Emily Cross may have relocated to Maine last year, but is still holding strong to her Chicago ties. As Cross Record, Emily creates music that complex, haunting, and so beautiful. She just released a video from the track "Cups in the Sink" which comes from her new album Be Good which will be released by Lay Flat next month.

Last week Maybach Music Group (MMG) announced that they had signed local emcee Rockie Fresh to a multi-record deal. Rockie is just 21, but he has already made a huge impact on the Chicago scene. He will embark on his first headlining tour, the Electric Highway Tour, next month.

MMG is distributed through Warner Music, and Rockie has this to say about the signing; "This is a monumental moment for me, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Maybach Music Group" exclaims Rockie. "It feels great joining such a strong lineup of artists that I respect, and I’m ready to make history. God Is Great. MMG!"

Serengeti has released another video from his new album C.A.R. which comes out on July 31st via Anticon. The video is for "Greyhound" which is the albums shortest track and is basically a mid-album interlude.

With a different festival flooding the streets and ears of Chicagoans every Summer weekend it is hard to find a Festival that seems unique or perhaps speaks to you as a fan of not only music but Chicago music. This year there is a new festival that kicks off tonight, July 20th, in Lincoln Square that not only caters to the Chicago music fan but will draw out the beer nerd in you as well.

Square Root Festival will bring together 10 local breweries and 35 music acts this weekend, July 20th to July 22nd. Artists include: Garland Jeffreys, Sidi Tourè, Ezra Furman, Carpacho Super Combo, Orquesta El Macabeo, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem, Waco Brothers and AfriCaribe. Also performing is an artist we have highlighted, Jonas Friddle & the Majority will play the Wilson Stage at 6PM on Friday, July 20.

If you are a beer nerd, like myself, the breweries with Chicago roots that will be present are Two Brothers, Half Acre, Metropolitan, Finch’s, 5 Rabbit, Greenbush, Vander Mill Cider, Hinterland, Founders and New Holland. It should be an amazing weekend of magical beer and band pairings.

Unicycle Loves You is giving away their latest album away digitally for free this week.

You can catch the band this weekend, Jul 21st, at Milwaukee Ave Arts Fest.

Epitonic has posted another great live session and this time it is with Maps & Atlases. Below is a video of part of the session, but you can hear the entire session here. The band has been touring like crazy since releasing their 2012 album Beware & Be Grateful (Barsuk) and will be touring the Midwest and East Coast through the rest of the summer.

Maps & Atlases – Epitonic saki Session from Epitonic on Vimeo.

How To Dress Well has released another single from his upcoming LP Total Loss. The album is shaping up to be a beautiful project as Tom Krell delivers again. Total Loss will be released on Sept 18th through Acephale and can be preordered here.

Videotape return on September 4th with their new LP This Is Disconnect. Two tracks from the new album have been making the rounds and below we have the track "Between Me and You".

MP3: Videotape "Between Me and You

Videotape recently announced a show at Township on August 24th with Love and Radiation and Pool Holograph. The band will also be performing a free show at The Whistler on August 13th.

The new video from Mic Terror was premiered by Gowhere Hip Hop yesterday. The video is the latest is his weekly #MondaysAreTerrible series.

Drop Steady have a new album coming out this month called What You Do!. The band performs a brand of party-rocking funk and reggae, an will be celebrating the release of the new album at Martyrs on July 21st with the like minded Akasha. From the sound of the title track below this is the perfect summer album.

Hopefully everyone knows that Pitchfork is hosting their annual music festival at Union Park this weekend. The promoters have out done themselves and put together a stellar line-up. The Chicago-centric highlights are of course Willis Earl Beal and A Lull, but if you are among the many not able to attend the fest the after shows are where it’s at.

Through out the weekend local clubs will be hosting Pitchfork acts. Empty Bottle has Lower Dens, Ty Segall, and Hot Chip (Dj Set). Schubas has Purity Ring, A Lull, Dirty Beaches and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Reggie’s has The Olivia Tremor Control.

Check your favorite venue and check some quality music this weekend.