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 Eris Drew Interview

Rave and house artist Eris Drew proves that she is the High Priestess of the Motherbeat on her debut LP Quivering In Time, released on her own T4T LUV NRG label. She talks with features co-director Mick R about the influence of Terence McKenna on her work, the magic and science behind dance music, and the importance that safety plays in clubs and at festivals.

Quivering In Time is out on T4T LUV NRG.

"There something really magical about dance events. And the kinds of experiences I've had at some of them can only be described as life changing or mystical or spiritual on some level."  - Eris Drew

Production by Mick R.

Photo Credit:  Eris Drew. 

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Artist Interviews St. Marlboro Interview

This week, Features contributor Mike Nikolich speaks with Kyle Paulin, Anthony Cook, Garrett Campbell, and Derek Dare of Chicago's St. Marlboro. They discuss their punk roots and how it shows through in the indie country they play today, their recent release show at Schuba's for their LP Photo Album, and how spending time at Anthony's grandmother's empty house during the pandemic served as the visual inspiration for their series of singles and album.

"I find a lot of inspiration when I'm playing live. Sometimes when a song hasn't been recorded yet, I'm kind of developing it during the live shows, trying different things, and seeing what feels right." - Anthony Cook

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

Photo Credit: Bobby Serwa

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Artist Interviews RP Boo Interview

Legendary Chicago DJ and pioneering footwork producer RP Boo talks about the music that inspired him to start producing, how his fourth album Established! got its name, and why music is the key to understanding and why it will outlast everything else. Interview by Features Co-Director Mick R. 

"We are all part of music and that's the greatest thing that I've learned... I have all the days until I'm no longer here to keep creating something unknown and to inspire others to keep going." - RP Boo

Established! is out via Planet Mu. 

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo Credit: Matthew Avignone 

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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 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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