Locals Only sat down with La Armada guitarist Paúl Rivera to talk about the band’s Dominican roots, the importance of diversity in hardcore, and what’s in store for the group in 2023. Continue reading La Armada’s Paúl Rivera on diversity in Chicago hardcore
On Friday, September 30, Demo Division released their debut EP, “Wish You Were Here.” The punchy, pop rock debut arrives just four months after the group released their first single, but don’t let the current, cohesive sound of these four tracks fool you — this record was actually seven years in the making. Continue reading Demo Division Wishes You Were Here
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 the time to do an exclusive interview with Locals Only. Continue reading Shine Light & Inspire: An interview with Chicago metalcore band Speaking With Ghosts
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