Since I moved to Chicago in 2018, I have been very proud of the time I have spent in support of CHIRP Radio. CHIRP is one of the few independent music radio stations in the USA. What does it mean to be an “independent” station? This is important: it means the station receives no money or advertising revenue from businesses or record labels, and THAT means there are no commercials, and the music that is played is chosen by real music lovers. Many folks aren’t aware that on commercial radio stations, there is a pay-for-play arrangement between the label and the station. This means that they are obligated to play certain artists and songs, over and over, to get money. As a result, the public hears the same songs all the time.

I remember in the 90’s when the Red Hot Chili Peppers released their Californication record, and I would literally scream every time I heard their music on the radio. (I have since healed my relationship with RHCP, but it was intense). Pay-for-play on commercial stations means that the same voices get heard over and over again, leaving other great talent aside. As a youth, I remember listening to the radio, and I would often hear DJs hyping up their next song, and my inner-cynic would say “Hmmm… does he even really like this band? Probably not.”

That isn’t the case with CHIRP. Since no commercial interests are involved, DJs at independent radio stations are permitted to explore and share music they genuinely enjoy. As a result, talented and otherwise underrepresented artists get a fair shake on the airwaves, and the annoyance of songs being overplayed is virtually non-existent. Independent radio listeners are exposed to new, high-quality music, and develop a greater connection with the small venues in their town, because hey —they’ve HEARD of the bands playing there!

Over the last 18 months, we at CHIRP haven't been able to host many of the live events that typically generate revenue to help us run the station. In a typical year, CHIRP relies on events like our Record Fairs, Whistler Nights, and First Time shows to cover part of the station's budget. CHIRP was able to finally participate in the Pitchfork Music Festival last weekend, but it was MUCH smaller than in normal times, and we probably won't be able to host another event fundraiser untl 2022. That means your donations are more important than ever -- they help us pay the bills that keep the station running.

If CHIRP has kept you company, and maybe even just a *little* bit more sane over the past 18 months, and you have the means to do so, I would be grateful for any donations you can make to CHIRP today. 

Thank you gifts

• $60 (or $15/quarter) - Convertible waist-pack (aka FANNY PACK!) designed by Matt Barr
• $120 (or $10/mo) - CHIRP limited edition t-shirt designed by JJ McLuckie
• $240 (or $20/mo) - CHIRP zip hoodie with design by Matt Barr

CHIRP is your community radio station.

In these times, it's important to have things you can rely on in your life. Things that provide some consistency -- and hopefully, some joy! -- even when the rest of life is strange and too often, stressful.

Over the course of the past eighteen months, we hope that CHIRP has provided that source of happy reliability for you. We've been able to continue our work throughout the pandemic, always lifting up the voices of local artists and nonprofits, always commercial-free, and with live, passionate, curious DJs, because of your generous support.

If you believe in this work, and if you're able, we hope you'll support the station with a gift today.

If you would like to become a sustaining member by making a recurring donation (monthly or quarterly), or if you want to select a thank you gift, please visit CHIRP's main donation page to make your contribution (and don’t forget to enter the name of the CHIRP Volunteer or DJ in the “How did you hear about CHIRP” section so they can receive credit for your gift).