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 PROBLEMS Interview

This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Darren Keen of Chicago one-man electronic band PROBLEMS. They discuss the genesis of his project PROBLEMS, Darren's transplant journey from Nebraska to New York and back to Nebraska, before finally landing here in Chicago, his booking company Personal Space Booking and their upcoming all day fest Personal Space Lost Weekend, the importance sobriety has played in his music career and life, and taking over booking for The Burlington.  

"Coming here to Chicago with some sobriety under my belt and working here in the scene ... doing what I do now it's the realization of a dream I couldn't have had otherwise." - Darren Keen of PROBLEMS on sobriety.

Catch PROBLEMS this Sunday, 01/26 at CHIRP Night at the Whistler, alongside Speed Babes.

Produced by: Marjorie Alford

Photo Credit: PROBLEMS 

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Artist Interviews Rat Chasm Interview

This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Renn Fontana and Lex Gutierrez of Chicago based post-hardcore band Rat Chasm. They discuss the singles "Sorry Carly" and "Wasteland Centerfold," the recording of their album First Feed while Lex was still acclimating to the band, and the struggles of growing up queer. 

"If you pay attention to the album as a whole that theme of drowning comes up a lot... I think water is a big part of my life because it's so complex and terrifying. I love the dichotomy that something that can give you so much life can also drain you of your life force as well." - Renn Fontana discussing their album First Feed.  

First Feed is out now. Catch Rat Chasm live February 20th at Empty Bliss. 

Produced by Marjorie Alford. 

Photo Credit: Cori Knox

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Artist Interviews Girl K Interview

This week, Features contributor Josset Yarbrough speaks with Kathy Patino, aka Girl K. They discuss her songwriting process behind her newest release, My Future, her collaboration with Chicago Argentine HEARTGAZE, and her inspriation move from indie rock to glamorous pop.

"I don't know if it's necessarily my dream to be a famous musician, but music itself is my dream and I just want people to hear what I'm making, and I want to have fun making it." - Kathy Patino aka Girl K

Produced by Brian Szpak.

Photo Credit: Alicia Patiño

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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

For a transcript of this interview, visit the blog.

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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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