Local Music Recap
With 2023 drawing to a close and new music flowing across Chicago, here’s a look at standout singles and a couple EPs from local artists that are ending the year with a bang.
Released: November 17th
J.Y.N.’s latest release explores alt-rock rawness while keeping his recognizable bittersweet melodies in tune with the rest of his discography. Taunting guitar riffs with just as rueful lyrics in “Doesn’t it Feel So Lonely” tells you what it’s like to recognize someone for who they really are: “Looked at the eyes I long adored / Now I know you’re rotten to your very core.” With an electric guitar that has a voice of its own, “Bittersweet EP” incorporates a heavier sound that sets the EP apart from anything else J.Y.N. has released before.
“Pretty Gyal Energy” by Ifeanyi Elswith
Released: November 26th
A short and sweet song from Elswith that rounds out a year of single releases from the R&B/hip-hop artist. Perfect for a girls’ night in or out, this pop rap bop exudes healing and confident feminine energy that is a trademark for the Avalon Park singer-songwriter.
Released: December 1st
The light and breezy melody of “Ready Already” feels like a Chicago staple when it comes to feel-good R&B. Gem Tree’s calming harmonies paired with faster paced verses will keep you bouncing your head and swaying your hips.
Released: December 1st
It doesn’t matter if you can’t make out the lyrics of “Kids,” the demolished guitar will quiet any discontent in your head. The double sung chorus with an echoing voice in the distance will only fuel any angst you’re already feeling for this cathartic single. Intoner’s second single almost a year after their debut hints at an excitingly unpredictable future as they prepare to release their first EP in the new year.
Released: December 5th
Listen to “For Ella” when you can sit down and give it your full attention. Close your eyes. Let Friko’s nostalgic piano and heart-wrenching strings envelope you into a space that is somehow comforting and mournful at the same time. The single has been a long time coming for Friko, who is set to release their debut album in February 2024. “For Ella” is paired with their previous two singles “Crashing Through” and “Crimson to Chrome,” showing off Friko’s remarkable capability to make you cry, shout, and dance – perhaps all at the same time.
“What I Mean / Just Friends” by Minivan
Released: December 6th
Minivan’s summery indie rock dual single marks the end of their tenure together as the band announced their dissolvement this past month. Nevertheless, Minivan stayed true to their sometimes chill, sometimes hyper, always upbeat sound in both new songs.
“The Moon is an Emotional Island” (EP) by Chaepter
Released: December 8th
Soft, thoughtful, melancholic, “The Moon is an Emotional Island” is a pensive walk in the rain, a stroll in a garden, a chilly night by the water. Chaepter pulls similarities to Bon Iver with their muddled vocals and grassy calmness but with more haunting distortions and drearier melodies. There’s a certain eeriness that echoes throughout the EP that will make you feel like you’re taking a deep breath of dewy air.
Released: December 11th
The energy is high in this one, a refreshing and new sound from the otherwise more subdued indie rock band. With an intro like a wired nerve and a vigorous drumbeat tirelessly propelling the song into mania, this single might just make you want to run as fast as you can.
“Mama’s House” by MVTE, Rhea the Second
Released: December 22nd
A dance-worthy combination of MVTE’s distinct hip-hop style and Rhea the Second’s effortless vocals, “Mama’s House” is the 12th single dropped by MVTE this year. MVTE’s rap is just as catchy as her preceding release “Discount Doja” and is only complimented by Rhea the Second’s smoothness, reminiscent of her September EP “alt pop rnb.” Listen for the funky bass and humorous lyrics, stay for the addictive beat and the inevitable urge to “get your ass up off the couch” and move.
You can listen to all of these songs and more on our Chicago Music Scene playlist.