CHIRP Radio Launches Sunday At High Noon

By Veronica Murtagh in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 15, 2010 7:40PM

The ongoing fight for the right to broadcast low power FM radio stations nationwide celebrated it's first victory last month with the passing of the Local Community Radio Act. While the vote in the Senate is still to to come, the barriers removed thus far have allowed for this Sunday's two year in the making launch of CHIRP Radio.

The volunteer-run, non-profit web-based station will follow a similar model to established stations like Seattle's KEXP, broadcasting in real time online, with a mission of featuring independent music across a variety of genres. CHIRP has been a long-time supporter of Chicago talent and events, and the radio station's offerings, while not limited to Chicago, will offer a city-centric focus for residents.

CHIRP Radio launches at noon sharp on Sunday, but we've spent the past couple days poking around the beta site and think you'll all be in for a surprise this weekend. The team has done an impressive job of creating a digital presence for CHIRP to call home that's sure to generate as much chatter about its usability as it's music options. Nearly 24-hour live coverage from hosts assigned to 3-hour blocks runs through a user interface of live playlists with the ability to leave individual song feedback and make purchases through both the expected sources and local affiliates like Reckless and Permanent Records. Content can be played through your iTunes like a podcast, or streamed via a pop-out player. iPhone and Android owners will also find options for listening compatibility on the go.

We won't give away any more details, but we will encourage you to check out the site in full this weekend and the launch party tomorrow night at the Empty Bottle which features performances from Chicago bands The Yolks, Hollows and Rabble Rabble.