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 Mike Lust Interview

Mike Lust of Tight Phantomz discusses why he chose "Danceteria" as the first single off his new album Demented Wings, the studio quarantine time that led to his first solo effort in a lengthy music career, and the challenge of turning recording session inspirations into a live show. Interview by contributor DJ Ninja. 

You can buy Mike Lust's Demented Wings from Forge Again Records.  

Production by DJ Ninja 

Photo Credit: Ryan Bardsley

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Artist Interviews Mars Williams Interview

This week, Features contributor Mike Nikolich speaks with saxophonist and composer Mars Williams, the force behind Liquid Soul and previous member of The Waitresses and The Psychedelic Furs. They discuss his illustrious decade- and genre-spanning music career, regular stops through the 90s and 2000s at the Elbo Room and Double Door with Liquid Soul, and his annual tradition of releasing a Christmas series of songs originally inspired by Albert Ayler.

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

Photo Credit: Mars Williams

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Artist Interviews Layton Wu Interview

For this week's episode, Features Co-Director Mick R. spoke with Taiwanese soul and funk producer Layton Wu 雷頓狗 about his latest release Summertime Mixtape, the origins of his name, how he discovered his love for hip-hop and how his training as a computer scientist informs his approach to making music. 

You can buy Summertime Mixtape here.

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo credit: Layton Wu

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Artist Interviews ÉSSO Interview

This week, Features Co-Director Mick R speaks with Armando Perez of ÉSSO. They discuss how a chance meeting with a sax player while working a Lollapalooza beer tent led to the band's formation, the 25 contributors to the latest album, and the influence of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia on the group's music.

Produced by Jenn "DJ Ninja" Rourke.

Photo Credit: ÉSSO

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Artist Interviews Ryley Walker Interview

For this week for CHIRP Radio's Artist Interview Series, Rockford native Ryley Walker talks about his new record Course in Fable, starting his own record label, collaborating with some well-known Chicago music scene fixtures, his move to NYC, and the Chicago DIY show scene. Interview by Jenn Rourke aka DJ Ninja. 

You can pick up Ryley Walker's new record Course in Fable from Husky Pants Records. 

Production by Jenn Rourke. 

Photo Credit: Daniel Topete

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