Hallmarked by smoky harmonies, extensive guitar solos, and a seriously dynamic rhythm section, Daisychain’s sound would fit right in on the “AlmostFamous” soundtrack. In the same vein as The Who, Velvet Underground, and The Mamas & the Papas, the band, composed of bassist and vocalist Nickole Regala, guitarist and vocalist Sophia Williams, lead guitarist Frankie Sripada, and drummer Frank Kurtz, is refreshingly grounded in a world where music feels too manufactured. Daisychain’s gritty Windy City attitude, sexy stage presence, and retro sound undoubtedly pulls listeners in as it is both familiar and innovative. After the release of their 2022 EP “Different Shades,” Daisychain is ready to make a splash across America and beyond. The band, who is proud to be a part of the ride-or-die Chicago music scene, came about after meeting at a local open mic. After playing some shows around the Midwest, Daisychain decided to tour beyond their backyard after realizing their musical tastes and professional intentions aligned. Whether subconsciously or consciously, they were on the same page as far as style, wanting to make a positive impact on the world, and process. It was a kismet meeting of like minded folks. While the band has naturally evolved since their first show, the same nervous excitement that first propelled them forward is still a force today. Daisychain has changed with every project by putting the emphasis on their collective relationship rather than individual selves. All four band members have classical backgrounds, which is where their discipline and structured songwriting process stems from. Their classical training is also why they are aware that a musical career takes time, effort, and lots of practice. While all members of Daisychain are fans of a wide variety of music, from heavy metal to hip hop, classic rock serves as the common denominator. In their eyes, the evergreen sound appeals to most demographics and is nimble enough to allow their sound to continuously morph. Classic rock is equally the perfect palate for their intimate, nuanced songwriting process. The band enjoys sitting together in a room, sharing what is really going on, and understanding each other’s individual stories through writing. “The coolest thing is to connect on a deeper level through music and also see what songs survive the editing process and make the cut,” says Sophia. When getting together to write, Daisychain starts with a bigger picture concept and dives into the nitty gritty to connect it to their own lives. Songwriting is a freeing, easy, and cathartic process that has made them even closer as a band. It is about being as honest as possible and open to everyone’s ideas in order to make a candid, cohesive product. “It’s a back-and-forth process that takes everyone’s opinions into account and also allows us to put 100-percent of ourselves into it,” says Sophia. Similar to Daisychain’s sound-defining harmonies, which come from Nickole and Sophia’s background as woodwind instrumentalists, their songwriting is just as dialed in. By creating for themselves, as a group, they have created a sound that is grounded, relatable, and real. With an intense tour schedule ahead of them, Daisychain is excited to bring their music to audiences around the states. As avid concert-goers themselves their goal is to deliver a performance that connects one song to the next. Never will you hear nonsensical stage banter in Daisychain’s set as their live performance is as deliberate as their songwriting process. They are all about delivering a seamless progression of music in which one songis a bridge to the next. Their performance is a complete experience. “We want to give audiences the types of shows that we like to attend, which are fun, fast-paced, and energized because the band is completely into it,” says Sophia. That type of set is easy for Daisychain to do because the band loves little more than performing. To be able to play music for a living, satisfy their creative impulses, and channel bottled up emotions is a dream.

Sleepy Andy Tracy was born in Cincinnati. He started playing drums in 3rd grade and started playing guitar in 12th, when he started writing songs. After some time in middle Tennessee, he has been playing solo and in bands out of Cincinnati since 2004; including Eazy with brother, Jake. Sleepy has released music as a member of Highly Likely: Sunrise (2020) and Blue Caboose: Modern Limited (2012) 

Heavy Hinges is a sublime ruckus… a beautiful collision of rock, soul, gospel, and roots music. When Heavy Hinges came about in early 2012, their earliest sessions were taken on with heavy hearts.  Three of the five members had recently suffered heartbreaking and unexpected loss of loved ones and were still very much coping.  While the music they were creating was conceived from a place of sadness, what came forth from them was rather spirited and in a way celebratory… a revival of sorts. Initially, the group gravitated toward playing old traditional numbers, unearthed from field recordings of chain gangs, gospel groups, and fishing boat crews. They found the coarse and rustic nature of the music and the dark, yet hopeful imagery of the lyrics suited them well. While songs from the past proved inspiring and fruitful, it was never their intention to travel down a musical path quite that narrow.  So, they began writing their own story, adding more layers to their evolving style. They frequently referenced the gospel groups, chain gangs, and fishing crews from those old recordings, all the while remaining true to their existing foundation of r&b, blues, and rock & roll… Heavy Hinges have just released the follow-up to their acclaimed albums Mean Old City and Cause a Scene with their latest effort entitled Lonely. The band is currently supporting the newly released EP with live performances and a series of radio interviews and on-air performances. Heavy Hinges is planning a fall/winter tour later this year.