Friko on their favorite artists from Chicago’s vibrant scene

From the birthplace of home to the experimental jazz of International Anthem, Chicago stays a mecca for creativity. Some of probably 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 personal 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, Where we’ve been, Where we go from right here (out Feb. 16 by way of ATO), which sees the band make use of a mixture of various genres, similar to their native metropolis, that swerve between tempos and moods, to nice impact.

Read 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 the town’s sprawling scene.

The Courts

The Courts are a ripping, “melt your face off” form of rock band. Korgan, Nick, and Shravan are a few of the nicest guys on the scene as effectively. They not too long ago launched their EP is a spot, and it’s one in every of our fave Chicago rock information proper now.

Chaepter

Chaepter is a cathartic/ethereal art-rock artist that not too long ago moved to Chicago however is releasing a few of the most emotional music in Chicago proper now. Their newest single “Post-Touch” can be a fantastic new flip for them right into a extra krautrock-y area.

Tenci

Tenci’s debut document, My Heart Is An Open Field, was launched after we had simply began on the scene, and it turned one in every of our first Chicago favorites. Tenci’s voice is so stunning, and we’re large followers of Julee Cruise’s Floating Into The Night, and this has that very same really feel for us.

Kara Jackson

Kara Jackson’s newest document, Why Does The Earth Give Us People 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 had been solely like 14. They had been already nice, however not too long ago they’ve actually come into their personal on their newest EP, Called Upon. And I have to say we’ve heard some music that’s quickly to return, and it actually rocks. They’re additionally enjoying our launch present at Metro March 1!

Sick Day

Olivia from Sick Day is likely one of the sweetest folks on the scene, they usually do the later period of Elliott Smith not like anybody else and utterly in their personal means. Their newest single “Overexposure” retains the sweetness and delicate nature of their earlier materials however takes on a a lot greater and noisier sound. Big Sick Day followers over right here.

Godly the Ruler

We not too long ago got here throughout Godly the Ruler at a present at Schubas, and we had been blown away. Godly makes actually cool, high-energy but very fairly artwork pop/hip-hop. Their newest launch the world is large, recover from it is an ideal instance of this eclectic mixture.

V.V. Lightbody

My introduction to V.V. Lightbody was by way of Make a Shrine or Burn It, launched in 2020. Vivian McConnell’s writing is playful and trustworthy. Her music actually permits/invitations you to drift inside it. At a celebration someday final yr “If It’s Not Me” got here on, which triggered my dialog with a pal to pause. She stated, “This is a song you just can’t talk over,” and I couldn’t agree extra. On prime of being an incredible songwriter and performer, Vivian can be an extremely type and humorous particular person, two parts that her music fantastically displays.

hemlock

Carolina Chauffe of hemlock not too long ago moved out of Chicago, however launched quite a few wonderful information whereas dwelling right here. Their music delivers a particular assembly of intimacy and energy. Carolina is a prolific, eclectic, and alluring songwriter. There is one thing for everybody throughout their information, with solely extra magic coming quickly.

Squirrel Flower

Squirrel Flower’s latest launch, Tomorrow’s Fire, is a robust and shifting assortment. I’ve tried a couple of occasions to have this document on whereas studying or working, however every time I’ve to immediately cease what I’m doing and simply pay attention. It calls for your consideration, in a really welcoming means, and takes you on a journey all all through.