Shred Your Standards Photo Gallery

Last weekend, fans of Chicago art, music, and skating flocked to Logan BLVD skate park for Shred Your Standards Fest. The first day of the fest was photographed by Zack Lewandowski, whose knack for capturing the energy of the crowd in his live music photography conveys the lively, buzzing atmosphere of Chicagoland DIY shows. Continue reading Shred Your Standards Photo Gallery

Chicago Hardcore Night at Sleeping Village

$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

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

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

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

DIY Art Gallery

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

Backyard Show Shots: Habitats & XEUTHANIZEDX

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