Rat Tally, Social Cinema, Liska

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.