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.

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All of Them navigates cancel culture, gendered violence in the art scene, and community responses to healing. The narrative hops between various perspectives to emphasize the ripple effects unchecked harm has on people and those who love them. Soaring harmonies soften the blow, and a deep love and hopefulness for humanity are echoed by those who helped mold this art pop concept album over the last three years.

The debut LP from the Chicago collective playfully tip-toes along the evolutionary lineage of the analog to digital soundscape - the early ‘80s globalization of disco, lounge pop of the ‘90s, and soulful mid ‘70s ballads are threaded together through delicately woven arrangements. Glad Rags embroiders disparate influences into a cohesive art pop mélange that celebrates the depth of human emotions and the robust potential of community care.

The collective features some of Chicago’s top musicians who perform with acts such as J. Cole, ONO, SUPERFUND, Animal Farm, Jovan Landry, Peggy Tenderass and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

They have performed with Sen Morimoto, Hop Along, Nnamdï, Speedy Ortiz, Post Animal, The Oh My's, Mykele Deville, Sloppy Jane, The Ophelias, The Beths, ONO, Emily Blue, Tasha, White Mystery, GIRL K, Andrew Sa, Jude Shuma, No Men,

Emily Blue,  GRLwood, + Resavoir.

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