Calico Plaid, Girl Cologne, Shotgun Funeral, Carnivore Mommy
Camille is from a border town in Texas, Nic is a Chicago local – together they make inanely melodic alt rock as Calico Plaid, littered with as many guitar solos as possible. The rest of the group is made up of 3 power houses who all front their own projects and bands in the Chicago scene. We like to mosh and get weird! Girl Cologne is an alt/punk rock group from Cleveland, Ohio.Their sound and lyricism expertly capture the feeling of nostalgia associated with the singer/songwriter genre and the cinematic, head banging musical nature of classic punk and grunge bands. Not only do they bring it musically, the group advocates for LGBTQ+ rights as most of its members identify as queer. They also spread awareness about chronic illness as the band’s lead vocalist has POTS. SHOTGUN FUNERAL is a queer 3 piece alternative, emo, punk band from Chicago with post-hardcore elements. Three writers/vocalists, two guitarists, one bassist (and a slew of rotating drummers) who experiment and ultimately have fun bending genres to leave listeners feeling nostalgic for the past, yet ingrained in the present. Ever wanted the theatrics of emo and the horror of queercore to smooch a little?Maybe you’re a lil’ freak who desperately wants to be Mommy’s favorite?May we introduce to you, Chicago’s very own eerie, dancey, sick, and scream-soaked…Carnivore Mommy.
Rat Tally, Social Cinema, Liska
Rat Tally makes sad music for sad people. Or happy people. Or whoever. Whether it’s due to their years as touring musicians, gradually honed songwriting and stylistic ambitions from scrappy, garage-y roots, or some combination of all of the above, Social Cinema makes an immediate impression with seasoned beyond their years songwriting chops and a road-hardened work ethic and resolve to match. Since adopting the Social Cinema banner in 2021, the alternative/indie rock quintet has issued four EPs — 2022’s Causing Scenes and Repeat, Get Along, and Stay Numb in 2023 — and a number of singles highlighting the outfit’s multifaceted songcraft prowess, and has shared bills with the likes of Metric, Saint Motel, Slothrust, The Velveteers, Spiritual Cramp, Bad Bad Hats, Sego, THICK, PUP, The Macks, and more. With Briggite Bardot hair, psychic abilities, and enough broken hearts to inspire an entire discography, Chicago’s-own Liska has all the makings of a “pop girly,” the Gen-Z-originated internet term of endearment reserved for the most iconic of icons. Liska fans appreciate her signature, Gwen Stefani-esque pout and her impish lyrics. Both her vocal delivery and the topics she sings about are unapologetically girlish. With inspirations stemming from Charli XCX, Evanescene, Britney Spears and No Doubt, there’s a little bit of something for everyone
King Sans, Frozen Charlotte, The Metalliques
King Sans is Chicago’s Gothic Noisepunk Duo Frozen Charlotte is the newest project from Madison, WI based multimedia artist Sigra DeWeese. Blending DeWeese’s signature airy coloratura vocals with a heavy, hardcore infused production and catchy, pop sensibility, Frozen Charlotte boasts a dynamic sound for fans of Lung, Deftones and Lingua Ignota. Live show supported by the musical talents of drummer Samwise Baker, second bassist Quintin Bovre, and Keyboardist Riley Rentfro. Local cosmic act The Metalliques have a cinematic, sultry and surfy sound with lounge and spaghetti western elements that would be equally at home in a David Lynch film or 70s soft core escapade.
Rhea the Second, Manasseh, MVTE, Marcus Darling, KOVU (DJ Set)
Born on the east side of Detroit and now thriving in the city of Chicago, Rhea the Second is an Alternative Pop and R&B artist who has quickly cemented her place as one of the most exciting talents in the city’s vibrant music scene. Her star-studded resume includes working with artists like Noname, Leon Bridges, Eryn Allen Kane, Akenya, Durand Jones & The Indications, Neal Francis, and Tony Moran, to name just a few. Her latest projects, ALT POP RNB and Mama’s House (a dynamic collaboration with rapper MVTE), are bold declarations of her artistic vision and have already earned praise as two of the year’s most distinctive and thrilling releases. Manasseh, a South Side Chicago native, has honed his musical gift since childhood, nurtured by his vocalist mother and shaped by years in the church choir. Today, he thrives as a Music Supervisor, curator, vocal coach, background vocalist, and songwriter, collaborating with a wide range of artists. MVTE (pronounced mute) is an up-and-coming artist from Chicago, with a style as distinct as her voice. Following the city’s rich lineage of important and unique voices, her music is refreshing yet familiar. From jazz influenced slow burners to hard hitting gritty boom bap to Chicago flavored anthems, her sound is a rich, diverse mosaic allowing her space to explore. Her music is unique, fun and filled with feeling, transporting the listener into her world. And in her world, contrary to her stage name, MVTE has a lot to say. Marcus Darling is a genre-defying, soulfully rebellious artist who fuses revolutionary rock with a DIY lofi aesthetic. Their sound—a self-described “black-folk music”—blends electronic soul, R&B, psychedelic rock, jazz, and folk into something both intimate and expansive. Each song feels like a dreamy journey, exploring moods more than messages, with polished melodies woven through reflective silences. Kovu is an Artist, Curator, Designer + anything he sets his mind to. From Detroit to living in Chicago for 14 years, KOVU focuses on a blend of Afro House, Deep House, and Yoruba Soul.
Kid Yung, Javar Sounds, J. Onyx
Kid Yung is an Alternative Hip-Hop artist and Producer, with a dynamic range of vocal capabilities and brings the excitement wherever he performs. With diverse sounds, Kid plan to take his fans on a musical journey. Javar Sounds is a unique lyrical artist with crisp metaphors and great word placement. People should be excited to see him perform because he will be putting on a electrifying show and making the people feel good J. Onyx is a kid from Rogers Park with a sound from a different world. Experience master lyricism with compelling flows and addictive cadences from a sound you’ve heard before, but not like this!
bloodsports, ira glass, Stalled
bloodsports is a brooklyn-based slowcore and noise rock band. Since moving to New York at the beginning of 2024, they have built up a following through their dynamic and emotive live performances, dissonant guitars and driving rhythms. ira glass is a post-hardcore band from Chicago When the Wall Breaks Down says of Stalled- “Their music has everything I love to hear in a live music context- slow, moody passages, effect-drenched guitars, intricate rhythms, and unbelievably powerful sonic explosions when you least expect them.”
Rebecca Jaffe, The Devil Said Jump, Mike Landlot, May5a
Rebecca Jaffe is a Chicago-based music artist & comedian. Accompanied by her ukulele (and some interesting props), she tells her wacky, personal stories through whimsical songs. She has a playful sound with quirky lyricism and both folk and pop influence. Check out her EP “Hello Everyone” on all streaming platforms! The Devil Said Jump is a folk band from Chicago whose sound blends pop influences, folk instrumentation, and effortless harmonies. With quick-wits, and a knack for storytelling they’ve captivated Chicago audiences with their previous releases, including their debut album “All Shook Up” (2024). Mike Landlot is an entrepreneur from Goosefire Lake, WI whose businesses are known across the Midwest for their quality, integrity, and top tier customer service. Mike has recently filled in for ANDREW VOLPE of LUDO, and will be providing couples counseling to help promote Landlot Counseling and Notary Services. may5a is steeping something honest and warm for listeners who no longer want to proceed with caution!
Oh Geeez, Not Again, Luke Frees & The Shadowband, 5pm to Nowhere
Luke Frees writes songwriter-driven rock music and plays live with his backing group, The Shadowband. Retro-inspired guitars, soaring avant saxophones, and a tight rhythm section give the band its energetic edge, all the while prioritizing the writing and serving the song. Their newest album, Tomorrow’s Lucid Dream, is now available on all streaming platforms, and their greatest hits compilation album can be found on vinyl at lukefrees.net. Arriving from out of the woods along the shores of Lake Michigan, Oh Geeez, Not Again is here to soundtrack your expedition through the wilderness of reality. The Milwaukee indie pop quartet – Sean McGibany (vocals/guitar/banjo), Jack Gilmond (vocals/guitar), Alex Dollenmayer (drums), and Joe Ludwig (bass) – are lifelong musical adventurers and distill their sound from an eclectic blend of 2000’s pop punk, 2010’s alternative, and 90’s country.Specializing in colorful lyrics, driving organic beats, and nonstop melodic hooks, their songs are sure to get stuck in your head and make you feel like the protagonist in your own coming of age movie. Milwaukee alternative rock voyagers 5pm to Nowhere emerged in 2020 under the creative vision of singer-songwriter Jacob Webb, drawing from the grand emotional balladry of alternative icons like Jeff Buckley and Sufjan Stevens. With drummer Ben Dahms, keyboardist Noah Bayer, and guitarist Christian Lese infusing 5pm to Nowhere with new indie rock sound and energy, 5pm to Nowhere continues their sonic expedition into uncharted territories.Milwaukee alternative rock voyagers 5pm to Nowhere emerged in 2020 under the creative vision of singer-songwriter Jacob Webb, drawing from the grand emotional balladry of alternative icons like Jeff Buckley and Sufjan Stevens. With drummer Ben Dahms, keyboardist Noah Bayer, and guitarist Christian Lese infusing 5pm to Nowhere with new indie rock sound and energy, 5pm to Nowhere continues their sonic expedition into uncharted territories.
Anne Helen Wells (album release), Hedra Rowan, Shinespark, omg_aeri, MaryMary!
Anne Helen Wells makes digital pop music in a desperate attempt to be known, to be loved & to get off. Bristling with icy shards & rubbery squeaks, her intimately inhuman vocals and art pop songwriting begs to be savored, bone marrow drawn from circuit boards. Hedra Rowan- “I usually make noises but these are my slow sad songs.” Shinespark is bubbly, hifi, cute, sad, shiny, sweet, digital POP music for anyone. MaryMary! is a noisepop musician who sings about love and fear and self respect. She loves analog synths and digital samplers, both of which can be heard on her EP, entitled MY STUPID HEART LIKE A SNOWGLOBE FULL OF BLOOD. Her music and other endeavors can be found at linktr.ee/marymarychic. Former catgirl popstar, omg_aeri is an electronic pop music producer, performer, and sound designer. having performed with the likes of Anita Velveeta, Cocojoey, and Fraxiom; Aeri blends catchy hooks and melodies with the sounds of pc music, digicore, and “recession pop” into a cascading display of “glittering queer luster”.
Jett Girls, Rareforms, The Laughing Hearts
The Jett Girls are a rag tag group here to wreak havoc, cause chaos, and marry their love for the absurd with high powered rock music. Rareforms makes heavy psych rock tinged with 90’s influences. A power trio bringing a high-energy show with riffs and intricacies to pull people in from the other room. The Laughing Hearts are from Chicago. Our first full length Album “TRACES” is out now. We are excited to share it with you. We have been a band since 2017, and will be forever.