Jessi Roti

Author

Jessi Roti is a music and culture journalist from Chicago, and has covered the city's diverse music communities and their influence for Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader and Illinois Entertainer. In 2020, she was named a finalist in the "Best Music Coverage" category for the 2019 Peter Lisagor Awards. She loves rock 'n' rabble rousers and revolutionary singer-songwriters across genres and is always on the hunt for her next favorite song.

jessicaroti.contently.com

With Debut LP Spirit Tamer, Mia Joy Invites You Into Her Sacred World—On Her Terms

A meditation on the connection to self, creating and debunking personal myth, enduring changes post-heartache, and believing in the promise of...

Jessi Roti

Bodies of Water LP Takes Moontype from Solo Bedroom Songwriting to Chicago's Most Hyped Rock Trio

That, and the power of friendship. The trio, made up of singer, songwriter and bass player Margaret McCarthy, guitarist...

Jessi Roti

A week after global protests calling for Justice at Spotify, the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers Chicago Chapter sees more action ahead

Members of the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers' Chicago chapter protesting outside Spotify offices at 225 W. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL on Monday, March 15, 2021. “We got music. We got rhythm. Don’t exploit us with your algorithm!” That was just one of the slogans chanted by dozens of...

Jessi Roti

PLAYING CHICAGO15 Songs to Usher in Spring

Spring is just around the corner - but this is Chicago. Anything can happen. It has snowed in April here (cue Prince). Luckily, neither the lingering chill in the air nor the ongoing pandemic can stop the city’s creative pulse. There are dozens of releases from exciting, rising musicians set to...

Jessi Roti

Piwa Brings the 'Bass Down' to Take Her Next Steps as an Artist

At age 17, the singer-songwriter, then known as Tapiwa, was in California with her mom for rounds of auditions after a successful submission tape for the Snapchat...

Jessi Roti

Waltzer Brings Debut LP Time Traveler to Noonchorus for One-of-a-Kind Album Release

The group’s multi-level home-on-wheels was decked out with fire poles and a swing, and personalized nooks for each member that, while varied to match their “Spice”...

Jessi Roti

Emily Blue Searches for Queer Utopia on Forthcoming Pop Project The Afterlove

One of the first Chicago artists I’ve ever seen appear on stage flanked by dancers who not only made their choreography and transitions appear effortless,...

Jessi Roti