Netherfriends (aka Shawn Rosenblatt) has released a pandemic-theme new album called Stay Safe. Shawn really found his footing in the Chicago music scene years ago before leaving for Austin and eventually setting up camp in LA. He is currently based in Florida after having to cancel the majority of his 2020 Fifty States Tour. To coincide with the tour he had launched a road diary podcast called "Tessie Talks" with Kannabis Kat that you can find on all podcast platforms and on Youtube. It will be interesting to hear how the podcast evolves now that the tour has been cancelled.

On this new album, Stay Safe, he has enlisted rappers from around the country, including Chicago’s Iowa Rockwell, to share insight and humor about the times we find ourselves in.

Last week The Inventors released a new EP aptly named Alone Together. The band has made it available for purchase for whatever amount your feel compelled to give them, but have vowed to give all money received to a few of the establishments listed on Chicago Service Relief.

This is the work of Joe Mango (Vocals/Guitar), Ray Skamay (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Kieta (Bass/Vocals), and Tommy Mendoza (Drums).

Techo Producer/DJ Patrixia has released her debut single "1541". Her music and DJ sets tend to explore the darker elements of EDM, and both "1541" and it’s B-Side "X" fit that mold perfectly.

Patrixia is currently scheduled to perform at Simone’s Bar (960 W 18th St) on May 30th.

The BLK Cinema dropped their self-titled debut album on April 1st. This is the experimental Hip Hop of Kelvy and Lenny Virgo. The album’s lead single is called "Thoughts" and find Kelvy going all in on some heavy topic while maintaining a laid back flow that is sure to hypnotize the listener.

Progressive Metal group Fire Garden has released the lead single, "Idiot Brain", from their forthcoming EP, "Point Blank", which is due out April 28th. This is primarily the work of Zee Baig, but on this EP he has enlisted the help of legendary keyboard player Adam Holzman.

Experimental Punk group Sad Dragon recently release their debut full-length album Through the Fire & Pain.

This is punk with a thick layer funk running through out this group lead by Ember (vocals) and Citlally (drums).

The group recently released a video of the song "Starchild" and last year they appeared live on WHPK.

Alt Rock band Conway is back with the lead single, "Missed Me", from their forthcoming album, Something Wicked. This is the first new music from the group since the 2018 single "Forbidden Fruit" and first album since their 2017 debut EP "Last Chance to Dance".

This is the work of Aidan Hargis (Lead vocals, Guitar), Riley Allen (Backing vocals, Guitar, Synth), Mitch De Biase (Backing vocals, Bass), Jake Dillon (Guitars, Keys, Backing Vocals), and Austin Johnson (Drums).

Background Characters recently released the lead single, "Minor League Alcoholics", from their debut album, The Garden of Gethsemane, which is due out on April 18th. The single is accompanied by the video that Jon direct below.

This is the duo of Jon Robledo (Drums, Vocals, Keyboards) and Ryan Kiolbassa (Vocals, Guitars, Bass).

Background Character was scheduled to perform at Subt on April 18th, but that show has been postponed.

Fess Grandiose dropped his latest Phasing Out via ETC Records today, April 3rd. This is the first new music from Fess since his 2018 album Front Room Methodology.

This album is uptempo Afrofuturism filled with synths and beats that will get you off the couch and make you dance.

Julian Daniell of Elk Walking has released a new single, "Only Lonely", from his forthcoming EP which is due out May 23rd.

Daniell blends Americana with elements of vintage rock and soul on this highly anticipated solo debut.

Artist Arturo Fresán has put a much needed project into the world today called "Shards of Light". On the surface this ambient music built upon field recordings that include the following; CTA announcer, "L" train, Boing 737, O’Hare Airport, Col. Letran-Valle Knife sharpener, Benito Juarez Airport, Petco, Brewing Process, Street Preacher, 4th of July Fireworks, Freight Train, Metra Train, and a Dollar Tree Cashier.

However, when exploring this album through the lens of shelter-in-place it becomes a meditative look back a what day to day life was like a month ago. It is a slowly shifting dream of what once may have been mundane, but now is a highly anticipated return to normalcy.

The latest album from Experimental Electronic artist RXM Reality, Blood Blood Blood Blood, will be released tomorrow, April 3rd, via Hausu Mountain. You can currently stream the album’s lead single, "B4", below.

What is always so impressive about RXM is his ability to constantly walk that line between beauty and chaos and he builds addictive sonic collages.

Below is video footage of his recent set at Subt that you can watch in lieu of an actual live release event at a place like Subt.