Midwest Shoegaze

Midwest Shoegaze is a distinct subgenre characterized by dreamy, swirling soundscapes, often featuring lush guitar textures, hypnotic rhythms, and ethereal vocal delivery. Emerging in the 2010s, it draws from the atmospheric and introspective qualities of traditional shoegaze, while incorporating the introspective, emotive sensibilities of indie folk and slowcore. This genre flourished in the Midwest United States, particularly in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, where a thriving DIY scene fostered its development. Midwest Shoegaze is marked by a more subdued, introspective tone than its UK counterparts, often focusing on themes of personal struggle, relationships, and the mundane. It shares a kinship with slowcore and emo, but its distinct sonic identity is shaped by the region's unique cultural landscape, marked by sprawling prairies and industrial decay.

Gruesome

Slow Joy

Single - Released February 28, 2025