Hot Like Mars

Hot Like Mars are Chicago's funkiest, most soulful rock band – a jam-funk quintet built on airtight grooves, fearless improvisation, and songs that stay with you long after the house lights come up. Fronted by vocalist/keyboardist A.P. (Anthony Perry) alongside guitarists Pat Walsh and Frankie "Lightning" Minella, bassist Lamontè Norwood, and drummer Wes Julien, the band blends classic soul and R&B textures with modern jam-band firepower and a deeply collaborative vocal sound. "It's been described as 'Motown meets a jam band,'" Walsh told the Charleston City Paper. "We're doing a lot of live improvisation and jamming, but it's rooted in soul, funk and gospel." Since launching in late 2023, Hot Like Mars have gone from a Chicago residency that moved more than 1,000 tickets, and support slots for Andy Frasco and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at The Metro and Park West, to a national touring act: a 2025 that took in Northlands Music & Arts Festival, a multi-date Colorado swing and a first East Coast run capped by a sold-out night at Charleston's Pour House. Multiple singles have landed on Spotify's "Modern Jam Band" editorial playlist, and the band is now represented by Universal Attractions Agency. On record: the live albums Hot Like Martyrs' (September 2024), The Red Tapes (October 2025) and Live From Brooklyn (April 2026, recorded at Brooklyn Bowl), and the eight-song studio album One Way Ticket Up (April 2025). The sophomore studio album, Worth the Wait, follows the singles "Waitin' A Long Time", "My Only" and "Better Off Apart", mixed by Michael H. Brauer. Coming up: Garcia's in Chicago on November 25, New Year's week with Spafford in Milwaukee, and four nights supporting Pigeons Playing Ping Pong in March 2027.