Leor Galil

The Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum loses its home, the Ugly Hug and Post-Trash throw an indie-rock fest, and more.

Torn Light Records reopens after a month of mopping up, Public Works sells a “Fuck ICE” T-shirt to benefit immigrant groups, and more.

The Hallogallo scene has produced international successes—Horsegirl, Friko, Lifeguard—as its grassroots DIY spirit spreads beyond Chicago.

The Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, producer the Twilite Tone and rapper Your Stepdad drop new music, and more.

M. Sage new solo full-length enhances the serene and dreamy mood of its deconstructed instrumental music with sparse clarinet notes that stretch like a yawn after an afternoon nap.

Punk lifer Dewey Burtker supports the scene by doing more than playing in bands—he also makes show flyers and artwork for albums and tapes.

Hannah Frances returns to celebrate a new LP with a Chicago band, rapper Adamn Killa turns his TikTok comedy on Trump’s occupying troops, and more.

The energy that propelled fifth-wave emo from in-scene meme to crossover indie-rock phenomenon in 2020 evaporated over the past couple years, but scene leaders Home Is Where have forged ahead with nary a hiccup.

Lee Collins was a DJ’s DJ, with an ear for obscure tracks that could drive parties into a frenzy on both sides of the Atlantic.

Lynyn lets his wild beats breathe on the new Ixona, beloved indie label Trouble in Mind hangs it up, 5 Magazine celebrates 20 years, and more.