RY X Captivates Chicago

RY X by Sarah Hess for Best New Bands

Chicago – On a Thursday night, in the Windy City, I happened upon a surprising sight: a group of people had chosen to gather at Lincoln Hall to watch talented Australian musician RY X perform instead of watching the Chicago Cubs play the LA Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. Yeah, mind-blowing,

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Five New Bands at Day Two of Riot Fest

Riot Fest 2016 by Sarah Hess for Best New Bands

Chicago – Day two of Riot Fest went off without a hitch. That is to say, Morrissey showed up and performed. Although, he did go on late after projecting video clips for over thirty minutes straight… but according to his die-hard fans, that’s just his regular “intro.” Whatevs. To each is own, right? Luckily, none

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5 New Bands to See at Riot Fest 2016

Riot Fest by Sarah Hess

Chicago – Ah, yes, it’s that time of year again – time to experience all four seasons while attending one of Chicago’s best music festivals: Riot Fest. For some, the chances of getting rained on, spending the weekend slowly walking through mud, and on the daily experiencing an Autumn morning, humid afternoon, and then a

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Joey Purp and Saba Heat Things Up

Joey Purp by Sarah Hess for Best New Bands

Chicago – While for most, Labor Day Weekend marks the end of summer, relaxing with a cold one and some barbecue, in Chicago, LDW ushers in North Coast Music Festival, which calls for one last stand in Union Park, having fun and soaking in the sun. Chicagoans party all day and then well into the

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Riot Fest Featured Artist: Black Foxxes

Black Foxxes - Best New Bands

Chicago – Once again, in preparation for Riot Fest 2016, we’re featuring an up-and-coming band performing at the festival: U.K. punk rock band Black Foxxes. Last month, this phenomenal trio, comprised of Mark Holley (guitar, vocals), Tristan Jane (bass), and Ant Thornton (drums), released its powerful debut LP I’m Not Well. The emotional album often focuses on frontman Mark Holley’s brave journey,

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Getting to Know GROVES

Groves - Best New Bands

Chicago – Best New Bands recently discovered L.A. band Groves aka the band that will soon be your latest obsession. The three-piece creates Americana-infused indie rock, inspired by performers such as Elvis Costello, Phoenix, Blink-182, and The Beatles, making for a truly unique and infectious sound, highlighted by melodic guitar and dark synths and underpinned with passionate vocals. Groves

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