Crystal Killers’ debuts new single, “You Don’t Know Why”

Southside indie rock band Crystal Killers will be releasing their latest single, “You Don’t Know Why,” on November 30. Hailing from the West Lawn neighborhood, Crystal Killers has performed as a four-piece for two years and draws inspiration from a variety of musical genres and local Chicago artists. “We have a variety of influences stemming from emo, pop punk, alternative, indie…to old-school Latin groups from … Continue reading Crystal Killers’ debuts new single, “You Don’t Know Why”

Nonprofit Half Access aims to make live music accessible for all

Half Access, a nonprofit organization with a mission to make live music accessible to all concert goers, is re-launching September 1, 2018. Half Access is making concerts more accessible to people with disabilities by publishing a public directory that compiles accessibility information on music venues all over the country. Founder Cassie Wilson, 20, conceived the idea for Half Access in April 2017 after becoming fed up … Continue reading Nonprofit Half Access aims to make live music accessible for all

Habitats announces sophomore EP with the release of their first DIY music video

This fall, Habitats, a southside emo band, will be releasing their follow-up to 2017’s Heavy Heart, a nine-song EP that was as musically catchy as it was lyrically heartbreaking. Despite the local success of many tracks off of Heavy Heart, the guys in Habitats harbored a few regrets about the quality of their debut EP. Instead of getting hung up on their mistakes, the band is … Continue reading Habitats announces sophomore EP with the release of their first DIY music video

La Armada debuts new album at Cobra Lounge record release show

It’s been six years since Latino hardcore fury group La Armada released their full-length, self-titled debut album. It has been nearly four years since the Dominican-turned-Chicagoan based band released Crisis, a highly political seven-track EP that solidified the band’s unique crossover sound–a blending of hardcore punk and metal with native Dominican rhythms. It’s been over four months since the group’s last Chicago appearance when the five-piece band … Continue reading La Armada debuts new album at Cobra Lounge record release show

Brutal spring weather won’t stop Chicago’s DIY shows

I’ve been reminiscing about summer DIY shows lately. Do you remember those? The ones where you could go crazy in the pit because you didn’t have three layers of hoodies weighing you down. Those shows you could walk to with your friends while enjoying the sun instead of waiting 15 minutes for the bus as the city’s brutal wind whips your face. When I think … Continue reading Brutal spring weather won’t stop Chicago’s DIY shows

The spookiest Halloween shows You NEED to see this weekend

Looking for something to do this Halloween weekend? Look no further! Whether you want to dress up, get rowdy, and mosh with skeletons and vampires, or if you’d rather ditch the costumes, chill out and listen to some great cover bands, Locals Only has compiled a great selection of the spookiest Halloween themed shows going on in Chicago this weekend.   Friday, October 27th Havoc Fest … Continue reading The spookiest Halloween shows You NEED to see this weekend

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"

Record Breakers prepares for the 10th annual Record Store Day

On April 19th, 2008,  Record Store Day was born. Since 2008, the third Saturday of April has marked a day where artists, record store employees, and music lovers alike are able to unite and celebrate vinyl records at nearly 1,400 independently owned brick-and-mortar record stores across the globe. To many collectors and lovers of physical music, the anticipation leading to Record Store Day is equivalent … Continue reading Record Breakers prepares for the 10th annual Record Store Day

Ramones photo show paves way for new community events

The punk rock gallery united the music community and revamped the standard for free art shows By Nikki Roberts On April 1st, I attended the Ramones: What is this punk rock? photo show at the Co-Prosperity Sphere in Bridgeport. Nearly thirty-seven years ago, photographer Frank Jackowiak not only saw the Ramones play at College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, IL during the band’s college tour … Continue reading Ramones photo show paves way for new community events