New Releases We Can't Wait to Dig Into

We’re still feeling that love out of Chicago! This list sums up the cultural diversity we see here in the Windy City. Everything from pop and folk that soothes the soul, to rabble rousing rap that can chuff even the tightest of asses. Take a gander at the list and let us know what you think.

As we scan upcoming release lists, singles and endlessly scrolling through Instagram, we are still very much interested in hearing from you about Chicago music on the horizon. 

Damon Locks & The Black Monument Ensemble (Chicago)
NOW
International Anthem

“Keep Your Mind Free”, the latest single from NOW is a near six-minute jazz joy ride. It dances between afrobeat and neo soul and with headphones on, you can hear the subtle roar of the cicadas in the background. Damon Locks is a tried and true artist and NOW is a grand extension of his brilliance. Nothing says this better than the single “Now (Forever Momentary Space)” which does a dance around rhyme and reason.

Sharkula x Mukqs (Chicago)
Take Caution on the Beach
Hausu Mountain Records

Moving to something on the more avant-garde in the Chicago music scene, we have long-time street promoter and all around drrrty rapper, Skarkula adding to his prolific discography. His music is an acquired taste, but with singles like “Steam Room Sauna Holla” you get that instant Sharkula flavor, complete with a grimy synth beat in the back. “I’m a Workhorse (Stay Strong)” stays in a similar vein lyrically, but plays with happier child-like chirps and beats.

Essential Forever (Chicago)
There’s Still A Lot To Say About Essential Forever
Earth Libraries

Essential Forever plays with a subtle ‘60s forlorn lover sound with their latest There’s Still A Lot To Say About Essential Forever. Not to rip from days past, but this album chants along the same old standards like flower child favorites, The Mamas and The Papas. If the world were going to be brave enough to reboot Rocky Horror Picture Show, Essential Forever would have a shot at writing tunes for the soundtrack.

Bill MacKay and Nathan Bowles (Chicago)
Keys
Drag City

From the first listen of single “Joy Ride” it’s almost a guarantee that Bill MacKay and Nathan Bowles are hinting at that old time Appalachian folk sound. Keys comes together as a collection of vintage-sounding standards. MacKay and Bowles play well together as if they were kindred spirits who found each other through the haze and confusion of a 2020 we’re all still trying to forget. This album is great for late night hangs when all the neighbors are in bed, the weather is great, and the back stairwell is cozy.

Queen Mars (Chicago)
Trust Issues
Self Release

Soft-pop songstress, Queen Mars drops her debut EP Trust Issues this week. Though her motif is typically delicate, there are strict contrasts between singles “You” which prominently showcases Queen Mars’s dreamy delivery, and “BOYS LIKE YOU” which brings a flavor of empowerment.

Powerlines  (New Jersey)
all of this is temporary
Self Release

The only group on the list not hailing from Chicago, Powerlines is a New Jersey pop quartet with a philosophical bend. A bright light shining the way to understanding the world as we see it. Lead singer, Deanna DiLandro has a beautiful voice and it fits so wonderfully in the soundscape of the entire band. You can hear this in the single “Temporary” where layers of sound and emotion pour through the speakers with a religious fervor. This album has summer heat written all over it. Cop this record before the weather gets any hotter.

Throwing some love across the pond, we’d like to give a shoutout to Aussie art-punks CLAMM. We’d also like to tip our hat to New York City dance crew Gilligan Moss. If you love the Chicago house scene, you’ll really appreciate what Gilligan Moss brings to the table. Come back next week for more new music picks from your trusty Crowd Surfer crew.

It bears repeating, we want to cover Chicago music, so if you have something coming out, please submit it!