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CHIRP Podcasts
Artist Interviews Damiana Interview
Natalie Chami of TALSounds and Whitney Johnson of Matchess have joined forces to create the experimental music project Damiana. They spoke with Features Co-Director Mick R about the origins of the band, making their new record Vines, techniques for improvising music, and how they came up with their band's name.
If I'm having a good improv set usually something happens in that set where it's like, "Oh wow! That made me curious!" ... Something strange happens, you hear a sound that's unfamiliar, and you're like, "I want to try to keep pursuing that as long as it makes sense." - Whitney Johnson
Vines is out now on Hausu Mountain Records.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Doug Kaplan
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Artist Interviews Hard Femme Interview
This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with local artist Jean Cochrane, who performs as Hard Femme. Jean discusses their latest release, A Layer of Topsoil, and how the album was initially conceived as a group effort became a solo project during the pandemic, the effect Chicago has had on their music, and their safer and more relaxed bike route mapping project, Mellow Bike Map.
"I think that can-do ethic with very little investment in local social standing but then also the BMF of the music industry writ large is something that I really respect; that kind of raised me in a sense and it's an ethic I try to pursue." - Jean Cochrane
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: M Slater
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Artist Interviews Jaimie Branch Interview
Jaimie Branch is an accomplished jazz trumpeter and composer from Long Island, who once upon a time called Chicago home. For this week's episode of the CHIRP Radio Artist Interview Series, Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with Jaimie to talk about latest album Fly Or Die Live, her connections to Chicago, and how she balances her singing with her trumpet playing on her song "Prayer for Amerikkka pt 1 & 2."
"Music is on the side of beauty. We need to put it into the world however we can." - Jaimie Branch
Fly Or Die Live is available from International Anthem.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Abdesslam Mirdass
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Artist Interviews CHIRP Docs: Sober 21
Sober 21 is a compendium of essays by and interviews with 21 sober musicians. Elia Einhorn, formerly of The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, curated the collection as a tool specifically for musicians who are seeking sober voices and perspectives in an often challenging and addiction-enabling industry. The zine is free for download through The Creative Independent.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Elia recommends the following resources:
Interview and production by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Elia Einhorn
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Artist Interviews La Armada Interview
Paul and Jon of the Chicago-based hardcore band La Armada discuss their band's origins in the Dominican Republic, their migration to the United States, the Latin roots of their sound, and cultural and religious origins of the cover art for their new EP Opías. Interview by Features Co-Dirrector Mick R.
Buy Opías from Mal De Ojo Records.
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: La Armada
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