For this week's episode, Features Co-Director Mick R. spoke with Taiwanese soul and funk producer Layton Wu 雷頓狗 about his latest release Summertime Mixtape, the origins of his name, how he discovered his love for hip-hop and how his training as a computer scientist informs his approach to making music. 

You can buy Summertime Mixtape here.

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo credit: Layton Wu

This week, Features Co-Director Mick R speaks with Armando Perez of ÉSSO. They discuss how a chance meeting with a sax player while working a Lollapalooza beer tent led to the band's formation, the 25 contributors to the latest album, and the influence of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia on the group's music.

Produced by Jenn "DJ Ninja" Rourke.

Photo Credit: ÉSSO

For this week for CHIRP Radio's Artist Interview Series, Rockford native Ryley Walker talks about his new record Course in Fable, starting his own record label, collaborating with some well-known Chicago music scene fixtures, his move to NYC, and the Chicago DIY show scene. Interview by Jenn Rourke aka DJ Ninja. 

You can pick up Ryley Walker's new record Course in Fable from Husky Pants Records. 

Production by Jenn Rourke. 

Photo Credit: Daniel Topete

This week, Features Co-Director Mick R. speaks with folk singer-songwriter Chase Cohl. They discuss her early fascination with midcentury girl group music, the shift from the folk stylings of her previous releases into 60s-style arrangements with the help of co-writer Barry Goldberg, and the process behind releasing her latest EP, Dear Dear, in several volumes.

Produced by Jessi D.

Photo Credit: Kristin Gallegos

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

This week, Features contributor and DJ Mike Nikolich speaks with Chicago's own jazz and blues vocalist and songwriter, Audrey Foxx. Foxx released her debut album, Stone Cold Woman, in the fall of 2020. They discuss her earliest music memories, her contemporary and classic inspirations, and her most memorable performance. 

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

This week's CHIRP Radio Artist Interview is with Chicago alternative country artist Thompson Springs. Features Dept contributor Eddie Sayago talks with the band's guitarist, vocalist and founder Matt Smith about the origins of the band, their new singles, and recording at Matt's home during quarantine. 

You can purchase Tompson Springs's music via their Bandcamp page. 

Produced by Jono Lyle.

Photo courtesy of Thompson Springs. 

This week, Features contributer Marjorie Alford speaks with Andrés Roldan of Chicago hip hop collective Greenlights Music. They discuss their long-term roots in the Chicago music and political scene, the genesis of the collective, and how Greenlights represents multuiple generations of rappers.

Produced by Danielle Sines.

Photo Credit: Thanos Alatsidis

This week Features Co-Director Mick R. has a wonderful conversation with rare soul revival band Thee Sacred Souls. They've just signed to Daptone's Penrose Records Imprint and were more than happy to talk about how the band came together and their message of racial justice. 

You can find Thee Sacred Souls' music on Penrose Records here. 

Produced by Brian Szpak. 

Photo Credit: Gus Olivares. 

This week, CHIRP DJ Mike Nikolich speaks with Chicago-based folk artist, p. a. pritchett. They discuss the recording and creation process that spanned the last decade for his most recent album, Victory at Sea!, collaborating with other artists for this long-term project, and utilizing a 1970s recording of pritchett's partner's grandfather as inspiration.

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

Photo credit: Lisa Ann Lux