Sub-Radio Lights Up Chicago Winter with the Sunrise City Tour - Atwood Magazine

      Indie pop group Sub-Radio enthralled fans during the final stop of "The Sunrise City Tour" in Chicago, infusing a quiet Sunday night in February with infectious joy, showcasing their impressive stage presence and music.

      Stream: “I’M IN LOVE!!” – Sub-Radio

      Sub-Radio is well-versed in the music scene. With nearly ten years of experience, the Washington, D.C.-based band is a delight to witness live. In late 2024, they announced “The Sunrise City Tour” covering parts of the UK and US. They released an EP titled I’M IN LOVE!! in January 2025 just prior to the tour kickoff, also mentioning that their new album would be available in the spring.

      The tour’s last stop was at Bottom Lounge in Chicago, a local venue in the West Loop. Despite the foggy Sunday night, the place was filled with fans dressed in bright colors and platform shoes. While I was set up in a corner with my camera gear, someone in pastels sporting a VIP lanyard approached me and requested to “glitter me”—spray my all-black outfit with glitter.

      That’s the essence of a Sub-Radio show: fun, energetic, and inclusive. From the fans cheering at the barricade to those quietly observing at the sound booth, the entire venue was engaged with the performance. (Naturally, I accepted the “glittering.”)

      Nashville’s DOUBLECAMP opened for Sub-Radio, pumping up the crowd with their electrifying, catchy choruses and guitar riffs that had the audience rushing to the front. Near the end of their set, they invited Adam Bradley, Sub-Radio's lead singer, on stage for a Chappell Roan cover. DOUBLECAMP announced plans for a headline tour later this year.

      Soon after, Sub-Radio appeared on stage surrounded by pink and lavender lighting. Behind them, a decorative banner displaying “Sunrise City” hovered above a sketch of the Chicago skyline.

      The band kicked off with “Pink Lemonade” from their new EP. Despite being released just over a month prior, the crowd sang along. Bradley donned heart-shaped sunglasses as he danced onstage, connecting with fans at the barricade while shredding with guitarists Kyle Cochran and Matt Prodanovich.

      Sub-Radio’s discography is both exhilarating and comforting, with each track featuring a danceable rhythm and catchy chorus. Between songs, the band engaged the audience with witty comments and heartfelt messages.

      After performing “Onto Me,” an upbeat anthem about infatuation, lead singer Adam Bradley candidly shared his experiences as a queer man in America. He reflected on his bisexual identity throughout his lengthy career, resonating with many in the audience.

      During “King of My Heart,” Bradley introduced the crowd to the “gay part of the show,” which prompted enthusiastic applause. Hailing from Washington, D.C., the band acknowledged how their largely queer group could make a difference amid increasing restrictions on freedom of speech, expression, and identity for the queer community.

      The band dedicated “Cool” to trans youth, affirming that their concerts are safe spaces. As part of a fan initiative to “turn the venue blue,” the audience held up blue sheets of paper against their phone flashlights, creating a soft blue glow throughout the room, reminiscent of the trans flag’s color.

      Although they addressed serious topics, Sub-Radio maintained a positive, optimistic atmosphere throughout the night. They performed a cover of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” before previewing unreleased tracks from their upcoming album.

      One unreleased song, “Heaven Heaven Heaven,” captivated the audience. Although they didn’t know the lyrics, the crowd was deeply moved by what the band deemed their best-written song.

      Sub-Radio’s self-described motto is to “wallow in nostalgia,” and their new album reflects this sentiment.

      After delivering the fan-favorite “Caroline,” the band often follows the customary practice of stepping off stage before the encore. Though they adhered to this tradition at earlier shows, they recognized the high energy of the crowd and opted to stay on stage for the final concert of their tour.

      Sub-Radio proceeded with “Flashback,” followed by their most-streamed hit, “1990something,” before bidding farewell to fans and wrapping up “The Sunrise City Tour.”

      Sub-Radio’s bond with their audience is evident in their lyrics and stage performance. Their deep connection with attendees—whether casual listeners or devoted followers—is incredibly meaningful. While they dazzle with vibrant visuals and infectious synth-driven tunes, the true heart of their show is the band members themselves.

      Stay updated with Sub-Radio here.

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      Stream: “I’M IN LOVE!!” – Sub-Radio

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