We're happy to be nominated in four categories for the Reader's 2024 Best of Chicago poll. Find them all here and cast your ballot by December 31!
We're happy to be nominated in four categories for the Reader's 2024 Best of Chicago poll. Find them all here and cast your ballot by December 31!
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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
For a transcript of this interview, visit the blog.
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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.
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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
Produced by Brian Szpak.
Photo Credit: Dan Merlo
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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
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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.
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