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CHIRP Podcasts
Artist Interviews Chicago Research Interview
Conversation with Blake Karlson of local label Chicago Research, talking about the collaborative origins of the label, its aesthetics and focus on local music, why it's coming to an end, and Blake's new record store, Signal Records, located at 3156 W. Diversey Ave.
"I think the project [Chicago Research] was successful in what I initially wanted it to be was just archiving a very specific point in time from a very specific place, because we only released stuff that was in Chicago." - Blake Karlson
Produced by Mick R.
Image by Chicago Research
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Artist Interviews Taylor Bennett Interview
This week, Matty G speaks with Chicago's own Taylor Bennett. They discuss his most recent show and how it's in the top five moments of his life, his ongoing project, Be Yourself, and how that slogan applies to his coming out as bisexual, attending and performing at Pride in both LA and New York, and his most recent full-length album Coming of Age.
"The biggest thing you can do as an artist is grow. And I always want my fans to grow with me and not just from a musical standpoint, but a life standpoint. So, I have to always feel at least open enough to express myself, and if it doesn't succeed, then at least I know one, it was authentic, but then two, in this situation, I feel like I'm having a lot of success because I'm doing what I love, I'm truly happy." - Taylor Bennett
Produced by DJ Ninja
Photo Credit: Taylor Bennett
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Artist Interviews Wavves Interview
This week, Features contributor Lee Gomez speaks with Nathan Williams of Wavves at their Chicago stop at Thalia Hall for their postponed-due-to-COVID 10-year anniversary tour for their third album, King of the Beach. They reminisce on the creation and songwriting on the album, the late and great Snacks the cat from the album's artwork, releasing b-sides from the album on Wavves' Patreon, and 40oz preferences.
"At the time I remember being a little bit nervous; those things get to you, having never having the attention or people writing or talking about me really. [...] And so people, I felt like, kinda wanted me to fail. But no, I don't think I'd change anything. I think that it ended up being exactly what it was supposed to be." - Nathan Williams
Produced by DJ Ninja
Photo Credit: Jesse Lirola
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Artist Interviews Mike Reed Interview
Mike Reed is a respected jazz drummer and one of the many people who makes Pitchfork Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival happen each year. In this episode of the CHIRP Radio Artist Interview Series, he talks with Features Co-Director Mick R. about the founding of Pitchfork Fest, the legacy of the Chicago Jazz Fest, and details what he has planned next for his many solo projects.
"It's about music, and music discovery... that's still first and foremost what we do." - Mike Reed, on Pitchfork Fest
Produced by Mick R.
Photo Credit: Mike Reed
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Artist Interviews Bev Rage & the Drinks Interview
This week, Features contributor Ronald Pagan speaks with Bev Rage of Chicago's own queer garage pop band, Bev Rage & the Drinks. They discuss their upcoming full length album, Exes and Hexes, the expansion of their member lineup, the refining of their sound while retaining their sense of humor, queer diversity in the music scene in Chicago, and the importance of showcasing their humor and being a highly visual band in the form of music videos.
"Everything I write on this album is either coming from a true place or an exaggerated piece of truth that happened in my real life. I find most of my lyric writing comes from real life things that I've experienced. So everything you hear on this album, it's all real." - Bev Rage
Produced by Adalyn Staats.
Photo Credit: Dan Jarvis
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