Dancefestopia Yellow Brick Road
Ashes to Amber
Emerging from Orange, CA, Ashes to Amber is a Post Wave/Indie Pop project that formed in 2018. Driven deeply by guitar melodies from the inspirations of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Eric Johnson, Kane Acosta fused a new tonality to the indie pop genre. He has released 3 full-length albums: Jade (2019), Do not Pick the Flowers (2021), and My Little Maniac (2023) as well as three EP’s and a myriad of singles
Mitch Gettman Band
sunn O)))
For nearly 30 years, SUNN O))) – Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson – have pushed the boundaries of heavy music,straddling the worlds of the avant-garde and rock to forge a style instantly recognisable as their own.Now, SUNN O))) return with their first album of new material since 2019’s acclaimed Pyroclasts. Their tenth album –their debut for new label Sub Pop – demonstrates the duo’s mastery of time and space, light and dark, and theirwillingness to evolve their unmistakable sound into bold new forms.The eponymously titled SUNN O))) was tracked at Bear Creek Studios, Woodinville, Washington with Brad Wood(HuM, Tar, Sunny Day Real Estate, Liz Phair). This location would prove crucial to the recording process.“The vast tracking room had big windows looking out on trees,” says O’Malley. “We could go hiking and be out in thewoods, spend time outdoors. That became a big part of it.”“It was very inviting and very comfortable there,” adds Anderson. “There was no stress, no worry about the timelineor anything like that. We just let ourselves go, and let the music come out.”“On this album for the first time all of the instrumentation was performed by Greg and I,” says O’Malley. “All of therecords have our leadership and direction, of course, but this time around, it was almost like this crucible of ideas thatwas really at the core of what we’ve been doing.”Recording exclusively as a duo should not be interpreted as SUNN O))) limiting or restricting themselves. To thecontrary, it has opened up new possibilities for their music.The six compositions on SUNN O))) are expansive and panoramic yet finely detailed, reflecting the arboreal setting inwhich they were recorded. Opener “XXANN” enters with howling feedback before crunching into what might at firstseem familiar territory – until one registers the sound of water trickling beneath. “Mindrolling” likewise incorporatesfield recordings, as does “Glory Black”, which in addition introduces piano, by turns sonorous and delicate, into themix, lending the already formidable piece a hushed, solemn feel. The Newcastle-forged originators of black metal geta shout out in the title of “Does Anyone Hear Like Venom?” which seems to position Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon asdeep listeners, attuned to their Tyneside surroundings in much the same way as SUNN O))) are to the forest enfoldingBear Creek Studios. Throughout the album, the interplay between O’Malley and Anderson attains fresh heights oftelepathic intensity as they shape a music that itself breathes the bracing, earthy air of the Pacific Northwest.In October 2025 SUNN O))) released the first fruit of a new deal with celebrated US label Sub Pop in the form of a maxi12” featuring “Eternity’s Pillars”, “Raise The Chalice” and “Reverential” – three monumental tracks from the samesessions that produced the new album. The alliance with Sub Pop makes perfect sense, as Anderson explains.“We decided that we should approach Sub Pop, after I’d had some great conversations with Jonathan Poneman,” hesays. “So I called him up and before I could get the words out of my mouth, he said, ‘We’d love to do it. Tell me whatyou guys need.’ He was really excited and supportive.”All of which adds up to a fully immersive experience, uniting sound, word and visual into something that is undeniably,completely SUNN O)))
Chasing Chance
In January 2019, two Omaha-based bands crumbled. In the vacuum that followed, two members of those fallen bands, John Faist (drums) and Parker Cundall (vocals/energy), reached out to Drake Rader (left guitar) with a goal: create a 5-piece band that simultaneously could be played on radio stations around the world and would not compromise the quality of music each of the members wanted. Their collective vision was one of thousands of fans screaming their lyrics back at them. Thus, Chasing Chance was born. Each of the members wanted so badly for this to be a reality that they patiently wrote music for the entire year while waiting for the right band members to join their cause. As they built up enough material for their first EP, they found time and again that potential band members did not share their commitment – did not share their energy – did not share their vision on what their music should be. After trying out several guitarists, frustration began to set in and they considered a number of paths forward to include biting the bullet and keeping Drake alone on guitar. Enter Robert Klingsporn (right guitar). Having just left a musical project into which he had poured 4 years of his life, he was hesitant to begin anew with band mates that he did not trust. He decided to try out on a whim and reached out to John, with whom he had played shows in previous musical ventures. After seeing the material Chasing Chance had written and after seeing the (frankly) alarming amount of commitment they had, he decided that this was a project worth investing in, and joined on as the second guitarist. The band still lacked a dedicated bassist, though, and despite the band championing to all their musician friends, they found it difficult to find one with both skill and commitment. Enter Pat Austin: Pat is a seasoned musician who was out astray looking for the right fit for such an awesome talent. Pat was introduced to the band when he saw Chasing Chance play their first show. Pat was a later addition, added to the line up after Chasing Chance’s first public outing. CC had a fill in bassist (good friend to the band, Gabriel Prado), but was still looking for someone to fill the position permanently. Pat reached out the band, auditioned, became the best member of the band…the rest is history. Characterized by a sonic hurricane of powerful, pop-punk influenced guitar and drums, Chasing Chance’s music is tempered by catchy vocal melodies that leave listeners humming the songs for days afterwards. One thing is for sure: their music burns with an unerring and infectious passion that will leave you begging for more. Chasing Chance is a band about energy; the band members thrive on feeling music — on thundering drums, chanting vocals, and bass so heavy it shakes your chest. Live shows should be a perfect and elegant performance, not a rote presentation of what you hear on the radio. What better place to experience that with us than at a gig?
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
Multiple award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Tommy Castro is a California-based blues and rock powerhouse. For over four decades, he’s captivated audiences with his soul-drenched vocals, searing guitar work, and high-energy live shows. As frontman of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, he’s released 17 albums that span a wide stylistic range—from horn-driven R&B and hot-blooded soul to gritty, stripped-down rock and electric blues. With his latest and eighth Alligator Records release, Closer To The Bone, Castro returns to his roots, delivering what he calls “a real blues record, the way they would have made them back in the day.” Produced by guitar master Christoffer “Kid” Andersen at San Jose’s Greaseland Studio, the album is Castro’s rawest and most direct blues effort to date. The album features standout originals like Ain’t Worth The Heartache, Can’t Catch A Break, and Crazy Woman Blues, alongside deep-cut covers of songs by Castro’s friends and influences—Johnny Nitro, Magic Slim, Ron Thompson, Chris Cain, and more. Guest appearances include Rick Estrin, Billy Branch, Deanna Bogart, Chris Cain, Jim Pugh, and gospel harmonies from The Sons Of The Soul Revivers. Born in San Jose in 1955, Castro picked up the guitar at age 10 and was inspired by icons like Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, and Mike Bloomfield. He absorbed everything from Ike & Tina Turner to John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy, developing a uniquely uplifting and soulful style rooted in blues, R&B, and funk. After early stints with Bay Area bands including NiteCry and The Dynatones, Castro formed the first Tommy Castro Band in 1992. Castro’s career took off when his band became the house band on NBC’s Comedy Showcase, airing after Saturday Night Live. He soon built a reputation as a must-see live act, touring relentlessly and releasing acclaimed albums with Blind Pig, Telarc, 33rd Street, and eventually Alligator Records, where his 2009 debut Hard Believer marked a new chapter of critical and commercial success. Notable releases include The Devil You Know (2014), Stompin’ Ground (2017), Killin’ It – Live (2019), and A Bluesman Came To Town (2021), which AllMusic hailed as “a towering achievement.” Castro is one of the most decorated artists in contemporary blues, winning 10 Blues Music Awards, including four B.B. King Entertainer of the Year honors—the genre’s highest accolade. His no-frills, 150-shows-a-year approach has earned him a fiercely loyal fanbase and praise from legends like Joe Bonamassa, who says, “Tommy has always been top of the heap among blues guitar players. He always puts on a great show.” With Closer To The Bone, Tommy Castro strips it all back to deliver an album brimming with grit, fire, and authenticity. “This is the deeper blues side of me,” says Castro. “With these songs, I am at my most authentic.”
Snooze
Snooze: happy heavy mathy band from Chicago Spotify | Instagram | Facebook
Barns Courtney Unplugged Solo Sessions
Barns Courtney has lived through more industry upheaval than most artists survive — A&Rs disappearing, catalogs sold off, years stuck in dead-end contracts — yet he’s still standing. Signed at 19, reduced to sofa-surfing and odd jobs, he clawed his way back when Bradley Cooper hand-picked his voice for Burnt, just as his DIY single Glitter & Gold — recorded in an abandoned care home with filing cabinets for drums — quietly went platinum in the US. Since then, multiple Top 10 alt-radio hits and a reputation for chaotic, unmissable live shows have made him one of rock’s best-kept secrets. Now, a decade on and finally free on indie label Avenue A, Courtney isn’t making a comeback — he’s proving the music always connects, even when the machine fails.
COLD
GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD THE RED ALBUM PLAYED IN ITS ENTIRETY
Scattered Hamlet
Scattered Hamlet is a hard rock/southern metal band known for their “Honky Tonk Metal” sound, blending heavy riffs with outlaw country and biker rock, originating around 2010 with vocalist Adam Joad. They’re known for relentless touring, high-energy shows, and media placements on CMT, CBS, and in Nitro Circus, with albums like Skeleton Dixie and Swamp Rebel Machine gaining traction. The band fosters a strong community with fans called “Hell Riders” and connects with them through authentic social media. https://www.scatteredhamlet.com/ Molten: heavy / groove / thrash metal from Omaha https://www.instagram.com/molten_official_/ Fallen Reign: prog / power metal from Omaha https://www.instagram.com/fallenreign The Hooligan Gentlemen: 4-piece hard rock band from Omaha https://www.instagram.com/thehooligangentlemen/ The Dead Man’s Band: Omaha based hard rock band https://www.instagram.com/thedeadmansbandsinsta/