September Music Highlight
We at The Limelight are constantly inspired by the vibrant arts scene that permeates Chicago’s every corner. In hopes to connect our audience to the infinitely talented artists who make it on our radar (Chicago local or not), we present The Limelight Blog’s ‘Artist Highlight’ series! As per our mission statement, we hope to expand our network as wide as we possibly can, and encourage you to share your creative talents with us so we can share YOU with our audience! As always, never stop chasing The Limelight.
BY STEPHANIE HARO
ELYSIUM NIGHTS
In November of 2023, Maddie Hanna was making musiccout of her bedroom when she released her lo-fi, dark pop track do you like what you see? and promoting it online on TikTok. It reached the for you page of alternative rap artist Mike Lee, he clearly liked what he saw and decided to reach out. Together, they made their first song, Elysium and the musical and romantic connection was too great not to pursue. From one TikTok, the rest is history!
Elysium Nights is a rising Chicago-based musical duo representing shared passion, creativity, collaboration, and love between music artists Mike Lee and Maddie Hanna. They blend pop, indie, r&b, lo-fi, and disco into their signature retro, dreamy sound. They have performed at established Chicago music events and venues such as Reggie’s Music Joint and Two Piece Fest Chicago. Infusing their chemistry on and off the stage, Elysium Nights provides a unique, authentic listening experience that is unforgettable.
Dance Together by Elysium Nights
What, or who, is your main inspiration?
Especially with our duo project, we’re the most inspired by each other. Elysium Nights is about combining our artistic styles and infusing our love and chemistry into the music. We also love music and artists from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, and that is represented in our sound.
Do you have any goals/plans for the future? If so, what are they?
Well first of all, we’re very excited to put out our first album, but after that, we’d like our community to become stronger, and have our influence be spread throughout the city of Chicago and beyond. We believe we can spread love, passion, and our message everywhere.
If there was just one thing you would want someone to take away from your music, what would it be?
That everyone has the capability to let loose, have fun, and love one another. That it’s ok to be different and share your story with the world.
HELL OF A LIFE
Hell of a Life is a Chicago based band that blends the atmospheric melodies of shoegaze with the raw, emotionally charged intensity of post-punk and black metal. Aggressive, cathartic, and unapologetically loud, Hell of a Life has proven themselves as way more than just a mere “shoegaze revival” band.
Formed in 2024 by Amal Sheth, Andrew Easterling, John Youkhana and Will Komoll, Hell of a Life have quickly made a name for themselves with their emotionally intense, dynamic take on the shoegaze genre. Cutting their teeth at DIY shows and notorious Chicago venues such as Subterranean, Cobra Lounge, and Reggie’s, Hell of a Life has established themselves as one of Chicago’s most promising new acts in the heavy alternative rock space.
Endless by Hell of a Life
Tell us more about your song/EP/album (what is it about?) Especially highlight any title tracks and their meaning.
Our two singles in 2026, Endless and Monument, in different ways, are ultimately about the suffering that comes with existing in this world, and how pain can be used as a source of power to create something beautiful that gives life meaning.
Do you have any goals/plans for the future? If so, what are they?
We are currently working on our second EP and we hope to be able to share it with the world very soon!
What, or who, is your main inspiration?
Sonically, we take inspiration from a wide range of artists. Deafheaven, Nothing, Trauma Ray and Alcest are some of our main influences, but we also are inspired by bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, Red House Painters, Crowbar, and Type O Negative just to name a few. Lyrically, our songs are inspired by trying to take the negative emotions brought on by life's suffering and channel pain into something cathartic that people can relate to.
PHOENIXLIGHTS
I’m a 21 year old, transfemme multi-genre producer (and maybe singer for this new album but we’ll see) originally from Cincinnati, and now based in Chicago! I grew up on southern hip hop, early lyrical lemonade videos, and the internet at large. I’ve always loved exploring new music, underrated artists, and forgotten discographies. I’ve been making music since late 2017, starting off wanting to make my own beats to perform on. I fell more in love with the production side of things and have been learning over the years new sound design, how to engineer my own stuff, learning instruments like the piano, and more! I took whatever music classes I could in school!
warped sense of self ! by Phoenixlights
If there was just one thing you would want someone to take away from your music, what would it be?
I just hope people take it and do something with it. Whether that’s just like it, learn how to make their own music from it, take to heart some of my friends lyrics on it all, whatever it may be. Art always has an impact. I just hope mine always has a positive one.
Tell us more about your song/EP/album (what is it about?) Especially highlight any title tracks and their meaning.
The title (warped sense of self !) really says it all. I made every song during some pivotal years in my life. In the midst of transitioning, becoming more politically active, learning more about myself, developing new relationships, etc. I had to relearn my goals and why I made music. I’d always second guess myself and hold back. I still do sometimes, but definitely less, and I’m all the better for it.
What, or who, is your main inspiration?
All of the black queer/trans people in my life. Shoutout to my lovely friends like Chloe Hotline, Savan Depaul, Kunt Pills, June!, and many more. They continuously inspire me and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
Thank you to Elysium Nights, Hell of a Life, and Phoenixlights for sharing your art with us. We hope our audience connects to their work as much as we did!