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 Billy Joel Jr. Interview

This week, Features contributor Matty G speaks with Ari and Nate of Chicago-based indie rock group Billy Joel Jr. They discuss their first EP, Rubberhose, the diversity of their band and therefore sound, and of course, their love of the Beatles. 

"I like the question of diversity, right? Having a diverse sound; we also have diverse members from different parts of the world and the country that kind of come together in Chicago, almost like an analogy for the larger melting pot of Chicago." - Nate of Billy Joel Jr.

Produced by DJ Ninja.

Photo Credit: Bailey Radnitzer

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Artist Interviews Emily Haden Lee Interview

This week, Features contributor Sophia Ramirez speaks with Emily Haden Lee, a singer-songwriter and artist originally from Missouri who is now based in Chicago. They discuss her new album, The Woman I Would Be, and how her pregnancy has affected its release, how her grief surrounding the loss of her father and brother have shaped her writing, and collaborating with her husband on the album.

"I think I'm glad that I have finished this album before I'm having a child and moving into this new chapter of mine [...] Releasing this music, I feel like I'm sort of releasing that time in my life." - Emily Haden Lee 

Produced by Sophia Ramirez.

Photo Credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson

For a transcript of this interview, visit the blog.

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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

For a transcript of this interview, visit the blog.

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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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