Written by Shea Roney | Photos by Averi Love Little, Braeden Long, Kian Kermani and Lauren Schmit | Video by Eilee Centeno

Taking over Chicago for two weekends, Trash Tape Records celebrated 6 years of DIY merriment with a three-part festival, bringing out an array of artists both on the label and local Chicago (and out-of-town) legends. The party started at Bricktown on Valentines Day, followed by a night of DJs at the legendary Rainbo Club on the 19th and a final set at Lowdown on the 22nd.

Originally formed in the Chappell Hill and Durham area when they were in high school, Trash Tape Records was founded by Nathan McMurray and Evren and Eilee Centeno. The vision was simple; to put out their friend’s music that they loved so much. Building off of that youthful excitement with a sheer DIY ethos, Trash Tape became a home to many artists with similar mindsets, making their art accessible, exciting and incredibly enduring.

2025 was a banner year for the label, as they shared back-to-back-back debut releases, such as the acclaimed self-titled barn burner from Motocrossed, the brain-scratching pop goodies of Welcome to the Shower by Tanner York, and Charlie Johnston’s imaginative The Firetruck is Running Late. So far this year, TTR has shared What The Red Flare Meant, the long-awaited debut record from mail., bringing obsessive expositions of harsh dynamics and commanding melodies out from the dark and into the spotlight. Fan favorite Memory Card also returns with Siren Surf Hurricane, as Henry Tart continues to grow his catalog of enduring sentiments and melodically rich lo-fi swooners. Then recently, NC pop-defibrillators, gumhead, share their debut single titled “Covered”. Not to mention Oh Good! Sacred Heart Academy Made an EP, the debut EP from the Centeno siblings’ new project, Sacred Heart Academy. And keep an eye out for a new release from sects in the near future.

Collecting photos from Averi Love Little, Braeden Long, Kian Kermani and Lauren Schmit, take a look at two weekends worth of Taking out the Trash.

Watch a compilation of the whole festival recorded by Eilee Centeno.

Night One | Bricktown, Valentines Day

Night one of Trash Tape Fest brought all the lovers out to celebrate the holiday with sets from Memory Card, Sects, Little Chair, Hill View #73 and Squirrel Flower.

Night Two | Lowdown, 2/22/25

Trash Tape Fest continued that following weekend with sets from mail., Philadelphia Eagles, Chaepter, Kitship, Sacred Heart Academy, Current Union and Receiver at Lowdown.

Read our Trash Tape Takeover from last summer

If you happen to be anywhere near Carrboro, NC this Friday-Monday, consider making your way to The Big Pop Show. Helped put together by Nathan McMurray, this legendary festival features several TTR artists as well as the best pop bands of today.