CHIRP's exclusive artist interviews, conducted on-location and produced entirely by CHIRP volunteers. Subscribe to the feed to receive new interviews with local and national acts every week.

Artist Interviews Alenia Interview

This week, Features director Marjorie Alford speaks with Angel Lunetta of Chicago-based ethereal experimental metal band Alenia. They discuss the band’s inception and current line-up, their song writing process, Angel’s one woman production company Voodoo Masochist Productions, and advice for artists looking to break into the scene.

"I think it’s very important to be patient with yourself because being an artist, any type of artist, is a whole process." - Angel Lunetta of Alenia

Produced by Marjorie Alford.

Photo Credit: 106 Fever

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Artist Interviews Mother Fortune Interview

This week, Features contributor Liz Mason speaks with vocalist and multidisciplinary artist Shami of Mother Fortune, a Chicago-based five-piece hip hop cooperative. They discuss Shami's elaborate and intentional stage presence, the band's collaborative songwriting process, and his work on the online sex positive zine, Zig Zag Sex Mag.

"I'm just fortunate to be one of the gears in this clock that is Chicago music." - Shami of Mother Fortune

Produced by Liz Mason.

Photo Credit: Lex Vasquez

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Artist Interviews Joel Styzens Interview

This week, Features contributor Sophia Ramirez speaks with multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, recording artist & hearing conservation advocate Joel Styzens. They discuss the collections of quiet moments that make up his newest release, Resonance, and how his battle with tinnitus helped him discover his voice as a composer.

"Sometimes the smallest moments can sometimes be the most powerful, or the most moving or inspiring." - Joel Styzens

Produced by Sophia Ramirez.

Photo Credit: Sarah Boudreau

Joel is performing October 16th at the Cliff Dwellers in Chicago and November 2nd at The Blue Strawberry in St. Louis, MO.

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Artist Interviews OutPastMidnight Interview

This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski talks with Jay Post & Jimmi Gordon of Chicago based experimental hip-hop group OutPastMidnight. They discuss Jay and Jimmy's fated meeting in poetry club in high school, how a love of the literary arts built the foundation for OutPastMidnight, the importance of open mics for the community, and the in-and-outs of their latest album Super Stereo Brothers. 

"I feel like a lot of the poetry culture in this city - gave life to the mundane. So you're able to write what's under your nose and make it something people can relate to." - Jay Post of OutPastMidnight

Produced by Brian Szpak.

Photo Credit: Dan Merlo 

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Artist Interviews beastii Interview

This week, Features contributor Alyssa Edes speaks with Jen Dot of the newly reunited and Chicago-based beastii. They discuss their newest LP, Follower, Jen's book Hit Girls: Women of Punk in the USA, 1975-1983 that covers the women who started Punk music, and her unlikely sources of inspiration for songwriting, like lyrics she wrote as a seven year old.

"This is actually the first album I've conceptualized since I wrote the book, and since I was immersed in those artists' work.  I'm being my authentic self, but I'm also carrying a torch." - Jen Dot of beastii

Produced by Alyssa Edes.

Photo Credit: Chris Nightengale

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