Chicago Innerview

Chicago Innerview is an independent music magazine based in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Known for its coverage of the local and national live music scene, the magazine provides concert previews, festival guides, artist interviews, and political commentary. Founded in 2003 by journalist Jay Gentile, Chicago Innerview is published monthly and distributed for free throughout Chicago’s music venues, cafes, and entertainment districts.^[1]

History

Chicago Innerview was established in 2003 with a core mission of previewing local live music performances. The magazine quickly gained popularity among the city’s music fans for its detailed concert listings and critical insight into Chicago’s vibrant music scene.^[2] In 2008, the magazine broadened its editorial focus to include political coverage, notably during the 2008 Democratic National Convention held in Denver, Colorado.^[3] This reflected a growing intersection of music journalism and civic engagement.

Content and Features

Each issue of Chicago Innerview includes:

• Concert Previews – Detailed write-ups on upcoming performances across genres such as rock, hip-hop, and electronic.^[4]
• Interviews – In-depth features on artists performing in or connected to Chicago.
• Festival Issues – Special editions covering major Chicago festivals such as the Pitchfork Music Festival and Lollapalooza, including schedules, lineup breakdowns, and artist spotlights.^[5]
• Live Music Calendar – A curated schedule of upcoming shows across various Chicago venues.^[6]

Notable Contributors

Jay Gentile, founder and editor-in-chief, has been the central editorial figure behind Chicago Innerview since its inception. His journalism background and commitment to music coverage have helped shape the magazine’s tone and credibility.^[7]