Brain Graffiti founders Matt Brady and Jess Kotlarz (left to right) at a show they put on in Elgin, IL at the Dream Hall on July 26, 2024.

Brain Graffiti was birthed from the energy and excitement of Chicagoland's DIY music scene. 

Drawing influence from past zines such as Sniffin' Glue and My Rules, Brain Graffiti is an independent music zine (or magazine) that sets out to document and capture the rawness and unflinching authenticity of Gen Z's involvement in the current state of DIY music across the US. 

The founders solely run the zine and show-promoting operation: Matt Brady (photography and journalist/writer) and Jess Kotlarz (graphic designer, zine layout and photographer).

With its home base in Elgin, IL, Brain Graffiti has no genre bias; they interview bands and artists who create songs with undeniable emotion. 

In addition to creating new issues of the zine, Brain Graffiti promotes shows using the "Brain Graffiti presents..." monicker on show fliers. They have toured and promoted/put on shows in the Chicago suburbs, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Champaign-Urbana, and Peoria.

Brain Graffiti is not only a documentary zine but a community builder that fosters creativity and brings people together through the love of music.

Not found online; physical only, as it should be.

Contact:

Email: braingraffiti4@gmail.com