Your Chicago Summer Playlist

Yes, yes, it’s Lollapalooza week. But Chicago thrives on music all summer long with local artists hyping up their EPs, albums, and singles.

The incredibly useful Chicago Show Calendar can help you keep all those concerts straight. And lucky for us, it’s run by City Cast’s own Caroline Patton. Recently, Caroline joined the podcast to help curate the kind of summer playlist you’ll wanna bump on Lake Shore Drive.

All the talent highlighted is homegrown.

Favorite Tracks

• “Face to Face” by Footballhead — they’re playing Riot Fest on Sunday, Sept. 21
• “gloves” by femdot.
• “First Quarter Warning” by Asha Omega ft. Rikkie Khrist
• “The Word” by Vic Mensa ft. Mick Jenkins
• “Lullaby the Fire” by Shawnee Dez
• “Super P” by Mello Buckzz
• “Spooky” by Cabeza de Chivo
• “Last Goodbye” by Post Animals
• “Golden” by Recoechi ft. JazStarr
• “It Feels Good To Be Sassy” by Tima
• “Traffic” by Manwolves
• A few by Era Footwork Collective: “Up” ft. Brittany Carter, “Get Out,” “Ghost off 63rd” ft. femdot. & Sterls, and “Fell Off In”

Favorite Projects

• “The Sun Will Come Out” by Janeece
• “damage control” by Sydny August
• "Dandelions: Gods Don't Cry" by Roy Kinsey
• “Two Tone” by Daylight Tone
• “I Let the Wind Push Down on Me” by Moon Type
• “Can’t Hide Inside” by Qari

Other Favorite Artists

• JazStarr — she pops up on lots of our favorite Chicago artists’ albums
• Mother Nature — one of Jacoby’s favorites
• prosperity room — his DJ sets are blowing up on TikTok
• m.e.h. — for fans of Miley Cyrus
• 9magicforever1 — an up-and-comer who's collabed with Vic Mensa
• Winefred RT — she's also GREAT live

Things To Look Forward To

• Buddy Guy’s latest album, “Ain’t Done with the Blues” drops July 30
• Al Scorch’s ongoing residency at The Hideout
• m.e.h. at Lincoln Hall Aug. 8
• prosperity room at The Whistler Aug. 30