The cross-country Vans Warped Tour, an alternative music festival started in 1995, has finally come to an end. Back in February 2018, founder Kevin Lyman announced that this year’s traveling fest would be the last summer milestone for many young music fans across the nation. With a diverse lineup of punk, metal and rap groups, Warped Tour has always appealed to a wide array of … Continue reading Behind the Music: Final Vans Warped Tour Recap
It’s no secret that many record labels and production companies have the luxury of throwing around big bucks to hire graphic designers when it comes to their advertising budgets. However, at a DIY show where it can often be difficult to get patrons to cough up the $5 cover fee, spending money on advertising and art is seldom included in the budget. Below is a … Continue reading DIY Art Gallery
Eddy Garcia is at it again. On June 22, Garcia captured photos of local hardcore sludge band XEUTHANIZEDX and emo band Habitats during their sets at a backyard birthday show in Marquette Park. Five local bands, including Thisishowitendedintokyo, Sawbuck, and Death of Self, performed in honor of Habitats’ guitarist Elijio Guel’s 27th birthday. XEUTHANIZEDX Habitats You can find more of Garcia’s content here. Cover photo … Continue reading Backyard Show Shots: Habitats & XEUTHANIZEDX
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
By Victoria Goodman Contributing Writer Edited by Nikki Roberts Speaking With Ghosts formed in Chicago in 2014 and has had many accomplishments since then. 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 … Continue reading Shine Light & Inspire: An interview with Chicago metalcore band Speaking With Ghosts
By Monsieur “Monzy” Mason Contributing Writer Cover Photo by Kaitlyn Johnston Edited by Nikki Roberts When I went to my first house show, it was quite an unforgettable experience. Game Changers, Let It Fly, Gardens, The Feedback Fiends, Mishandled and Flight Plan played that show. Watching 200+ kids moshing, finger pointing and singing along at one guy’s house was just amazing and knowing that they … Continue reading D. I. whY not?
The third installation of Punx Not Disposable features photos taken on a disposable camera from the middle of January to the last day of May of 2018. From shows in legitimate venues to moments captured outside of backyard DIY shows, these photos showcase the diverse settings that encompass Chicago’s music communities. If you’re interested in obtaining a physical print of any of these photos, shoot … Continue reading Punx Not Disposable 3 Photo Gallery
Buck Rogers Contributing Writer The boys in Totally Cashed are back with their second attempt at a debut. After having issues with Punk Rock Emergency, the crew regrouped and came together to record a true debut album of driving rock tunes that don’t quite reinvent rock music, but let me tell you, they sure don’t have to. The record does a decent job at not … Continue reading Totally Cashed releases sophomore LP, BABELAND!
The previous installment of Chicago SXE, “How We Got Here”, explored the “paths” that members of Chicago’s straight edge community have traveled on their journey to claiming straight edge. The three main paths explored were 1) having previous problematic substance use, 2) modeling positive behavior from a role model who exemplified straight edge values and 3) having a negative influence in their life that steered … Continue reading Chicago’s SXE Community Part 2: Why We’re Here
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
