January Singles
This year has started off with a plethora of sounds coming out of Chicago. As always our cavernous scene produced some of the most outstanding and artistically driven music to grace the airwaves this month, and here are bakers dozen of tunes we think your eardrums deserve.
As always we want to hear from you about Chicago music on the horizon. So hit that link and submit your project!
⬐Make sure to click on the playlist button to listen to a playlist of these tunes. ⬎
Juice Mazelee
Oct. 2nd
The first single from this local hip hop maverick’s new record HVNSNT ("Heavensent") which is set to drop this spring through Rosebud Allday. Working with producer Rudy P. Magic and mix master Jsun Rose, Mazellee generates a confession of depression and how his faith carries him through. If the rest of HVNSNT is as inspiring and thoughtful we’re all in for a real treat with this release.
Fauvely
May3e
Sophie Brochu’s music has always been quietly provocative and she returns with this lead single to new record Beautiful Places (out April 2nd). Backed by some serious scenesters that have been with her for years, Brochu’s shoegaze tendencies seem to have mellowed with “May3e” into a bit more pop leaning territory. Be on the lookout for the next single “Always” this Friday!
George Arthur Calendar (feat. Claude)
Lente Oscuro a.k.a. Calypso
Looking for smooth funky disco soul, just oozing with sexy spanish charm? Then scoot on up to this chill track from George Arthur Calendar with guest vocalist Claude. Arturo Calendar has been releasing his own brand of self defined “velvety narco synth” since 2016. His next full length is set to drop this month so mark yourself down for one candlelit evening, or several, absorbed in the liquid vibes of George Arthur Calendar.
Modern Vices
Fades / I
These Chicago heavy hitters dropped a two-pack this month, the first being “Fades”, a dynamic indie rock tune with blending, punching guitar layers and eccentrically aggressive vocal hooks. It’s a catchy, guitar driven song, with peaks of raw energy that draws you in. The kind of moments that make their live shows memorable.
The b-side of this release is a slower tune, marked with the same layering guitar melodies and unmistakable vocal styling of Alex Rebek. I found myself wanting more from this song, I didn’t get the same emotional feel as “Fades”, although still a fantastic release from these indie rockers.
Claude
Everything’s Great
Claudia Ferme always captures the dichotomy between observation and confession with an ease that defies her relative youth. With “Everything’s Great,” the second single from her upcoming EP Enactor (February 12th), she takes a lens to the culture of poisonous positivity with her usual piercing yet matter of fact approach.
Minor Moon
No Lightning Fix
Minor Moon is back after two years since his last album, with tender melodies and warm soft rock guitar that opens like a country morning sunrise. The lead single, “No Lightning Fix,” lends itself to a hopeful, sunny tone coupled with scenic lyricism that shows off a mature songwriting effort by Sam Cantor. The highly anticipated Tethers comes out March 26th by Ruination Record Company.
Gia Margaret
Solid Heart
A holdover tune from before her foray into ambient, “Solid Heart” reminds us how excellent Gia Margaret was at the singer/songwriter thing, before finding a truly remarkable artistry with last year's Mia Gargaret. Gorgeously produced by the artist with haunting melodies and her floating vocal, “Solid Heart” is a welcome reprieve from the snowy wasteland that has wrapped it’s hands around our city.
Wild Earp
Same Old Sorry Lesson
A classic country ballad from our own urban cowboy, “Same Old Sorry Lesson” channels the spirits of Johnny, Merle, Waylon, and George all in one tune. If you can’t stomach the pop country cliche but need an injection of a good ol’ waltzing tune, scoot on over to this one and hold your partner tight.
Pansy
Woman of Ur Dreams
Vivian McCall of Jungle Green branches out on her own with new side project Pansy, and the first single is a sunny surf pop gem that would fit right in with the off kilter dimensions in which JG resides. However, with this one she begins to tell the story of her transition which will continue in a full album on the way in the spring. We just can’t wait for more from this talented artist taking a brave leap forward.
Soul Honey Records
Don’t Blink
Eight songs in six months and the Soul Honey Singles Vol. 1 project concludes with “Don’t Blink.” This project headed by Andrew Christopoulos has featured a rotating round of local musicians recording with him, lending the overall project a crazy sort of disconnected vibe that fits perfectly in our rollercoaster pandemic life.
AWEFUL
Oh Oh
Punky, spacy and all together fist raised worthy, “Oh Oh” is the first from this power trio since their killer debut ME ME ME. When it comes to catchy choruses, foot pounding rock, and plenty of tongue in cheek fun, look no further than Traci Trouble, Lucy Dekay and Izzy Price to take you where you need to go.
Flesh Panthers
Doctor Man
Right from the pandemic blues comes this 70s style covid anthem from the straight up rockers in Flesh Panthers. “Doctor Man” has the tambourine shakes and harmonica flourishes that would fit right in with prime Stones or Faces. It’s rare to find a band that can still capture that nostalgia sound without sounding stale but this quartet has done it time and time again.
Counterpunch
Handbook For The Recently Debriefed
This kind of Bad Religion and Pennywise influenced punk rock is right up our alley. Driving drums, power chord crunch, and melodic vocals describing societies eminent destruction, sign us right the fuck up. Counterpunch can keep it all coming. This seven inch is just classic punk sound given fresh perspective.
If we missed your music please let us know and we will try to fit it in somewhere. Please submit here!