Artists
Gamblers
For Gamblers founder/bandleader Michael McManus, a few too many brushes with mortality have had him feeling like there’s a great force threatening to pound him literally into dust. His grandfather’s passing and a harrowing car crash that left four others at the scene dead are just two examples of what, for McManus, has been quite the, um... eventful period. Along the way, Gamblers managed to score millions of streams with their Mick Jenkins-featuring single “Another Dose” (off their 2022 remix EP When We Exit). So there’s that. But the blows kept coming. As the band’s profile rose, McManus’s mother began a bout with cancer which eventually took her life, and his romantic partnership of seven years dissolved. This all followed every other member of Gamblers departing one by one, leaving McManus feeling like he was docked on an island at the helm of a ghost ship.Pulverizer however isn't a dark album. Gamblers serve a rousing fusion of organic and electronic sounds. It's the ultimate afterparty album that hasn’t entirely left the celebration behind. This contemplative record takes on weighty subjects—but spiked with irresistible hooks and a zest for life that bursts through the grooves.
Atomic Life
Atomic Life is a New York based alternative rock band featuring drummer Billy Rymer, Cody Hosza on guitar, and Michael Sadis on bass. Atomic Life is fronted by Adea Frances; a multi-disciplined performance artist who compliments these high-energy songs with her powerful vocals and haunting lyrics.
The Back Alley
The Back Alley is a 5-piece independent rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band is a hybrid of the critically acclaimed rock band Ax and The Hatchetmen’s members Hunter Olshefke (Bass), and Sal Defilippis (Guitar) who have sold out venues in New York City such as The Mercury Lounge several times. Sal and Hunter have joined members Jaden Cone (Guitar), Ralph Porter (Vocals), and Ben Kremer (Drums) to perform and record original music while also paying homage to their singer’s past discography by performing completely new takes on songs like “Your Love”, “Flower Girl”, and “A Man On The Loose” at their live shows.
After forming late in 2022, 2023 saw the band quickly gain buzz by playing sold-out shows at historic venues like Schubas Tavern and Fitzgerald’s Nightclub while also supporting acts like Arcy Drive and Easy Honey for a few shows on their tours throughout the year. On top of playing shows around the midwest, the band also released two singles and a five-song Live EP during 2023.
The Back Alley is now working on finding their own sound by transitioning from the Bedroom Pop vibes of lead singer Ralph Porter’s past solo work into a more guitar-heavy indie rock approach with new songs from the band such as “Gump”, “Lightning”, and “Why”.
The band kicked off their 2024 by opening for The Freddy Jones Band at their sold-out show at The Park West Theatre and just headlined their iconic hometown venue, Lincoln Hall. The band is now playing shows with a brand new setlist and is currently in the process of releasing new music.