Artist Interviews METZ Interview

This week, Features contributor Lee Gomez speaks with Alex Edkins of Toronto-based METZ in advance of their headlining show at the Metro on December 15th. They discuss the refining of their sound and Edkins' solo writing process, how becoming parents has refocused the band's priorities, preparing in advance and committing to Steve Albini's process during the production of 2017's Strange Peace, and creating a live album, Live at the Opera House, featuring a performance of their 2020 album Atlas Vending as a way to keep their musicianship skills strong during the pandemic and connect with their fans. 

"You just see the world differently, and that always seeps into the writing. I also think that it sort of makes you focus, makes sure you're using your time wisely. When we're out touring, we want the shows to be great. For writing, we want it to be the best thing we can make. Because it's time away from our families. And so that hits home pretty hard, you're like, let's not waste our time here. Let's make it count." - Alex Edkins

Produced by DJ Ninja.

Photo Credit: Norman Wong

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Artist Interviews Fire-Toolz Interview

Angel Marcloid is the producer and visionary behind the boundary-pushing and Chicago-based electronic music project Fire-Toolz. She spoke with Features Co-Director Mick R. about her latest album Eternal Home and how it ended up being her longest release to date, as well as how she manages to maintain such a relentless work ethic, and the role empathy plays in the writing and performance of her music. 

Eternal Home is available from Hausu Mountain Records

"If you're not trying to see the full perspective, then you're doing yourself a disservice... and that's something that Fire-Toolz is all about... that sort of non-duality and trying to see all the shades of something... all angles, because that's the wisest thing and the healthiest thing that we can be doing for ourselves when we are interpreting our experiences." - Angel Marcloid

Production by Mick R. 

Photo Credit: Lyndon French

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Artist Interviews Phillip-Michael Scales Interview

This week, Features contributor and CHIRP DJ Mike Nikolich speaks with Nashville-by-way-of Chicago artist Phillip-Michael Scales. Scales speaks about how losing a role in Hamilton pushed him to work with a vocal coach and reach the true potential of his range, his relationship with blues powerhouse and family friend B.B. King shaping his guitar artistry, and creating his new LP, Sinner-Songwriter, in relative isolation in a cabin in Wisconsin.

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

Photo Credit: Bryan H. Iglesias

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Artist Interviews Dos Santos Interview

The Chicago-based Latin fusion band Dos Santos wants their city stay connected with the international community that helps it maintain its local character. For this episode of the CHIRP Radio's Artist Interview Series, bandleader Alex Chavez spoke with Features Department Co-Director Mick R. about the philosophy of Dos Santos's music, the legacy of Latin rhythms in popular music within the United States, and the making of their second album for International Anthem, City of Mirrors. 

Buy City of Mirrors from International Anthem. 

"I think the thread that unites what we do is just a deep appreciation and therefore desire to continue to be inspired by Latin American rhythm... an approach to those ideas that we subsequently experiment with."  - Alex Chavez

Production by Mick R. 

Image Credit: Victor Duarte

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Artist Interviews Gosh Diggity Interview

This week, Features Department Co-Director Mick R speaks with Joe Marshall, Cheryl Höglind, and Conor O’Donovan of Chicago-based "Midwest kitchen techno" group Gosh Diggity. They discuss the exclusion of a drummer in their band, their tough-to-self-describe music genre categorization, their chiptune, punk, bedroom pop, and indie influences, keeping things upbeat, and their genuine friendship. Their most recent release, Runaway Rocketboy, is available on Bandcamp.

"Being in a band, I think it's all about the vibes that you give each other, and it's hard to describe when you find something that really fits well. I think it's kind of like a really good friendship when you find people that bring something to the table that you really enjoy working with, [...] making music, but also just being pals." - Joe Marshall

Produced by Jessi D.

Photo Credit: Joslyn Vosta

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