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While some people like to be in a relationship, others don’t have the time or flexibility to be in one. People get too busy with work or other activities and they just don’t have time to invest in a full relationship. There’s nothing wrong with that. Successful relationships take a tremendous amount of time, effort, and patience, and that’s why casual hookups have become mainstream.

With so many hookup sites to choose from, it’s important to note that different sites cater to different tastes. We’ve reviewed the best hookup sites and apps for casual encounters to get some action. Yes, this is another list, but we’ve actually tried them all.

Please note that when we say free, we mean you can use the basic features without cost. If you decide to meet up with someone, you’ll have to crack open the wallet. We’ve included each site’s pricing to help you choose the best option.

Let’s dive into the reviews and ratings.

Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Casual Dating in 2022

RankBrandBest For1.Adult FriendFinderBest overall hookup site2.BuddyBangRunner-up best3.BeNaughtyBest for flirtiest singles4.Ashley MadisonBest for affairs5.Seeking ArrangementBest for sugar baby/sugar daddy/mommy6.ALTBest for alternative and BDSM sex7.OKCupidTop choice for millennials8.HingeSomewhat serious, but mostly FWB9.ZooskBest for short-term dating10.BumbleSafest for women11.Plenty of FishBest for lots of options12.TinderMost popular app13.Pure AppBest for fantasy based14.FeeldMost open-minded singles15.Sex MessengerBest for anonymous hookups16.Reddit R4RBest completely free option

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best overall hookup site

Adult FriendFinder is the oldest and most popular hookup site. As its name suggests, it’s primarily interested in helping adults make, *ahem*, adult friends.

It caters to swinging, non-monogamous relationships, threesomes, and experimental arrangements. Whether you’re looking for an NSA (no-strings-attached) relationship, a one-night stand to spice up your marriage, or a quick fling, you’ll find someone looking for the same thing.

Once you create a profile on Adult FriendFinder, you can customize your search to narrow down people interested in the same arrangement as you.

Adult FriendFinder has bonus additional content such as webcam shows and erotic stories. So if you need a little warming up before connecting with someone, you’re covered.

Pros:

1oo percent designed for sex, sex, and more sexYou’ll find any kink on the spectrumRelatively easy to find people into the same things as you

Cons:

Pro memberships are expensiveFree version has too many ads

Pricing:One-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/monthOne-year membership: $19.95/month

Need a little more info before taking the plunge? Check out our in-depth Adult FriendFinder review.

2.  BuddyBang – Runner-up best site

BuddyBang helps you find a buddy to sleep with. That shouldn’t be hard for you to figure out. This no-judgement site operates like an express train to the friends-with-benefits phase. It’s as simple as browse, chat, bang.

While you won’t find romance here, you will find passion. Lustful adults flock to BuddyBang to chat and make connections. Ultimately, the goal is to arrange a meetup with a saucy stranger in your area. If you’re lucky, that one-night stand might turn into a long-term arrangement.

With a relatively affordable monthly subscription and advanced search filters, getting laid on BuddyBang is a piece of cake. It’s way easier than shelling out tons of cash for dinner dates that may lead nowhere.

Pros:

Users are very responsiveEveryone is to-the-pointAdvanced search and filter functionsAffordable

Cons:

Annoying ads when you use the free versionHard to get to know users because they’re so thirsty

Pricing:One-year membership: $19.95/monthOne-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/month

3.  BeNaughty – Best for flirty singles

BeNaughty naturally draws some of the most frisky singles in your area. It’s in the name. Plus, breaking the ice is easy as BeNaughty gives users tons of ways to connect. Browse the gallery or enter a naughty chat room for potential dates. When you find someone you like, you can send a wink, a message, or start a live one-on-one chat.

BeNaughty works because it’s to-the-point. While users are looking for fast fun, there is no time for games. They want a hookup, and quickly.

Open-minded and discreet, BeNaughty gives you the option to seek out singles or couples for a fast fling. By adjusting your search filter, you can find your ideal scenario and weed out people who aren’t your type.

Pros:

Various ways to connectNo judgement when it comes to kinksGreat for finding singles and couplesCheap three-day trial

Cons:

Users tend to be appearance-drivenYou’ll eventually want a premium membership

Pricing:Three-day trial: $1.05/dayOne-month membership: $27.01 totalThree-month membership: $15.15/monthSix-month membership: $12.24/month

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

Ashley Madison has the reputation of being a site for affairs and discreet married dating. Its slogan is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.” The brand has become notoriously known over the years for being a site for married people to flirt and hook up.

The site caters to students in relationships, lonely wives, married men, and everyday people who want to find a safe space to maintain an affair and not be judged. This hookup site is excellent for those who are attached and seeking excitement from a monotone lifestyle and exploring the world of extramarital affairs.

Ashley Madison is the first married dating website and is committed to discretion. Despite the backlash and reputation, this site continues to be popular and has an immense database that crosses every major city in the world.

Pros:

Free for women to useVery discreetJudgment-free because nearly everyone is married and looking

Cons:

Not the most moral hookup optionExpensive for men to use

Pricing:Basic Plan: 100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic Plan: 500 credits at $0.34/creditElite Plan: 1000 credits at $0.29/credit

5. Seeking Arrangement – Best for sugar relationships

Seeking Arrangement has a straightforward target audience: rich and experienced individuals seeking the young and gorgeous. This sugar daddy site is about helping daddies and mommas find sugar babies or cubs for hookups.

It has a much higher user base of women because the “sugar baby” theme brings many young women to the site. The site claims to have four times the number of women than men in their database. The prerequisite is that sugar daddies have to be wealthy and successful. They give priority to verified “elite members” who join with the sole intention of spoiling their sugar babies with money and attention.

Seeking Arrangements is a great site for beautiful young women looking for fun, attention, and a “daddy” to spoil them! This site is not the best to find a lasting love story—it’s geared toward hookups and has a more transaction-like nature.

Pros:

Free for women to sign upGreat for rich men because of the number of women using the siteGreat for women to find verified wealthy men

Cons:

Not for men who are on a budgetHookups feel almost transactional

Pricing:Women are freeOne-month membership: $89.95/monthThree-month membership: $79.95/monthDiamond membership (more premium features): $249.95/month

6.  ALT – Best for alternative relationships

ALT is a full-on casual sex website. It’s not for anyone who is on the hunt for a serious relationship. This site is all about casual sex in every form to gratify any sex-seeker! The website’s community is made up of those who are into alternative bondage, who enjoy hooking up online, live, and in-person for sex dates.

It caters to people who want to find alternative, BDSM, bondage, and fetish partners who can connect online and meet in person. ALT speaks to swingers, dominatrixes, and mistresses looking for power exchange.

ALT is the leading BDSM site, with almost 2 million members. You can easily customize your fetish and find someone who is into the same kinks as you! Remember that this site is all about kink, such as orgies, being humiliated, or being tortured, and not about vanilla sex. So, if you’re looking for just plain sex, opt for another option on this list.

Pros:

Easily find people that share your kinkLots of X-rated content to browse throughLive cams and shows

Cons:

Too many fake profilesHave to buy a premium account to get the most access

Pricing:Silver Membership: $19.95/month (with longer plans available)Gold Membership: $29.95/month (with longer plans available)

7.  OKCupid – Best for millennials and young people

OKCupid is a mainstream dating app that caters to many different kinds of relationships. It provides a multitude of choices for millennials looking not just for long-term relationships but options for short-term relationships, casual dating, and hookups. All you have to do is set that as what you are looking for, and they match you to like-minded people!

This site gears toward a generally younger audience—the age group between 18-29. This site is also one of the most inclusive mainstream dating websites that includes many gender and orientation options, helping you zero in on the particular pool of choices you want!

OKCupid may be a mainstream dating app that includes finding long-term relationships, but given its wide range of options, filters, and preferences, it’s a great app for hookups and casual sex as well. Just be up-front and be prepared to meet a great bunch of locals looking for the same things as you.

Pros:

Vast user base of peopleFind locals who are looking for casual sex and datingAffordable

Cons:

May find many looking for long-term relationshipsWill have to answer quite a few questions to see matches

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.95 totalSix-month membership: $9.95/month

8.  Hinge – Best for hybrid serious and FWB relationships

Hinge is a mainstream dating app that focuses on finding real romance—but it is also used to find casual sex and friends with benefits. The truth about Hinge is that it’s “designed to be deleted.”

But fear not! This app is incredibly popular with the younger crowd (18 to 29 years of age) and has filters to state the nature of the relationship you’re interested in. This setup is the best for friends with benefits because you have to answer questions about yourself and your preferences, which will bring you closer to meeting someone you share similar interests with and are attracted to!

Hinge is a great hookup app for those who want to find a casual relationship where you hook up with the same person a few times instead of just a one-night stand. Just be straight up with what you’re looking for—and you might just meet a new FWB with absolutely no strings attached.

Pros:

Popular with millennialsMatchmaking algorithm is great (apt for FWB)

Cons:

Created for finding long-lasting relationshipsMay not find a large user base of casual sex enthusiasts

Pricing:One month: $12.99 totalThree-month membership: $20.99 totalSix-month membership: $29.99 total

9.  Zoosk – Best for short term dating

Zoosk is a great short-term dating site that is internationally famous. It has a community of 35 million users in 80 different countries, and it is open to singles of all ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations—making it one of the most diverse casual dating apps.

This app may not be the best for casual hookups and one-night stands, but it is a good contender for short-term dating. If you’re in your early to mid-20s, you’ll find a great selection of singles who are interested in short-term or casual relationships.

Pros:

Very active usersUsed in over 80 countriesDiverse selection to find what you’re looking for

Cons:

May not be the best site for casual sexAdditional features cost extra

Pricing:One-month membership: $29.95 totalThree-month membership: $19.98/monthSix-month membership: $12.49/month

10.  Bumble – Safest for women

Bumble has gained a reputation for being different from most other mainstream dating and hookup apps. If you haven’t heard of this app already, Bumble is one of the first and only sites where women make the first move and get to screen potential men immediately. Men simply cannot reach out to any women unless they’ve initiated contact and interest.

It is catered towards and attracts more women than men looking to mingle or find networking opportunities, friends, or hookups! Even though it has a relatively positive and clean rep, it’s a great site for educated, good-looking men who are searching for successful, bold women.

Pros:

More women than menWomen initiate contactComprehensive and easy-to-use interface

Cons:

Other relationships (friendships and business networking) get in the way of potentials

Pricing:Premium Membership: $8.99/week

11.  Plenty of Fish – Best for lots of options

Plenty of Fish has the largest user base. POF was launched in 2003, being one of the oldest dating sites. Since it’s free and easy to sign up, you’re going to be exposed to a lot of different types of people, looking for different things, so you’ll have to filter through them all.

Since it’s been around for a long time, it has gained a reputation as a matchmaker site that will ask questions about your family, career, and interests to match you with similar users. It’s catered for people who want to dip their toes into dating and hookup sites to explore options.

Plenty of Fish may or may not have people looking for casual sex, depending on your luck. It’s a matchmaker site that is geared more for a long-term commitment. So you have to be prepared to screen different kinds of people.

Pros:

Multiple search filtersLargest user base of profiles

Cons:

May come across bots or fake accounts

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.99 totalThree-month membership: $9.80/monthOne-year membership: $5.95/month

12.  Tinder – Most popular app

You didn’t think this list was going to end without this sex gem of an app, did you? Tinder is the most widely known hookup app of this generation. It has an infamous rep for finding casual sex ASAP.

Tinder caters to men and women looking to get laid based on appearance. It’s known for its classic swiping left to reject and swiping right to like someone’s profile. If you’re looking for sex, Tinder has a huge user base and a large number of locals, meaning you can probably secure a sex date tonight—but the catch is that your profile needs to stand out. If you’re not conventionally attractive, you’re going to struggle to find dates.

For men who can’t seem to find dates, Tinder has a large user base of escorts who will private message their rates. If you’re horny and want it—then maybe you can meet a potential escort on Tinder!

Pros:

Best starter app for quick sexLots of escorts

Cons:

Lots of fake profilesVery superficial and appearance-focused

Pricing: Free: limited swipesOne month: $9.99 total if you are under 30One month: $19.99 total if you are over 30

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasy based hookups

Pure App was created for shameless and judgment-free fantasy and desire-based dating. This app is purely for NSA affairs and is completely secretive and anonymous. It encourages its users to be whoever they choose to be and still be themselves.

It caters to people who have wild fantasies or desires that aren’t celebrated on mainstream dating and hookup apps. It allows your individuality to shine through—choosing your gender and sexuality—and providing guaranteed privacy and safety to video chat and meet whoever shares the same fantasies as you.

Pure App uses your GPS location on your phone to find other Pure users looking for some NSA action. You just have to post a photo and an up-front headline and wait to see if anyone close is interested. When you’re done, your profile will vanish, along with all your messages and photos—no need to worry about deactivating or privacy issues.

Pros:

Profiles, messages, and photos shared will disappear once you’re doneStarting up is easy: post a photo and sentenceEmbraces individuality and authentic fantasies

Cons:

Only popular in major cities

Pricing:One week: $14.99 totalOne month: $29.99 total

14.  Feeld

Feeld is a hookup app for couples and singles to explore their kinks and desires in a no-judgement atmosphere.

It includes couples’ accounts where you and your partner can date a lover or meet someone for a threesome. It’s inclusive for all genders and sexual orientations. Overall, it’s a sex-positive space for anyone looking to explore beyond “the norm” in today’s society.

Feeld prides itself on being responsible and ethical. It connects people with like-minded folk and encourages curious monogamous couples to link with partners who are also interested. It is a safe space that allows couples to explore their desires in the most honest way possible.

Pros:

One of the largest open-minded communities worldwideSex-positive and promotes ethical dating choices

Cons:

Premium version is not available on AndroidMust have a Facebook account to verify your identity during sign-up

PricingOne-month membership: $14.99 totalThree-month membership: $29.98 total

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymous hookups

Sex Messenger is an anonymous instant messaging app—like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. But you never share your name because it’s meant to be discreet and only for sexting and trading nudes.

This app is an adult social network that is much more than an online sex chat. It caters to people who want to connect with other people who want to engage in sex and dirty talk, and fulfill each other’s sexual fantasies. Instant messaging on this app and posting blog entries will help you gain the attention you want from like-minded people.

All members must verify their accounts, so this weeds out fake profiles, scammers, and bots. Members can contribute to the website through Sex Messenger’s forums, chats, group sections, sex stories, and blogs. It’s all anonymous and fully discrete. This app is a great way to sext, increase sexual tension, and finally meet up to do the deed!

Pros:

Safe way to send and receive nudesAnonymity is keyGoal is to meet up for anonymous sex—NSA!

Cons:

Need to pay for a premium account to access live chat or live cams

PricingOne-month membership: $14.95 total

16.  Reddit R4R – Best completely free options

Reddit R4R is one of the best options for browse casual sex options for free. If you’re looking for a hookup but don’t want to sign up, post photos of yourself, and write out a bio to describe who you are and what you want . . . you found the site for you!

This site works as a personals subreddit. It works like any other subreddit. Anyone can post—no photos, no personal information needed! All you have to do is list some things about yourself and the type of person you’re looking for. And then you wait to see if anyone responds to your post.

Reddit R4R is free, so all you have to do is download the Reddit app, and you don’t need to worry about spending money. If you want to be a trusted member and not get blocked, just follow the posting rules! Users love this site to get laid because it’s easy to use, free, and starts an instant conversation with like-minded people.

Pros:

FreeNo membership neededLots of daily interactions and hits

Cons:

Hard to stand outCan’t pay to boost your posts

Pricing: Free

Hookup Site Guide

Still on the fence about whether or not you should start using hookup apps? Or maybe you’re already using them but want some more information? Check out this useful guide to answer any lingering questions you may have and walk away with some important safety tips about casual sex.

What Makes a Hookup Site Good?

It’s important to note that different sites cater to different kinds of people. So before creating a profile on any old hookup site, read the reviews to make sure it meets your needs.

Here are a few tips to find the best hookup site specific to you:

If you have a particular kink or preference, keep an eye out for it. (example: Looking for discreet affairs? Ashley Madison is the one for you!)Make sure the size of the user base is relatively large. More options mean a better chance of finding someone to hook up with.Find a site that allows users to be up-front about what they want. Usually, apps have preferences, and you can set yours to “casual relationship” or “hookup.”Make sure the customer service contact information is front and center. You shouldn’t have to go on an expedition to contact the site.

FAQs About Hookup Sites

Q: Are hookup sites safe?

Like any online dating platform, reputable hookup sites have embedded safety features that still require user discretion. It can be dangerous if you don’t take proper safety measures. Generally, these sites and apps regulate safety by banning bots and scammers and have options to report any bad or suspicious behavior. So if you’re planning on joining, be aware and try your best not to be too gullible—you can never be sure who you will come across online!

Q: Are there any completely free hookup sites?

It sucks that most dating apps and casual sex apps require you to subscribe to get optimum results. But sites like Reddit R4R and Craigslist Activities offer a free platform to chat, flirt, and arrange sex dates. But the only downside is that there is no moderation and you won’t be talking to a verified profile and have to be extra cautious.

Q: What hookup sites are free for women?

The reality is that dating apps make it very easy for women to find sex. Most high-rated dating sites offer women free memberships (mostly to balance out the male/female ratio on their site). Sex sites that are free for women include Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Seeking, Hinge, Her, and Pure.

Q: What is the best LGBTQ+ option?

Though there are a few options, only two rise to the top. HER is the best for women seeking women and Grindr is best for men seeking for men. These two sites also cater to non-binary people.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for some action tonight, welcome to the world of casual sex sites and apps.

The best hookup sites are on top for a reason—everyone on there is eager to find sex and casual flings just like you! More than mainstream dating apps that cater to a plethora of things such as long-term dating, friendships, and so on, hookup apps are catered only towards sex and NSA fun!

The best hookup site is Adult FriendFinder (AFF) followed closely by BuddyBang. AFF emphasizes anonymity, safety, a massive user base, and a brand name that is verified. Most people on this site are looking for a good time with so many different types of kinks and fantasies. So what are you waiting for?

Hopefully, this list gives you an idea of what sex app is the best for you to get started on today!

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While some people like to be in a relationship, others don’t have the time or flexibility to be in one. People get too busy with work or other activities and they just don’t have time to invest in a full relationship. There’s nothing wrong with that. Successful relationships take a tremendous amount of time, effort, and patience, and that’s why casual hookups have become mainstream.

With so many hookup sites to choose from, it’s important to note that different sites cater to different tastes. We’ve reviewed the best hookup sites and apps for casual encounters to get some action. Yes, this is another list, but we’ve actually tried them all.

Please note that when we say free, we mean you can use the basic features without cost. If you decide to meet up with someone, you’ll have to crack open the wallet. We’ve included each site’s pricing to help you choose the best option.

Let’s dive into the reviews and ratings.

Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Casual Dating in 2022

RankBrandBest For1.Adult FriendFinderBest overall hookup site2.BuddyBangRunner-up best3.BeNaughtyBest for flirtiest singles4.Ashley MadisonBest for affairs5.Seeking ArrangementBest for sugar baby/sugar daddy/mommy6.ALTBest for alternative and BDSM sex7.OKCupidTop choice for millennials8.HingeSomewhat serious, but mostly FWB9.ZooskBest for short-term dating10.BumbleSafest for women11.Plenty of FishBest for lots of options12.TinderMost popular app13.Pure AppBest for fantasy based14.FeeldMost open-minded singles15.Sex MessengerBest for anonymous hookups16.Reddit R4RBest completely free option

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best overall hookup site

Adult FriendFinder is the oldest and most popular hookup site. As its name suggests, it’s primarily interested in helping adults make, *ahem*, adult friends.

It caters to swinging, non-monogamous relationships, threesomes, and experimental arrangements. Whether you’re looking for an NSA (no-strings-attached) relationship, a one-night stand to spice up your marriage, or a quick fling, you’ll find someone looking for the same thing.

Once you create a profile on Adult FriendFinder, you can customize your search to narrow down people interested in the same arrangement as you.

Adult FriendFinder has bonus additional content such as webcam shows and erotic stories. So if you need a little warming up before connecting with someone, you’re covered.

Pros:

1oo percent designed for sex, sex, and more sexYou’ll find any kink on the spectrumRelatively easy to find people into the same things as you

Cons:

Pro memberships are expensiveFree version has too many ads

Pricing:One-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/monthOne-year membership: $19.95/month

Need a little more info before taking the plunge? Check out our in-depth Adult FriendFinder review.

2.  BuddyBang – Runner-up best site

BuddyBang helps you find a buddy to sleep with. That shouldn’t be hard for you to figure out. This no-judgement site operates like an express train to the friends-with-benefits phase. It’s as simple as browse, chat, bang.

While you won’t find romance here, you will find passion. Lustful adults flock to BuddyBang to chat and make connections. Ultimately, the goal is to arrange a meetup with a saucy stranger in your area. If you’re lucky, that one-night stand might turn into a long-term arrangement.

With a relatively affordable monthly subscription and advanced search filters, getting laid on BuddyBang is a piece of cake. It’s way easier than shelling out tons of cash for dinner dates that may lead nowhere.

Pros:

Users are very responsiveEveryone is to-the-pointAdvanced search and filter functionsAffordable

Cons:

Annoying ads when you use the free versionHard to get to know users because they’re so thirsty

Pricing:One-year membership: $19.95/monthOne-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/month

3.  BeNaughty – Best for flirty singles

BeNaughty naturally draws some of the most frisky singles in your area. It’s in the name. Plus, breaking the ice is easy as BeNaughty gives users tons of ways to connect. Browse the gallery or enter a naughty chat room for potential dates. When you find someone you like, you can send a wink, a message, or start a live one-on-one chat.

BeNaughty works because it’s to-the-point. While users are looking for fast fun, there is no time for games. They want a hookup, and quickly.

Open-minded and discreet, BeNaughty gives you the option to seek out singles or couples for a fast fling. By adjusting your search filter, you can find your ideal scenario and weed out people who aren’t your type.

Pros:

Various ways to connectNo judgement when it comes to kinksGreat for finding singles and couplesCheap three-day trial

Cons:

Users tend to be appearance-drivenYou’ll eventually want a premium membership

Pricing:Three-day trial: $1.05/dayOne-month membership: $27.01 totalThree-month membership: $15.15/monthSix-month membership: $12.24/month

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

Ashley Madison has the reputation of being a site for affairs and discreet married dating. Its slogan is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.” The brand has become notoriously known over the years for being a site for married people to flirt and hook up.

The site caters to students in relationships, lonely wives, married men, and everyday people who want to find a safe space to maintain an affair and not be judged. This hookup site is excellent for those who are attached and seeking excitement from a monotone lifestyle and exploring the world of extramarital affairs.

Ashley Madison is the first married dating website and is committed to discretion. Despite the backlash and reputation, this site continues to be popular and has an immense database that crosses every major city in the world.

Pros:

Free for women to useVery discreetJudgment-free because nearly everyone is married and looking

Cons:

Not the most moral hookup optionExpensive for men to use

Pricing:Basic Plan: 100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic Plan: 500 credits at $0.34/creditElite Plan: 1000 credits at $0.29/credit

5. Seeking Arrangement – Best for sugar relationships

Seeking Arrangement has a straightforward target audience: rich and experienced individuals seeking the young and gorgeous. This sugar daddy site is about helping daddies and mommas find sugar babies or cubs for hookups.

It has a much higher user base of women because the “sugar baby” theme brings many young women to the site. The site claims to have four times the number of women than men in their database. The prerequisite is that sugar daddies have to be wealthy and successful. They give priority to verified “elite members” who join with the sole intention of spoiling their sugar babies with money and attention.

Seeking Arrangements is a great site for beautiful young women looking for fun, attention, and a “daddy” to spoil them! This site is not the best to find a lasting love story—it’s geared toward hookups and has a more transaction-like nature.

Pros:

Free for women to sign upGreat for rich men because of the number of women using the siteGreat for women to find verified wealthy men

Cons:

Not for men who are on a budgetHookups feel almost transactional

Pricing:Women are freeOne-month membership: $89.95/monthThree-month membership: $79.95/monthDiamond membership (more premium features): $249.95/month

6.  ALT – Best for alternative relationships

ALT is a full-on casual sex website. It’s not for anyone who is on the hunt for a serious relationship. This site is all about casual sex in every form to gratify any sex-seeker! The website’s community is made up of those who are into alternative bondage, who enjoy hooking up online, live, and in-person for sex dates.

It caters to people who want to find alternative, BDSM, bondage, and fetish partners who can connect online and meet in person. ALT speaks to swingers, dominatrixes, and mistresses looking for power exchange.

ALT is the leading BDSM site, with almost 2 million members. You can easily customize your fetish and find someone who is into the same kinks as you! Remember that this site is all about kink, such as orgies, being humiliated, or being tortured, and not about vanilla sex. So, if you’re looking for just plain sex, opt for another option on this list.

Pros:

Easily find people that share your kinkLots of X-rated content to browse throughLive cams and shows

Cons:

Too many fake profilesHave to buy a premium account to get the most access

Pricing:Silver Membership: $19.95/month (with longer plans available)Gold Membership: $29.95/month (with longer plans available)

7.  OKCupid – Best for millennials and young people

OKCupid is a mainstream dating app that caters to many different kinds of relationships. It provides a multitude of choices for millennials looking not just for long-term relationships but options for short-term relationships, casual dating, and hookups. All you have to do is set that as what you are looking for, and they match you to like-minded people!

This site gears toward a generally younger audience—the age group between 18-29. This site is also one of the most inclusive mainstream dating websites that includes many gender and orientation options, helping you zero in on the particular pool of choices you want!

OKCupid may be a mainstream dating app that includes finding long-term relationships, but given its wide range of options, filters, and preferences, it’s a great app for hookups and casual sex as well. Just be up-front and be prepared to meet a great bunch of locals looking for the same things as you.

Pros:

Vast user base of peopleFind locals who are looking for casual sex and datingAffordable

Cons:

May find many looking for long-term relationshipsWill have to answer quite a few questions to see matches

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.95 totalSix-month membership: $9.95/month

8.  Hinge – Best for hybrid serious and FWB relationships

Hinge is a mainstream dating app that focuses on finding real romance—but it is also used to find casual sex and friends with benefits. The truth about Hinge is that it’s “designed to be deleted.”

But fear not! This app is incredibly popular with the younger crowd (18 to 29 years of age) and has filters to state the nature of the relationship you’re interested in. This setup is the best for friends with benefits because you have to answer questions about yourself and your preferences, which will bring you closer to meeting someone you share similar interests with and are attracted to!

Hinge is a great hookup app for those who want to find a casual relationship where you hook up with the same person a few times instead of just a one-night stand. Just be straight up with what you’re looking for—and you might just meet a new FWB with absolutely no strings attached.

Pros:

Popular with millennialsMatchmaking algorithm is great (apt for FWB)

Cons:

Created for finding long-lasting relationshipsMay not find a large user base of casual sex enthusiasts

Pricing:One month: $12.99 totalThree-month membership: $20.99 totalSix-month membership: $29.99 total

9.  Zoosk – Best for short term dating

Zoosk is a great short-term dating site that is internationally famous. It has a community of 35 million users in 80 different countries, and it is open to singles of all ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations—making it one of the most diverse casual dating apps.

This app may not be the best for casual hookups and one-night stands, but it is a good contender for short-term dating. If you’re in your early to mid-20s, you’ll find a great selection of singles who are interested in short-term or casual relationships.

Pros:

Very active usersUsed in over 80 countriesDiverse selection to find what you’re looking for

Cons:

May not be the best site for casual sexAdditional features cost extra

Pricing:One-month membership: $29.95 totalThree-month membership: $19.98/monthSix-month membership: $12.49/month

10.  Bumble – Safest for women

Bumble has gained a reputation for being different from most other mainstream dating and hookup apps. If you haven’t heard of this app already, Bumble is one of the first and only sites where women make the first move and get to screen potential men immediately. Men simply cannot reach out to any women unless they’ve initiated contact and interest.

It is catered towards and attracts more women than men looking to mingle or find networking opportunities, friends, or hookups! Even though it has a relatively positive and clean rep, it’s a great site for educated, good-looking men who are searching for successful, bold women.

Pros:

More women than menWomen initiate contactComprehensive and easy-to-use interface

Cons:

Other relationships (friendships and business networking) get in the way of potentials

Pricing:Premium Membership: $8.99/week

11.  Plenty of Fish – Best for lots of options

Plenty of Fish has the largest user base. POF was launched in 2003, being one of the oldest dating sites. Since it’s free and easy to sign up, you’re going to be exposed to a lot of different types of people, looking for different things, so you’ll have to filter through them all.

Since it’s been around for a long time, it has gained a reputation as a matchmaker site that will ask questions about your family, career, and interests to match you with similar users. It’s catered for people who want to dip their toes into dating and hookup sites to explore options.

Plenty of Fish may or may not have people looking for casual sex, depending on your luck. It’s a matchmaker site that is geared more for a long-term commitment. So you have to be prepared to screen different kinds of people.

Pros:

Multiple search filtersLargest user base of profiles

Cons:

May come across bots or fake accounts

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.99 totalThree-month membership: $9.80/monthOne-year membership: $5.95/month

12.  Tinder – Most popular app

You didn’t think this list was going to end without this sex gem of an app, did you? Tinder is the most widely known hookup app of this generation. It has an infamous rep for finding casual sex ASAP.

Tinder caters to men and women looking to get laid based on appearance. It’s known for its classic swiping left to reject and swiping right to like someone’s profile. If you’re looking for sex, Tinder has a huge user base and a large number of locals, meaning you can probably secure a sex date tonight—but the catch is that your profile needs to stand out. If you’re not conventionally attractive, you’re going to struggle to find dates.

For men who can’t seem to find dates, Tinder has a large user base of escorts who will private message their rates. If you’re horny and want it—then maybe you can meet a potential escort on Tinder!

Pros:

Best starter app for quick sexLots of escorts

Cons:

Lots of fake profilesVery superficial and appearance-focused

Pricing: Free: limited swipesOne month: $9.99 total if you are under 30One month: $19.99 total if you are over 30

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasy based hookups

Pure App was created for shameless and judgment-free fantasy and desire-based dating. This app is purely for NSA affairs and is completely secretive and anonymous. It encourages its users to be whoever they choose to be and still be themselves.

It caters to people who have wild fantasies or desires that aren’t celebrated on mainstream dating and hookup apps. It allows your individuality to shine through—choosing your gender and sexuality—and providing guaranteed privacy and safety to video chat and meet whoever shares the same fantasies as you.

Pure App uses your GPS location on your phone to find other Pure users looking for some NSA action. You just have to post a photo and an up-front headline and wait to see if anyone close is interested. When you’re done, your profile will vanish, along with all your messages and photos—no need to worry about deactivating or privacy issues.

Pros:

Profiles, messages, and photos shared will disappear once you’re doneStarting up is easy: post a photo and sentenceEmbraces individuality and authentic fantasies

Cons:

Only popular in major cities

Pricing:One week: $14.99 totalOne month: $29.99 total

14.  Feeld

Feeld is a hookup app for couples and singles to explore their kinks and desires in a no-judgement atmosphere.

It includes couples’ accounts where you and your partner can date a lover or meet someone for a threesome. It’s inclusive for all genders and sexual orientations. Overall, it’s a sex-positive space for anyone looking to explore beyond “the norm” in today’s society.

Feeld prides itself on being responsible and ethical. It connects people with like-minded folk and encourages curious monogamous couples to link with partners who are also interested. It is a safe space that allows couples to explore their desires in the most honest way possible.

Pros:

One of the largest open-minded communities worldwideSex-positive and promotes ethical dating choices

Cons:

Premium version is not available on AndroidMust have a Facebook account to verify your identity during sign-up

PricingOne-month membership: $14.99 totalThree-month membership: $29.98 total

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymous hookups

Sex Messenger is an anonymous instant messaging app—like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. But you never share your name because it’s meant to be discreet and only for sexting and trading nudes.

This app is an adult social network that is much more than an online sex chat. It caters to people who want to connect with other people who want to engage in sex and dirty talk, and fulfill each other’s sexual fantasies. Instant messaging on this app and posting blog entries will help you gain the attention you want from like-minded people.

All members must verify their accounts, so this weeds out fake profiles, scammers, and bots. Members can contribute to the website through Sex Messenger’s forums, chats, group sections, sex stories, and blogs. It’s all anonymous and fully discrete. This app is a great way to sext, increase sexual tension, and finally meet up to do the deed!

Pros:

Safe way to send and receive nudesAnonymity is keyGoal is to meet up for anonymous sex—NSA!

Cons:

Need to pay for a premium account to access live chat or live cams

PricingOne-month membership: $14.95 total

16.  Reddit R4R – Best completely free options

Reddit R4R is one of the best options for browse casual sex options for free. If you’re looking for a hookup but don’t want to sign up, post photos of yourself, and write out a bio to describe who you are and what you want . . . you found the site for you!

This site works as a personals subreddit. It works like any other subreddit. Anyone can post—no photos, no personal information needed! All you have to do is list some things about yourself and the type of person you’re looking for. And then you wait to see if anyone responds to your post.

Reddit R4R is free, so all you have to do is download the Reddit app, and you don’t need to worry about spending money. If you want to be a trusted member and not get blocked, just follow the posting rules! Users love this site to get laid because it’s easy to use, free, and starts an instant conversation with like-minded people.

Pros:

FreeNo membership neededLots of daily interactions and hits

Cons:

Hard to stand outCan’t pay to boost your posts

Pricing: Free

Hookup Site Guide

Still on the fence about whether or not you should start using hookup apps? Or maybe you’re already using them but want some more information? Check out this useful guide to answer any lingering questions you may have and walk away with some important safety tips about casual sex.

What Makes a Hookup Site Good?

It’s important to note that different sites cater to different kinds of people. So before creating a profile on any old hookup site, read the reviews to make sure it meets your needs.

Here are a few tips to find the best hookup site specific to you:

If you have a particular kink or preference, keep an eye out for it. (example: Looking for discreet affairs? Ashley Madison is the one for you!)Make sure the size of the user base is relatively large. More options mean a better chance of finding someone to hook up with.Find a site that allows users to be up-front about what they want. Usually, apps have preferences, and you can set yours to “casual relationship” or “hookup.”Make sure the customer service contact information is front and center. You shouldn’t have to go on an expedition to contact the site.

FAQs About Hookup Sites

Q: Are hookup sites safe?

Like any online dating platform, reputable hookup sites have embedded safety features that still require user discretion. It can be dangerous if you don’t take proper safety measures. Generally, these sites and apps regulate safety by banning bots and scammers and have options to report any bad or suspicious behavior. So if you’re planning on joining, be aware and try your best not to be too gullible—you can never be sure who you will come across online!

Q: Are there any completely free hookup sites?

It sucks that most dating apps and casual sex apps require you to subscribe to get optimum results. But sites like Reddit R4R and Craigslist Activities offer a free platform to chat, flirt, and arrange sex dates. But the only downside is that there is no moderation and you won’t be talking to a verified profile and have to be extra cautious.

Q: What hookup sites are free for women?

The reality is that dating apps make it very easy for women to find sex. Most high-rated dating sites offer women free memberships (mostly to balance out the male/female ratio on their site). Sex sites that are free for women include Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Seeking, Hinge, Her, and Pure.

Q: What is the best LGBTQ+ option?

Though there are a few options, only two rise to the top. HER is the best for women seeking women and Grindr is best for men seeking for men. These two sites also cater to non-binary people.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for some action tonight, welcome to the world of casual sex sites and apps.

The best hookup sites are on top for a reason—everyone on there is eager to find sex and casual flings just like you! More than mainstream dating apps that cater to a plethora of things such as long-term dating, friendships, and so on, hookup apps are catered only towards sex and NSA fun!

The best hookup site is Adult FriendFinder (AFF) followed closely by BuddyBang. AFF emphasizes anonymity, safety, a massive user base, and a brand name that is verified. Most people on this site are looking for a good time with so many different types of kinks and fantasies. So what are you waiting for?

Hopefully, this list gives you an idea of what sex app is the best for you to get started on today!

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Have you checked out the new Chicago Winery River North location? If not, here is another reason to pay them a visit: a brilliant new restaurant, Liva, is coming to Chicago Winery this fall! Deriving its name from the Scandinavian word “liv” meaning “life” and evoking a sense of the passage of time and the joy of the journey, Liva will be a chef-driven, community-inspired restaurant for locals and visitors alike.

Powered by First Batch Hospitality, the mastermind behind our beloved Chicago Winery itself, Liva is set to open this October at Chicago Winery in the city’s River North neighborhood, presenting working winery concepts set against metropolitan backdrops with restaurants, private event spaces and tasting rooms.

“Like a great dinner party, the best gatherings start in the kitchen,” said Executive Chef, Andrew Graves. “I am excited to share dishes that not only represent my journey as a chef, but also inspire great conversations around the table. Whether for two or 20, our menu is meant to be shared and paired – with wonderful wines.” Chef Graves’ recent kitchen credentials include time at the world-renowned restaurant Alinea, where he trained under Grant Achatz.

Whether joining the restaurant for a date night, a business meeting with colleagues or a celebration with family and friends, Liva’s communal setting, creative menus and beverage and wine selections set the tone as the perfect gathering place, all set against the backdrop of a working winery.

Carefully curated by Chef Graves, the modern-American menu will focus on market-driven ingredients sourced close to home. Highlights include charcuterie and cheese board selections with housemade accoutrement. Allow Chef Graves to be the expert when ordering a “Chef’s Whim”, which will showcase a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables offering guests a fun way to share and graze between friends.

The menu will also feature stunning large format shareable entrées – think Whole Branzino, impressive butcher cuts and more; a myriad of proteins like venison and grilled shrimp; as well as unique takes on seasonal vegetables like roasted squash and radishes. Chef Graves will also make all pastas from scratch, including three unique options on his opening menu.

In addition to the craveable savory menu, Liva is pleased to offer an exciting range of cocktails. Sourcing inspiration from around the world and using seasonal ingredients, cocktails will be available to enjoy in the dining room or at the striking u-shaped bar that seats up to 25 guests. On trend and with an ear to the ground, Liva will also offer a nitro brewed espresso martini on tap.

“Liva’s bar program aspires to bring a creative take on cocktails by incorporating seasonal ingredients and at times, we will draw inspiration from the winery team to create wine centric offerings,” says Bar Manager, Roger Landes. Landes is a beverage specialist with years of experience in the Chicago bar scene, Landes’ work history includes the extensive opening cocktail program at The Loyalist in Chicago’s West Loop, and Rick Bayless’ Bar Sotano.

To complement food and drink offerings, Liva will feature a genuine, warm and inviting atmosphere. Whimsical wallpaper coverings have been added to the restaurant space to suggest distinct vignettes, including the bar, main dining room and tasting bar. Throughout the space, which seats a total of 175 people, guests will find rich, warm jewel tones with pops of color.

Guests dining at Liva will also notice the use of arches in the design that nod to historic Chicago architecture and provide a striking view of the working winery from the main dining room. A fireplace will keep conversations romantic and cozy. The restaurant will also feature a four-season outdoor patio on the main floor, available for dining outdoors year-round.

The team aims to demystify the sometimes ostentatious world of wine, beverage and food. The goal is to provide a feeling much like a visit to a friend’s home. With an eye on genuine hospitality, the team will engage guests on in-house selections and pairing recommendations. The service will be both warm and approachable.

Liva will open for dinner in late-October, Sunday – Wednesday from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.; Thursday 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 5:00 p.m. to midnight – a late night menu will also be offered on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to midnight.

Founded by Brian Leventhal and John Stires, First Batch Hospitality champions a new, accessible approach to wine and winemaking. The hospitality group presents working wineries set against metropolitan backdrops, complete with private event spaces, restaurants and tasting rooms. With locations in Brooklyn, New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois, First Batch Hospitality is proud to tailor its concepts to represent the local creativity and exemplary hospitality of the neighborhoods they call home.

Featured Image: Liva

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Oranges were the only fruit aboard the Revenge. Even ifCaptain Stede Bonnet couldn’t taste them in the 40-orange cake he ordered—and even if the crew got scurvy—at least he caught Blackbeard’s eye.

And with that the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death cleansed the Florida orange of its residual 70s-era anti-LGBTQ+ rot, and repositioned it as an enduring symbol of gay pirate love.

“That show has a representation of queerness that is so joyful,” says Eve Studnicka, one half of the great midwestern meal delivery duo Funeral Potatoes. “I’ve never seen that before.”

You’ll certainly taste the citrus in her homage to Stede’s cake when she and Alexis Thomas return to the Kedzie Inn for Monday Night Foodball, the Reader’s ongoing chef pop-up series.

This Monday, August 29, Studnicka and Thomas are sneaking away from their temporary run at the Salt Shed to present a menu inspired by queer TV and film, such as Fried Green Tomatoes, which begets the Towanda: pulled pork with honey-molasses barbecue sauce, fried green tomatoes (natch), and cornbread drizzled in hot honey (like when Idgie braves the bees for Ruth’s honeycomb).

Thomas, who grew up in the home of the Rockford Peaches, gives a nod to A League of Their Own with a beer-battered corn dog with peach mustard; and also The Birdcage, with a mess of Cubano-frites, with crispy ham and pickles, all drenched in Swiss cheese fondue. And then there’s that cake, a spiced orange sponge blanketed in brown butter rum frosting and candied ginger. I know your first impulse will be to smoosh it into Anita Bryant’s face, but I’m confident she won’t be there. So eat.

This Funeral Potatoes threepeat couldn’t be more timely, going down just after the one-year anniversary of the first Foodball last summer. You can still catch them at the Salt Shed tomorrow at the Jorja Smith show or at the Jason Isbell/Shemekia Copeland show on September 22 (the show on the 23rd is sold out, as is Death Cab for Cutie on September 24), after which they’ll return to regularly scheduled meal delivery.

But as you’d expect from Studnicka and Thomas, this is a menu just as personal as it is universal. As always there will be limited walk-in availability, but preorders for the Light Loafers Supper Club at the Kedzie Inn are on sale now.

Monday Night Foodball resumes after a Labor Day break on September 12 with the return of The Melanin Martha; and on the 19th, a night of global Asian barbecue with Umamicue and friends. After that it’s a brand-new fall schedule.

Read More

Oranges were the only fruit aboard the Revenge. Even ifCaptain Stede Bonnet couldn’t taste them in the 40-orange cake he ordered—and even if the crew got scurvy—at least he caught Blackbeard’s eye.

And with that the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death cleansed the Florida orange of its residual 70s-era anti-LGBTQ+ rot, and repositioned it as an enduring symbol of gay pirate love.

“That show has a representation of queerness that is so joyful,” says Eve Studnicka, one half of the great midwestern meal delivery duo Funeral Potatoes. “I’ve never seen that before.”

You’ll certainly taste the citrus in her homage to Stede’s cake when she and Alexis Thomas return to the Kedzie Inn for Monday Night Foodball, the Reader’s ongoing chef pop-up series.

This Monday, August 29, Studnicka and Thomas are sneaking away from their temporary run at the Salt Shed to present a menu inspired by queer TV and film, such as Fried Green Tomatoes, which begets the Towanda: pulled pork with honey-molasses barbecue sauce, fried green tomatoes (natch), and cornbread drizzled in hot honey (like when Idgie braves the bees for Ruth’s honeycomb).

Thomas, who grew up in the home of the Rockford Peaches, gives a nod to A League of Their Own with a beer-battered corn dog with peach mustard; and also The Birdcage, with a mess of Cubano-frites, with crispy ham and pickles, all drenched in Swiss cheese fondue. And then there’s that cake, a spiced orange sponge blanketed in brown butter rum frosting and candied ginger. I know your first impulse will be to smoosh it into Anita Bryant’s face, but I’m confident she won’t be there. So eat.

This Funeral Potatoes threepeat couldn’t be more timely, going down just after the one-year anniversary of the first Foodball last summer. You can still catch them at the Salt Shed tomorrow at the Jorja Smith show or at the Jason Isbell/Shemekia Copeland show on September 22 (the show on the 23rd is sold out, as is Death Cab for Cutie on September 24), after which they’ll return to regularly scheduled meal delivery.

But as you’d expect from Studnicka and Thomas, this is a menu just as personal as it is universal. As always there will be limited walk-in availability, but preorders for the Light Loafers Supper Club at the Kedzie Inn are on sale now.

Monday Night Foodball resumes after a Labor Day break on September 12 with the return of The Melanin Martha; and on the 19th, a night of global Asian barbecue with Umamicue and friends. After that it’s a brand-new fall schedule.

Read More

“You know, even assholes need some love.”

So said Jaimie Branch in a 2019 interview with Aquarium Drunkard. She was explaining “Love Song,” one of the tunes on her 2019 album Fly or Die II: Bird Dogs of Paradise. And without necessarily trying, Branch was also cluing folks in to the kind of connection that she made with people. Everyone needs some love, true, but not everyone has what it takes to keep the love coming even after they have an asshole’s number. It takes a lot of heart, and Branch had a lot of that. That’s one of the reasons why people loved playing with her and loved listening to her play—and why they were absolutely gutted to find out that she’d died at age 39 in her apartment in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn at 9:21 PM on Monday, August 22. No cause of death has been announced.

Jaimie Branch performs in free-jazz quartet !Mofaya! on the 2021 album Like One Long Dream.

Not everyone who plays free jazz projects that kind of big love—the music doesn’t necessarily require it. Total improvisation often trades in smaller-scale intimacies and epic energies, and Branch could deliver both of those too, with absolute technical and conceptual assurance. People noticed that right away when she began establishing herself in Chicago’s improvised-music community in 2006. But while Branch was particular about the music she embraced, she wasn’t exclusive. She grew up transcribing solos by Miles Davis and Chet Baker, and she fell hard for punk, ska, and hip-hop; she had a feel for abstract styles, and just as firm a grasp on music that communicated directly.

Jaimie Branch onstage with Fly or Die Credit: Peter Gannushkin

Branch also elicited care and loyalty from other musicians on a personal level. In a 2017 Reader profile, Peter Margasak reported that when Branch was entangled in addiction, they pulled for her and supported her. After she got clean and established herself in New York—she arrived there in 2015—she maintained her connections with Chicago. When she made her big break as a bandleader in 2017, it was with a group of fellow Chicagoans: Fly or Die began as Branch, bassist Jason Ajemian, drummer Chad Taylor, and cellist Tomeka Reid (later replaced by Lester St. Louis). The label that has released much of her music, International Anthem, is based in Chicago.

A selection of live and studio tracks from Jaimie Branch’s band Fly or Die

Fly or Die combined the sonics of free jazz with jubilant melodies, celebratory rhythms, and (beginning with their second album) Branch’s take-no-shit singing. When she sang, “This is a love song for assholes and clowns,” she was definitely calling people out. But she also made clear in her between-song banter that she understood that people who think they’re good guys can be assholes, and that even assholes need love. She got people, and people got her. They recognized the human complications that were as much a part of her music as her combo’s practiced rapport and exhilarating spontaneity. 

The video for Fly or Die’s “Prayer for Amerikka Pt. 1 & 2,” which incorporates footage from a 2020 concert in Switzerland

I first learned about Branch’s death on Facebook. Of course, her fellow musicians shared fond memories and stunned grief. But I also saw fans weighing in—I read comment after comment by people who’d found sustenance listening to Branch’s records during the lockdown months, or who’d been moved by a concert in Tennessee or Iowa or Canada. Branch reached people not because she transcended the various radical musics that she played—she didn’t want to transcend them. She pulled those sounds together into something big and loving enough for even the assholes and clowns.

Jaimie Branch introduces Fly or Die as they perform “Love Song” in Columbus, Ohio, in March 2022.

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“You know, even assholes need some love.”

So said Jaimie Branch in a 2019 interview with Aquarium Drunkard. She was explaining “Love Song,” one of the tunes on her 2019 album Fly or Die II: Bird Dogs of Paradise. And without necessarily trying, Branch was also cluing folks in to the kind of connection that she made with people. Everyone needs some love, true, but not everyone has what it takes to keep the love coming even after they have an asshole’s number. It takes a lot of heart, and Branch had a lot of that. That’s one of the reasons why people loved playing with her and loved listening to her play—and why they were absolutely gutted to find out that she’d died at age 39 in her apartment in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn at 9:21 PM on Monday, August 22. No cause of death has been announced.

Jaimie Branch performs in free-jazz quartet !Mofaya! on the 2021 album Like One Long Dream.

Not everyone who plays free jazz projects that kind of big love—the music doesn’t necessarily require it. Total improvisation often trades in smaller-scale intimacies and epic energies, and Branch could deliver both of those too, with absolute technical and conceptual assurance. People noticed that right away when she began establishing herself in Chicago’s improvised-music community in 2006. But while Branch was particular about the music she embraced, she wasn’t exclusive. She grew up transcribing solos by Miles Davis and Chet Baker, and she fell hard for punk, ska, and hip-hop; she had a feel for abstract styles, and just as firm a grasp on music that communicated directly.

Jaimie Branch onstage with Fly or Die Credit: Peter Gannushkin

Branch also elicited care and loyalty from other musicians on a personal level. In a 2017 Reader profile, Peter Margasak reported that when Branch was entangled in addiction, they pulled for her and supported her. After she got clean and established herself in New York—she arrived there in 2015—she maintained her connections with Chicago. When she made her big break as a bandleader in 2017, it was with a group of fellow Chicagoans: Fly or Die began as Branch, bassist Jason Ajemian, drummer Chad Taylor, and cellist Tomeka Reid (later replaced by Lester St. Louis). The label that has released much of her music, International Anthem, is based in Chicago.

A selection of live and studio tracks from Jaimie Branch’s band Fly or Die

Fly or Die combined the sonics of free jazz with jubilant melodies, celebratory rhythms, and (beginning with their second album) Branch’s take-no-shit singing. When she sang, “This is a love song for assholes and clowns,” she was definitely calling people out. But she also made clear in her between-song banter that she understood that people who think they’re good guys can be assholes, and that even assholes need love. She got people, and people got her. They recognized the human complications that were as much a part of her music as her combo’s practiced rapport and exhilarating spontaneity. 

The video for Fly or Die’s “Prayer for Amerikka Pt. 1 & 2,” which incorporates footage from a 2020 concert in Switzerland

I first learned about Branch’s death on Facebook. Of course, her fellow musicians shared fond memories and stunned grief. But I also saw fans weighing in—I read comment after comment by people who’d found sustenance listening to Branch’s records during the lockdown months, or who’d been moved by a concert in Tennessee or Iowa or Canada. Branch reached people not because she transcended the various radical musics that she played—she didn’t want to transcend them. She pulled those sounds together into something big and loving enough for even the assholes and clowns.

Jaimie Branch introduces Fly or Die as they perform “Love Song” in Columbus, Ohio, in March 2022.

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The casual observer of the NFL probably doesn’t care about the Chicago Bears. Sure, they know the history of 1985 and the long tradition of defense.

However, consider what impression a casual fan would have of the Bears today when in the past 10 years, all the Chicago Bears have given the national media to consume are annual spankings at the hands of the Green Bay Packers and an offensive product mired in mediocrity, particularly at the quarterback position.

As a result, does it comes as any shock when the national media takes the optimistic stance when it comes to other historically well-run organizations and proven coaches/management groups?

What about when they are openly pessimistic about the Chicago Bears, desperately waiting for them to stop living in the past, catch up with the rest of the league, and begin doing things the right way (or whatever they define as the ‘right way’)?

After all, what does an organization which has never had a franchise quarterback know about developing a franchise quarterback?

So what happens when this organization, one which has been seemingly eternally ridiculed for being inept at developing talent on the offensive side of the ball (besides at running back, a now undervalued position across the league), finds itself with a quarterback prospect hailed by the media as a potential franchise-level QB?

Scrutiny happens.

All of a sudden, in a way that Bears fans have never seen before, the national media is concerned with what happens with a player who they predicted could become a decade-long starter on a contending team.

Why? Because the media hates to be wrong. Missing on a prospect like Justin Fields would cause mass confusion. That’s how surefire a talent he was projected to be in the NFL.

Therefore, every decision (or lack thereof) the Bears make in free agency or in the trade market, every pick in the draft, and every snap of camp become media fodder as a narrative is constructed surrounding this young quarterback and his future.

The Chicago Bears are a fine example of a team with pessimism and scrutiny.

How about what former Chicago Bears QB, Jordan Palmer, had to say about Justin Fields’ upcoming season?

I’m not optimistic about how this year is going to go for Fields, largely because of the personnel the Bears put around him.” – Jordan Palmer via Matt Lombardo.

Not satisfied? Perhaps someone on the Rich Eisen show can provide some clarity

Chicago is in a real situation for a team that has so much history and legacy in the NFL to really be a doormat in their division…they lose their best WR in Robinson…Justin Fields is supposed to be the answer but they don’t got anybody around him. – Ryan Leaf via Rich Eisen Podcast

This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you’ll find if you look up the Chicago Bears 2022 season outlook. The situation has to be painted as dire as possible so that there can’t be any doubt if Justin Fields proves not to be the guy.

There’s no point in even waiting till the week 1 power rankings come out because I can save you the suspense, the Bears are gonna be 29th at best if their media coverage is any indication of how people feel about this team.

I said previously, that these power rankings aren’t an actual indication of anything, citing the 2021 Eagles and 2020 Bills as examples of teams who had no national love going into their seasons only to wind up in the playoffs.

There isn’t really anything anyone can do to change the perception about the Bears unless the Bears decide to go change it themselves. Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet have to show that they are reliable contributors.

Montgomery needs to run angry for that second contract. The offensive line, which everyone has ridiculed, has to grow each and every week as they have 3 key starters in either their first or second year. Eberflus needs to show that his HITS principle works and everyone needs to see the defense play with that intensity.

Until then, as unfortunate as it is, the question marks surrounding the Bears’ outlook will always be viewed as negatives rather than positives and it’s a stain only the Chicago Bears can wash out through their play.

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Chicago Reader 2022 print issue dates

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. Upcoming print issue dates through December 2022 are:

9/1/20229/15/20229/29/202210/13/202210/27/202211/10/202211/24/202212/8/202212/22/2022

Download the full 2022 editorial calendar is here (PDF).

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2023 print issue dates

The first print issue in 2023 will be published three weeks after the 12/22/2022 issue, the final issue of 2022. The print issue dates through March 2023 are:

1/12/20231/26/20232/9/20232/23/20233/9/20233/23/2023

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