Raised in the backyards and basements of Chicago’s music scene, Side Hug got their start with late night songwriting and intimate jam sessions, laying the foundation for their debut EP, Also (2017). A nostalgic fusion of folk and indie rock, the EP’s anchor is “Velvet,” a song that balances upbeat rhythms with reflective, slower moments.
The addition of Allan Cardenas on lead guitar and Jon Reyes on bass began a new chapter for Side Hug, and saw the release of their sophomore EP, Wasted Summer (2019), via Chicago label Midwest Action. Exploring dreamy, reverb-soaked textures and driving rhythms, moodier tracks like “Blue Line,” “New York” and “Birthday” reflect on the complexities of love and loss – a showcase of Side Hug’s evolution as a band. Between 2020 and 2024, the band also experimented with a blend of indie rock and Americana, releasing a series of singles that captured an era of isolation.
Side Hug’s debut LP, recorded at Palisade Studio (2024), promises to be a bold exploration of post-punk, shoegaze and art rock – mirroring the despondent, emotional subject matter of singer Lyd Landor’s inner world. With a DIY ethos and a commitment to authenticity, Side Hug is unafraid to embrace the plurality of their sound as they set the stage for their new release.
