Whitney Johnson, Lia Kohl, and Macie Stewart :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview

Key Takeaways

• Trio releases debut improvised album *BODY SOUND* after years of collaboration
• Album issued by International Anthem, known for avant‑garde releases
• Interview explores friendship, sacred influences, and Yoko Ono’s impact
• Emphasis on tape loops and surprise in experimental improvisation
• Chicago’s experimental scene gains wider attention through this release

Pulse Analysis

Chicago’s experimental music ecosystem has long thrived on informal collaborations, but few projects have crystallized into a full‑length release. Lia Kohl, Whitney Johnson, and Macie Stewart have been weaving intricate soundscapes together since the late 2010s, contributing to each other’s solo LPs and performing in fluid duos. Their debut album, *BODY SOUND*, consolidates a decade of shared improvisation into a single statement, offering listeners a window into the city’s vibrant underground. International Anthem, a label celebrated for championing avant‑garde artists, provides the distribution muscle and curatorial credibility that can propel such niche projects into broader awareness.

The trio’s interview with Aquarium Drunkard reveals the philosophical underpinnings of their work. They cite friendship as a catalyst for risk‑taking, while sacred and spiritual themes guide the emotional arc of their improvisations. Yoko Ono’s legacy of experimental performance informs their willingness to incorporate tape loops and unexpected sonic twists, turning each track into a living, breathing conversation. This blend of reverence and rebellion underscores a growing trend where artists fuse historical avant‑garde influences with contemporary technology to create immersive, unpredictable experiences.

From a business perspective, *BODY SOUND* illustrates how independent labels can monetize highly specialized content. International Anthem’s model—leveraging limited‑edition vinyl, targeted streaming playlists, and curated press coverage—maximizes revenue while preserving artistic integrity. The album’s release may attract listeners beyond the traditional experimental niche, tapping into audiences seeking authentic, boundary‑defying music. As streaming algorithms increasingly reward distinctive sounds, releases like *BODY SOUND* could signal a shift toward greater commercial viability for experimental acts, encouraging more artists to pursue long‑term collaborative projects.