Interview with Clyde Moreau of Decibel Crawl Fest

Photo credit Drea Gonzalez

This weekend a new festival launches across Chicago DIY spaces. Decibel Crawl Fest features shows at Observatory, Caliwaukee North, Elastic Arts, Orotund Music, Bohemian Grove and Happy Valley, Friday through Sunday. The fest aims to give a platform to people of color and LGBTQ+ artists in the Chicago community. Bands for the weekend include Bev Rage and the Drinks, ONO, GlitterMoney, Babykettle, Cordoba, Sasha No Disco, Stoneface, Eiigo Groove and more. For the full lineup, schedule and passes see the Decibel Crawl Fest Facebook event. I talked with the fest's creator, Clyde Moreau, about starting it up.

Phil Collins: What is your role with Decibel Crawl Fest and how did it get started?

Clyde Moreau: I’m the Curator and Creator of DC Fest. This came about through my experiences with Chicago’s music/art scene specifically and noticing a lack of promoting diversity within. I became disappointed seeing the same bands being booked week after week.

PC: How did you go about ensuring DC Fest would be something different?

CM: A key factor is/was making sure the venues that participated were aligned with my personal goals of creating a new environment. Each venue is a place that I have personally played or have developed relationships with the venue owners. They are people that I see with potential and vision to make the arts scene here more welcoming and forward-thinking.

PC: I know some of the venues are in the Logan Square and Avondale area. Are they all around that neck of the woods?

CM: Nope! There’s seven venues in total. I wanted anyone from any part of Chicago to be able to participate or attend. We have venues from Bridgeport to Lincoln Square!

PC: Was it hard to coordinate with seven venues?

CM: Facebook and technology have helped, but it’s definitely been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in a while.

PC: Do you have a crew working on the fest or is it all on you?

CM: It’s mostly me honestly. Although, Balto Hosono and Calie Ramone have been extremely helpful towards its progress.

PC: How did you go about choosing bands to reach out to?

CM: Most, if not all bands who were selected, felt like a correct fit based on a mix of genre, their stance in the scene and how they work with others, along with exposure or lack thereof.

PC: If there is one thing you hope attendees of the fest come away with, what would that be?

CM: Inspiration and a sense of community. I want all groups of people to feel an urgency to create more art that challenges us as people and for this community to genuinely care for each other.

PC: Anything else people need to know before heading out to the shows?

CM: For sure! We want everyone who attends to feel safe regardless of gender, age, or race. If someone makes you feel threatened or unsafe at any point, let us know. This fest will never tolerate any racism, sexism, homophobia, or hatred of any kind.