Artist Interviews Mars Williams Interview

This week, Features contributor Mike Nikolich speaks with saxophonist and composer Mars Williams, the force behind Liquid Soul and previous member of The Waitresses and The Psychedelic Furs. They discuss his illustrious decade- and genre-spanning music career, regular stops through the 90s and 2000s at the Elbo Room and Double Door with Liquid Soul, and his annual tradition of releasing a Christmas series of songs originally inspired by Albert Ayler.

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

Photo Credit: Mars Williams

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Artist Interviews Layton Wu Interview

For this week's episode, Features Co-Director Mick R. spoke with Taiwanese soul and funk producer Layton Wu 雷頓狗 about his latest release Summertime Mixtape, the origins of his name, how he discovered his love for hip-hop and how his training as a computer scientist informs his approach to making music. 

You can buy Summertime Mixtape here.

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo credit: Layton Wu

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Artist Interviews ÉSSO Interview

This week, Features Co-Director Mick R speaks with Armando Perez of ÉSSO. They discuss how a chance meeting with a sax player while working a Lollapalooza beer tent led to the band's formation, the 25 contributors to the latest album, and the influence of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia on the group's music.

Produced by Jenn "DJ Ninja" Rourke.

Photo Credit: ÉSSO

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Artist Interviews Ryley Walker Interview

For this week for CHIRP Radio's Artist Interview Series, Rockford native Ryley Walker talks about his new record Course in Fable, starting his own record label, collaborating with some well-known Chicago music scene fixtures, his move to NYC, and the Chicago DIY show scene. Interview by Jenn Rourke aka DJ Ninja. 

You can pick up Ryley Walker's new record Course in Fable from Husky Pants Records. 

Production by Jenn Rourke. 

Photo Credit: Daniel Topete

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Artist Interviews Chase Cohl Interview

This week, Features Co-Director Mick R. speaks with folk singer-songwriter Chase Cohl. They discuss her early fascination with midcentury girl group music, the shift from the folk stylings of her previous releases into 60s-style arrangements with the help of co-writer Barry Goldberg, and the process behind releasing her latest EP, Dear Dear, in several volumes.

Produced by Jessi D.

Photo Credit: Kristin Gallegos

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