Artist Interviews Edging Interview

This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Faith Callaway and Will Logan Sallee of Chicago-based art post-punk band, Edging. They discuss their origins and make up of the band, their self-ascribed descriptor of "landscaper punk" and how it lead to their band's name, how the politcal climate has shaped their art and expression, and their Halloween plans.

"Truthfully it's scary, and it freaks us out, and we like to yell about it." - Will Logan Sallee

Produced by Jack Deubner.

Photo Credit: Micki Harris

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Artist Interviews Slow Riser Interview

This week, Features Director Marjorie Alford speaks to Ian Young of Slow Riser about their recent release Midnight Talks. They discuss the birth and evolution of the project - including restructing from a trio to a duo and the pace change of creating through the pandemic - as well as the ins and outs of their live shows, and the truth in art of being a slow riser. 

"When Claire and I were talking about like overarching themes we landed on our own relationship to the night and how that changes over the years, how that changes depending on what time of year it was, how we feel mentally, all that stuff. So Midnight Talks is very much me trying to create a vignette of what it was to drive around small towns, growing up at night with my friends." - Ian Young

Produced by Jack Deubner.

Photo Credit: Slow Riser

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Artist Interviews Djunah Interview

This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based noise rock artist with "a leg for a bassist," Donna Diane of Djunah. They discuss her Frankenstein-style Moog bass synthesizer pedal board she uses in place of a bassist, the creation of her handmade chainmail bikini for the cover of her recent album, Femina Furens, the exploration of her C-PTSD in the creation of this album, and her end-of-show tradition of destroying her guitar onstage with various sharp objects.

"On this tour, I've really been thinking about my younger self on stage. And I'm like, I'm gonna make her proud of me. She's who I'm singing to, she's who I'm really emoting for, and hoping that other people connect with it, too." - Donna Diane

Produced by Jessi D.

Photo Credit: Courtney Brooke Hall

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Artist Interviews Bloodhype Interview

This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based Maureen Neer of the mostly-solo electronic and lounge act, Bloodhype. They discuss the solo and collaborative nature of Bloodhype and being more interested in jokes and commitment to the bit than love songs.

"It's all Bloodhype. It's all Bloodhype because as long as I'm in it, it's Bloodhype. And whoever's along for the party, great. Which is very confusing to everyone else but me. So the fun thing is, if you see Bloodhype on a bill, [...] you might see a different set than you've seen before." - Maureen Neer

Photo Credit: Maureen Neer

Produced by Brian Szpak

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Artist Interviews Elijah Berlow Interview

This week, Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist folk musician Elijah Berlow. They discuss his east coast roots, love songwriting process, how Chicago has helped his collaboration process, and choosing to perform under his own name to be as much of himself as possible.

"I think what draws me most to writing music is you're just kind of picking up signals throughout your existence, if that makes sense. Like these layers or sounds already exist in you or outside of you, and I have to think that writing about them for me over the years has been like an antennae, a manifesting output of these signals. So I think that's what really draws me in." - Elijah Berlow

Produced by Alyssa Edes.

Photo Credit: Lena Jackson

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Artist Interviews FURY Interview

This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago rapper, FURY. They discuss the genesis of her performing name and her creative background, winning the Chicago Works Community Challenge Grant of $1.5 million which will add amenities to Columbus Park in Austin, hosting Lyrics & Libations weekly open mic and how the next generation of artists reinvigorates her, and her forthcoming EP, FURY Revolution.

"I got tired of not showing myself to the world, so "FURY Revolution" is just seeing how I can get my music to tie into bettering the place where I live. I feel like that's what you want, you don't just want to create things. I can rap, I'm talented, but it's more than that. What I love is that people get excited around me, they wanna show me they can rap. [...] How do I get back to where I first started when I was new, I was hungry? Seeing all the people that are up-and-coming, that is what gets me reinvigorated, that's what gets me excited all over again. And I think a lot of us have to find how to get back to that place we once were where it was all new and exciting." - FURY

Produced by Brian Szpak

Photo Credit: Samantha Jordan

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Artist Interviews Destroy Boys Interview

Alexia Roditis is a singer in a punk band called Destroy Boys. Features contributor Marjorie Alford caught up with Alexia to talk about the origins of the band, social justice issues and some of Alexia's favorite fan interactions, as well as learn why the band is not riot grrrl and discuss how and why Alexia came to identify with they/them pronouns. 

"They/them pronouns to me mean, gender nonconformity, and not subscribing to a binary, which are two things that I love about myself... pronouns really kind of come down to an expression of my gender. And it's like a public way to do that. It's nice to feel affirmed, you know? They/Them reflects how I feel about myself. - Alexia Roditis"

Destroy Boys's new album Open Mouth, Open Heart is out through Hopeless Records. 

Produced by Brian Szpak 

Photo Credit: Ashley Gellman 

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Artist Interviews Heavy Crownz Interview

This week, Features Department contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with local hip-hop artist Heavy Crownz about the meaning and inspiration for some of his songs, the origins of his name, and his community work and activism. 

Produced by Jim Mulvaney.

Photo Credit: Heavy Crownz

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Artist Interviews The Third Interview

This week's CHIRP Radio Artist Interview is between local hip hop artist The Third and Features Department Contributor Marjorie Alford. They talked about The Third's start at Harold Washington Library’s YouMedia Lab, the origins of his rap name, and the thoughtful inspirations behind many of his songs. 

The Third's first EP Director's Cut is available now through his website. 

Produced by: Jim Mulvaney.

Photo courtesy of The Third.

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Artist Interviews George Arthur Calendar Interview

This week Features Department Contributor Marjorie Alford spoke with George Arthur Calendar, a phenomenal producer and songwriter currently located in Logan Square on Chicago's West Side. They spoke about his creative processes, approach to collaborations, how to introduce people to his unique RnB sound, his love for cooking, and even traded hospitality tips and stories. 

George Arthur Calendar's next full-length LP Paradoxes will drop April 14 on the Mexico City-based Stereochip Records. 

Check out George Arthur Calendar latest single and collab with Claude titled, "Lente Oscuro a​.​k​.​a Calypso" here. 

Produced by Brian Spzak.

Photo credit: Tom Krohn

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Artist Interviews Juice Mazelee Interview

This week, Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based mental health advocate, author, artist, actor and producer Juice Mazelee. They discuss the importance of art and quality over quantity, minding your mental health, the social justice climate of Chicago in the summer of 2020, creative outlets and community support beyond his music, and advice for aspiring artists. 

Juice has a new single, "HEY MAMA," available now on all major streaming platforms.

Produced by Jono Lyle and Brian Szpak.

Photo Credit: Juice Mazelee

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Artist Interviews Matt B Interview

For this week's Artist Interview Series, CHIRP Features contributor Marjorie Alford speaks with Chicago-based R&B artist Matt B. They discuss his newest album title and personal mantra No Days Off, how his three young children have affected his valuation of time, the importance of a tight-knit family (including his wife acting as his manager), and his active touring life.

Note: this interview was recorded pre-quarantine.

Produced by Matt Barr.

Photo credit: Jansen Bridge

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Artist Interviews Pseudo Slang Interview

This week, CHIRP Features contributor Marjorie Alford spoke with Emcee Sick of the jazz-tinted hip hop outfit Pseudo Slang. They talk about Sick's humble beginnings in the Bronx, the intentionality of language in these chaotic and significant times, and how much Black lives truly matter. His latest release, Wanderverse, is out now on vinyl and streaming.

Produced by Linh Nguyen

Photo credit: Arvid Wuensch

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Artist Interviews Young Man in a Hurry INTERVIEW

For this week’s episode of the CHIRP Radio Podcast we have Marjorie Alford in conversation with songwriter and frontman of Young Man in a Hurry, Matt Baron. Tune in to hear this very engaging conversation, where they discuss how Matt recruited his dermatologist into his band, his work with the project Future Hits, teaching through music, and structuring time for art, play, and creativity.

Note: This interview was recorded before IL’s Shelter in Place order in March of this year.

Produced by Matt Barr

Photo by Sally Blood

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