"I wish they could all have their say, and world would change from day to day. No more worries nothing but laughs. Cause the kids on the street are the kids that you meet." (Kids On The Street-Angelic Upstarts Single released 1-26-81. Zonophone/EMI Records U.K.)

Whether they start young, in their teens or early 20's, or get a late start in their 40s, 50s or 60s. You'll meet the artists and bands whose original Chicagoland metal, punk, alternative rock and power pop music is heard from street to street, city to city all around the world. The bands will have their say, lyrically and musically.

Beginning an eclectic form of symphonic metal in their 20s, 34 years ago, Chicago Doom Metal band Avernus combine modern hardcore screamo, with progressive 70s hard rock. they once co headlined shows with Trouble at the legendary Thirsty Whale in 1996. Their second full length album, Grievances showcases the modern day grunting unclean vocal style of singer Rick McCoy with a sophisticated progressive and lengthy instrumental guitar and bass blend. I talk with guitarist and co-founder Erik Kikke.

Kankakee alternative rockers Carrying Torches give drummer Jon Paul Gray a chance to keep time through his vocal range. A debut as lead singer in a new single about departure. Certainly, a unique one for the four-piece Heartland Garage Rock band.

Tractor Boy plows their way into one of the only remaining underground Chicago rock radio stations for a live concert broadcast.

Before COVID stole the live music spotlight away from Wire In Berwyn, who couldn't stay open after being financially stricken during the pandemic, Skylight Cinema show brightly with a unique mix of old school progressive rock and modern pop punk. We rock back to their only appearance, and the last live show I would experience at the hip music venue south of the incomparable Fitzgeralds, six years ago this week.

Melt Mother Nature's dementia fueled ice and snow grip by getting a rocking hold of this hot mix of original Chicagoland music:

Avernus-Nemesis

Avernus-Return To Dust

Subcyst-A Broken Will Makes The Best Slaves

Carrying Torches-Gone

BlockChain Coalition-Get A Little Closer

John David Daily-Somewhere On The Other Side

Redneck Remedy-Face Of Madness (4-15-25 Local Loft Episode 376)

Tractor Boy-Carnage In Rantoul

Paperboy Riot-Joke

Skylight Cinema 9 from Wire In Berwyn 1-26-20 Local Loft Episode 118

Skylight Cinema-Don't Phase Me

Skylight Cinema-Turn Me Golden