Since 2005 Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) has used the Secret History of Chicago Music to shine a light on worthy artists with Chicago ties who’ve been forgotten, underrated, or never noticed in the first place.

At its most basic, music is simply organized sound: birdsong to attract a mate, ritual drumming to induce a trance state, ambience to thaw out a cocktail party, programmed beats to get people moving together.

Music can also have artistic intent that goes beyond what you can hear. Even without words, it can attempt harsh social criticism or playful subversion. “Musique concrète” comments on the nature of music by using found sounds, making it impossible to notate. Far beyond the territory of the catchy tune, “sound art” encompasses practically everything that doesn’t fit int

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