Street Fever, Beth Sawltz, PROBLEMS, Necklace Jar
Street Fever is a versatile, mixed-media performance-artist residing in Boise, Idaho. Whom, remains anonymous. Their music is a gritty symphony born from profound life experiences and sonic experimentation. From the shrines of Three 6 Mafia in their bedroom as a kid, to being raised by the DIY hardcore scene- they have an eclectic background that sources inspiration from hardcore / heavy rap / industrial techno / EBM / noise / electro / techno and classical music. Rooted in an ongoing spiritual awakening, Street Fever has been on a wildly cinematic path to better understand themselves as an artist, spiritual seeker, and human being. After losing all their possessions, being institutionalized multiple times and nearly losing their life in a South East Asian prison, this project has since been reborn and aims to use it as a platform to speak on their own recovery and addiction. Now more than ever they are empowered to share their story in hopes to connect with others who are seeking personal and spiritual growth. Street Fever deftly balances between destructive possession and holy reclamation, extending a hand to invite you into their world through the powerful mediums of art and sound. Witness their journey of self-discovery and enlightenment through their thought-provoking creations. Street Fever will be joined by Beth Sawltz, PROBLEMS, and Necklace Jar
Daundry, Inkjet
Daundry is a three-piece grungagze band from Chicago IL. Inkjet is a new Chicago post-printer band that everyone is talking about and you should be very excited to see. The band is inspired by acts like Sleater-Kinney, Swirlies, and Vanessa Carlton.
TEEN BLUSH, Public Circuit, Heels
Teen Blush, the project of Chicago’s Ken Foss, specializes in a slightly sinister breed of new wave, similar to what acts like Ultravox and the Human League made early in their careers before shifting toward mainstream pop. Bouncing between the fringes of darkwave, punk-tinged EBM, and romantic synth-pop, NYC band, Public Circuit, is a seething exhibition of dark synthesizer magic, and raw-edged delivery. Marrying the late 70’s minimal synth-punk ethos of Nervous Gender and The Sound with the new wave romanticism of New Order and Iron Curtain, Public Circuit is determined to lead an inquisition upon electronic music as they carve their niche in the bedrock foundation that minimal synth was built upon. Heels is an indie dreampop/postpunk duo with sounds ranging from lush and gazey to dark and melancholic. Our songwriting tells stories of relationships that never seemed to work out and insecurities that still linger in the mind. Take a listen and I’m sure you’ll find a song that will leave you swaying.
Bodywash, Ghost Days, Courtesy
Bodywash formed in 2016 as a vehicle for the sonic bond between Chris Steward and Rosie Long Decter. The Montreal duo conjure a dreamscape with airy vocals, intricate guitars and pulsating synths over a heavy rhythmic foundation. In 2019, they released their debut LP, Comforter, which received praise from Bandcamp Daily, NPR Music, Clash Mag and elsewhere. Last year, they returned with their anticipated follow-up, the dark and enveloping I Held the Shape While I Could via Light Organ Records. Ghost Days is the solo project of Chicago based musician, Alessia Kato. Blending elements of dream pop, post-punk, goth and shoegaze, Ghost Days is a sonic exploration through the dreamscape, leaving behind fragments of nostalgia, bittersweet memories, and the unknown. Courtesy began back in 2010 in Memphis, TN when Drew Ryan and Kirk Rawlings met and started trading self-indulgent 4-track scrapsand private recordings not meant for others’ ears. Drums and guitars were recorded, chopped, and screwed as the two figured out how to combine their ideas into songs. In 2011, the duo released Idmatic—a collection of collage-based songs constructed via email, crammed with blown out boom-bap drumming and stretched out cassette wonk. By 2012, the duo relocated to Chicago, where they released Slow Bruise in 2015—a darker, colder, and more aggressive effort. They released HEY in 2018, “an unclassifiable electronic blend of off-kilter atmospheric synths, otherworldly vocal harmonies, deep-house grooves, and weirdo-funk bass lines all sewn together via a persistent Oberheim DX drum machine.” (Steve Rosborough, Moon Glyph Records). With the 2021 release of CHECK THE MILK, the band finds itself with a new, more focused direction, ready-made for basement DJs and glossy pop fans. Courtesy is in the studio now working on the new material.
The Kantors, Honeycrush, Oyeme
The Kantors are an indie folk-rock group based in Chicago. With comparisons to trailblazers like Angel Olsen and Joni Mitchell, the group doesn’t shy away from their unique genre blending sound. Their music is defined by Kristin’s powerful vocals and visual lyrics, Evan’s catchy guitar solos, Dan’s satisfying drum fills and Jamie’s tight harmonies. They find inspiration in nature and their personal experiences. Honeycrush is the solo project and 4-piece band from New York singer-songwriter-poet Alexandra Antonopoulos. Wedding energetic folk with experimental electronic textures and a resounding “get me the hell out the suburbs” sentiment, Oyeme and her band stretch the distance from Appalachia to downtown Chicago by folding the map in half and poking a hole through it with a pencil. On the upcoming EP “Dead End Neighborhood,” Oyeme embarks on her first non-solo outing exploring intimate five-piece midwestern folktronics and elemental road trip throw downs.
XYZXYZ, Malamiko, LoBi LoBianco
xyzxyz is Chicago supergroup formed in 2022. Their first LP dropped last year, with a killer vinyl release and two music videos. Local artist Karen Mooney (moongerm) plays bass, Kyle Langer plays drums, and scene veteran Sam Fadness leads the band. Shoegaze / emo trio Malamiko stretch the definition of their genres, shaking you awake with feedback and noise. Cynicism and hope fuel their debut all pleasant dreams in equal measure. A better future is possible even if it hurts to get there. LoBi LoBianco is a multi-instrumentalist Emotional Math Rock artist. Their live band consists of LoBi on Guitar and Vocals, Garrett Holm on Guitar, Harry Willow on Bass, Stan Brueske on drums, and Josiah Jackson on keys
Yada Yada, Allergen, King Sans
Yada Yada is an indie punk band from Chicago that draws sonic inspiration from 2000s indie-rock revival and modern bands like Mannequin Pussy and Destroy Boys. After headlining packed shows at Beat Kitchen and Schubas, Yada Yada has proven their spot in the local scene with their memorable songwriting and energetic, emotionally-driven live performances. ALLERGEN is an alternative rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota fronted by Shannon Maroney. A project that has changed and expanded as Maroney has matured, their current lineup also features Mia Pariseau on bass. With choral & orchestral roots, Maroney and Pariseau find multiple outlets of melody, with moving vocal, guitar, and bass lines. Allergen’s debut EP, “Honesty Hour” was released in May 2020 after being produced with Claire Altendahl (boyish). These early foundations helped Maroney further curate what would become their current musical sound, something only found with age and experience. With vulnerable lyrics contrasting with distorted guitars, local music blog Ear Coffee describes Allergen’s released music “feels like a private conversation being broadcast to the world”. King Sans is a Chicago-based altrock/noisepunk band who only need two members to absolutely pummel you with sound. There’s a huge element of fun in their music as well, creating an addictive combination of energy
Soot, High, Waxed, super[MODEL]
Soot’s unique cross-genre dabblings in all directions heavy are what allow them to lend their sound to such a vast array of shows. Borrowing from traditions of manic post-hardcore and southern metal to gentler ambient and experimental sounds, Soot is carving their way into the contemporary American musical zeitgeist.Waxed (NASHVILLE TN DIRTY SOUTH CROSSOVER)super[MODEL] (members of Snuffed and Blackwater Sniper)
Disaster Kid, Light Blue Lines, Midamerican Elevator
Chicago Nostalgia rock trio Disaster Kid finds reflection at the core of their music. Packed together by vivid detail and passionate melodies, their cathartic indie rock sound is lined with lyrical storytelling which puts an emphasis to the mysticism in the mundane. Light Blue Lines is a rock band from Chicago, IL. Nostalgia-driven and introspective, their songs draw influence from indie folk, Midwest emo, and slacker rock. Indie-rock outfit Midamerican Elevator lifts vocal harmonies over busy rhythms with guitars that span between sparkly counterpoint and regenerative drive. They released their latest project, an EP titled “TELL IT TO ME NOW!”, in January.
MaryMary!, Cherryburn, Medical Miracle
MaryMary! makes dreamy and kinetic electronic pop music. Her most recent release is an EP by the name of MY STUPID HEART LIKE A SNOWGLOBE FULL OF BLOOD, available on all streaming platforms. She’s remarkably kind and puts on a fantastic show. Cherryburn is an indie rock band from Chicago, playing music to listen to with the windows rolled down. Medical Miracle is a two piece melancholy bedroom/pop rock band from Chicago powered by twinkly guitars and sad hearts.