We'll always cover the old favorites, but it's also worth keeping a lookout for artists that may be on their first few swings through Chicago. This feature, 8-UP, showcases eight acts on the way up -- catch 'em before they're big.Check them out in this Spotify Playlist and read a little more about&...

By: Brad JohnsonThe culture of rap is about gain.  Many MCs who start out writing about their lives, struggles, and relationships are usually talking about their gold watch by their next album.But Chance the Rapper doesnt retreat into his fame. The 22 year old, Chicago-born artist has used his burgeoning fame as a...

By: Philamonjaro StudioA pre-festival after-show?  As anticipation builds for this weekend's Riot Fest Chicago, organizers presented a late night warm up gig at Cobra Lounge with Agent Orange and Counterpunch on Sunday night.Agent Orange hit the stage at 10:15 to a packed crowd of diehard fans.  ...

At 36 years of age, William Tyler has arrived at an enviable artistic space.He is a writer and performer who combines the inventiveness of youth with the confidence and singular expressiveness of somebody who has found his voice after decades of practice.  An oft unsettling combination of fearlessness and wisdom, it is embodied in...

We made a plea for more paid shows at this magnificent venue, but free gigs like this kind of soften the blow.Joel Berk (@pfcidb) was on hand to capture the magic of Tortoise on a late summer Thursday night. Here's what he has to say about the band's evolution this year:Tortoise...

Photo: parallelicopter InstagramIt's hard to pin down exactly what The New Stew is, but I guess that's sort of the point.Their claim: a rotating cast of musicians performing the music of the recordings who influenced them.Living Colour's Corey Glover provides the vocals, but our man Matt Slocum (Jimmy Herring Band, Aquarium...

Photos: Tara Gracer Design & PhotographyIn the social media age, one way to keep your brand into the public's mind is to constantly have something new to share.Since Umphrey's McGee touched down at Chicago's Concord Music Hall for a North Coast Music Festival after show, they've had more than enough to keep fans --...

By: Tara Gracer Design & PhotographyAter hopping off the green line at the Ashland station and squeezing into the security line waiting to be searched, Chicagoans waited patiently for entry to the concrete jungle's musical escape for Labor Day Weekend.Located at Union Park, a green diamond-shaped oasis just a short distance from downtown,...

By: Alex WoodDinosaur Jr.- Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not [8/5]Since reuniting in 2007, Dinosaur Jr. has released a steady stream of quality records that embrace J. Masciss guitar-heavy sound. Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not doesnt only follow the formula, but may be the most fully realized of these albums yet. The...

I can feel it in my bones, The Marcus King Band will be huge.  Not even old enough to legally buy a beer, King has assembled a powerhouse band and will release a self titled LP in October. He's in line with the right folks, playing the right gigs and making...