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 Hannah Frances Interview

This week, Features contributor Connor Broderick speaks with Chicago-based vocalist, guitarist, composer, and poet Hannah Frances. They discuss her new album, Keeper Of The Shepherd, and the grief that shaped the creation of the album, the different chapters of her life informing her writing process, and the push and pull of being a solitary person and learning to lean on others.

"I treated it a bit like a thesis. I was like, I know what I am actively working with in terms of processing, emotional processing." - Hannah Frances on the writing of her new album, Keep of The Shepherd.

Produced by Brian Szpak

Photo Credit: Eleanor Petry

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Artist Interviews podcasts

Artist Interviews Bianca Xunise Interview

This week Features co-director Marjorie Alford talks with cartoonist Bianca Xunise about their graphic novel Punk Rock Karaoke. The two discuss the confusion of early adulthood, finding grace for the people you love, how a lack of representation in the media lead to Bianca filling that void for themself,  and most importantly, punk rock. 

"I put so much of my heart and my own punk experiences into this story that I want to sit with it. I want to be with this beautiful piece of art that I made." - Bianca Xunise, on why they won't be rushing into their next project.

Bianca Xunise is a cartoonist based out of Chicago, Illinois. Their work primarily focuses on the plight, joy, and daily struggles of misfits within the black community.  In 2017 Xunise earned an Ignatz for Promising New Talent for their comic Say Her Name, an autobiographical story of police brutality and social justice. In 2020 Xunise earned their second Ignatz for their contribution to Be Gay, Do Comics published by IDW. Xunise has collaborated with Vogue, The Washington Post, The Nib, and Believer Magazine. They are also a contributor to the book How We Fight Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance along with Ta-Nehisi Coates, Tarana Burk, and Harry Belafonte. Bianca became the first nationally syndicated non-binary cartoonist when they joined the comic strip Six Chix in 2020 as their first black creator.

Punk Rock Karaoke is out now!

This interview features songs highlighted in Punk Rock Karaoke. Tracks included:

Lake Shore Drive - The Cell Phones

Waiting Room - Fugazi

I am A Poseur  - X-Ray Spex

Photo Credit: Bianca Xunise

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Artist Interviews podcasts

Artist Interviews Zoofunkyou Interview

This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski speaks with Jake Hennessy (drums), Matt Coglianese (bass), and Derek Dare (guitar and vocals) of Chicago based soulful-psychedelic group Zoofunkyou. They talk about the band's ten year history, keeping things fresh over the years by reworking old songs with new members, learning to write collaboratively,  and sourcing inspiration through live music.  

Produced by Jack Deubner and Jenn Rourke.

Photo Credit: Zoofunkyou

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Artist Interviews podcasts

Artist Interviews C3zr Interview

This week, Features contributor Daniel Edelstein speaks with Chicago-based pianist, producer, and teacher, Cesar Pino aka C3zr. They discuss his most recent full-length release, Round Voyage, the joy of connecting and collaborating with fellow artists, the jazz lounge, Opus, that he runs with his father and mentor, and his beloved keytar.

"That's the beauty of it... music is music, and so I just try to challenge myself and reach into different corners of musical spectrum." - Cesar Pino, aka C3zr

Produced by: Jessi D

Photo Credit: Vanessa Valadez

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Artist Interviews podcasts

Artist Interviews Laura Hall Interview

This week, Features Co-Director Marjorie Alford speaks with musical director Laura Hall. They discuss her 20+ year career in music, her friendship with Lisa McQueen that lead to the creation of the Phony Award Winning musical series, last year's run of improvised Little Shop of Horrors, her 20 seasons on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and the creation of improv karaoke backing tracks to help others grow this unique skillset. 

"It's fun that it's challenging." Laura Hall on improvising music 

The latest Phony Award winning show Improvised A Chorus Line opens Sunday May 19th/

Produced by Marjorie Alford
Photo Credit: Greg Crowder 

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Artist Interviews podcasts