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

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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Artist Interviews Walker Interview

Singer and songwriter Walker is a recent transplant to Chicago, but already considers it home. He released his debut album, Phew in December 2022 and Features Co-Director Mick R. caught up with him to talk about the album, his process, and his experience teaching music to others as a self-taught musician. 

Walker will be releasing a series of singles in the sping of 2023; you can keep up with his upcoming releases by following him on Instagram @walkerwonder_.

"[T]he main thing I try to do is just follow joy, because for me, joy is my muse." - Walker 

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo Credit: James Werner

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