Chicago indie-rock outfit The Braymores have spent the last three years quietly building one of the Midwest’s most promising grassroots success stories. With the release of their sophomore album When The Lights Went Out on the horizon and a milestone hometown appearance at Lollapalooza ahead, the band continues to emerge as one of Chicago’s fastest-rising independent acts.

Formed in 2022, The Braymores consists of Matt Tilles (vocals, guitar), Keegan Melaniphy (guitar), Russell Oren (drums), and Connor Kohanzo (bass). What began as a chance reconnection between former high school classmates quickly evolved into a serious creative endeavor. After cutting their teeth through open mics, local showcases, and Chicago club dates, the band steadily built momentum through relentless live performance and a growing catalog of releases.

Their 2023 debut EP, Talking to Trees, introduced a sound that blends indie rock, folk influences, surf-inspired guitar work, and hook-driven songwriting. The project’s breakout attention on social platforms helped establish an early streaming audience and positioned The Braymores within Chicago’s thriving independent music scene.

Rather than chasing trends, the band has focused on developing a sustainable foundation rooted in songwriting and live performance. That commitment carried through their debut full-length Who You’d Have Been, and now reaches its most ambitious expression yet with their forthcoming sophomore album When The Lights Went Out.

The new album marks a clear evolution in both sound and scope. 

While earlier material leaned heavily on personal experiences, When The Lights Went Out expands the band’s storytelling approach through character-driven narratives, darker themes, and more adventurous lyrical perspectives. 

Across the record, The Braymores explore obsession, uncertainty, longing, and identity through a collection of songs that reflect their most confident and exploratory work to date.

Recorded in Chicago and mixed by Josh Tyrrell with mastering by Katie Tavini, When The Lights Went Out features richer arrangements and expanded textures that showcase a band increasingly confident in its ability to merge indie rock, folk, alternative, and pop influences into a sound distinctly their own.

As their recorded output continues to evolve, live performance remains the foundation of the project. Known for dynamic sets, singalong choruses, and a chemistry developed through years of playing together, The Braymores have steadily established themselves as a compelling live act. 

That momentum has led to festival stages, expanded touring opportunities, and more than 40 dates across the summer and fall, giving the band their biggest platform yet to bring the songs from When The Lights Went Out to audiences nationwide.

With national touring underway, a growing catalog of releases, and new music already in development, The Braymores are entering their most ambitious phase yet. Built through consistency rather than shortcuts, the band continues to prove that strong songwriting, authentic connection, and a commitment to the live experience remain the foundation for long-term momentum.