Mazard: Bring it All Out

When I’m angry at the state of the world, I’m always rudely reminded that no matter how pissed off I am, there are so few (socially acceptable) ways in which I’m able to release my bitterness and go unhinged. I find comfort in the local scene where there are bands who are setting out to relieve their own stress – bands like Aurora punks Mazard. … Continue reading Mazard: Bring it All Out

Atheena: Everything to Gain and Nothing to Lose

Chicago’s DIY scene has it all: tight-knit community, diverse individuals, safe spaces, and of course, amazing bands — and Atheena is one of the latest to be added to the city’s already impressive roster. Since they first started in November 2021, musicians Oscar Aviles-Romo, Joshua Beardsley, and Dom Malgioglio have begun to establish themselves by playing two to three shows a month. “I think we’ve … Continue reading Atheena: Everything to Gain and Nothing to Lose

X Will Mark The Place Celebrates The One-Year Anniversary of Babble

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

Q&A: The Last Great Riot

The Last Great Riot has been playing their blend of melodic rock and garage punk since 2016. Guitarist/vocalist John Beavers and drummer Scott Durand began playing together when they both joined a “work band” at their shared place of employment that strictly performed at work events. The duo decided to jam outside of work and eventually recruited Durand’s friend, bassist Mario Mazzone, to complete the … Continue reading Q&A: The Last Great Riot

Q&A: Enforced (VA)

Virginia crossover thrash band ENFORCED is fresh off their spring run with Iron Reagan, Sacred Reich and Leeway, and are preparing to release their first full-length album this July. Before their set at Reggies Rock Club in Chicago on May 15, vocalist Knox Colby talked about the band’s most recent tour, his lyrical influences, and the Virginia Beach hardcore scene. You can read an excerpt … Continue reading Q&A: Enforced (VA)

Q+A: Bovice

Bovice is one of the newest hardcore bands to come out of Chicago. The five-piece beatdown band has already been endorsed by The Acacia Strain’s Vincent Bennett–and they haven’t even played a single live show yet. In this interview with Locals Only, Bovice reveals how they’ve managed to gain a dedicated local following, what sets them apart from other Chicago beatdown bands, and when you … Continue reading Q+A: Bovice

Snuffed, the newest punk band on the scene, talks Chicago influences + goals for 2019

Snuffed is one of the latest additions to Chicago’s impressive array of hardcore punk bands. Before their show at the Archer Ballroom, a DIY space in Bridgeport, Locals Only met up with the members of Snuffed. Sprawled across the worn carpeted stairs of the Archer Ballroom and bundled up in flannels and thick winter coats, guitarist Aaron Schmitt, drummer Joe Brandenburger, vocalist Karly de Sota, and … Continue reading Snuffed, the newest punk band on the scene, talks Chicago influences + goals for 2019

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