Indie

Franklin Jonas performing in Hanover, MD. | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Article, Interview, & Photos by LJ Portnoy & Rebecca McDevitt Franklin Jonas has been doing the work quietly, and the proof is in the rooms. Over the last few years, he and The Byzantines have grown from an exciting new project into one of the most talked-about rising acts in the Americana space, one believer at a time. Busking outside venues on the Greetings From

Pushing themselves to new heights following the move to Oxide Records, Savage Hands are preparing to release a new album and set out on a summer tour. Without losing touch with their hard rock roots, the Maryland band have dropped a gut-wrenching new single, "It's Me,” compelling enough to hook even the non-metal fans. Article Contributed by Brooke Dougherty Photography by William George The song begins fast-paced, and almost uneasy as if you are trying to outrun your shadows

With upbeat indie-pop production and brutally honest lyrics, Marino captures the guilt and rebellion of a generation struggling to define success on its own terms during uncertainty.

On his fourth solo album, Niall Horan trades heartbreak for home — and turns the everyday into something worth savoring.

Cowboy Neal’s refreshing take on art rock hits the Chicago scene. Article contributed by Konstantina Buhalis Photo: Edenfm Chicago art-rock juggernauts Cowboy Neal have released their latest single, “Tighten Up,” a funky, prog-rock-inspired track about growth, gaining confidence, and pride in your work. The six-piece group has been a highlight of the Chicago scene, gaining traction while playing throughout the city, reigniting the power of the groove. SoundCheck Mag sat down

The NYC alt-pop songwriter, Parris Mitchell, on the work behind the wonder, and why he refuses to fit in one box - an Underground Radar feature.

There are breakup songs that make you want to text your ex. Then there are songs like Rachel Bochner's "Happier You're Gone (SASE)," the kind that reminds you just how much you've grown since everything fell apart. Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Photography by Smiles Meyer (IG: @strangeexposures) At its core, "Happier You're Gone (SASE)" isn't about bitterness. It's about perspective. While the song can easily be heard as the story of leaving behind a relationship, i

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano The newly released LP by Jenny Gillespie Mason has grabbed our attention. With her soothing vocals and present atmosphere, it creates a full listening experience. Listening to In The Safety of the Light feels like wandering through green fields and clear skies just as her promotional photos and videos. Jenny Gillespie Mason press photo provided by Force Field PR The Perfect Length This is Mason’s first solo Album release apart from her ba

Single Review: The Tampa alternative pop-rock band, Pretty Pity, delivers a hook-filled ode to chemistry, temptation, and living for the night.

More than a decade after stepping away, The Cab returned to Philadelphia with a night full of unforgettable songs, surprising covers, and a crowd that never forgot a single lyric. Article & Photos Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt The Cab performing at the TLA in Philadelphia, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Since forming in Las Vegas in 2004, The Cab built a loyal following in the pop rock scene, blending infectious hooks with heartfel

With smoky vocals and lyrics that ache, this track captures the realization that some relationships don't end with a bang, they unravel until there's nothing left to save. Article Contributed by Shyanne Vaden Rising artist Marilyn Hucek’s single “Self Destruct” tells a story about love and mutual destruction that we are all too familiar with, holding onto a relationship that is past the point of return and struggling to let go. Released June 12, 2026, the Chilean-American art

New Jersey-born, LA-based artist Goldie Scott has released her new single ahead of her upcoming full-length debut album. Taking cues from the long history of Western Americana sounds, Scott blends indie ballads and pop to create a highly personal and emotional account of the complications of family relationships.

Mt. Joy brings their memorable and joyous 10 year celebration to the shores of Cleveland. People stretched across the parking lot, waiting in line for Jacob’s Pavillion. The line buzzed with excitement for Mt.Joy’s show that evening. Clevelander’s couldn’t have asked for better weather, the sun beginning to set against the city skyline. The Pavillion was already packed with people inside and out. Being situated on the edge of the river, people showed up in boats, paddleboard

On May 27, the Music Hall of Williamsburg was full of energy from the second the night started, and honestly, the entire performance was carried so well by Em Beihold herself. The crowd was clearly excited to see her, and you could feel it throughout the entire venue. Everybody was singing along, cheering loudly after every song, and matching Em’s energy the entire night. It never felt dull for even a second.

The soulful songstress Bailey Hyneman shared with us the songwriting process for “Better Days”, musical collaborations she would love and more. Article Contributed by Monica Soriano Bailey Hyneman photographed by Lulu Shing It is not often that one can stumble across a song that states “not all bad days have silver linings” but feel a sense of joy while listening to it. “Better Days” by Bailey Hyneman portrays life perfectly, allowing a bad day to be a bad day but knowing tha

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano It seems that artists don’t always have the monthly listeners that are equivalent to their talent. This is the case for Josceppi. ‘Chämeleon’ is a wonderful piece of storytelling that has the potential to grab the attention of many new listeners. While starting the listening journey it was clear that this was intentionally crafted and Josceppi as an artist has a clear direction. The alternative pop rock meets classic rockstar feel is a de

Photos and Article Contributed By Ernesto Raul Aguilar On the second night at a packed House of Blues in Chicago, opening artist Sundots took the stage. From the outset, the room was shoulder-to-shoulder and fully engaged, less a passive early crowd and more a group that had arrived with intent. Sundots performing at House of Blues in Chicago, IL. Photo by Ernesto Raul Aguilar (@blacksheepimagery on IG.) That connection made itself clear almost immediately. Between songs, sho

West 22nd made a stop at Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland on the tail end of their ‘to be or not to be” tour. The group was originally going to play at the 148-capacity Beachland Tavern, but due to high demand, they moved to the larger stage. Despite the cold and rainy spring weather in Cleveland, Beachland was warm and inviting. The crowd was buzzing with excitement and was ready to make some memories.

Article and Photos Contributed by Ernesto Raul Aguilar The Afterglow Tour with Bob Moses, joined by Cannons and opening act Oxis, arrived at The Salt Shed in Chicago on April 22 and delivered a night defined by atmosphere, pacing, and cohesion. The show unfolded with intention, each set flowing seamlessly into the next and shaping a larger emotional arc. It was a lineup that fully embraced mood and immersion, drawing the crowd in from the very beginning. Bob Moses performing

Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt & Ilana Bornstein Some bands come together through industry connections. Others start because a group of friends simply never stopped playing music together. For Chicago-based alternative pop band Flwers, it’s the second story. SoundCheck first discovered Flwers the same way a lot of fans did lately… scrolling through TikTok. Between honest lyrics, hook-heavy melodies, and videos that felt more like friends sharing music than a careful