The MIC Mag's October 2026 Issue!
Dive into The MIC Mag's Monthly Issue, where you can see who we've featured and what we've had on repeat all month long!
Leadpetal:
Leadpetal is a band that doesn't ask for your attention; it takes it. Blending the grit of grunge, the spirit of punk and riot grrrl, and the weight of alternative metal, they've built a sound that's messy, loud, riff-heavy, and unapologetically alive. Forged in DIY venues, clubs, and dive bars, the band released their debut album Glass Teeth in 2025, a record that channels their love of grunge, punk, metal, and good old rock 'n' roll. Onstage, they're everything you'd hope for: loud, fast, and distorted, with a live show made for a crowd that has no interest in standing still. This Month, The MIC Mag celebrated Leadpetal as our Musicians of the Month! Read more about the band here.
Caroline Romanelli of Embrace DIY
What started with hanging out flyers and working the doors at shows eventually turned into booking multiple shows a week and creating Embrace DIY. Caroline Romanelli’s path into the music industry wasn't traditional. Now, 11 years into Embrace DIY, she continues to create opportunities for musicians as the director of Arts & Events at the Madison Community Arts Center. We sat down with Caroline to talk about getting started, booking shows, and what artists can do to get involved in the scene. Read all about Caroline and her journey here!
sarah & sofia "summer's end"
“There’s a particular kind of ache that comes with watching the seasons change before you’re ready, and ‘summer’s end’ was born because of that feeling. The heart of the song is the gutting question: “Am I naive for believing you believed in me?” It’s about letting go of someone you thought you knew, and the quiet grief of leaving them in the past. The bridge reads, “Nobody’s hurt me quite like you, but nobody loves me the way that you do.” That’s the tension the whole song is built upon. Love and pain being tangled up together. If you’ve ever loved someone that wanted you smaller, this one’s for you.” - Sara & Sofia Read more about the single here!
Rhonette Smith "Maybe"
From choir and piano lessons to pop punk, screamo, and eventually a lot of guitar, Rhonette Smith has been finding her way into rock music for most of her life. Somewhere along the way, Paramore, Fefe Dobson, Skye Sweetnam, and Bring Me The Horizon showed Smith that there was room for her in rock music. Now, she's taking those influences and making them her own. We got to chat with Smith about her latest single, “Maybe,” and where she’s headed in her musical journey.
On Repeat 🔁
The Luca Yeager Band “Right or Wrong”
Walt Phelan “Until You Have No Choice”
Midnight Swim “Tease”
Graves B'hamala “Something Sweet”
Night Teacher “St. Augustine”
Alas de Liona “Hunter I”
TR3NT “BAGS”
Austin Powell “Retribution”
Sarah & Sofia “summer’s end”
Tide Bends “Anyone Cold”
Rhonette Smith “Maybe”
Krystiania "Time”
Trinity Jo-Li Bliss “forever fool”
Joe Grisanzio “Over & Over”
Cash O’Brien “Starting Bell”
Windsor Drive “Caravan”
Maddy Ringo “Shelter”
Other Fun Things The MIC Mag + MG Did In October:
🎞️ coming soon to a theater near you... 🎞️👻
Happy Birthday to the one who started it all! ⚡️
We’re celebrating our founder, Stefani, the heart behind The MIC MG. Thank you for turning your love of music into a home for so many local acts. 🤘
She’s booked the shows, written the articles, answered the 11 p.m. emails, and somehow still finds time to make every artist feel like a headliner.
Your sign has a sound 🌟
Which genre matches your zodiac? Swipe through to find yours! 🤘
You made the music. Now comes the other stuff! 🎶
The MIC MG can help with our individually tailored promo packages, including live show features, EP, album, and song features, and interviews.
Interested in learning more about how we can help promote your music and your story? DM us or email stef@themicmg.com 🤘
What Does Your Halloween Costume Say About You?
wondering what your halloween costume says about your music career? we had some thoughts🎃👻
