A black corset, platinum blonde hair, and an iconic punk-rock stage presence are all things that Meagan Hoch, lead singer of Yada Yada, brought to the Gman Tavern on Jan. 16.
Yada Yada is a Chicago-based indie-punk band first formed in 2022, and they have since left a prominent mark on the DIY scene in the city. The band’s current lineup consists of Hoch, alongside Ian Williams on bass, Wesley Kise and Duncan Kummer on guitar, and Will Wensel on the drums. This year, Yada Yada headlined TNK, also known as Tomorrow Never Knows. The band performed alongside two other indie-punk bands in Chicago, Directrix and Calico Plaid.
Celebrating 20 years, Tomorrow Never Knows is an annual festival in Chicago, held over the span of four weeks in January. It serves as the purpose to bite your tongue, wear your best jacket, and show up for your favorite local artists, despite the negative wind chills.
“Your environment always plays a role in how you approach art.” Being at a packed show in the dead of winter will never stop being exciting. We feel very lucky to be a part of it.” – Meagan Hoch
This year, eight venues participated. The venues include Schubas, Metro, Lincoln Hall, Hideout, Sleeping Village, Romova Theatre, Color Club, and of course, Gman Tavern.
At first sight, Gman Tavern is your local neighborhood pub. A classic Old Style sign, with the words “Gman Tavern” written beneath it, is the only signifier that this venue exists. Upon entrance, there’s a wrap-around bar top with a large draft selection, and a sign that reads, “The way a bar should be, wood everywhere, weirdos, and great service.” In the back, a set of black curtains lead the way to a stage, a second bar, and a floor to get lost in Chicago’s live music scene.
The show was an absolute riot, in the best way possible. Closest to the stage were friends and fans, who jumped and danced and moshed for the entire duration of Yada Yada’s set. In the back, was an artist-ran merch table, which gave fans the opportunity to meet and compliment the artists personally. This provided a great sense of intimacy for fans. The back bar of Gman set the perfect scene for a sensational and classic indie-punk show.
“Chicago has an incredible community when it comes to its DIY scene, which constantly uplifts and looks out for each other,” said Hoch.
★ INTERVIEW ★
Crave Music Magazine had the opportunity to interview Yada Yada about their performance at TNK, and their insight on the DIY scene in Chicago as a whole.
CRAVE: How did you meet? How did the concept of Yada Yada come about?
YADA YADA: All of us met in various ways. Ian and I (Meg) started the initial conception of the band, which was essentially a group of people in search of a musical outlet. Wes and I played in a previous project, so in 2023 he joined and we began writing together again. Then with Duncan and Will joining in 2024, our current lineup was complete and our sound became what it is. Through the years and various members, it’s cool to see how much the band’s sound has evolved and changed from different influences. It’s a bit amorphous, lending itself to whoever’s involved and whatever we’ve been into lately.
CRAVE: You guys have well-established yourselves as a part of the music / DIY scene in Chicago, what has been your biggest takeaway from being a part of this scene?
YADA YADA: I think what struck us most when we were starting up is how welcoming this scene is. Chicago has an incredible community when it comes to its DIY scene, which constantly uplifts and looks out for each other. It’s a great place to meet new people, make connections within your community, and just all around enjoy yourself in a safe space. There’s really just so many talented artists in this city, it’s hard not to be inspired by every show we go to.
CRAVE: What is your dream venue to play at and why?
YADA YADA: We would love to play Metro or Thalia Hall. Both venues are beautiful, sound amazing, and have housed many acts we look up to.
CRAVE: How has living in Chicago influenced your sound? How do you think your environment contributes to not only your sound, but also artists all around the world?
YADA YADA: Having lived in other cities and seen other music scenes, Chicago has a unique sense of fostering community. People appreciate and support their local artists here in ways that we didn’t really see prior. Your environment always plays a role in how you approach art, and being at a packed show in the dead of winter will never stop being exciting. We feel very lucky to be a part of it.
CRAVE: What are your biggest goals for Yada Yada in 2026?
YADA YADA: Recording our debut album is definitely the biggest. After All of These Evils, we’ve been anxious to get back into the studio and continue to experiment with our sound. Touring is also huge. Last year we toured the West Coast and realized that this was something that we all wanted to do forever. So, hoping we make it to the East Coast this year. Being stuffed in a van with no AC, running on zero sleep, and getting to play every night to different crowds was everything to us.
CRAVE: How has your audience influenced and or de-influenced the music you make?
YADA YADA: Playing shows and seeing a crowd’s reaction is definitely influential. We started leaning into a more dance-punk sound because of not only how much fun we had playing the songs, but how the room started to move in reaction to them.
CRAVE: What is some advice you have for artists starting up in the Chicago music scene?
YADA YADA: Go to local shows! Meeting people and having fun with it is the most important thing. Also, record something even if it means doing it yourself.
CRAVE: You guys headlined TNK this year. Have you played at TNK in the past? If so, how have you seen it grow and change throughout the years?
YADA YADA: We had not played TNK before, but have wanted to take part in it. It’s nice to have an outlet during the winter months and see such an amazing turn out.
CRAVE: How do you think the DIY scene influences the community in Chicago?
YADA YADA: In the way that makes people willing to help each other and put themselves out there. Not even just exclusive to musicians either – through photography, video, and all different types of artists fostering connections with one another through DIY.
If you missed Yada Yada at the Gman Tavern, you can catch them again on Feb, 26, where they are playing a set for their friend Mila La Morena’s album release at Sleeping Village.
“We also have a few out of state shows that can’t quite be announced yet, but be on the lookout for East Coast dates this summer,” said Hoch.
Tomorrow Never Knows will continue throughout the rest of January. If you’re looking for something to do on a cold weekend night, attending the shows is a great way to get involved in the Chicago live music scene, and support your local artists.
Follow Yada Yada on Instagram to stay in the know about show announcements and tour dates. Be sure to check out Directrix and Calico Plaid, too.
Keep up with Yada Yada:
Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube
