The Front Desk is a five-piece band that has been bringing a fusion of funk, soul, rock, and jazz to Chicago since 2022. The New York Times has described our sound as "like if Led Zeppelin and James Brown had a baby that was raised by Amy Winehouse and Anderson .Paak" in a well-received article that has unfortunately been lost forever due to an incident with the Dave Matthews Band. Check out upcoming shows, demos, photos, and more at www.thefrontdesk.band. Our members include Ben Alston, Brandon Jaimes, Teddy Knox, Jivan Nallamothu, Grace Tepper, and occasionally Zorba.

Cat Merkle is a pop singer-songwriter based in Chicago, IL. Drawing inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse, Lizzy McAlpine, and Lake Street Dive, Cat’s musical style ranges from loud and dramatic to intimate and heartfelt. She developed as a vocalist largely through musical theater. Although she entered college as a well-developed singer, she made a conscious effort to redevelop her singing style. She spent all of her college years singing in bands, writing songs, and finding a voice that could best deliver the songs she wanted to create as a musical artist. The band has been gigging since the fall of 2024 at classic Chicago venues such as Martyrs’, Cubby Bear, Burlington Bar, Reggies Chicago, Underground Lounge, Lilly’s, and Cafe Mustache. Brian Kaiser, is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist from the Chicagoland area and one of the recording producers of the group. He has played the bass since the second grade and has been in bands since the age of 11. Attending Northwestern University to study Learning and Organizational Change and to play tight end on the football team, Brian graduated in 2022 while also winning Mayfest’s Battle of the Bands to play on the main stage for Dillo Day. He also produces his own music and is a mixing/mastering engineer for various Chicago artists. Brian met Cat through a mutual friend and it was musical chemistry at first sight! Brian co-wrote and produced Cat’s second single, ‘feeling you’ which solidified their musical partnership. Scott has played music his whole life, participating in jazz ensembles, quartets, acapella groups (with Cat), rock bands, and all other musical endeavors he can find. He’s a drummer at heart but has played guitar, bass, and keyboard in past musical projects. Scott grew up in Boston before moving to Seattle after college, and recently moved to Chicago in 2024.

chi indy rock