Nick Karcher is back with his most vulnerable release yet. “In Another Life” (out April 25) marks a major sonic shift for the pop punk artist, trading distortion and punchlines for acoustic guitar, piano, and raw, gritty vocals. The track builds from a stripped-down ballad into a soaring rock anthem. Hailing from Chicago, Karcher turned heads in summer 2024 when pop-punk legends We The Kings jumped on a remix of his breakout single, BIOTU . Released in July, the track didn’t just create waves—it dominated Spotify’s All New Rock editorial playlist and racked up over 200,000 streams across all platforms in record time. With multi-platinum producer Michael Bono (renowned for his work with Blink-182 and Avril Lavigne) steering the ship, Karcher delivered a string of electrifying singles that cemented his place as a rising voice in pop-punk. Tracks like "Mr. Obsessive" a fiery, unapologetic breakup anthem reminiscent of Avril Lavigne’s golden era, and "Second Chance" a heartfelt collaboration featuring Joey Fleming of In Her Own Words, show Karcher’s dynamic range. Together, these releases have amassed over 200,000 streams and earned him coverage in tastemaker outlets like New Noise Magazine and idobi Radio. Now, with industry co-signs, a growing catalog of infectious hits, and a steadily building fanbase, Nick Karcher isn’t just staking his claim—he’s proving he’s here to stay.

DØUBLE IDENTITY (previously known as Double Identity Band) taps into the nostalgia of distorted 2000’s pop rock guitars and sugarcoats it with confident and catchy vocal melodies, accumulating in a genre fans have affectionately dubbed “Disney pop-punk.” With biting lyrics like “I don’t want you back, you slimy little psychopath,” from the taunting and not-at-all-starry-eyed track “Honeymoon Phase” and “honestly it’s a little embarrassing that I was ever with you (a little?)” from fan-favorite “All On You (You’ll Still Hate Me When You’re Sober),” twins Arden (guitar/vocals) and Courtney (drums/vocals) Kurhayez approach their storytelling with an addictive mix of raw honesty and angst. Their latest EP, “Talking to Ghosts: Act II,” a hard-hitting and vulnerable follow-up to the 2022 EP “Talking to Ghosts: Act I” was released in October 2023.

Mel Senese is an alt-rock artist whose sound captures the fiery energy of Paramore and dynamic edge of No Doubt. Her music delves into life’s struggles, offering an inspiring and empowering perspective delivered with confidence. Mel’s honesty and electrifying performances resonate with listeners seeking both catharsis and motivation. Beyond her music, Mel is a devoted bird enthusiast. Her conure, Benji, frequently makes appearances on her social media, charming fans with his playful antics. This love for parrots even influences her branding, with a bird-inspired logo that reflects her personality and creative free spirit. Mel has performed extensively across the Midwest, earning recognition as Chicago Big Break Champion in 2017 and opening for national acts like Dorothy and The Veronicas. When not releasing music, she continues to perform regularly throughout the region. In 2020, Mel embraced live streaming to connect with fans during the pandemic. Her engaging weekly streams garnered a dedicated following, earning her features in the Chicago Tribune and a TV appearance on ABC7. That same year, she collaborated with Bliss Skincare on a TikTok campaign, co-writing the song “This Is Bliss.” The campaign achieved over 7 billion views, driving massive success for the brand. Coming back from a 2 year song release hiatus, Mel dropped a handful of singles in 2024, ending with the 5 song EP Called Main Character. It's a celebration of self-confidence, resilience, and creative rebirth. The EP concludes with its namesake, Main Character, a powerful track that ties everything together. This song is about prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and owning your story. With its strong message of self-respect and empowerment, it’s the perfect closing note to a transformative journey in preparation for what’s to come next for Mel.

rock n roll from Milwaukee