Well, 2024 is coming to a close so thought it was appropriate to throw together an update of sorts.

I was able to put together two issues of The Coldest in 2024, with Issue 2 coming out in February and Issue 3 being released during August. Print runs for both were 200 and they are both close to selling out. Additionally, was able to sell about 80 copies of Issue 1 and roughly 50 of other zines such as Crop Top, Tighten Up and The Spotty Herbert. So all in all I’ve probably sold 500 copies of my zine and others either in-person or (mostly) through Big Cartel. Not bad! Thanks to everyone who purchased copies for themselves or to distro.

Thank you to everyone who contributed material. It would not be possible to assemble a publication without people being willing to be interviewed, allowing use of their photos, taking time to create original art, writing, giving permission to have writing reprinted, etc. I hope the issues that came out met your expectations of quality.

The original plan was to produce an issue every 6 months or so. But unfortunately, my life has been somewhat chaotic and busy so Issue 4 will be delayed until sometime in Early Spring 2025.

Anyway, enough about me! I contacted a number of bands and people about what their plans are for 2025 and here is what I got:

Bovver Boulevard/Jukebox Booking

Mrs. Aggrovator (interviewed in Issue 3) and DJ Changoskin helped start Bovver Boulevard, a reggae and soul night in Nashville, Tennessee that occurs on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Jukebox Booking has organized the 2nd Rodeoi!, featuring The Templars, Fear City and No Guard among others, which will happen March 28-30.

Cidadão

After the release of their debut 7″ in Fall 2023, this skinhead hardcore outfit consisting of members from Fuerza Bruta, Lost Legion and The Chisel were included in the Stronger Than Before Vol. 2 comp. They played what I believe was their first show in June at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. There is potential for
another 7″, but it’s still in the works.

Consensus Madness

CM released their “2023 Demo” cassette on the last day of 2023. First-wave style punk played with the energy of early 80s hardcore, they made frequent appearances this year in Chicago. In February, they’re headed to the studio to record their debut LP and in March will be playing the Rustbelt Ripperfest which takes place in Cleveland, Ohio.

Crop Top zine

Colin released Crop Top Reworked Vol. 1 in 2024 and is working on what is intended to be the last issue ever of Crop Top.

Fighting For Scraps

Another great band who play frequently in Chicago (at least on the Southside), FFS plans to record some new material this Spring. Keep an eye out!

Fuerza Bruta

In 2024, FB spent a lot of time playing shows all over North America, but found time to contribute a track for a tribute compilation for the Brazilian street punk group Blind Pigs. FB also released a dark roast coffee blend in collaboration with Casa Cactus that raises money for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. I’ve been told they’re in the process of recording new material which will come out in the Spring if all goes well. They will be playing the Pogorausch Festival in Dresden, Germany in October, in Pittsburgh in May and in NYC for a fest in July.

Heart of Chicago Soul Club

HOCSC was very busy this year. Appearing at the Color Club or The Hideout bimonthly, HOCSC also appeared at events with Amplified Chicago, All Mod Chicago and Rust Belt Boss Reggae. They released a zine of photos taken by Gerri Fernandez. If you’re reading this before NYE, consider heading out to their show!

Last Year’s Youth

The record label and online zine will be finally releasing their compilation of Canadian oi! around the end of February in co-release with Rebellion Records in the EU.

Llorona Zepeda

In 2025, Llorona is planning to coordinate and host her first art show and is making the theme about subcultures and bringing them all together.

Los Niños Héroes

Considered by many to be the first Chicago oi! band, LNH disbanded years ago but its members went on to be involved in a number of other bands, such as PKDores and Lost Dead. LNH put out one demo cassette tape of which there are only a handful floating out there. There is a real possibility the tape and some additional songs that didn’t make the cut will be released digitally at some point in 2025.

Lost Dead

In late Fall, LD released their debut album on cassette through littleHEADbutt Records. They plan on releasing two new songs in the Spring, followed by a possible second full-length album in late 2025.

Lost Legion

LL put out their debut full-length, Behind the Concrete Veil, contributed a track to the 4-way Tales of Violence split, and released a split 7″ with False Negative in 2024. They did a lot of shows as well, appearing with Soft Kill, Rixe, Collaps, Home Front and The Chisel. Members of Lost Legion also managed to maintain involvement in several other projects such as War Effort, Consensus Madness, Canal Irreal and Cidadão. Coming up in 2025 is a split with Irish oi! band Sympos.

Michelle S

Michelle, who I interviewed in Issue 3, is living her best life and doing what makes her happy. She continues to work as a doula in the Chicagoland area.

No Guard

One of the best out of the youthful Springfield, Illinois scene, No Guard released an excellent EP back in April and toured all over the place. Coming in February or March will be a split with a currently unmentioned group from Boston.

Rust Belt Boss Reggae

RBBR, the only regularly occurring event in Chicago that plays the early reggae we all know and love, continued with their spot on the first Friday of each month at The Native. RBBR and I put out a small zine that consisted of my interview with DJ Dreadnaught, which I think we’ve distributed 300-400 of at this point. They also released some merch, hosted guest DJs and played some events in collaboration with Heart of Chicago Soul Club.

The Spotty Herbert

SH put out Issue 2 back in August. Destin has started working on Issue 3 but no news to announce about that yet.

Summit City Soul Club

Forming right before COVID changed everything, SCSC was finally able to play some gigs in 2024. They are continuing to work towards establishing a monthly gig in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

World In Action

After releasing a great 3-song single back in 2023, the Milwaukee based anarcho-punk/UK82 band are currently recording their debut full-length album! Release date is still to be determined.