As word spreads among fans and developers about the possibilities offered by cutting publishers out of the loop and raising money directly from fans, the number of video-game projects on Kickstarter is mushrooming.

ECONOMIST: Crowdfunding video games

The best way to learn about Chicago's impressive parade of buildings is through a tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which operates a number of walking and bus tours in the Loop and other neighbourhoods.

BBC: The infamous architecture of Chicago

Yet he has been clocking up a serious number of gigs, often with just a guitar and an effects box, which he uses to loop beatboxing and vocals.

BBC: Sound of 2011: Jamie Woon