Artist Spotlight: Chicago’s Cruel Striking The Scene

I’m not sure if you know anything about the Chicago local music scene so buckle up because you’re not going to want to sleep on Chicago based band, Cruel. The band consisting of Jen Ashley, Jack Kelsey, Michael Schreiber and Brent Favata, have been making waves in the local scene since forming just late last year. Michael and Brent wanted to form a new band and through mutual friends and their similar musical influences, asked Jack to join which led to Jen joining soon after. “I figured I should go check out what the three of them were cooking up,” says Jen, “Everyone is ultimately on the same page when it comes to writing, artistic direction, and other band admin. I think we all bring unique skill sets and personalities to the table, and it just works with the four of us.” leading to the band releasing their debut single, Looming Day this past April. Cruel has since finished working on their debut EP, Common Rituals, that is set to be released this fall with NYC based label Firetalk's side project, Angel Tapes. Luckily for you, Cruel has dropped their first single from the EP (along with a very clever, electric music video), Gutter. The song’s growling melodies, fuzzy riffs, head bopping drums and chest slamming bass will easily find itself on repeat. “I really just want to have fun with it and make expressions of art that best represent who we are, hopefully having an impact on other people and the music world,” says Michael about what his hopes are for the band. Cruel has been rocking the floors of DIY basements to Chicago classic stages, Beat Kitchen, Cobra Lounge, Subterranean - just to name a few. “I would love for us to break out of Chicago and play shows around the Midwest and beyond! I love the scene that’s been built in Chicago and playing here is always a great time, but one of my main goals for us is to hit the road as often as we can,” says Jen. The band has already made their way to buzz the cities of surrounding states, Indiana and Wisconsin. I’ve been to my fair share of Cruel shows, they know how to ignite an audience. The atmosphere is lively and enthralling, you’ll always find yourself submerged into a packed dancing crowd. “I am very content with the trajectory we are currently on. I think there are many good things to come in the future.” says Jack about drawing an engaging audience so quickly. Cruel pulls inspiration from bands such as, Shame, Idles, Deeper, Parquet Courts and Twin Peaks. If that’s something that piques your interest (even if it doesn't, don’t let that stop you), you can catch Cruel at Schubas for their single release show this Wednesday, September 20th or follow them on Instagram or here for all there is to come! Hop on the Cruel train so you can brag about “listening to Cruel before they got huge.”