Kat and the Hurricane is an all-queer and trans synth rock/indie-pop band from Madison, WI composed of guitarist/vocalist Kat Rhapsody (they/them), keyboardist/vocalist Benjamin Rose (they/them), and drummer Alex Nelson (they/them). The band has stirred up a storm across the Midwest since 2017 thanks to their energetic live shows, strong sense of community, and genre-defying songwriting. While preparing their debut full length album, Got It Out, the trio has appeared at several regional and national festivals, completed 3 regional and national tours, and received the coveted Artist of The Year award from their local Madison Area Music Association.

Got It Out, released in October 2024, represents a new high in Kat and the Hurricane’s craft of catharsis. Seamlessly weaving elements of synth rock, pop punk, indie-pop, alternative rock, indie-folk, and hip-hop across ten tracks, the band speaks to the growing pains of mental health and trauma healing. From the raucous stadium rock anthem, “Therapy,” high-energy pop-punk confessional “Caffeine & Alcohol,” and lush indie-pop closer, “Smoke,” Kat and the Hurricane illustrates how, even with some healing and a lot of getting it out, pain never truly goes away – it simply shifts.

Biitchseat was formed in 2017 by best friends Talor Smith (she/they) and Kristin Schmit (she/her) not long after they met in college orchestra. Swapping out their cellos for guitars, they ended up with a genre-bending sound that blends the aesthetic of 90s alt-rock icons like Liz Phair and The Cranberries and re-engineers it into something as catchy as it is complex and timeless. 

Biitchseat finds themselves riding through the peaks and valleys of emotional waves as they explore new depths in their sophomore album, Float. An album that is about how every aspect of what it means to be alive is simultaneously so hollow and so very full, and the beauty that resides in between. The unabashed pop and shimmer in their music is only matched by their live performances, which are always energetic and, at times, captivating and vulnerable.

The Crooked Rugs are a psych-rock spaghetti-western band formed in Fort Collins, Colorado. They deliver a captivating blend of rock and roll that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Brining mysterious noise that manages to sound otherworldly and familiar at the same time.

Hailing from Fort Collins, CO these space cowboys are your musical guides on a journey to a universe of mystic psychedelic color. The Colorado quintet takes the compulsory ingredients of modern rock band instrumentation and creates something wonderfully foreign. Echoes of psych, prog, and garage rock resound, but each song is clearly the result of diligent experimentation.

Founded in 2019 by Jayce Haley, Nolan Brumbach, Jay LeCavalier and brothers, Rex and Finn Stowers, this band of brothers transitions smoothly through a variety of tunes to create an unforgettable experience that will take you on a journey through space and time. Releasing 5 albums in the past 4 years, the Rugs are known for their prolific output, telepathic connections, and filling the room with a swath of joyous emotion.

Opening for national touring acts from around the country such as The Babe Rainbow, Boogarins, Worn-Tin, Spoonbenders, Ron Gallo, Monsterwatch, Connor Kelly & The Timewarp, Hooveriii, The Bobby Lees, Imarhan, and more. The Band participates in regional festivals such as SXSW, Treefort, Desert Reverie, Endless Fest, Lincoln Calling, Psych’s Peak, & WHAT! Fest.

Pepper Said is an indie rock band that specializes in sharp lyrics & storytelling through emotive, dance-inducing hooks. This is accomplished due to the artistic collaboration & dramatic performances by Pepper, Brian Zellmer, Thomas McCollum & Ben Proctor. Born in Nashville, but Chicago based as of late 2023.

Their live show is electric, authentic & dynamic. Pepper, was raised on Blondie, Paramore, Cage The Elephant & sarcasm – it shows. Through vulnerable yet relatable stories, humorous authenticity between songs, & addicting melodies, it’s a show you always want to see again.

Pepper Said has played classic venues and events like The Basement, The East Room, The End, Sofar NYC, Festival of Ghouls, Muscian’s Corner Nashville, Mile of Music and more. In April 2021, they opened for Nashville locals – The Criticals – at Schuba’s Tavern in Chicago, which they sold out. Their music has been featured on local radio around the world;102.9 The Buzz and Lightning 100 in Nashville, CCR in Chelmsford, UK and 91.9 KSOIFM in Iowa.

Their 2021 debut EP, So Dramatic, is an anthology about discovering yourself through pain & reflection as well as fun & nonsense.