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 La Armada Interview

Paul and Jon of the Chicago-based hardcore band La Armada discuss their band's origins in the Dominican Republic, their migration to the United States, the Latin roots of their sound, and cultural and religious origins of the cover art for their new EP Opías. Interview by Features Co-Dirrector Mick R. 

Buy Opías from Mal De Ojo Records. 

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo Credit: La Armada

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Artist Interviews Ifeanyi Elswith Interview

This week, Features Co-Director Jessi D speaks with Chicago-based artist Ifeanyi Elswith. They discuss themes of self-care and setting personal boundaries in her music, being inspired by Sharon G. Flake's novel The Skin I'm In, and releasing an album, Everything Festyle, during the pandemic.

Produced by Jessi D

Photo Credit: Maseo

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Artist Interviews Jyroscope Interview

Dominic "I.B. Fokuz" Pettis EL of Chicago hip hop group Jyroscope goes deep on the history of his collaboration with bandmate Robert "Collasoul Structure" Moman, explains the origins of their name, and provides illuminating insights into their new EP and collaboration with producer Montana Macks titled Happy Medium. Interview by Mick R.

Jyroscope's Happy Medium is available on Bandcamp. 

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo Credit: Jason Neloms

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Artist Interviews Cold Beaches Interview

This week, DJ Ninja speaks with Sophia Nadia of Cold Beaches. They discuss the first show after a pandemic hiatus, creating an album during the social justice reckoning in the summer of 2020, the happenstance meeting with another band that led her to Chicago instead of New York, and her newfound interest in scoring video game music. Cold Beaches new album, Drifter, is available now.

Produced by DJ Ninja

Photo Credit: Miles Kalchik

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Artist Interviews Annihilus Interview

Luca Cimarusti, aka Annihilus, talks with Features Co-Director Mick R. about his second LP, Follow a Song From the Sky. Luca explains the origins of his band's name, the collaborations that inform his latest record, and why he doesn't see the project appearing in a live setting. 

Follow a Song From the Sky is available through Federal Prisoner Records. 

Production by Mick R. 

Photo Credit: Michael Vallera

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