Penelope Road and The Back Alley

The Back Alley, emerging from Ralph Porter's solo project, is a Chicago indie rock band featuring members of Ax and The Hatchetmen. Known for songs like "Your Love" and "Flower Girl," they shifted from "bedroom pop" to guitar-heavy rock with their debut EP "Live From Picture-Minded Studio." They've played iconic venues like Lincoln Hall and Park West, and are noted for hits like "Gump," "Lightning," and new tracks "Brand New" and "Grey Skies."

Penelope Road, an Atlanta-based band, blends soulful blues, punk, and jazzy pop, with members Max Moore, Charles Eastman, Koan Roy-Meighoo, James Kopp, and Anthony Smith.