In 2016, musicians Joe Pacelli (vocals, guitar), John Quinn (guitar), Mike Fitzgerald (bass), Jose Perez (drums), and Brendan Linnane (pedal steel) met in the parking lot of a Western Avenue bar and decided they wanted to write songs like Townes Van Zandt and play shows like Bruce Springsteen. They asked each other “what does Chicago country sound like?”—a question that has shaped the sound and aesthetic of South City Revival since its formation.

The following year, SCR teamed up with Chicago studio guru Mike Hagler (Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Waco Brothers) to record their self-titled, debut EP at his Humboldt Park Studio. Combining elements of country, rock, and rhythm & blues, the release features a captivating blend of story driven songwriting and high energy studio performances.