CHICAGO 2026

Bimbo
brother and sister play art rock.

weird chords + weird times = good clean fun.
Marquette, MI
bimbobimbobimbo.bandcamp.com

Braince
Sam and Dane on drums and bass guitar, respectively. We make feel-good music for people who feel bad. We aim to play lean and angular, yet muscular, distortion-soaked songs that don't overstay their welcome. We mostly yell about cults, drugs, dogs, vampires, and the agony of modern living, but in a fun way. We hope you smile and/or dance while we scream at you.
https://braince.bandcamp.com

Bringers
Blending industrial, lowfi, glitch, pop and noise, Bringers has been haunting audiences across the Midwest, East Coast and Europe since 2017. Through reverb soaked vocals addressing the horrors of capitalism, colonization and personal grudges, Bringers has drawn comparisons to Xiu Xiu, Skinny Puppy, Animal Collective and a DMT trip
https://wearebringers.bandcamp.com/

Calicoloco
dani and zeke make music
https://calicoloco.bandcamp.com

Circles & Ciphers duo
Circles & Ciphers is a youth-led, hip-hop-based restorative justice organization from Chicago. We empower young people impacted by violence and incarceration through circles, music, and storytelling—building leaders who transform their communities.
https://circlesandciphers.org

Copies
recorded overdub-free on golf carts and concrete in a clammy loading bay by dylan m. howe on 8.6.25. copies is david (guitar and voice) and austin (drums) from chicago, il.
https://beekeeperecs.bandcamp.com/album/plays-the-game

Dad Bods
Chris and Sean! Drum and Bass! Dad Bods! Dad Bods! Dad Bods! Dad Bods!
Milwaukee, WI
https://dad-bods.bandcamp.com

Deathbird Earth
A two piece science fiction band from Earth playing songs about the trials and tribulations of the peoples of Outer Space.
Philadelphia, PA
https://deathbirdearth.bandcamp.com

Elysium Nights
Elysium Nights is a Chicago area based musical duo consisting of Mike Lee, a rising alternative rap artist, and Maddie Hanna, an indie dark pop sensation. Together, they blend their signature sounds to form a sonic fusion, taking influence from indie pop, hip hop, r&b, lo-fi, and alternative music to create an experimental new wave. Full of dreamy melodies, fast cadences, and smooth harmonies, the music of Elysium Nights represents the outcome of collaboration, creativity, passion, and love.
https://www.instagram.com/elysiumnightsofficial

Ester
Ester is a group of long-time friends and Chicago musicians who play alternately happy and sad clown music. They recently released an EP called Laundry on Audiosport Records.
https://estermusic.bandcamp.com

Ground Score
Ground Score is a queer, folk punk band from Chicago. Blending sharp political lyricism with raw but simple acoustics. With inspirations by the likes of Rent Strike, Sister Wife Sex Strike, and Little Foot, this band has taken parts from their local scene and project it loud with a splash of DIY.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF2_VLLx7Zw/?igsh=MTZ1ejI4ODRuY2xwYw==

heet deth
From the sewers of New Bad Chicago come Heet Deth! Loud, Angry, Dancing music for the New Bad Future!
https://heetdeth.bandcamp.com

Imelda Marcos
"Imelda Marcos is a Chicago avant noise rock band whose sonic palette is pointillistic, percussive and rhythmic. Imelda M have played with Secret Chiefs 3, Ahleuchatistas, Horse Lords and Extra Life. NPR Music Viking's Choice described the band as, ""... hypnotic, buzzy, technical, but oh-so-fun noise-rock.""

     In December 2023, the band released their fifth studio recording Agita which was included in Rolling Stone's Best Music of 2023: Staff Picks and also in Bandcamp Daily's Brutalist Riffs: A Guide to Math Rock. Imelda M is currently working on their fourth full-length and recently added bass guitar to the lineup but is making a special exception just for Two Piece Fest."
https://imeldamarcos.bandcamp.com

in shining armour
rock music from aidan and seth
Milwaukee, WI
https://inshiningarmour.bandcamp.com

IUIO
IUIO does whatever the fuck they want.  You should, too. Love, Ali & Chris
https://funeralrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/live-illuminated

Jeff & Mary Beth
Starting from a place of art sharing cheese, Jeff and Mary Beth have created a sound that ignites electric candles and bed time story wonder.  This Chicago based duo is putting the art class fun into music that will most definitely upset the parents and faculty who have lost their wonder.
With Mary Beth on the drums and Jeff on vocals and flying around playing whatever he wants, this duo seems to take form in improv mixed with homemade old fashioned house music...if the house was a scientific barn.

https://youtu.be/nLuK0rJrc9g

Jurassic Kong
WE ARE FRIENDSHIP DOOM!!
The year is 4978 and the worlds population has been decimated by mutated creatures once called dinosaurs
https://jurassickong.bandcamp.com

Kafiza
"Then, under the raw glow of makeshift spotlights, two figures emerge on the "stage." They bulldoze through 30-odd minutes of screaming guitar riffs and deafening drum fills. So, this is KAFIZA." - these days magazine
https://www.instagram.com/kafizaband

King Sans
Iz and Jake: Chicago's gothic noisepunk duo
https://kingsans.bandcamp.com

Lemon Knife
Lemon Knife is a Chicago-based hard rock duo with punk edges, classic rock sensibilities, and literate lyrics. Formed by kindred nerds Mia Blixt-Shehan (bass, vocals) and John Retterer-Moore (drums, lyrics) in the spring of 2017 soon after they started dating, they have played a varied assortment of Chicago venues, including Beat Kitchen, The Hideout, Cubby Bear, and Reggie’s, and many memorable DIY spots. They have released 4 full-length albums and 3 EPs, with their latest release Reptile Wisdom coming out in January 2025. Their lyrics cover a broad range of topics including politics, history, and sharks. John and Mia were married at the Hideout in March 2023, and of course a Lemon Knife set featured as part of the ceremony!
https://lemonknife.bandcamp.com

Lucius Fox
Lucius Fox is a maximalist two piece from Kalamazoo, MI. In 2025 they released The Death and Life of the Great Lakes
Kalamazoo, MI
https://luciusfox.bandcamp.com

LUNG
"Since their inception in Cincinnati in 2016, Lung has gained a cult-like following with their impeccable, candy-coated, melodies atop a whirring, chainsaw, thunderclap of cello and drums. Lung consists of Kate Wakefield, a classically trained opera singer and cellist, and former Foxy Shazam bassist Daisy Caplan on drums. Fierce, ethereal, and heavy as hell, Lung plays with the intensity of early grunge layered with sinister undertones. Described as ""loud, dissonant, innovative, and fearless"" (Fair Shakes and Just Dessert), Wakefield runs her cello through distortion pedals and big amps, while Caplan pounds out earthquaking beats on epic horn-shaped vintage drums. A relentless touring machine since 2016, Lung has played over 800 shows across North America and Europe, sharing bills with The Jesus Lizard, Dead Bob (ex NoMeansNo), Brainiac, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Guided By Voices, Screaming Females, Big Business, Chat Pile and so many more. The band’s fifth studio album, The Swankeeper, sees them continue to develop and expand their genre defying sound.

On The Swankeeper, Lung have spun off the planet and we’re the special guests along for the ride. Starting with the most wild ride to open an album in ages: Everlasting Nothingness. “It is a roller coaster of a track, and is a fitting beginning to our record. It almost invites you to spin out. The words in the chorus ""I could die from the feeling of this everlasting nothingness"" change at the end to ""I could die for the feeling of this everlasting nothingness"". I think we can feel both of those sentiments simultaneously and we often do. The everlasting gut-wrenching screaming into the void feelings of nothingness that is being alive. The roller coaster of reality and what it is to be ""sane"" on a tiny planet spinning through an endless horrifying and beautiful Universe.” Singer/cellist Kate Wakefield tells us more: ”The Swankeeper is also a major departure from anything we've done because we started to have more fun with different drum textures, and out of the box vocal effects. We also had a really good time touring with our friends in Brainiac, and we were definitely inspired by the creativity and textures in some of their vocal sounds. I think we also just stepped into our weird on this one. The album has themes of exploring the boundaries of our own minds. The horrors and joys of our imaginations and how they boil over and impact our lives for better and for worse”.

The first  single “The Mattress” was released on April 22 to abundant fanfare. The next up were “Lucky You” out on May 14 and “Clown Car” on May 22. All three have music videos created by Lung’s visual artist Rachelle Caplan that are inspired by the abstract lyrics and meaning behind the songs. “The Swankeeper came from a character that grew out of our song Clown Car. She made it onto a later track as well. In my mind she is almost like a missing tarot card, and you aren't quite sure whether she's a god or a villain, whether she's bringing truth or fiction. She's probably all of it.” Kate explains: “The lyrics about the Swankeeper sort of came out almost in a possessed way. Those are some of my favorite lyric moments, when lyrics write themselves. The Swankeeper in my mind is this mystical unknowable force, possibly a liar, graceful and ominous, inviting you to ‘Follow the Failed Leader.’”

Drummer and songwriter Daisy Caplan shares the concept behind “Lucky You”, the album’s second single: “Lucky You is about economics. Much has been made about how little fortune is left in artistry without being a legacy act or having some outside industry or financial support, and even then it’s diminishing returns. The rise of generative AI that nobody really asked for has made the situation even more comical and bizarre. Yet us and others like us find a way to take this path, often at great risk to health, sanity, and stability. This is news to nobody, and there’s no grand statement here - we’re just laughing to keep from crying, because what else are we gonna do?” Kate continues: “The album also deals with what our ""value"" is. What it is to put a dollar sign over each and every one of our lives. It's so easy to feel like a failure in a society that places monetary achievements over all else, while simultaneously ripping you off. Our track ‘Lucky You' was written about this, about giving away yourself and your work for free.” 

“The Swankeeper was a longer songwriting process [than previous albums] - it draws from almost 4 years worth of songs. We took our time exploring different kinds of songs and figuring out what kind of album it wanted to be.” Daisy spills the tea on what went on in the studio. “During the pandemic we got more into writing via email for obvious reasons. Some of the weird effects and ideas found that way (distorted drum machines, samples, found sounds, vocal effects, extreme EQ on the cello, cheap/“wrong” mic-ing) started making their way into the final product. John Hoffman’s [sound engineer, recorded/mixed The Swankeeper] creativity in the studio played a big role in the larger sound of the record as well.” 

“Daisy started experimenting with new drum sounds and started playing with a drum pad that has totally different sounds on it than we usually use. We also were playing a lot of shows with Brainiac at that time, and were inspired by how they take their vocals ‘off the page’ so to speak. We started experimenting with pedals to find sounds that made us want to write different songs. I think a lot of the songs and sounds developed in an almost simultaneous way.” Kate gives us her intention for the album. “We just went there with this one. We let ourselves be weird - be out there. We let the songs drop any self consciousness, and just strut out and be freaks… I hope this album makes people feel more alive, and seen in their aloneness, in the strange quiet feelings of being human.”"
https://lunglunglung.bandcamp.com

[melter]
Chicago’s [melter] are Robert Hyman and Jax Allos: a sonic disturbance made of flesh, blood, and machine.
https://melter.bandcamp.com

Off Season
Off Season states a defining roll in what it means to write and perform rock music. A two-piece band that proves less is more with a sound that demands attention.
Northwest Indiana
https://tr.ee/mWULtn5QHU

Peter & Craig
didactic punk since 2005
Portland, OR & Chicago, IL
http://www.peterandcraig.bandcamp.com

Pitch Pines
Pitch Pines is the Chicago-based duo of songwriter Anne Raih and pedal steel player Jacob Hamann.
https://soundcloud.com/anne-raih/all-i-see-is-blue-2-m4a

Pulsars
Chicago indie/synth - rock cult favorites Pulsars released one self - titled album before disbanding, with Rolling Stone later praising the debut as one of the 40 Greatest One - Album Wonders and Trouser Press calling it “one of the singular m usical accomplishments of the ’90s...a science fair version of Pet Sounds for the computer age.” Brothers Dave Trumfio (vocals, guitar, synths, production) and Harry Trumfio (drums, synths) were the object of a major label feeding frenzy based on strong ear ly demos, a 7” single, and prominent gigs opening for the likes of Oasis. They finally signed with Almo Sounds, a new label begun by A&M founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss and distributed by Geffen. International tours and opening sets for the likes of Bl ur and Weezer earned the band a devoted cult following, but when the label folded unexpectedly the Pulsars’ momentum ground to a halt. In 2021 Pulsars re - emerged with Lost Transmissions, a collection of unheard songs and alternate versions of previously r eleased tracks. This was followed in 2024 with the reissue of their debut album PULSARS, making its first appearance on vinyl with restored cover art and band - approved mixes. The revamped Pulsars are hitting the road to bring their music to audiences once again, with Danny DeLeon (Moving Units / Soft Kill) taking over for Harry on drums
https://thepulsars.bandcamp.com

Shivering Sands
Shivering Sands is the contemplative ambient music project of singer-songwriter Angela James and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Martins. They have released one album, Sound for Practice: Vol. 1 that was made with contemplative utility in mind.
Chicago, IL

Small Awesome
Like comfortability sprung unto action, Small Awesome evolved from two guys working together in a basement to craft songs and compositions into, well, that – but better. Eschewing traditional band makeups but not their intent or intensity, Small Awesome work their asses off to present music of quality, character and correctness that fill the room with whispers or roars with simple strings and voices (mostly). The listeners sway and swoon yet their visceral parts remain happy. And if you’ve heard Faiz sing, goddamn.
https://smallawesome.bandcamp.com

Space Blood
Space Blood is a 2 piece, theatrical, instrumental rock band from Chicago. The music is influenced by contemporary and 90's math rock, while the live show pulls from the absurdist comedy of Tim & Eric, Eric Andre, and Andy Kaufman to create something that is weird, unique, and hailing from Planet Jeppson.
https://spaceblood.bandcamp.com

Spaceracer
SPACERACER's electro-punk is by and for the working class. Fittingly for a group comprising two members, SPACERACER is preoccupied with dualities: Frontman Casey Caudwell’s programmed bass/drums/synth/noise interwoven with Josh Graunke’s insistent, live guitar riffs; sing-along melodies alternating with discordant noise; socially critical lyrics shot through by an immutable sense of love and hope; the sacred yoked to the profane; the old world in its death throes and the new one struggling to be born. 
https://spaceracerpunx.bandcamp.com

Sun King Ba
Sun King Ba is an instrumental sludge/stoner metal band from Chicago, IL. The duo of Anthony Santoro and Calvin Schaller employ pummeling riffs, intricate leads and thundering rhythms to narrate the legend of the reptile demigod Sun King Ba
https://sunkingba.bandcamp.com

Sweetmelk
Sweetmelk are a queer indie punky duo from Urbana Illinois. Comprised of partners Kenna Mae (they/them) and Ori Sergel (she/her) and known for their high energy live shows, neither is shy about wearing their emotions on their sleeves and both have decades of experience to draw from. Find their new album Playhouse on all streaming services, support them by buying it on bandcamp, and add them on Insta @ _sweetmelk
https://linktr.ee/_sweetmelk 

The Human Trials
Radiating sonic highs into melancholic lows, The Human Trials experiment on the duality of man... urging it to stop and smell the roses, before lighting them on fire.
https://humantrials.bandcamp.com

The Push
The Push are half of the long-standing, butt-kicking rock band The Push Push. Challenged by Push Push bassist and founder of 2 Piece Fest Craig Woods to put together a show for the latest iteration of the festival, Keith Fort and Casey Brazeal bring you strange and deeply felt original songs with humor and hell’s own demons
http://thepushpush.bandcamp.com

The Scummies
Were a trans female fronted weirdo absurdist minimalist queer jazz punk duo from a small ass corn town in Illinois
https://thescummies.bandcamp.com

Volcano Radar Duo
Volcano Radar is a Chicago-based experimental jazz/avant-garde group led by multi-instrumentalists Julia A. Miller (guitar, synth) and Elbio Barilari (viola, guitar, electronics, etc.), known for blending diverse sounds with a strong improvisational core, recently releasing music with legendary saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera. They are part of Chicago's vibrant jazz scene, associated with the historic Delmark Records.
http://www.facebook.com/volcanoradar

Waxing
Borne of a crack in the swollen, sweating chest of haphaestus, drunk at his forge, Waxing trudges forth, intent on recovering from the gaping wounds of resentment and regret using the spare parts from abandoned industrial machinery left behind by evil, careless men. Machine music aiming to speak to the unvarnished fragments of our shared existence. 

See also: a couple of goofballs in love, banging on their instruments and yelling. It’s for fun.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHC3t_WtArD/

Wet Chain
heavy psychedelic band from Chicago
https://www.instagram.com/wet_chain

Wretched Blessing
Formed in 2023 by Kayhan Vaziri (Yautja, Coliseum) and Rae Amitay (Immortal Bird, Thrawsunblat) as a close and fully collaborative effort to explore metal & punk without micro-genre commitments. The band is a connected and cogent two-piece live, with Vaziri on guitar/vocals and Amitay on drums/vocals.
https://wretchedblessing.bandcamp.com

ONE Northside builds collective power through grassroots community organizing to advance social, racial, and economic justice. We envision a Chicago where everyone—regardless of race, income, or background—can participate fully in civic life and thrive in safe, healthy, and equitable communities. Guided by the values of democracy, inclusion, and accountability, we develop community leaders who act together to win systemic change.
https://www.onenorthside.org

Delmark Records is the oldest continuously operating jazz and blues independent record label in the United States. It was founded by Robert G. Koester in St. Louis, Missouri in 1953, originally under the name “Delmar.” In 1958, Koester and the label relocated to Chicago with the label’s current name: Delmark.
https://delmark.com

Warzone Distro is a radical anarchist zine project started in 2013. The project combines anarchist-nihilist and anti-civilization thought, focusing on total liberationist, vegan, straight edge, and anti-capitalist ideas and bridging gaps in radical movements while promoting physical/mental self-care as rebellion against systems of control and domination.

Reading material created and published by Warzone Distro challenges all forms of oppression, viewing anti-speciesism and straight edge praxis as essential for total liberation and seeing the self-empowerment of body and mind as crucial tools for direct confrontation with colonization.

All zines are free and accessible on the website https://warzonedistro.noblogs.org

Forge Again Records is an independent DIY record label established in Chicago in the year 2000. As far as we can tell, the entire enterprise is little more than a solitary man with a messy apartment which may or may not contain a chicken.
https://www.forgeagainrecords.com

At Trans Up Front, we understand that the needs of each client are unique, which is why we prioritize a personalized, collaborative approach. Whether working with an educational institution to establish comprehensive anti-discrimination policies, supporting a corporation with diversity and inclusion training, or offering guidance to families navigating the complexities of gender identity, we tailor our services to align with the specific goals and challenges of each individual or organization. 

Our experience and dedication to promoting trans rights have made us a trusted partner for those looking to make meaningful strides toward inclusion. We're committed to not only offering education and resources but also advocating for systemic change that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of transgender and gender-expansive​ people in every corner of society.
https://www.transupfrontil.com

Dipterid Records began during COVID, taking its name from the insect order Diptera (“two wings”) after too much time spent reading about flies and listening to albums that needed to exist on vinyl. The label now focuses on limited, carefully assembled releases across math-rock, punk, noise rock, post-hardcore, emo and even avant-pop.
https://www.instagram.com/dipteridrecords

CHIRP is a volunteer-driven, community radio station that focuses on music, arts, and culture. The station can be heard on the north side of Chicago at 107.1FM and worldwide at chirpradio.org. We are live and local every day of the year from 6am-midnight from our studios in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, and the city we live in is a key part of everything we do. CHIRP Radio plays a wide mix of local, independent, lesser-heard, and just generally good music from a variety of genres and eras. CHIRP DJs are true music fans who love to share their discoveries, new and old, with listeners. The station also features conversations with artists, activists, and other people doing interesting work, and our features department produces pieces highlighting Chicago’s diverse voices and stories.
https://chirpradio.org

Established in 2016, Bluelight Tapes is a DIY cassette label based in Chicago, IL Since 2021. Our multi-genre catalog features music ranging from club music to punk rock, hip hop to noise, ambient to hardcore and more.  We also offer cassette duplication services and have manufactured thousands of tapes for other labels and independent musicians across the world.
https://www.bluelighttapes.com

More Than Just Food. We’re Nourishment for the Soul

SmackDab is a cozy corner of radical hospitality—where comfort food, real connection, and community care come together with a whole lotta heart.
https://www.smackdabchicago.com

Cary's Lounge is your friendly neighborhood tap catering to all your drinking needs since 1972. No thirst is too big or too small for us here at Cary's!

https://caryslounge.com/

Home to good times, great drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere, Jarvis Square Tavern is the neighborhood hotspot you’ve been looking for. Located in Rogers Park, we pride ourselves on providing a diverse and inclusive space that caters to all. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’ll find something to love at Jarvis Square Tavern.
https://jarvissquaretavern.com

WZRD is Northeastern Illinois University’s radio station. It is a 100 watt noncommercial FM radio station that broadcasts primarily to Chicago’s north side and northern suburbs. Our signal has reached listeners as far as Cicero, Hoffman Estates, and Chicago far south side.
https://www.wzrdchicago.org