LA’s own, The Fiends! debut LP brings you the sounds of early American Hardcore Punk featuring members of Long Beach streetpunk legends Clit 45. 13 loud riffy bangers for fans of Bad Brains, Wipers, TSOL. The sounds of yesterday for today’s fucked up world!
Dirty – Guitar / Vocals
Bugs – Bass / Vocals
Jimi – Drums
-Texas Street Punk-
ROTTEN FEW CREW
In March of 2000, Mike Virus left The Virus to pursue a job offer in San Diego, CA. “I missed my old band a great deal, and kept in constant contact with those guys, and something just felt like it was missing in my life” says Mike. After two years of searching for band members Mike finally found the right people. “The first guy I met was Gabe when i first moved here in 2000 at an Agent Orange show in San Diego. We started talking about starting a band then but it never materialized, partly due to the fact that Gabe moved out of San Diego for several months. Once Gabe moved back to San Diego, talk of the band heated up again, but it was not until Mike met Johnny O. that talks really got serious. Mikemet John at club one night, John was playing with The Worthless at the time. “It just clicked. The guy was into the same shit as me, and he was real anxious about getting a band together.” After that Mike talked to Derek who was a friend of his and a friend of Gabe`s. Things were now set. We set out looking for a second guitarist and found Beau through an ad. Cheap Sex was now born. The band immediately got a great reaction, and within 2 months of forming had a record contract with two differnt labels having shown interest. The bands first show was with Mike’s previous band The Virus, and shows since then have included Defiance, 999, Slaughter and The Dogs, Lower Class Brats, Anti Nowhere League and English Dogs to name a few. “Punk Rock is everything to me, It’s what I live, breathe, and eat. I truly believe that even to this day, it is a true alternative to a life of complacency” says Mike, and I think that sums of Cheap Sex best.
Black Metal from Chicago, IL.
P.K. – Guitars, Vocals
R.G. – Guitars
A.K. – Bass
D.O. – Drums
Pete Cautious exists in a bizarro indie soft rock world, slowly burning shimmering guitars over a crackling synth dumpster fire. It is deceptively simple music, with strange harmonies and textures, but always anchored by a melody that takes you somewhere. Maybe a sun bleached Stevie Ray Vaughn playing on an acid warped Billy Idol tune…..
Pete and his band are veterans of the Chicago scene, having played in too many bands to list (Hanalei, Archaeology, and Bear the Bell are some honorable mentions). Through the years, Pete has got to open for some great bands, like Tobacco, Karate, Russian Circles, and more. If sleeping on floors was worth anything, he wouldn’t need a credit card anymore.
Pete is currently playing with a 4 piece band (Brad Smith, Paul Nixon, Erik Sowa), promoting the debut album, Pete Cautious. The album is a solid listen front to back, and plays like a great movie. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and throw in a couple surprises too.
6 piece indie rock band from Chicago with aspirations of world domination
Kendall Parchman- Vocals, Keys, Guitar
Katie Stack- Vocals, Trumpet, Keys
Trent Henry- Guitars
Bianca Barcenas- Guitars
Erol Hasanof- Drums, Vocals
Bryan Lesser- Bass
Indie Alternative band from Minneapolis, MN.
Lead vocals, guitar: Christian Nelson
Lead vocals, guitar, synth: Eddie Chisham
Bass: Seth Lemmon
Drums: Berin Joseph
The Sounds are a Swedish indie rock band. Formed in Helsingborg in 1998, the group’s musical style has been compared to new wave acts such as Blondie, The Cars, the Epoxies and Missing Persons. Their debut album, Living in America, was released in 2002, with the follow-up Dying to Say This to You on March 21, 2006
Devotees of influential death metal merchants like Blood Red Throne (Norway), Gorguts (Canada), and Grave (Sweden) have a new American band to champion. Creeping Death draw liberally from the template set by those bands along with the speed of early Sepultura (Brazil) and the hammering epic crush of Bolt Thrower (England). All of these classic sounds are reforged together and reflected through Creeping Death’s own fresh and unique prism.
Thrashing from the Chicago Southlands, Backlash indoctrinates audiences to their live performances with diverse heavy riffs, robust bass, powerful and guttural vocals accompanied by precision drum grooves. Releasing their debut LP in 2021, “Colossus”, Backlash have since played throughout the midwest with bands such as: Cavalera Conspiracy, Warbringer, and Exciter. Crowned the victors of the fall 2022 Dirtbag Michigan Metalfest competition, Backlash have since released their emphatic thrash anthem “False Flag” to commemorate the achievement. Slated to release their second full length LP in 2024 – Backlash continues to raise the bar in terms of authentic live performance, songwriting and imagery.
For fans of Metallica, Megadeth and Pantera
Death metal from Illinois, since 1997
The Suffering is Jeff Holmes guitars, Jon Billman bass, Scott Davidson Drums & Casey Loving vocals
Upstart garage punks the Bobby Lees formed after guitarist-vocalist Sam Quartin moved to Woodstock, New York, and took a suggestion from a friend to recruit her new bandmates from the local School of Rock. Now in her mid-20s, Quartin is an established actress who’s played alongside the likes of Crispin Glover, Michael Pitt, and Marilyn Manson, but in the Bobby Lees she gives you the idea that she might prefer basement shows to red carpets. On the new album Skin Suit (Alive/Natural Sound), produced by Jon Spencer, the band show they’ve got the chops and the weirdness to refresh vintage rock, punk, and blues (they do a gritty take on Bo Diddley’s “I’m a Man”) without the commercialism that has plagued other prominent garage bands of their generation. Quartin’s unpolished vocals often recall Richard Hell (the record closes with a rousing cover of “Blank Generation”), but the music is memorable enough in its own right to make you want to put highlights such as “Coin” and “Guttermilk” on repeat. The swaggering, minimalist “Ranch Baby” is equally funny and gross, with lead guitarist Nick Casa taking a turn at the mike to ponder a mysterious (and apparently sexy) creamy white substance. On “Last Song,” with its backdrop of sweet, 50s-flavored pop, Quartin delivers a take on “crooning” that sounds like Bobby Darin as a serial killer. Like so many other bands, the Bobby Lees had to cancel their spring tours, but with help from a little word of mouth they’ll surely be playing packed punk shows as soon as social-distancing measures allow.
Night Spice is a synth based electronic project from Miami, IL. Positive vibes only.
From Under the Cork Tree is the second studio album by the American rock band Fall Out Boy, released on May 3, 2005, through Island Records as the band’s major label debut. The music was composed by lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, with all lyrics penned by bassist Pete Wentz, continuing the band’s songwriting approach they took for some songs on their prior 2003 effort Take This to Your Grave. Neal Avron handled production duties. Commenting on the record’s lyrical themes, Wentz said the lyrics were about “the anxiety and depression that goes along with looking at your own life.” In support of their release the group headlined tours worldwide and played at various music festivals. For their Black Clouds and Underdogs tour the album was re-released as From Under the Cork Tree (Limited “Black Clouds and Underdogs” Edition), featuring new songs and remixes.
| Laini Marisa is a singer/songwriter and an International Recording Artist. She has recently performed in Kaiserslautern, Germany and recorded in Frankfurt, Germany. She had the pleasure of touring in Japan and most of the major cities in the US with the Steve Arrington Band (former lead singer of Funk Band Slave), and has performed on stage, singing background and opening up for such acts as: Ronnie Laws, Tom Browne, Marzette Griffith, Dee Alexander, Garland Green with the Chi-Lites, Gerald Butler, Lil’ G of Silk, Frank McComb, The Average White Band, The Temptations, Musiq Soulchild, and Rachelle Ferrell, Mikki Howard, Jodeci and Brian McKnight just to name a few. Laini is Afro-Cuban born in Chicago, Illinois. Being Afro-Cuban, Laini was musically influenced by Tito Puentes, and Celia Cruz who were favorite artists of her mother’s growing up, among many other Latin artists. Other favorite artist influences of hers are: Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, Natalie Cole, and Brazilian artist, Rosalia de Souza. Laini has also performed jazz and created a buzz amongst her listening audiences in appearances all over Chicago with Imagine That Jazz Duo, the John Wright Trio, Crosswinds Jazz Band and was great vocalist in a tribute to the late jazz musician Eldee Young. |
Formed in Chicago just after the turn of the century by a couple of Colorado transplants, the Big Shoulders Brass Band has been a staple of a prodigious New Orleans second-line groove scene in the Windy City for close to two decades. Mixing traditional Dixieland with street funk sensibilities, Big Shoulders brings a tight horn sound to the stage.
Power Metal band from Cleveland, Ohio on Pure Steel Records featuring:
Juan Ricardo – Bass and Vocals
Ed Miller – Guitar
Ewell Martin – Drums
Pushing Daisy’s Band. Psychedelic Funk from Outer Space.
Max Heyob (guitar, vocal), Michael Mead (guitar, vocal), Ethan Rupert (keys), Mark Stinnett (bass), Tony Stinnett (drums), Chris Willsey (percussion, vocal)
Rockstars may look and sound different from generation-to-generation, but the attitude remains the same. Defying any rules, jxdn authentically bridges subcultures, exuding reckless charm and boundless ambition to position himself as a rockstar for the new generation. Generating 15 million streams within a month on his self-released debut song “Comatose,” he became the first artist signed to Travis Barker’s DTA Records. jxdn’s label debut single “Angels & Demons” notched the top spot on the iTunes Alternative Chart upon release and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Hot Rock Chart, allowing the 19-year-old genre breaker to present his signature style and a glimpse of what’s to come on his forthcoming full-length debut.
“Music was always therapeutic for me,” jxdn explains. “Instead of simply listening to what I make, I want people to really feel it.”
Born Jaden Hossler in Dallas, TX, he grew up with two older sisters. He spent his formative years in Texas before his family relocated to Chattanooga, TN. Adjusting to the new surroundings and high school offered its own set of challenges.
“I didn’t enjoy high school. So I began to explore social media. It gave me the ability to control my life.”
In 2018, he developed a presence online through a consistent stream of engaging and clever content. He quietly exploded on Tik Tok, attracting 5.9 million followers and 202.3 million likes. He utilized it as a platform to introduce his voice. Packing up and heading to LA, he holed up in the infamous “Sway House” alongside a crew of rowdy influencers, and finally dove head first into his own artistry. Catching an arena show by the late Juice WRLD would be the tipping point.
“I was moshing to ‘Empty’,” he recalls. “I had the biggest revelation in my life. Music has the power to change us individually. It’s the most beautiful thing. So, I decided to really give it a shot. I had just graduated, and I wanted to do something for myself. I finally went after my dream.”
He pursued the dream full force with the single “Comatose.” The track caught fire, racking up over 15 million streams in a month and caught the ear of Barker’s son Landon Asher. He shared “Comatose” with his dad just as Russell Ali, the track’s producer and a friend of Barker’s, sent it to him too. A further coincidence, Ali used a Travis Barker Splice Drum sample pack for all of the song’s drums. Blown away, Barker signed jxdn to DTA. Now, the next chapter is ignited with the single “Angels & Demons,” co-produced and powered by drums from the legendary label founder himself.
“It talks about the duality between the light side and dark side of my brain,” jxdn states. “I’m getting into my mental health struggles,” adding, “I believe music can change culture. That’s what I care about. It’s the best way to express love and who you are.”
When you look at Joey J. Saye, you see a promising, young musician with his entire life ahead of him. When you hear him, his sound and his musicianship far surpass his age. The way he attacks the strings with finesse embodies the roots of blues as if he was around when the Blues were born.
Joey grew up just west of Chicago and music has been a part of his DNA since he was child; living in a household that provided him with a multitude of music genres and styles. Hearing his grandmother break out in song at any given moment helped him to appreciate music and its art of bringing people together, soothing the soul.
Even though he was introduced to the blues community at 16, he first heard the haunting melodies and guitar licks at 13 years of age when he was already dabbling in music and creating songs with his friends. But hearing Muddy Waters and Memphis Minnie’s music ignited his passion for the blues and he traded in his athletic gear for his guitar. And we are so glad he did.
Joey is making a name for himself throughout Chicagoland and all over the US, he is being recognized abroad, becoming an international artist with audiences embracing him with open arms.
His love of blues is infectious, and he shows the audience that the blues are alive and well and will still live on for years to come.
Billy Branch was discovered by Willie Dixon, the “father of modern Chicago Blues,” while Billy was still in college. Willie encouraged Billy to finish his college education, which he did, but instead of going to law school after receiving his political science degree, Billy began touring with the Willie Dixon Chicago AllStars. This gave Billy the unique opportunity to travel and work as an under study for the legendary Carey Bell who was planning to leave the All-Stars and form his own band. When Carey took his leave, the young Billy Branch took his place, touring with Willie Dixon for
6 years.
Since those early days, Billy has played on over 150 different recordings, including 12 under his own name. He’s recorded with Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Lou Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Honeyboy Edwards, Syl Johnson, Lurrie Bell, Ronnie Baker Brooks, John Primer, and Taj Mahal, just to name a few. In addition, he has received three Grammy nominations (losing one nomination to BB King and Eric Clapton). He served two consecutive terms on the Grammy Board of Governors, and founded
the Grammy Blues Committee. In addition, he has won multiple W.C. Handy Awards from the Blues Foundation, an Emmy Award, an Addy Award (this is like an Oscar for TV ads), two Chicago Music Awards, and numerous humanitarian achievement awards. Billy Branch has become the ambassador of the Chicago Blues. During his 6 week tour of Turkey, he represented the USA in Turkey’s Parliament, teaching political party leaders to play harmonica! Thousands of fans showed up every night of the week
to experience the authentic Chicago Blues! He and his band, the Sons of Blues have delivered this cultural legacy around the world, having made over 70 international tours. The 2007 Chicago Blues Festival honored the thirtieth anniversary of Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues with a 3 hour performance. In fact, they also headlined the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival. Billy is a Blues education pioneer. He was one of the first artists to develop a Blues in the Schools curriculum. Since 1978, in addition to recording and performing, he’s taught thousands of children around the world. His internationally recognized “Blues in Schools Program,” is committed to teaching both young and old about the Blues as the roots of America’s music. He has brought his interdisciplinary
program to Europe, South America, Asia, and most recently to Mexico where he taught his two week program in Spanish. In addition he teaches in the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project.
Indika Reggae Band is one of the most innovative and influential reggae bands in the Midwest, having won numerous recognitions and awards. By incorporating and expanding their musical repertoire to include genres such as soca, calypso, punta, reggae, dancehall, R&B, jazz, and even some kompa they have market themselves to reach a larger and more diverse audience. Indika, with their highly energetic, multi talented, and versatile front man, Uroy Mushla, has entertained at venues all over the Midwest and southern United States. Recently, Indika has perform at Chicago venues such as The Wild Hare, United Center, Navy Pier and festivals in Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota just to name a few.
Nanette Frank is a vocalist, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer with a successful international career. She has an impeccable five octave vocal range giving her many commercial recording opportunities. While her success has crossed many areas of the music industry, her foundation in jazz and her love and history in the world of jazz is at the core of this wonderful new release, Nostalgia.
Truly Mr. Solid Gold, Carl Brown is a performer that has been fascinating audiences for some time. His signature style and presentation cannot be mistaken. This sweet-voiced vocalist has had great success singing with his band Solid Gold International since 1988.
Carl Brown’s showmanship and vocals are unmatched, a gift that has earned him a record 17 consecutive years Best Male Vocalist at the Chicago Reggae Music Awards.
The Black Parade is the third studio album by American rock band My Chemical Romance. Released in Europe on October 20, 2006, through Reprise Records, it was produced by the band with Rob Cavallo, known for having produced multiple albums for the Goo Goo Dolls and Green Day. It is a rock opera centering on a dying character with cancer known as “The Patient”. The album tells the story of his apparent death, experiences in the afterlife, and subsequent reflections on his life. It is the band’s only studio album to feature drummer Bob Bryar before his departure in 2010.
Buddy Holly is the debut studio album by Buddy Holly. It was released by Coral Records on February 20, 1958. The album collects Holly’s four hit singles released on the Coral label; “Words of Love”, “Peggy Sue”, “I’m Gonna Love You Too”, and “Rave On!”. The backing group was Buddy Holly’s band, the Crickets.
Fables of the Reconstruction, also known as Reconstruction of the Fables, is the third studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on I.R.S. Records on June 10, 1985. The Joe Boyd-produced album was the first recorded by the group outside the United States. It is a concept album with Southern Gothic themes and characters.
Bluesy, Smoky, Sexy, and Raw. wht.rbbt.obj (“White Rabbit Object”) is a “femme fatale” fronted, guitar driven alternative rock outfit from Chicago, Illinois. What started as a secret side project for a married couple, Frank & River Rabbitte, wht.rbbt.obj has grown into a four piece musical tour de force.
James Van Osdol of “Car Con Carne” described them as “Amy Winehouse meets The Black Keys and challenges them to a game of strip poker.” NPR’s Greg Kot of “Sound Opinions” in describing their first single “Jolene’s Reply,” said, “This song swings like a wrecking ball . . . Heavily distorted roadhouse raunch . . . The dirtiest groove I’ve heard in a long time.” And UpToHear Music recently wrote about their latest single, “wht.rbbt.obj will blow everything you own out of Earth’s orbit . . . We have never been more excited to share something with the world. Does it sound like PJ Harvey on steroids? Is this some long lost relative of Amy Winehouse or some already-famous band who is just f’ing with us . . . ? We don’t know!”
In June of 2022, wht.rbt.obj was selected to perform at The Richmond International Film & Music Festival where they were awarded the “Critics Choice Award for Music and Performance.” In November of 2022, their newest single, “Once More Down The Rabbit Hole” won a songwriting award from USA Songwriting Competition.
wht.rbbt.obj invites you to follow them down the rabbit hole, to peek behind the curtain, and peer through the looking glass. And if you happen to know any of the players, they would ask you to keep this our little secret.
Close your eyes and Burn Down Reality! Which is exactly what your ears will be doing as they take in the heady sounds of Tim Bernard, Dan Lopez, Tom Scofield, and Danielle Spence. Their newly emerging sound of modern rock drumming, grunge-kissed guitar riffs, and sumptuously moody vocals create a unique blend of rhythm and blues influenced by the likes of Junior Kimbrough, The Black Keys, and Gary Clark Jr. Hailing from the Chicagoland area, Mudflower was conceptualized in August of 2019 when Tom and Dan, friends and band-mates had the brilliant idea to venture on their own and create a new sound. After the first jam session with Tim, the music chemistry between the trio was immediate. They knew they were onto something fascinating with their raw, gritty, modern blend of soul rock fusion. After months of collaborating they were ready to take to the studio, but before that, they wanted to experiment with adding a female vocalist in the mix. To their good fortune they just happened to meet Danielle Spence, whom they officially declared the fourth member of the band after hearing her soulful jazzy vocals that even Amy Winehouse herself would applaud. The final ingredient they fondly refer to as their “secret sauce.”
Ego Mechanics is a two-piece rock duo hailing from Chicago, Illinois. They use a combination of melody and raw power to craft songs that call back to the glory days of instrument-based DIY musicianship.
Singer-songwriter Dan Whitaker’s music defies easy assumptions, moving from dark ballads to intricate country jazz instrumentals to character-driven stories set on the road and in honky tonks. Since the mid-‘80s he has created independent original music in Chicago and the Midwest in bands such as Dan Whitaker and The Shinebenders, The Gyps, Great Plains Gypsies, and June Bug Massacre. On U.S. tours and at home Whitaker has shared the stage with artists like James Hand, Shooter Jennings, Corb Lund, The Bottle Rockets, and more.
With his latest album out August 13, One More Story Told, Whitaker introduces the deep scope of his songwriting range and evolution to newer listeners for the first time. One More Story Told is an acoustic anthology of updated songs spanning 1985 to 2015, produced by Todd Rittmann (U.S. Maple, Dead Rider) and released via Empty Highway. Sparked by a revisitation of his older material as a way to reconnect with his audience online during the pandemic, One More Story Told sees Whitaker swapping his trademark Telecaster for an acoustic guitar. The result is a warm, engaging, ‘70s colored journey into a past made new again.
Pure Imperial Black Metal Warfare featuring members of Bastard, Oracle, Harkonin, Cast The Stone
Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation. Haque will bring all that and more to Reggie’s for a night devoted to paying tribute to legendary New Orleans funk staples the Meters.
Considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of funk, The Meters created a unique sound that lasted through the sixties and seventies and was reborn in the late eighties. Their trademark sound blends funk, blues, and dance grooves with a New Orleans vibe.
Haque shares, “For the past 5 years or so I have been running a jazz festival in the Chicago area. Each year we pick a theme and last year’s theme was the music of New Orleans. We had all kinds of New Orleans jazz at the festival but I had to pick something for my band to play something that featured guitar. . . And what better way to celebrate that music than for me to jam out on some Meters! [Meters guitarist] Leo Nocentelli was a special guest with Garaj Mahal [Haque’s jamband, formed in 2001] a few years back and he showed me the right way to play ‘Cissy Strut’!”
Emerald Eye is a Kansas City-based heavy metal band formed in 2020 by members of Midwest underground staples such as Vänlade, Relic, and Alsatia.
Brett Scott – Vocals/Keyboards
Nick Poffinbarger – Bass
Alex Moran – Guitars
Nolan Weber – Drums
For fans of Queensrÿche, Dio, Helloween, Lost Horizon, and Iron Maiden
Already a cult curiosity via their 2018 Thundermark EP debut and initial self-release of their 2020 Far Flung Realm first full-length, Massachusetts power metallers Adamantis quickly entered the collective global melodic metal conscience when they signed with Cruz Del Sur Music. The first order of business was to re-release Far Flung Realm. In doing so, Adamantis was immediately thrust to the top of various “best newcomer” lists — proper accolades for an album that so brilliantly recaptured the spirit of 1990s European power metal. No longer one of American power metal’s best-kept secrets, Adamantis crafts with depth and triumph — a sterling display of memorable, anthemic melodic metal.
Like many Chicago based Power Pop-Rock musicians before him, Steve Ramone plied his trade in and around the Midwest for many years before signing with a major label in 2020 (Pavement Entertainment). Dealing in sweet but edgy 3-minute pop-anthems that are the hallmark of the South Side music scene, Ramone built a loyal following by delivering high energy, easy to enjoy performances backed by a crack band comprised of some of the best musicians from Chicago and Nashville.
The safe return of live music promises a busy schedule for Ramone in 2021; his first full length release on Pavement, live shows with the Steve Ramone Band and Heroes, session work as an acoustic guitarist and touring commitments as guitarist/vocalist with Frontier Records recording artist Enuff Z’Nuff will have him traveling from coast to coast as well as overseas.
Regardless of the format, it’s worth knowing that he treats them all the same and puts every bit of skill, creativity and love for the arts into everything he does. It shows – you need to hear it and see it for yourself.
Emanating from the tidewaters of Virginia, Freedom Hawk’s heavy riffs, rolling groove, soulful guitar melodies, and harmonic metal packaging to produce a sound that is distinctly their own. The quartet’s brand of heavy rock captures the best of the heavy ‘70s with touches of early 80s heavy metal, and presents it in a way that’s unique yet very familiar. Inspired by their experiences that could only come from living close to the ocean, there songs speak to that lifestyle and conjure images of the warm sun, a day of surfing, and partying on the beach.
Founding members T.R. Morton, Mark Cave, Matt Cave, and Lenny Hines formed the band in 2005 and played their first show as Freedom Hawk in January of 2006, opening for Year Long Disaster and Throttlerod. Their debut album, Sunlight, was self-released soon after in early 2008. In this debut, you can hear the beginning of the band forming their sound and writing style that would be expanded on in later releases. Songs “Executioner”, “Land of the Lost”, “Going Down” and title track “Sunlight” embody their sound and can be found as a backing track to many surfing videos (and other beach related sports).
Their second release in 2009, Freedom Hawk (Meteor City Records), is a continuation from their debut in style and writing, and captures a point in time that reflects the beginning of the bands musical journey. Being a popular choice as the sound track for online videos, this is album is unique in that all 7 songs were picked up and used throughout the years.
Building off of the success of the first two releases, 2011 brought their third release, Holding On (Small Stone Records), is a reflection of the band becoming more comfortable with each other musically and expands on their sound. “Zelda” and “Faded” are perfect examples them reaching beyond the boundaries they’ve set for themselves, while tracks like “Living for Days” and “Indian Summer” provides a heavier take on their original sound. The song “Her Addiction” was sampled and used in an episode of CBS’s Hawaii Five-O and could also be heard in an episode of MTV’s Ridiculousness, along with “Indian Summer”.
With the departure of Matt Cave, the band releases their fourth album, Into Your Mind (Small Stone Records) in 2015 as a three piece, without veering too far from their original sound and style. The songs embody the same slow groove and heavy rock anthem songs seen in previous albums, but a cleaner purer package. The rhythm tracks were recorded with all three members together in one room, to help capture their sound in a more organic fashion, which was typically done in the early throws of rock ‘n roll. Tracks like “Beyond Our Reach” and “The Line” shows a more laid back bluesy sound from the band, while heavy hitters “Blood Red Sky”, “Radar”, and “All Because of You” stay true to the bands form. “Blood Red Sky” was also used and can be heard on an episode of MTV’s Ridiculousness.
2017 was an exciting year and brought the re-release of the band’s first records, Sunlight and Freedom Hawk, by Ripple Music. Both albums were re-mastered and release on vinyl for the first time since their original release.
The bands fifth release, Beast Remains (Ripple Music), is set to be released in 2018 and will be a return to a four piece with the addition of Brendan O’Neil. The culmination of years perfecting and solidifying their sound, combined with the energy that can only be captured by a four piece, with songs like Solid Gold, Darkness to Light, Champ, and more the stage has been set for what could be another reinvention and expansion of the sound they started ten years earlier.
Over the years, the band have gone on countless tours taking them to across the U.S. and to multiple countries in Europe. U.S. festivals include SXSW, Doomed Fest Maryland, and Doomed and Stoned. European festivals include Roadburn, Freak Valley Festival, and in 2018, Desertfest London and Desertfest Berlin with more live dates to follow as they continue to expand their reach both in terms of music and fan-base around the world!
Check out Freedom Hawk’s latest release, Beast Remains, on Digital, CD and Vinyl at www.ripple-music.com
Rising synthwave rockers Young Medicine pull the best from diverse genres to build a
carefully constructed music identity that defies simple categorization. Thumping
double-bass beats and crunchy guitar riffs hammer out hard-hitting rhythms while
chorus lines partner with sparkling retro synth tones for a stunning mix of audio ideas. If
synthwave and metal got together and started a boy band, the result might sound
something like Young Medicine, who have put themselves on the map as pioneers for a
new era by bringing rockstar swagger to the retrowave movement.
Young Medicine made a statement early, releasing their debut album Interlinked in 2019
to widespread fan and influencer support, including the group being named in
Alternative Press’s Top 12 Bands You Need To Know. The album also received
prominent Billboard charting, landing spots on the Top 10 Alternative New Artist Albums
and Top 25 New Artist Heatseekers charts. The band propelled themselves into tens of
thousands of Spotify monthly listeners practically overnight while a series of original
music videos piled up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.
The red-hot recording soon caught the attention of independent synthwave label FiXT
Neon, who signed the group to a deal in early 2020. The new partnership led to a
re-release of Interlinked along with brand new remixes while setting the stage for
original material to come.
Essenger stands on the cutting edge of electronic music, blending an array of influences for a sound that pays tribute to modern alt rock, EDM, and synthwave. The artist marks his highly personal songwriting style with striking lyrics, and the result is a singular creative style that opens new possibilities for both retro and future synth music.
The artist’s adept compositional skills and production chops helped his early singles attract a significant following while racking up hundreds of thousands of streams on individual songs. Essenger soon connected with prominent labels including Seeking Blue and Monstercat, and those early successes led to an album deal with independent synthwave label FiXT Neon in late 2019.
Ken Davis Project is a Soul/R&B band from Chicago.
Members of Mungion and Elysian Green join forces in a power trio! Drummer Matt Kellen, bassist Vinny Kabat, and guitarist Cole Runge create a tight rock-fusion sound that’s as grooving as it is technical.
Catbite is a neo-two tone ska band from Philadelphia formed in May of 2018. Influenced by the jolting energy of the Specials, the Selector’s edged lyrics, and Elvis Costello‘s love of melody, the group cranks out short, catchy tunes that usually have a deeper meaning… and sometimes don’t. The band’s debut self-titled LP was released in 2019 on Bad Time Records and has sold of the first 2 pressings of 500 with the 3rd pressing on the way. The highly anticipated Sophomore album, “Nice One” , also on Bad Time Records, was released on August 6, 2022 and has already sold out of its first pressing.
Colorado hardcore
NuDeathcore from Atlanta.
CT Heavy
Death Metal band from Joliet, Illinois. Enter The Cryptum demo available via Sewer Rot Records!
Too late to explore the Earth, Too early to explore Space, The Esoteric Mind is our domain! Fast Paced, ThrashPunk Trio from Chicago…welcome to the Era of the Cobra! Raw tone, Thunderous Drums and Piercing Solos: The Three Headed Cobra- Ready to STRIKE!
Metal Never Dies!
The Midnight Devils are a national touring high energy glam slam boogie woogie rock n roll band out of Omaha, NE and Chicago, IL. Featuring Sam Spade on bass and vocals, Sniper on guitar, and Jimmy Mess on the drums. Throwing all caution to the wind this power-trio is a bad ass-lipstick smeared party rock n roll band that takes glam to the next level. Having done hundreds of shows from coast to coast in support of their debut album Something Bigger, The Midnight Devils’ mix of rock n roll, sexuality, and depravity are the perfect combination. The Midnight Devils have also toured as the direct support act for UK rock legends The Quireboys in early 2020.
Rockers from Chicago
Born & Raised in Chicago, IL. La Rosa Noir is known for their unique blend of
post-punk, surf, and Latin rhythms, tying them to their cultural heritage. Their debut
album, “Arellano,” named after frontwoman Yeshi Regalado’s grandmother’s maiden
name, pays tribute to her significant musical influence. With storytelling lyrics inspired
by personal experiences, the album explores themes of relationships, loss, and
self-discovery, set against a backdrop of dreamy dissonance and fiery punk energy.
Since their inception in 2018, La Rosa Noir has showcased their musical versatility
across various venues. Starting in the DIY scene, they have performed at notable local
spots like Empty Bottle and Sleeping Village. Their dynamic presence has also graced
stages of Navy Pier, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Taste of Chicago,
highlighting their growing influence and appeal. They have opened up for bands like
Jenny & The Mexicats (CDMX), Grlwood, Noa Sainz (CDMX), and The Red Pears.
For fans of: La Luz, Soda Stereo, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Slow Pulp, Mazzy Star, The Cramps.