Cold Waves Chicago returns for a seventh year this September, featuring a variety of artists representing Chicago and its “relationship with industrial music.”
Some of the bands featured in this year’s lineup include ohGr, Meat Beat Manifesto, The Black Queen, Die Krupps, Frontline Assembly, C-Tec and Lead Into Gold, among others.
The festival began in 2012, when Jamie Duffy, a respected sound engineer and musician, passed away from committing suicide. His abrupt passing greatly affected the electronic and metal music community he was a part of and had meant so much to. As a tribute, 14 bands got together one night to raise money for Duffy’s family and say farewell to a scene legend. But rather than an end, it became a beginning of an annual event, now stretching over a weekend and moved to Chicago’s Metro.
The event is now held not only in the Windy City, but also in Los Angeles and New York City. Over the years, Cold Waves has hosted return shows of many iconic industrial bands, as well as brought forth innovative new faces to the scene. According to the festival’s Facebook page, “We hope to continue this co-mingling of forward-thinking, ground-breaking, classic acts alongside brand new talent, putting music and experimentation before fashion or scene, celebrating the sounds of industrial while connecting and supporting those suffering from depression, addiction, suicidal tendencies and other mental health issues.”
A portion of the proceeds from the event benefits Darkest Before Dawn, who the event works with to bring support, community and resources to our closest allies: the late-night service industry staff and live music engineers who keep our clubs and bars humming. We hope to help Darkest Before Dawn offer counseling, resources and more to our brothers and sisters who work tirelessly to deliver our nightlife.
Tickets for the event will go on sale on Tuesday, April 3.
Check out the festival flyer below.
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