Bled Tape, Mr. Softheart, Gerfety
Bled Tape is the solo recording project and occasional live band of Francis Shannon since 2015. Manic and unpredictable indie rock with noise elements and experimental flourishes in abundance. Named an “Artist to Watch in 2024” by Iowa Public Radio, Mr. Softheart has drawn comparisons to Suicide, Viagra Boys, Nick Cave, LCD Soundsystem, and The Cramps. Their sound blends post-punk, new wave, dance, and experimental elements, culminating in a setlist of “moody meditations” centered around lead singer Nick Fisher’s wry poetics and arch stage persona. Gerfety describes themselves as Chicago 3-piece Shadow Rock.
Stander, Genital Shame, NÜDE
Stander is a Chicago trio testing the boundaries of heavy music, infusing their penchants for improvising and dynamic, narrative songwriting into music both tense and cathartic. Genital Shame, experimental black metal from Pittsburgh, PA is the one-person project of Erin Dawson. NÜDE is an experimental duo composed of Chicago-bred musicians Ruby Lucinda and Luke Clohisy. Both multi-instrumentalists, Lucinda and Clohisy write music that pulls from indie rock, drone, no wave, and grunge. The duo seeks to write honest music, about what feels like to be home— comforts and complications alike.
Sports Boyfriend, Facing, Caroline Campbell
Sports Boyfriend is a rock band from Chicago. Currently made up of Eileen Peltier, Alex Lukawski & Ashley Guerrero. They’re groovy & tender, just like a boyfriend should be.Facing is a brand new, experimental three-piece from Chicago. Nathan Whitman and Kirk Rawlings (Courtesy) began sharing ideas in early 2023. Claudia Ferme (Claude) joined shortly after as the band’s primary singer and the three have been writing and recording music to be released soon.Caroline Campbell is returning to the stage with a completely new and transformed electronic project. Joined by Benjamin Taylor and Alex Taylor, the trio present a sound that is emboldened by dark and pulsating house rhythms, synth-opera, and stories from the underworld.
Zombie Mañana, They Need Machines To Fly?, NOHMADS
Zombie Mañana is an Indie Electronic/Art Rock artist from Chicago. ZM weaves psychedelic textures and beats with adept songwriting and clever, thought-provoking lyrics. ZM is a crafted sound all his own, but one can sense hints of how favorite bands Radiohead, Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear, and Flaming Lips… To name a few. They Need Machines To Fly? play rhythm-driven keyboard rock producing walls of sound to hurt your ears in the most pleasing of ways Art rockers from Chicago, NOHMADS weave layers of noir, sludge, and pop to create their unique sound, combining songs, spoken word, and visual elements to tell stories. Soaring guitars, dynamic percussion, and haunting vocal harmonies escort the listener on a ride through everyday silenced small town dramas, into murky backwoods of past lives, and along hopeful deserted dream landscapes
California Cousins (NY), Inkjet, Ira Glass (EP Release), Shotgun Funeral
California Cousins – Riffy emo/post-hardcore from Rochester, NY. Inventor’s of the double EP. “stray.” out now.Inkjet – printer-rock from chicagoIra Glass – ira glass is a post-post-hardcore band from chicago, IL.Shotgun Funeral – a queer 3 piece alternative, emo, punk band 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.
Miniskirt, The Scratch-Offs, Cam’s Jams
Miniskirt is a four piece based in Chicago, IL. The band draws on a love of 60’s girl groups, garage rock, power pop, and punk to make dreamy and energetic sound. They can inspire a raucous pit or a joint to be passed around. Their self release debut album, Paint It Rad, came out on April 23, 2024. The Scratch-Offs play rock n’ roll (emphasis on the “roll”) from Madison, Wisconsin (emphasis on the “sin”) Cam’s Jams play reverb-y vocal melodies mix with a flurry of percussion, 12-string guitar, and a slough of psychedelic effects to make an all around transcendental experience for one and all. – Midwest Action
Nahaules Underground, Headless Mary, Central Dogma, Turn N Fire
Nahuales Underground began as a trio in the early 2000s. Now a 5 piece band known for its great energy, with its diverse way of mixing genres of Rock, Ska, Punk, Reggae with a touch of aggressive energetic flavor. Headless Mary combines gritty, distorted guitars and driving rhythms, with slower-paced songs featuring shimmering guitar, dreamy vocals, and haunting melodies. Their music has a mix of dark, brooding lyrics and infectious pop hooks, creating a blend of noise and melody. Central Dogma are a 3 piece instrumental band from Detroit with heavy inspiration from J-Rock and anime intros.
SJOD (EP RELEASE), No Antics (STL), Ludwig Chavez ft. Charlie Barlow
SJOD is the self-proclaimed preeminent livetronica dark horse legend of Chicago. The Jod is in his element in a live setting, expect a high energy experience with a wide range of tempos, vibes, and electronic instruments. 2024 marks SJOD’s villain era with a new aesthetic of intense eldritch imagery and whimsical interludes. C U On The DanceFloor.No Antics is a premium rock experience; melting alternative, grunge, and punk genres into a contemporary array of fresh sounds. From the fray of Midwestern skateparks and basements, their DIY methodology welcomes the audience into the world of Modern Femme Grime. A new space, built on the bones of the fallen patriarchy, Modern Femme Grime is a higher realm of consciousness where the complexities of life and love in the 21st Century can be focused into a continuous beam of raw power. Come for the guitar solos and scream-along anthems, stay for community.LUDWIG CHAVEZ is a CHICAGO based collective who deliver atmospheric soundscapes and chugging rhythms that just have a way of getting into people’s bones. Jamie Clemmons (guitars/vocals); Ross Wall (synths/keys/noise/percussion); Charlie Barlow (Drums/percussion)
MellowPhobia, Ione, Lydia Cash
Based in Kansas City, Kansas, MellowPhobia is an alt-rock band that brings a lively and dynamic sound to the music scene. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the band relocated and recorded their debut EP, “Is This Seat Taken?” Their single, “Jackal,” gained attention, leading to performances at festivals and indie venues. Notable highlights include sharing stages with national touring acts such as The Greeting Committee, The Regrettes, The Velveteers, Colony House, and more. By 2024, “Jackal” had surpassed 40,000 streams. Looking ahead, the band is gearing up for new releases, each contributing to their evolving sound.Ione, A 25 year old Singer/Songwriter from Sioux City Iowa, started her singing career at the age of 11. Since that time she has toured extensively throughout the Midwest developing her unique style. Ione’s powerful, soulful voice is undeniable whether singing her empowering Alt Rock compositions or more intimate heartfelt confessionals.Lydia Cash’s latest release, “Indigo”, boasts her fresh indie take on country music, weaving synths with traditional pedal steel, her airy voice floating with stacked harmonies and emotional, heartfelt lyrics. The five songs share a common theme of longing, whether that be for a person, a feeling, or for the past. While heavy on the nostalgia, there is nothing dated about this EP; honest, full of heart, with confessional lyrics, Cash is creating something new in country music and leaves us feeling good and wanting more.
Holy Joke, Janet Blackwell, Dogcatcher
Holy Joke is an alt-country band from Chicago, IL. They are celebrating the release of their second EP.Janet Blackwell is a musical artist based in Chicago. Her music explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with a sound that blends elements of folk, rock, and pop. Heavily influenced by the mysticality of 70s rock lyricism and its imagery, upcoming music has direct influence of the gritty Riot Grrrl movement–with a folk rock twist.Dogcatcher’s sound ranges from the loud and loose ferocity of a modern-day Crazy Horse to the pin-drop silence of a Big Thief show.