Sonic Architecture: Demo Division
The first in our new Sonic Architecture series exploring sound, space, and environment, RFB.FM caught up with Chicago-based Demo Division (New Morality Zine label) to talk about their work in the studio, cross-genre collaborations, and how the physical landscape of Chicago finds its way into their sound.
RFB.FM: We’re always interested in how artists are fostering local collaborative ecosystems. How did the collaboration with Si Dios Quiere on "Wasting All My Time" and their track “Streets of Vengeance” come about? Any new collabs in the works?
DEMO: Honestly, it happened super organically. Outside of music, Si Dios Quiere are really our homies. I was working with Ozzy one day and he asked if I wanted to pull up to the studio after work and lay down a quick verse for “Streets of Vengeance.” It wasn’t some big planned thing — it was just one of those “let’s create something tonight” moments.
When it came to him jumping on “Wasting All My Time,” it was the same energy, just reversed. We’re in different lanes musically, but that’s what made it fun. We wanted to blend worlds a little and show love while doing it.
As far as what’s next, I wouldn’t be surprised if we bring a few more homies in on the next release. There’s so much talent in our local scene, and we’re always down to build something raw with people we genuinely rock with.
RFB.FM: Tell us about the studio experience recording Sunken Skin at Word of Mouth. How did working in that environment influence the record, and how does that energy translate into your live performances?
DEMO: Recording at Word of Mouth had a huge impact on the record. Joe at Word of Mouth was a big part of that. We walked in with four “finished” songs, but we made it clear to Joe that we wanted real feedback — no holding back. We wanted him to feel like he was part of the project, and he absolutely was.
In the studio, we spent a lot of time talking about how certain parts should feel — how they could shift the energy for us and for the crowd. We’d get genuinely hyped while recording, and that same energy carries straight into our live shows. Some parts just hit differently on stage, and it’s an unreal feeling knowing I get to experience that with my friends in real time.
RFB.FM: Who were/are your biggest musical influences? Any influences outside of music—art, film, media, etc.?
DEMO: We all share similar roots, but each of us brings slightly different influences. Growing up in that late ’90s/early 2000s era when rock bands were blowing up had a huge impact on us. For me, seeing blink-182 just being friends, rocking out, and having fun made everything feel possible. I think that same feeling is what connects all of us to our own influences — that raw, honest energy.
Sonically, we’re really inspired by bands like Basement, Fiddlehead, and Title Fight. That early Run for Cover Records era especially changed the way we look at songwriting and tone.
Outside of music, it’s less about specific mediums and more about that same DIY, authentic energy — just people creating something real with their friends.
RFB.FM: We’re fascinated by how a location and its built environment can help shape the music. Are there specific aspects of Chicago—the streets, the venues, the weather, the culture—that find their way into your sound or lyrics?
DEMO: Definitely. I’m inspired every day by what’s happening around me, and I’m proud to be from Chicago. The diversity and energy of the city naturally make their way into our music. Living in a Midwest city comes with its own emotional shifts — the cold, short winter days that can feel heavy, and then the bright, alive feeling the city has in the summer. Those contrasts create moods that really influence how we write and how our songs feel.
RFB.FM: What are some of your favorite bands right now? Who should we be checking out?
DEMO: For that last question, we wanted to shout out our homies in Footballhead and Vatos Tristes. Two local Chicago bands that have been releasing some sick music recently. We’ve all been listening to a lot of different stuff. Eric said he’s been listening to a lot of higher power, rosasharin. I’ve been listening to a lot djo and militarie gun. Geo said he’s been listening to royal otis and blood orange. Lou said Mizery and the rival mob.