CONWAY
Conway Chicago, a dynamic alternative rock band formed in 2017, blends punk, pop-punk, dream pop, Britpop, indie rock, and metalcore into a vibrant, genre-defying sound. Originating as Aidan Conway’s bedroom project in the Chicago DIY punk scene, the band has evolved into a live powerhouse with Aidan (vocals/guitar), Jake Tyler (bass), and Austin J. Blunk (drums). Their upcoming single, “Still Dreaming,” released May 9, 2025, marks a bold new chapter, reflecting a turbulent romance and a refined, collaborative sound. Known for thunderous basslines, intricate drumwork, and high-energy performances, Conway Chicago has captivated audiences at venues like Reggies. Recently signed to NCMG World with distribution through Sony’s The Orchard, the band embodies a community-driven ethos and authentic artistry. They’re poised for broader horizons in 2025, promising surprises and potential tours. Follow them on Instagram for updates.
Conway Chicago, formed in 2017 by Aidan Conway in the heart of Chicago’s DIY punk scene, is an alternative rock outfit that thrives on blending diverse influences—punk, pop-punk, dream pop, Britpop, indie rock, and metalcore—into a cohesive, electrifying sound. What began as Aidan’s solo bedroom project has transformed into a formidable live act, featuring Aidan Conway (vocals/guitar), Jake Dillon (bass), and Austin Van Johnson (drums). Their music, rooted in punk’s raw energy, branches out with lush dream pop atmospheres, biting metalcore guitars, and Britpop’s orchestral flourishes, creating a sonic puzzle that feels both intuitive and innovative. Recently signed to NCMG World with distribution through Sony’s The Orchard, Conway Chicago is ready to reach new heights.
Their upcoming single, “Still Dreaming,” set for release on May 9, 2025, encapsulates their evolution. Inspired by Aidan’s turbulent relationship during the COVID years, the track explores the bittersweet tension of a perpetual state of falling in love amidst uncertain separation. Aidan describes it as “romantic but questioning, positive yet lamenting,” marking a new direction for the band’s sound—more collaborative and artistically realized than ever. Jake’s thunderous basslines and Austin’s jazz-infused drum patterns, incorporating Sousa-inspired rolls, elevate the track, reflecting each member’s distinct influences while maintaining a unified vision.
Conway Chicago’s journey from basement shows to stages like Reggies in 2023 highlights pivotal moments of growth. A standout performance at Reggies, their first post-COVID show with a new lineup and backing tracks, proved they could “catch lightning in a bottle,” solidifying their reputation for intense, crowd-connecting live shows. Aidan’s DIY roots instill a community-driven ethos, emphasizing collaboration and shared experiences, while Jake’s gearhead precision and Austin’s jazz and symphonic background add technical depth to their high-energy performances.
With “Still Dreaming” and its accompanying EP, Conway Chicago is embracing honesty over genre constraints, creating music that’s authentically theirs. The band is set to dominate Chicago’s live scene in summer 2025, with a secretive release show planned (details on Instagram) and potential tours on the horizon. As Aidan puts it, “We’re not concerning ourselves with labels or categories—it’s about creating a community to experience art and life with.” Fans can expect Conway Chicago to keep pushing boundaries, with one eye on the Billboard charts and another on your local House of Blues.
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