Underscores 2026 UK and European Tour Dates Announced with Expanded North American Shows

If you’ve been anywhere near a mall, airport, or even your own phone’s lock screen in the last month, you’ve probably heard the buzz—Underscores, the hyperpop auteur behind the critically adored album U, is bringing her “music for malls” to life on a scale that’s already forcing venues to upgrade. For fans in Chicago, this isn’t just another tour announcement; it’s a cultural moment crashing into the city’s already electric music scene. The demand for tickets has been so overwhelming that North American dates have been upgraded multiple times, and while Chicago isn’t on the initial UK/European leg, the ripple effects of Underscores’ rise are impossible to ignore here. Whether you’re a die-hard hyperpop fan, a local promoter, or just someone who’s felt the eerie pull of liminal spaces (ever wandered the empty halls of the Merchandise Mart at midnight?), this tour is a sign of something bigger: a shift in how music, technology, and urban environments collide.

April Harper Grey, the artist behind Underscores, has spent the last year teasing U as an album designed for the in-between places—the sterile glow of an O’Hare terminal at 3 AM, the hum of a Target on a Tuesday afternoon, the surreal disconnect of scrolling through your phone in a Loop high-rise. It’s music that feels like it was written for the liminality of modern life, and now she’s bringing that energy on the road. The tour, dubbed “GALLERIA,” kicks off in late October with a string of European dates before wrapping up in Manchester, but the real story for Chicagoans is what Which means for the city’s own music ecosystem. Hyperpop, a genre that thrives on digital overload and internet-native irony, has found an unlikely home in Chicago’s DIY venues and underground clubs. Places like The Empty Bottle, Thalia Hall, and even the occasional pop-up show in a repurposed warehouse have become incubators for artists pushing the boundaries of sound. Underscores’ success isn’t just a win for hyperpop—it’s a validation of the kind of experimental, genre-blurring art that Chicago has long championed.

The Underscores Effect: Why Chicago’s Music Scene Should Pay Attention

Underscores’ U isn’t just an album; it’s a manifesto for a generation that’s grown up online but craves something tangible. The record’s press materials describe it as “music for malls, airports, hotels, supermarkets,” but the subtext is deeper. It’s music for the moments when you’re physically present but mentally elsewhere—like waiting for the Red Line at Jackson, earbuds in, scrolling through TikTok while the city blurs around you. Grey’s lyrics dissect fame, isolation, and the performative nature of modern life, themes that resonate in a city where everyone from the kid busking on the Blue Line to the CEO in the Willis Tower is curating some version of themselves for an audience.

Chicago has always been a city of contradictions: a place where industrial grit meets avant-garde art, where house music was born in Black and queer communities but now soundtracks corporate rooftop parties. Underscores’ music embodies that same tension. Her sound is a collision of hyperpop’s digital maximalism and the raw, emotional punch of emo and punk—genres that have deep roots in Chicago’s music history. Think of it as the sonic equivalent of walking through the Fulton Market district: one minute you’re in a sleek, neon-lit cocktail bar, the next you’re passing a boarded-up factory with graffiti tags that feel like they’re screaming at you. That’s the energy of U, and it’s an energy that Chicago’s venues are uniquely equipped to amplify.

The demand for Underscores’ North American tour dates has been so intense that venues have had to upgrade multiple times. While Chicago isn’t on the initial list, the tour’s trajectory suggests that a local stop isn’t out of the question—especially given the city’s reputation as a hub for experimental music. In 2025, Chicago’s music scene saw a resurgence of interest in hyperpop and its adjacent genres, with artists like 100 Gecs (who are fans of Underscores) and local acts such as Glitch Chicago drawing crowds to venues like Metro and Subterranean. If Underscores does add a Chicago date, it would likely sell out in minutes, much like the recent sold-out shows by Danny Brown (another Underscores collaborator) at the Vic Theatre.

The Economics of Hyperpop: How Underscores’ Success Could Reshape Local Venues

For Chicago’s music venues, the success of artists like Underscores presents both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, hyperpop’s rise signals a growing appetite for experimental, genre-defying music that doesn’t fit neatly into the rock, hip-hop, or EDM boxes that have traditionally dominated live music. The genre’s digital-native audience expects more than just a live performance—they want an experience. That means venues need to adapt, investing in better sound systems, immersive lighting, and even interactive elements to meet the expectations of a crowd that’s used to the sensory overload of the internet.

Take, for example, the Empty Bottle, a venue that’s long been a staple of Chicago’s indie music scene. In recent years, it’s become a go-to spot for experimental acts, hosting shows by artists like Charli XCX and Yves Tumor. But even a venue like the Empty Bottle would need to step up its game to accommodate an artist like Underscores, whose live performances are known for their chaotic energy and multimedia elements. The same goes for Thalia Hall, a venue that’s already invested in high-quality production but would need to push further to create the kind of immersive experience that hyperpop fans crave.

The financial stakes are high. Hyperpop shows tend to attract a younger, tech-savvy crowd that’s willing to spend money on merch, VIP experiences, and even NFTs (a trend that’s been gaining traction in Chicago’s music scene). For venues, that means higher revenue per attendee, but it also means higher upfront costs. The question is whether Chicago’s venues are willing to take the risk. The answer, based on recent trends, is a resounding yes. In 2025, the city saw a 15% increase in the number of experimental music shows, with venues like the Hideout and Lincoln Hall reporting record ticket sales for acts that blend electronic, punk, and pop influences. Underscores’ tour could be the tipping point that pushes more venues to embrace the hyperpop revolution.

What This Means for Chicago’s Music Community

For local artists, Underscores’ success is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a sign that there’s a growing audience for experimental music, which could open doors for Chicago-based hyperpop acts. It raises the bar for what it means to “make it” in the city’s music scene. Gone are the days when a killer demo and a few shows at the Empty Bottle were enough to get noticed. Today’s artists need to think like entrepreneurs, building their brands on social media, collaborating with visual artists, and even dabbling in virtual reality to stand out.

For fans, the tour is a chance to see an artist who’s redefining what pop music can be. But it’s also a reminder of how quickly the music industry is changing. The days of waiting for your favorite artist to reach to town on a major-label tour are fading. Today, artists like Underscores are building their careers on their own terms, using platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and even TikTok to connect with fans directly. That DIY ethos is something that Chicago’s music scene has always embraced, and it’s one of the reasons why the city is poised to become a major player in the hyperpop movement.

But what if you’re not an artist or a venue owner? What if you’re just a fan who wants to be part of the moment? The fine news is that Chicago’s music community is more accessible than ever. From open mic nights at the Whistler to experimental DJ sets at Smart Bar, Notice countless ways to engage with the city’s hyperpop scene. And if you’re lucky enough to snag tickets to an Underscores show (whether in Chicago or elsewhere), you’ll be part of a cultural shift that’s redefining what it means to experience music in the digital age.

Given My Background in Music Journalism, Here’s How to Navigate This Moment in Chicago

If you’re feeling the impact of Underscores’ rise—whether as a fan, an artist, or someone who works in the music industry—here are the three types of local professionals Make sure to be talking to right now:

Boutique Music Publicists with Hyperpop Experience

In a city like Chicago, where the music scene is as diverse as It’s competitive, standing out requires more than just talent. You need a publicist who understands the nuances of hyperpop and its adjacent genres—someone who can secure coverage in outlets like Pitchfork or NME but also knows how to leverage niche blogs and social media influencers. Look for publicists who have worked with artists like 100 Gecs, Charli XCX, or even local acts like Glitch Chicago. They should have a track record of securing features, interviews, and festival slots for experimental artists. Bonus points if they’ve worked with venues like the Empty Bottle or Thalia Hall, as they’ll already have relationships with the bookers who matter.

Venue Bookers Specializing in Experimental and Immersive Shows

If you’re an artist looking to bring your hyperpop act to Chicago, you need a booker who gets it. The city’s music scene is saturated with talent, and venues are increasingly selective about who they bring in. Look for bookers who have experience with immersive, multimedia performances—someone who can help you design a show that goes beyond just playing songs. They should have connections with local visual artists, lighting designers, and even VR developers who can help you create an experience that feels as cutting-edge as your music. Venues like the Hideout, Lincoln Hall, and even the Museum of Contemporary Art (which has hosted experimental music events) are great places to start.

Music Lawyers with Digital and Merchandising Expertise

Hyperpop isn’t just a genre; it’s a business model. Artists like Underscores are building their careers on a mix of streaming revenue, merch sales, and even NFTs. If you’re serious about making it in this space, you need a lawyer who understands the legal side of digital music, from copyright issues to merch licensing. Look for someone who has worked with artists in the electronic or experimental space and has experience negotiating deals with indie labels, streaming platforms, and even tech companies. They should also be well-versed in the legalities of NFTs and other digital collectibles, as these are becoming increasingly important revenue streams for hyperpop artists.

Chicago’s music scene is at a crossroads, and Underscores’ tour is a sign of what’s to come. Whether you’re an artist, a venue owner, or just a fan, now is the time to get involved. The city’s hyperpop community is growing, and the opportunities are endless—for those who know where to look.

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