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

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”

Liz Phair: Return to Guyville

Liz Phair strutted across the floor of the Metro and on to a small raised platform in the back of the room where I was standing. “Hey, what’s up?” she asked me. “How’re you?” “‘Hey! I’m doing alright,” I told her. I wish I would have said something a little cooler or sophisticated, but my job as a VIP Rep requires that I conduct myself … Continue reading Liz Phair: Return to Guyville

Riot Fest 2018 Photo Gallery

Photography equipment is on Riot Fest‘s list of contraband, but that didn’t stop Locals Only from capturing the festival on one of our trusty disposable cameras. Check out our photos and, as usual, shoot us a message if you’re interested in obtaining a physical copy of one. Day One: Friday, September 14th Day Two: Saturday, September 15th Day Three: Sunday, September 16th   Continue reading Riot Fest 2018 Photo Gallery

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

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

Nonprofit Half Access aims to make live music accessible for all

Half Access, a nonprofit organization with a mission to make live music accessible to all concert goers, is re-launching September 1, 2018. Half Access is making concerts more accessible to people with disabilities by publishing a public directory that compiles accessibility information on music venues all over the country. Founder Cassie Wilson, 20, conceived the idea for Half Access in April 2017 after becoming fed up … Continue reading Nonprofit Half Access aims to make live music accessible for all

Habitats announces sophomore EP with the release of their first DIY music video

This fall, Habitats, a southside emo band, will be releasing their follow-up to 2017’s Heavy Heart, a nine-song EP that was as musically catchy as it was lyrically heartbreaking. Despite the local success of many tracks off of Heavy Heart, the guys in Habitats harbored a few regrets about the quality of their debut EP. Instead of getting hung up on their mistakes, the band is … Continue reading Habitats announces sophomore EP with the release of their first DIY music video