SKaiser writesDark Matter Coffee & The 2015 CHIRP Record Fair

Photos by Christine Connelly & Shawna Kaiser

Music is synonymous with Dark Matter Coffee. Just like CHIRP Radio. So it makes perfect sense for our people to fall in love with their people upon meeting... at Pitchfork nonetheless.

“It’s only natural we collaborate with CHIRP Radio,” Kyle Hodges, Dark Matter Coffee’s Minister of Propaganda said. “We appreciate what CHIRP does in the music community and Chicago in general. We want to support anyway we can.”

The collaboration is next month’s 2015 CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights where Dark Matter Coffee (DMC) is the Exclusive Coffee Partner & Sponsor. Five hundred bags of the exclusive CHIRP blend will hit shelves March 30th at all three DMC locations: The Mothership, Star Lounge, and Osmium.

“The energy and enthusiasm the people at DMC have for their coffee and community is contagious,” Jason Dempsey, Partnerships Director at CHIRP said. “I believe we draw on the same ideas of how to reach people in a very organic way. Talking with Kyle about the history of our organizations, and the paths we’re on, opens my eyes to all the possibilities and opportunities available in our communities.”

Dark Matter Coffee employees are made up of musicians, artists, DJ’s and even one who runs a cassette label. Everything they do – their collaborations, events and partnerships – are an extension of the community inside their operation.

One way this is done is through unique monthly limited blends that feature an artist while highlighting a record label, DJ or band with a mixtape created for the project. There are also specific releases for artists during the year – several for 2015 will be the biggest to-date.

“The projects are true collaborations, as we receive input from the artists we’re working with to create the blend,” Hodges said. “We also worked directly with CHIRP to develop the artwork and blend for the Record Fair collaboration.”

The same integrity is put forth in transparency of sourcing beans for the business. It’s a core part of their Manifesto and is recognized in this Crain’s Best Entrepreneurs 2014 profile of DMC President & Founder, Jesse Diaz.

By working directly with sources they know the quality of their beans while ensuring the farmer negotiates a price. They source 85% of their beans from El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico – but that’s just the beginning of their partnership creativity.

“We’re working with our farmers to create really fun fermentation processes, like champagne yeast, to create truly unique coffees,” Hodges said. “In December 2014 we launched new Black Splash chocolate bars that feature some of our barrel-aged coffee inside them. As for beers, we always have something coming out on the beer front. All I can say is keep your eyes peeled on social media for updates.”

Keep an eye for the next artistic blend collaborations, events and parternships from Dark Matter Coffee. CHIRP Radio is proud to have them at the Record Fair April 11 at Plumbers Hall.

(Look for this label and snag the CHIRP blend.) "I am thrilled that Dark Matter Coffee brought back the CHIRP blend for another year!" Morgan McDonald, CHIRP Record Fair Co-Director said. "We are lucky to have Dark Matter's brew at the Fair to keep the vinyl heads fueled up while they search for their most sought after wax."

Wild Jesus And The Devil's Lettuce is the house band for DMC. Several employees are part of the current lineup. Check out their latest album here, which is either free or you may choose to contribute $5. Their next show will be sometime in July...

The Unicorn Blood Toffee is a recent release from Dark Matter Coffee - along with the Black Splash chocolate bars, made by bakery partner West Town Bakery. The chocolate bars feature three different cocoa %, 35, 42, and 65%, giving three distinct and delicious chocolate delights. Chocolate City truffles are coming soon...

Be sure and grab a bag of the exclusive CHIRP blend available March 30 at all three Dark Matter Coffee locations!