COOL HEAT is the dream pop project of Chicago-based musician and photographer Eden Sierotnik. In 2024 he released his second full length album Abandon on Spirit Goth Records and subsequently went on his first tour. “Multi-faceted and effortlessly modern, the project’s name is apt; with every single track in his discography, Sierotnik proves with his highly meticulous, maximalist synth work that it is entirely possible to balance opposing ideas, sounds, and textures with finesse.” – kid with a vinyl
Talking to Shadows crafts a sound that’s both heavy and hypnotic, blending reverb-soaked guitars with ethereal vocals. Hailing from the underground music scene of Baltimore, MD, the group has made a name for themselves with songs that capture the nostalgia of ‘90s grunge, but with a contemporary dreampop and shoegaze flavor.
Sungaze, the dreamy genre-bending project helmed by Ian Hilvert and Ivory Snow, is hard to pigeonhole. With a sound that is simultaneously grounded and ethereal, their audiences can expect to be captivated by lush soundscapes, soaring guitar riffs and haunting vocals. Drawing from a wide array of influences, it is not uncommon for a Sungaze record to feature a heavy grunge-laden track followed by an upbeat dream pop anthem with a country lilt–no matter which end of the musical spectrum, each song is sure to pack an emotional punch.
Sungaze have released three albums independently, garnering praise from the likes of CLASH, EARMILK, and more.
The Warm Fuzzies is a Chicago local duo with a throwback 90s industrial alternative sound.
The Shimmer DJs, the duo Scary Lady Sarah and Philly Peroxide, spin a soundtrack of sonic incandescence, warm fuzzy walls of sound, and face melting guitars. Their monthly Shimmer club night is devoted to the absolute best current and classic shoegaze/dreampop/psych & more.
