From the frozen pipes of Montreal, the city’s own Danny Rebel & The KGB are tossin’up their 5th studio record. “We’re All Going to Hell” is a melting pot of Reggae/Funk/Ska/Conspiracy featuring Danny Rebel at the helm, whose mission is to groove across the globe, and maybe write a few love songs along the way. This 14 track album promises to assassinate the dancefloor. Available in May 2024 through Jump Up! Records and all streaming platforms.
Since their formation in 2007, DRKGB have been known to light the stage on fire with dynamic performances at various festivals across North America. Their regular appearances at the Montreal Ska Festival, the Pouzza Fest, and the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival are said to be more than mere coincidences.
Throughout their dynamic musical odyssey, DRKGB has been honored to share the stage with ska legends such as The Skatalites, The Slackers and the Planet Smashers. However, whispers in the industry hint at secret collaborations and encoded messages in their music, especially during performances with the internationally acclaimed dub maestro Victor Rice, and The Aggrolites. Their journey, steeped in mystery, includes performances with reggae icons like U-Roy and Macka B, and the Psychedelic Funk pioneers Fishbone. Insiders suggest these connections are part of a larger, undisclosed project that transcends music. Are DRKGB mere musicians, or are they key players in a global, musical conspiracy?
And I, You (formerly Ethel Shank) is a rock band out of Chicago, IL. Blending inspirations from Queens of the Stone Age, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Manchester Orchestra; And I, You provides a balance of subtle, intricate melodies and heavy fuzz alongside raw, introspective lyrics.
Good Old Days isn’t just the title of No Tagbacks’ debut EP. It’s also a thesis statement. The seeds of the project have been germinating since 2018, and now the Chicago-based duo of vocalist/guitarist Evan Douglas Peters and bassist Christian George are ready to let the whole thing loose. The cover art gives good insight into the band’s sound: nostalgic pop-punk fit for the era of Fuse and VH1.
On singles “mov” and “Good Old Days” they almost sound like Green Day or blink-182, and on “Come Out and Play” they tap into the latter’s sense of humor with lines like “Judge Judy, give me cooties / Sentence tastes so fruity-smoothie.” That’s one of the most refreshing things about Good Old Days, that No Tagbacks never take themselves too seriously; “Misanthropic Old Man” is a witty, self-aware take on a song about being jealous of friends, and even the band’s ballad “If I Never Left You in Illinois” never dips into overly saccharine territory. It’s sincere and it’s warm, but it’s never cloying. Of particular note is the penultimate “Never Gonna Die,” the title of which might well be a reference to its energetic sound: No Tagbacks dips their toes into straight-up ska-punk, complete with trumpet and two trombones and a helping of “pick it up!”s. It’s the sort of track where you can hear how much fun the band had in the studio.
The band’s been dropping singles since ‘21–including three music videos that year for “Good Old Days,” “No Sheep,” and “mov”–and played shows all throughout the Midwest. 2023 saw the release of debut EP Good Old Days, and 2024 looks like their biggest year yet. No Tagbacks might deal a lot in nostalgia, but now they’re looking toward the future–and it’s bright.
DJ Pharris began his professional career at Chicago’s WBMX radio station playing house music, being at the pinnacle of when hip hop launched in the Chicago music scene. With over 30 years in the industry, Pharris went from spinning house music mixes and to breaking every major artist within the midwest and throughout the country. A staple on Chicago’s Urban radio station Power 92, DJ Pharris can be heard on 10pm-2pm weekly, also at 3pm cst. on DTLR Radio in all 250 stores Nation Wide and spinning at some of Chicago’s hottest nightclubs. Dj Pharris is a Premier Heavy Hitter Dj for over 20 yrs.
In expanding his musical ear, Pharris has worked as co- producer with major artist including Kanye West, Future, Chief Keef, Lil Bibby and a host of other talented artist both in R&B and Hip Hop. He recently launched his new label TCMG (This Chicago Music Group) producing and signing Chicago’s homegrown talent but fusing together the elite caliber of artist representing Chicago legacy such as G.Herbo, Young Dolph, Jeremih, Chief Keef and more
His debut as a label owner is yet another stepping stone to his legacy in the industry and creating a new blueprint.
DJ Pharris has extended his palette in the entertainment business being casted on Showtime’s “The Chi” under executive producer Common. He also was the official DJ for 50 Cent’s comedy series 50 Central on BET, along with landing sponsorships with national / Local brands Pepsi, Nike, Under Armour, Diddy Ciroc and 50 Cent Effen Vodka. Pharris has also been inducted into the Frankie Knuckles DJ Hall of Fame (Chosen Few) and a 3 X Global Spin Midwest DJ of the Yr. Award Winner.
“Some absolutely great psych meets shoegaze meets motorik. Crank it up!”
TERMINUS VICTOR
Terminus Victor delivers a beautiful kick in the gut. A heavy and dynamic soundscape of unique rock music is delivered in a wall of sound by this thunderous trio that sounds larger than the sum of three parts. “One of the best bands in the land. Their new record “Everending” is album of the year material.” [-Mike Ingram (Exile On Main St Records)].
Moon: Heavy, melodic, propulsive, spacious, dark, rock. Moon is echo-laden guitar, post rock bass, propulsive drumming, shifting time signatures, and haunting, ethereal vocals.
Moon formed in late 2008. They released their first album, Finding and Losing the Light in 2012 and their second album, Distant But Close in 2014, and third album, Extinction, in 2018.
Today, Seattle’s Chinese American Bear are announcing their new LP Wah!!!. A C-pop
duo composed of Bryce Barsten and Anne Tong, the group create eclectic DIY pop that
blends Chinese mando-pop and the Western indie pop canon. They write songs that flit
between English and Mandarin, capturing a spirit of cross-cultural joy and longing, that is often poignant while never losing its sense of fun.
Last month, the band shared a one off single called “Feelin’ Fuzzy (毛绒绒的感觉)” to
announce their signing to the beloved UK independent label Moshi Moshi (Girl Ray, Anna Meredith, Hot Chip) who will release CAB’s new LP on October 18th. To mark the
announcement the band is sharing a new single entitled “Heartbreaker 伤心情歌” along withan accompanying video that is premiering today with FLOOD.
* 22 year old Blues and Soul artist born in St. Louis, MO.
* Debut album, Who is He (2022), led Dylan to receive the 2023 Blues Foundation award for Best Emerging Artist.
* Has appeared on several notable festivals and events such as Music at the Intersection and the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.
* Youngest guitarist to ever win both the International Blues Challenge and Best Guitarist accolades (2023) at the age of 20.
* Debut Album, Up Next, was released in October 2023.
* Has played alongside Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Keeshea Pratt Band, and John Del Toro Richardson to name a few.
Genevieve Libien is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Denver,Colorado. She writes in an indie pop/pop alternative style aboutlesbianity, mental illness, and other musings, taking lyricalinspiration from literature and real-life experiences. She isinfluenced by Hozier, King Princess, and Taylor Swift.
Sad House Guest makes music because nothing else makes sense.
We are an indie-rock band based in the midwest with roots in Fargo, Minneapolis, Eau Claire, and Chicago. After gigging for a number of years as “Samuel Stein”, the name Sad House Guest was born about year into the pandemic to encompass our new fuller and ambitious sound. Our inspiration comes from popular bands such as The Front Bottoms, Death Cab for Cutie, Hippo Campus, Pinegrove, and Slaughter Beach, Dog as well as influences from jam bands, blues, and indie-folk/bluegrass. Our lyrics revolve around topics such as anxiety, hanging out with friends, and everything in-between. We have released two EPs since the birth of our new name (inspired by a line in “Fantastic Mr. Fox”). The first is Bugs in My Brain which was recorded during the pandemic and features 3 basement pop tunes followed by 2 slow folksy tunes. The second EP, Electric Veins, features the full band on 5 representative songs. Our live shows feature energetic playing, improvisation, and covers of 2010s anthems at any dive bar, basement, porch, brewery, winery, or garage.
In fall 2022 we toured both EPs all over the midwest from Chicago to Fargo. During this tour we also performed a collection of songs which would eventually become our first full-length album “Can I Make This Lighthearted?”
“The question that always comes up no matter what mood arrives and what I’m writing about is “Can I make this lighthearted?”. Half these songs are about love, whether it be romance, jealousy, infatuation, or just being with friends. Can I make love lighthearted? Well, yes. It seems obvious but I’ve had to learn to accept the goodness in these things rather than dwelling on the anxiety of them. A few songs, like tracks three and five, are a lot darker and deal with heavier topics. Can I make those things lighthearted? Well, no. Not right away. First I have to deal with them head on and come to terms with the feelings they bring. Only then am I able to sing about them while maintaining an overall sense of lightheartedness. We hope these ten songs strike some sort of chord with you, whatever that chord may be… probably a G chord, half these songs are in the key of G.”
-Samuel on the album concept, more about individual songs below.
Faster Pussycat rose from the depths of the mid-‘80s Hollywood rock scene, taking the Sunset Strip by storm with a sound that wasn’t glam and wasn’t punk, but blistered somewhere in between. With an attitude and swagger all its own, their self-titled debut featured the instant classics “Babylon,” “Bathroom Wall,” “Cathouse” and “Don’t Change That Song,” and its follow-up ‘Wake Me When It’s Over’ climbed even higher with the radio hit “House Of Pain,” “Poison Ivy” and “Where There’s A Whip There’s A Way.” Despite their successes, Faster defied the mainstream mold and always followed front manTaime Downe’s underground sensibilities. The gold and platinum records are nice, but Taimeconsiders his greatest accomplishment to be longevity. “The only number that really matters to me is the number 35. Three and half decades later, Faster Pussycat are still rocking, and it feels as fresh as it did in 1986.” Look no further than their 2021 releases “Nola” and the Johnny Thunders cover “Pirate Love” –Faster Pussycat are as virile and tenacious as ever… and won’t have it any other way.
Retina Sky is a dreamy Emo / Alternative / Post-hardcore band from Chicago that crafts ethereal soundscapes to envelop listeners in a dreamlike state. For fans of artists like Circa Survive, Movements, dredg, Balance and Composure, and Turnover.
“Retina Sky is a Midwest emo band based in Chicago that is not afraid to experiment with its sound. They primarily stick to dreamy emo traditionalism, but occasionally, they break away from these sonic barriers and deep dive into elements of shoegaze and top 40 alt radio. This creative energy transpires into their newest ep, ‘Without Hope We Wither, which is sure to satisfy your ears for its approximate 20-minute duration.” – GetSome Magazine
Khaya Osborne is a multidisciplinary performance & visual artist with credits including Celebration Arts, Black Ensemble Theater, Button Poetry, Tupelo Press, & Laugh Factory Chicago
Comedian Alex Tsakanikas hails from the windy city of Chicago. Alex brings his observations on life, love, and the absurdness of reality front and center. Classically trained as an actor and later in life finding his place in stand-up comedy, he brings his impeccable stage presence and infectious energy to every stage he can perform on. Having opened for the likes of Angelo Tsarouchas, Pantelis, Jeremy Hotz, and many others Alex brings his style of adult absurdism and storytelling to crowds all over North America. You can find him regularly touring the Midwest, or listen to his podcast B.A.D. Shorty. He recently recorded his first comedy special “Motions” available this summer.
Zaid Fouzi is a 27 year old, Syrian-American comedian based in Chicago, IL. Known for his animated storytelling and observational humor, he performs all over the country. Zaid dedicates his comedy to advocating for the Arab-American identity. He has worked with some of the top Arab-American comedians including Bassem Youseff, Sammy Obeid, Ahmed Ahmed and Amer Zahr. His work and story have been featured on NPR, and AlAraby TV.
From the dangerous Englewood Neighborhood of Chicago, Lawman Dia, better known as LMD, is cut from that old school cloth with his upright, independent and fearless persona, representing the hood in ways that captivate hip hop intellectuals. It’s no secret LMD has faced his near death experiences and multiple years in prison, but with experience comes a story to uplift the youth and inspire those around him to be greater than expected. With 3 classic Chicago mixtape releases, Lawman Dia remains in his own lane with his gritty metaphors and street stories. Cultured, creative and socialized, LMD possesses all the talent and independent drive that many Major artists have.
Independent recording artist Brandon Bishop AKA Cyphersick has finally returned to the music scene in Chicago after a 7-year hiatus. Most people in the music business will tell you that “consistency is key and stopping momentum for even a moment can be fatal to one’s career”, but what is even more important is to never let the fire for your dreams die. Cyphersick started in this business at the age of 14, had an agent named Reginald Scott aka Quest by the age of 16 and was signed to Chicago based independent label D.U.B. L.I.F.E. Entertainment by the age of 17, but has since parted with the label and returned to being a free agent. Cyphersick is a lyricist at his core, and this is reflected in his style of Rap/Hip-Hop. Growing up in Chicago in the area that is broadly known as the “Low End” to Chicago natives has heavily influenced him as a person as well as an artist, which is translated throughout his music.
During his lengthy hiatus from the music scene, his love and passion for both music and being a voice for the voiceless has intensified and he is now back to make sure everyone remembers his name. While traveling, he has had the opportunity to network with major talent artists from both the East and West coast and is building organic relationships with people who have inspired him his entire career. Without a doubt Cyphersick will be one of the next breakout artists in the music industry, so stay tuned and keep watching because the comeback season has just begun.
Toronto post-everything collective Respire has been a pioneering force in the Canadian underground scene for ten years, building a cult-like following over three critically acclaimed LPs and four international tours. Drawing inspiration from the expansive soundscapes of iconic Canadian bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Respire pushes the boundaries of heavy music, intertwining intricate, uplifting orchestral arrangements with the intensity and urgency of emotional hardcore and the desperation of black metal. The seven-member collective’s DIY ethos has remained unshakable, the fruits of their dedication to self-reliance, creative autonomy, and community-building ever present in the Toronto musical landscape through New Friends Fest, co-founded and co-organized by two of its members.
Following the storming intensity of 2020’s Black Line, Hiraeth finds Respire returning to a more introspective and melancholic sound, punctured by triumphant and anthemic moments, standing as a testament to the collective’s ambition, genre-defying style, and maximalist approach. The album is a tribute to those who have uprooted their lives in search of hope and a cautionary tale to those who remain falsely secure in their illusory societal positions. It is a manifesto of the immigrant experience; a call for all of us to embrace our shared humanity, awaken to the fragility of our existence, and confront the crises we face collectively before it’s too late.
Corn on My Dinner Plate is a six piece band from Chicago influenced by psychedelic, jazz and rock music. The group is madeup by members Colin Kolasny (keyboards/guitar/vocals), Roan Quinn (bass), Jack Harris (guitar), Chris Sánchez (drums/percussion), Weber Anderson (tenor saxophone) and Branden Ma (keyboards). The group formed in 2017 when the members were in high school in Chicago.
Turning out their debut releases with Platinum-Awarded producer Dan Dixon and amassing tens of thousands of streams and followers across platforms over the past year, The Great Indoors are bringing forth a melodic and immersive blend of Pop Rock. International publication Atwood Magazine writes that the group’s “..suave indie-pop melodies, combined with smooth, soulful singing, recall Steely Dan and The Long Run-era The Eagles.” The Great Indoors have opened 2024 with the announcement of their own North American headlining tour, featuring support from artists like Nashville’s The Band Light and American Idol alum, WALKNEY, as well as festival performances such as at the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival and headlining slot at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater’s Tunes And Blooms Festival. As Star News puts it, these “..indie rockers (who) bring their jangly, dynamic tunes to town.” are set to make their mark in the landscape of modern music.
Five people, five towns, and a few hundred miles in between…none of this should have ever worked. Still, fate has a funny way of bending the rules. CLIFFS represents a leap of faith. A departure from the safety of the wheel they all found themselves stuck spinning in. Like yarn-linked thumbtacks on an evidence board, there was something undeniably connective from the first time. With passion at the forefront, their music floats atop the pool of category. It is abstract, but familiar. It’s wherever you want to go. It’s echoes of old, and glimpses of new, an homage to the sounds that raised them.
Sam Lachow is a producer, songwriter, rapper, videographer, and director. Raised in both Seattle and New York City, he’s been creating videos since elementary school and as a seventh-grader started a group called Shankbone, which he began directing and producing music videos for as well as for various other artists. In 2011 Sam released his debut project as a solo artist titled “Brand New Bike”, which he produced entirely himself. In 2014, his second full length album “Huckleberry” independently debuted at #5 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts. He then unexpectedly released a free project titled 80 Bars, which surpassed a million plays on Soundcloud and YouTube for multiple songs. Riding that momentum, Sam became the first local headliner to sell out Seattle’s 1,000 cap Neptune Theater and in 2015 he played the main stage at Washington’s biggest music festival, Sasquatch. In the years following, Sam has continued touring, writing and producing music with his signature genre-blending style and collaborating with artists from a wide variety of musical backgrounds. In 2020, he released his most polished album to date, “Corduroy” which features Watsky, Dave B and Travis Thompson as well as many other up and coming artists. Sam currently lives with his dog Devin in Seattle, WA and continues making music and touring the country.
The B-52’s is the debut album by American New wave band the B-52’s. The kitschy lyrics and mood, and the hook-laden harmonies helped establish a fanbase for the band, who went on to release several chart-topping singles. The album cover was designed by Tony Wright (credited as Sue Ab Surd).
The Cars is the debut studio album by American new wave band the Cars, released in May 1978 by Elektra Records. The album was managed by longtime producer Roy Thomas Baker, and spawned several hit singles, including “Just What I Needed”, “My Best Friend’s Girl”, and “Good Times Roll”, as well as other radio and film hits such as “Bye Bye Love” and “Moving in Stereo”.
Tried and true Texas troubadour Tom McElvain is a culmination of years of bars and road joints mixed with songwriting cliches, bad life choices, regret, and heartache. Co-writing the songs “Grey” and “Rock and Roll” with Cody Jinks, his sustaining vocals about stories of life, redemption, and survival leaves the listener with an intimate memory of his life experiences.
Country mixed with Rock and Roll Blues best describes Tom’s Americana sound. He is currently writing with other artists and soon to be releasing a book, collaborating music video, and a prequel album “Drifter” leading up to to his newest project “Lady In Red” . With his album “Empty Bottle”, “Redemption” and 2 other EP’s in his portfolio , Tom is striving to tell his story his way in hopes that it will help listeners in similar circumstances find the courage to love, fight, and heal.
Tom’s Texas radio hits “Whiskey Angel and “Favorite Beer” introduced him to a broader and more national audience as a performer. His forthcoming releases on Sol Records will continue to shine a light on this Texas troubadour where he will finally get to tell his tales in song form.
In a dusty corner of the American Southwest, a band rose from the ashes of heavy metal to claim their stake in the world of country music. This is the story of Last Train to Juarez, a band that embodies the grit and soul of the modern outlaw spirit. Formed in 2019 by Dejan Knezevic, a man whose roots were once steeped in the thunderous roar of metal, the band has carved out a unique sound that melds the raw energy of its past with the soulful twang of country music.
Their performance promises to be a journey through the highs and lows of human experience, guided by the authentic and unfiltered sound that Dejan and his bandmates bring to every show.
Dejan Knezevic leads with his unmistakable voice and acoustic guitar, a blend of power and vulnerability that tells stories of life’s harsh truths and fleeting joys. Beside him stands Mark Tomeo, whose mastery of the pedal steel and dobro adds layers of melancholy and resonance, while his backing vocals create harmonies that linger in the heart. The steady, driving force of Brian Teille on drums, combined with his vocal contributions, grounds the band’s dynamic range, while David Yoder’s bass lines weave a foundation that is both sturdy and intricate. Completing this ensemble is Stephen Dietrich, whose lead guitar work provides the electrifying edge that sets the band apart.
Last Train to Juarez is not just a band; it’s an experience. Their music is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, with influences that trace back to the likes of Jamey Johnson, Cody Jinks, and Hank 3. The transition from Dejan’s metal roots to country was sparked by these modern outlaws who dared to redefine what country music could be. The result is a sound that pays homage to tradition while breaking new ground—a sound that is as raw and real as the desert landscapes they call home.
Their live performances are a testament to their commitment to authenticity. There are no backing tracks, no auto-tune—just the pure, unadulterated sound of musicians pouring their souls into every note. The audience is taken on a ride through songs that are as diverse as life itself: dance tunes that get feet moving, ballads that stir the heart, and lyrics that provoke thought and introspection.
With an EP titled “Dirt & Stone” and a full album, “Some Road,” Last Train to Juarez has already laid a solid foundation in the music world. They are known for their relentless touring schedule, playing around 175 shows a year, each one a testament to their dedication and passion for the craft.
This is a band that brings something more than music; they bring a piece of themselves, a slice of life that is honest, raw, and deeply human. Feel the rhythm, embrace the stories, and let Last Train to Juarez take you on a ride you won’t soon forget.
Most artists will tell you that they sing about what they feel. Jeshua Marshall lives the music that he sings. From the time he was nine, when he was first inspired by a visit from Jimi Hendrix in a dream and subsequently gifted his first guitar, through to the formation of his band Larry and His Flask and now, some 20 years later, music has been a mainstay of his life, the thing that’s inspired him, driven him and now, brought him to the precipice of the recognition he so decidedly deserves.
He’s worked tirelessly to get to this point. He and his band toured relentlessly, performing in all 50 states in the U.S., every providence in Canada, no less than 15 European countries, and in parts of the Middle East. A multi-instrumentalist, singe,r and songwriter, he conveys both passion and purpose in equal measure.
His efforts paid off. He garnered over 100,000 streams on Spotify and YouTube, before receiving an ultimate honor, the ‘Best New Artist’ award from People’s Choice Award in his hometown of Bend, Oregon. It also found him sharing stages with artists such as Dirtwire, Fishbone, Willy Tea Taylor, Beats Antique, Joshua Ray Walker, Possessed by Paul James, Danny Attack, Bridge City Sinners, and more.
Now, on the verge of making the next significant step in his career, Jeshua remains more committed to his craft than ever. “Music, for me, is medicine, therapy and connection,” he says.
With The Flood, that wave of inspiration is as awash as ever.
Tala Silva is a Filipina-American indie artist/producer based in Chicago, exploring the new fusion sound of Indie, Alternative Bedroom R&B, Indie Pop, House, and Neo-Soul, inspired by the likes of Men I Trust, The Marías, Steve Lacy, UMI, and Kali Uchis. Her soothing vocals, relatable lyrics, emotive guitar melodies, and dreamy production are perfect for sunset drives, falling in love, vibing with friends, and late-night parked car convos. Her ability to create a variety of sounds and blend genres is a reflection of her individuality and talent. Tala Silva’s ultimate goal is to help show others that anything is absolutely possible, regardless of one’s resources and circumstances.
Despite her humble at-home, make-shift recording studio, she has been recognized by outlets such as Fashionably Early, These Days Mag, and more. As well as Spotify, where her single, “Call Back” landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday editorial playlist, proving her to be the epitome of the saying “if there’s a will, there’s a way!”
Within only a year, Tala Silva has already proven to be a potential indie force to be reckoned with.
“just a girl from the chicago burbs who likes to make music in her bedroom 💜✨”
Caleb Ramos is an exciting new voice on the Chicago soundscape with the release of his first album, Headlock Hotel. The collection of eight songs highlights Caleb’s unique and recognizable approach as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and engineer. Characterized by thick vocal textures, deliberate harmonies, and a raw emotional undercurrent, Headlock Hotel finds listeners in the space between Americana and the edgier alternative sound of the 90’s and early-2000’s.
British dancehall/rap artist Stephanie Allen (aka Stefflon Don) switches between Jamaican patois, grime verses, and honeyed vocals with ease and confidence. She broke through in 2017 with the Top Ten hit “Hurtin’ Me,” and won MOBO and NME Awards before her 2018 mixtape Secure charted in the Top 40. She appeared on Wiley’s 2019 hit “Boasty,” and subsequent solo singles such as 2020’s “Can’t Let You Go” and 2022’s “Like That” ventured into styles such as Afrobeats, trap, and R&B. The assured dance-rap single “Move It” appeared in 2023.
Originally born in Birmingham to Jamaican parents, Allen moved to the Netherlands when she was five years old. Her family remained in Holland for nine years before moving to Clapton, East London when she was 14. As Allen grew older, she knew she wanted to pursue music, taking on the initial strategy of covering other artists’ work and spinning it in new directions; the first two efforts that gained traction came in 2015, when Allen covered Wretch 32’s “Six Words” and Section Boyz’s “Lock Arff.” As Allen became more popular, she collaborated with a number of prominent artists including Lethal Bizzle, Sneakbo, Jeremih, and Wretch 32 on his 2016 album Growing Over Life. That year also saw the release of her debut mixtape, Real Ting, which featured Jeremih returning the favor as a guest artist. As 2016 drew to a close, Stefflon Don was highlighted on the BBC’s Sound of 2017 list.
She kicked off 2018 with the release of the Hurtin’ Me EP (Polydor), which featured “Instruction” with Jax Jones and Demi Lovato, as well as the U.K. Top Ten title track, and in 2019 she issued the single “Phone Down,” a collaboration with rapper Lil Baby. The following year saw the release of the Afrobeats-tinged track “Can’t Let You Go.” 2021 singles included “Toxic Love” and “The Don.” “Bun Fi Bun,” “Juice,” and “Like That” all appeared in 2022, as well as “The One” and “Daily Duppy (Dem Dead).” Stefflon Don was featured on singles by Jim Jones and Sigala in 2023 before issuing her own club-ready track “Move It.” ~ Liam Martin & Paul Simpson
Dan Lieber, Kevin Miller, & C. Ezra Lange have played together for almost a decade with Esso, the afro-carribean inspired funk collective that has represented Chicago’s music & culture in cities across the U.S. and Mexico. Celebrating the pure joy of grooves peppered with instrumental diversions & conscious rhymes, Scrub League is a type of experiment; a question that gets answered in performance, 3 musicians trying not to think too much, get the ego out of the way, & play.
HIGH DESERT QUEEN
Emerging from the rich Austin, Texas heavy rock scene, High Desert Queen are a one of a kind heavy rock force. Helping brand “Texas Desert Rock,” the band draws from an eclectic backdrop of influences ranging from Kyuss and Alice In Chains to Queens of the Stone Age by way of Tom Waits and The Allman Brothers Band. This has led to a sound that takes listeners on a journey across the open road, from the badlands of Big Bend all the way to Joshua Tree. Having started with the goal of writing the type of music they wanted to hear, High Desert Queen have become the sound of “Texas Desert Rock” on the rise.
Formed in the mid-’90s in the sleepy town of Borlänge, Swedish foursome DOZER spearheaded the first wave of European-style stoner/desert rock, an impactful fusion of proto-metal, riff-rock and punk that blasted forth in response to the tectonic heft and sun-baked fuzz of American bands Kyuss and Fu Manchu.
Now, more than a decade since their last outing, Dozer return with an impassioned, amp-splitting rumble of a record that will righteously invigorate a scene and style that’s more vital than ever, and which they themselves were instrumental in helping launch.
On their preternaturally confident earliest releases, which included albums In the Tail of the Comet and Madre De Dios on the legendary Man’s Ruin label and a split LP with John Garcia’s short-lived yet bright-burning outfit Unida, the fuzz-rock hypnosis was at cosmic levels, thanks to guitarist Tommi Holappa’s rolling riffs and fried psychedelics and singer/guitarist Fredrik Nordin’s blistering vocal power.
Third album Call it Conspiracy was a milestone in perfectly crafted high-energy anthems, as the lockdown grooves of rhythm section Johan Rockner (bass) and Erik Bäckwall (drums) along with heaping helpings of ‘70s hard rock heroics saw the band establish themselves as a live force, leveling audiences across the UK and Europe with their white hot eruptions.
Even as Dozer achieved greater recognition on European, US and Australian tours supporting the likes of Clutch, Spiritual Beggars and Mastodon, Holappa also started side project Greenleaf as an outlet for jammier, less-structured digressions.
An inflection point came with Dozer’s fourth album Through the Eyes of Heathens, which saw them drive the intensity into the red and push the tempos to match. Their fuzz-groove attack now infused with heightened aggression and crush, the shift was consecrated by the appearance of Mastodon’s Troy Saunders lending vocals to the song “Until Man Exists No More.”
Dozer pushed ahead in this vein with 2008’s Beyond Colossal, which All Music called, “arguably their heaviest and darkest song cycle yet,” and which included a career watermark in the form of mini-epic “Empire’s End” featuring guest vocals from Neil Fallon of Clutch.
But, although the album was a triumph in channeling the various tributaries of the members’ decade-plus growth and influences, it would also be their last proper album for quite some time. Nordin returned to school to earn his Master’s degree, Holappa turned Greenleaf into a full-time band, and Dozer went on indefinite hiatus.
If the band seemed to sleep while Greenleaf roamed, Dozer has now reawakened with a vengeance. With the reactivation of live activities and a new home on the impeccable roster of Blues Funeral Recordings, Dozer’s new album Drifting in the Endless Void is an undeniable affirmation of their status not just as forefathers of a movement, but as champions of volcanic energy and pure riff worship.
Drifting in the Endless Void is packed to the rafters with dense instrumentation, arena-ready melodies, and contemplative restraint. Dozer still brings the tumultuous churn that longtime fans expect, but their sound has become a gravitational mass that also pulls in massive sludge, fuzzed-out doom, space-tripping grooves, red-eyed psychedelics, and whatever else they find floating in the vast cosmic expanse.
Although mined from from the same bedrock as Beyond Colossal, Drifting in the Endless Void is awash in surprising dynamics. When Holappa and Nordin lock into a tandem riff, they whip up unstoppable, pummeling storms of perfect rock and roll. Nordin’s vocals wail, whisper and roar, leaping from haunting falsettos to guttural rage to wide panoscopic hooks. With the addition of drummer Sebastian Olsson (also of Greenleaf), the moody and atmospheric elements crackle with taut electricity, and the breakdowns thunder with renewed ferocity. Rockner’s bass carves massive grooves for the band to swing through, and Holappa’s leads are as supple, melodic and infectious as ever.
Across the record’s seven songs, Dozer moves seamlessly from furious whirlwinds to spaced-out dirge, from deceptive simplicity to polyrhythmic complexity, and from pastoral prog to immense yet catchy modern metal.
Dozer’s return to the musical landscape they helped shape is cause enough for celebration, but the explosive playing and fiery purpose is what makes Drifting in the Endless Void a truly unmissable experience. With age and time come wisdom and pain, and you can hear both screaming through in the grit and determination of every rough-hewn riff and tumbling fill. Dozer continues to sketch a desert that is entirely their own, and we are lucky to walk in their wake.
KAYKO is an alternative pop artist with influences from pop punk, synth pop, and musical theatre. Eyed by Katy Perry for his star quality, he accidentally found his way into the Top 10 on Season 22 of American Idol where he wowed America with his original songs. A combination of interesting melodies, introspective lyrics, and an energizing stage presence creates “happy songs with sad words” that leaves listeners dancing and crying at the same time.
