The brilliant Katie Stelmanis of Austra joins the show this week to discuss her latest album and adjusting to life in the pandemic. After performing in other bands, Katie launched the Austra project in 2009, and since then has been producing some of the thoughtful, enigmatic electronic rock out there. While the pandemic may have delayed your opportunity to see her bring that music to life, her new LP, HiRUDiN, was released at the beginning of May, and offers an equally emotional ride. The album’s title is taken from a chemical found in the saliva of leeches, a substance that thickens blood prior to consumption--a process that is achieved in the sticky tracks that just dig right into your veins and refuse to let go.

In this chat, Lior Phillips spoke with Katie about how opera proved her gateway to performance, the power of a good show in Eastern Europe, seeing NSYNC as a teen, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Austra.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Chicago West Community Music Center.

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