The ‘Round The Campfire Interview Series is Pop Break’s preview series, curated by Lead Music Writer Andrew Howie, for Summer Camp 2022.
Well known by now as the voice of the Midwest, Chicago Farmer has been around a time or two. Whether he’s singing his heart out in Colorado, Georgia, or his beloved Illinois, his message resonates and captivates the minds and hearts of his audience. Having been a fixture of Summer Camp longer than this author can remember, it was only fitting to bend his ear and get his thoughts on the festival, his new(ish) group The Fieldnotes, and the strength of human connection through music and stories.
Andrew Howie: So what’s been happening lately? What’s going on in the world of Chicago Farmer?
Chicago Farmer: Well, I started a band (The Fieldnotes) in late 2019, and we set out to take over the world in early 2020. Well, you know what happened then. We got sidelined, but we kept live streaming and pushing on. During that whole time I kept writing some songs; I wasn’t eager to make a whole album, but we took four songs into the studio, and we got four good ones. Sort of a quality over quantity situation. That EP is called Four, and it came out in early March. We got to tour on it quite a bit, and we feel like we’re back at it, so it’s been good.
AH: What can you tell me about the Fieldnotes vs. your solo act, in terms of similarities and
differences?
CF: I will always be a folk singer at heart; that’s what it says on my tax returns. I just wanted to try something new. I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years. After wanting people to sit down and listen to me, I wanted to try and flip the script here, y’know? Let’s sing some songs and get people dancin’ and groovin’ and havin’ a good time. I’ll always do both, but I think it’s cool and exciting to come at it from two different angles.
Some of these things I’ve written, I’ve tried to play them solo, and that just doesn’t have the force and the meaning to it that it has with the band, and vice versa. They both have their ups and downs, solo vs. band. When I write a song, it’s all about the tune, and then I can decide if it’s better as a solo track vs. band songs. Hopefully it’s both!
AH: So the music is still your creation for the most part?
CF: I bring the songs to the table, but when they’re there, it’s a team effort, seeing where they go. It’s kind of a tough thing being a bandleader, it’s very new to me. I make the final decisions, but I open the discussion and take input. Whatever is best for the song, I put my own ego aside.
AH: Unless I’m much mistaken, you’ve known this group of musicians for quite some time; that’s got to make the process easier.
CF: Jaik Willis, one of my oldest musician pals, known him forever. Cody Jensen, Charlie Harris. the’ve been playing music forever as well. We all go way back and when we get in the van for a week or so we get along pretty good. Makes a big difference.
AH: So you’re playing Summer Camp with The Fieldnotes this year, but you’ve been a part of the bill for as long as I’ve been going at least, so 10 years. What stands out to you about the festival and makes it special, both as an artist and as a fan of music in general?
CF: So last year was actually the first year I played Summer Camp with The Fieldnotes. I’ve played many years at SCamp solo, and a set or two with Old Shoe, my good buddies. But yeah, last year was the first Fieldnotes year at the festival, and we got to play on the bigger stage, which was really cool. There was a small tornado during the set, which is just so Summer Camp. It was a whirlwind and tents were flying in the air. Of course something crazy would happen at the band’s first SCamp appearance; we’re naturally anticipating something else crazy this year.
I think 2006 maybe was my first year playing. I started as a fan, before I was ever hired to play. It was so close to home, this amazing thing in our back yard, 45 minutes from me. I went and checked it out, and it was just a small thing then; I remember moe. playing acoustic in a campground, campfire style. That probably couldn’t happen anymore. That was such a cool, beautiful experience. Watching it build has been amazing. For me it’s become a reunion every year, after a long, cold winter.
It’s kind of the first gathering and fest of the year, y’know, Memorial Day weekend, and I always see so many musician pals. It’s the most beautiful thing, always seeing some of my faves and friends, but every year also always brings something new to me that I’ve never heard. I grew up on Smashing Pumpkins, so this is a big full circle thing. I couldn’t believe it when I saw them on the lineup.
AH: I’d wager there will be some out-of-staters catching your set at the festival for the first time. What should they know about a Chicago Farmer show?
CF: It’s very Midwestern; that being said though, even if you’re not from here, maybe you’re from the coast, the north or south, the songs are still going to connect to you. There’s a lot of stories I tell in between, and there are lots of stories in the songs! I think those stories are connectors for myself and the audience. You know in that kind of environment, at festivals, people like to rage. I like to rage too, but for about an hour during the fest, there’s this set that’s kind of focused on lyrics and stories. It’s a nice change of pace for a fest full of rock, jam, experimental, electronic, all that. Just an hour where you can expect something simple but different than most of what you’ll see. I’m proud of that, being simple but unique. Come out and take a ride and have a little story time.
AH: Why do you think people connect so strongly to your music?
CF: I think telling the stories and my experiences, there’s these crazy stories that people have no connection with, but somewhere in the midst of it, there’s a story that someone else has experienced. When we start talking about our experiences, we’re going through it together, and it helps to know you’re not alone. We have this connection, and I think that pulls it all together.
AH: You’ve got Summer Camp on deck; what’s up next after that in terms of touring?
CF: We’re playing quite a few other festivals, playing most of the Midwest, getting out to Colorado a bit more. I’ve been playing some solo shows with Todd Snider and Band of Heathens. Got a lot of new songs in the pipeline, so by end of year we’ll be back in the studio for a full album. Four songs is fun, but I want a new album, I like the full 10-12 songs.
AH: No spoilers obviously, but what can you tell me about this new album?
CF: The four songs on the EP were very pandemic related, so they were kind of downers. I’m known for fun, uplifting material; zero funny material on those. That was kind of an in-the-midst pandemic vibe; this next one is more of a coming-out-of-it vibe. Redemption, hope, ya know.
AH: How do you find the last few years have affected your perspective and approach to music?
CF: It was a reset for sure. I’ve always tried to not take things for granted, but we all do in a routine. It’s easy. It was definitely a reset for me and realization of how fortunate I am, but I definitely wouldn’t say it was a good time. I feel like my calling is to be on the road making music for people, and we roll with the punches; we played online, live streamed, so the music survived and pressed on, but for me and my music it’s all about that human connection. I sat home and thought about life way too much, contemplating things, and realized that I’m still here, I’m still kickin’. I’m on a mission, and that mission is to bring
emotion and music to people. Feels better to be out getting back at it, this has been a tough time for troubadours
AH: Anything else you’re excited about that people should keep an eye out for?
CF: Well I moved to Chicago in 2003, so next year there’s gonna be a 20-year Chicago Farmer celebration. Keep an eye out for that. I got my guitar right here by my side; ready for a summer playing music outdoors, top of my to-do list. Can’t wait for Summer Camp.
Chicago Farmer will perform at Summer Camp 2022; tickets and more can be found here: summercampfestival.com
