For the pioneering post-rock ensemble Tortoise, the currency of early gigs was often more culinary than financial. "We used to play for a frozen burrito," reveals multi-instrumentalist Dan Bitney, reflecting on the band's humble beginnings in a city that has radically transformed around them.
A Chicago Transformed
The Chicago that nurtured Tortoise's experimental sound in the 1990s is almost unrecognisable today. The band members speak wistfully of a bygone era of affordability and sprawling, vacant spaces – the very incubators of their creativity. "You could get a loft for $200 a month," recalls Bitney, painting a picture of a city where artists could thrive without the pressures of today's soaring costs.
This economic shift has fundamentally altered the city's cultural fabric. The once-vibrant network of artist-run spaces and underground venues has dwindled, pushing the unconventional to the margins. John McEntire, the band's drummer and production genius, notes the stark contrast to their early days of boundless, cheap real estate that fuelled a prolific and communal scene.
The Immutable Influence of Steve Albini
The recent passing of legendary audio engineer and iconoclast Steve Albini has left a profound void. For Tortoise, his influence was both personal and philosophical. McEntire, who worked alongside Albini, describes him as a "completely immutable" force, a man of unwavering principle and integrity.
"He was just completely immutable… He had so much integrity," McEntire states, highlighting Albini's steadfast commitment to his ethical and artistic beliefs. His presence was a grounding constant in a music industry often characterised by flux and compromise.
An Unexpected New Audience
Three decades into their career, Tortoise is experiencing a remarkable renaissance with an unlikely demographic: Generation Z. Discovered through algorithms and digital rabbit holes on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, their intricate, instrumental music has found a fervent new audience.
This new generation engages with a fervour that surprises even the band. "They’ll know the B-sides… they’ll have incredibly deep questions," says Bitney, both amused and impressed by the dedication of these young fans who approach their music with the intensity of classic rock aficionados.
The Eternal Drive to Create
Now in their 50s and 60s, the members of Tortoise show no signs of slowing down. They continue to evolve, drawing inspiration from diverse projects and collaborations. The drive remains simple and pure: the unadulterated joy of creation and discovery.
"It’s just the excitement of making something," McEntire explains. This enduring passion, combined with a legacy of groundbreaking albums and a newfound relevance, ensures that Tortoise remains a vital and exploratory force in modern music, still trading in the priceless currency of artistic innovation.
