Living in a digital age has made the DIY community larger than ever, giving us the ability to learn new skills and meet new people anywhere, at any point in time. The Midwestern music scene is no stranger to this, either, as proven by the new acts and tunes being shared worldwide simply from passion and, dare I say, love of the game… This playlist is some of my personal favorite Midwestern DIY artists that I think everyone needs to listen to at least 5 times, and 100% needs to see live when they roll through your town. Many are from my beloved Michigan emo scene, where I fell in love with everything from sweating and screaming in a 110 degree garage, to making new friends at every show I could find to go to, to making art with others simply because we wanted to support each other. Art and expression are more important than ever, and through DIY any dream can be chased. I hope these artists can inspire you as they do me!

Equipment – “tequila redbull”

The first time I saw Equipment live absolutely blew my socks and shoes and every other article of clothing I had on out of the water. Like off this planet. “tequila redbull” is their newest single, released back in July. Opening with an earworm of a riff, and keeping the catchiness through their lyricism, this single makes me only more excited for their next album, which is already being teased. High energy and always bringing their A game, Quippy is a band that makes you leave their shows already craving the next one.

Arcadia Grey – “Kevin Pickles & the Great Pool Noodle Excursion”

One of my personal favorite songs off their 2024 album Casually Crashing. The Chicago born band is another one that I can’t miss seeing live as their energy in performing makes you want to dance along with them till you drop. Combined with their heartfelt lyrics that everyone screams their lungs out to, Arcadia Grey perfectly encapsulates the feeling of knowing maybe you’re not so alone in the world. Or maybe it is just me and I’m just a big fan of just letting loose at shows. Someone will have to let me know because I am making it a requirement to go listen to A.G! NOW!!!!