TRAP DICKEY
Hartsville, SC Rapper Trap Dickey
FOX BD
ANDREA DIRKES
Andrea (she/her) is a Chicago based singer-songwriter. Her music is best described as primarily folk, with alt country, punk, and indie-rock influences. With a background in classical guitar, her music features the acoustic and electric guitar and mandolin. She is known for her storytelling and evocative songwriting. Andrea lives in Uptown with her wife and occasional songwriting partner, Julia.
BRIAHNA JENAIS GATLIN
Gatlin is the founder of Swank PR, a Chicago-based public relations, marketing and events company. She sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss her March 29 WEMADE Honors Brunch, celebrating women making a difference everywhere. Gatlin delved into her journey from grant writer to award-winning entrepreneur, the changing landscape of PR and the importance of authenticity in today’s digital age.
BANI’S BEETS
“Eleven years ago I began a mission to make a positive impact in my community and the world. After completing a rigorous undergraduate and graduate academic career at DePaul University, I quickly learned the role of health within a robust economy. I earned my undergraduate degree double majoring in Economics & Marketing as well as my masters in Economics & Policy Analysis. Through my studies, I concluded that health would be the strongest indicator to the level of an individual’s contributions. Collectively, the fate of our long-term economic growth is a derivative of our mental and physical well-being.
As the founder of Bani’s Beets, I am dedicated to learning about, educating, and promoting foods that combat diseases and illnesses; to help build communities that are wealthy from the inside out. We aim to Curve Cancer & Beet Diabetes, our nation’s leading health risks”
-Auriel Banister
After many trials from kitchen start up to becoming a well known local vendor, five years ago, Bani’s Beets planted its first brick and mortar in order to promote healthy living in the Beverly neighborhood and beyond. Our founder, Auriel Banister, champions the positive impact that healthy, organic juice and food can have on one’s health and overall being.
Today, we at Bani’s Beets work to provide you with fresh, quality juice and food to support a healthy lifestyle. No matter if you’re a health nut or just beginning your journey, our cold-pressed juice is the way to go.
SWEET BLOOMS CHI
Chicago Floral Designer & Event Curator
STOVIINK CREATIVES
Stovink Creatives is a Black owned and woman owned brand collective that specializes in the creative and performing arts. We offer a variety of handcrafted and artisanal products, from cranberry sauce to candles, home and body products, and much more. We also host curated events, where we celebrate the creative energy of our collective and the many stories that they tell. Our mission is to provide our customers with quality, unique and beautiful products, as well as an unforgettable experience. We invite you to explore Stovink Creatives and join us in our mission of celebrating the power of creativity.
GVLD HEARTED
Hailing from the South Side of Chicago, Gvld Hearted is a singer-songwriter whose sultry sounds weave stories of passion, pain, and redemption. Blending raw emotion with smooth melodies, she creates music that lives in the space between heartbreak and healing.
SOULTRIBE (AJ GRAYCE)
We freak your favorite vibes and make SoulTribe babies.
HOODTROPHY BINO
trofe kapo 🏆🇭🇹 When you getting yo shit together it get lonely ….choose growth over company 💯 sign 2 @souljaboy & @sodmgrecordsll
YTB FATT
Cavon Deshawn Paige, known professionally as YTB Fatt, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born and raised in West Memphis, Arkansas, he signed with Moneybagg Yo’s Bread Gang in 2023, and rose to mainstream fame with the single, “Shot Off Gumbo” that same year.
DESECRATED
Grooving Death Thrash from Lake County, IL.
MARY ALICE
Mary Alice is a pop artist from Chicago who blends upbeat, feel- good pop with honest, emotional ballads. Inspired by the sounds of Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae, Mary Alice writes lyrics that are both playful and real—creating music with the intention of promoting authenticity, self-expression, and a fun loving sense of confidence.
KARL KIRKPATRICK
Karl Kirkpatrick is a guitarist and singer-songwriter based in the Chicagoland area. An artist whose music evokes the punch and soul of Joe Cocker along with the sensitivity and self reflection of Jeff Buckley, Karl’s sound has found its home in DIY venues and pubs alike. As a member of the Chicago-based rock band Uncle Pigeon, he’s had the distinct pleasure of playing at venues such as Simon’s Tavern, Fitzgerald’s Sidebar, and Beat Kitchen. As a solo act, backed by Henry Carpender and Phineas Gleber, he’s been an active member of the singer-songwriter community of Chicago, performing at Reggie’s, Gallery Cabaret, and My Place Ohio. When he’s not writing or playing music, he can be found exploring local coffee shops and reading books he can’t hope to finish.
STAR PERIOD STAR
The UK magazine Organ wrote that “Star Period Star are a band alive with melodic warmth, with quiet adventure that can get gloriously noisy, with clever tricks (of the tail) that never get too tricky for their own good. Star Period Star are just a damn good self-indulgent proper prog rock band.”
Originally formed in Chicagoland in 1994, and then reformed in Savannah, Georgia in 2013, Star Period Star just released their 5th studio album “Twilight Saving Time”. This will be their first show in Chicago in 10 years, and the band plan to play their newly released 5th studio album “Twilight Saving Time” in its entirety at the show. The album is a musical journey with peaks and valleys evoking the many moods of our country.
SKRILLA
Jemille Edwards, known as Skrilla, is a rapper based in Kensington which is located in Philadelphia, PA
Starting off the 2024 year strong, Skrilla released his two singles, “BLAHDAHDAHDAHDAH” and “GOD DAMN” at the top of the year. He follows up the success of these singles with the release of his album, Underworld, out now via Priority Records.
HANS GRUBER AND THE DIE HARDS
Austin Punk/Ska/Thrash/Whatever. IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER! MOO TONE!
GO HANG MUSIC
misanthropic industrial antifolk punk poetry
FISHGUTZZZ
S. Courtney Kostrick, aka FISHGUTZZZ, is Founding member, singer, writer& upright bass player for underground cult favorites, The Goddamn Gallows, Courtney “Fishgutzzz ” Kostrick has spent the past 20 years on the road, leaving behind a trail of barely believable stories, legendary shows & inspired musicians. In 2023 “Fishgutzzz” departed from the band to lead a reclusive lifestyle & focus on writing & recording. Building upon two prior solo records, (The Ignorant Band and The Stinkin Orchestra)the musical maverick is currently focusing on self releasing new music from his South Warren(Detroit) home and making live appearances. His 1st post Goddamn Gallows release is the dark, distraught yet melodic “Crawling to Church ” available now exclusively at Fishgutzzzofficial.com
QUEEN OF DREAMS
Queen of Dreams European-style progressive power metal to the American Midwest. Our sound combines heavy riffs and catchy, soaring melodies with dazzling keyboard flourishes and progressive elements to create a truly epic experience for both your ears and your imagination.
We believe that heavy metal is for everyone. Our members range in age from early 20s to mid-50s, reflect an equal gender distribution, and hail from different backgrounds and life experiences. We draw strength from the diversity of our influences in our creative work and likewise seek to reach a diverse audience.
Epic fantasy literature is a bedrock of inspiration for our all-original music. Our lyrics connect our lived experiences to themes from fiction, with no homework necessary for appreciation. Exploring the lenses of our literary heroes through music helps us understand the range of life’s triumphs and disappointments.
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Queen of Dreams has been performing live since 2021 and is expanding its reach throughout the Midwest.
EARLYBIRDS CLUB
Earlybirds Club is a dance party for women, trans, and non-binary people that starts early and ends early—becaause we have shit to do in the morning! At our New Wave party, you’ll dance the early evening away to songs from bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, and Erasure. And go to bed at a reasonable hour.
10% of ticket proceeds benefit Chicago Recovery Alliance, which provides harm reduction and training to prevent drug overdoses.
MYTH CARVER
DAVE BLUNTS
Since his October 2024 album “If I Could I Would” Dave Blunts music has exploded with his song “The Cup” peaking at #6 on Spotify’s US Top 50 Viral Chart and its accompanying music video peaking at #7 on YouTube trending. This virality originated with a video of Dave’s debut live performance which has garnered 38.6M views and set the internet ablaze with additional viral posts from Snoop Dogg, @records, @rap, @bars, and many more. Dave followed this moment with a performance at Juice WRLD Day, a debut headline show in Los Angeles, and media appearances with Bradley Martin, N3on, Bootleg Kev, 42daily, Dope As Usual, and Bryce Crawford. This movement has resulted in a +700% increase in daily streams and 1M+ new followers across Dave’s socials.
Now, Dave has his sights set on even greater success in 2025 – with plans to release his next studio album, his March performance at Rolling Loud LA and his debut headline US tour. Dave has just returned with his first single “Thinking Of You” which begins the rollout of his next album and is accompanied by a music video. The song and music video feature a character from his previous album “Solar”, exploring his romantic woes just in time for Valentine’s Day.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
● 48.9M+ All time Global Streams
● 2.1M Weekly digital streams globally
● 13.8M+ likes across Tiktok
● 392k Instagram followers
ICHIKA NITO
Ranked No. 8 as “he hottest guitarist in the world right now” in the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” by the readers of the British guitar magazine Total Guitar. Ichika Nito is one of Japan’s hottest guitarists in the world. He has been receiving strong support from world-famous guitarists such as John Petrucci ( Dream Theater) and Pete Townshend ( The Who), as well as world-class artists such as Zedd, Martin Garrix, and John Cunningham, who has produced songs for Halsey, XXXTentacion, and others.
Ichika Nito’s sensitivity and his one-of-a-kind guitar style, tone, and technique are highly acclaimed overseas, and he is constantly receiving calls to provide music and participate in music compositions. Despite his category as a guitarist, he has over 700,000 followers on Instagram and over 2 million subscribers to his YouTube channel. Those results show his worldwide popularity.
THE JARED RABIN BAND
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. 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, with different bands and as a solo artist. His songwriting has been awarded by international competitions including the Grand Prize at the 2023 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and his recordings have been featured by American Songwriter, Bluegrass Today, NPR and others. He is a longtime fixture on the Chicago music scene. He can be found performing there often.
BUFFALO WABS AND THE PRICE HILL HUSTLE
Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle hail from Cincinnati where they have been crafting a sound that is both rooted in tradition and refreshed by modern sensibilities. This four-piece ensemble confronts the raw expanse of American music, and their upcoming self-titled album merges the timeless echoes of traditional Americana with the turbulent force of modern rock and folk.
The band is known for their diverse range, moving seamlessly from high-energy, foot-stomping numbers to rich, harmony-laden ballads. Their odyssey through the Mid-Atlantic and beyond—spanning the harsh winters of Colorado and Minnesota to the verdant hills of Asheville and upstate New York—has been a journey through both grand stages and humble taverns. The group’s performances focus on delivering a moment that feels as genuine as a home-cooked meal shared with friends.
Their guiding philosophy is simple: “If it doesn’t stir the soul, it ain’t soup.” This motto reflects their commitment to creating music that resonates deeply and authentically with each audience they encounter. All shows are approached with a sense of sincerity, aiming to connect with their audience on a personal level seldomly seen.
Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle offer an experience that’s as heartening as a tale told by the fireside. Their new album promises to be a testament to their ability to blend the old with the new, providing a musical journey that is both engaging and sincerely moving.
UNTO OTHERS
UNTO OTHERS have spent their seasons in the abyss and come out the other side with streams of harsh light breaking through their darkened gothic and classic metal motifs on Never, Neverland. Having burst upon the worldwide scene with 2018’s Don’t’ Waste Your Time EP and its 2019 follow up LP, Mana, UNTO OTHERS set the metal underground ablaze, leading to a clutch of high-profile gigs and tours with the likes of King Diamond, Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats, and Paradise Lost in the US + Europe with Gaahl’s Wyrd and Tribulation. Hundreds of live shows across the world have solidified UNTO OTHERS’ position on the rock and metal landscape as black clad, dark sunglass wearing successors to the likes of Sisters of Mercy and Type O Negative. On inking with Century Media and hiring British producer Tom Dalgety (Ghost, The Cult), what began as an exaltation of exhaustion from endless time on the road, blossomed into the band’s most diverse and fulfilled work to date.
Never, Neverland builds upon the seductive and beguiling foundation UNTO OTHERS has hewn out of a bedrock of goth, classic rock, punk, black metal and heavy metal. From propulsive opener, “Butterfly” to the majestic “Angel of the Night” all the way through to the wry, punkish swagger of “Suicide Today” and their unforgettable take on The Ramone’s “Pet Sematary”, Never, Neverland is equally dreamy while never letting go of the energy and darkness that is UNTO OTHERS.
TRIBULATION
Sweden’s kings of gothic, deathly metal have returned with new album, ‘Where the Gloom Becomes Sound’. ‘Where the Gloom Becomes Sound’ is a masterclass in all things tenebrous and creepy. The Swedes have crafted a sonic fingerprint unlike any other by fusing heavy metal, death metal, hard rock, and (Swedish) folk music into what can only be described as the “Tribulation sound.” The immaculate production was helmed by Tribulation, producer Jamie Elton, mixing ace Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Rammstein), and mastering star Magnus Lindberg (Lucifer, Dool).
Offer Tribulation: “The music is heavier this time around. But that has to do with the way the songs were written. Sound-wise, it’s even more luxurious. It’s polished. It’s bigger. And it’s fatter. There’s a big range, I think, to the songs themselves. So, there’s also a bit of change in there. I would hope by this point people would be used to change in Tribulation. I will say the horror element is still and always will be present.” March with Tribulation as they traverse the fuliginous depths and the gleaming outer heavens on Where the Gloom Becomes Sound.
THE NARCISSIST COOKBOOK
Mudslinger/songwrecker The Narcissist Cookbook uses five-rounds-rapid storytelling and powerful songwriting as a siege weapon trained on the barker between the stage and the audience. An irreverent, unpredictable and inimitable voice in modern spoken word.
BUG HUNTER
“Bug has the very unique skill of being able to put a lifetime of experiences in a single song. There is also a very rare quality where even the most painful lyrics manage to have a silver lining or hope within their theme. Every song has a story, and every story has something profound to pull from it. Every single album and song is an entire rush of words that manage to perfectly capture so many specific emotions and moments in time. There is such a rare quality in the writing, and I’ve yet to find another artist that I can fully compare to Bug Hunter.”
VATOS TRISTES
elgin based latin alt rock band 😔🇲🇽❤️🔥
VICTORIA FLYNN
Victoria Flynn is a high-energy comedian known for her animated delivery and sharp, absurdist humor. Her comedy dissects everything from gentrification to the awkward realities of modern relationships, blending keen social observations with an unpredictable, mischievous edge and plenty of puns. Whether she’s unraveling the quirks of city life or exposing the inner workings of interracial relationships, this born and raised Chicagoan keeps audiences on their toes with her quick wit and dynamic storytelling
AARON DAY
Aaron Day is a Chicago based musician/producer who has spent the last 10 years developing his sound among various bands and artists in the local scene and beyond. He is an Emmy nominated producer for work in a short film (Wild: Overture), and released a song (Find Light (feat. J. Hoard)) in Jan. 2021 that was featured in the New York Times. Currently, his focus lies in producing/directing/performing music with both local and international acts, bringing his unique voice and artistry to the table. Recent collaborations include works with artists such as Earthgang, Snakehips, Zyah Belle, Rexx Life Raj, J. Hasan, Phil., among others. Locally, he leads a band under his own name which features unique arrangements of classic tunes and original material, spanning a broad range of genres from Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop, Rock, and Funk.
DREW DELNEKY
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.
TOP DECK
Chicago Emo/Shoegaze, fella Praise be to Christ
CHARITY WORK
DAVY KNOWLES
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.
Photo credit – Allison Morgan
RBNX
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
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.
YOU LIKE RED
FRACTAL UNIVERSE
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
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.
DJ PHILLY PEROXIDE
Chicago DJ (Bittersweet, Shimmer & more). Member of The Bellwether Syndicate.
SAM THE SENTIENT
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.
THE LAW OF HUEY
Emcee/Host. HUEY Gang. Headstrong Urban Educated Youth.
STARK OF HUEY
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.
PUKE IN THE ICETRAY
Instrumental World Math Surf Progressive Country Jazz Metal since 2017 from Chicago, IL
WAVE CAGE
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.”
THE ODDITEA
Hot like tea. Odd like odd
AZURE MAIN
Chicago based progressive jazz
RETROGRESSION
“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
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.
SOUNDTRACK SERENADE
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 BLUES CAMP
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.”
INTO THE SILO
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
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.
SKULL CULT
we like to play fast
LIQUIDS
PRISON AFFAIR
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.’
For fans of Gee Tee, Coneheads, CCTV, Liquids.
DOUBLE OVER
Vox: Opal
Guitar: Sadie
Bass: Reeth
Drums: Tyler
BETON ARME
Béton Armé is a montreal oi! band inspired by french punk/oi! bands from the 80’s.
Béton Armé est un groupe oi! de Montréal inspiré des groupes punk/oi! français des années 80
Chant – Danick Joseph-Dicaire
Guitariste – Olivier Bérubé Sasseville
Bassiste – Fabio Ciaraldi
Batterie – Remi Aubie
ORACLE
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.
PSYCHOPRISM
Progressive Power Metal from the NJ/NY area
TYKIN
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.