We're seeking new members for our 2025 Board of Directors, as well as our founding Associate Board for young professionals 35 and under. Details and application at each of the links above.
The CHIRP Blog
'O Celestial Golfball That Rules The Night... writesWhy I Volunteer: Dave Staples
I’m Dave Staples, CHIRP volunteer & DJ and I love being involved with CHIRP. I originally came for the music. For me, it’s all about discovering & sharing new artists. Being a loyal listener satisfies the former, and being a dedicated DJ satisfies the latter. CHIRP is a refreshing and consistently reliable (compared to non-commercial stations that switch formats from hour to hour) substitute for the standard FM stations that seem hopelessly redundant and frustratingly limited. These dinosaurs of FM play good songs, but they play the same ones over and over and over ad nauseum. This is common knowledge of course, but the point I’m trying to make is that being involved with CHIRP means that I’m part of the antidote, and I couldn’t possibly be more proud of that.
This is why I became a DJ. I’m compelled by the same drive that I’ve always had when I come across a new band or artist that captures my attention. My first reaction is to think “which of my friends would appreciate this album? Who can I share this with?” That’s what it boils down to at the core. Let’s ask that question again; Who can I share this with? Nowadays the answer is anyone. All you have to do is tune in.
Having a chance to share fascinating and awesome music for three hours per week scratches an itch that I’ve had for half my life. (and don’t get me started about all the like-minded friends I’ve made since joining!) -- Dave Staples (Volunteer)
Maddie Hannes writesJacco Gardner, MMOSS and Beliefs at the Empty Bottle (3/19/2013)
CHIRP photographer and volunteer Patrick Bobilin was in the crowd at the Empty Bottle last Tuesday, March 19 to catch a show from 24-year-old Dutch singer-songwriter Jacco Gardner, whose 60s-style psych pop was preceded by the drone-folk of New Hampshire rockers MMOSS and the shoegaze sounds of Toronto band Beliefs. Check out his photos below.
Jeremy Peruski writesChicago Represented at SXSW
(above JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound @ Brooklyn Vegan Chicago day party @ Barbarella 03-13-13)
I don't mean to spam you with more SXSW coverage but I want to share with you images of Chicago bands that I was able to capture at this year's South by Southwest! This is by no means a comphensive re-cap of any sorts. This is only a small representation of Chicago bands that were at SXSW. If you've ever been to the festival than you'll realize that it is impossible to see every band and it's hard to get a camera into every show. The following is for your viewing pleasure....
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Keith Relf Edition
Today, let’s pay tribute to a man who fronted one of the more important British Invasion bands, yet no one remembers him. The late Keith Relf was born today, the lead singer of The Yardbirds. Relf was a versatile vocalist who was able to handle the different styles the ‘birds essayed, from blues to rock to pop to psychedelia to bubblegum. While he was understandably overshadowed by the great guitarists in the band (Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck), he certainly was a key part of many great records. In honor of Mr. Relf, get your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle, and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Kelsey Phillips writesDon’t Miss The Orwells at Beat Kitchen on March 23rd!
It's pretty rare for a bunch of teenagers to make grown adults feel lame and unaccomplished. But leave it to The Orwells to do just that. Haling from the suburb of Elmhurst, this quintet literally just graduated from high school, but have done more in the Chicago music scene than plenty of other local bands, all before they could legally buy their own cigarettes.