Scarlet Demore

Rising Chicago indie-punk band Scarlet Demore was formed in 2017 by frontwoman Cat Ayala, quickly resonating with a new generation of punk listeners hungry for something raw, unfiltered and emotionally charged. The band has become a staple favorite in Chicago’s punk circuits and have built their reputation the old-fashioned way through loud shows, word-of-mouth devotion and support from their community. That grassroots momentum has since snowballed into a cult following, with fans drawn to Ayala’s biting lyricism and the band’s ability to swing between explosive catharsis and haunting intimacy without losing their edge. Operating completely independently, their 2022 EP Please Stop Loving Me introduced a band unafraid to unravel while 2023’s Baby Teeth sharpened that vision into something even more volatile and self-assured. Across both releases, Scarlet Demore leans into themes of confronting misogyny, creating safe spaces outside the stage and calling for femme-only mosh pits. Beyond the studio, the band’s live presence has become a defining force. From hometown venues to a sold-out West Coast tour with Beach Bunny and playing major stages like Lollapalooza and Harley-Davidson Homecoming, Scarlet Demore have become a can’t-miss act where their raw power truly shines. Sharing bills and tours with acts like Vial, Beach Bunny, and Worry Club, they’ve proven their ability to exist across scenes. As they continue to evolve, Scarlet Demore stands at the forefront of Chicago’s new punk vanguard.