This segment is a seasonal round up of musicians making big moves in the scene. This summer might have created a strange “to go or not to go” vibe but the artists in and around this great state did not skimp on the amazing achievements. We pulled together a list of bands and artists who had some notable achievements over the season for you to check out.

(Photo Credit Chris Sikich. Featured from left to right Brian Bartling, Grace Vonderkuhn, Dave Mcgrory)

Grace Vonderkuhn releases new album ‘Pleasure Pain’

Wilmington native Grace Vonderkuhn released their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Pleasure Pain’ on August 13 via Sheer Luck Records. It exceeds the expectations of any long term fan and is sure to stop anyone who’s new to their sound dead in their tracks to get their shazam app handy.

This album stretches the limits of what a three piece post punk garage band can produce without losing the edge. The range of influence is brilliant and obvious with slower rock ballads like ‘Illuminated’ sounding reminiscent of The Cranberries to their usual high energy rock material like ‘Put It On Me’ giving you Yeah Yeah Yeah vibes. Produced in Philadelphia’s Head Room Studio’s, the album gives us the melodically driven rock we love from Grace but shiney and high def.

Her live performance at The Jackson Inn in Wilmington for her album release show was heavily attended and visibly enjoyed by all. With press from all around the world, inclusion on playlist after playlist, and lots of radio love from WXPN, it’s nothing short of awe inspiring to watch this local artist blossom into a bright shining star. Follow Grace Vonderkuhn online and listen to their latest album here.

The Caulfields reunion show and movie release

The Caulfields haven’t shared a stage for a while but they were bigger than Jesus for their reunion show and movie premier at the famous Bottle & Cork on September 9 and 10. Although the band was only together for a quick stint in the 90’s, this alternative rock band from Newark, Delaware recorded two albums for A&M Records, and the music they created together opened many doors for all musicians involved and still inspire up and coming musicians today.

Lead singer from Newark Delaware, John Faye, was the picture of a real live wire from start to finish. A bouncing ball of energy on stage he showed off some serious vocal range while simultaneously jumping up and down and playing his guitar. He made it a real party once he began inviting other musicians and audience members on stage to sing.

The rest of the band, including big time producer Richie Rubini on drums, Sam Musumeci on bass, and Brett Talley on lead guitar, were absolute pro’s creating a non-stop experience of alt rock greatness. Their movie “26 Candles” is a celebration of their music and friendship throughout the years. With a book on the way, more live performances being announced, and hopes for more music releases, John Faye shows no signs of slowing down. Keep up with him and all his musical goings ons at his website and sign up for his Patreon to help support his website.

Blue Deputy win the DIY Super Bowl at Underground Arts

(Photo Credit Connor Rothstein Picture left to right Andy Bunting, Brody Hamilton )

If this bedroom emo band wasn’t on your radar already, you must be living under a rock. With only 2 songs available to stream and download out on Chillwavve Records, they already have a cult-like following and over 50k streams per song. Andy Bunting lends their grungy yet sweet vocals, guitar, bass, and synth to the catchy tunes. Brody Hamilton’s drums make you feel like you're back at a UD house show crammed in the basement and feeling all the feels with a group of strangers.

They put on a killer show for the DIY Superbowl in Philadelphia that sold so many tickets it had to be moved to The Underground Arts to accommodate the size of the crowd. Check out their performance in front of hundreds of masked screaming youth here.

Eyebawl Plays main stage at FireFly Music Festival

(Photo Credit Joe del Tufo; Pictured left to right Andrew Benenati, Erin Silva, Brain Bruce, and Jillian Willis)

Grunge pop Wilmington band Eyebawl performed at Firefly in Dover on September 23. The band is just as captivating visually as they are sonically. Reportedly Smyrna native and band founder Erin Silva thought the Instagram DM inquiring if the band was interested in playing was a farce. After checking her sources it turns out even big festivals like sliding into a band's DMs to see if they want to come play with the big dogs.

Eyebawl was originally scheduled to play on the same day as Grammy nominated Phoebe Bridgers and Grammy Award winning Billie Eilish but a storm delayed the show several hours and inevitably caused their performance to be cancelled. Fans and Firefly goers were delighted to find out they were rescheduled to play on Sunday along with Megan Thee Stallion and Machine Gun Kelly. The performance was live streamed so fans at home could root for the home team in the comfort of their own homes.

Erin attended The Art Institute of Philadelphia for Media Arts & Animation and uses her knowledge to create the designs for her animation, often releasing special and limited edition items on her bandcamp.

Bands on Fire! Summer 2021

Keeping Hope Alive at The Jackson Inn