An Interview with Chip Pirrs
Meet Chip Pirrs, a boundary-pushing artist based in New York City whose music lives at the intersection of alt-electronic, experimental pop, and avant-garde sound design. Known for crafting deeply layered sonic experiences, Chip brings a cinematic and emotional intensity to his work that reflects years of personal exploration and global inspiration. In this interview, he opens up about his creative process, his latest single, Stay, and the upcoming album Places I’ve Left Myself, a project shaped by transformative life moments and the pursuit of meaningful connection through music.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! I’m Chip Pirrs. I’m a NYC based alt electronic, alt pop and experimental artist. Some may even say avante garde. I love giving a listener music with dense layers.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I’ve always been inspired to make music. I used to make mashup mixes that combined seemingly unrelated tracks into one story. I moved on to creating my own original songs. Thom Yorke’s remake of All For The Best was the final straw for me. Once I heard the breakdown in that song I was determined to make music that made me feel the way that song does.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Biggest challenge is finding my audience. I want to connect with people through music. It’s not easy to find.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
My most recent single—Stay, from my upcoming album, Places I’ve Left Myself, is my favorite release so far.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
I’m a huge Radiohead fan. Their influence is all over my music. I’m also a big Nine Inch Nails and Trent Reznor fan. You’ll hear Prince, Underworld and Beirut in my music but also The-Dream and Frank Ocean
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
I start with making a few loops. I like to find a drum tone and pattern usually with a synth or piano loop melody. Those loops inform the rest of the song. Vocals are usually the last thing to be put on. I love making the arrangement and the production aspect of the song the most.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
I’m currently releasing singles for an upcoming album that I worked on for over 3 years. The album is called Places I’ve Left Myself and it’s all about the places and experiences I’ve had all over the world that have changed me.
What are your plans for 2025 and 2026?
To break out. I want my music to play for the world.
Have any shoutouts?
Shoutout to Josh Valleau. He’s my studio collaborator and overall music mentor. He helped me write, compose, arrange and produce this album.
As Chip Pirrs prepares to share Places I’ve Left Myself with the world, he’s more determined than ever to find and connect with the audience his music was made for. With plans to break out in 2025 and beyond, and with the support of close collaborator Josh Valleau, Chip’s vision is clear: to create immersive, emotionally resonant music that lingers long after the last note. Keep an eye out—this is just the beginning.