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 Disappears

Just back from a European tour, Brian Case of Disappears sat down with CHIRP’s Amanda Roscoe Mayo to discuss their latest release Irreal out on Kranky. These noteworthy Chicago musicians never seem to sleep, putting out five records and one EP in six years. Besides working on the evolution of their signature Krautrock, Post-Rock, and “other” sound; Case discusses what it was like to cover David Bowie at the MCA, audiences in Europe, and the choice of album art for Irreal.

Disappears start the second leg of their tour this Friday, February 20, with a record release show at Garfield Park Conservatory.

Produced by Amanda Roscoe Mayo

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Artist Interviews Secret Colours

Before they took to the road for their fall tour, members Tommy Evans and Justin Frederick of the 60’s psych-pop group, Secret Colours caught up with CHIRP's Michael Heidemann.  Listen up as they discuss their latest creative plunge with the album, Positive Distractions - and how the band took shape through similar interests, their love for 60’s style-sounds, and the thought that goes into crafting their music.

Secret Colours play a free show this Friday at Emporium Arcade Bar (Wicker Park). You can also catch Secret Colours at Cobra Lounge on March 27.

Produced by: Michael Heidemann

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Artist Interviews Alex G

Whether he's playing DIY house shows or a sold out Beat Kitchen, Alex G has no problem with living in two different worlds at the same time. He talked with Dylan Peterson about how his guitar-based music is heavily influenced by electronic artists like Aphex Twin and The Knife, and told the story of how his sister turned a dream into the album cover for DSU.

produced by Dylan Peterson

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Artist Interviews Sam Amidon

Nonesuch Records' Sam Amidon sat down with CHIRP's Amanda Roscoe Mayo before his show with Wilco at the Riviera. He talked about his spin on continuing the traditions of American folk music, not being influenced by The Grateful Dead, and why he decided to cover Mariah Carey.

produced by Amanda Roscoe Mayo

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Artist Interviews The Gunshy

Matt Arbogast met up with Katie Owens at The Rocking Horse in Logan Square to discuss his band, The Gunshy. Matt mused about his “grunt purge” vocal style, the band’s proclivity for being unpredictable, and owning his own DIY venue (8AM).

The Gunshy play The Beat Kitchen on Saturday, January 24 and are set to release a new 7" in February.

Produced by: Emily Osborne

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