Founded by songwriters Allen Rein and Mark Burns, The Real Jane Martin has been bringing its unique brand of acoustic rock to Chicago-area venues since 2007. They have released two studio EPs: Simple Math and North of Nowhere, blending pop hooks, folk-rock instrumentation, and bittersweet lyric imagery. TRJM continues to expand its sound, adding percussionist, pianist, and vocalist Nick Kabat into the mix.

Fusing lush electronic instrumentation with atmospheric, layered vocals, Chicago synth-pop band Course weaves elements of dream-pop, 90s new-wave, alt-electronic, and indie rock into their breezy, ethereal-meets-industrial sound. Fronted by multifaceted lead singer and songwriter Jess Robbins, the group draws inspiration from a broad spectrum that includes Canadian indie-pop act Alvvays and genre-bending favorites Radiohead.