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 Washed Out

Ernest Greene, better known as Washed Out, is one of the torch bearers of the Chillwave movement. His 2011 Sub Pop release Within and Without debuted to heavy rotation on CHIRP and garnered him an opening slot on Cut Copy’s North American tour.

CHIRP DJ Dylan Peterson caught some time with Ernest backstage at The Riviera, where they discussed New Age philosophy, his genre’s role in cannabis culture, and why Roger Waters shouldn’t devalue bedroom pop.

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Artist Interviews Battles

The members of Battles had endured an interesting year leading into their performance at July’s Pitchfork Music Festival. Handling the departure of vocalist Tyondai Braxton, planning an international tour and releasing the follow up to 2007’s acclaimed Mirrored were all still fresh memories. It couldn’t have been easy for or Ian Williams, Dave Konopka and John Stanier, yet they continue make it look that way.

Shortly following their exhilarant Pitchfork performance, the three members joined CHIRP Radio’s Blake Burkhart for a conversation about such topics as: venue vs. festival crowds, collaborating with Gary Numan, and the nature of over-stimulation from the internet.

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Artist Interviews Friendly Fires

XL’s Friendly Fires are an indie band from the UK who combine disco-pop, dance-punk, and electro-rock into an infectiously upbeat new-rave style. They took a short break from dancing to hang out backstage at Lollapalooza with CHIRP DJ Dylan Peterson. Swapping stories of respective Elijah Wood sightings, escaping seasonal trappings on tour, and fun alternatives to suicidal behavior are all discussed in an exclusive CHIRP podcast.

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Artist Interviews David Bazan Interview

Although David Bazan cut his teeth in Pedro the Lion, his recent work as a solo recording artist has enabled him to stretch his musical wings as well as find new ways to connect with his fans. He embarked on a living room tour in advance of Strange Negotiations. Bazan performed solo in small, intimate venues (often fans’ literal living rooms) and traveled alone, sleeping in his van.

CHIRP Radio’s DJ Mandrew interviewed Bazan after his Chicago show at an art gallery in Pilsen back in March. Bazan explained why, after over fifteen years in the music business, this type of DIY touring can be more engaging, successful, and fulfilling than taking a full band on the road to large rock venues.

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Artist Interviews Kurt Vile

Kurt Vile is a singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. His latest album Smoke Ring for My Halo is one of the most acclaimed releases of the year.

CHIRP DJ Dylan Peterson caught a few minutes with Kurt at the Pitchfork Music Festival, where they talked about his role in The War on Drugs, fun finds at the CHIRP Record Fair, the sax-rock revival, and his hair.

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