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

Nikki RobertsOctober 30, 2021October 27, 2021Leave a comment

interviews, q+a, Uncategorized

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

Nikki RobertsOctober 12, 2021January 18, 2023Leave a comment

news, Uncategorized

Letter From the Editor

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

Nikki RobertsOctober 4, 2021October 4, 2021Leave a comment

news, Uncategorized

June Show Previews

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

Nikki RobertsJune 6, 2019June 7, 2019Leave a comment

interviews, q+a, Uncategorized

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)

Nikki RobertsJune 6, 2019October 11, 2021Leave a comment

features, Uncategorized

How one Chicago hardcore vocalist is using music to benefit pups in need

Wiley Willis, usually recognizable by his signature page boy cap and the facial tattoos on both his temples, is hiding in plain sight at the Up the Pups benefit show at the Co-Prosperity Sphere in Bridgeport. A red bubble coat surrounds his bald, tattooed head and his heavily tattooed arms, leaving only the tattoos on his hands visible. Willis is the vocalist of two Chicago … Continue reading How one Chicago hardcore vocalist is using music to benefit pups in need

Nikki RobertsFebruary 8, 2019September 14, 2021Leave a comment

interviews, q+a, Uncategorized

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

Nikki RobertsJanuary 25, 2019January 18, 2023Leave a comment

music, news, Uncategorized

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”

Nikki RobertsNovember 29, 2018December 8, 2018Leave a comment

photo galleries, Uncategorized

Punx Not Disposable 4

.From shows in legitimate venues to moments captured outside of backyard DIY shows, these photos showcase the diverse settings that comprise Chicago’s music community. Best Coast // June 30th, 2018 // Humboldt Park WDKY // July 8th, 2018 // Berwyn Block Party XEUTHANIZEDX // July 14th, 2018 // Cobra Lounge Beach Bunny // August 12th, 2018 // Subteranean UGLYBoNES Record Release Show // August 17th, … Continue reading Punx Not Disposable 4

Nikki RobertsSeptember 27, 2018January 18, 2023Leave a comment

interviews, q+a, Uncategorized

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

Nikki RobertsSeptember 18, 20181 Comment