ABOUT
GLAD RAGS

Glad Rags began in Chicago’s DIY music scene in 2014. They released their self-titled 14-track debut the following year via local label Grandpa Bay. Their subsequent 2016 EP “Imaginary Friends” weaved in more experimental elements while showcasing the addition of more complex instrumentation.

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Over the next two years, the project slowly grew to over ten collaborators,

culminating in their second full-length “Wonder Under” released via Midwest Action in 2018. 

The record was featured on multiple online publications, local magazines and radio outlets.

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Behind the production by founding member Matthew Gladly, their new sound fuses art rock, new wave, experimental jazz, disco, funk and soul, thus creating their original blend of psychedelic orchestral synth pop.

In 2020 they are set to release a new music video, playlist series, and three singles from their new

concept album "ALL OF THEM", a fifteen track LP set for release in early 2021.

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Nothing has facilitated the evolution of Glad Rags as much as Hostel Earphoria, the interdisciplinary DIY arts space where they've written, rehearsed, and lived at since the project's inception.

The ethos of collaboration and community at “Hostel” mirrors the writing process of the band and nurtures its growth. Members are involved in arts advocacy, activism, and arts education.

The collective features some of Chicago’s top musicians who perform with acts such as J. Cole, ONO, Sex No Babies, Animal Farm, Jovan Landry, Peggy Tenderass and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Members include:

Maryann Michael (vocals), Jacqueline Baker (vocals, synth), Kelsee Vandervall (cello), Karolina Prus (tenor sax), Patrick Sundlof (banjo, tabla and pakawahaj), Manu Montalvo (percussion), David Ladon (bass), Najjah Thompson (tuba), Ewa Sarota-Raczek (violin), Charles Williams (bass, vocals), Ben Karas (drums, vocals) and Matthew Gladly (keys, vocals).

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