I learned that Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have created something far greater than what could be dismissed as a cartoon band.

This young Chicago musician has already released more than a half-dozen albums. His latest, “Neighbors,” is out Oct. 30, his first by a record label.

There have been times when folks have called Sleater-Kinney too brash or too loud. “This is not the time to be annoyed by loud people,” said Carrie Brownstein on Thursday night.

The joy of singing or rapping along to a song that has moved with you from girlhood to teenage angst to adulthood is perhaps one of the most satisfying feelings.

The Chicago-born artist has a new spring-themed album. Now she models the top looks of the fall.

Cory Morrison, who performs as B4Lasers, has built a small ecosystem of Chicago shows and events designed to put producers — not just rappers or singers — front and center.

Sparklmami, along with her collaborators, has created a grounded record rooted in the past, memory, and how the spirit of community helps shape us into the people we were always meant to be.

His first album, “American Rough,” was released on June 26 on Bloodshot Records. He’s a frequent performer at the Hideout and at Judson & Moore Distillery.

Look for lots of female headliners across Lollapalooza’s fresh lineup of eight stages, opening in Grant Park later this week.

From a string quartet to boat parties to DJ showcases, eclectic, unique and community-driven seems to be the common thread for this year’s festivities.

Club Hospitality founder Carrie D. says she was inspired to bring an event like New York City’s Dweller festival to Chicago.

HeadRoom is a new DJ-centered listening concept where you buy your ticket, sit down and listen to DJs play and explain their sound.

Any Samara Joy show is a special one, and this one was no exception. Joined by her septet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, she performed a medley of tunes to rapturous applause.

The Heavy Rotation is addressing a real, widespread need for analog connection and community in an overscheduled, screen-saturated world.

The post-punk band has been grinding on the fringes of the city’s DIY music scene for years. Its latest album, “Unload Your Shame,” drops June 5.

Call it sound healing, sound meditations or sound baths, participation in the sessions is booming. Some have a waiting list to join.

The Swedish pop star has been waiting years for her breakout moment, and her tour behind “Midnight Sun” is finally it.

At one point, Boyz II Men threw roses to the audience as they sang “I’ll Make Love to You.” I almost caught one, but a woman elbowed me for it. Understandable.

We usually have no clue how the songs we love grew from point A to point B. But Perfume Genius’s show felt like a trip back in time to when these songs were first written.

From Rebirth Brass Band at Thalia Hall to Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute concert, our music picks for Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.