ROC
INTERVIEWS WITH partywatcher
O N E
C H I C A G O
VISIT WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
ISSUE 4 / JULY 2021
R A D I O
2
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS 8
YOU NEVER K NOW
An editorial - embracing change
12 THE SANTO DOMING O- CHICAG O CONNECTION IN PART Y WATCHER’S DEBU T ALBU M
For Logan Square Dominican pop artist partywatcher, being American is, in part, about hard work and determination.
ON THE COVER
Living Walls mural - read more on PAGE 10
16
AM Abernathy introduces her art to Chicago.
18
4
SHE PAINTS IN P INK
J U LY P L A Y L I S T
A collection of songs curated by Jax.
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
Thelesperma megapotamicum ILLUSTRATION BY ALISHA HUBBELL
5
OUR TEAM
Jax Allos
she/her/hers Musician, multi-media artist, and currently the vocalist for [melter] and Aviatrix on Fire. Jax has played bass in local bands spanning a variety of genres including post-rock, witch house, darkwave, and Spanish rock. Before the pandemic, Jax could be seen regularly attending live shows and events. She has been spending much time in her music and art studios with her Eskie, quietly working on a number of projects.
Rob Katt
he/him Hailing from Chicago, Rob found his passion and meaning through art. Dipping his toes in music, photography, writing and even finding his voice (all that talking finally paying off) as a loud radio co host. While growing up in Chicago, drumming in bands became his number one focus before moving to the West Coast bouncing back and forth between the Golden state of California and the scorching valley heat of Arizona. Out west his focus on writing became much stronger as he searched high and low for himself. After four and half years out west working with peers and classmates it was time to head back home. Upon his return to Chicago the search for himself continues; he documents stories in the city while working on modern noir short stories.
Hex Hernandez
he/him Hex is a Chicago native who is continually exploring the city with his camera in hand. Once embedded in the Chicago music scene, he continues his love for local musicians and artists through Radio One Chicago and now through ROC. Hex has always striven to bring equity to the art scene by working to bring attention to the diverse range of artists that inhabit Chicago and its surrounding area. Hex has been proud to collaborate with the R.O.C. Team in bringing awareness of the rich culture that Chicago has to offer.
Alisha Hubbell
she/her Alisha is a landscape designer and small business owner in Chicago. Originally from the Navajo Nation and desert southwest, she has been learning the Midwest plant palettes, Chicago landscape architecture and streetscapes, and the rich diversity found within Chicago. She is enthusiastic to contribute to ROC magazine by making connections to design and handmade community.
Cat translation: Meow.
Give Jax a follow Instagram @jax.allos Instagram @meltermusic Twitter @aviatrixonfire
6
Give Rob a follow Twitter @heykiller
Give Hex a follow Instagram @HexHernandez Twitter @HexHernandez and find his work at www.hexhernandez.com
Give Alisha a follow Instagram @loveabellstudio Etsy Loveabell Studio
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
Sandra Treviño
she/her Sandra Treviño is a music journalist based in Chicago. You can find her writing on Enchufate.com and Gozamos.com. She is a contributor to NPR’s World Cafe Latin Roots, Contratiempo, Vocalo, Lumpen Radio, and the Chicago Reader. Sandra covers Latin alternative music and culture.
CONTACT US Visit ROC online at www. radioonechicago.com Follow us on Twitter @ RadioOneChicago Instragram @ RadioOneChicago Email us at radioonechicago@gmail. com Scan the QR Code below to send ROC a donation.
Give Sandra a follow Instagram @sandstrevino Twitter @sandratrevino and find her work at www.enchufate.com
7
LEFT Pepper Ann Paws
8
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
YOU NEVER KNOW
S
ince the last time we spoke (previously on Katt tries to talk) Summer was about to kick off and boy, oh boy did it ever. The season is in full swing and has driven headfirst into the “normalcy” we’ve all yearned for. But as of recent studies and data (listen to science and doctors not people foaming at the mouths, shouting at podiums) we may have prematurely jumped that gun. No, not maybe, we most certainly did. Yet again we were not able to sit back and chill out for the better. I’m not what you would call a “brain”, but I know I have the common sense and wherewithal to put two and two together. That’s something that’s hard to find lately, it exists and is out there in the ether but hidden like rare truffles under a layer of dirt and filth that consumes the media (and social media). The decency to make sacrifices and take precautions for the sake of those around us. Why bother, I guess. Why even write this, why express this opinion that no one asked for? Because I can, I suppose, because it’s a knot in my brain that I must loosen, it’s a bug in my ear that I can’t quite itch. What else should do I do aside from slamming my head against this tiny wooden desk hoping some points make it onto the screen? I stop, and I breathe, and feel my back against the chair and my feet touching the ground. Letting each breath fill my lungs until my heart finds a smooth rhythm, one which my mind can step to. Then, I take a moment to remember you can’t change the world. A bummer of a thought but true. However, you can definitely make a dent in
your little corner of the world. What does that mean exactly? It means looking after yourself. Doing maintenance both mentally and physically making sure your system is running on all cylinders. To shed your old skin and to really allow change, you must want it first, in my experience anyhow. It’s easy to float around from day to day expecting and hoping for things to get better for something good to come along but what can come from that without honest effort. It would be like waiting to get a letter back in response to one you never sent. What’s that old saying that I never hear any more about the stone and the moss? I think you get the point, and it’s time to get rolling. Find motivation, find passion, and spread that on a contagion level (minus Matt Damon and the scary plot) of community and joy. It takes absolutely no effort whatsoever to be pessimistic and selfish. You simply put cruise control on and mow down any sign of hope and optimism while reclining far back with your sunglasses on with no regard for where you’re going. Easy life no doubt, with no disappointment but with absolutely no reward. Allow disappointment to be a variable and accept that with the effort you put into being better, know that it can go belly up. It’s scary to know that trying to change could go horribly wrong but what if things went horribly right? I’m talking extremely right, so far beyond what you thought you could achieve. It’s possible, and extremely plausible but you won’t ever (CONTINUED...)
9
know until you try. I get nervous, I doom myself and my thoughts before I’m able to even put them into action. All the worst corrupts my visions and I’m defeated right out of the gate. This was my usual dance with myself (and sometimes still is), broken spirited, swirling in my own dazed and confused atmosphere of negativity. It was horrible until it wasn’t. Things started to change simply because of what we talked about earlier. I stopped thinking about what could go wrong (it was still on board but no longer the target) and started picturing what could go right? So, did I have to write this? No not at all, but did I? Yes, I did, and I guess I hope this is shapes out to be something helpful for all of you. Something maybe you needed to hear. A small yet honest piece of inspiration and encouragement from us to you. If me (captain bummer) can muster up whatever energy and amount of time it took to release this long chaotic piece of dribble from my calloused fingertips stabbing away at my typing keyboard in a hot dungeon of an office then yeah, I’m sorry but I expect all of you to be able to pull energy from whatever realm you exist in and get to work. Get to work on what you love. Get to work on what makes you happy. Get to work on yourselves and during all this work (because it never ends) spread some of that positive change. Even though it’s just in your little corner of the world, don’t forget you can still make a dent. Eat my ass, love you. -ROB “KATT” ANTHONY
10
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
11
12
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
The Santo Domingo-Chicago C o n n e c t i o n i n p a r t y w a t c h e r ’s Debut Album
“To me, the ideal definition of being American represents the values of hard work and determination in order to overcome obstacles to create opportunities for myself and my family.” - Jochy Saldivar “partywatcher” Dominican artist, partywatcher, just debuted the single, “Si Tu Te Vas,” a preview track from his upcoming EP, MORENO. From the sound of this single, there’s no doubt that being surrounded by Caribbean music, as well as pop and R&B hits from the 80s and 90s, have influenced partywatcher’s interpretation of Latine music. Jochy Saldivar, the man behind the partywatcher moniker, is based in Logan Square and was kind enough to answer some questions for ROC Magazine. I thought it was important to speak with someone who hasn’t lived their entire life in this country and ask about their perspective on nationalism for this issue. partywatcher, who doesn’t shy away from using his songwriting to shed light on topics that are personal to him, like mental health challenges, answers our Q&A about music, life in Chicago after leaving his home in the Dominican Republic, and how we can best support his project. Listen to “Si Tu Te Vas” while you read our conversation.
Tell me about your life before moving to Chicago? I was raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At an early age, I became very active in the Dominican rock scene playing in many bands in diverse genres. In 2009, I decided to leave for Dallas, TX to attend school and major in the music business. That’s when the idea of partywatcher started to form and I played various open mics. Where does your interest in music come from? Without a doubt, my interest in music comes from my parents. Growing up, I had the best of both worlds. My mother would always play 80s pop and 90s R&B. My father would keep me in tune with my roots of Dominican music (bachata & merengue). It’s safe to say that partywatcher is a tribute to them. How has being in Chicago affected your music, or has it? What has your experience been within Chicago’s music community? It’s funny because I feel like I’ve grown to have a new appreciation for certain genres being here. I grew up a punk kid in my teens. Moving out here (I have some friends in that scene - La Armada) I reconnected with the punk genre that way. At the same time I gained a greater affinity towards Latin alternative and R&B. There’s just something about the vibes of the city neighborhoods that relate to the Latin alternative and R&B genres. The city has 100% affected the sounds. Working on this new EP, you can imagine being in Chicago deep in winter with one song, then the next being set in a (CONTINUED...)
13
more tropical vibe like back home. What is something you thought about Chicago before moving here that turned out to be true or untrue? Before moving here I always heard how this was the Windy City and boy that is no joke! Completely not prepared for the winter. I also had people tell me how similar the city is to NYC which I found to not be the case. We got that Midwest love out here, the people are so nice! What are some of your music goals?
How would you define being ‘American’ and/or how do you define ‘America’? It seems like the word has gained a negative context in the last few years. I would say America is a place dependent on who you are and what you believe, opportunities vary. To me, the ideal definition of being American represents the values of hard work and determination, in order to overcome obstacles to create opportunities for myself and my family. What is your process for creating music - do you write lyrics first or do you think of the sound first, etc, etc.
I have many goals as partywatcher. The biggest of them all is to be able to constantly drop new music and content and to be able to perform live as much as we can. I truly believe that our live show is a unique experience unto itself and would love to see more opportunities come our way. Ruido Fest, you got my number hahahah.
It depends. Every song starts out differently. Sometimes I’ll have something written down and not come up with music for it until months afterward and vice versa. With the new songs for MORENO, all came out at the same time. All the songs are very beatoriented. I came up with drums in the demo process first and everything else came afterward.
What are some of your favorite Chicago music venues?
What is the best way people can support your music?
As a performer, it’s definitely Sleeping Village. Everyone there is so good to us and the vibe of their stage is perfect for what we try to bring each time out. Shouts out to them.
The best way is to follow partywatcher on your platform of choice and share them with your friends. “Si Tu Te Vas” is available on all streaming platforms and you can follow us on Instagram, FB, and Twitter.
As a spectator, I enjoy the Riv. I’ve been to many shows there and love how intimate that big venue can be.
I just released “Si Tu Te Vas” which serves as the first single off of my debut EP called MORENO, which will be out later this year. Any sharing and listening helps!
What do you think of the current state of Latin music in Chicago (and in general)? The scene keeps growing, more venues are opening their doors to Latin acts of all genres. Having festivals dedicated to us like Ruido Fest is a game-changer as well. We are living in a time where people, no matter what their language or background is, are vibing to songs in Spanish and in Spanglish. The sky’s the limit from here on out. What do patriotism/nationalism mean to you? It’s a complicated answer. I do feel proud of where I come from and the places I call home, but still able to see the injustices and problems that surround us in those same settings. I like to say that I practice conscious patriotism.
14
WRITTEN BY SANDRA TREVIÑO PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ARTIST
FIND partywatcher Visit partywatcher online at Instagram @partywatcher Facebook @partywatcher SoundCloud partywatcher Twitter @partywatcher809 YouTube partywatcher
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
15
SHE PAINTS IN PINK
I
’m A.M Abernathy, the artist behind She Paints in Pink, and the girl with the pink paintbrush tattoo. She Paints in Pink stems from my obsession with all things girly and pink. Hot pink is a signature color that I often incorporate into my paintings, and I have no less than a dozen bottles of hot pink paint in my studio at any given time. My art adventures began with doodles of random things on tiny pieces of paper, and quickly grew into intuitive abstract paintings on paper and canvas. My work took on a life of its own as I began exploring personal growth, self-acceptance, and vulnerability. The pandemic was a turning point for me in terms of my art-making practice, which became a daily ritual. Whether I was exploring ideas in my sketchbook or wildly creating art, and cleaning the resulting paint splatters off the walls of my tiny bedroom-turned-art studio, painting became my happy place in even the most trying times. My style is messy and fun, and I am not afraid to take a maximalist approach to my work that pushes the boundaries of traditional design elements and perceptions of beauty. I juxtapose hyper-feminine colors, chaotic movement, and energetic layers in my paintings. I enjoy creating non-objective abstract art because of the space it creates for others to explore, interpret, and connect with it.
WRITTEN BY AM ABERNATHY PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEX HERNANDEZ
16
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
FIND she paints in pink Visit partywatcher online at Instagram @she.paints.in.pink
17
N EW R ELEAS ES
TOBA CCO CIT Y
Blue Raspberry | Released July 20, 2021 | From the upcoming album Tobacco City USA releases July 30, 2021 | Alternative Country Folk-Rock
D’ EON
Popular | From the upcoming album Rhododendron | Releases August 13, 2021 | Chamber Music
18
BN N Y
Ambulance | From the upcoming album Everything | Releases August 20, 2021 | Alternative
PROJECT .4 4
Chicago | Released October 2, 2020 | (the storm before) reform | Released July 4, 2021 | Industrial Metal
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
J U LY P L AYLIST
A N G EL BAT DAWID
Corn=Rowzz | Released June 19, 2021 | Experimental Jazz
FO RES T M A N A G EMENT
Virginia’s Vantage | Released June 14, 2021 | Experimental
ROYKIN SEY
I Don’t Beg | Released February 20, 2020 | Juke Skywalker Vol. 1 | Released June 22, 2021 | Hip Hop / Rap
LIGHTFO ILS
sunblind | Released June 10, 2021 | Shoegaze
C O RYAYO
Zen Garden | Released June 17, 2021 | Healing Music
SPORTS BOYFR IEN D
Dollar Beer Night | Released June 8, 2021 | Electronic Chill Pop
19
J ULY PL AY LIS T
G IRL N AM ED NINO
The Good News | Released June 4, 2021 | Indie Electronica
G RÜ N WA S S ER
123 Windows | Released April 23, 2021 | Dark Wave
20
ULN A
Borrowed Time | Released June 4, 2021 | Bedroom Pop
F RA N CIS AN D HER FAWN
Eyes and Ears | Released February 26, 2021 | Ambient Indie Folk
BURR OAK
FOMO | Released June 3, 2021 | Dream Pop
CZ AR
Bad Apples | Released September 4, 2020 | Math Metal
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
J U LY P L AYLIST
M O C REP
All I Need | Released June 3, 2019 | Disco Funk
M O ON
There’s Light Here | Released June 18, 2018 | Prog Rock
MO N ĀE
Cisphobic | Released March 23, 2019 | House
BL ACK ROAD
From Hell | Released October 6, 2017 | Doom Metal
RHO N E
A Pause in Your House | Released April 5, 2019 | Ambient Post-Rock
DREAM VER S IO N
I’m Still as Spoiled as the Day I Was Born | Released July 7, 2017 | Post-Punk New Wave
21
J ULY PL AY LIS T
IT TO
Ego Death | Released June 16, 2016 | Screamo Math Punk
22
OWLS
Ancient Star Seed | Released March 13, 2014 | Rock
LO S CRUD O S
Metiendo Sal En La Llaga | Released June 25, 2006 | Queer Hardcore Punk
JULY 2021 / WWW.RADIOONECHICAGO.COM
F EAT U R ED LO C A L L ABEL
Chicago DIY label established in 2000
Bandcamp www.forgeagainrecords.com
F.A.R. ARTISTS
S ALVATION
Medusa | Released October 16, 2015 | Art Punk
M IKE LU S T
Danceteria | Released June 18, 2021 | Alternative Pop
SALVATION
Year of the Fly Remixes | Released June 19, 2020 | Art Punk
MAGIC MIR R O R
Take Another Bow b/w In Heaven | Released July 31, 2020 | Rock Grunge
TH E GO O DBOY SUIT
End Sequence | Released July 2, 2021 | Math R
23
Art Mart Pride | E TH EL ALEGRIA
Instagram @ethela_photo www.ethelalegria.com