I am starting to encounter more situations in which I am asked by industry professionals how to “describe my sound”. I realize the importance of doing this; not solely from a professional standpoint, but for my own self-understanding, so that I might have a firmer grasp on what kind of music makes me come alive.
When creating music, I am honest, emotional, intimate, and sensory focused. Every instrument is saying something and every sound is clear and pointed. I am simply relieving the weight in my chest and it can come out as a complicated as a cryptic metaphor or as simple as a 3 word repeated hook. Sometimes my words can be laced with satire like Vonnegut’s “so it goes” and sometimes they can be as fiery and desperate as a captured dragon. And if the work doesn’t have a point or purpose, scrap it. I cannot create without intention. If I am angry because someone seemed to understand what it means to love deeply and then fled the responsibility, I’ll write about that very thing. If I am happy because Mom told me something beautiful about living, I will write about that very thing. It’s really a simple task and yet sometimes I am afraid of it because I don’t want to create something silly that listeners can’t relate to. But I think I am actually pretty relatable, just as you are, just as everyone on this planet is, no?
“Ooh, there’s a little bit of me inside you, gathering what you lost. Ooh, there’s a little bit of you in everyone, can never keep a secret.” – Me In You by Kings of Convenience
Originally from Dayton, Ohio Leah Jean brings a fresh perspective onto the Chicago music scene. Her classical and jazz guitar training is an essential tool to her songwriting as her songs are decorated with unique riffs, solos and chords. Her jazzy, warm vocal style is reminiscent of singers like Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Gretchen Parlato. She incorporates elements of soul, pop, jazz, and rock in her music. Lyrically honest, dense, and heartfelt, Leah’s haunting melodies and emotion-packed sound will leave the listener wanting more.
Leah has played at many venues in Chicago including The Metro, PRYSM Nightclub, TEDx Columbia College, Beat Kitchen, Martyrs, The Gala, Emporium, The Foxhole, Playground Theatre, Elbo Room, The Gwen Hotel, The Intercontinental Hotel, The Renaissance Hotel, and Lacuna Lofts. She is currently working on her second studio EP…
Local rock band from Chicago’s South Side.
listen and think
MAKING SLAM GREAT AGAIN
Produced by Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, King 810, Tallah, Varials), Signs Of The Swarm’s latest album—Amongst the Low & Empty (2023)—is so destructively deafening, it blew out Schroeder’s subwoofer and left their manager in hysterics laughing out loud at its brutality.
“We’ve always been a deathcore band,” states Bobby Crow. “But this record is a lot MORE – it’s got death metal, metalcore, djent, some industrial stuff…We wanted to make something that was just heavy.”
In the 1.5 years since its release, the Pittsburgh titans released a standalone single that took that to new heights. “IWONTLETYOUDIE” dropped in the midst of their monstrous “Decade of the Swarm Tour, ” celebrating, you guessed it, ten years of that very heavy—albeit in many mutations. It’s these ferocious fusions that have allowed them to play with acts like Lorna Shore, Thy Art Is Murder, Whitechapel, Cattle Decapitation, Carnifex and Archspire, rip European festivals between sold-out headline shows and more.
The buzzing in your ear ain’t tinnitus—well, actually, it might be that too—it’s the Swarm.
Shadow of Intent was formed in 2014 as an internet-based project between vocalist Ben Duerr and instrumentalist Chris Wiseman. The band released their first EP called “Inferi Sententia” on July 18, 2014 and continued writing more music for the album that would be called “Primordial”.
In 2015 the band started releasing more songs and followed up with full length album “Primordial” on January 10, 2016 which rapidly started gaining traction on the internet. Over the next year the album “Reclaimer” was written and the lineup changed gears adding live members to perform in the music videos and eventually live shows.
The second studio album “Reclaimer” was released independently in 2017, selling 1,300 copies in its first week, and to this day has amassed over a million streams. In October the band announced its debut performance in December which would sell out the Webster Underground in Hartford, CT. Shortly after, the band was recruited by JJ Cassiere of the booking agency 33 and West. He started putting the band on national tours with metal acts such as The Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel, Carnifex, Oceano and Fleshgod Apocalypse.
Up and coming rapper Adam Renetzky, stage name girldust, draws lyrical inspiration from sad alt rock and combines it with gothic style rap to express the raw human emotions and to create his own art.
An up and coming rapper by the name of Lance “Elgie” Gasher. Music is heavily focused on lyricism, flow, and wordplay. Pushing boundaries until there are none left.
That place you go to where you realize you don’t belong in your own skin.
Madison-based cover band
90’s Grunge/Alternative and more
Fantastic Planet is the third studio album by the American alternative rock band Failure. It was the last album released on Slash Records as distributed by Warner Bros. Records. The album failed to chart on Billboard’s Top 200 albums, but did produce a charting single with “Stuck on You”, which reached #23 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs Chart. The album was produced by Failure themselves in a process that took longer than their previous two albums, with one song being recorded and produced soon after being written, and repeating this process. Space-rock themes course through the album’s lyrics, as well as various indirect references to drug addiction, drug-related experiences, and prostitution. Seven of the album’s songs were also included on Failure’s Essentials, a best-of collection from 2006.
In 2009, JustPressPlay named Fantastic Planet the third best album of the 1990s. They also ranked the song “The Nurse Who Loved Me” at #10 in its list of the Top 100 Songs of the 1990s.
The melding of Rock and Rap is a concept that’s existed within the underbelly of music for decades, yet few have done what City Morgue is about to do. When upstarts SosMula and ZillaKami come together, their fusion is seamless—oozing true skill with a reckless lack of fucks left to give. As the supergroup readies their collective debut mixtape City Morgue Vol. 1: Hell or High Water, the dynamic duo delivers a new and exciting vibe for any fan of true music—from hip-hop to metal. It’s City Morgue season. Get ready.
Their collective story begins in 2016, though their respective paths in music happened long before that. Growing up in Harlem, SosMula lived at the intersection of hip-hop and ink culture, as his mother owned a tattoo shop that became his second home. Listening to artists like Eminem early on, Sos quickly found his way to music. “I’ve been rapping since I was kid. I never really took it seriously,” the 24-year-old says. “I had the talent, I just didn’t know what to do with it.”
Eventually the streets came calling and budding Trap stars like Jeezy would provide the soundtrack to his real life. “The numbers, the details…everything Jeezy was talking about? I was doing that shit,” Sos recalls. “I’m baggin’ up, listening to Jeezy while I’m cookin’ crack.” After a few bids, he landed a 15-month one in 2015 over a house raid, and during that time would correspond daily with Hikari-Ultra co-founder Peter “P” Rogers, who was working at his mother’s shop at the time. When Sos was released, he learned that not only was P building a new movement, but his little brother ZillaKami was now a part of it.
Raised in Bay Shore, Long Island, ZillaKami was a product of the flourishing Hardcore movement specific to the region—as clubs like Revolution Bar in Amityville were backbones of that niche culture. “I was in a Punk band called Scud Got Quayle,” Zilla adds, starting with playing bass and moving over to vocals. “I wasn’t into hip-hop too much,” the 19-year-old admits, though once he was put onto the gruff vocals of DMX and the Hardcore-adjacent styles of Onyx and the Beastie Boys, his perspective changed. Self-taught in music theory, Zilla would piece sounds together by the familiar work of his idols like Henry Rollins and his work with Black Flag. Having his own take with a skewed rap spin, the product became not only a successful blend of the two art forms, but so unique that when his older brother P took his label to the next level with business partner Mel Carter, they would make ZillaKami a flagship artist.
As soon as SosMula left prison, he hit the ground running as well. “I met Zilla my first day home and we were in the studio every day,” says Sos. Together they became City Morgue, and from the end of 2017, the two erupted Soundcloud with millions of listens. Working with producer THRAXX, the two dropped off “Shinners13,” a menacing cut that’s now clocking in well over three millions streams. Then there was “SK8 HEAD,” which idyllically identifies why this pair works, combining Zilla’s Hardcore upbringing mixed with Sos’s true Trap sensibilities. The visuals are equally intense, as City Morgue is an experience felt with all senses.
Countless cuts on Soundcloud, a successful run at SXSW, plus an aesthetic that unifies the early days of Punk with extensive Ink (the two have anecdotes for every tattoo on their bodies), the time is now to bring City Morgue’s first collective project to the streets. City Morgue Vol. 1: Hell or High Water will continue the movement that two have forged, with more tracks that reach a wider audience. “Downer,” is rooted in melody, with an ambiguous title as Zilla is straight edge, while Sos is the exact opposite. “It’s more mellow than the other songs,” Sos says, “Zilla’s even harmonizing.” Things kick up on tracks like “Black Matter,” which is designed for damage. “I walked into the studio and said I’m making a mosh pit song,” Zilla says with a laugh. Songs like “Grave Hop” and “P.T.S.D.” continue along that similar vein, while “Lamborghini Getaway” and “Snow On The Bluff” turn a corner into mainstream. It’s an experience anyone can appreciate and shows what happens when two worlds meet to form an entirely new planet.
The Hikari-Ultra/Republic Records signees have already shown a significant track record of hits in a relatively short amount of time, and it won’t stop there. Vol. 1 is the first of many City Morgue collaborations, but both SosMula and ZillaKami will be bringing their solo flavors to the forefront in the very near future. “We’re just here to do something different,” Sos says with confidence as Zilla adds, “We didn’t hear what we wanted to in music, so we decided to make it ourselves.”
Here to spread the riff gospel of vengeance, glory and fury.
Beretta plays heavy metal rock n’ roll.
Max Beretta – Lead Vocals
Myles Kent – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Chad Goodman – Bass, Backing Vocals
Sweet n’ Sweaty Ricky J – Drums
The History of Otis Redding is the first of numerous compilations of Otis Redding songs, featuring hits from 1962 to early 1967. Released one month prior to Redding’s death in December 1967, it was the final album (and only compilation album) issued during his lifetime.
DJ CHISOXROX has been spinning records in the Chicagoland area for over 40 years. His discs are ingrained with the likes of YES, Tragically Hip, Rush, and Snow Patrol. Now with a world-class vinyl setup in an industrial loft in Printer’s Row, DJ CHISOXROX ventures out every so often to play a wide range of progressive and alternative rock to fans across the city. Catch him at Reggies or at secret “Drop The Needle” sessions taking place amidst the underground apartment scene.
Kyle Green – Guitar/Vocals
Cris Golan – Bass
Shawn Grib – Drums
Photographs & Memories: His Greatest Hits is a 1974 compilation album (and second posthumous release) by Jim Croce, originally released on ABC Records. The album was released a year after Croce’s 1973 death in an airplane crash. The inner photo jacket includes a tributatory essay on one side and a photo of Jim’s son A.J. on the other. The title track originally appeared on the You Don’t Mess Around with Jim LP as well as the B-side of the album title track single in 1972.
Berwyn based progressive jam band.
Our debut studio album “Second Helpings” is expected to be out by late September. Check us out live at one of our shows over the next few months… Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!
As the former audience warmup for FOX SPORTS ONE’s “Crowd Goes Wild”, he worked with the legendary Regis Philbin. Additionally, James has appeared on “THE MOJO SHOW” on CBS SPORTS RADIO; and was a “man on the street” for “FERRALL ON THE BENCH” on SIRIUS-XM.
Emerging from the vibrant streets of Chicago, SheGo Turbo is more than just a hip-hop artist; she’s a dynamic force reshaping the genre. Her music fuses traditional hip-hop elements with modern influences, creating an electrifying blend of hard-hitting beats and infectious hooks. Her lyrics, delivered with raw intensity, reflect her deep emotional connection to her experiences, painting vivid portraits of urban life that resonate with listeners and draw them into her world. What sets SheGo Turbo apart is her storytelling ability. Each track showcases her effortless flow and captivating delivery, blending personal experiences with universal themes. Her music not only pays homage to hip-hop’s roots but pushes the genre into new territory. As she continues to break barriers and redefine norms, SheGo Turbo’s artistry resonates deeply with a generation navigating contemporary life, making her a key figure in the evolving hip-hop landscape.
Her message to teenagers is to “never give up because dreams do come true, you just have to have patience and work for it.” She says that she has never stopped dreaming and her dreams transformed into reality. She has the swagger to get a person of any age grooving to her lyrics and rap.
Her followers have reached 35K on Twitter and she has 1.1 Million fans on Instagram which is steadily growing. On YouTube she has 142K subscribers tuning into her channel.
Queen Key is Rapper from Chicago, Illinois. whose singles such as “Hit A Lic,” “Baked as a Pie,” “Killa,” “Take Money,” and “Calling All Eaters” can be found with accompanying music videos on the YouTube channel Rayy Moneyyy Visions.
Sunshine Boys are a Chicago-based trio of veteran recording and touring artists from some of the most revered bands in indie rock. Featuring Freda Love Smith (Blake Babies, Antenna, Mysteries of Life), Jacqueline Schimmel (Justin Roberts, Big Hello), and Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs), Sunshine Boys offer a propulsive, melodic take on pop rock.
The Cash Box Kings are bona fide blues royalty. Co-led by real-deal Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter Oscar Wilson and Madison, Wisconsin-based songwriter, harmonica giant and singer Joe Nosek, the band plays masterfully raw and unvarnished houserocking blues. Wilson’s huge, gritty vocals and Nosek’s powerhouse harmonica fuel their razor-sharp original songs. With their top shelf musicianship and trademark good humor, The Cash Box Kings are a one-of-a-kind blues band. In the words of MOJO magazine, the band is “flawless.”
1962. A damp, sweaty cellar on a narrow cobblestone street
in Liverpool, England. You descend down a narrow staircase
and enter a wild new world of raucous, primitive Rock&Roll played
with reckless abandon to an enthusiastic mob. On the small stage
is a group of young upstarts in leather jackets and cuban-heeled boots, pounding away a relentless beat that drives the crowd into a frenzy. This was the birth of Rock&Roll in Britain. This was the launching of the British Invasion that would soon conquer America.
This is the inspiration for Grand Rapids quartet, The JetBeats. The band was formed in 2013 based on a shared infatuation with British Beat Rock of the early 60’s. Part Rhythm&Blues, part Rockabilly, part Pop – ALL Rock&Roll. Legends like The Beatles, The Kinks, The Who, The Stones, The Searchers, The Dave Clark Five, and modern groups like JD McPherson, The Fratellis, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis provide the musical lineage.
As opposed to other bands that claim the same influences, The JetBeats capture the magic of that early 60’s sound with their own originals – done to vintage spec. A JetBeats show is a rocket ride to the fabulous early 60’s, with a contemporary twist. The gear, the threads, the tone, the LOT. The JetBeats will remind you of a time when rock&roll was fresh, wild and unjaded.
Feel THE BEAT!
Lyrical “hippie punk” folk rock……………………..
Matt Pless is a musician who can’t read music, an artist who can’t stand most aspects of the pretentious art community, and a writer who usually has fairly poor grammatical skills. All that aside, he creates some pretty cool stuff…check it out for yourself!
Folk Punk band from Fargo, ND. Once a solo project of guitar player and singer Sky Husebye. The band now includes Tim Julio on bass and Chris Holmes on drums.
~~// a few friends fighting for ourselves cause who the hell else will // stompy spooky queer folk punx w yelling and turnarounds and everything //~~
JUST A BUNCH OF PUNKS TRYING TO PLAY COUNTRY
featuring members of various Stockholm punk garage and psychobilly bands
Ant – Vocals
Danne – Guitar
Jonis – Bango/Dobro
Rafal – Double Bass
Terry – Drums
Lansing, MI based DIY band, She/Her/Hers is Emma grrrl and friends.
Gender is Boring.
Kill The Boy Band
Holy Locust is a five piece acoustic folk band, seamlessly blending the raw energy and ideals of punk music with refined folk traditions from around the world. Far flung from home and steeped in the myriad of their worldly adventures, Holy Locust, in sound, is the embodiment of chaos tamed. Anywhere from street corners in Mexico to pubs in Ireland, they bring a riveting collaboration of acoustic punk, New Orleans jazz, and traditional folk music, carrying with them the folk tradition of resistance and equality.
Tim Seisser Bassist/Musician
Formed in 1985 Dublin CA by Perry Strickland and Phil Demmel, later joined by Deen Dell, Sean Killian and Rob Flynn. Reformed in 2019 and in the process of writing a new EP for Metal Blade Records for March 2022 release with Bobby Gustafson on Guitar and Christian Olde Wolbers on bass.
Houses of the Holy is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin. It was released on 28 March 1973 by Atlantic Records.
The album benefited from several band members installing studios at home, which allowed them to develop more sophisticated songs and arrangements, and expand their musical style. Several songs subsequently became fixtures in the group’s live set, including “The Song Remains the Same”, “The Rain Song” and “No Quarter”. Other material recorded at the sessions, including the title track, was shelved and released on the later albums Physical Graffiti and Coda. All instruments and vocals were provided by the band members Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones(bass, keyboards), and John Bonham (drums). The album was produced by Jimmy Page, and it was mixed by Eddie Kramer.
Derek “Mo” Moore – bass, vocals (1969-1978, 2002-2003, 2019 -)
Ron Howden – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1969-1978, 2003-2016, 2019 -)
Ryche Chlanda – guitars, lead vocals (1978, 2019 -)
Randy Dembo – bass, bass pedals, acoustic guitar, backing vocals (2003-2006, 2019 – )
Kendall Scott – keyboards (2019 -)
Mick Brockett – special effects, lights and lyrics (1969-1977, 2002, 2019 -)
Nektar’s contribution over the last 49 years has quite rightly earned them their place in any ‘Progressive Rock Hall of Fame’. But the band is much more than a ‘Prog Legend’, the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique.
Nektar’s history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the early eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed, was out . . . until that is, the year 2000.
The new millennium saw the long awaited reunion tour of the classic line up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions. The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow – by loyal fans across the globe.
Sixteen years on and the family has grown a little, but the classic Nektar spirit is still very much alive, building on the band’s rediscovered popularity. The Nektar family is determined to continue bringing Nektar music to you around the world.
Kiss Kiss Bang is a classic rock n’ roll quintet born and bred in the heart of western Kentucky. Trevor Smith, Andrew Hopper, Clayton Crowder, and Malcolm Warren form a powerhouse of a raw and electric modern slam band with monstrous guitars and Eagles-style vocals that carry near constant three part harmonies. Accompanied by a thundering rhythm section of groove running bass and wild n’ out, heavy hitting drum beats that act as a constant heartbeat to the already tight and locked in showmen, Kiss Kiss Bang have been one of the top tier, heavyweights of the Bowling Green, KY local music scene for only a few years. A complete renovation from the ground up in 2018 changed not only the sound of the band, but the soul itself. Sharing stages with multiple national acts over the last couple of years have helped the young bloods get a little more long in the tooth and more the wiser at just what it takes to not only get to the top, but f**king stay there!
The Leviathan Of The 847, A modern day Daniel Desario, a shoulder too cold to cry on and the man who your aunt makes waffles for.