Leor Galil

In 2024, XL Recordings reissued Forever, Ya Girl , the 2020 breakout debut from New York R&B stylist and Chicago native KeiyaA . The juggernaut

In 2021, Texas avant-garde guitarist Hayden Pedigo signed with Mexican Summer and released Letting Go , his first album for the Brooklyn indie label.

Plus: Beat-scene showcase Electronic Buffet returns, Make Music Chicago presents a day of dozens of events, and more.

Chicago is dense with music festivals, and while in the past I've danced around saying this outright, the Chosen Few Picnic is the best of them all.

The way Cuss play grunge, you'd think Mudhoney had put out their debut single, “Touch Me I'm Sick,” just a few months ago, not in 1988. The Chicago four-piece make the familiar sound feel new and vital. The hoarse, acidic vocals on October's self-released

Polar Bear Credit: Leor Galil I didn't consult a medical professional when I set about visiting every west-suburban dessert destination on this trail.

Horizons Music in Mendota, Illinois, has more vinyl for sale than you've ever seen in one place.

The third annual Summer of ’99 and Beyond Festival has made me reconsider the limits of corporate personhood.

Dice Fest bands, clockwise from left: Loveletters, Juneau, Tit for Tat Credit: Loveletters by joefphotos, other photos courtesy the artists

Plus: The weekend's music festivals include some of the summer's most interesting, including the Silver Room Block Party and Loose Leaf Fest.