CHIRP is building an Associate Board for young professionals 35 & under. Interested? Please fill out this form.
The CHIRP Blog
Mike Bennett writesWhat CHIRP Means to Me: Mike Bennett
I’ve
been with CHIRP from the beginning, when we were about turning the idea of a radio station into a reality. I volunteered because I believed in the mission for this community radio station, although I now realize that I didn’t fully appreciate what the “community” part of community radio meant. It means many things.
First, there is the community of listeners, as CHIRP provides music programming that is a true alternative to commercial radio, playing songs and artists that you don’t hear anywhere else.
Second, there is the community of local artists that CHIRP plays, providing exposure, especially for up-and-coming bands. Chicago has one of the most amazing music scenes in the world, and to be a vital part of that community is exciting.
Finally, and most importantly, there’s the community of volunteers who bring various levels of expertise, along with an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm. For a substantial percentage of our volunteers, this is their first experience in radio. I know I have trained over 10 people to become disc jockeys, and I’d guess about a third, if not more, of our DJs are first timers.
And that’s what makes CHIRP so important – anyone can volunteer, as long as they are willing to put in a little bit (or, if they want, a lot) of time. Volunteers can learn all sorts of new skills – in production, in tech, in marketing and much more.
As an original board member, I helped create some of the structure that helped get this station going. And it’s a real station, with real needs for equipment, supplies, payroll (we now have two part-time employees) and anything else any radio station needs to keep going. This is why support from our listeners is so important, so we can continue to serve our communities – the listeners, the Chicago music scene and our volunteers (who knows – one day you, dear reader, might be a volunteer).
Josh Friedberg: Music Historian's Corner writesRediscovering Our Record Collections: “Lady Soul” by Aretha Franklin
Today's Rediscovering Our Record Collections entry takes another listen to Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin's 1968 masterpiece, Lady Soul. This album was Franklin's third for Atlantic Records and one of her most commercially and critically acclaimed releases, containing several hits. Franklin is the daughter of the famous preacher C. L. Franklin, and the gospel music she grew up hearing had a huge influence on her impassioned vocals. She first recorded gospel as a teenager before signing with Columbia Records and recording pop and jazz standards in the early and mid-1960s.
Erin Van Ness writesWhat CHIRP Means to Me: Erin Van Ness
As far back as I can remember, music has been an integral part of my life. There’s something special about finding a song that reaches inside you, connects with you on emotional level, and well, makes you feel alive. It’s a feeling I first knew when I was listening to The Doors with my parents as a young tot and just felt again last week when I heard the new War on Drugs album for the first time.
Music has the potential to break down barriers and bring us all together. It’s a place we can share our sorrows and our celebrations. It helps us remember our roots and embrace the future. This is a gift CHIRP shares with the entire Chicago community—and beyond.
If you’ve ever connected with a song, album, or artist that you’ve heard on CHIRP that has given you that same feeling of emotion, that has made you remember or hope, smile or cry, or even just sing, I encourage you to make a gift of support today in a show of solidarity for this amazing place that is independent, community-supported radio.
Tyler Clark presents: Local Mythologies writesCHIRP Radio Welcomes Ex Hex to Schubas This Tuesday March 18th!
After stints in groups like Autoclave, Helium, and Wild Flag, indie vet Mary Timony is no stranger to the science behind crafting a good band name. For Ex Hex, her new band with bassist Betsy Wright and drummer Laura Harris, she pulled one from an unexpected source: her own back catalog.
Although the band shares a name with Timony's 2005 solo record, the new Ex Hex doesn't simply echo the old. Lead single "Hot and Cold" struts along on a shoulder-shaking riff, giving Timony room to lay down sounds and sentiments that might've plausibly come from an early Cars record. It's muscly, stomp-along power pop that, as Brooklyn Vegan put it, "goes straight for the groin."
Already signed to Merge, Ex Hex will release their debut album some time later this year. But first, the touring. Timony and the gang will stop by Schubas on Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. for an all-ages show. DC grrl troublemakers Priests and Chicago surf punks Blizzard Babies handle opening duties. Tickets are just $10, so grab 'em here!
Jenny Lizak writesWhat CHIRP Means to Me: Jenny Lizak
My name is Jenny Lizak, and I'm the President of the CHIRP Board of Directors. One of my earliest memories is listening to my mom play 60's folk music on her guitar. As I grew older, I took piano lessons, sang in choirs, and eventually began competing in the radio category of the school speech team. In college, I feel in love with being on the air and sharing my music with the audience while working at the campus radio station. When I graduated college and later went on to a career in the music business, I both felt sad that radio was no longer a part of my life, and saw firsthand the high need for radio stations that play independent, local and boundary-pushing music and arts programming as part of a strong cultural community in our city.
I've been a volunteer with CHIRP Radio since its inception, seeing it grow from just a dream into what it is today - a highly acclaimed community radio station operating 365 days a year, with the help of over 200 volunteers from neighborhoods around the city of Chicago contributing their time and passion for radio. Every week, when I am on the air on Sunday afternoons, I hear from listeners who are craving CHIRP's programming - commercial-free, non-profit, independent music and interviews curated by people truly passionate about what they do. When I'm around the city at CHIRP events, I talk to listeners who tell me CHIRP is the reason they listen to radio, and how thrilled they are to have discovered their new favorite band through CHIRP. As a music business professional, I see the positive impact of CHIRP's presence in our city on the work I do every day.
That's why I'm asking you today to make a donation to CHIRP Radio, Chicago's independent community radio station, during our spring fundraising campaign to help us continue to grow and thrive. Our goal is $15,000, and I know with your help, we will hit and even surpass that mark.
If you are able, please give what you can to help us continue to provide this service this year and for years to come. We can't do it without you!