The New Pornographers
Over the past 20+ years, The New Pornographers have proven themselves one of the most excellent bands in indie rock. They have released nine studio albums, including their classic debut Mass Romantic and their latest 2023’s Continue as a Guest. The band’s new album The Former Site Of will be out via Merge Records on 3/27/26 and new single “Votive” is out now.They’ve constantly offered new sonic surprises with every album, and have established themselves alongside modern luminaries like Yo La Tengo and Superchunk when it comes to their ability to evolve while still retaining what made them so special in the first place. Of the 2023 record, New York Magazine lauded, “The New Pornographers are a massive unit bursting with unique and intersecting talents…the band’s ninth album serves another helping of their signature dish.”Critical acclaim for The New Pornographers:“Over the course of their 20-plus-year career, the New Pornographers have often specialized in catchy ambiguity. If leader Carl Newman was just a machine cranking out power-pop tunes, it would get boring. But there’s also a lot of mixed emotions going on under the surface of their studiously nuanced pop-rock formalism—like if Cheap Trick was as quick-witted as Steely Dan, or the Romantics were as thoughtful as R.E.M.”- Rolling Stone“Pure, blissfully irresistible power pop”- NPR Music“[The New Pornographers] make catchy, sophisticated alternate-universe hits.”- Stereogum
DRIVEWAYS
Hatebreed
Hatebreed is an American hardcore metal band from Connecticut, formed in 1994. With unflinching tenacity, the impenetrable heavy metal hardcore factory that is HATEBREED has brought forth yet another iron cast, sonic weapon with Weight Of The False Self. It comes as no surprise that their eighth, full length album is the result of the usual sweat and blood that have cemented HATEBREED’s unique niche in the world of music for over two decades. Renowned for their ability to provide an intense and cathartic release for their fans, HATEBREED challenged their writing style through this album cycle in order to produce material that is exceptionally relatable in a contemporary world flooded with overstimulation, emotional dampening, and lack of social patience. “Weight Of The False Self’ is a perfect representation of HATEBREED in 2020, a fresh onslaught of soon to be classics with all the elements that led you here since day one,” explains guitarist Frank Novinec. A metaphorical weight is carried by almost every individual in regards to their emotional construct. Our experiences shape who we become and over time, gradually produce a heavy burden that we continue to lug along. For many of us, the weight becomes so much that we struggle to get out from underneath, let alone move. It is these struggles that are translated throughout Weight Of The False Self. “Seen or unseen, everyone is carrying a burden. The music we love helps us bear the weight” proclaims vocalist Jamey Jasta. Over the course of over 20 years and 8 albums, the writing process for a band like HATEBREED has stayed safe in its roots, but still reached out and grabbed for crisp and compelling pieces of progressive sound to add to the mix. There are waves of fresh sounds while the massive foundation that houses HATEBREED remains strongly held in place. “On this album I really pushed myself; made myself rewrite things until they were better, until it clicked. I pulled myself out of that comfort zone. In the age of legacy bands having to play so many hits from their catalogue at shows, we love to hear fans request new songs when we’re playing live,” explains Jasta, “we’ve really played into our strengths with this one.” “There’s no shortage of beefy-riffs and adrenaline-fueled-drums on this record. I’m proud to say that we will consistently provide a soundtrack to which you can mosh in your living room and destroy your apartment,” details drummer Matt Byrne. Recording the album once more with the help of ZEUSS, the band experienced a sense of challenge and breakthrough that enabled them to obtain a new level of sound. After working with the band for several years, and while normally spending his time with bands that have a fairly different sound, Zeuss is able to test HATEBREED and expand their already infamous vibration. “It was really great working with Zeuss again on this one. Love the way the guitars sound,” comments guitarist Wayne Lozinak. As time goes on, the quality of production technology only seems to get better and better, creating a safe and productive nest in which albums can evolve and end up with a much cleaner sound; Weight Of The False Self brings early 2000’s era HATEBREED into the new decade. Released on November 27th, 2020 via Nuclear Blast Records, Weight Of The False Self is noted as one of HATEBREED’s strongest, and most memorable albums.
The Crane Wives – ACT III
Born of the 2010’s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving landscape of indie folk. Their high-energy performances have been described as “charged with emotion and technical skill” (Blurred Culture LA), while their harmony-dense melodies support deeply resonant lyrics, exploring the vulnerable and the ugly sides of the human condition. The band has amassed over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, racking up over 150 million streams on their most popular songs and accumulating listenership from far-flung corners of the US to the UK, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, and the Philippines. Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s “All Songs Considered, ”theband recently released their sixth full-length studio record, Beyond Beyond Beyond, to high praise, with Glasse Factory calling the album “a testament to the band’s ability to turn personal struggles into universally relatable anthems.” Niner Times describes the new release as “angsty, haunting and gritty, ”praising its departure from the more traditional folk sound of the Crane Wives’ previous records. Since its release in Sept 2024, Beyond Beyond Beyond has accrued over 24 million streams on Spotify. The pulse of the Crane Wives is delivered by Ben Zito (bass) and Dan Rickabus (drums), creating a driving, dynamic backdrop while co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury establish expansive and gritty conversations between their electric guitars. A web of three-part harmony helps to soften the blow of their emotional candor, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal. The Crane Wives have 6 full-length albums under their belts and have performed over 600 shows across the US, sharing stages with acts such as The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and many more. Brye is an indie-pop artist who captures hearts with her raw, introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals. Since stepping into the music scene in 2021, she has quickly become known for writing deeply personal songs that resonate with her fans. Whether it’s navigating body image struggles, mental health, or personal growth, Brye’s authenticity shines through in every track. Her song “LEMONS,” a collaboration with Cavetown, became a standout moment in her career, amassing over 44 million streams on Spotify. This semi-viral success helped her reach a wider audience and solidified her place in the indie-pop scene. Brye also had semi-viral moments with her tracks “Diet Culture” and “Body Back,” see here. On tour, Brye has shared stages with Addison Grace, Madilyn Mei, Leanna Firestone, and Frances Forever, building a loyal fanbase through intimate and emotional live performances. Her 2023 tour took her across the U.S. with sold-out shows in major cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. In 2025, she has continued to captivate audiences and her next show on 10/17 in NYC at Brooklyn Bowl in partnership with NEDA. With her ability to connect on a deeply personal level through her music, Brye’s fans feel like they’re not just listening to songs—they’re experiencing her journey alongside her. She’s an artist who isn’t afraid to be real, and that’s what makes her music so impactful.
Keep Flying
Keep Flying is a New York based 6 piece punk rock band with horns, that’s right, horns. The band mixes a combination of sounds from emo to pop punk to punk adding a splash of saxophone & trombone to lead the march. Add in the vocal stylings with the transparent yet relatable lyrics and you’ve created something fresh and new. With a unique sound, honest songwriting, and an explosive live show, the band has been able to turn heads of fans and bands alike, touring and performing with such acts as The Bouncing Souls, Bowling For Soup, Real Friends, Reel Big Fish, State Champs, Four Year Strong, Less Than Jake, Big D and the Kids Table. Pop punk / ska from New Jersey https://keepflying.bandcamp.com/ Blondo – pop punk from Omaha https://blondostreet.bandcamp.com
El Desmadre Party
OMAHA, prepárate porque El Desmadre se viene! This spring on Friday, April 24th, the Midwest’s premiere Latin rave is coming to Waiting Room Lounge, and we’re bringing a night full of reggaetón, dembow, Latin house, and heavy-hitting rave energy that’ll keep you moving la noche entera! 🗓 Date: Friday, April 24th ⏰Time/Age: 9pm-LATE / 18+ 📍Location: The Waiting Room 🎧Music: Reggaeton | Dembow | Latin House | Techno y Mas We’re setting the tone with bold visuals, high-energy vibes, and a party aesthetic like no other. Whether you’re here to perrear, vibe, or just take in the atmosphere, this is the party you don’t want to miss. 🚀Follow us on IG & TikTok @eldesmadreparty for exclusive content, DJ announcements, and ticket drops. PREPÁRATE. EL DESMADRE VIENE.💥
Ben Chapman
Ben Chapman is a road warrior who has spent the previous three years in a whirlwind of activity — writing songs for friends like Hayes Carll, Brent Cobb, and Marcus King; making his Grand Ole Opry debut; and releasing three acclaimed albums of country-fried funky-tonk, but nothing could have prepared him for what 2025 would bring him. His new record Feet on Fire captures that period of wild transition, with songs inspired by Chapman’s marriage to fellow songwriter Meg McRee and the arrival of the couple’s first child. On songs like the guitar-driven title track, Chapman mixes Pink Floyd atmosphere with Crazy Horse crunch, showcasing the full spread of his musical influences. Elsewhere, he tips his hat to his southern roots with the laidback, loping “Out in the Country” and the Stax-sized soul ballad “Missing You.” Produced by Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Anderson East, Feet on Fire captures Ben Chapman as we’ve never heard him before: his back against the wall and his heart full, determined not only to meet the challenges up ahead, but to write about the process, too.
Kung Fu Vampire
Only Echoes
Only Echoes – Instrumental post metal from Denver. No Gods. No Vocals. https://onlyechoes.bandcamp.com/album/only-echoes Weaving Shadows – 4 piece Existential Dread Inducing Sludge/Doom from Nebraska https://weavingshadows.bandcamp.com Phantom Crypt – Sludge/Doom Metal From Omaha, NE https://www.instagram.com/phantom__crypt/
Whiskey River & Friends
