The Mannequins, The Tracies, Swimshirt
The Mannequins are originally from the Western Suburbs of Chicago and now operate out of Western Michigan. The three-piece band’s unique brand of emotion-first, effects-soaked alternative rock mixes emo, alternative, and indie influences along with a rich well of inspiration from classic literature and film.The Mannequins are: Grant McKenzie (vocals, guitars), Carter Bulthuis (bass), and Michael Sherman (drums).
Sands of the Hour & KW3, Harley Omega, SPIZM
Sands of The Hour consists of Levi Stress, Brother Tone and RD SLAW. Let THE Black Sands Reign on your parade. KW3 is a funky soul jazz trio that radiates energy and musical mastery. Fronted by the soulful tenor saxophonist and bass guitarist Keith Wakefield, whose notes dance effortlessly between nostalgia and innovation. With Michael Rataj on drums, laying down infectious rhythms that drive the heartbeat of the trio, and Erik Oldman on extended range guitar, adding funky licks that resonate with soulful vibes. Together, they create a sonic kaleidoscope that pays homage to jazz traditions while pushing the boundaries of soulful expression. KW3’s performances are a journey through the heart of funk, soul, and jazz, where every note is a celebration of musical synergy and pure, unadulterated groove.Harley Omega is an industrial/hip hop/electronic project based on creating a world outside of our own. Using themes of loss, mental health, politics and nerd culture, Harley Omega seeks to provide catharsis and escapism to people from all walks of life. Fully leaning into and embracing a synth-driven Cyberpunk sound, the drums and bass duo SPIZM continues to expand the breadth of its sonic boundaries with hell’s fury.
somesurprises, Twin Talk, RAYS
somesurprises is the musical project of Egyptian/English American songwriter and guitarist Natasha El-Sergany. Born in Letterkenny, Ireland, and raised in the north of England before moving to Florida at age ten, El-Sergany eventually found home in the evergreen mist of Seattle, WA. What began as a bedroom project focused on spectral balladry and late-night exploration has evolved into a dynamic four-piece band. Motorik beats, reverb-drenched vocals, washes of fingerpicked guitars, and hazy synths expand El-Sergany’s delicate and blissful songwriting.For over a decade, Chicago’s Twin Talk has steadily drifted from the conventions of the saxophone trio. While reedist Dustin Laurenzi, bassist-singer Katie Ernst, and drummer Andrew Green are deeply rooted in jazz tradition, they’ve spent their time on the band stage together making their music more elastic, spontaneous, and open, embracing new inspirations without stifling the improvisational heart of their work. Twin Talk uses live performances as opportunities to stretch—expanding on composed material and ditching set lists in favor of calling tunes on the fly.RAYS is a new band of Chicago music scene stalwarts Andrew Scott Young, Jake Acosta, Skyler Rowe, and Brian Sulpizio. They’re throwing improvisation and composition right into the KitchenAid™️ Stand Mixer and you will not be dissatisfied by the dough they pull out of there. And maybe the oven is the stage or something. The music is the bread or cookies I guess?
Liv Roskos, Starlet, and Tamar Mitchell
Liv Roskos is a creative, entreprenuer, and events producer. Her passion is to create artistic environments and experiences where artists feel known, valued, and loved. Her music is birthed out of the everyday human experience. Through an eclectic mix of jazz/soul/pop fusion, Liv shares stories of hope, love, & inspiration.
Aisle five, Skip Class and The Dropouts, The Prime
Aisle Five is a dynamic indie/alternative band hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago. The band draws strong influence from classic acts such as The Strokes, No Doubt, and The Talking Heads. Mixing the dreamy melodies of indie rock and raw energy of alternative rock, Aisle Five has curated their own unique groovy sound. This past summer Aisle Five embarked on a Midwest tour to promote the release of their debut EP, “Emergency Mood Ring.” In addition to the tour, Aisle Five has become highly involved in the Chicago music scene playing at venues such as Cobra Lounge, Beat Kitchen, and Bottom Lounge. The band is hard at work preparing new music derived from recordings at Electrical Audio. You can find Aisle Five’s catalog of music on all streaming platforms.
Miniskirt, The Daisy Heaves, Everyday Specials
Miniskirt has been playing all around Chicago for the past year and a half and just finished recording a full length album that they will be celebrating with this show. Much like their namesake, their songs are short and cheeky.The Daisy Heaves are a nu-psych group from Chicago, ILEveryday Specials is a three-piece rock ‘n roll experience that will turn your bad day into a good one. They leverage everything you love about classic rock and bake it into an alternative punk rock pie.
Hero Jr., Low Bright, Dan Bullivant
With an essence somewhere between the power of early Black Sabbath and 70’s British Rock and the intensity of Nirvana and classic Grunge, HERO JR. gives listeners all the expected dynamics, power, and unscripted performances of a great classic rock band, with melodic, lyrical and musical hooks that keep listeners engaged.Low Bright is a rock band from Chicago, IL.
PRYCE, Aurin Woods, FREEJAY
PRYCE is an alternative R&B singer known for their unique blend of soulful melodies,experimental production, and introspective lyrics. With a distinct sound that pushes theboundaries of traditional R&B, PRYCE has carved out their own niche in the music industry.Born and raised in Chicago, PRYCE developed a passion for music at a young age and begancrafting her own songs. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, including pop, musicaltheater, jazz, and indie, they seamlessly incorporate these influences into their music, creating afresh and innovative sound.PRYCE’s music is characterized by lush vocals, atmospheric production, and introspective lyricsthat delve into themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Her ability to evoke rawemotions through her music has been able to resonate with her audience and allow healingthrough her artistry for both herself and listeners.With a growing discography of captivating singles, PRYCE continues to push the boundaries ofalternative R&B, captivating listeners with their unique sonic palette and thought-provokinglyrics. Her music resonates with those seeking a fresh take on the genre, and they are poised tomake a lasting impact in the music industry.
Matty Wood$, MVTE, Jayfro Reywas
Matty Wood$ is a St. Louis native with over 50+ million global streams. He has set a precedence to make his presence known from his distinct melodies and word play. Matty Wood$ has a deep, yet intentional catalog that resonates with all age ranges in some shape or form. He has over 5 songs with a million + plays on spotify alone; his most notable being Sunday, Kelso, Drugs on Me pt. 2, and I’ll be fine. He has made his own lane with his melodic tone and pushing the boundaries within himself by experimenting with the vulnerable subject matter in his tracks. If you would to categorize him into a genre it would be hiphop with R&B attributes. By mixing the two ever so eloquently, he has captured the attention and support of a core and loyal fanbase.
nadNavillus, Matt Christensen, The Lost Year
Equal parts guitar and vocal driven, sonically and structurally diverse, nadNavillus is the music of Dan Sullivan. A Chicago resident since the late 90s, Sullivan has recorded with Glen Hansard and Jason Molina, including on the latter’s seminal “Magnolia Electric Company”, as well as releasing 4 full-length LPs with long-running Art-Metal ensemble Arriver.Matt Christensen is a Chicago-based musician who has played in the band Zelienople for over 20 years.Emerging from Chicago’s vibrant musical landscape, The Lost Year is a compelling force in the indie rock genre. With their distinct blend of introspective lyricism, dreamy melodies, and subdued (but at times explosive) energy, this four-piece band captivates audiences with their authentic sound and impassioned performances.