Chicago post-emo band Frontega formed in 2022 by core members featuring: vocalist and bassist Ryan Sobie, drummer Jeremy Adams, guitarist Zach Swearingen, and guitarist Brannon Duffin. Frontega has planted itself as a name-stay across Chicago and surrounding regions over the last few years. Fundamentally inspired by modern emo acts such as Hail the Sun and Balance and Composure, they also root themselves in many eclectic styles of music such as: post-rock, shoegaze, folk, and alt-country. Frontega has embarked on a multi-week national tour with Empty Parking Lot and breathingtechniques.

In September 2025 Frontega put out their follow-up to their 2023 self-titled album, “All Goodbyes”, and has garnered 20,000 streams on the EP’s lead single “No Leaves”.

Mud Whale is an alt-rock band formed in 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The band’s current lineup comprises vocalist and guitarist Michael Morris, bassist TJ May, guitarist Justin Cheuvront and drummer Avery Sylvaine.

Mud Whale’s powerful sound has made them one of the fastest-growing rock bands in the Midwest, propelled by strong songwriting, razor-sharp musicianship, a singular vision and a collaborative, cooperative spirit. Their music combines many of the striking qualities of the artists that inspired them: the grungy melodicism of Basement and Superheaven, the hardcore intensity of Turnstile and Touché Amoré, the skyscraping atmospheres of Circa Survive, and even the drawling indie-rock of Modest Mouse. 

Rising from a Cleveland underground scene that has exploded in recent years, Mud Whale has shared the stage with groups including Glare, Modern Color, Slomosa, Static Dress, Harrison Gordon, Heart to Gold, Many Eyes and The Velveteers. The road-tested band has embarked on multiple regional tours and played at Fauxchella, an annual DIY festival in Bowling Green, Ohio.