Singer/Songwriter Bailey Minzenberger recently released her debut LP, Dramamine. The album’s lead track and first single single is called “One”, and sets a tone for an album that blends lyrics that paint a picture of being cold, outside both physically and mentally, with music and vocals that tend to be warm and inviting.

You can catch Bailey Minzenberger on April 27th at TACO Spring Show (2215 S. Ford Ave) on April 27th with Mock Nine, Vision in Rhythm, North Lodge, Free Range, and many more.

Maru Martinez is the Guitarist for the Progressive Metal band Paper Hero. Last week she released her solo debut EP, "Vela", and it is a breathtaking departure from Metal of Paper Hero. On this project her intricate guitar playing is on full display and accompanied by the intensely talented Jessica Burdeaux of City Mouth on drums.

The lone track with vocal is called “Sola” and features a contribution from Bernadette Conant of Bernie & The Wolf.

This EP is thoughtful, beautiful, Post-Rock, and after three times through, still left us wanting more.

Johari Noelle has released her debut single, “Show Me”, from her forthcoming debut EP, “Things You Can’t Say Out Loud”, which will be released on May 31st. This is soulful R&B at its finest.

You can help Johari celebrate the release of the new album on June 5th at The Promontory.

Pivot Gang announced this week that their debut album, You Can’t Sit With Us, this Friday, April 19th. The album features the first three singles that have been released in 2019, “Jason Statham Pt. 2”, “Studio Ground Rules” and ”Bad Boys” along with 10 other new tracks.

The album also features contribution from Femdot, Smino, Mick Jenkins, Kari Faux Sylvan LaCue, Benjamin Turner and Jean Deaux.

Below is only new single, “Bad Boys” (featuring Smino), that we had not previously shared.

Jazz Vocalist Morgan Pirtle will be releasing her debut EP, “Muse”, tomorrow, April 18th. Sofar Chicago recently released a video of her performing “Not For Me” from the EP live, and it captures perfectly the way Morgan blends Jazz, Pop, and Folk.

You can help Morgan celebrate the release of “Muse” on April 19th The Red Room with Jimmie “JJ” Jeter.

Photo by Orel Cholette

Reggae and Funk influenced band of brothers Vision In The Rhythm released their latest single, “Breathe”, last month. This is the band started by brothers Pat Williams (Vocal/Guitar), John Williams (Bass), and Mike Williams (Drums) a few years ago. They are now joined by Tim Williams (Saxophone) and Connor Marks (Guitar).

You can catch Vision in the Rhythm on April 19th at House of Music in Orland Park with The Syndicate, Bongo, and House of Music Rock-Band. They will also be performing on April 20th at HVAC Pub (3530 N. Clark) with The Concrete Roots, Dead Lucid, The Fundamental KiNk, and Chicago Loud 9.

The Unlikely Friends dropped their debut EP, "The Library”, yesterday. This is the Hip Hop duo of emcee Honest and producer Dylan Assmann. The EP’s lead single is the downtempo gem “Clarity”.

You can catch The Unlikely Friends at Record Breakers (2935 N. Milwaukee) on April 19th.

Young Americana band Free Range has released their debut single, “Want to Know”. This is the work of Sofia Jensen (guitar & vocals), Ian Hammond (guitar), Thomas Douglas (bass), and Jack McDermott (drums). The group is fronted by Sofia who is credited as the songwriter on this first track, and is clearly someone to watch in the coming years.

Bandy recently released their sophomore album, The Challengers, via the Texas label Under The Counter Tapes.

This is the experimental rock of Adam Cohen-Leadholm (guitar, vocals), Ross Howard (drums, vocals) and Paul Parts (bass, vocals). Paul and Ross are former members of the MAMA, with Ross being the primary songwriter on this album.

This album is ’70’s glam mixed traditional garage rock and is a tremendous amount fun.

Box House recently released the first single, “Lovesick #2”, from their forthcoming debut EP, “Sick Days”. This this work of Jon O’Brien (Guitarist), Beckland Sargeant (Lead Vocalist/Guitarist), Luciano Passaretti (Bassist), and Drew Zaremba (Drummer/Percussionist).

You can catch Box House kicking off the Giant City EP release on April 23rd at Downstairs (Subt), and you can help them celebrate the release of their EP on May 18th at Smith’s Central Garage in McHenry with Rotten Mouth and Monarch Band.

Slow Mass released a new single last week called “Music For Ears 1” via Landland Colportage. The 7” single features a new track called “Siren” backed with a cover of “Reservations” by Wilco.

Slow Mass is currently on a Spring Tour and can be seen at Thalia Hall on April 23rd with Gouge Away and La Dispute.

Photo by Madi Ellis Photography

Easy Habits have released a new album called SAYONARA, and have also disbanded. The trio played what they are calling their final show last week at Reed’s Local.

SAYONARA is is the band’s second album and first release since 2018’s standout single “Perfect Lady". Easy Habits as a project will be missed and we wish each of it’s member the best as they hopefully move on to new projects.