Locals Only sat down with La Armada guitarist Paúl Rivera to talk about the band’s Dominican roots, the importance of diversity in hardcore, and what’s in store for the group in 2023. Continue reading La Armada’s Paúl Rivera on diversity in Chicago hardcore
Whether you’re looking for an all-ages costume party or want to attend a metal fest at a 21+ venue, Locals Only has compiled a guide to Halloween shows going on around Chicagoland that features tons of festive, age-inclusive options. Continue reading Hall-O-Weekend Show Guide
On Friday, September 30, Demo Division released their debut EP, “Wish You Were Here.” The punchy, pop rock debut arrives just four months after the group released their first single, but don’t let the current, cohesive sound of these four tracks fool you — this record was actually seven years in the making. Continue reading Demo Division Wishes You Were Here
On April 16, the duo will host a drag show release party for the “Devil Girl” music video at Liar’s Club, complete with live band and drag queen performances. Before you head to the premiere party, read our interview with Birdy and Shaman. Continue reading Sweetie Hosts a Devil Girl Party at Liar’s Club
$1 Beer Night at Sleeping Village in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood is already an alluring grab for any local venue, but booking illusion of choice, INSTILL, and BUGGIN on the three-band bill this past Monday made it an unforgettable night — that is, unless you took advantage of those cheap PBRs. Continue reading Chicago Hardcore Night at Sleeping Village
Thursday night — it’s the last day of the week before the weekend and all bets are off. Well, that’s usually the case for most, but for the Chicago hardcore scene, last Thursday was a night we’ll all remember for years to come. Continue reading Drain Returns to Cobra Lounge
It was a bitter cold Chicago night — in fact, the whole United States was experiencing a punishing freeze. The last week’s snowfall gave way to blistering freezes that solidified the sidewalks into sheets of ice fit for a zamboni. Luckily, the roads were clear enough for show-goers to make it out to Schubas Tavern in Lakeview on a Saturday night. Continue reading Your Arms Are My Cocoon & Mush at Schubas
It’s been one year since X Will Mark The Place released Babble — an energetic four-track EP that attacks listeners’ ears with dancey punk grooves — but just three months since the band made their live debut. In this interview, vocalist/guitarist Eric Centeno discusses what was running through his head when he wrote the lyrics to the songs he released a year ago; the band’s … Continue reading X Will Mark The Place Celebrates The One-Year Anniversary of Babble
Now, Locals Only is back in the format I first envisioned it — an online print & media publication. With the time commitment of the radio show off my shoulders, I’m excited to return to writing feature articles and in-depth interviews. In addition to the content I personally plan to write & publish, I want this platform to be open and collaborative; any Chicago creative who wants to use their talents to help document the city’s vibrant rock, punk & metal communities is welcome to share this online space. Continue reading Letter From the Editor
Chicago summer is finally here, and its arrival marks the end of cold warehouse shows and bundling up just to make the trek to see your favorite local bands . The arrival of summer means DIY yard shows, sweating through your shirt in mosh pits and reuniting with friends who always seem to disappear during the winter. To help jump start your summer, Locals Only … Continue reading June Show Previews
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