Riot Fest Q+A: Pustulus Maximus of GWAR

Another Riot Fest has come and gone, and for the sixth year intergalactic metal band GWAR has graced Riot Fest with their bloody presence. Before their blue blood-filled set, lead guitarist Pustulus Maximus spoke to Locals Only about the music he’s listening to now (it’s not what you’d expect!) and plans for a future GWAR B-Q. Could you introduce yourself and where you’re from for … Continue reading Riot Fest Q+A: Pustulus Maximus of GWAR

Handsome Prick prepares for their first Full Terror Assault appearance

Handsome Prick is a three-piece grindcore band with a hint of rock ‘n’ roll influence out of Dyer, Indiana. Before the band opened for grind legends Wormrot at Reggies Rock Club on May 30, Locals Only sat down with guitarist Zach Chentnik, drummer/bassist Brad Vanderzee, and live vocalist Justin Wallace to talk a little bit about Handsome Prick’s Full Terror Assault debut this September, as well … Continue reading Handsome Prick prepares for their first Full Terror Assault appearance

Shine Light & Inspire: An interview with Chicago metalcore band Speaking With Ghosts

After signing to Famined Records, the group released a full-length album, Illuminate; played an impressive variety of shows, including Knotfest in 2015; and toured the United States multiple times. The band is currently preparing to begin recording new music this fall and took the time to do an exclusive interview with Locals Only.   Continue reading Shine Light & Inspire: An interview with Chicago metalcore band Speaking With Ghosts

Power Trip: Riley Gale talks plans for Full Terror Assault & a new album

Dallas thrashers Power Trip exploded onto the crossover metal scene with their 2013 Southern Lord release, Manifest Decimation. Five years later, the band is halfway through their North American tour as they continue to promote their sophomore record, Nightmare Logic. Power Trip annihilated Chicago with an all-ages show at Reggie’s Rock Club on May 16, and the five-piece crossover group will also play a soldout … Continue reading Power Trip: Riley Gale talks plans for Full Terror Assault & a new album

Doomed & Stoned’s Lara McGlynn plans Chicago’s newest heavy music festival

Lara McGlynn, 37, is heavily involved with Doomed & Stoned, an independent grassroots platform that covers the best heavy doom, sludge and drone metal, stoner, psychedelic, and 70’s-inspired rock across the globe. The audio story below details her journey from Doomed and Stoned resident “dark poet” to Chicago festival organizer. Our apologies for the grainy audio at the beginning of this interview. It gets better–we promise! McGlynn … Continue reading Doomed & Stoned’s Lara McGlynn plans Chicago’s newest heavy music festival

La Armada talks political activism and Anti-Colonial Vol. 1

It’s been awhile since we’ve had guests on Locals Only Radio. On April 23rd, La Armada stopped by the studio to talk with us about their recent record, Anti-Colonial Vol. 1, their upcoming shows, and the intersection between being musicians and political activists. La Armada Interview Here’s what else we played on April 23rd: Homan Square // La Armada Blackballed // Dare Path to Misery // … Continue reading La Armada talks political activism and Anti-Colonial Vol. 1

Meet Chicago’s South Side sad boys

Drummer Gustavo Najera unsuccessfully tries to hold back his smile as he hears the demo of “The Mess You Made,” the latest song by his band, Habitats. With the exception of myself and Najera, everyone else in the room has heard the recording before. The four other members of Habitats are crowded around their bass player’s phone, eager to hear the initial product of the … Continue reading Meet Chicago’s South Side sad boys

The woman behind Fifty50 Shows: An interview with Alicia Maciel

Fifty50 shows, a new Chicago promotion company, launched at the beginning of 2018. Fifty50’s mission is not only to provide the city with great shows featuring local talent, but also to use the proceeds obtained from their shows to serve their community. Locals Only talked to Alicia Maciel, the promotion company’s founder, to learn more about her ambitions for 2018. What is Fifty50? Maciel: FIFTY50 is … Continue reading The woman behind Fifty50 Shows: An interview with Alicia Maciel

Through n Through: Little Village Hardcore talks about how bands can support local music

Through n Through, a hardcore band from the Mexican-American neighborhood of Little Village, hit the scene in 2014. In the past three years, the band has released a handful of singles and two EPs, Defend and Give Me Hate.  The band’s next show is Saturday,  October 7th, with Fragmented Era, a Little Village metal band; Black Mass, a hardcore band out of Chicago Heights; Jury of … Continue reading Through n Through: Little Village Hardcore talks about how bands can support local music

Extras Needed! Chicago DIY scene to be featured in "Straight Edge Kegger"

Nearly a year after releasing the trailer for Straight Edge Kegger, a film featuring a young punk and a houseful of drunks squaring off against a gang of militant straight edgers, Weird On Top Pictures and director Jason Zink are ready to begin filming the full movie. Next Monday, September 18th, the Subterranean in Wicker Park will be hosting a FREE show with local punk bands, UGLYBoNES and … Continue reading Extras Needed! Chicago DIY scene to be featured in "Straight Edge Kegger"