A Chorus for the Complicated — Julia Steiner of Ratboys
Ratboys frontwoman Julia Steiner discusses how 'Singin' to an Empty Chair' grew from a grief practice into a collection of bright, aching songs that never settle for just one feeling at a time.
Chicago Artists
Paying Attention is Wonderful — Listening Along With Lia Kohl
The cellist and composer discusses her album 'Various Small Whistles and a Song,' a collection of field recordings that transform voting lines, train stations, and strangers' whistles into intimate sonic portraits of daily life.
Highbrow Meets Lowbrow in Alta Vista's Musical Blender
On their second album 'Won't Believe In Dust', the instrumental trio moves beyond the vintage country songbook that sparked their formation, embracing everything from calypso bounce to free-flowing post-bop while sharing a belief that laughter belongs in the creative process.
Makaya McCraven in the Present Tense
With 'Off the Record', McCraven transforms fully improvised concerts from underground Chicago venues and New York jazz clubs into a four-EP meditation on what it means to share space, take risks, and participate in the unrepeatable.
Working it Out — Jeff Parker Revisits 'The New Breed'
Ten years after 'The New Breed' merged his love of J Dilla with his background in jazz composition, the Tortoise guitarist discusses mentorship, the practical realities of a music career, and why he makes the records he wants to hear.
Frozen Music, Flowing Spaces — Lynyn's Architecture in Motion
The composer behind Chicago's Lynyn project reflects on 'Ixona', absorbing UK electronic music, his collaboration with visual artist Owen Blodgett, and the mature process of whittling down excess.
'Anomaly' at Fifty — McLuhan's Wild Musical Theory Lives On
McLuhan's Paul Cohn reflects on creating one of the early seventies' strangest records, the band's improbable reunion after fifty years, and how a philosophical foundation—"the medium is the message"—allowed them to break every musical rule in the book.
A Drummer Darkly — Charlie Werber's Mystical Rhythm
From backing the Flying Luttenbachers to channeling Philip K. Dick's mysticism, Werber opens up about the visionary experience that shaped his solo debut 'Krater' and his collaboration with Sunn O)))'s Daniel O'Sullivan.
Bangs of Convenience — Gustavo Cortiñas Drums For Climate Action
The Mexican-born, Chicago-based drummer discusses his album 'The Crisis Knows No Borders,' his philosophy on small daily sacrifices, and why convenience keeps getting in the way of saving the world.
Chicago's Sons of Ra Turn Jazz Into Heavy Weather
'Standard Deviation' documents how three musicians learned to arrange around drones, interpret Carla Bley through hardcore tempos, and find lightness in their own gravity.
Chicago’s Spun Out Dream in Full Color
Built on Mikey Wells's hook-laden songwriting and propelled by dual synthesizers, Spun Out's 'Dream Noise' pushes past the boundaries of conventional indie rock through a mix of punk attitude and electronic ambition.
Adam Shead Blasts Big Ideas Through Miniature Instruments
The Chicago-based composer and percussionist discusses his unconventional ensemble microplastique, the influence of free jazz pioneers, and why making sense isn't always the point of making music.