- A brash album of kiss-offs, vulnerable moments and rave anthems.
- "A lot of people think this is a comeback, and some people in the US think I'm coming back to America," Chippy Nonstop told Resident Advisor this month. "I didn't put out music for seven years because I've been focusing on DJing and building a new life. I didn't really have the inspiration to make music at that time. I had to stop and find myself because I didn't have a vision... Now, I know what I want everything to look like and what my sound should be."
In the early '10s, Chippy was releasing brash trap and EDM-tinged pop. But after visa issues led to her deportation from the US—her home since age 11—Chippy relocated to Vancouver, then Toronto, and switched her focus to DJing. She hosted parties as well as Intersessions workshops on production, DJing and the music business, geared towards women and the LGBTQ+ community. Working on these behind-the-scenes projects triggered a process of self-reflection and a re-evaluation of her sonic identity. Her debut album, made with Toronto's dj genderfluid, is still rooted in the hip-hop and EDM influences of her older work, but it's also heavily informed by '90s dance music, especially early rave music, techno and house. The music is nuanced and punchy this time around, though the LP never loses sight of the party-starting persona that made Chippy famous.
On this self-titled LP, Chippy and dj genderfluid experiment with pop, acid, house, hard techno, drum & bass and even electroclash. Much of it feels unapologetically in-your-face—there are no coy intros, experimental atmospherics or conventional breakdowns. Instead, tracks start out deep and fast with pummelling basslines and serrated synths. The LP is meant to document the "full night of a party," according to Chippy, following an arc from the pre-game to the comedown.
In addition to raving, Chippy's lyrics narrate relatable stories of dating, debauchery and self-care. She's vulnerable and honest, though hardly emo. Her vocals beam with confidence and charisma, and her messages are simple and direct—real talk from someone who's been in the weeds and lived to tell the tale. "To Myself" explores the fragile and obsessive nature of attraction against a backdrop of liquid drum & bass that mirrors her contemplative lyrics. The electro-infused "Why Did You Block Me" details her disgust after being dismissed then blocked by former associate Diplo, while the house stepper "Don't You Dare" is a sermon that goes out to every creep on the dance floor. The sassiness of her lyrics lightens the heavy-duty production, and it's clear that she doesn't take herself too seriously, a winning combination that mixes humour and social commentary.
The whole album is defined by these juxtapositions: saucy lyrics with high-pressure basslines; pop and techno; Chippy's outgoing, spirited nature versus the weight of her personal experiences. All of this works in her favour by adding depth and breadth to her music. Based on her social media presence, energetic DJ sets and dance moves, you might think Chippy is easy to read, but her debut LP shows remarkable artistic growth and a complex musical personality. She's an artist who can bridge worlds and scenes, a rapper-producer-DJ who can make retro rave bangers. She refuses to be boxed in, and it's her time to shine. Maybe she says it herself best on "Deeper": "Worked so hard I paid my dues / Miss me that with bullshit, ho / Been there done that, it's my show."
Tracklist01. Straight To Hell
02. Let's Get Messy For The Drama
03. To Myself
04. Breaking Your Heart
05. NRG
06. No Sleep
07. Don't You Dare!
08. Why Did You Block Me
09. Deeper
10. Til The End Of Time
11. Accelerate
12. Straight To Hell (Dub Mix)
13. To Myself (Lo-Fi Mix)