JASON BIELER & JEFF SOTO
FORCEFIELD
Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the Cosmic Metal band FORCEFIELD. Upon completion of their current five year mission they release their fourth album, SAUCER SEPARATION. Seven galactic, bardic tales to boldly take you where no one has gone before!
REED GRIMM TRIO
Reed started his musical journey in a way that very few people do. His parents, Steve Grimm and Colleen Raye, were the male and female lead singers of a traveling variety act that entertained people in resorts, casinos, state fairs, and lounges from coast to coast. As the couple had children, they added them to the show…and at the age of 2, Reed took the stage. His primary instrument continued to be the voice until his 12th birthday where he received his first drum set. Everyday after school his garage became his arena. Headphones on he played along with music he had heard throughout his life, gaining him the skills to join the middle school jazz band where he started playing with others for the first time. This sparked a love of jazz music that would land him as one of two drummers to play in the Wisconsin State Honors Jazz Band his senior year of high school. After high school he chose to attend college at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he was recruited to play in the top jazz band while persuing a degree in Percussion Performance. While in La Crosse he was scouted by regionally known horn band “Three Beers til’ Dubuque” to be their lead singer, giving him his first sense of professional performance outside of his family’s band. He went on to cofound other groups, most notably the band in which he started writing original music, Shoeless Revolution. Not only did Shoeless bring a first in writing music for Reed, it was also where he began lead singing from the drum set. Shoeless Revolution went on to release two original albums “Speak Up” and “From the Inside Out” touring until 2011 when an unsuspecting call from his older sister Jennifer changed the course of his life. On the phone she told him that she won a singing contest to get her to the front of the line for an American Idol audition, but she had missed the age requirements for the show. She was able to transfer the ticket to one person and chose Reed. After graciously accepting, he went to an audition which got him onto the show and propelled him to Live Television where he ended #14 on season 11 in 2012. The aftermath of his American Idol experience brought Reed many opportunities to travel and perform for concertgoers around the world including multiple trips overseas to entertain members of the US Military. His desire to continue to write music grew, and with the help of a successful Kickstarter he released his debut solo album “Reminders” in April of 2018.
VANITY CONTEST
Vanity Contest is a Chicago alternative rock project formed in the fall of 2018 by Brady Matteson (Left In The Rain, Grasshammer). Vanity Contest has released one album and one EP. The project is most notable for its intense, synthetic “garage” sound (frequently compared to Nine Inch Nails and New Order), as well as energetic live performances. Vanity Contest is Brady Matteson and Elijah Diaz.
CALICOLOCO
jangly glitzy rock brought to you by dani, sarah, rebecca, zeke, curran, and christian <3
GEEKD
Geekd is a solo recording project led by multi-instrumentalist Christian Moreno.
Combining elements from psychedelia, shoegaze and experimental-garage rock, his songs conjure up a dreamy world of sonic bliss.
Backed by Nick Moeller on drums and Carter Schultz on guitar/harmonies for a da live shows
THE MINI PROJECTS
The Mini Projects consist of siblings Emi, Mikey, and Angel as a brand new young band coming out from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Now having wrapped up their very first album, Pattern Dreams showcases their young fresh vibe with an indie retro style of music.
NITA STRAUSS
Los Angeles born guitarist Nita Strauss has become a force to be reckoned with in the music world, dazzling audiences across the US, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Most fans will recognize Nita as Alice Cooper’s touring guitarist of the past 5 years, but she has also played with R&B star Jermaine Jackson, early MTV darlings Femme Fatale, video game supergroup Critical Hit and popular tribute band The Iron Maidens. Her skill, exuberant stage presence and love for all things about her instrument have earned her a stellar reputation in the music industry and endorsements including Ibanez Guitars, Marshall Amplification, DiMarzio pickups, Monster Energy and more.
HOLY WARS
Dark Pop/ Heavy Alt Rock band from Los Angeles, CA
NIGHT CLUB
Night Club is Emily Kavanaugh and Mark Brooks: a dark, electro-goth duo from Los
Angeles, CA. Touching upon themes such as mental illness, loneliness, and revenge, their self-released albums have helped them build a cult-like following since their formation in 2012.
In October 2016 Night Club released their 1st LP, Requiem for Romance, showcasing the duo’s discovery of their signature sound, with their single “Dear Enemy” entering heavy rotation in the underground club scene.
Partnering with Titmouse Animation and Google VR, they premiered the 360-video for their single “Show It 2 Me” on YouTube to viral success.
After completing a US tour with industrial legends Lords of Acid and Combichrist in 2017, they found themselves back in the studio. Inspired by their own personal dealings with depression and anxiety, they released their sophomore LP Scary World in August 2018, which debuted on the US iTunes Electronic chart at #4. Shortly after the album’s release they were picked to open for A Perfect Circle on their Fall 2018 North American tour.
Night Club released their third full-length album Die Die Lullaby on October 9, 2020; written and produced entirely by Kavanaugh and Brooks, and co-mixed by Dave “Rave” Ogilvie (Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Carly Rae Jepsen).
ANYTHING IS EVERYTHING
Anything is Everything is a four-piece Emo, Indie-Rock band from Chicago. They originally formed in 2018 by guitarists Sam and Chris after meeting in the service industry and later joined forces with Sam on bass and Christos on drums. Yes, that’s two Sams and two Chrises. With roots in pop-punk, their sound is a great match for listeners of Taking Back Sunday, The Wonder Years, and Knuckle Puck. Their evolving brand fuses moody lyrics, dynamic grooves, and opulent guitars with energetic performances, themed parties, and witty stage banter while their curated sets will make you want to go absolutely hog wild. Don’t be surprised if you run into a human hot-dog in the mosh pit.
CARLOS DELGADO-RUIZ
All flavor filmmaker. Second city training center(Chicago). Writer LAMF. Crystal Palace.
BOOT
Guitarist, Songwriter, Pedal Steeler, recorder, etc.
JOHN DUTY
BRANDON GOOD
Brandon Good enters the Americana parking lot through the side door of the punk club via Chicagos’ Flatfoot 56. Years of heavy international touring, festing, and several studio albums, Brandon makes good on the precedent and lets the muddy waters of rock ‘n roll, folk, and country converge. These divergent worlds are expressed not only in his person, but in his original compositions.
LOU HENEISE
Lou Heneise weds high-lonesome, Mountain-Mama vocals with dark, introspective melodies to create a captivating performance, complete with untamed finger-picking
DJ CERTIFIED SPEAKER
LAANG
Terror black metal from Taiwan about the afterlife. The music of 冷 tells of a horrifying experience of an afterlife while in a coma following being shot in the head during a carjacking. This place is a place beyond description of hell, mind-wrenching, desolate, and incomprehensibly terrible.
DZO-NGA
Dzö-nga [zone-gah] is a folk/black metal project formed in 2016. Its lyrics draw on myths and legends from around the world.
BLAQROCK
MOON RULES APPLY
From the suburbs of Chicago, Moon Rules Apply is known for their catchy riffs, energetic live shows, and devoted fan base. Their take on alternative rock introduces a refreshing musical perspective loved by many. The trio formed in 2021 with guitarist/vocalist Andre Holman and drummer Ryan Weaver, later welcoming Logan Stogentin on bass the following year. Each bring their own unique talents to the group that works cohesively in achieving a crisp, modern sound. After releasing their first single “Hate It” in 2022, the trio followed it up with two more singles “The Q” and “Office Papers” before debuting their first album “Too Many Damn Hippies On My Front Lawn” in March of 2023. All of our music was recorded and mixed by Doug Agee of “Alpha Sound Service”
JOEY WILBUR
Joey Wilbur is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from the Chicago suburbs. His music career began at the age of 10 when he received a guitar as a gift for his 10th birthday. He soon realized he loved music and especially loved performing for a crowd. He began writing his own original music and enjoys putting his emotions or the emotions of others into a song.
His music influences come primarily from Ed Sheeran but enjoys music from Lewis Capaldi, Dean Lewis, George Ezra and Alec Benjamin. He is also influenced by musical theater and enjoys attending Broadway productions. The work of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” and “In the Heights” are some of his favorite musical theater productions.
Highlights from this young artists career have been performing to a crowd of over 20,000 people at the half-time show of a Chicago Bulls game, being a finalist for two consecutive years in the Suburban Chicago’s Got Talent competition at the historic ArcadA Theater, and playing at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tn.
Joey has released three singles, “Seize the Day”, “2,000 Miles”, and “All for you”. He hopes to have an EP completed at the end of this year.
HEADWAVE
Rockers from the Chi
THE SIMSONS
KILL THE BUTLER
We’re an alternative rock band based out of Northern Illinois. Our first album, Haunted Together Forever, is out now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
LIMINAL SPACE
Chicago Based Shoegaze Noise Rock Group
THE PUBLIK
The Publik is a 4-piece Alternative Rock band based out of Chicago. Formed in 2019, The Publik has meticulously paved a roaring path through the Chicago rock scenes with their distinct musical precision and destructive live performances. The Publik is a representation of an unfitting jigsaw puzzle of influences, spanning back decades and across genres including funk, post-punk, and alternative, landing on an idiosyncratic take on Alternative Rock. Constructed with chaotically scattered leads, melodic but sharp rhythm, and thunderous percussion, they deliver nothing short of a powerful experience that remains in the minds of new and returning listeners. Their eccentric new single “Strange Thing” is set to release on August 1st, 2025.
AWAY FROM WOLVES
Away From Wolves is an original rock band from Chicago, IL.
PAUL ABELLA TRIO
The Paul Abella Trio fuses Pop melodies, Jazz harmonies, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Funk rhythms, jammy improvisations and Punk attitude.
We sound like little else.
Sometimes we’re a trio. More and more often, we’re a quartet. But since we already paid for the website, we’re sticking with the name.
Jazz guys think we’re a jam band. Jam Band fanatics think we’re a Jazz group.
Billy Denk plays the guitar and writes some tunes.
Chris Bernhardt plays the bass.
Preyas Roy joins us on the vibes whenever we can make it happen.
Paul Abella books the gigs and sits on a box.
ORGAN FAILURE
“Neurologic Determination of Death” out NOW
Ted – Vocals
Sean – Guitar
Ryan – Bass
Max – Drums
JOE JACKSON “I’M THE MAN”
I’m the Man is the second album by English musician Joe Jackson, released in October 1979. Released shortly after Jackson’s breakthrough debut, Look Sharp!, I’m the Man saw Jackson continue the style of his earlier album. Singles from the album included “I’m the Man” and “It’s Different for Girls”, the latter of which was his biggest UK chart single, peaking at number five on the UK Singles Chart.
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS “THE CAPTAIN AND ME”
The Captain and Me is the third studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers. The album was released on March 2, 1973, by Warner Bros. Records. It features some of their most popular hits including “Long Train Runnin'”, “China Grove” and “Without You”.
SPIN LIZZY
The Best of Thin Lizzy!
MISS ALEX WHITE OF WHITE MYSTERY
Enjoy a DJ set from Miss Alex White of White Mystery
SEEYOUSOON
Florida based 9-piece collective seeyousoon — Ignacio, Kenny, Denny, Maddie, Josh, Dre, Drex, Luke, and Mitch — met in 2018 and bonded over sounds as diverse as Jadakiss to Mars Volta, forming seeyousoonas a vehicle to put together their debut offering, VIDÉ. Gaining support from the likes of The FADER, Lyrical Lemonade, COLORS, Wonderland Magazine and many others the group is proving themselves as someone to keep an eye on moving forward.
99 NEIGHBORS
99 Neighbors have learned the virtues of patience. After a foundational burst of creativity and an equally fast rise, all seven members of the Burlington, Vermont, alt-rap collective can agree that the best things in life take time and focus. Yes, their bedrock is still back there in the 24-hour art hub of an apartment where it all began, and their singular sound is still the hyperactive crush of rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop heard on their gripping 2019 debut, Television. But their new album Wherever You’re Going I Hope It’s Great grew out of a period of willful slowdown — a clarifying of perspective — and is built around the idea of moving forward with intention. Hence, the LP is rich with new sonic strains from dusty jazz to UK-inspired electronica to thrilling pop. The collective’s members also had time for both experience and reflection, resulting in lyrics that delve deep into identity, addiction, discovery, and meaning. The end result sounds adventurous and expansive yet decisive and complete — a considerable feat from several wild minds constantly bouncing off one another. A genuine joy permeates the new music, even when the songs touch on heavy themes. It’s the sound of seven friends living out their dreams, struggles, and triumphs together. It took a while to get there, but when 99 Neighbors finally did, the concept of the project became rather simple. As rapper/singer HANKNATIVE puts it, “We all just want the best for each other.”
DALE MCPEEK
Dale covers everything in his comedy, from day to day silly nonsense to real life issues and has a way of weaving them together perfectly. While he has a mic in his hand he consistently delivers every word with a daring truthfulness. He regularly performs at clubs all over Chicago and has opened for many touring headliners such as Martha Kelly, Robert Kelly, Doug Stanhope and has went on the road as Louis CK’s opener. His album My Mother’s Son recently debuted at #1 on iTunes
KRISTEN TOOMEY
Kristen Toomey’s standup comedy career began in 2008. Since then she has performed in L.A., New York, Montreal and everywhere in between.
Her commanding stage presence and energetic, expressive and truthful style of comedy are just a few of the reasons entertainment website The A.V. Club said “Kristen Toomey is a Chicago Original”.
She has appeared on NBC’s Chicago Med, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, WGN Radio and NPR.
ABSYNTHE OF FAITH
LUNA 13
HOCICO
LEWIS FAMILY BAND
Performing a mix of Blues, Country, Rock, and Soul- Lewis Family Band delivers the goods! Hailing from the far north side of Chicago, the group seamlessly blends Folk and Jazz traditions of trading off vocals and solos. LFB features the songwriting of band leader Daniel Lewis (Secret Agent Bill), amongst a slew of tasty covers and jams.
HIGHDIVER
“Highdiver specializes in hard-hitting uniquely heavy pop music that gets stuck in your head instantly.”
– Midwest Action!
GRAPHICS
instrumental rock quartet. lots of changes. the word “angular.”
Crawford (drums) / James DB (bass) / Jeff (baritone) / Luc (reeds)
TUKKI
When you hear the sounds of Tukkiman you realize he is an artist who speaks the universal language of music with power and compassion, to unite humanity and fight injustice.
Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Tukki’s worldly sound connects people of all cultures and musical tastes, with a musical identity rooted in hip hop, reggae, rock, and African rhythms.
Tukki means “voyage” in Wolof, Senegal’s native language. His life voyage is creating a common bond among all who hear his music and respond to his call for better peace, more love, deeper truth.
MFX
FIREBREATHER
Firebreather is a devastatingly weighty statement of intent. Tooth shattering riffs from guitarist/vocalist Mattias Nööjd and crunching rhythms via bassist Nicklas Hellqvist and drummer Axel Wittbeck, Firebreather are a jaw-breaking triptych of sludge and doom rock.
EXECUTION DAY
Formed in early 2016, Pittsburgh metalcore act Execution Day quickly solidified themselves with their debut EP From the Bottom of my Heart, produced, mixed and mastered by Andrew Wade (A Day to Remember, Neck Deep, Issues). Following the release of said EP, the band hit the road touring across the Midwest and played with acts such as, Falling in Reverse, The Plot in You, Like Moths to Flames and many more. They Appeared on We Are Triumphant’s “Got You Covered Volume 2” compilation. – Over 2 Million collective streams on Spotify – Top 10 finalist in the Band Academy Recording Contest held by Joey Sturgis.
CURSES
By embracing life’s changes, we grow. Rather than stagnate under the weight of circumstances or expectations, Curses defy inertia and consistently progress. The Princeton, West Virginia quintet—Brandon Casto [vocals], Eli Fry [vocals], Davey Nicewander [guitar], Michael Olivares [bass, vocals],and Shane Cyrus [drums]—toss and turn between a proficient metallic onslaught, powerhouse grooves, and poignant melodies offset by guttural growls and bludgeoning screams. After generating 2 million-plus streams and stirring up a palpable buzz, the band forge ahead once again on their second full-length and SHARPTONE debut, Chapter II: Bloom. “All in all, the album is about trying to go with extreme change and flourish,” explains Davey. “You can either roll with it or resist. We don’t want to tell anybody what to do, but we do hope to have a positive influence.”
SLEEP WAKER
Sleep Waker — comprising guitarists Jake Impellizzeri and Jason Caudill, vocalist Hunter Courtright, drummer Frankie Mish, and bassist Aaron Lutas — are one of the newest additions to the UNFD roster, joining labelmates like Silverstein, ERRA, Thornhill, and more. Mixing high-concept, thought-provoking lyrics with technical riffing and complex arrangements, Sleep Waker draw inspiration from the dream-like surrealism of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks series, and futuristic sci-fi movies The Matrix, Blade Runner, Ghost In The Shell, and Japanese sci-fi anime series Cowboy Bebop. As a result, the music is a mix of brutal and brilliant, and always fascinating.
DJ DIESEL
The biggest Afro social scene in Chicago. Merging cultures through AFROBEATS themed parties & special events.
ACE BAND
THE DYNAMIX-ULTIMATE CLASSICS COVER BAND
Established in the summer of 2018, The Dynamix- Ultimate Classics Cover Band debuted at the Taste of Roselle before performing as the wedding band “Fusion” for the Suburban Chicago premiere production of “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding”. Eager to continue performing together, the band sought out more performance opportunities and have quickly grown into one of the premier cover bands in the Northwest Suburban Chicago area, playing at such venues and events as the Schaumburg Septemberfest, the Taylor St. Little Italy Festa Italiana, Onesti’s 210 Live, and the West Chicago Social Club, among many others.
Proclaimed by their fans as “The Band That Saved the Summer!”, The Dynamix were able to provide entertainment during the summer of 2020 with weekly engagements at several different venues with outdoor seating, and were truly the first group in the area to begin live and in-person performances since the start of the pandemic.
Playing some of the greatest hits of the 50’s-80’s including “Love Shack”, “Shout”, “What I Like About You”, “25 or 6 to 4”, “Proud Mary”, and “Last Dance”, The Dynamix comes with a full horn section, a powerhouse female front, and an unforgettable sound that can get any crowd up and moving for the entire night!
JAKE BLOUNT
Jake Blount is an award-winning banjoist, fiddler, singer and ethnomusicologist based in Providence, RI. He is half of the internationally touring duo Tui, a 2020 Strathmore Artist in Residence and a board member of Bluegrass Pride. He is a 2020 recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize. Blount specializes in the music of Black communities in the southeastern United States, and in the regional style of the Finger Lakes. A versatile performer, Blount interpolates blues, bluegrass and spirituals into the old-time string band tradition he belongs to. He foregrounds the experiences of queer people and people of color in his work. His teachers include Rhiannon Giddens, Bruce Molsky and Judy Hyman. He has claimed first place in both the Banjo and the Traditional Band categories at the prestigious Appalachian String Band Music Festival in Clifftop, WV. Blount has shared his music and research at the Smithsonian Institution, Yale University, and Berklee School of Music, among other venues and institutions. He has also appeared on Radiolab, Soundcheck and NPR’s Weekend Edition. He regularly teaches fiddle and banjo at festivals and camps like the Augusta Heritage Center, the Ashokan Center, and Midwest Banjo Camp. Blount tours domestically and internationally as a solo performer, with his duo Tui, and with his band The Moose Whisperers. He has performed and recorded solo, and in ensembles of up to six people. His first full-length solo album, Spider Tales, is out now on Free Dirt Records & Service Co. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, received positive coverage from NPR, Rolling Stone and Billboard among others, and earned five out of five stars as The Guardian’s Folk Album of the Month.
ERIC EMMERSON
Eric Emerson is a Stand-Up Comedian originally from North Carolina, now living and working out of Chicago, IL. An alumni of Appalachian State University, Eric began performing stand-up in his college town of Boone, NC. Since moving to Chicago, Eric has begun headlining, featuring, and hosting at comedy clubs, showcases, and events throughout the city and across the country, most recently headlining the Comedy Bar in Nashville, TN. A former producer of ‘Derailed Comedy’ at the Chicago Laugh Factory, he now hosts of the Chicago Comedy Bar’s ‘Thursday Showcase,’ and is one half of the on-again-off-again podcast ‘Space Cadets’.
TYLER FOWLER
Tyler Fowler’s witty and clean brand of stand up comedy has made him a favorite around Chicago and across the US. Regularly appearing at Zanies Comedy Clubs and The Laugh Factory Chicago he was named among the ‘Best Of The Fest’ at the Cleveland Comedy Festival. Tyler’s debut album Friends With 401(k) Benefits premiered #1 on iTunes and Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts.
MO GOOD
Mo Good is an up and coming female comedian from the south side of Chicago. This mother of two has performed at comedy clubs all over the country including The Laugh Factory, Riddles and Zanies. Best known for her hilarious story telling, Mo sheds light on the women’s perspective of life on and off stage. Hosting several events and working while working in Healthcare, this artist never runs out of relatable material.
OSSILEGIUM
Black Metal hailing from Chicago, Illinois, USA
FONZIE AND THE DAGO TEES
Greasy Italian heavy hitting Rock N Roll… Get it? Nuff said… Sit on it Potsie
NUEROMORPHIC
Leonard Leal (Lead Vocals)
Joseph Howard (Drums & Vox)
Keith Sanchez (Guitar and Vox)
Jacob Howard (Bass & Vox)
stoner, tech, grind
BLACK KNIFE
Black Metal Punks from Lexington, Ky
LAVABORNE
Power-doom band from Indianapolis, blending elements of power metal and doom to create our own heavy brand of traditional metal.