“95 Goldie,” is an American rapper, songwriter, producer, creative director and swiss army knife from the southside of Chicago. Born and raised in what is known as the ‘wild 100’s” in the Roseland, Beverly, and West Pullman community, Goldie has carved his way into the Chicago hip-hop scene. With his soulful music and authentic lyrics, 95 Goldie has created a new lane of hip-hop. Heavily influenced by music from different decades and genres. Goldie has blended these styles to create something unique and entertaining.
Vastum is an American death metal band, formed in 2009 in San Francisco, California. The current line-up of the band consists of guitarist and vocalist Leila Abdul-Rauf, vocalist Daniel Butler, drummer Adam Perry, guitarist Shelby Lermo, and bassist Colin Tarvin.
Liam Durkin, A 25 year old singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois, has gigged his way around the Chicagoland area since the age of 14, playing at local bars, restaurants, clubs, festivals, and everything in between.
The Bends is the second studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 13 March 1995 by Parlophone. It was produced by John Leckie, with extra production by Radiohead, Nigel Godrich and Jim Warren. The Bendscombines guitar songs and ballads, with more restrained arrangements and cryptic lyrics than Radiohead’s debut album, Pablo Honey (1993).
Work began at RAK Studios, London, in February 1994. Tensions were high, with pressure from Parlophone to match sales of Radiohead’s debut single, “Creep”, and progress was slow. After an international tour in May and June, Radiohead resumed work at Abbey Road in London and the Manor in Oxfordshire. The Bends was the first Radiohead album recorded with Godrich and the artist Stanley Donwood, who have worked on every Radiohead album since.
Several singles were released, backed by music videos: “My Iron Lung”, the double A-side “High and Dry / Planet Telex”, “Fake Plastic Trees”, “Just”, and Radiohead’s first top-five entry on the UK singles chart, “Street Spirit (Fade Out)”. “The Bends” was also released as a single in Ireland. A live video, Live at the Astoria, was released on VHS. Radiohead toured extensively for The Bends, including US tours supporting R.E.M. and Alanis Morissette.
Revolver is the seventh studio album by the English rock band the Beatles. It was released on 5 August 1966, accompanied by the double A-side single “Eleanor Rigby” / “Yellow Submarine”. The album was the Beatles’ final recording project before their retirement as live performers and marked the group’s most overt use of studio technology to date, building on the advances of their late 1965 release Rubber Soul. It has since become regarded as one of the greatest and most innovative albums in the history of popular music, with recognition centred on its range of musical styles, diverse sounds and lyrical content.
Subhumans are one of the most influential bands from the UK Anarcho-Punk scene of the 80’s, filed right alongside Crass and Conflict, and just as relevant today as they were during the darkest days of Thatcher’s Britain. Take your choice in how to label them – Punk, UK82, Crusty, etc, – there lies the attraction and consequent reason for their popularity, the band epitomizes non-conformity and connects with people in many different scenes.
Forming in 1980, recording and releasing a series of live and demo cassette tapes on their own Bluurg label, they continued to release music throughout the 80’s – building a powerhouse of a back catalog that completely stands the test of time. Their debut LP ‘The Day the Country Died’ (1983), with its Orwellian influence, is considered by many to be a classic and has sold in excess of 100,000 copies. The second album, ‘From the Cradle to the Grave’, came swiftly the following year (1984), and although the same frenetic pace is in evidence, this marks a significant musical development for the band. In 1985 Subhumans broke up, citing the usual musical differences, although had managed to release a third, maybe ironically entitled, LP ‘Worlds Apart.’ A final EP was released posthumously in 1986, ‘29:29 Split Vision,’ a further demonstration of how far the band had come musically from their initial leanings.
Dick Lucas subsequently joined Culture Shock and then formed political ska-punk band Citizen Fish in 1990, both bands releasing many albums, and still playing today. Subhumans had a couple of reunion shows in the nineties, before a more permanent return for the 21st century, including 2 major tours of the US, the first resulting in the ‘Live in a Dive’ LP. The Subhumans then released a further studio album in 2007, ‘Internal Riot,’ again on Bluurg Records. The band is still passionate and angry, illustrated by Dick saying “Being in a band is the source of most of my passion and drive! The live experience of sharing it with people keeps it ongoing, the release of anger, frustration and initially negative/destructive states of mind is a release from the downward spiral of keeping it all bottled up and it feels positive/constructive as a result.”
The band have recently written ten new songs, which Pirates Press Records are thrilled to be releasing, and are embarking on a year of touring in both Europe and North America! First a split with The Restarts before a 12” of their own comes out in October of 2019! The social and political commentary of bands like Subhumans forged a path, along with their contemporaries, for punk to change lives and opinions around the world. Sadly the things they sang about forty years ago are largely just as important now, sometimes more so in an age of Trump and Brexit. We can’t wait to hear more of what they have to say about the current political climate, the immense imbalance of wealth and power, and the causes they hold near and dear to their hearts.
Out of the shadows comes Mystigaard, the new musical project from the creative mind of Ted Jedlicki (Thor, Chamber Mage). Joined by vocalist Terry Westerman, the two have set out to bring their passion for heavy metal to headbangers everywhere! Taking traditional metal and sprinkling in elements of power metal, the songs have strong melodies, catchy vocals, and a high level of musicianship.
SEVEN SPIRES will release their fourth studio album, titled “A Fortress Called Home”, on June 21st, 2024, via Frontiers Music srl. The highly-anticipated follow-up to “Gods of Debauchery” (2021) takes their signature blend of symphonic, power and extreme metal to new heights, and drags the listener to the deepest abysses in the process. “A Fortress Called Home” was produced, mixed, and mastered by guitarist Jack Kosto. Frontwoman Adrienne Cowan comments: “I visited the void twice while writing this album. I don’t know which begat the other. It’s ugly. I love it and I hate it, and I think it’s our best work yet.”
Seven Spires’ 2024 touring schedule includes a European tour with Skálmöld and Atavistia in March, four North American shows as direct support for Kamelot with Ad Infinitum in April, a headline set at Mile High Power Fest in Denver, CO, in August, and their first-ever headlining Japanese tour with Lords of the Trident in December. Visit www.sevenspiresband.com for more information.
We are Crimson Glory, an American heavy metal band that formed in 1983 in Sarasota, Florida, USA. Our journey began in 1979 under the name Pierced Arrow, then evolved into Beowulf, before we finally settled on Crimson Glory. Our classic line-up featured vocalist Midnight, guitarists Jon Drenning and Ben Jackson, bass guitarist Jeff Lords, and drummer Dana Burnell. With this line-up, we rose to international fame in the mid-1980s and were considered one of the pioneers of the American progressive metal movement, alongside bands like Queensrÿche, Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and Watchtower. Throughout our career, we released four studio albums and one EP.
Ram is a studio album by Paul and Linda McCartney, released in May 1971 on Apple Records. The album was recorded amid Paul McCartney’s legal action in the United Kingdom’s High Court to dissolve the Beatles’ partnership, following their break-up the year before. This is the only album credited to the couple. He and Linda recorded it in New York with guitarists David Spinozza and Hugh McCracken, and future Wings drummer Denny Seiwell. Its release coincided with a period of bitter acrimony between McCartney and his former bandmate John Lennon, who perceived verbal slights in the lyrics to songs such as “Too Many People”.
On release, the album was received negatively by the majority of music critics, although opinion has become more favourable in subsequent decades. A commercial success nonetheless, Ram topped the national albums charts in the UK, the Netherlands and Canada. Three singles were issued from Ram: “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey”, which became McCartney’s first number 1 hit in America, “The Back Seat of My Car” and “Eat at Home”. The album was reissued in May 2012.
Jules Conroy, professionally known as FamilyJules, is an American guitarist and YouTube content creator celebrated for his metal renditions of video game music. Born on June 11, 1991, in Massachusetts, he developed a passion for both gaming and music early in life. Self-taught on the guitar since 2006, Jules began sharing his dynamic covers on YouTube in 2010, quickly gaining recognition for his technical skill and creative arrangements.
Over the years, Jules has collaborated with notable composers such as Grant Kirkhope and Danny Baranowsky, contributing to soundtracks for games like Crypt of the NecroDancer and Cadence of Hyrule.
His YouTube channel boasts over 550,000 subscribers and 175 million views, featuring popular videos like “Replay: A Metal Tribute to the History of Video Games,” which has garnered more than 2.5 million views.
In addition to his online presence, Jules performs live at various conventions and events, engaging audiences with his energetic performances. He is also active on platforms like Twitch, where he streams live music performances and gaming content.
Brant Bjork has spent over a quarter-century at the epicenter of Californian desert rock. From cutting his teeth drumming and
composing on the legendary Kyuss’ landmark early albums, to propelling the seminal fuzz of Fu Manchu from 1994-2001 while producing other bands, putting together offshoot projects , and over the last 20 years embarking on his solo career as a singer, guitarist and bandleader, founding his own record label and more, his history is a winding narrative of relentless, unflinching creativity.
Brant Bjork is a founding pioneer of the Stoner Rock / Desert Rock music scenes. In 2024 the band is the lean and mean Brant Bjork Trio featuring Ryan Güt on drums and old friend and desert rock pioneer Mario Lalli (Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson) on bass guitar.
Chad Tepper, the musician with a vibrant persona earning him over 4 million followers on social media, has definitely spent some time in the limelight. Since moving from Orlando, Florida to Los Angeles in 2015 he’s jumped at every opportunity to grow his fanbase, showcasing his larger-than-life personality through stuntman-like antics and gnarly skateboard tricks. But in more recent years he has shifted focus to his true passion – making music – and building a lasting legacy in the alternative world.
Since hitting the studio for the first time 4 years ago, the singer & guitarist is proving to be our generation’s next authentic rockstar. The effortlessly grunge quality of his voice combined with an all or nothing mindset and flair for storytelling find him equipped with the tools he needs for a fruitful career. Already seeing streams in the millions – over 15 million this past year alone – his talents have been recognized by industry majors such as Apple 1, Spotify, Lyrical Lemonade, KROQ among others. 2021 saw huge milestones for Tepper, boasting dream collaborations with Simple Plan, Travie McCoy and Cheat Codes; all acts that he grew up listening to and influenced the artist he is now.
But there’s more to Chad than meets the eye; the tattooed ex-pro skater wouldn’t be the success story he is today without his fair share of hardship. The unfortunate fate of his early life saw Chad facing seven years of childhood homelessness, an experience that forever shaped the person and artist that he is today. “It was a moment in time and history of my life that I’ll never forget and honestly shaped me so much,” Tepper explained. “I wouldn’t be who I am without it and beyond that it is the reason why I write music the way I do.”
After getting his first cassette player from a homeless shelter when he was 6, Tepper was destined to make music. Growing up watching icons from the 70’s such as Rick James, Freddie Mercury and Elton John, he also was impressed by early pop-punk, alt-rock and grunge that inform the high-powered music he makes now. Finding himself coming back to emotionally charged lyrics full of self-depracating coping mechanisms, Chad reflects, “For some reason, my lyrics are all about love, heartbreak and being a fucking loser my whole life.”
An entertainer at heart, if you’re lucky enough to see a live Chad Tepper show you’ll be able to witness his outgoing energy and charisma as he commands the stage, loving and embracing every second of life. His flair for theatrics and passion for captivating audiences are a recipe for a truly dynamic performance. He gives 100% of himself and sometimes admittedly gets a little too in the moment, noting “All the crazy stuff I’m known for sometimes comes out too hahaha – it’s like a punk show from the 70s.”
He isn’t afraid to bare it all (literally) to the world and with his recent signing to the legendary Epitaph Records, he’s ready to dive head-first into a new era. When it comes down to it, Chad just wants to share his story. “My music is real. I’m a storyteller. It’s all my past or things I believe for my future. I’m never scared to be vulnerable and I think that’s relatable.”
Ashlyn Sisco is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. Known for her introspective lyrics and warm vocal style, she blends traditional folk influences with modern storytelling. Her recent single, “Falling Asleep at the Wheel,” came out in November 2024 to lead her upcoming EP “Spiral” to be released in January 2025! Playing around Chicago in other bands throughout the past couple of years, Ashlyn is excited to begin performing more frequently as a solo act and can’t wait to share new music with people in a live setting!
Ian Fisher left his home state of Missouri when he was twenty one to roam the streets of Europe for fifteen years. His music, which Rolling Stone calls “Half Americana & Half Abbey Road-Worthy Pop”, mixes his rural Midwestern upbringing with a delicacy shaped by his time abroad. Simple, yet emotionally complex, he has the acoustic grit of an early Jeff Tweedy with a sentimental pen ready to strike a’la Townes Van Zandt. Fisher has written two thousand songs and performed them at a thousand shows around Europe, Africa, and North America. He lives between Toronto, Vienna, and his family farm.
With a voice described as ‘truly astonishing’ by Rolling Stone, Anna Smyrk is a powerful singer and songmaker from Naarm (Melbourne, Australia). Her songs are anthemic indie bombshells, pairing vulnerable lyrics with explosive arrangements and undeniable hooks.
The last year has been massive for Anna, with highlights including touring North America and Europe and official showcases at SXSW (Austin TX) and Folk Alliance International (Kansas City, MO).
Anna’s most recent EP, Cortisol and Blue Light, was recorded in Nashville with award-winning producers Jake Finch and Collin Pastore (boygenius, Lucy Dacus). The record sizzles with smart songwriting and wry observations as it explores themes of fight or flight and the push/pull effect in relationships. The record charted on US college radio and singles were added to MTV in Germany.
She’s toured non-stop, supporting some of Australia’s biggest artists (Birds of Tokyo, Tim Rogers, Bachelor Girl) and performing at some of Australia’s finest festivals (Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival). She’s showcased at international events all over the world, including NXNE (Canada), Folk Alliance International (USA) and Live at Heart (Sweden).
Described by Backseat Mafia UK as “a significant songwriter with an exceptional voice,” Anna Smyrk is a formidable artist on the rise. Her debut album will be released in 2025.
Growing up in Madrid, Spain, US based artist Brie Stoner pulls from her multilingual and multicultural background in her indie dream rock music. Featuring vocals reminiscent of Mazzy Star blended with a fresh production sensibility, Stoner has worked with producers such as Jay Bennett (Wilco) and David Vandervelde (Father John Misty). “Like A Man” the new EP is a melodic ode to Stoner’s formative years in Los Angeles, the record shimmers like sunshine on ocean waves. In addition to being a beloved co-host to a hit podcast with over 4 million listeners, Stoner’s voice and music have been featured in national campaigns such as Ralph Lauren, Victoria Secret, Orange is The New Black, and The Affair. Stoner’s new book Turned On: A Creative’s Guide to Awakening, Presence, Pleasure, and Possibility is out on January 7, 2025 on Broadleaf Books.
Hailing from Birmingham, AL, childhood friends Tanner Gray and Colby Wilson have been writing music together for over ten years. The pair have drawn inspiration from different genres and eras – The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Grateful Dead, Vampire Weekend, and John Mayer to name a few. The music that comes from Gray and Wilson has always boasted blood harmonies as well as thoughtful, invoking lyrics.
Post high school, Gray and Wilson took different paths. Gray attended Mississippi State University; Wilson stayed in Birmingham. While at MSU, Gray became acquainted with Chase Porter (bass) and Zach Corder (drums). Porter, Corder, and Gray would form and play in multiple groups during their time in Starkville, MS. Wilson, all the while, was writing music of his own with his group Smoking With the Bandit. After graduating in 2015, Porter made his way to Nashville to begin a career in Marketing. A year later, Gray and Corder made their post-graduate home in the panhandle of Florida, where they eventually formed The Graytones.
In the Spring of 2019, Gray and Wilson were reunited when Gray moved back to Birmingham in pursuit of a new job. Corder headed to Music City, catching up with Porter. Gray and Wilson picked up right where they left off in Alabama, and they soon felt a new project starting to take form.
As the duo recorded acoustic demos, they reached out to their Mississippi-born rhythm section.
The demos were shared north to Nashville, and once Porter and Corder heard what Gray and Wilson were doing, they were all in. In September of 2019, Certainly So was formed. Several months later, in January 2020, the group was introduced to producer/engineer Toby Hulbert. Hulbert had spent the last 8 years at Abbey Road in his hometown of London, England, and was currently in Nashville working alongside hitmaker Dave Cobb. Upon hearing the ‘Certainly So’ demos, he felt a similar sentiment as Porter and Corder did- he must be involved. Hulbert joined the team as producer. Certainly So and Hulbert gained access to East Avalon Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals through RCA’s Colin Lott during April 2020. Over the next two months, Hulbert and Lott teamed up to produce and engineer four weekend sessions, recording what would be the band’s debut album Future Self Only Dreams.
Following the Future Self Only Dreams release, Certainly So released Dreams of Green. The record is a combination of the songs that did not sonically make the cut for Future Self Only Dreams, but still deserved to be produced and recorded in their own style, and the new writes that fit the same vibe. Dreams of Green was recorded in the bands basement in the Inglewood area of Nashville and is intended it to be an extension of Future Self Only Dreams. Similarly to Future Self Only Dreams, Dreams of Green was engineered by Colin Lott and mixed by Toby Hulbert in 2021, but was self produced by the members of Certainly So. Dreams of Green was released in July 2022.
Certainly So released their first single in over a year “Alabama Blues” on April 21st 2023. Their follow up single “Tired For a Living” will be released on June 23rd 2023. Both were recorded in Muscle Shoals at East Avalon with Engineer Colin Lott and mixed by Toby Hulbert.
During late 2023 and 2024 the band released 5 singles for their upcoming album titled “Probably Not”. The songs released include “Miss America”, “1422”, “Patience” Lucid”, and “Panic Attack” with 5 new songs to be released with the album.
“Probably Not”, the 10 song album will be released on November 8th 2024!
Play Machine is an indie-pop rock band from Madison featuring Brian Liston and Joey B Banks, two Madison powerhouse musicians creating a unique and infectious sound. Steeped in the world of EDM, Brian Liston paints dense soundscapes ranging from scary to elevating.
For the love of music! Automatic Lover is a band with deep roots in the Madison WI music scene. The band weaves together anything from trap beats to soca, garage punk to samba, afrobeat to heavy disco. It’s music that makes you move. Uriel López-Rodríguez (voice), Matthew Reif (keys), Shanan Galligan (guitar), Brett Farrey (bass), Joey B Banks (drums)
Pablo alto is the convergence of indie-rock multi-instrumentalist Sergio Luna, jazz keyboardist Pulsar Li, and 6-string fretless bassist Ben Campbell. Their aim is to celebrate the diversity of their musical origins and keep the genre-labelers guessing. Embracing both technology and tradition, the group routinely experiments with sequencers, drum machines, synthesizers, classical arrangements, orchestral sounds, and improvisation in their compositions. Formed in 2023, they have released a studio single and a live EP and continue to embrace the vibrant Chicago music scene today by collaborating with numerous artists, venues, and organizations.
The Knockaround Band brings a vibrant twist to modern pop-rock, fusing catchy melodies, driving guitar riffs, and electrifying energy. Founded by childhood friends Carleton Koldyke and Julian Stacey, the duo began writing songs in 2017, performing across Chicago while crafting their unique sound. After a brief hiatus, the band relaunched in 2024 with the addition of guitarist Ian Harsh, whose dynamic playing completed the trio’s energetic lineup. Drawing inspiration from Maroon 5, Matchbox Twenty, and The Band CAMINO, The Knockaround Band creates feel-good anthems and unforgettable live performances, setting the stage for a new era of pop-rock.
Never Been Won’t Go is an earnest Indie rock band from Chicago, IL. Somewhere between Queens of the Stone Age and Grizzly Bear, they combine thoughtful lyrics with riff centric melodies. Never Been Won’t Go writes songs for people who are just trying their best.
born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, justJOY has absorbed both the culture and music from big city upbeats, coupled with West Coast soundscapes, influencing her indie pop sound today. With Brett Sassetti on drums, Nathan Cowan on lead guitar and Mikey Harms on bass, justJOY’s unique sound is ready to take over. Exploring topics such as love, friendship and being in your twenties, she aims to create an authentically relatable space for her listeners, where her lyrics feel like home. Recently, she opened for a West Coast artist, by the name of “sorryimolive” on their album release tour, played a show in Nashville, Tennessee and released her most “justJOY” single to date, “2052.” Into 2025, justJOY is excited to reach more listeners, grow in fans, and overall have more fun making music!
THE HORNO STARS are a trombone-led band from Chicago, Illinois.
MUD FLAP JAZZ is a term for the Style of Play and Song Selection, a bit Down and Dirty.
THE SONG Repertoire includes 1920’s Hot Jazz, Monk, New Orleans Second-LIne, Chicago Blues as well as Originals.
Born & raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Sin the Winner brings a fresh new sound to the Chicago rap scene with captivating and electrifying vocals never heard or seen before! Started out booking sessions for fun, Sin then realized people started gravitating to her music and sound! Sticking with it, she now records full-time. Sin is bound to be Chicago’s next heavy hitter with cosigns growing by the day! A hustler at heart, Sin is the type who knows what she wants and how to get it.
Stevon Odueze , better known by his monikers or Stevo is a Nigerian- American artist from Chicago’s north-side. Stevo was raised in the rough Uptown and Rogers Park neighborhood. Being from the north-side of Chicago , Stevo has been compared to artists such as Young Pappy and Polo G, two legends from the area. OG Stevo’s ability to add melodic interludes into his trap styled rap has reshaped this genre for the better. OG Stevo , an independent artist , who has no major co-signs but has scored placements from The Chicago Reader, Lyrical Lemonade, Revolt TV ,Vocalo Radio, and many more. Stevo has also found his way into the daily mixes at the radio powerhouse , Power 92 or 92.3, being played by Hotrod , DJ Nephets, and DJ Pharris . Vocalo Radio, 91.1 is another station that keeps OG Stevo in full rotation.
KB Mike never disguises how he feels on a track. Instead, he lets you know exactly what’s on his mind loud and clear. He could reflect with a skyscraping soul vocal, or he’ll get cocky and go hard on the beat with a punchy flow. A melody meant to numb pain might find him in his feelings, or a heartfelt ballad will double as an expression of love too pure for conversation even. This versatility has placed him on the fast track out of his native Chicago and on the way to worldwide stardom. He came up out of the infamously rough South Side. Addiction, violence, crime, and other traps of the street life surrounded him and almost swallowed him whole. As the story goes, he popped off thanks to internet freestyles (recorded and uploaded during house arrest). A series of popular singles followed, including “Distant,” “Addicted,” “Deep In Love,” “Blue Skies,” and more. 2021’s “Used To” amassed over 20.7 million Spotify streams as he signed to Republic Records. It bulldozed the way for his 2022 full-length debut, Old Wounds, which yielded “Thru Worse N Thru Better,” “Insecure,” and “Keep Yo Head Up.” Between earning praise from Revolt, HotNewHipHop, and more, he performed to packed houses on tour with Tink. Everything just set the stage for his most versatile, vibrant, and vital project yet, Euphoria.
From the dynamic streets of Chicago’s west side emerges Saneit, a sensational R&B artist and songwriter. Making her mark in the ever-evolving music circuit of Los Angeles, Saneit’s versatility and growth shine through with every new release.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Howard University, Saneit combines her networking skills and pure vocal talent to navigate the music industry with finesse. Not only does she possess an exceptional ability to captivate audiences, but she also possesses the tools to enhance and professionally maintain her own image and career.
As an independent artist, Saneit’s debut album “Fantasy” is a testament to her passion and soul. Her confidence and love for her craft are evident in her creative process, allowing her to take full control of her music. In 2021, she delighted fans with her EP “Crush II,” showcasing her growth as an artist and captivating listeners with her soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Building on this momentum, Saneit released her highly anticipated “Automatic EP” in 2023, further solidifying her place in the R&B scene. This project showcased her evolution as an artist, with infectious hooks and mesmerizing vocals that left audiences craving more with favorites like “Breakfast In The Morning.”
Saneit’s impressive resume also includes sold-out shows at renowned venues, further demonstrating her magnetic stage presence and undeniable talent. In June 2023, she sold out The Promontory, leaving the audience in awe of her captivating performance. This was followed by another sold-out show at City Winery Chicago in January 2024, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.
Looking ahead, Saneit has exciting new releases on the horizon. With her undeniable talent and commitment to her craft, fans known as Neit Freaks can anticipate more incredible music that pushes boundaries and resonates deeply. Saneit is undoubtedly an artist to watch, as she continues to captivate and inspire with her distinct sound and artistic vision.
Jaas is a Chicago based singer and songwriter originally from Washington DC some of her primary musical influences include Lauren Hill Frank Ocean & partynextdoor. Drawing inspiration from her reality as well as from her peers jaas works to ensure everything she pens is authentic and relatable. The talented songstress has been featured on several notable outlets including elevator magazine, lyrical lemonade, the source, and world star hip hop.
Yna is a queer-Filipina, ambient indie producer and songwriter currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Drawing from their personal experiences and her drive to experiment with layers of synths, guitars, and bells, Yna’s lyricism and ethereal soundscapes are integral parts of her signature, cinematic sound. Media outlets describe Yna’s songs as “emotionally evocative music that makes you feel like the main character in an Oscar-winning tearjerker.” Driven by capturing their struggles with anxiety, relationships, and identity, Yna shows herself to the world through the words they sing. Yna wants listeners to live her own experiences through her music, also hoping that her songs can bring others comfort from the struggles they may be dealing with.
Raised in Southern California, Yna started singing at the age of four and taught herself how to play the guitar and piano at the age of nine. After releasing a number of singles, such as “unaligned” and “south loop,” Yna moved to Chicago in 2021 to pursue a career in music. Since moving to Chicago, Yna has made a name for herself in both IL and CA. In 2023, Yna formed their band, Yna and the Seasons, which played 15 shows throughout the year. Yna and the Seasons have performed at prominent venues in Chicago such as Schubas Tavern, Beat Kitchen and Sleeping Village as well as Chapman University in Orange, California.
Currently, Yna just released her self-titled, debut album, YNA.
We have been friends and played together in various bands for decades. We first met George Drag when our bands playedtogether at an American Legion show in 1992. Formed in autumn 2016 when George T. Drag (Butterflies, Honda Pavarotti) joined up with the Finn Swingley, Brian Daley, and Joe Daley (Demilos, Soft Speaker, The Saturday Nights), The Embryos make music fun. Peace and love.
As music fans we’re only ever given fragments of lives well lived, and we scrabble vicariously through them. Skinny Lister, though, have really given us as much as they can since 2009. They’ve led an endless parade gathering fans old and new, from the respected folk circuit to the riotous Download Festival, igniting pogoing mosh-pits at each. Over the past ten years they’ve travelled from rain-soaked London to the vast arteries of the USA, upgrading from narrow boat to Salty Dog Cruise, played huge tours across Europe and North America with Frank Turner, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly as well as headlining themselves across festivals, sweatboxes and ever-larger venues.
After three albums taking confident steps into an ever larger world, their fourth offering, The Story Is… (produced and mixed by Barny Barnicott – Arctic Monkeys, The Enemy, The Temper Trap) takes the tales of the everyday, the minutiae of our lives, and turns them into potent pop that rings oh so true.
Skinny Lister have opened their lives up more than ever before on The Story Is…, allowing us in and giving everyone a space to express joy, to deeply relate to the lines that strike a chord, and to throw ourselves into living with renewed abandon, hope, happiness and excitement, with stories enough to fill several lifetimes.
Paul Grace Smith – Guitar and Lead Vocals
Jamy Holliday – Guitar and Vocals
Gretta Smak – Guitar and Vocals
Kellen Mutter – Bass and Vocals
Illi Vassiliadis – Drums
Lionn Van Der Horst – Drums
Dan Durecki – Drums
(Not all 3 at once)
Why are they so LOUD?
The Strains are 100% street. They cut their teeth on the nitty gritty spanning many decades. Individually from the gutters of Detroit in the mid 70s , to the Bowery in New York in the late 70s , the frigid climes of Minneapolis in the 80s , and the dive bars of Europe in the post Cold War era in the 90s and 2000s, only to meet up in Detroit in the NOW. These guys do not mince words or notes. They have been there through every fashion change and shift in taste, yet remain true to what has been fundamental throughout the decades. The rock and roll spirit. This live album captures them at their most real. Songs about truth. Songs about hurt. Songs about hope.
Richard “Handsome Dick” Manitoba, also known as “The Handsomest Man In Rock & Roll”, and the “World’s Greatest Entertainer” (at least since Sammy Davis Jr. left us) was born Richard Blum in The Bronx, New York, January 29, 1954. Richard is a musician, most well known for being the lead singer (for most of 45 years) with the New York City legendary punk band, THE DICTATORS.
MR. MANITOBA also spent 14 years (starting around 2004) on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, hosting “The Handsome Dick Radio Program“, a national show, 5 nights a week in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.
And that ain’t all folks!. Handsome Dick has owned the coolest rock ‘n’ roll tavern in the Western Hemisphere for just about 20 years now. Oddly enough, it’s called Manitoba’s Bar and it’s located at 99 Avenue B between 6 and 7 Streets in New York City’s, East Village, on…the lush beautiful island of Manhattan.
HDM occasionally sang lead with the MC5 (at the time called DKT/MC5) which included Michael Davis, “Brother” Wayne Kramer and Dennis “Machinegun” Thompson, founding members of Detroit’s legendary MIGHTY pre-punk rock and roll band, The MC5.
MR. MANITOBA was a guest on his pal, Jimmy’s television program, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon“. HDM was a major character on an ill-fated, half hour reality show called Barmageddon. He proudly sat with the late great chef, Anthony Bourdain chowing down on White Castles at MR. MANITOBA’S childhood Bronx White Castle.
HDM recently traveled to Nashville, TN to work on an album with the legendary Jon Tiven, recording 18 songs in 4 1/2 days with some of Nashville’s finest musicians.
“We feel confident the album will be released in 2019…. it’s called “Born In The Bronx”.
MR. MANITOBA has a new podcast: “You Don’t Know Dick!” with Handsome Dick Manitoba. It’s available on itunes, Google Play & Stitcher.
“A podcast can reach an infinite amount of people…. because you don’t have to buy anything! All you have to do is turn on your cell phone AND SUBSCRIBE!!! AND PLEASE GIVE US A 5 STAR RATING AND GIVE US A NICE LINE OR TWO IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
When was the last person you met that didn’t have a cell phone?…or an iPad…or a computer?…the world over… It’s all you got to do, turn it on, subscribe to it for FREE. Not only that, I’m not part of somebody’s idea, passion & dream.
I’m not filling in the holes/spaces of what somebody else has invented. I am creating the whole thing that I do. I will live and die with myself, it’s all up to me! I don’t have to push anything I don’t want to push. I don’t have to shill for a record label, for example.
I am no longer an actor in somebody else’s movie I am the director of my own movie”
Michael Angeles is an R&B artist from Southern California. With his soulful voice and skillful guitar playing, he turns life’s discontentments and love’s missed chances into heartfelt melodies. Angeles is a storyteller through music, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the ups and downs of his journey.
The Remote Controls were formed in 2022 in Indianapolis, IN.
They play punk rock songs and they play them really fast.
One of them drummed for Sloppy Seconds one time.
Another one opened for Green Day in the 1900’s.
The other one typed this bio.
Combining garage rock, punk, and post punk, you get MANIA. Chicago’s newest form of familiar faces bringing high energy Rock n Roll. NEVER MIND THE REST, HERE’S MANIA!
Trash Pandas is a multi-award-winning rock and roll band from the Green Bay/Fox Cities area. Originally formed in 2019, this band has taken inspiration from many subgenres of rock music such as punk, alternative, grunge, and metal to create a sound that is truly unique to them. Their creative blend of music styles makes them versatile enough to book with many different lineups and has helped them book many shows not only in their local area, but also throughout Wisconsin and branching into Minnesota and Illinois. This group has been described by many in the scene as a “must-see”, and “the hardest working band in Northeast Wisconsin”.
A guitar and drum complimented duo with a punk blues rock sound, original music and explosive live music performances is driven by Julian Routheaux (the french) and Travis Pashek (the irish) who sonically repent their sins through a explosion of soul, slide guitar and high attack drumming. Theses brothers born of the deep north woods, the band created to be “the French Irish Coalition”
Psych. Garage Punk – Brought together by fate, a vision, or just bad luck; Coyote Fire captivates audiences with a ferocious blend of scorching guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and high energy punk rock. Their sound paints portraits of pain, rage, and vivacity of life. An untamed spirit poised to set the underground Rock scene ablaze.
Magic Wands is an American dark dream pop duo formed in Nashville TN by guitarists and vocalists Chris and Dexy Valentine. Based in Los Angeles, the band is known for their shimmering and dreamy sound, which incorporates elements of gothic post punk, and dark dream pop. Their music is characterized by its heavily-textured guitars, droning synths, and ethereal vocals, which are designed to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Magic Wands have released several albums to date, each showcasing their unique sound and style. Their music has been praised for its euphoric quality, which is particularly evident in their live performances. Magic Wands is a band that is dedicated to creating music that is both imaginative and emotionally-engaging. They have built a dedicated following of fans who are drawn to their unique sound and their ability to create a sense of mysticism and wonder through their music.
My name is Emma Ohm, but I often go by Electric Emma. I like blowing bubbles, swing dancing, chasing waterfalls, giving noogies, and most of all, playing and writing music that is groovy but meaningful. I’m a kid at heart and and old soul through and through. I’m just trying to bring glory to my Creator and SHOCK people in the purest, most heartfelt way.
Diondre Dunigan is a songwriter based in the south side of Chicago. Dedicated to fostering spaces for feeling, community, and presence, he sings songs of life’s little moments, big ones, and the through lines between them. With alternative folk sensibilities, a tuned ear, and a tuned heart, Diondre creates spaces where the music and listener can be present together, and listeners can be present with one another.
Sunflower Summit (she/they) is a queer Chicago based artist. With a mission to support their community through music and mental health discussions, Sunflower Summit writes and performs music that hits right in the feels. Made up of vocalist and writer Maria Requena, and cellist and bassist Allison Hill, the duo creates intimate and cozy energy for every performance that any listener can connect with!
Since 2019, Sunflower Summit has released several albums and EPS, including Love Notes, In This Moment, and When It Snows, and a new album is in the works! Follow along on Sunflower Summit’s happenings on Instagram and support them on Patreon!
Honest Enemy emerges from the depths of musical fusion, defying genre boundaries and delivering a powerful sonic experience that combines the raw energy of rock, the aggression of metal, and the alternative spirit. With a unique sound that blurs the lines between genres, Honest Enemy stands as a formidable presence in the realm of heavy music.
Maddie Naughton is a comic from the suburbs of Chicago. You can find her around the city and has performed at clubs such as Laugh Factory and The Lincoln Lodge. Critics have claimed she brings a strong “medium dick energy” to the stage.
Mike Pickerl is a comic based out of Wheaton Illinois but can be seen performing all over The Midwest. He has performed at the Lincoln Lodge, The Comedy Vault, Zanies Rosemont, Zanies Chicago and The Comedy Bar. He speaks frankly about his struggles with addiction, interspersed with surrealist one liners.
Based in Chicago, Chris has been making audiences laugh with his stand-up for about four years. As a veteran of the Armed Forces and a devoted family man, he draws much of his comedic material from life experiences bringing a relatable and heartfelt message to the stage.
Born in the backwoods of West Virginia, Hunter Hirsh was raised amidst a sea of ATVs and truck nuts. Now in Chicago, he performs on stages throughout the city and the Greater Midwest area. His jokes range from commentary on Jazz music to deluded rants on the beauty of being a firefighter. Hunter currently holds the record for the loudest but most endearing comic in the Midwest.
