The Gully Boys origin story plays out like the perfect domino effect. While sorting vintage clothes in a Minneapolis-area thrift store in 2016, Kathy Callahan (she/her) shared her dream of becoming a vocalist with their co-worker, Nadirah McGill (they/them).After encouraging a friend from middle school, Natalie Klemond (she/her), to join the trio on bass, Nadi picked up a pair of drumsticks and counted off a cover of Best Coast’s “Girlfriend.” Gully Boys had officially been born. Having to master their instruments on the fly, the band’s sound grew quickly – taking inspiration from 90’s icons like No Doubt, Garbage, and Hole. After 2 years of relentless gigging, Gully Boys released a collection of demos, Not So Brave in 2018, earning Best New Band honors from their hometown City Pages and sharing the stage with everyone from The Hold Steady to Third Eye Blind. The band’s Phony EP arrived in late 2019 right as the live music industry came to a screeching halt. Inspired by this break in the action, the band started working with Zach Zurn at Carpet Booth Studio and added lead guitarist Mariah Mercedes. They released their first produced EP ‘Favorite Son’ (2021), followed by singles ‘See You See’ (2022) and ‘Optimist’ (2023).

Throughout this aggressive release schedule, the band has continued gigging – appearing at official SXSW showcases and playing iconic stages across Minnesota including First Avenue’s main stage and across the nation, touring with artists Nova Twins, Motion City Soundtrack, Destroy Boys and Bad Bad Hats. With a recent trip to Audiotree, a debut LP in pre-production, Gully Boys have no plans to slow down.

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Sunday Cruise

(Elgin, IL)

Genre: Indie Rock

Sunday Cruise is an Indie/emo band from Elgin, IL. Comprised of Zoe (vox, guitar), Cassidy (bass), Levi (drums), and Camden (lead guitar). Their first self titled EP was released in 2018. In 2019 the group released a few singles including “Sunflower” followed by “Falling” and “Friday night”. After a slight hiatus the current group was formed and wrote their first full length album “Am I Pretty?” (2020). This coming of age album deals with the reality of the hardships and insecurities that many teens may face today, whether it be wanting to meet someone else’s expectations, sexuality, relationships, or the struggle with mental health and constant feelings of loneliness. This somber tone is met with upbeat pop punk instrumentals to depict the way we mask these struggles from our peers. follow @sundaycruiseband on insta. merch link in the bio !

Loveblaster

(Madison, WI)

Genre: Psych

Loveblaster are a relatively new act from Madison, specializing in a patient brand of slowcore, hallmarked by dual vocal harmonies, spacious arrangements and often glacial pacing. The band’s fresh take on indie rock’s more minimal side is as sprawling as it is memorable.