CHIRP Radio Podcasts: Recent Episodes
CHIRP Radio
CHIRPradio.org is a listener-supported music and arts focused community radio station in Chicago staffed by more than 150 volunteers. In addition to our live programming we produce a series of shows and interviews and provide them through our various podcasts.
This week, Liz Mason speaks with Chicago-raised Latina DJ and Producer Christine Gutierrez and E of Dark Chisme, a Seattle-based dark wave band. They discuss Christine's DJ career in Seattle and how it led to the inspiration behind their performing name, the emotional guidance behind when to write in English and when to write in Spanish, and their comics and zine publishing studio, Really Easy Press.
"I am huge on mariachis and Mexican traditional singers, and I love the way that they sing out loud and you can just feel it in their soul what they're singing. I wanted to capture that in the music." - Christine Gutierrez
Produced by Liz Mason.
Photo Credit: Bella Petro
This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Darren Keen of Chicago one-man electronic band PROBLEMS. They discuss the genesis of his project PROBLEMS, Darren's transplant journey from Nebraska to New York and back to Nebraska, before finally landing here in Chicago, his booking company Personal Space Booking and their upcoming all day fest Personal Space Lost Weekend, the importance sobriety has played in his music career and life, and taking over booking for The Burlington.
"Coming here to Chicago with some sobriety under my belt and working here in the scene ... doing what I do now it's the realization of a dream I couldn't have had otherwise." - Darren Keen of PROBLEMS on sobriety.
Catch PROBLEMS this Sunday, 01/26 at CHIRP Night at the Whistler, alongside Speed Babes.
Produced by: Marjorie Alford
Photo Credit: PROBLEMS
This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Renn Fontana and Lex Gutierrez of Chicago based post-hardcore band Rat Chasm. They discuss the singles "Sorry Carly" and "Wasteland Centerfold," the recording of their album First Feed while Lex was still acclimating to the band, and the struggles of growing up queer.
"If you pay attention to the album as a whole that theme of drowning comes up a lot... I think water is a big part of my life because it's so complex and terrifying. I love the dichotomy that something that can give you so much life can also drain you of your life force as well." - Renn Fontana discussing their album First Feed.
First Feed is out now. Catch Rat Chasm live February 20th at Empty Bliss.
Produced by Marjorie Alford.
Photo Credit: Cori Knox
This week, Features contributor Josset Yarbrough speaks with Kathy Patino, aka Girl K. They discuss her songwriting process behind her newest release, My Future, her collaboration with Chicago Argentine HEARTGAZE, and her inspriation move from indie rock to glamorous pop.
"I don't know if it's necessarily my dream to be a famous musician, but music itself is my dream and I just want people to hear what I'm making, and I want to have fun making it." - Kathy Patino aka Girl K
Produced by Brian Szpak.
Photo Credit: Alicia Patiño
James Porter is a local DJ, musician and journalist based in the Chicago area. His writings can be found in the pages of the Reader, Chicago and Streetsblog, he can be heard DJing once a month on WLUW, as the host of Hoodoo Party, and he can be seen singing and playing harmonica with the James Dean Joint.
He is currently finishing a book about African-American rock musicians.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Beverly Rage is the singer, songwriter, and guitarist of Bev Rage & the Drinks, a Chicago-based queer garage rock band. Bev Rage & the Drinks have been a fixture in the Chicago music scene for nearly a decade and have toured the country with notable acts such as Bully and Pansy Division.
Outside of the band, Bev is a gardener, environmentalist, activist, and lover of pistachio ice cream.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Anthony Spaulding is a dynamic writer, author, entertainer, and musician. He has conquered the Goodman, Second City, and many venues in Chicago land. See www.anthonyspaulding.com
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with Ari and Nate of Chicago-based indie rock group Billy Joel Jr. They discuss their first EP, Rubberhose, the diversity of their band and therefore sound, and of course, their love of the Beatles.
"I like the question of diversity, right? Having a diverse sound; we also have diverse members from different parts of the world and the country that kind of come together in Chicago, almost like an analogy for the larger melting pot of Chicago." - Nate of Billy Joel Jr.
Produced by DJ Ninja.
Photo Credit: Bailey Radnitzer
For a transcript of this interview, visit the blog.
Hannah Enstrom was a regular contributor for her hometown’s local paper reviewing kids’ products when she was 9 and that is pretty much the extent of her professional writing career thus far.
Her celebrity encounters are all the worst people you can possibly think of, and she often cries in work meetings with her supervisor (who is very nice about it). She is also the co-producer of the bimonthly wacky variety show Movie Club at Bric-a-Brac Records.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Ines Bellina is a writer, translator, and bon vivant. You can find her writing in Gloria, The Cut, Saveur, Daily Beast, Chicago Magazine, and other publications you’ve probably heard of. She is the co-author of LGNSQ, a bilingual photography book about Logan Square. You can find out more about her work and where the hell she is in the world on her newsletter The Cranky Guide
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Kathleen is a writer, event producer, performer, and events gay who has lived in Chicago for 11 years but will always talk about being from Texas. They produce Resilient, a charity show benefitting survivors of sexual violence in Chicago.
Kathleen is also published with The Queer Foundation, Scout and Birdie, The Herald-Zeitung, and Seguin Gazette, among others. Their short film, The Last Day, was the winner of Eleven 04's Production Grant. Kathleen is currently assembling a poetry chapbook.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features contributor Sophia Ramirez speaks with Emily Haden Lee, a singer-songwriter and artist originally from Missouri who is now based in Chicago. They discuss her new album, The Woman I Would Be, and how her pregnancy has affected its release, how her grief surrounding the loss of her father and brother have shaped her writing, and collaborating with her husband on the album.
"I think I'm glad that I have finished this album before I'm having a child and moving into this new chapter of mine [...] Releasing this music, I feel like I'm sort of releasing that time in my life." - Emily Haden Lee
Produced by Sophia Ramirez.
Photo Credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson
For a transcript of this interview, visit the blog.
This week, Features director Marjorie Alford speaks with Angel Lunetta of Chicago-based ethereal experimental metal band Alenia. They discuss the band’s inception and current line-up, their song writing process, Angel’s one woman production company Voodoo Masochist Productions, and advice for artists looking to break into the scene.
"I think it’s very important to be patient with yourself because being an artist, any type of artist, is a whole process." - Angel Lunetta of Alenia
Produced by Marjorie Alford.
Photo Credit: 106 Fever
This week, Features contributor Liz Mason speaks with vocalist and multidisciplinary artist Shami of Mother Fortune, a Chicago-based five-piece hip hop cooperative. They discuss Shami's elaborate and intentional stage presence, the band's collaborative songwriting process, and his work on the online sex positive zine, Zig Zag Sex Mag.
"I'm just fortunate to be one of the gears in this clock that is Chicago music." - Shami of Mother Fortune
Produced by Liz Mason.
Photo Credit: Lex Vasquez
This week, Features contributor Sophia Ramirez speaks with multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, recording artist & hearing conservation advocate Joel Styzens. They discuss the collections of quiet moments that make up his newest release, Resonance, and how his battle with tinnitus helped him discover his voice as a composer.
"Sometimes the smallest moments can sometimes be the most powerful, or the most moving or inspiring." - Joel Styzens
Produced by Sophia Ramirez.
Photo Credit: Sarah Boudreau
Joel is performing October 16th at the Cliff Dwellers in Chicago and November 2nd at The Blue Strawberry in St. Louis, MO.
This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski talks with Jay Post & Jimmi Gordon of Chicago based experimental hip-hop group OutPastMidnight. They discuss Jay and Jimmy's fated meeting in poetry club in high school, how a love of the literary arts built the foundation for OutPastMidnight, the importance of open mics for the community, and the in-and-outs of their latest album Super Stereo Brothers.
"I feel like a lot of the poetry culture in this city - gave life to the mundane. So you're able to write what's under your nose and make it something people can relate to." - Jay Post of OutPastMidnight
Photo Credit: Dan Merlo
Produced by: Brian Szpak
This week, Features contributor Alyssa Edes speaks with Jen Dot of the newly reunited and Chicago-based beastii. They discuss their newest LP, Follower, Jen's book Hit Girls: Women of Punk in the USA, 1975-1983 that covers the women who started Punk music, and her unlikely sources of inspiration for songwriting, like lyrics she wrote as a seven year old.
"This is actually the first album I've conceptualized since I wrote the book, and since I was immersed in those artists' work. I'm being my authentic self, but I'm also carrying a torch." - Jen Dot of beastii
Produced by Alyssa Edes.
Photo Credit: Chris Nightengale
Soli Santos is a native Chicagoan and graduate of The Second City Theater. She's a co-producer of The Laugh Lounge Comedy show and has performed at various comedy clubs across the country such as The Laugh Factory, The Laughing Skull and The LA Comedy Club.
Follow her on IG: @SoliComedy
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Megan Kirby is an artist, writer, and zinemaker. She has published in places like The New York Times, The Chicago Reader, TIME Magazine, and McSweeney's.
Kirby runs a zinemaking and storytelling show called Meanwhile. In her daily life, she likes long walks, thrift stores, pop music, and sleeping in.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Hope Rehak is a lifelong Chicagoan who keeps leaving and coming back. She sometimes lives in LA, but is thrilled to be here today. She used to be young and perform stand-up before the pandemic and is now an agèd hermit.
She regularly teaches comedy and creative writing online and in person. She wrote this bio when she was single so feel free to flirt harmlessly.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Fraxiom is a writer, producer, and performer of music and musical ideas. With hits early in their career like the seminal 21st-century anthem "Thos Moser" as part of Food House (Fraxiom's duo project with super-producer Gupi) and the cheeky Skrillex reprise "scawy monstews and nice spwites :3," Fraxiom's stardom ignited brightly in early 2020 and was catapulted into the Fifth Dimension.
Since then, having toured the US coast-to-coast, having sold out shows across the UK, and enjoying nods from Dog Show Records founder Dylan Brady and PC Music founder A.G. Cook, Fraxiom is a luminous, musical force to be reckoned with.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Ashir Badami is quite likely the least interesting person in the room. His only claim to fame is bouncing around South and South East Asia as a kid with his family before somehow landing in Malta where the azure blue seas turned his wanderlust into a love of travel writing and poetry. He has lived in the shadows as a closet writer, and aspiring journalist (Go Medill!), and his passion for writing and literature has endured parochial boarding schools in South India (where Kerouac was banned) and even the vagaries of the West Coast Tech Bro scene where he made his living as a marketing zombie.
He recently returned to the Chicago area with his amazing wife and highly-entertaining five-year-old. He currently teaches media innovation at his alma mater, the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Allison Parssi is a Chicago based artist + DJ, who is continually reclaiming their art practice through music curation, collage, image making, writing, and sending art via snail mail. Parssi got their start as a DJ hosting a variety of day time and specialty programs at their college radio station in Rochester, NY. After trading one Great Lake for another and moving to Chicago in 2017, Parssi expanded their radio involvement by joining CHIRP Radio.
As a former Music Co-Director, recontextualizing music and bringing new voices to the airwaves drove their work. Parssi has collaborated with artists and educators throughout Chicago bringing art fairs, projects, classes, and workshops to fruition.
In March 2023 they started Shokoufeh, a DJ night focusing on SWANA music from across genres and decades. Over the past year, they've brought this night to Sleeping Village, The California Clipper, Cafe Mustache, and other venues across the city. You can find Allison at a show many days of the week and at the lake any time of the year.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features director Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago based experimental pop artist Chris Misch-Bloxdorf who performs under the name Artie Do Good. They discuss the history of the name Artie and the intentional ambiguity of "Do Good", the genesis of his current project Socialist Dance Party an homage to Chicago's labor roots, how the algorithm blessed Chris with information on the IWW one fateful afternoon, and the singles Bread and Roses and Three Miles Down.
“We all deserve the things that bring us comfort, and things that we need to live and exist in this world, but also we all deserve to live and enjoy the world for all it has to offer. “ Artie Do Good.
Socialist Dance Party is available Labor Day 2024.
Produced by Marjorie Alford.
Photo Credit: Kenneth Charles Leftridge Jr.
This week, Features contributor Josset Yarbrough speaks with Nicole Mitchell about her newest collaboration, BamakoChicago Sound System* and how it materialized as if a dream came true, the collision of musical languages that represent Chicago, and their shared love of the flute.
"We think of the flute as being pretty, flowery, sweet, [..] optimistic, joyful - which is funny because I guess my personality is kind of like that too. My range as a vocalist is pretty much the same range as the flute - I can go really high. So I started incorporating my voice with the flute. This also gave me the feeling of leaving evidence that a woman was here." - Nicole Mitchell
Nicole Mitchell is a groundbreaking improvisational jazz flutist, composer, poet, author, and educator. Her vast musical career started with Samana, which was the first all female ensemble from the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. She also founded the group's Black Earth Ensemble, Black Earth Strings, Black Earth Sway, Sonic Projections, and Ice Crystal.
Produced by DJ Ninja.
Photo Credit: Mário J. Negrão
This week, Features contributor Alyssa Edes talks with Chicago-based artist Miranda Winters AKA Mandy, about her debut solo album Lawn Girl. They discuss the genesis of Lawn Girl which took material from her past and finally laid it to rest, The song Mickey’s Dead Things about losing early life friendships, her cover of Jimmy Webb’s Now That I’m a Woman from The Last Unicorn, the importance of an all female band, and the routes we take to try to get back to our most authentic and vulnerable selves of early life.
“Obviously the best way forward is to analyze your past.” - Miranda Winters of Mandy.
Miranda Winters is a song-writer and musician best known for her role as the indomitable vocalist / guitarist of Chicago powerhouse, Melkbelly. Drawing on deep roots as a song-writer in Chicago DIY, Winters continues to evolve a signature sound by pursuing her music as a solo artist.
Catch Mandy live August 30th at Sleeping Village.
Produced by Alyssa Edes.
Photo Credit: Mandy
This week, Features contributor Connor Broderick speaks with Chicago-based vocalist, guitarist, composer, and poet Hannah Frances. They discuss her new album, Keeper Of The Shepherd, and the grief that shaped the creation of the album, the different chapters of her life informing her writing process, and the push and pull of being a solitary person and learning to lean on others.
"I treated it a bit like a thesis. I was like, I know what I am actively working with in terms of processing, emotional processing." - Hannah Frances on the writing of her new album, Keep of The Shepherd.
Produced by Brian Szpak
Photo Credit: Eleanor Petry
This week Features co-director Marjorie Alford talks with cartoonist Bianca Xunise about their graphic novel Punk Rock Karaoke. The two discuss the confusion of early adulthood, finding grace for the people you love, how a lack of representation in the media lead to Bianca filling that void for themself, and most importantly, punk rock.
"I put so much of my heart and my own punk experiences into this story that I want to sit with it. I want to be with this beautiful piece of art." - Bianca Xunise, on why they won't be rushing into their next project.
Bianca Xunise is a cartoonist based out of Chicago, Illinois. Their work primarily focuses on the plight, joy, and daily struggles of misfits within the black community. In 2017 Xunise earned an Ignatz for Promising New Talent for their comic Say Her Name, an autobiographical story of police brutality and social justice. In 2020 Xunise earned their second Ignatz for their contribution to Be Gay, Do Comics published by IDW. Xunise has collaborated with Vogue, The Washington Post, The Nib, and Believer Magazine. They are also a contributor to the book How We Fight Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance along with Ta-Nehisi Coates, Tarana Burk, and Harry Belafonte. Bianca became the first nationally syndicated non-binary cartoonist when they joined the comic strip Six Chix in 2020 as their first black creator.
Punk Rock Karaoke is out now!
This interview features songs highlighted in Punk Rock Karaoke. Tracks included:
Lake Shore Drive - The Cell Phones
Waiting Room - Fugazi
I am A Poseur - X-Ray Spex
Photo Credit: Bianca Xunise
Amy Sumpter is a stand up comedienne who has performed all over the Midwest. Her nephew once called her a Joke Star. You can also see her rapping with She's Crafty, Chicago's all-female Beastie Boy tribute band.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production provided by Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Nestor “the Boss” Gomez was born in Guatemala and traveled to Chicago Undocumented in the mid 80’s. He told his first story at a Moth story slam to get over the stuttering that plagued his childhood, since then he has won more than 80 Moth Slams. Nestor has performed and conducted storytelling workshops in multiple locations around the country. He also created his own storytelling show 80 Minutes Around the World a show that features the stories of Immigrants and refugees from different parts of the world, their descendants, and allies. 80 Minutes Around the World is also available as a Podcast. Nestor also published a collection of stories detailing his experiences driving for ride sharing title “Your Driver Has Arrived” To listen and subscribe to the podcast, to buy his book and to learn more about Nestor visit his website Nestorgomezstoryteller.com
Nestor “the boss” Gomez nacio en Guatemala y viajo a Chicago sin documentos a mediados de los 80. Nestor conto su primer relato en un evento de la Moth para poder vencer la tartamudez que atormento su niñez, desde entonces a ganado mas de 80 competencias de la Moth. Sus relatos han sido transmitidos en programas de radio a nivel nacional. Nestor es el creador, director y anfitrion de su propio programa de relatos 80 minutos alrededor del mundo en que se relatan las historias de Immigrantes y refugiados de diferentes partes del mundo, ademas de los relatos de sus descendientes y aliados con el fin de proveer un major entendimineto de las realidades, luchas y sueños de la experiencia migratoria. 80 minutos alreadedor del mundo tambien esta disponible come Podcast. Para escuchar y subscribirse al programa y para aprender aun mas sobre Nestor por favor de visitar la pagina de internet Nestorgomezstoryteller.com
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production provided by Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Erin Allen is an artist and communicator, driven by her curiosity about the stories of people. She hosts "The Rundown" podcast and Prisoncast at WBEZ, and she has produced audio and multimedia projects at stations and companies across the country, including WDET and Pizza Shark Productions. Erin has also produced several audio-based events, including the Detroit Podcast Festival and Radio Campfire. Her passion for social justice and art with her skills in marketing and communications have led her to spaces like Allied Media Projects and Stone Soup Housing Cooperative. With spare time, she dances her heart out at music festivals and binges science fiction media of the Octavia Butler persuasion.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production provided by Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Carolyn Kassnoff is an illustrator who creates artwork under the name It'll Glow On You. She was the Chicago Public Library's Maker in Residence, and has studied almost every kind of art under the sun, including papercutting and neon sign bending. She is currently working on a Chicago music venue journal. She has about 200 close dog best friends, and you've probably seen her on the north side walking dogs sized anywhere from a yorkie to a newfoundland. She DJs occasionally on CHIRP, designs shirts and graphics for the station, and is also the person who picks up your donated records and cds.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production provided by Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Actor and Vocalist Andrew Sa has earned the title of Chicago's premiere queer country crooner. Sa's career has always been rooted in songwriting that highlights his easy and elegant voice, but when he met mentor and pioneer Patrick Hagerty of Lavender Country, “Lonesome Andrew” was born. Diving headfirst into the catalogs of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and other classic songwriters that defined his childhood, Sa easily slipped into this new but familiar persona. It wasn't long before all of Chicago was seeking out his voice.
Sa quickly became the star of The Cosmic Country Showcase, an instant smash hit camp-country revue based out of the Hideout, a bar that has fostered many golden voices for decades. One of those legendary voices, Kelly Hogan (Mavis Staples, Neko Case), instantly recognized Sa's abilities and quickly the two were booking gigs across the city as a duo. The young and talented Liam Kazar (Tweedy, Marrow) also recruited Sa for a duet on his debut album Due North. Sa also created a stunning film, Andrew in Anotherland, which was a celebration of Chicago's many voices that accompanied a live revue at the prestigious public amphitheater Millennium Park. Audiences and fellow artists alike reveled in Sa's intra-generational appeal that, while timeless, is rooted in a definitively young, queer perspective.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production provided by Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Patrick Hicks is a storyteller, digital creator, podcaster, and dad based in Chicago. His mini music documentaries on TikTok have gotten him 450,000+ followers and millions of views. He also hosts a music history podcast called Good Measure with Patrick Hicks. He has worked with and created content for major record labels, publishers, music festivals, films, and symphonies. And musicians from Willie Nelson to Questlove have reposted his videos.
This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski speaks with Jake Hennessy (drums), Matt Coglianese (bass), and Derek Dare (guitar and vocals) of Chicago based soulful-psychedelic group Zoofunkyou. They talk about the band's ten year history, keeping things fresh over the years by reworking old songs with new members, learning to write collaboratively, and sourcing inspiration through live music.
Produced by Jack Deubner.
Photo Credit: Zoofunkyou
This week, Features contributor Daniel Edelstein speaks with Chicago-based pianist, producer, and teacher, Cesar Pino aka C3zr. They discuss his most recent full-length release, Round Voyage, the joy of connecting and collaborating with fellow artists, the jazz lounge, Opus, that he runs with his father and mentor, and his beloved keytar.
"That's the beauty of it... music is music, and so I just try to challenge myself and reach into different corners of musical spectrum." - Cesar Pino, aka C3zr
Produced by: Jessi D
Photo Credit: Vanessa Valadez
This week, Features Co-Director Marjorie Alford speaks with musical director Laura Hall. They discuss her 20+ year career in music, her friendship with Lisa McQueen that lead to the creation of the Phony Award Winning musical series, last year's run of improvised Little Shop of Horrors , her 20 seasons on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and the creation of improv karaoke backing tracks to help other's grow this unique skillset.
"It's fun that it's challenging." Laura Hall on improvising music
The latest Phony Award winning show Improvised A Chorus Line opens Sunday May 19th/
Produced by Marjorie Alford
Photo Credit: Greg Crowder
This week, Features Co-Director Marjorie Alford talks with Chicago-based MC Bob Rok. They discuss the history of the name Bob Rok, the skits he creates with Greenlights Music, the ways in which "politics" touch every facet of our lives and why he mirrors that in his music, his upcoming concept album The Automat about labor and workers, and his disdain for AI and wealth hoarding.
"Politics needs dancers. It needs celebration. It needs humor. Your life and your expression is incredibly important and you are a part of that." - Bob Rok
Catch Bob Rok live at Liar's Club, Thursday May 30th at 9 p.m. Or with Greenlights Music at this month's CHIRP Night at the Whistler, Sunday May 19th at 8:30 p.m. Listen to his latest album Memory Lane anywhere you stream music.
Produced by Marjorie Alford
Photo Credit: Bob Rok
This week, Features contributor Liz Mason talks with Chicago-based singer songwriter Sacha Mullin. They discuss his new album Casino Wilderness Period, the surprising popularity of his favorite song Margaret, his musical background, and the importance of collaboration for artistic growth.
"Just because you have a crayon in the box doesn’t necessarily mean you need to use it.” Sacha Mullin, on knowing when and how to use his vocal range.
Produced by Liz Mason
Photo credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson
This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski speaks with Frank and River Rabbitte of Chicago-based "clandestine for no reason" alt-rock group wht.rbbt.obj. They discuss their failed attempt to keep their relationship separate from their musicianship, how their marriage continuously shakes up their musical abilities, and reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin.
"Whatever medium your art is - if you're not doing what's fully authentically you, it's incredibly heartbreaking." River Rabbitte
Produced by Marjorie Alford.
Photo Credit: Robert Neumann
This week Features contributor Alyssa Edes talks with Danielle Sines of Chicago-based bubblegrunge group Impulsive Hearts. They talk about friendship breakups, feeling ALL of your feelings, societal collapse, and the new album Fit 4 the Apocalypse.
"It's sort of this mental preparation for the end of the world in my mind... Either I'm gonna get fit or I'm gonna stay in bed all day." - Danielle Sines, on the new album Fit 4 the Apocalypse.
Fit 4 The Apocalypse is out now. Catch Impulsive Hearts at Andersonville Midsommar Fest Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 7p.m. on The Swedish Stage. And you can hear Danielle - AKA D Rock - on CHIRP Radio with The Apocalipstick Beatz - Tuesdays 12-3pm.
Produced by: Alyssa Edes
Photo Credit: Jovan Landry
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Carrie Shemanski and Crispin Torres of Chicago-based surf rock band Wolfman. They discuss how they met through performing in various cover bands across Chicago, taking a risk and shredding with new friends, recording their debut five-song EP The Wolfman Agenda at Electrical Audio, and the upcoming Shemanskifest, a celebration of Carrie's birthday in which she tries to perform in as many bands as possible.
"So here we are with my band - I couldn't believe it. I was like, people who know how to play instruments also want to play my songs? What a dream!" - Carrie Shemanski
Wolfman will be debuting their new EP at Shemanskifest on Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Burlington Bar.
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Fotio
This week, Features contributor Liz Mason speaks with Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist singer, songwriter, and producer Melissa Harris of Born Days, a conceptual darkwave synth-pop project. They discuss Harris's pandemic-era roadtrip across the country to Arizona to find a quiet place to finish recording her album, spending hours experimenting with synths as a form of meditation, and working through generational trauma in music on her new album, My Little Dark.
"When I was writing the album, I was seeing it as kind of like a sci-fi coming of age story. I imagined it if it was a book, it would be for teens." - Melissa Harris on the creation of her new album, My Little Dark.
Produced by Liz Mason.
Photo Credit: Erica Contreras
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Joseph Farago of the Chicago-based pop project, Joey Nebulous. They discuss his signature falsetto, the move from heavy piano-based singer-songwriter composition to celebratory and silly pop music, the creation of his pandemic album Joey Spumoni Creamy Dreamy Party All The Time, and his queer songwriting influnces.
"I wanted to go headfirst into the goofiness." - Joseph Farago of Joey Nebulous on the songwriting process for his latest album.
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Ash Dye
James Swanberg is able to do something that so many cannot. He can write songs that are memorable, songs that stick with you and follow you home, songs that you find yourself singing in the shower the next day, songs that are bonafide hits.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Former international street performer turned emcee, Sonal Aggarwal has brought her talents to Chicago as an actor, comedian, producer and movement artist.
Her one woman show The Alchemy of Bliss played for a sold out weekend at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater and you can see her on Netflix’s Easy as well as the short A Period Piece which debuted at SXSW 2020. She is a regular host of the Moth.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker
Edward Kelsey Moore is the author of two novels, including the New York Times and international bestseller, "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat." A feature film
adaptation of which is currently in post-production at Searchlight Pictures. He has recently completed his third novel.
His work has appeared in the New York Times and numerous literary journals and has also been featured on Chicago Public Radio and Minnesota Public Radio.
In addition to his writing, Edward maintains a career as a professional cellist.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Andy Vasoyan is a writer, audio editor/producer, and DJ at CHIRP radio. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, a place with decidedly too many hot people for most people to live there permanently.
After he received a highly lucrative MA in journalism from USC, Andy worked as a freelance writer, as well as a producer and Weekend Edition host at an NPR affiliate, until moving to Chicago in 2021. He currently produces The First Time show and edits The First Time podcast, as well as hosting a show on CHIRP, Thursdays at 10.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, DJ Ninja speaks with Kip McCabe, Jay Ryan, and Jason Harvey of legendary Chicago two-bass band Dianogah. They discuss their still-here-ness, how they became a two-bass-and-drums outfit, their favorite collaborators, and their upcoming box set of reissues from Smashed Plastic.
"There was a while where we had a motto that was 'nothing is too stupid.' Like, we don't take ourselves too seriously; the song titles are often humorous (to us at least) and I think we've always tried to add a little bit of levity to the music. So I feel like the genres of music that we get lumped in with a lot of times are thought of as being self-serious and emotional or too academic, and I think we've tried to balance that out with making things feel a little lighter and more whimsical." - Jason Harvey
Produced by DJ Ninja.
Photo Credit: Nathan Keay
This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with Kristin and Dan Kantor of The Kantors. They discuss the makeup of the band, the project's pandemic roots, and recording their debut EP Our Hearts Revealed at Friends of Friends studio.
"Just be nice, be yourself, and the people that are nice and also being themselves will find you." - Kristin Kantor of The Kantors
Listen to The Kantors debut EP Our Hearts Revealed.
Produced by Brian Szpak
Photo Credit: Tessa Abedon
This week, Features contributor Alyssa Edes talks with Katie Colt of goodkitty. They discuss the multi-year process of creating the EP Picture Albums, learning to make art for oneself by trusting "the gut check," and the mom life of making music after 8 p.m.
"To have completed this work, it's like I sent a message to myself which is, you are capable and you have something to contribute... I've given myself a gift and now other people get to open it too." - Katie Colt of goodkitty on the completion of her EP, Picture Albums
Singles of Holding on To You, Red, and Sabrina are out now. Picture Albums is out everywhere February 9, 2024.
Produced by Alyssa Edes
Photo Credit: Stephanie Jensen
This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Zach Moore of Honestly Same. They discuss the makeup of the band, their unique and improvisational approach to music making, and the many other projects Honestly Same's members are attached to.
"Making this kind of music I feel is theraputic to me ... Everything in our world is so optimized and prescribed and actually you can just make music very unpreciously. Just trusting yourself and trusting the people you're playing with, not being too caught up in the specifics but rather the space and the time that you're occupying together." - Zach Moore of Honestly Same
Honestly Same's newest album Hot Plate Only, is streaming now on all platforms.
Produced by Marjorie Alford.
Photo Credit: Honestly Same
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with formerly Chicago-based and now New York-based multidisciplinary artist, Jess Godwin. They discuss the unbreaking of her heart in the creation of her latest visual and music release, dreamer., the genesis of her highly customized body instrument, the Muze, and her varied and vast artistic background.
"It feels so great to make something, and give it to myself." - Jess Godwin.
Dreamer. is is now available to stream and watch on all platforms, and on Jess's website.
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Ryan Bourque
This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Zach Hjelmstad and Lilly Choi of Chicken Happen. They discuss the roots of the band, finding their groove as a three piece, pushing their own creative limits, and why friendship is important.
"We were like why don't we take this opportunity to try something different? Like we've been a band for TEN YEARS! I love the way we do things, we've always had this awesome way of writing music together, but we might as well try something new!" - Lilly Choi of Chicken Happen on changing things up for their fourth album Chicken Happen IV.
Chicken Happen IV is streaming now on all platforms.
Catch Chicken Happen December 28th at Liar's Club.
Produced by: Marjorie Alford
Photo Credit: Chicken Happen
Kristen Soutakoun spent 4 years as Mulan at Walt Disney World, 3 years as an Entertainment Host for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and 5+ years in therapy to recover from both of those jobs.
She has half a million followers on TikTok (@notkahnjunior) because she can find anyone’s birthday on the internet. It’s hard to explain. She promises it’s cool.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
C. Russell Price is originally from Glade Spring, Virginia, but now lives in Chicago. They are a Lambda Fellow in Poetry, a Ragdale Fellow, a Windy City Times 30 Under 30 honoree, an essayist, and a poet.
They are the author of a chapbook, Tonight, We Fuck the Trailer Park Out of Each Other (Sibling Rivalry Press) and the full length collection oh, you thought this was a date?!: Apocalypse Poems (Northwestern University Press). Their current projects are Bisquick: Seance Poems and I Don’t Need a Mood Ring; I’ve Got a Face (a memoir).
They are on the editorial and curatorial boards for the Ragdale Foundation, Story Studio Chicago, and The Anarchist Review of Books.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Kira Leadholm of Madame Reaper and the Gentlemen's Club. They talk about bringing this unique concept to life, the grant that helped fund the album, rounding out the band - AKA The Gentlmen's Club, and why Madame Reaper is a sort of "gory robinhood." Madame Reaper's debut album Madame Reaper's Gentlemen's Club is out now.
"I don't really listen to a lot of classical music anymore. But I think there are a lot of things that are just ingrained in me that kind of come up subciounciously. It must be living in my head rent free." - Kira Leadholm on the ways her classical background seeps into her music.
Produced by: Marjorie Alford
Photo Credit: Mo Tuesday
Stirling McLaughlin is an award-winning writer and director. His comedy has been praised as "Impossibly balanced between endearing and horrifying" while his horror writing has been called "super-fun and funny" with "lots of laugh out loud moments." His debut feature COLD WAR was the closing night film at the 22nd LA Comedy Festival and the opening night film of the 2018 Midwest Independent Film Festival.
Stirling currently lives in Evanston, IL with his wife and two adorable children. In short, Stirling McLaughlin is a fancy, fancy man. Possibly too fancy. Maybe he should tone it down with the fanciness.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features Director Jessi D speaks with Cameron Lee, who performs as Eel Romance, about his debut album, Funny Blue, his struggle with and commitment to creating his perfect first album, being inspired to finish his album by recording and distributing his own cassette tapes using a recorder from a 90s cereal promotion, and how his own audio diaries formed his sampling process.
"I was just going to share it with some friends, and mainly it was just a personal milestone where I wanted to finish something. [...] I've always had trouble saying that something is finished and committing it and saying this is what I wanted to do, I am proud of this. This represents a piece of me. But this one happened to work, and that took a lot of work to do. [...] This is great surprise, and it's very exciting for me. Because I've always wanted to talk about this, I've always wanted to do this." - Cameron Lee
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Nat Werth
Born and raised in Chicago, Andre Vasquez is the Alderperson of the 40th Ward and one of the six Democratic Socialists elected to City Council.
Prior to his life in Public Service, he was the Illinois Director for AT&T Connected Communities, a local Community Organizer with the Peoples Lobby, and a Hip Hop Artist. He has brought those different experiences and perspectives to City Council to improve government services while creating community-centered development.
He is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Special Events and Cultural Affairs, the Secretary of the Progressive Caucus, and Treasurer of the Latino Caucus.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Parker Molloy is a Chicago-based writer and author of The Present Age, a newsletter about communication in a hyperconnected world.
Between 2018 and 2021, Parker was editor-at-large at Media Matters for America, a non-profit progressive media watchdog. There, she wrote about the role right-wing media played in the rise of Donald Trump and the creation of alternate perceived realities.
Her work has also appeared in places like The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, and VICE. The Present Age was the 2022 winner of New York University’s American Journalism Online Award for Best Media Criticism. Judge and former CNN host Brian Stelter called The Present Age “an essential part of an informed citizen’s media diet.”
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with Chicago-based artist Caroline Lucius and her brother and producer Schaeffer Lucius. They discuss the creation process for her newest EP, Running Without Me, producing the entire album alone in the home the siblings share, using samples from family VHS tapes in the production of the album, and making sure to take time for rest.
"I feel like part of me is very anti-nostalgia and against sentimentality becausee it can hold you back in some ways, and it can make you stay in the past. And I feel like I sound harsh when I say that, because so many people will say, it's ironic - your music has a nostalgic vibe." - Caroline Lucius on sampling her family's VHS tapes in her music
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Lori Allen
Carrie Shemanski is a profoundly Midwestern writer, musician, and bon vivant.
By day, she's the Peggy Olson of the L.A. Times. At night, you can find her gracing stages around Chicago with bands like Wolfman and The Bangers. At any hour, she's a fun person to have a drink with.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Adam Schulmerich is an actor and writer, graduate of the Purchase College Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film, Artistic Associate with Shattered Globe Theater, and co-founder of The Lincoln Loft creative space.
He is thrilled to be joining tonight and wants to thank the team at CHIRP radio for having him be a part of this excellent program. He can be seen now and again on local stages and sometimes on screen.
Although woefully infrequently, he does sometimes post on Twitter (@aschulmerich) and Instagram (adamschulmerich).
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Kristi Turnbaugh is a writer, editor, and CHIRP Radio DJ. She grew up in various parts of the Midwest and South and has lived in Chicago since the mid-‘90s. For work, she’s interviewed a slew of fascinating folks, including one of the Village People, a Miss America, and thee Mister Rogers—yes, that Mister Rogers (RIP).
She’s traveled through 25 countries and 48 states and plans to conquer the remaining two in 2023—she’s coming for you, North Dakota and Alaska! For 13 years, Kristi served as a volunteer docent for the Chicago Architecture Center, leading the world-famous Chicago River boat tours in rain, sleet, snow, and shine.
You can hear Kristi on CHIRP Radio as DJ K-Tel every Thursday evening, 6 to 8 P.M.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Jitesh Jaggi is a recent immigrant storyteller, poet, and dancer from India, currently living in Chicago.
He ended his career in Finance one day when he lost all his data that he forgot to save on an Excel sheet, and realized that he just didn't care. That tipping point led to him becoming a writer and he is currently working on a book of essays. A two-time Moth StorySlam winner and a producer for the Story Collider, he also coaches clients in telling their stories.
You can reach out to him at jaggi.jitesh@gmail.com. He loves writing bios because he can refer to himself in the third person. Jitesh can be easily bribed with books and chocolates.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features director Jessi D met up with Ariel Zetina at Pitchfork Music Festival between weather delays in a park field house in Union Park. Ariel is a Chicago-based producer and DJ and made her official Pitchfork debut at this year's festival. They discuss the ensemble nature of her 2022 album, Cyclorama, what inspired her to become a DJ and her ascension to resident DJ at Smartbar, and planning her Pitchfork live show, complete with dancers and costume design.
"I think my favorite thing is being able to get things to flow and move in the chaos of it all. The music doesn't stop for a number of hours, you have to be on your toes and live in the moment." - Ariel Zetina on why she loves DJing.
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Alexa Viscius
This week, Jessi D speaks with formerly Chicago and now New York-based queer pop artist, Ellie Kim aka SuperKnova. They discuss her newest release, superuniverse, and the intentionallity behind the art design for the album, her new production skills, the importance of working with an all female, LGBTQ, and/or person of color creative team, and her journey of studying music to medicine and back to music.
"Of course I'm going to assert myself here, of course I'm going to take up this space, of course I'm going to create a better world where I envision myself for who I am, and I'm worthy as anyone else to take up this space." - Ellie Kim
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Lili Fang
NaturoSynth is spread out around the Midwest at the moment, but they owe their roots to Chicago. Comprised of four members, some family, and some long-time friends, they aim to assemble an authentic, cool, and '80s-inspired mix to light up your summer. Features Co-Director Mick R caught up with the future-funk and psych-pop group to talk about their humble origins, their style and influences, and experience collaborating long-distance.
Listen their latest EP In Control on Spotify.
Follow NaturoSynth on Tik Tok at @naturosynth
The way we started, our name, NatuoSynth, it was a reflection of the types of sounds we wanted to create. Natural meaning natural acoustic sounds, combined with artificial sounds, like synths. - Pranav Joshi
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Zain Siddiqui
This week, Features contributor Ronald Pagan speaks with punk cartoonist Mitch Clem about his recent compendium of his long running autobiographical webcomic, My Stupid Life. They discuss the differences between being online now versus the mid-aughts, looking back on past work with a modern eye, and what in means to be a sell out these days.
My Stupid Life is available on Silver Sprocket.
"Through punk rock, I had discovered DIY and the idea of, hey, if there's a show you wanna see and there isn't anything cool happening in your town, you can book the show yourself. If you're creative in some way, if you're a writer or a musician and you want to make art, then make it. And just put it out yourself." - Mitch Clem
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Mitch Clem
This week, Features contributor Alyssa Edes speaks with Sofie Richter, Hannah Richter, Jackie Cywinski, and Kaitlin Cywinski of Neptune's Core, a Chicago-based indie rock band made up of two sets of sisters. They discuss using Voice Memos to build out the beginnings of their songs, post-Midwestern tornado musical inspiration, looking at songwriting from an architectural perspective, and listening to CHIRP Radio before school.
"I remember so clearly the first time we performed at an informal open mic at Old Town School of Folk Music. And it felt so magical to be playing music and expressing myself with my best friends." Kaitlin Cywinski
"Adding onto Kaitlin, I feel like there's kind of a confidence in each other and I think being sisters and being best friends we understand each other and we can kind of almost predict what the other person's gonna do, predict how they'll feel after something. We're kinda telepathic in a sense." - Sofie Richter
Produced by Alyssa Edes
Photo Credit: Samantha Monendo
This week, Features contributor and DJ Mike Nikolich speaks with Brian St. Clair of legendary Chicago-based indie and alt-rock group Triple Fast Action. They discuss their mid-90s origins and eventual breakup, their newly released collection of 37 rare and unreleased tracks and the process behind bringing the old tech up to spec for rerelease, and their deep connections to Local H and Veruca Salt.
"It turned into this idea with Justin Wexler from Forge Again Records: why don't we put out something prior to all of our stuff while we try to get the rights to put out 'Broadcaster' as a proper reissue? So this is kind of a segue between our two albums that we want to release with Forge Again Records, but it's such a long process trying to get those rights back from Capitol, so we had to do something in the interim." -Brian St. Clair
Produced by Mike Nikolich.
Photo Credit: Marci Rogal
Chicago-based experimental rock group Joan of Arc has been broken up for several years now, but they will be reconvening for a special performance as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival to provide a live soundtrack to the classic Carl Dreyer film The Passion of Joan Arc. Features co-director Mick R caught up with band members Tim Kinsella, Bobby Burg, and Theo Katsaounis to talk about the band's history with the film and how the story of Joan of Arc inspires them and their art.
"[Joan of Arc] could have had a much more comfortable life. But no one would be inspired by her six hundred years later." - Tim Kinsella
The Passion of Joan of Arc will be soundtracked by Joan of Arc as part of Chicago Humanties Festival on May 30. You can find tickets at www.chicagohumanities.org.
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Joan of Arc
This week, Features contributor Andy Vasoyan speaks with Mike and Nate Kinsella about their new art pop post-rock project, LIES. They discuss their debut self-titled album, temporarily naming songs-in-progress after Robyn and their favorite Robyn songs, how making music as LIES feels like a vacation, and getting excited about the same things musically.
"I'd always wanted to do something that was just me and Mike. I think that we have very similar taste. We can sort of finish each other's sentences musically." - Nate Kinsella
Produced by Andy Vasoyan
Photo Credit: Alexa Viscius
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Chicago-based sludge pop trash princess, Meredith Johnston aka warm human. They discuss how the purchase of a new instrument usually inspires the creation of an album, navigating loss by letting the creative process loose on her newest album, Hometown Hero, and how dealing with a uterine fibroid removal in the days of the Roe v. Wade overturn inspired the single "PUSSY IS A GUN."
"And so, honestly, I don't remember a lot of it, but I do remember that I just kind of said 'yes' to every single thing that I came up with. I was like, 'yep, great, yep, great.' And that was just so liberating, and maybe that's because I didn't have the capacity to be nervous or comparative. As an artist, I can get so bogged down with, 'well, this doesn't sound like what other artists are making,' or 'this doesn't sound like this artist that I've been listening to on repeat lately.' I just didn't have any of that. I was like, we're going for it. We're wailing." - Meredith Johnston, on the creative process of her newest album Hometown Hero
Warm human will be playing at the Empty Bottle on Saturday, June 24th with Jimmy Whispers and Sports Boyfriend.
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Gavin McDonald
Daryl Wilson is the lead singer of the seminal Chicago punk band The Bollweevils. Formed in 1989, the group has released many records and been through many iterations over the decades, but as Daryl shares in this interview with Features Department Co-Director Mick R, their latest album Essential is the best that the band has ever sounded. Tune in to hear how the record came together over the course of more than a decade, the band's awesome relationship with local punk label Red Scare, and why they'll never change their style.
"It's our coming out party, to say 'Here's The Bollweevils!' ... it epitomizes how far we've come... and you can hear it now in how it sounds, better than before." - Daryl Wilson, discussing the decision to re-record thier classic song "Bottomless Pit" for their new record Essential.
Essential is out on Red Scare.
The Bollweevils will be playing a record release show with the Brokedowns on 5/27 at the Chop Shop.
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Paul Catani
This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based noise rock artist with "a leg for a bassist," Donna Diane of Djunah. They discuss her Frankenstein-style Moog bass synthesizer pedal board she uses in place of a bassist, the creation of her handmade chainmail bikini for the cover of her recent album, Femina Furens, the exploration of her C-PTSD in the creation of this album, and her end-of-show tradition of destroying her guitar onstage with various sharp objects.
"On this tour, I've really been thinking about my younger self on stage. And I'm like, I'm gonna make her proud of me. She's who I'm singing to, she's who I'm really emoting for, and hoping that other people connect with it, too." - Donna Diane
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Courtney Brooke Hall
This week, DJ Ninja speaks with Bridget Stiebris and Haley Blomquist of OK Cool. They discuss the Chicago music scene, getting over nerves associated with performing in front of others, their new EP, Fawn, and their musical inspirations and processes.
Their upcoming album release show for Fawn will be held May 4th with their dream lineup at Schuba's Tavern.
"We're just two buds. We're just hangin' out. Sometimes we make music, sometimes we don't. And sometimes I think it's good to not take it too seriously." - Haley Blomquist
Produced by DJ Ninja.
Photo Credit: Kennedy Cottrell
Fire-Toolz is an experimental music project from Chicago-based producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Angel Marcloid. In this interview with Features Co-Director Mick R., she discusses how her spiritualism informs her work, responses to her latest album I am upset because I see something that is not there, and her complicated relationship with vaporwave.
I am upset because I see something that is not there is out on Hausu Mountain Records.
"My earliest memories are of people not really knowing what to do with me. I'm used to not being understood. That's always been really hard for me, but I can't be inauthentic and conform, or else I feel like I'm suffocating." - Angel Marcloid
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Eliza Janus
DIY and punk trio Screaming Females have pioneered an uncommon path through the underground and the larger music business since their inception almost twenty years ago. They've released their eighth studio album this year, titled Desire Pathway, now out on Doni Govani records. Ahead of their Chicago stop on their spring tour, vocalist and lead guitarist Marissa Paternoster and drummer Jarrett Dougherty talked with Features Co-Director Mick R. about the state of their creative process and its democratic underpinnings, the contributions of producer Matt Bayles to their latest record and their steady and supportive relationship with Don Giovanni Records.
Screaming Females will be playing at the Corbra Lounge in Chicago on April 19th w/ Generacion Suicida and The Mimes
Find Desire Pathway at https://www.dongiovannirecords.com/
If you're truly having like a democratic creative process where everyone gets to chip in their two cents, you're never going to get exactly what you like, or might absolutely desire. But the whole beauty of being in a band is that ... you come up with something together that you never even expected. - Marissa Paternoster.
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Krista Schlueter
Doom Flower is a stormy and conceptual anti-folk and trip-hop band based in Chicago. Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with vocalist Jess Price and bassist Bobby Burg to talk about how the band came together, the moods and secrets contained in the songs off their latest LP Limestone Ritual, and the significance of Jess's retro, digital camera to the group's aesthetics and visuals.
Limestone Ritual is available on Bobby Burg's own 'Record Label.'
"I like that comparison [of our music] to a big storm. I think often times when it storms, there's kind of a sense of it coming, the mood changes, things quiet a little bit as color of the sky changes, the smell change. And so that's kind of a fun comparison as far as your senses being confused or like just having your attention taken over for a little bit." - Jess Price
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Collin Bunting
Josh Caterer is best known as the lead singer of legendary Chicago pop/punk band Smoking Popes. In 2021, he released a pair of lockdown-inspired solo albums, “The Hideout Sessions” and “The SPACE Sessions.” Hailed by fans and critics alike, the Chicago Reader said, “One of the distinctive characteristics of Caterer’s sound has always been the contrast between his choirboy vocals and the crunch of his band, and the allure of that approach has never been stronger.”
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan and Jenn Rourke. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features contributor Alyssa Edes speaks with Ava Marvin and Logan Greenfield of PINKSQUEEZE, a Chicago-based queer femme indie rock four piece. They discuss how their sapphic cover of "Stacy's Mom" is really just a ploy to get moms' phone numbers, how Tinder helped finalize the band's member lineup, their upcoming album Be Gay Have Fun!, and the importance of healing your inner child and showing queer joy.
"Having a full rock band setup was always [co-founder] April and I's mission for the band. We felt like the music that we wanted to make in this project together was so centered on our queer experiences that we felt like the music that we were making needed to be told from perspective of people who shared identities or similar identities so it could be authentic and truthful." - Ava Marvin
PINKSQUEEZE will be celebrating the release of Be Gay Have Fun! at Cobra Lounge on Saturday, May 20th.
Produced by Alyssa Edes.
Photo Credit: Athena Merry
Anna Lucero is a comedian, actor, and director in Chicago. She was a founding artist at The Lincoln Loft and produced The Gogo Show there for 10 years. She has performed standup at Zanies, The Laugh Factory Chicago, The NY Underground Comedy Festival, The Burbank Comedy Festival, and The Comedy Store.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan and Jenn Rourke. Recorded by Tony Baker.
Frank Orrall is the creative head of long-running, and currently Chicago-based, alternative music collective, Poi Dog Pondering who self-released Keep On Loving Each Other earlier this year. CHIRP DJ and Features contributor Mike Nikolich caught up with Frank to talk about his band's latest album, their journey to Chicago from Hawaii, and how his diverse influences have impacted the band's sonic evolution over time.
You can learn more about Poi Dog Pondering at http://www.platetectonicmusic.com/
"All of a sudden, there were people, from Europe mostly, but , they were adopting acoustic instruments but with a punk mentality, and that's really how we started. Early on, people would say, "Oh, [you're] kind of a Neofolk band." But we weren't looking at it that way." - Frank Orrall, on the origins of Poi Dog Pondering's sound.
Produced by Mike Nikolich
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Josh Friedberg is an author who is excited to be reading for his first First Time event. His writing has appeared in two books, including the 25th anniversary of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, and he has done storytelling with You're Being Ridiculous and a TEDx talk on creativity and autism. You can read his Substack blog, Spectrum Sounds, at joshfrmusic.substack.com. He is also a proud DJ at CHIRP Radio, hosting the nerd-tastic eclectic show Music Historian's Corner on Wednesdays at 9am-12pm.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan and Jenn Rourke. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with Dani and Zeke of Chicago-based jangly glitzy rock band CalicoLoco. They discuss their musical genre influences, writing love songs for yourself, the various friends and family members that create the charming artwork behind their singles, their love for the vast DIY Chicago scene, and why they have Taylor Swift covers on their Bandcamp.
"I say we sound like a bedazzled denim jacket. That's our genre. I don't think we really fit into a lot of genres [...], but we pull from so many, and every song we pull from different genres of what we're listening to at the time." - Zeke
Produced by Ninja
Photo Credit: Vicki Holda
Keisa Reynolds is a writer, storyteller, and educator. Originally from Richmond, California, they hold a MA in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies from Loyola and a BA in Cultural Studies from Columbia College Chicago. Between 2016-2018, they co-produced Whine Club at Uncharted Books with Nohemi Rosales and CONNECTIONS at Jimmy Beans Coffee with Jenny Chukwu. Keisa's time and energy is split between running a non-profit organization, parenting a toddler, and somehow finishing their first essay collection on navigating mental health and sexuality.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan and Jenn Rourke. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features contributor Daniel Edelstein speaks with Mick O'Donnell of Chicago-based band Motel Breakfast. Currently celebrating their five year anniversary as a band, they discuss the band's musical origins and founding, their ethos around giving back by raising funds for the Harold Washington Cultural Center and Feeding America, how their writing style has evolved while being spread across the Midwest, and recording digitally versus on analog.
"It's always been important. It's kind of always been in our ethos. We want to make sure to give back. We're so very lucky to be able to play music and follow our dreams in this way. We wanted to make sure we were giving back as much as we could." - Mick O'Donnell, on Motel Breakfast's fundraising efforts over the years.
Produced by Adalyn Staats.
Photo Credit: TJ Maksimovich
Alicia Nesbary Moore is Chief Veggie Officer of Herban Produce. A native of Richton Park, Illinois, Nesbary Moore is an urban farmer in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. Trained as a molecular biologist, Nesbary Moore oversees the cultivation of crops for her business. It was her vision to help bring new life and economic opportunity to her community, that has historically been a food desert.
Nesbary Moore, a graduate of the University of Illinois, holds a Master’s degree in molecular biology, with a specialty in genetics and plant science, from Chicago State University. She also teaches science and urban agriculture at the City Colleges of Chicago.
She is married to her husband JeVon and mommy to her 1 year old daughter Sevyn.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Julie Mueller and Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan and Jenn Rourke. Recorded by Tony Baker.
This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based Maureen Neer of the mostly-solo electronic and lounge act, Bloodhype. They discuss the solo and collaborative nature of Bloodhype and being more interested in jokes and commitment to the bit than love songs.
"It's all Bloodhype. It's all Bloodhype because as long as I'm in it, it's Bloodhype. And whoever's along for the party, great. Which is very confusing to everyone else but me. So the fun thing is, if you see Bloodhype on a bill, [...] you might see a different set than you've seen before." - Maureen Neer
Photo Credit: Maureen Neer
Produced by Brian Szpak
This week, Features co-director Mick R speaks with Chicago hip hop artist and poetry teacher, Defcee. They discuss the parallels between poetry and hip hop, the genesis of the style of his flow, his influences, his dream collaboration with producer Blockhead, and the naming of his album For All Debts Public and Private.
"I just wanted to be honest and open about those struggles I have as well, because I can be as superhuman as I want to be on the microphone, but at the end of the day, if I'm not being vulnerable in my music as well, there's nothing to distinguish it from the next rapper who thinks they're the best out there." - Defcee
Photo Credit: Michael Salisbury
Produced by Jessi D.
Anna Holmquist is the leader of Chicago based indie folk group Ester. They have released a stand alone double single Red Rover / Change is Allowed in January 2023. Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with Anna to talk about the origins of their band, the role of humor in their music, and some of their earliest concert going experiences.
Red Rover / Change is Allowed was self released to Bandcamp
"[I used to think that it] wouldn't make sense for me to do things that are louder or wouldn't make sense for me to do things that were a little less serious or whatever. But I realized that the music I write is the music I write and whether that is something that is on the quieter range of things or something that is a little louder, or maybe sillier, it's all stuff that is Ester because I'm creating." - Anna Holmquist
Production by Mick R.
Image Credit: Ash Dye
Tommy Kessler is a busy local singer/songwriter who released a full LP and a double EP in 2022, in addition to producing an entire comp of local indie artists to benefit Brave Space Alliance. Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with Tommy to talk about the origins and inspirations of his solo work, his distinctive color palette, and his string of recent releases.
You can find the Weinder Tape comp as well as Tommy Kessler's full catalog at https://tommykessler.bandcamp.com/
"The main feedback I get is that [my music] sounds like me. That's the nicest thing anyone could possibly say about anyone's art, is that it sounds like them." - Tommy Kessler
Production by Mick R.
Image Credit: Katlyn Sansone Wentzel
Singer and songwriter Walker is a recent transplant to Chicago, but already considers it home. He released his debut album, Phew in December 2022 and Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with him to talk about the album, his process, and his experience teaching music to others as a self-taught musician.
Walker will be releasing a series of singles in the sping of 2023; you can keep up with his upcoming releases by following him on Instagram @walkerwonder_
"[T]he main thing I try to do is just follow joy., because for me, joy is the is my muse." - Walker
Production by Mick R.
Image credit: James Werner
Ryan Nolen is the creative engine behind the Chicago-based alternative rock project Footballhead. Features co-director Mick R. caught up with Ryan to talk about his most recent EP Kitchen Fly, the Chicago underground rock scene, whether or not his music is "emo," and his ranking of the best Nick-Toons characters of all time.
Ryan will be playing at Sleeping Village with Dazy and Graham Hunt as part of Tomorrow Never Knows Fest on January 18, 2023. You can find more information at https://sleeping-village.com/.
"I was playing in my band Kirby Grip at the time and we were trying to do like an alternative based, [Smashing] Pumpkins, semi-shoegaze thing, and I had [writen] all these songs that were more like Gin Blossoms or Vertical Horizon almost... Songs that were too poppy... So I said to myself, "I needed an outlet for these things..." - Ryan Nolen on the origins of Footballhead
Production by Mick R.
Image courtesy of the artist.
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Chicago-based singer-songwriter, Aya Ito. They discuss her newly released EP, Just Might, and how each purchase on Bandcamp comes with Aya's favorite homecooked recipes, her Black and Japanese heritage, re-releasing some of her already J-Pop perfect songs in Japanese, and how a Japanese video rental store shaped her upbringing in Indianapolis.
On her nickname, the Blazian Sensation:
"I really, really love both sides of my culture. I love my Black side, I love my Japanese side. I really consider myself fully Black and fully Japanese. I'm proud of my heritage, and proud of being Black and Asian. And Blazian Sensation obviously rhymes, so I was like, it flows! Let me be Blazian Sensation." - Aya Ito
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Abboye Lawrence
Music critics and journalists Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis are the hosts of the long-running music podcast Sound Opinions. Formerly of WXRT and WBEZ, they are now fully independent and jamin' echno. Features co-director Mick R. caught up with Greg and Jim for this final Artists Interview of 2023 to talk about their podcast's origins, the importance of music journalism, integrity in reporting, and the challenges of telling stories that need to be told.
"[The] number one rule of being a journalist is to be curious, always. Never lose that sense that there's a big world out there. You wake up every day and you're gonna learn something new." - Greg Kot
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Marty Perez
This week, Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist folk musician Elijah Berlow. They discuss his east coast roots, love songwriting process, how Chicago has helped his collaboration process, and choosing to perform under his own name to be as much of himself as possible.
"I think what draws me most to writing music is you're just kind of picking up signals throughout your existence, if that makes sense. Like these layers or sounds already exist in you or outside of you, and I have to think that writing about them for me over the years has been like an antennae, a manifesting output of these signals. So I think that's what really draws me in." - Elijah Berlow
Produced by Alyssa Edes.
Photo Credit: Lena Jackson
DIY punk mainstays Jeff Rosenstock & Laura Stevenson are good friends and great collaborators. They've released their second EP of Neil Young covers this year titled, Younger Still. Features Contributor Matty G was able to catch up with the dashing duo to talk about their work together, their favorite Neil Young songs, and what they love most about Chicago.
Jeff & Laura will be playing Lincoln Hall in Chicago this Friday, December 9th, 2022.
Younger Still is out on Polyvinyl Recordings.
"We're friends and we encourage each other and that hasn't really changed... I think that makes for a good collaborative process. And yeah, I guess we have gotten better at music. But also maybe our ideas aren't as cool anymore because we're older." - Jeff Rosenstock
Produced by Adalyn Staats.
Image Credit: Dan Ozzi.
This week, Features Co-Director Mick R speaks with Chicago-based R&B and pop artist and producer, Chaepter. They discuss his midwestern roots, his new and first full-length album where he does it all, Kicking the Cat, his desire to create "Midwest Gothic" aesthetic in his work, how his Catholic childhood shapes him as an artist and person, and of course, what "kicking the cat" means.
"I think I've always really liked Gothic literature as a whole and then how it pertains to the region, like Southern Gothics. [...] I kind of wanted to create something that could be categorized as a "Midwest Gothic." Something that pulls from our geography and our region. What it feels like to live in, kind of like a wasteland. I think a lot of people can relate, especially growing up in central Illinois, there is nothing out there. A lot of it is just gone. It used to be this big beautiful prairie, which is such a cool ecosystem, just got turned into a monoculture. Corn and soybeans. And it just feels empty sometimes. And I wanted to create something that kinda reflected that feeling and how geography can reflect how we feel inside. [...] And some of those midwestern values; honesty, vulnerability, I wanted that to be in there..." - Chaepter
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Valadez
This week, Features contributor Lee Gomez speaks with Dan Kjær Nielsen, Elias Bender Rønnenfelt, Jakob Tvilling Pless, and Casper Morilla of Danish post-punk band Iceage. They discuss their recent release, a compilation album of b-sides and outtakes, Shake the Feeling, touring in America, and their favorite things to eat and drink when visiting Chicago.
"I was really talking in broad strokes about humanity as a whole. I think that's just a reference to the headspace that I was in when I was writing lyrics for it." - Elias Bender Rønnenfelt, in repsonse to Iceage's headspace in creating their 2021 LP "Seek Shelter."
Produced by Adalyn Staats.
Photo Credit: Soren Lynggaard
Archy Jamjun is a storyteller and co-curator of Outspoken LGBTQ Stories at Sidetrack. He is a two-time winner of The Moth Grand Slam in Chicago and has been featured on Best of Risk! Podcast. He is a server, guncle, and cat dad.
CHIRP Radio’s Live Lit and Music series, ‘The First Time’, is unlike any storytelling show in Chicago. It pairs our readers' personal stories about a first-time experience with a song performance. This unique structure allows the story to resonate with audience members as they experience the accompanying song covered by our house band, live at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood.
Show hosted by Jenn Sodini; produced by Julie Mueller & Bobby Evers. Podcast recorded by Tony Baker, Andy Vasoyan, and Alex Stone; produced by Jenn Rourke.
Discussing the Sun is an emo pop group that combines the talents of Chicago-based singer/songwriter Mars and Cleveland hip-hop producer (Leave) Nelson B. Features Co-Director Mick R catches up with them to talk about their new album Feel It All, as well as how the band came together, how they pushed each other to break new ground through their collaboration, and the personal nature of the project's lyrics.
Feel It All is out on Lonely Ghosty Records.
"[Discussing the Sun] lead me into being able to see all of [my emotions] as valid and necessary and crucial for my survival. And at the end, I got to this point where [I was] like, 'Okay, I'm just gonna feel this because I need to...'" - Mars
Produced by Mick R.
Image courtesy of the artist.
Shannon Cason has shared his stories all over the country. Shannon is a host, MainStage storyteller and GrandSlam champion with The Moth. He is a regular on Snap Judgment; awarded their Best Performance Award. Shannon has appeared on countless podcasts and storytelling stages, including TEDx, RISK!, Third Coast Festival, Podcast Movement, and upcoming film projects.
He hosts his own long-running storytelling podcast, Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories. Shannon also hosted two other podcasts -The Trouble with Shannon Cason (WBEZ) & In Good Company Detroit. His storytelling has been featured in the anthology, The Moth Presents: All These Wonders.
CHIRP Radio’s Live Lit and Music series, ‘The First Time’, is unlike any storytelling show in Chicago. It pairs our readers' personal stories about a first-time experience with a song performance. This unique structure allows the story to resonate with audience members as they experience the accompanying song covered by our house band, live at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood.
Show hosted by Jenn Sodini; produced by Julie Mueller & Bobby Evers. Podcast recorded by Tony Baker, Andy Vasoyan, and Alex Stone; produced by Jenn Rourke.
This week, Features Co-Director Mick R speaks with Chicago-based artist Jordan Reyes. They discus his new album, Everything Is Always and how an antipsychotic drug led to an overwhelming obsession with death, how zen, zaza meditation and drone metal helped, and his collaborators.
Jordan Reyes will be celebrating Everything is Always at a release show held at the International Museum of Surgical Science on November 4, 2022.
"I talked to my general practitioner about everything that I was doing and we did a bunch of tests. He said, well, you're physically fine but there's something going on there. It's advice you wouldn't expect from a doctor, but he just told me to make music every day. So I was like, this guy's pretty smart and I know that music has helped me in the past, and I'm trying to wrangle all of these ideas, so I started working on Everything Is Always and what would be Everything Is Always." - Jordan Reyes
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Katherine Squier
Sean Bair-Flannery is a comedian who has appeared on Comedy Central, Sirius Radio, NPR and more. He is the creator and producer of the popular story-telling show “The Blackout Diaries” and his debut book, "Places I Can't Return To", will be available in June 2022.
Sean can often be found behind the bar at the Galway Bay Pub on Chicago’s north side. He does NOT work there.
CHIRP Radio’s Live Lit and Music series, ‘The First Time’, is unlike any storytelling show in Chicago. It pairs our readers' personal stories about a first-time experience with a song performance. This unique structure allows the story to resonate with audience members as they experience the accompanying song covered by our house band, live at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood.
Show hosted by Jenn Sodini; produced by Julie Mueller & Bobby Evers. Podcast recorded by Tony Baker, Andy Vasoyan, and Alex Stone; produced by Jenn Rourke.
Liska is a Chicago-based singer and songwriter with a fun and bright DIY sound. She talks with Features Co-Director Mick R about her latest EP La Boom, her greatest influences, and what it was like growing up in a family of professional musicians.
Liska will be playing a special Halloween show at Golden Dagger in Chicago with Modern Nun and TheUpDowns on October 30, 2022. Tickets can be found at goldendagger.com.
La Boom was self produced and released.
"I like to think of myself as super badass, but I know that I do not come off that way. Because I'm always thinking like, 'Wow, I'm really giving like 'Scorpio Rising' death glares,' and then everyone's like, 'You're so cute!' ... So I've now leaned into that." - Liska
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Matt Allen
Lily Be is a Chicago westside born and raised award-winning storyteller. Lily Be is the first Latinx winner of a Moth GrandSLAM championship. Creator and producer of Stoop Style Stories formerly The Stoop and Education Director at Story Collider.
Lily Be is a huge advocate for the marginalized and a lot of her storytelling work is centered around helping people discover their voices and be heard. Lily has taught at Second City and colleges and universities worldwide. Her calling to connect and serve has been a longstanding motivation for the work that she does and continues to do. Storytelling has the power to shape, transform, and save lives and Lily Be is living proof. Stoopstylestories.com for more info.
CHIRP Radio’s Live Lit and Music series, ‘The First Time’, is unlike any storytelling show in Chicago. It pairs our readers' personal stories about a first-time experience with a song performance. This unique structure allows the story to resonate with audience members as they experience the accompanying song covered by our house band, live at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood.
Show hosted by Jenn Sodini; produced by Julie Mueller & Bobby Evers. Podcast recorded by Tony Baker, Andy Vasoyan, and Alex Stone; produced by Jenn Rourke.
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Venus Laurel and Konstantin Jace of Chicago art rock band Moritat. They discuss how cohabiting with drummer Corey McCafferty in a two-flat during the majority of their time as a band allowed them to experiment creatively, how their sound has become more refined in the decade-plus they've spent together, and the five year writing process for their most recent album, Vermilion.
"It's just there's so much change at once in the world, through a pandemic and nervous politics that it's just - writing music and doing art in the middle of it, you absorb whatever's happening. I mean, you're dealing with the world, [...] it's a fight against death, really. [...] All the changes that you're dealing with it as an artist and a musician, it's all gonna bleed in because you're really synthesizing the world." - Konstantin Jace
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Moritat
This week, Features contributor DJ Ninja speaks with Chicago artist Al Rose. They discuss his eighth album, Again the Beginner, his spontaneous and in-the-moment setlist planning, how he future-proofs his protest songs, and why he doesn't play the flute at shows anymore.
"The fun part is because of the release and catharsis. I still kinda drum up the rage that happens when I wrote the song, but the release is fun. Because playing music, anybody who's ever been in a band or is watching, it looks like the musicians are having a really good time playing, whether it's a quiet thing or a loud, raucous thing. I will say from experience that it is fun; it's great to be in a band and make noise like that." - Al Rose
Produced by DJ Ninja.
Photo Credit: Al Rose
This week, Features contributor Matty G sits down with Christine Goodwyne and Nicolette Alvarez of emo/indie rockers Pool Kids to talk about their self-titled album, the hurdles they encountered in releasing it (including a studio flood!), how they made their way up from Florida to call Chicago home, and much more!
Pool Kids self-titled album is out on Skeletal Lightning.
"Well, we definitely lucked out... [It's] like we showed up and we had this huge extended family of people that welcomed us in and were like, 'Hey, do you want to start a band with us? Hey, do y'all want to go to the show with us?' We were really able to just tap into this whole network of friends and artists and it's been really, wonderful since then." - Pool Kids, on arriving in Chicago from Tallahassee.
Produced by Brian Szpak.
Image Credit: Mimi Hong
This week, Features contributor Lee Gomez speaks with Charlie Steen, Sean Coyle Smith, and Josh Finnerty of English post-punk band shame. They discuss their current American tour and how things have changed from touring pre-pandemic, their newest album Drunk Tank Pink, their collaborative music video process, and their frenetic dance moves.
"Don't stop writing, don't stop playing. I mean, there's other things, but those are the big ones. Keep doing that. Or else." - Charlie Steen
Produced by Adalyn Staats.
Photo credit: Sam Gregg
The Cool Kids are an American hip hop duo combining the talents of Sir Michael Rocks and Chuck Inglish. For more than a decade, they have been cutting a unique path through the world of rap, releasing groundbreaking albums and delivering unforgettable performances. They're now set to take it to another level with an event they are calling Night School, which will be taking place at Thalia Hall on September 24th. It will feature a dinner curated by Chuck Inglish & Chef Ben Trusdell of Dusek's, a live Mystery School Podcast recording hosted by Sir Michael Rocks and Owen Bones, and a cameo stuff performance by The Cool Kids themselves in which they will be performing their latest three-part album, Before Shit Got Weird. Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with the dynamic duo to talk about the concepts and inspirations behind their new album and Night School, and where the guys believe their project is headed next.
Stream Before Shit Got Weird on Spotify.
Tickets to Night School are available through Thalia Hall.
"In a way, [Night School] turns the concert concept upside down a little bit. I think that gives more room for us as curators to do what we do best. Because I think that's the era that we're able to step into now. We're at a point right now where [The Cool Kids] have been curating so much through music and through fashion and through our own tastes and interests that now we need to bring those tastes and interests and bring that curatorial spirit into how we present our shows and tours." - Sir Michael Rocks
Production by Mick R.
Image Credit: Jamal Peters
Conversation with Blake Karlson of local label Chicago Research, talking about the collaborative origins of the label, its aesthetics and focus on local music, why it's coming to an end, and Blake's new record store, Signal Records, located at 3156 W. Diversey Ave.
"I think the project [Chicago Research] was successful in what I initially wanted it to be was just archiving a very specific point in time from a very specific place, because we only released stuff that was in Chicago." - Blake Karlson
Produced by Mick R.
Image by Chicago Research
This week, Matty G speaks with Chicago's own Taylor Bennett. They discuss his most recent show and how it's in the top five moments of his life, his ongoing project, Be Yourself, and how that slogan applies to his coming out as bisexual, attending and performing at Pride in both LA and New York, and his most recent full-length album Coming of Age.
"The biggest thing you can do as an artist is grow. And I always want my fans to grow with me and not just from a musical standpoint, but a life standpoint. So, I have to always feel at least open enough to express myself, and if it doesn't succeed, then at least I know one, it was authentic, but then two, in this situation, I feel like I'm having a lot of success because I'm doing what I love, I'm truly happy." - Taylor Bennett
Produced by DJ Ninja
Photo Credit: Taylor Bennett
This week, Features contributor Lee Gomez speaks with Nathan Williams of Wavves at their Chicago stop at Thalia Hall for their postponed-due-to-COVID 10-year anniversary tour for their third album, King of the Beach. They reminisce on the creation and songwriting on the album, the late and great Snacks the cat from the album's artwork, releasing b-sides from the album on Wavves' Patreon, and 40oz preferences.
"At the time I remember being a little bit nervous; those things get to you, having never having the attention or people writing or talking about me really. [...] And so people, I felt like, kinda wanted me to fail. But no, I don't think I'd change anything. I think that it ended up being exactly what it was supposed to be." - Nathan Williams
Produced by DJ Ninja
Photo Credit: Jesse Lirola
Mike Reed is a respected jazz drummer and one of the many people who makes Pitchfork Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival happen each year. In this episode of the CHIRP Radio Artist Interview Series, he talks with Features Co-Director Mick R. about the founding of Pitchfork Fest, the legacy of the Chicago Jazz Fest, and details what he has planned next for his many solo projects.
"It's about music, and music discovery... that's still first and foremost what we do." - Mike Reed, on Pitchfork Fest
Production by Mick R.
Image: Courtesy of the Artist
This week, Features contributor Ronald Pagan speaks with Bev Rage of Chicago's own queer garage pop band, Bev Rage & the Drinks. They discuss their upcoming full length album, Exes and Hexes, the expansion of their member lineup, the refining of their sound while retaining their sense of humor, queer diversity in the music scene in Chicago, and the importance of showcasing their humor and being a highly visual band in the form of music videos.
"Everything I write on this album is either coming from a true place or an exaggerated piece of truth that happened in my real life. I find most of my lyric writing comes from real life things that I've experienced. So everything you hear on this album, it's all real." - Bev Rage
Produced by Adalyn Staats.
Photo Credit: Dan Jarvis
Jeff Parker is a guitarist and composer, famous for his jazz session work and his contributions to the Chicago band Tortoise. After his performance at Pitchfork Fest in July 2022, he returned home and took a call from his home studio from features co-director Mick R. They talked about his performance at Pitchfork and chatted about the origins and creation of his 2021 solo album, Forfolks. It's a wonderful and warm conversation that we hope you'll enjoy.
"The New Breed was a kind of posthumous tribute to my father. Suite for Max Brown was the kind of tribute to my mom, who's still around. And Forfolks is for all of us. It's for the folks." - Jeff Parker
*Produced by Mick R.
Image: Courtesy of Artist.*
Zvrra is a Chicago producer and game developer who makes techno and dark ambient music inspired by fantasy RPGs and video games soundtracks. Mick R checked in with this innovative artist to learn more about her work and what games inspire it.
Zvrra's latest album Solace can be found on Bandcamp.
Zvrra also streams on Twitch.
"I try to capture that early 2000s electronic vibe and kind of merge it with a modern sound." - Zvrra
Produced by Mick R.
Image courtesy of artist.
This one is for all you baseball fans. Josh Kantor is a former Chicago resident and current organist for the Boston Red Sox. CHIRP DJ and Features contributor Mike Nikolich caught up with Josh to talk about the saga that resulted in him becoming the owner of Nacy Faust's organ, an instrument that she used to delight White Sox fans for many many years. The story starts with an auction and culminates in a cross-country tour featuring Kelly Hogan of the Decemberists, Max Crawford of Poi Dog Pondering and Robbie Fulks player Gerald Dowd. Also in this interview, Mike and Josh cover Josh's work with Hot Stove Cool Music and his many rock band side projects.
"Keep the repertoire current, keep updating, keep learning the new pop songs, it's more work than just kind of sticking to what you already know. But it's well worth it." - Josh Kantor
Produced by Mike Nikolich
Image: Adam Glanzman
This week, Features co-director Mick R. catches up with Chicago-based percussionist Quin Kirchner while on tour with Ryley Walker in Europe. They discuss adapting to a variety of styles of music in the bands he plays with, the conversational art of improvisation, and the creative processes of making accessible excerpts for his release Concentric Orbits, a duo with France-based pianist Rob Clearfield.
"It's so important to listen and to be aware of what the other musicians you're playing with are saying and where they're coming from because it is a conversation." - Quin Kirchner
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Lizzie Kirchner
Kashika is Flung, an Oakland polyrhythmic and experimental music project that bridges the worlds of poetry and sample-based music. They have a new album dropping this summer called Apricot Angel, and in this interview they speak with Features co-director Mick R. about how the new album came together, how Kashika translates their songs to a live setting, the enduring influence of Zimbabwean Shona Marimba on their music, and more.
Flung will be playing the Hideout on July 2, 2022. Information can be found at https://hideoutchicago.com/
Apricot Angel will be out on Citrus City on Citrus City on August 19, 2022.
"Once the songs going you're part of it and you have to stay with it and you have to attend to it, and even if something falls away, you still have to get back on it and give it what you can" - Kashika
Produced by Mick R.
Photo credit: Jordan White
This week, Features co-director Mick R. speaks with Nat Breeden of Arcadia Grey, a formerly Indianapolis-based and now Chicago-based emo/pop punk band. They discuss Arcadia Grey's surprising influences, the rise of fifth-wave emo during the pandemic, and the maturation of the band's sound on their upcoming sophomore album.
"Once our music is out there, it isn't our music anymore, it isn't our art anymore, it's the people who listen to it and how they want to interepret it. I think, looking back, on the process of making the art, I think it's a good idea to have someone else create it with their own intentions in mind, and have the audience intrepret it. I think that's cool. I think that's what we try to strive for in our music." - Nat Breeden
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: V. Sidaugaite
Jennifer Hall is a Chicago based singer who has released a string of powerful singles over the course of 2021 and 2022. Features-director Mick R. caught up with her to talk about her upcoming EP, the inspiration for her recent singles, her work with producer Noah Leger of Disappears, and her many past collaborations.
"I have been incredibly lucky to have music as an outlet, both in listening and creating... it's been a wonderful escape and a great friend in tough times." - Jennifer Hall
Production by Mick R.
Photo credit: Matthew Hollis
This week, Features contributor Lee Gomez speaks with keyboardist and guitarist Jake Hirshland of Chicago-based Post Animal. They discuss Post Animal's live album, Levitation Sessions, recorded at a transformed-with-tracts-of-real-grass Sleeping Village during the pandemic, patronizing King Spa in his downtime, and experimenting with staying the course musically on their newest album, Love Gibberish.
"We're still pushing and trying to get to that next echelon." - Jake Hirshland
Produced by J. Kyle White-Sullivan.
Photo Credit: Kevin Allen.
Makaya McCraven is an influential composer, producer and jazz drummer who calls Chicago home. For his most recent album Deciphering The Message, he was granted access to the Blue Note archives and, utilizing their library, created a record that combines classic jazz samples with fresh recordings produced by his band. Features co-director Mick R caught up with this local luminary to talk about the story behind the record and what he hopes the listener takes away from their experience of it.
Deciphering The Message is available through Blue Note.
Makaya McCraven will be performing for two nights at Lincoln Hall in Chicago on May 27 & 28, 2022.
"All of the work that I do as a musician, as much as it is my professional output, I try to maintain a student of music and look at every opportunity as a chance to grow and learn something as an artist." - Makaya McCraven
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Nolis Anderson
This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago rapper, FURY. They discuss the genesis of her performing name and her creative background, winning the Chicago Works Community Challenge Grant of $1.5 million which will add amenities to Columbus Park in Austin, hosting Lyrics & Libations weekly open mic and how the next generation of artists reinvigorates her, and her forthcoming EP, FURY Revolution.
"I got tired of not showing myself to the world, so "FURY Revolution" is just seeing how I can get my music to tie into bettering the place where I live. I feel like that's what you want, you don't just want to create things. I can rap, I'm talented, but it's more than that. What I love is that people get excited around me, they wanna show me they can rap. [...] How do I get back to where I first started when I was new, I was hungry? Seeing all the people that are up-and-coming, that is what gets me reinvigorated, that's what gets me excited all over again. And I think a lot of us have to find how to get back to that place we once were where it was all new and exciting." - FURY
Produced by Brian Szpak
Photo Credit: Samantha Jordan
Earlier in 2022, Zac Bron of Smooth Rogers remixed one of the songs off of Chicago local psychedelic rock band Daydream Review's self-titled EP. The remix of "Yesterday and Tomorrow" brought out some fun and funky space disco and was released as a separate single. Daydream Review's Elijah Montez and Zach are long-time collaborators in various projects, and Features Co-Director Mick R caught up with both of them to talk about their most recent single and get some insights into how they work together.
Both Daydream Review's self-titled EP and the "Yesterday and Tomorrow" remix single were self-released via Bandcamp.
"The way that I talk about the EP with other people is each song is almost like trying on different hats... [and] Zach has a really great expertise in making things sound funky almost like without even trying." - Elijah Montez
Production by Mick R.
Image courtesy of the artists.
Aaron Maine released the fifth LP with his project Porches titled All Day Gentle Hold ! at the end of 2021. This past spring he embarked on his first tour since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Features contributor Matt G caught up with Aaron to talk about the significance of the tour for his life and his career and how his time in quarantine effected the sound of his latest album.
All Day Gentle Hold ! is out on Domino Recording.
"It's feels like the first album I ever put out. It feels like the first tour I've ever been on. That feeling and that energy is really inspiring. It is difficult to take any of that for granted now and it just feels like such a gift." - Aaron Maine
Production by Brian Szpak.
Image Credit: Jason-Nocito.
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with formerly Pittsburgh-based pop/hip-hop and visual artist Brittney Chantele, who now calls Chicago home. Brittney discusses their drive to always speak out for what's right, working through their traumatic experiences during their military career on their album The Golden Opportunity, and DJing Taylor Swift Night at Subterranean as their entry into the Chicago DJ world.
"I was just sharing my story, I was just sharing what happened to me. And for me that is a part of saying something instead of doing nothing." - Brittney Chantele
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Riley J. Benson
Manasseh Croft, aka, Manasseh is a Chicago based soul singer whose debut album Monochromatic Dream explores themes of dream interpretation and how those dreams inspire action. Feature Co-Director Mick R. caught up with Manasseh to talk about the collaborations that made his album possible, his work as a vocal coach, and how dreams have changed his life.
You can stream Monochromatic Dream on SoundCloud and Spotify.
"We all have had those life defining moments. And they have come to us in dreams, whether we paid attention to them or not." - Manasseh
Production by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Seed Lynn
This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with Chicago-based songstress Khaliyah X. They discuss her new EP Just For the Summerand how recording it during the winter and spring kept her going through the cold weather, her musical influences and inspirations, her interests in healing and herbalism, and her favorite live performance experiences thus far.
"There's nothing you have to explain to anyone, just believe in yourself and find people who believe in you and create the room that you want to be in. If you have something to say, if you have a gift, you didn't get that gift for no reason. It was given to you to share with the world, so share it." - Khaliyah X
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Novdon
Chicago-based producer Mike Meegan is the master sound architect behind the electronic dance music project RXM Reality. Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with Mike to talk about his latest album sick for you, out on Hausu Mountain Records. They talk about Mike's inspirations drawn from his label mates, his personal goals for the project, and the unlikely origins of his project's name.
sick for you, and other transdimensional oddities, can be found through Hausu Mountain Records.
"[I]t's better to have an intense response to something than an apathetic, 'eh, whatever' one." - Mike Meegan
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Bryan Ohr.
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Adele Nicholas of Axons about their most recent release, I Object to Everything. They discuss her career within Axons and the bands current three-piece format, her day job as a civil rights attorney, and her inspiration from and deep research into a prison breakout - I Object to Everything is a concept album inspired by the true and almost mythological story of Kenneth Conley and Joseph "Jose" Banks, two inmates who escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago in 2012.
"There were certain parts of this story that just were so emotionally compelling that I just knew they had a song in them." - Adele Nicholas
Axons will be hosting a release show at the Hideout on Thursday, April 7, 2022.
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo credit: Jazmyne Fountain
Cloakroom is an experimental post-metal and space rock group out of Northwest Indiana, comprised of vocalist and guitarist Doyle Martin, bassist Bobby Markos, and drummer Tim Remis. They have an album out on Relapse titled Dissolution Wave that envisions a future dystopia without art. Check out Features Co-Director Mick R's conversation with Markos about the ideas that inspired the album and why Cloakroom's sound will never stop evolving and expanding.
Get Dissolution Wave from Relapse Records.
"The art of Earth is the source of vibrance of humanity... Without it, the world would be a dark place... I don't want to think about Earth without Art." - Bobby Markos
Production by Mick R.
Image Credit: Vin Romero
This week, Features Co-Director Mick R speaks with Woody Goss, a Chicagoland native who is best known as the pianist and composer of Vulfpeck. Goss discusses his latest solo album, Rainbow Beach, which is a real beach in the South Shore neighborhood, and how a rare birding experience there shaped the visual theme of the album, the lore behind Carolina parakeets and their inclusion in Rainbow Beach's album artwork, and his fruitful year of birdwatching.
"I wanted to make something relaxing. [...] Booker T and the MGs had this song called 'Sunday Sermon' that I had been listening to for a few years and I put this song on whenever I just wanted to just chill out, and I was like, 'man, I want more music like this.' And so that was kind of an inspiration. I need more music with just a live single and a piano just grooving." - Woody Goss
Produced by Mick R
Photo Credit: Erin Ayalp
Alexia Roditis is a singer in a punk band called Destroy Boys. Features contributor Marjorie Alford caught up with Alexia to talk about the origins of the band, social justice issues and some of Alexia's favorite fan interactions, as well as learn why the band is not riot grrrl and discuss how and why Alexia came to identify with they/them pronouns.
"They/them pronouns to me mean, gender nonconformity, and not subscribing to a binary, which are two things that I love about myself... pronouns really kind of come down to an expression of my gender. And it's like a public way to do that. It's nice to feel affirmed, you know? They/Them reflects how I feel about myself. - Alexia Roditis"
Destroy Boys's new album Open Mouth, Open Heart is out through Hopeless Records.
Produced by Brian Szpak
Photo Credit: Ashley Gellman
This week, Features co-director Mick R speaks with Chicago-based multigenre artist Megiapa. They discuss her genre-less approach to music, her Ohio roots and how it shaped her musical upbringing, how her brother's first turntables taught her her first lessons about producing music, the push to create music in the moment of inspiration on her most recent album Diddies Vol. 1, and the reasons she chose and stuck with her stage name.
"I think the [...] most fun, comes from those moments when you just have a quick idea and it actually turns out to be something that's catchy or effective emotionally or just representative of the moment in which you came up with it, and that you delivered upon it. I think there's something special in that moment." - Megiapa
Produced by Jessi D
Photo Credit: Megiapa
This week for the CHIRP Radio Artist Interview Series, we caught up with Jimmy and Pete of the Chicago-based electronic production duo SiP/Prezzano. We talked about how they met and decided to start working together, the overlap between their individual styles, and their debut, self-titled album. Interview by Mick R.
SiP/Prezzano's album is out on Moon Glyph.
"We definitely have some different ideas and always want to try different approaches." - Jimmy Lacy
Produced by Mick R.
Image Credit: Drew Ryan
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Chicago- and New York-based artist Lakshmi Ramgopal. They discuss how her experience as a professor of history at Columbia University shapes her collaborative and storytelling skills as an artist, her shift to longer-term sound installations and site-specific ensemble performances, her previous work in Love and Radiation, how the death of her grandmother caused her to move towards working through her personal life in her art, and her familial and cultural legacy.
"This has been a really important way for me to understand my changing relationship with my family and also my cultural heritage over the course of my life and all the tensions that come from being a second-generation Indian woman and growing up in a bicultural household; I think it has helped me think on what kind of legacy I want to have." - Lakshmi Ramgopal
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Jense
Rave and house artist Eris Drew proves that she is the High Priestess of the Motherbeat on her debut LP Quivering In Time, released on her own T4T LUV NRG label. She talks with features co-director Mick R about the influence of Terence McKenna on her work, the magic and science behind dance music, and the importance that safety plays in clubs and at festivals.
Quivering In Time is out on T4T LUV NRG.
"There's something really magical about dance events. And the kinds of experiences I've had at some of them can only be described as life changing or mystical or spiritual on some level." - Eris Drew
Production by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Eris Drew.
This week, Features contributor Mike Nikolich speaks with Kyle Paulin, Anthony Cook, Garrett Campbell, and Derek Dare of Chicago's St. Marlboro. They discuss their punk roots and how it shows through in the indie country they play today, their recent release show at Schuba's for their LP Photo Album, and how spending time at Anthony's grandmother's empty house during the pandemic served as the visual inspiration for their series of singles and album.
"I find a lot of inspiration when I'm playing live. Sometimes when a song hasn't been recorded yet, I'm kind of developing it during the live shows, trying different things, and seeing what feels right." - Anthony Cook
Produced by Mike Nikolich.
Photo Credit: Bobby Serwa
Legendary Chicago DJ and pioneering footwork producer RP Boo talks about the music that inspired him to start producing, how his fourth album Established! got its name, and why music is the key to understanding and why it will outlast everything else. Interview by Features Co-Director Mick R.
"We are all part of music and that's the greatest thing that I've learned... I have all the days until I'm no longer here to keep creating something unknown and to inspire others to keep going." - RP Boo
Established! is out via Planet Mu.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Matthew Avignone
This week, Features contributor Lee Gomez speaks with Alex Edkins of Toronto-based METZ in advance of their headlining show at the Metro on December 15th. They discuss the refining of their sound and Edkins' solo writing process, how becoming parents has refocused the band's priorities, preparing in advance and committing to Steve Albini's process during the production of 2017's Strange Peace, and creating a live album, Live at the Opera House, featuring a performance of their 2020 album Atlas Vending as a way to keep their musicianship skills strong during the pandemic and connect with their fans.
"You just see the world differently, and that always seeps into the writing. I also think that it sort of makes you focus, makes sure you're using your time wisely. When we're out touring, we want the shows to be great. For writing, we want it to be the best thing we can make. Because it's time away from our families. And so that hits home pretty hard, you're like, let's not waste our time here. Let's make it count." - Alex Edkins
Produced by DJ Ninja.
Photo Credit: Norman Wong
Angel Marcloid is the producer and visionary behind the boundary-pushing and Chicago-based electronic music project Fire-Toolz. She spoke with Features Co-Director Mick R. about her latest album Eternal Home and how it ended up being her longest release to date, as well as how she manages to maintain such a relentless work ethic, and the role empathy plays in the writing and performance of her music.
Eternal Home is available from Hausu Mountain Records
"If you're not trying to see the full perspective, then you're doing yourself a disservice... and that's something that Fire-Toolz is all about... that sort of non-duality and trying to see all the shades of something... all angles, because that's the wisest thing and the healthiest thing that we can be doing for ourselves when we are interpreting our experiences." - Angel Marcloid
Production by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Lyndon French
This week, Features contributor and CHIRP DJ Mike Nikolich speaks with Nashville-by-way-of Chicago artist Phillip-Michael Scales. Scales speaks about how losing a role in Hamilton pushed him to work with a vocal coach and reach the true potential of his range, his relationship with blues powerhouse and family friend B.B. King shaping his guitar artistry, and creating his new LP, Sinner-Songwriter, in relative isolation in a cabin in Wisconsin.
Produced by Mike Nikolich.
Photo Credit: Bryan H. Iglesias
The Chicago-based Latin fusion band Dos Santos wants their city stay connected with the international community that helps it maintain its local character. For this episode of the CHIRP Radio's Artist Interview Series, bandleader Alex Chavez spoke with Features Department Co-Director Mick R. about the philosophy of Dos Santos's music, the legacy of Latin rhythms in popular music within the United States, and the making of their second album for International Anthem, City of Mirrors.
Buy City of Mirrors from International Anthem.
"I think the thread that unites what we do is just a deep appreciation and therefore desire to continue to be inspired by Latin American rhythm... an approach to those ideas that we subsequently experiment with." - Alex Chavez
Production by Mick R.
Image Credit: Victor Duarte
This week, Features Department Co-Director Mick R speaks with Joe Marshall, Cheryl Höglind, and Conor O’Donovan of Chicago-based "Midwest kitchen techno" group Gosh Diggity. They discuss the exclusion of a drummer in their band, their tough-to-self-describe music genre categorization, their chiptune, punk, bedroom pop, and indie influences, keeping things upbeat, and their genuine friendship. Their most recent release, Runaway Rocketboy,is available on Bandcamp.
"Being in a band, I think it's all about the vibes that you give each other, and it's hard to describe when you find something that really fits well. I think it's kind of like a really good friendship when you find people that bring something to the table that you really enjoy working with, [...] making music, but also just being pals." - Joe Marshall
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Joslyn Vosta
Doug Kaplan and Max Allison run the Chicago-based experimental record label Hausu Mountain. They talked with Features Department Co-Director Mick R about the origins of the label, what kinds of artists they like to work with, their opinions on psychedelic music, and their unique approach to avant-garde art.
Featured Tracks (in order of appearance):
"Steam Room Sauna Holla" by Sharkula x Mukqs
"Help Desk" by Wobbly
"Rhododendron pt. II" by d'Eon
"Fungal Abundance" by Prolaps
You can check out Hausu Mountain's catalog online on their site.
[We're interested in] musicians that are able to... convey excitement and fun, but also maintaining a dedication to total experimentalism [and] genre recombination... [T]here's a whole group of people that have just associated experimental music with listening to a fan for an hour... they're just like "Peace! I don't want to deal with that. That sounds really, really boring to me." [W]e want to work with the people that are [experimental] but able to make [it] fun and engaging for musicians and non-musicians alike.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Doug Kaplan & Max Allison
This week, Features contributor Mike Nikolich speaks with Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer, and Blake Rhein of the Bloomington, Indiana-based retro-soul/contemporary R&B group, Durand Jones & The Indications. They talk about their recording process over email due to the pandemic on their new record Private Space, losing power at a recent show at the Vic, and their origins at Indiana University.
"I have favorite moments more than favorite songs, I feel like. For me, I love the end of Private Space. What Ben Kane, the mixing engineer, did in those moments, I close my eyes and I just see all these different kinds of greens and colors swooshing. It's really beautiful. That's my favorite moment on the record it still gives me chills when I got really good headphones on and I'm listening to it."
-Durand Jones
Produced by Mike Nikolich.
Photo Credit: Ebru Yildiz
Natalie Chami of TALSounds and Whitney Johnson of Matchess have joined forces to create the experimental music project Damiana. They spoke with Features Co-Director Mick R about the origins of the band, making their new record Vines, techniques for improvising music, and how they came up with their band's name.
If I'm having a good improv set usually something happens in that set where it's like, "Oh wow! That made me curious!" ... Something strange happens, you hear a sound that's unfamiliar, and you're like, "I want to try to keep pursuing that as long as it makes sense." - Whitney Johnson
Vines is out now on Hausu Mountain Records.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Doug Kaplan
This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with local artist Jean Cochrane, who performs as Hard Femme. Jean discusses their latest release, A Layer of Topsoil, and how the album was initially conceived as a group effort became a solo project during the pandemic, the effect Chicago has had on their music, and their safer and more relaxed bike route mapping project, Mellow Bike Map.
"I think that can-do ethic with very little investment in local social standing but then also the BMF of the music industry writ large is something that I really respect; that kind of raised me in a sense and it's an ethic I try to pursue." - Jean Cochrane
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: M Slater
Jaimie Branch is an accomplished jazz trumpeter and composer from Long Island, who once upon a time called Chicago home. For this week's episode of the CHIRP Radio Artist Interview Series, Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with Jaimie to talk about latest album Fly Or Die Live, her connections to Chicago, and how she balances her singing with her trumpet playing on her song "Prayer for Amerikkka pt 1 & 2."
"Music is on the side of beauty. We need to put it into the world however we can." - Jaimie Branch
Fly Or Die Live is available from International Anthem.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Abdesslam Mirdass
Sober 21 is a compendium of essays by and interviews with 21 sober musicians. Elia Einhorn, formerly of The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, curated the collection as a tool specifically for musicians who are seeking sober voices and perspectives in an often challenging and addiction-enabling industry. The zine is free for download through The Creative Independent.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Elia recommends the following resources:
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- MusiCares
Interview and production by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Elia Einhorn
Paul and Jon of the Chicago-based hardcore band La Armada discuss their band's origins in the Dominican Republic, their migration to the United States, the Latin roots of their sound, and cultural and religious origins of the cover art for their new EP Opías. Interview by Features Co-Dirrector Mick R.
Buy Opías from Mal De Ojo Records.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: La Armada
This week, Features Co-Director Jessi D speaks with Chicago-based artist Ifeanyi Elswith. They discuss themes of self-care and setting personal boundaries in her music, being inspired by Sharon G. Flake's novel The Skin I'm In, and releasing an album, Everything Festyle, during the pandemic.
Produced by Jessi D
Photo Credit: Maseo
Dominic "I.B. Fokuz" Pettis EL of Chicago hip hop group Jyroscope goes deep on the history of his collaboration with bandmate Robert "Collasoul Structure" Moman, explains the origins of their name, and provides illuminating insights into their new EP and collaboration with producer Montana Macks titled Happy Medium. Interview by Mick R.
Jyroscope's Happy Medium is available on Bandcamp.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Jason Neloms
This week, DJ Ninja speaks with Sophia Nadia of Cold Beaches. They discuss the first show after a pandemic hiatus, creating an album during the social justice reckoning in the summer of 2020, the happenstance meeting with another band that led her to Chicago instead of New York, and her newfound interest in scoring video game music. Cold Beaches new album, Drifter, is available now.
Produced by DJ Ninja
Photo Credit: Miles Kalchik
Luca Cimarusti, aka Annihilus, talks with Features Co-Director Mick R. about his second LP, Follow a Song From the Sky. Luca explains the origins of his band's name, the collaborations that inform his latest record, and why he doesn't see the project appearing in a live setting.
Follow a Song From the Sky is available through Federal Prisoner Records.
Production by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Michael Vallera