Lyrically biting, politically raucous, and raw undefined energy, Torch the Hive is Mike Fruel, Tyler Sanders, and Sergio Apanco. Their first two releases touch on the struggles of growing pains, financial hardship and navigating through a politically divided world. After several self-funded national tours, group members were served with an unhealthy dose of reality when presented with issues of addiction and financial losses as a direct repercussion from the pandemic. As a witness to racial and systematic injustice, Torch the Hive gained a new perspective on which direction their music should take. ‘Flamingo’ serves as a proponent to challenge these opposing viewpoints and aims to allow the listener to form their own view.

Cranberry Batcave is a mix of Ska, Punk, and Alternative rock. Although, all transplants from other cities in the United States they reside in Chicago where the band was formed. For fans of “No Doubt”, “Against All Authority”, and “The Best of the Worst” Sunny-vocals, Nolan-guitar, David-trombone, Adrian-bass, and Liz-drums.

Ever wanted the theatrics of emo and the horror of hardcore to smooch a little? Are you a lil freak boy who desperately wants to be Mommy’s Favorite??? Gross. May we introduce to you, Chicago’s own eerie, dancey, scream-soaked… Carnivore Mommy.

(and tell your mother we say “hi”)

Chillwave is alive and well in Chicago. Magicks combines mellow indie-pop with atmospheric noise to create what Magicks (either seriously or not) refers to as “beach daze.” And beach daze seems to perfectly describe that moment where you’ve been baking under the sun for far too long and then sets that feeling to music.  Recently taking the lead on vocals, Monica Rose is a thoughtfully stylish Chicago, Illinois-based indie jazzy/pop singer-songwriter, rollerblader, subconscious mind student, future fashion icon, and skilled painter. She intrinsically fuses that healing melody that helps us deal with our day, as this is a caring musician who selflessly makes music to help others through her art.