Friko on their favorite artists from Chicago’s vibrant scene

From the birthplace of home to the experimental jazz of Worldwide Anthem, Chicago stays a mecca for creativity. A few of the most promising, and thrilling, rising bands in latest reminiscence have roots within the metropolis, as its music scene stays one of many nation’s most vibrant areas, encompassing numerous genres and constantly nodding to its previous. Friko, the duo of vocalist/guitarist Niko Kapetan and drummer Bailey Minzenberger, are making their very own mark inside its indie-rock scene — one which’s seen bands like Dehd, Lifeguard, and Horsegirl shuffle from basements to bigger venues. That’s most obvious on their debut album, The place we’ve been, The place we go from right here (out Feb. 16 by way of ATO), which sees the band make use of a mixture of various genres, identical to their native metropolis, that swerve between tempos and moods, to nice impact.

Learn extra: 10 songs that influenced Chelsea Wolfe’s She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She

To ring within the launch, Friko named a number of of the very best bands from town’s sprawling scene.

The Courts

The Courts are a ripping, “soften your face off” type of rock band. Korgan, Nick, and Shravan are a few of the nicest guys on the scene as nicely. They lately launched their EP is a spot, and it’s considered one of our fave Chicago rock data proper now.

Chaepter

Chaepter is a cathartic/ethereal art-rock artist that lately moved to Chicago however is releasing a few of the most emotional music in Chicago proper now. Their newest single “Submit-Contact” can be an excellent new flip for them right into a extra krautrock-y area.

Tenci

Tenci’s debut file, My Coronary heart Is An Open Discipline, was launched after we had simply began on the scene, and it turned considered one of our first Chicago favorites. Tenci’s voice is so stunning, and we’re massive followers of Julee Cruise’s Floating Into The Night time, and this has that very same really feel for us.

Kara Jackson

Kara Jackson’s newest file, Why Does The Earth Give Us Folks To Love?, is an instance of somebody with a singular voice and one thing to say. The preparations and manufacturing present an ideal mattress of jazz instrumentation and folks songwriting for Kara’s wonderful lyricism.

Neptune’s Core

We performed with Neptune’s Core in Chicago in 2019 after they have been solely like 14. They have been already nice, however lately they’ve actually come into their very own on their newest EP, Referred to as Upon. And I have to say we’ve heard some music that’s quickly to come back, and it actually rocks. They’re additionally taking part in our launch present at Metro March 1!

Sick Day

Olivia from Sick Day is without doubt one of the sweetest folks on the scene, they usually do the later period of Elliott Smith in contrast to anybody else and fully in their very own approach. Their newest single “Overexposure” retains the sweetness and delicate nature of their earlier materials however takes on a a lot greater and noisier sound. Large Sick Day followers over right here.

Godly the Ruler

We lately got here throughout Godly the Ruler at a present at Schubas, and we have been blown away. Godly makes actually cool, high-energy but very fairly artwork pop/hip-hop. Their newest launch the world is massive, recover from it is an ideal instance of this eclectic mixture.

V.V. Lightbody

My introduction to V.V. Lightbody was by means of Make a Shrine or Burn It, launched in 2020. Vivian McConnell’s writing is playful and sincere. Her music really permits/invitations you to drift inside it. At a celebration someday final 12 months “If It’s Not Me” got here on, which brought about my dialog with a good friend to pause. She stated, “This can be a music you simply can’t discuss over,” and I couldn’t agree extra. On high of being an incredible songwriter and performer, Vivian can be an extremely form and humorous particular person, two parts that her music superbly displays.

hemlock

Carolina Chauffe of hemlock lately moved out of Chicago, however launched quite a lot of wonderful data whereas dwelling right here. Their music delivers a particular assembly of intimacy and energy. Carolina is a prolific, eclectic, and alluring songwriter. There’s something for everybody throughout their data, with solely extra magic coming quickly.

Squirrel Flower

Squirrel Flower’s latest launch, Tomorrow’s Hearth, is a robust and transferring assortment. I’ve tried just a few occasions to have this file on whereas studying or working, however every time I’ve to immediately cease what I’m doing and simply hear. It calls for your consideration, in a really welcoming approach, and takes you on a journey all all through.