Formed in Chicago in 2021, 50k Check is an Indie Rock/Pop band that blends psychedelic, lounge, groove, pop, and punk influences. Live, the band is all about creating a vibe to fill the room and bring a crowd into a different world for a while. Songs build from pin-drop quiet to all-encompassing layers of sound, others peel a song, layer by layer, to reveal their essence. 50K Check is Kelly Torch on vocals, Mason Payne on guitar, Kisira Hill on bass, Karl El Sokhn on drums, and David Greene on keys. Photo by: @lucianafilm

Chicago rock quintet The Flips are known for writing personal songs about inner struggles. Their first album A Harm Deep But Shining tackled themes of faith, religion and identity through contemplative self-reflection and at times, outright anger and frustration. The band’s sophomore album, Better Days, delves deeper into the personal and examines the experience of living with and overcoming mental illness. This time around the band has created a thick heavy guitar based sound to complement the distressed and despondent narrative. -Jesse Menendez (Vocalo Radio)

Slacker Rock

Since its inception as the folk project of Chicago-based Iowa expat Mitch McAndrew, Dogcatcher has grown into a dynamic, twangy, and agile starting 5 that isn't afraid to crash the boards. They are currently busy putting the finishing touches on their full-band debut, which will follow up 2023's self-titled EP.