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CHIRP Podcasts
First Time: First Family – Alicia Nesbary Moore
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.
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Artist Interviews Bloodhype Interview
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
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Artist Interviews Defcee Interview
This week, Features co-director Mick R speaks with Chicago rapper and poetry teacher, Adam Levin aka 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.
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Artist Interviews Ester Interview
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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.
"[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
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Ash Dye
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Artist Interviews Tommy Kessler Interview
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 ccompilation 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 compilation as well as Tommy Kessler's full catalog at on Tommy's BandCamp.
"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
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Katlyn Sansone Wentzel
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