Call Me Sy!, 6ixteenth, Bando Brando, Cvkes
Born to Pakistani immigrants in the summer of 93, Syed spent his early years on the north side of Chicago before drifting through various suburbs. After a musical shift in 2018, the artist “Sy!” was born. Swapping his gritty trap sound for a smooth, melodic approach. Incorporating harmonies, catchy flows, and vocal chops to a range of instrumentals spanning numerous genres.
Joey Aich, partywatcher, TBD
Joey Aich, pronounced Joey H, is a full-time independent hip-hop artist based in Columbus, OH. The Woodmere Village, OH-born emcee is known for his electric stage performances and personal charm.Joey has released several bodies of work including albums, “AichFiles” (2015), “If Money Grew on Trees” (2018), and “Open Treehouse” (2020), along with a myriad of singles and EPs over the course of his career. Most recently, Joey released the deluxe version of Open Treehouse, paired with a “pay what you want, how you want” campaign in which $3,500 in pre-orders were made prior to the release. Aich is a creative wordsmith who plans to change the world and inspire the next generation through his lyrics, performances, and the way he carries himself outside of music.Aich, known as “The Headband Assassin,” has performed across the country as a headliner and opening act for festivals, self-funded tours, and other events. In 2022, Joey traveled to eight cities for his Aich Madness Spring Tour. He made appearances in NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Huntington (WV), Detroit, Denver, also with his hometown performances in Cleveland and Columbus.In Joey’s time outside of music he teaches middle school students in Columbus, OH through We Amplify Voices, an arts enrichment program that is focused on allowing students to express themselves through outlets such as singing, dancing, visual arts, music making, and creative writing.
GOOD GRIEF, NEWT, ACEDAVINCI, UPTWNDRUGS, Colm Lennon, Club Malos
GOOD GRIEF, NEWT, ACEDAVINCI, UPTWNDRUGS, Colm Lennon, Club Malos
Rell Cash, Ashlee Bankz, Stock Marley, Raymi
Rell Cash absorbed his talent effortlessly through imitating his father as a child. Although his relationship with his father wasn’t always the best, his father was his main source of musical influence. His interest and natural ability to freestyle and write songs came about as his father vast tastes of music. He would sing and rap along with some of his fathers favorite songs; and when he wouldn’t remember a line or so, he would come up with his own lyrics.Ashlee Bankz is from Flossmoor, IL, a south-suburb of Chicago and describes herself quite simply, and adequately, dope as fuck.Stock Marley hails from the Westside of Chicago. FREENATION memberA Chicago native, Raymi brings her soulful grit & edgy play through lyrics & music videos. Using her verses, Raymi reveals her perspective on issues, that without experience & undertakings, she wouldn’t otherwise be able to comment on. A lifelong dancer, she started out freestyling with friends which made her realize there are different ways to love music. To her, it made sense, rap is rhythm & poetry.
Big Mouf’Bo, CECE BKE, 7K
Swäm, Cory Rhymal, Melvin Knight
Roy Kinsey, Jesse 5k, DJ Ca$h Era
Chicago born and raised, Roy Kinsey is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to tradition in his respective industries. where being a black, queer-identified, rapper, and librarian may be an intimidating choice for some, Roy Kinsey’s non-conformist ideology has informed his 6th album, and self proclaimed, “best work yet,” Kinsey: A Memoir. KINSEY: A Memoir, arguably more poignant than Blackie: A Story by Roy Kinsey, captures a dark, sinister, yet sincere, and potent musical performance by Kinsey. Kinsey’s observations are strong on ‘Memoir,’; shaped by early traumas that threatened to debilitate his belief in himself as well as the abilities of his family. It is the manifestation of a queer man, in a black body, coming of age in Chicago.”Jesse 5k is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and model from the city of ChicagoOne of the only Queer, Black, Female DJs in the city of Chicago, DJ Ca$h Era, has been in the game for 10 years gaining professional experience. Through her open-format and masterful mixing style, she has captivated crowds at a large variety of spaces such as nightclubs, bars, music festivals, private events, corporate galas, weddings, and much more.CIVL FEST is unlike any other music festival out there. The festival is a month-long party across Chicago’s independent venues, and provides a major boost to the energy of February. The best part is that the festival, with support from our partners, will fund 1099/gig-workers from Chicago Independent Venues to receive mental health, healthcare, and health advocate services.CIVL Chicago and Chicago Music Seen organize CIVL Fest as a winter music festival hosted by 15 of Chicago’s independent performing arts venues. Going to enjoy shows during the coldest month of the year is important because you can find so much wellness and joy in those moments when you experience the performance of an amazing artist alongside your friends and loved ones. Don’t make winter drab, make it a vibe – see you at the shows!”
Kasual OWNLY, Christian JaLon, S.o.m.i.
Cldwaterr, The Dark Skin Rapper, Dialect Tre
Teda Sane, Paperwork, Veli aka King Turnt
