Ratboys

Formed in Chicago in the early 2010s, the indie rock band Ratboys revolves around singer-guitarist Julia Steiner and guitarist Dave Sagan, later joined by a steady rhythm section for both live shows and recordings. Originating as an intimate project, Ratboys gradually shifted from guitar-driven folk to a more assertive sound, blending melodic indie rock with touches of emo, flashes of power pop, and alt-country inflections. Their first full-length, 'AOID' (2015), established this approach, balancing slow ballads and more electric tracks, while 'GN' (2017) sharpened the balance between clear-toned guitars, direct choruses, and lyrics rooted in memories, travel, and everyday relationships. With 'Printer's Devil' (2020), Ratboys emphasized the full-band dynamic, favoring a tighter, nervier performance and leaner arrangements, and continued that evolution on 'The Window' (2023), recorded after several years of intensive touring across North America and Europe. Active on independent stages and small festivals, Ratboys frequently releases shorter formats and one-off collaborations, maintaining a writing style centered on Julia Steiner’s distinctive voice and guitar work that navigates between rock energy, gentle melancholy, and melodic clarity.