Chicago’s Homegrown Talent Shines at Lolla

Scarlet Demore Captivates Crowd With Punk Roots

With sold out shows and the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival under their belt, Scarlet Demore delivered a thrilling show on Sunday afternoon despite the suffocating heat. 

“Hearing people sing our songs back to us was really cool,” said vocalist Cat Ayala. Formed in 2017, the four-member alternative rock band consists of Cat, G Passaro on the bass, Joel Smith on guitar, and Jeremiah Elam on the drums. 

“We are Scarlet Demore, and we are from Chicago!” Cat announced, before playing the last few songs of their set. An all-girl mosh pit ensued on cue when “Dead Man,” from their 2023 EP Baby Teeth, began to play. 

“It encourages women and the queer community to take up the space that they didn’t feel comfortable to take up in the past,” Cat said. 

It was electrifying to watch Cat jumping from corner to corner of the stage, the lyrics rolling off her tongue and sending shockwaves of energy down to the audience. 

“I grew up really loving punk. And the thing about punk is it’s more about the energy before how good the music sounds,” Cat said. “I pull a lot of influence from the punk scenes and 80s punk and British punk.”

The rest of the band mirrored Cat and reveled in the symbiotic relationship they have fostered throughout the years—even newer members like Jeremiah. 

“I love every second of it. It’s pretty lit. I love when Cat  jumps up on the drum riser,” Jeremiah said. 

“I love it too,” Cat responded. 

The band has amassed over 20,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and has garnered a devoted crowd that was on full display at Lolla. “Give me more,” chants from the crowd echoed—and Scarlet Demore delivered. Their next show will be a wicked one as they hit the Lincoln Hall stage for a Halloween show alongside Bugsy, Yada Yada, and La Rosa Noir. 

Happy Birthday M.e.H! 

Megan Hammond, also known by her stage name M.e.H, posted on her Instagram the night before her Lolla performance that three “major” things were happening. The first was being part of the Chicago MADE Showcase. The second was the release of her first EP Coup De Grâce. And the third was her birthday. 

“I had to make that known, of course, I’m a Leo,” she said through giggles while covering her mouth with a fresh set of nails that spelled out “M.e.H.” 

The twenty-four-year-old singer expressed gratitude toward the supportive community that helped her get to a Lolla stage. “There’s a village of people that I could not be here without. I don’t ever think that any of this [would be] possible without all the people I have in my corner,” M.e.H said.

M.e.H was given the opportunity to perform only two songs. She chose “Thrill is Gone” from the new EP and her 2023 single “Wake Up” featuring Drew the Kiiid, who joined for the live performance. With confidence, a custom-made outfit by local fashion brand JELLY, full glam, and braids that spelled out her stage name, M.e.H serenaded the audience with her jazzy and soulful voice.  

“I’m kind of moving now more into a neo-soul alternative route, which [is] feeling like home for me right now,” M.e.H said. 

As she continues to cement her artistic sound, M.e.H is dedicated to collaborating and creating with the people around her. Currently, M.e.H has a residency at Dorian’s in Wicker Park, where she will next perform on August 24. 

DLow’s Homecoming

If you were a Chicago teen a decade ago, you remember when bopping took over the music scene. Rappers created emblematic dance moves and anthems to go along with it, like the “DLow Shuffle” and “Do It Like Me.” The “DLow Shuffle” would amass more than 15,000,000 views on YouTube, and should have been a catalyst for the bop king Daryon Martice Simmons, best known as DLow. 

“Creating what I created, my world, [my] royalties got taken away. I never [received] royalties for ‘DLow Shuffle’ or ‘Do It Like Me’—my biggest songs,” DLow told the Weekly.

The West Side rapper would go on to struggle despite his early success. “I was homeless, man. I was sleeping in abandoned buildings. I was sleeping in cars. I was sleeping in trap houses,” DLow said. “I had nothing, nobody, just a dream and ambition and hunger.”

Now, DLow is back with new dance moves and an unreleased track that he played for the Chicago MADE stage. 

“It’s super surreal. I feel like I’m still processing it,” DLow said. 

He attributes his determination and comeback to his newfound relationship with God and the people on his team. DLow took the stage with a crew of dancers, played four songs, and for the first time, got to perform his biggest tracks on a Lolla stage. 

“It’s not promised that something will come out of this. Don’t have no expectations. Go out there and love it. Be you. Embrace you. This is about you today. Let it be about you for the first time,” DLow said in third person, setting his intentions hours ahead of his performance.

Fly Skinz Gives Roses to Roseland

Fly Skinz stepped onto the Tito’s Stage for the Chicago MADE Showcase filled with excitement and pride, ready to represent his roots. His latest project, Roseland’s Very Own, is more than just an album—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the far South Side community that shaped him.

“I’ve lived in Roseland my whole life,” Skinz reflected, underscoring the deep personal connection he has to the area. “This project is my story. When people tell me my music resonates with them, it’s because they come from a similar environment.”

Roseland’s Very Own stands out as Skinz’s most collaborative effort yet, brought to life with the support of his community and contributions from top-tier producers like Benny The Butcher. 

Despite their past collaborations and years working together, Butcher wasn’t aware that Skinz rapped, until he was in Chicago and hometown fans showed love crowning Skinz as one of Chicago’s best.

“I like things to unfold naturally,” Skinz said. “It’s all about hard work and dedication.”

Nico Vega Reunites: Chicago’s Michael Peña Returns for Lollapalooza Performance

The Los Angeles indie rock band Nico Vega is known for its energetic style and powerful, emotive vocals. After disbanding in 2016, they reformed in 2023 with the return of Chicago’s own Michael Peña—a founding member whose mother gave the group its name. The group brought a set that fans raved over at the Bacardi and Toyota Music Den.

Peña, from Chicago, is a versatile actor known for his roles in Crash, End of Watch, and Ant-Man, he’s become a standout in TV and film while celebrating his Latino heritage throughout his career. 

“I always stick to the process. It starts in the moment: do the process and reflect later. I’m in that mode, we’re just like, let’s go. And then looking back will be really super sweet,” Peña said of reuniting with Nico Vega and performing with the group. 

Peña grew up across the street from Douglass Park on 16th and California, where he witnessed Chicago violence firsthand. It wasn’t until he moved to Chicago Lawn that he discovered what Lollapalooza was after being invited by a classmate from Marist High School. 

“How can you describe the first time rock and roll hits you in the face? It just completely enveloped me,” Peña said of his first time at Lollapalooza, when he saw festival goers sliding in the mud while listening to the music. 

Bands like Jesus and Mary Chain, Ministry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Cypress Hill captivated Peña, which is why Nico Vega’s performance at Lollapalooza was a surreal experience for him. 

“To be on the other end of it, a kid from the inner city of Chicago, being able to be on stage and hopefully embracing the audience from a different point of view—it hasn’t hit me yet,” Pena shared on being in “let’s go” mode. “But the idea of [performing at Lollapalooza], I’m sure it’s gonna hit me one day when gardening. That will make a grown man break down and cry.” 

Pivot Gang Surprises Chicago Youth with Performances in Support of John Walt Foundation

Pivot Gang, the West Side group made of  made up of DaeDae, Frsh Waters, Joseph Chillliams, MFnMelo and Saba, thrilled Lollapalooza festivalgoers with a surprise performance at the John Walt Foundation’s (JWF) pop-up near Buckingham Fountain. 

The JWF, founded in memory of Pivot Gang member Walter Long Jr. who was tragically killed in 2017, aims to empower Chicago’s youth. Led by Long Jr.’s mother, Nachelle Pugh, the foundation supports young artists across various platforms, inspiring them to pursue their musical dreams.

“These programs are crucial,” Pugh said. “We’re not just giving young people opportunities to perform, we’re teaching them the skills they need to succeed behind the scenes, from production to professional development. It’s about more than just music; it’s about building better lives.”

Pinqy Ring is a Puerto Rican rapper and community alchemist at the JWF. Her role has been to organize performers and lead the pop-up showcase. 

“It’s been a challenging task,” Ring explained. “But seeing the results reminds me why we do this work. I’ve been a hip-hop artist since high school, and opportunities like this didn’t exist for me. Now I’m grateful to help provide them for the next generation.”

The showcase of young artists included the 2023 Teens in the Park competition winners Zia Jenaye, Jonathan, Nae Chic, and Queen, with hosting duties were handled by Pivot Gang and Pinqy Ring along with DJ Ca$h Era.

The last time Pivot Gang was at Lollapalooza was in support of Saba’s 2019 set. Returning with a showcase that gave young Chicago artists a platform brought up memories from Lollapalooza, including their feelings about being back together and performing their last big project live again. 

“The first time I came up to Lollapalooza, Noname was performing, and she broke down, and everybody on stage broke down too. It was a special moment. Music means something, being able to see that it connected with folks. It was a special moment for me,” Frsh Waters said. 

“I left Lollapalooza the first year I performed and totaled my car. I’ll never forget that that happened, like that was crazy,” Saba said. 

MFnMelo shared how good it felt being back together and performing. “It feels great, it reminded me of when we were back on tour. It’s a beautiful feeling.”

“Being back together, it feels like a hug. It feels whole,” Chilliams said. “It feels like I was supposed to be here, like we got some respect on our names. We’re legends in the city, Black Beatles.” 

“We’ll be back here again, bigger and better,” DeeDee added. 

In an exciting announcement, Pivot Gang shared that they will debut new music when they headline the free Vocalo Summer Finale at Millennium Park on Friday, September 20. 

From the West Side of Chicago to Paris and Lollapalooza

Joseph Robinson, better known as Joe Freshgoods, has gone from the West Side to the global stage, making streetwear  culture change with his creativity and designs. 

At this year’s Lollapalooza, the designer unveiled an exclusive merch collection, showcasing his deep connection to the city that raised him. JFG’s culturally rich style blends streetwear elements of art and social commentary. His Lollapalooza collection included longsleeve lineup tees, hats, and a signed and numbered poster. 

“I feel like I represent the city,” JFG said, emphasizing his role as an inspiration to Chicago’s youth. “It’s amazing to be here, knowing that I’m making an impact on the kids.”

Despite his global achievements, including the recent debut of his exhibition A Friend Named Cousin during the Paris Olympics, JFG remains committed to his roots in Chicago—and the city’s future. “No matter how far I go, I’ve got to keep investing in Chicago,” he said. “I’ve got to keep going.”