s Midwestern-tinged country music captures the distinctive solitude of American cities and towns that would be landlocked if not for the Great Lakes. He now lives in Chicago, writing songs that aim to highlight the beautifully unrefined temperament of his home region and the people who reside there.
Reilly Downes is an Americana singer/songwriter from the Texas Hill Country. She has been compared to the likes of Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss, and June Carter Cash with the flare of Nikki Lane.
Music teacher, Composer, Singer/Songwriter, Double Bassist, Vegan, Traveler, Cat-haver, Hipster Doofus.
Female fronted indie rock
Hi Ho started as a solo acoustic project of Chicago singer-songwriter Gillian McGhee. Now, Hi Ho is full band, weaving together delicate and heavy elements to create a sound that’s moody, melodic and deeply emotive.
Pop rock/punk whatever from Chicago
indie rock group from small town chicago illinois
Oracle Blu is a psychedelic funk/rock jam band based out of Chicago, IL. We are comprised of Nick Argueta on Guitar and vocals, Joe Klaff on drums, Anthony Cresap on bass. Together we strive to deliver you a sound based out of rock and funk with our own little twists. We love to jam. Our goal is to make you dance. We love putting together shows, and performing for you and appreciate the opportunities that have been given to us thus far. We will continue to play shows, put out studio music, and much more kinds of content for all to enjoy. Thank you for your support and we hope to see you soon!
New single DISINTEGRATE out NOW via UNFD
Cane Hill is an American heavy metal band formed in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2011. The band consists of vocalist Elijah Witt, guitarist James Barnett, bassist Ryan Henriquez, and drummer Devin Clark. In 2015, the band signed to Rise Records, releasing their debut self-titled EP, Cane Hill.
With one album and four EPs under their belt, RESTLESS SPIRIT has been carving a path of their own in the underground US metal scene. While the band claims influences as wide as Black Sabbath, Type O Negative and The Sword, there is no shortage of ferocious riffs and indelible hooks to be found in their music. Though they fit right in with the doom and stoner rock scene, the band trades a strict diet of fuzz for a more varied, melodic approach.
On the follow-up to ‘Lord of the New Depression’ (2019), the trio finds themselves experimenting and adding a cohesive narrative throughout a towering 39-minute of pummeling heavy, written over the course of a month in a rehearsal space in their hometown of Long Island, New York. Featuring brooding artwork from famed painter Frank Frazetta, ‘Blood of the Old Gods’ weaves grandiose sonic landscape and haunting atmospheres to be remembered.
– Claire Bernadet
The Hustle likes to party and rock n roll
Ocean Child is the brainchild of Chicago rocker Marco Landaverde. He began this bristling, indie-pop meets alt-rock project when he was still in high school. After self-releasing his tunes online, Landaverde eventually turned his creative outlet into a rollicking, full-fledged band. Ocean Child’s new, aptly named single “Sun” feels like a sonic ray of sunshine. The band’s rhythm section exudes buoyant energy from the get-go, while the guitar tones sound like ethereal bits of stardust particles floating through the cosmos. Add Landaverde’s oh-so-inviting vocal delivery into the mix and you’ve got one captivating tune.
– James Alvarez, Get Some Magazine, 2024
The Raging Nathans are back with a brand new LP less than a year after their last full length album. Their new LP “Waste My Heart” steps it up in every way. “Waste My Heart” is their 4th studio album and it sees a major development in the bands songwriting. The ability to write 1 minute and 30 second punk rock rippers with anthemic choruses is now highlighted by their penchant for writing slightly more complex songs that blend intricate guitar work with the honest and introspective lyrics New themes collide with familiar ones including poverty, politics, love and hate. The drumming is tight, the bass is always in your face, the music is relatable, and clearly having a solid line up for several years has done the band good. The evolution of The Raging Nathans is on full display and their collaborative efforts really shine on “Waste My Heart”. This album proves their importance as a band to their peers and to themselves every step of the way. They are prolific, unapologetic and “Waste My Heart” cements their legacy in stone as the worlds last great punk band. Every record they have released topped the one before it and “Waste My Heart” is no exception. The record was recorded by Luke McNeil (The Copyrights, Hospital Job) and was mastered by Stephen Egerton (ALL, Descendents). FFO: early Propagandhi, Bad Religion, The Ramones
Prehistoria is a power metal band based in the Midwestern United States featuring current and former members of Zephaniah, Well of Night, and Unity.
Alonso Zø Donoso- Vocals
Ian Bender- Bass
Cody Johns- Drums
Max Otworth- Guitar
Shaun Cothron- Guitar
Chicago Crossover Hardcore Thrash
Nick – Vox/Writer
Orlando – Guitar/Bass/Vox
Ryan – Guitar/Vox
Daegan – Drums/Vox
“Sonically, their sound looks onward into the future while it also harkens back to a time when aggression married melody.” – Adam Yoe // No Echo
“Reminiscent of groundbreaking artists and records from early 90s and 00s, North Carolina’s FEVER STRIKE blend well tested hooks and styles with some new ideas” – Karol Kamiński // Idioteq
Comedy, yikes
Luca Ferro is a Chicago based standup comedian, and producer of South Paw Comedy Productions. He uses his loud demeanor and vast arsenal of impersonations to express his discomfort for the world around him. Luca comes from a blue collar, south side Chicago upbringing, and his comedy is reflected as such.
I played baseball overseas and now I don’t. Chicago Comic
Song Writer \ Open Mic Guy \ Hired Gun
Narcotic Wasteland started as a side project Dallas Toler- Wade had been working the past few years.
Planet of Zeus are a heavy rock band from Athens, Greece.
telling stories through art, performance & sound
Art rockers from Chicago, NOHMADS weave layers of noir, sludge, and pop. Like spiritual guides, haunting vocal harmonies harken back to personal histories through sensory storytelling. Soaring guitars, dynamic percussion, and sticky serpentine melodies escort the listener on a ride through everyday silenced small town dramas, into murky backwoods of past lives, and along hopeful deserted dream landscapes.
PHIL HARDMAN- drums, percussion
EVA VICTORIA – vocals, keys, synths
KEN BECKER – vocals, guitars
USHA RAJBHANDARI- vocals, bass
ZÖR is Hardcore Punk Band from Milwaukee WI. ZÖRCORE!
Cancerslug is the words and music of Alex Story. since 1999 the main lineup was Alex Story, Cassie Baher, Mike Horgan… with various live guitarists helping on tours… after mikes Death, the main lineup has been Alex Story, Cassie Baher, Jade Jones. Slugcult Rise
Bandy is a rock n roll power trio from Chicago IL who play a saucy blend of powerpop/postpunk/ and psychedelic styles.
merging out of the Midwest and finally ready to take the whole of the US by storm, Heartsick is a band of brothers, consisting of Alfonso Civile on vocals, Jerred Pruneau on guitar, Waylon Fox on bass and Talmadge Jake Bryan on drums.
Heartsick embodies passion and hard work. Beginning in Lansing, Michigan, the 4-piece group has been building a fanbase throughout the midwest and across the US for nearly 20 years.
Combining an onslaught of hardcore and metalcore-tinged ferocity alongside moments of haunting melodies and stunning atmospherics, Heartsick elevated themselves to the next level with their stirring sophomore album, ‘Sleep Cycles.’
Heartsick operates under a simple philosophy: treat every show as the last, and every fan as the first.
In 2016, LNS released their first album, “Among the Forgotten”. The second album, “Into the Aftermath was released in 2017 and not only did the group vastly begin building their online presence and catching the eyes of regional promoters. The Band was awarded opening slots for National and International acts such as Drowning Pool, Red, Saliva, Thousand Foot Crutch, Adelitas Way, The Veer Union, Royal Bliss, Flaw, Bobaflex, Cage 9, Shamans Harvest, and so many others!
In 2018, continuing a busy regional touring regiment, LNS was names best rock band of Utah and were chosen as 1 of 5 National Finalists for the Cumulus Media “Next2Rock” Battle, a National Competition in Los Angeles. They flew to Los Angeles to participate in the competition and even though they didn’t place first, the experience was eye opening.
In 2019-2020, LNS has seen their Spotify monthly listeners double to over 55,000 and the track, “Angel” has over 1M spins on Spotify and 1.5M veiws on Youtube. LNS travelled to Vancouver, Canada to hit the studio with Singer/Songwriter/Producer/The Veer Union Frontman, Crispin Earl to record their 3rd album with goals of refining their sound and bringing the band to a National/International level. Shortly after, LNS announced they signed a deal with Rock Shop Records (RSR) and released their first new track, “Monster” which peaked in the top 30 on billboard rock charts and top 20 on foundations rock charts.
In August of 2021 the band released their single “Strong Enough To Live (featuring The Veer Union)” which shattered all expectations by reaching the top 20 of the Billboard Rock Charts, and top 5 of the foundations rock charts.
The newest album titled “From Ruins” is now available on all streaming platforms
The Veer Union is set to release their new quarantine inspired Ep in 2021 with multiple artist collaborations. On August 14th, 2020 the band will be releasing their NEW SINGLE, “Slaves To The System” featuring DEFENDING CAIN. “Slaves To The System” delivers their most socially conscious message that the band has ever delivered, as well as showcases the bands continuous evolution in the Hard Rock/Metal genre. The band remains actively writing and recording their new album and plan on releasing it in spring of 2021. In 2008 Canadian Hard Rock/Nu Metal band The Veer Union landed a record deal with Universal Records USA where they achieved a Top 10 Active Rock Radio Single with their critically acclaimed song “Seasons” in the USA and CANADA, since then The Veer Union has collectively sold over 150,000 Albums and also reached over 100 Million Streams Worldwide and has 11 TOP 40 Singles on the Billboard Rock Radio Charts.
The band’s last album (2018) “Decade II” (produced by the bands lead vocalist, Crispin Earl) contained 4 “Billboard Chart Top 40” singles and has been streamed over 18 million times on Spotify alone. The most notable track off the album, “Living Not Alive” reached #21 on the “Billboard Top 40 Rock Charts” in the United States, accumulating over 10 million streams, received over 1.8 million Views on YouTube and the album itself has sold over 10,000 units. After a vigorous year and a half of touring (With bands like Red, Puddle of Mudd, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Saliva) the band has taken time to write and record their next album with their frontman, Crispin Earl, producing it. In 2019 the band released their very first ever covers EP entitled “Covers Collection Vol.1”. Their version of Halsey’s, “Nightmare”, exploded on Youtube and reached over 2 Million Views within the first 4 months, climbed to #25 on “The Billboard Rock Charts” in the United States and has been streamed over 3.5 million times. The Veer Union is set to headline the Rock Shop Records tour in summer of 2021, stay tuned.
Black Partridge gets intimate, honest, and traditional in the music they present, then they flip the night on its head, and the vibe becomes a party, pushing funky jams on 16 strings. These three enjoy sharing their original music as much as they enjoy playing the tunes you love.
“Morsel is a five-piece jamgrass band hailing from Denver, CO that mixes classic bluegrass sensibilities nuanced with a more traditional rock edge, resting in a warm balance of old-school string dusting and nu-school improvisation. Since forming in CU Boulder back in 2016, the band has cultivated a robust following throughout the Front Range, born from sets at pubs and breweries and growing exponentially to headline shows at legendary venues, such as The Boulder Theater and The Fox Theater, and to share the stage with nationally touring artists, such as Yonder Mountain String Band, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Molly Tuttle, the Kitchen Dwellers, and many more. Morsel’s debut self-titled studio album (produced by Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters) released in September of 2021 illustrates the band’s powerful songwriting that is its true soul: a cornucopia of catchy hooks, shimmering melodies, and thoughtful lyrics all delivered in a package that will make the most ardent bluegrass skeptic a believer.”
Both of Jared Rabin’s past two albums have premiered in the Top 5 on the Folk Alliance Radio charts, with “Chasing the Light” reaching #3 in October 2022. Bluegrass Today said, “Chasing The Light is, as its title implies, an illuminating effort, and one that ought to elevate Rabin to the higher pantheons inhabited by those that are bringing bluegrass to the mainstream audience it so decidedly deserves. And it’s that undeniable appeal that becomes ever more apparent throughout.
Jared started learning music at age five from his grandfather, who was the first chair violinist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Jared became a proficient multi-instrumentalist, went on to study jazz composition and has traveled the world performing an array of music. His songwriting has been recognized by international competitions, and his albums have been praised by American Songwriter, NPR and more. He is a long time fixture on the Chicago music scene. He can be found performing often there, as well as across the US.
Bonzo Squad is an instrumental ensemble with a focus on creating music that sets the bar higher in terms of eclecticism and musicianship. The group consists of Bonzo himself, born Corbin Andrick, who plays the flute and the saxophones. Completing the line up are Andrew Lawrence (keys and synths), Andrew Vogt bass, as well as Zack Marks sitting behind the drum kit. The band released their very first, self-titled album back in 2017. This release was received really well from the get-go, earning a coveted 4-star rating from Downbeat Magazine, as well as appearing on Spotify’s popular “The State of Jazz” playlist. The band’s debut was later topped with a second release in 2019, “There’s Always Tomorrow.” Recently, the band released their first live album, “Live at aliveOne,” which features a taste of the band’s exciting live performances.
The Tuckers present a fresh look to the British Alternative Band form by Kevin Aitman Lead Vocals, James Aitman, Glen Mattison keyboard, Barry Fisher bass guitar, and Tony Orange on drums. The Tuckers are a high-energy Rock band for the new generation of music lovers. With power-driven guitar, catchy synths, and Rockin beats Their addictive Anthems always get the crowds up and jumping.
Combining infectious post-hardcore anthems, heavy metal riffs and electronic beats with rock/rap vocals, New Jersey-based quartet CONCRETE DREAM have self-defined their one-of-a-kind sound as “trap metal.” Their newest single “Pit Trap,” featuring guest vocals from fellow rap-rocker HYRO THE HERO. Their “trap metal” sound first hit the studio in 2017, with producer, Ricky Armellino (This or the Apocalypse/ Ice Nine Kills) and that demo reached the hands of New York Hardcore legend, Lord Ezec, (Crown of Thornz, Skarhead, Danny Diablo.) When Lord Ezec first heard the fusion sound and its clear and raw power, he signed the four-piece to his new venture “E-Train Records.” In the new release, “Pit Trap”, Vocalist Jeremiah Mayhem further adds, “Some people are born into the struggle and some people are born in the struggle, and a product of a bad environment, and that’s our character, Tony. While the pit is his escape, it’s also his downfall. He’s constantly causing trouble–it’s his retaliation with anger for what life caused him.” Veteran video director Dale “Rage” Resteghini directed the music video.
They followed up with a video for their single Buckout Road directed by Don Capria and starring Tommy Roulette from Jynx. “This song is a dark comedy-turned tragedy and shows how you truly don’t know what could happen with the one you’re with,” says vocalist Jeremiah Mayhem. “A split-second and your whole life could change. And this also applies to relationships that crash.”
In 2021, DJ Boogie was added to the line up to fill out their live sound. The band is currently writing the follow up to their debut LP.
Concrete Dream exude a distinct, raw, yet accessible power with clean execution and potent consistent anthems that will have listeners singing along to songs that also hit as hard as nails. Be sure to check out their awe inspiring live show.
Chokesetter formed in 2018 with a few old friends and longtime veterans from the local music scene in Northwest Indiana. Having played in notable separate bands for years, these gentlemen forged a path together that would form a heavy hitting band of crunchy riffs and smooth grooves. Chokesetter combines several musical influences from Black Sabbath and Clutch all the way to Fu Manchu and passionately grind their wheelhouse in authentic feel-good rock-n-roll, stoner rock riffs and swing style blues. Chokesetter rises above the rest by being well seasoned and experienced in playing live to any kind of audience and making new fans wherever they play in any variation of lineup. Each member of the band has played in front of audiences of all sorts for over 20 years giving them elevated experience in engaging the crowd regardless of being a support or a headlining act while presenting a professional and seasoned business attitude. All of the guys in the band would honestly say that they will never give up on their love for purely rocking out and working hard to manifest their long time dream of being on the big stage with the deep understanding that being in a band is a passion, a privilege, a relationship, a business, a commitment, and a wild ride with all the ups and downs and that no matter what, Chokesetter is in it to win it.
In December of 2022 the band signed its first record deal with Pavement Enertainment. They will be touring in support of their self titled LP, which will be released via Pavement in 2023.
JESSI MAULE – LEAD VOCALS / STEVE DICKSON – GUITAR / DUSTIN TABERSKI – BASS / LARRY BONE – DRUMS