ABOUT

Curio Records is a 100% artist-run music label presenting sounds that signify the deep history and multiplicitous present of the Chicago creative music community.

Founded in 2021 by Chicago saxophonist Hunter Diamond, this label documents his ongoing creative and collaborative projects.

Following the DIY spirit of Chicago independent music culture, Curio serves as a direct and personal connection between artist and audience.

Fitting in with the nexus of artist-run venues, radio stations, festivals, and record labels, Curio exists within a broad spectrum of independent business models designed to increase creative control and financial independence from larger corporate entities. 

The music here will not be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon or any other corporate music streaming platforms that devalue artistic commitment and craft by taking disproportionately large cuts of profits. By supporting Curio, you ensure that 100% of your money goes to the artists.

Releases

Flesh of Fruit

Hunter Diamond + Allen Moore

2025

Bywater

Hunter Diamond + Justin Peake

2022

Earnest Earth

Hunter Diamond + Justin Peake

2023

Nilia

Hunter Diamond + Justin Peake

2021

Core Distal

Hunter Diamond + Quin Kirchner

2022

We Stand

Hunter Diamond + Charles Rumback

2021

Perigee

Hunter Diamond + Lucas Gillan

2022

Reflective Nostalgia

Hunter Diamond

2021

PRESS

“…and the drums-and-reeds duo of Mike Reed and Hunter Diamond exemplify the city’s robust avant-garde community.”
— Bill Meyer, Chicago Reader 2022
“…a self-assessment and a statement of identity…an exposed, no-net setting for any improvisor, and the first thing that We Stand shows is that Diamond knows how to pick ‘em.”
— Bill Meyer, Dusted 2022
“...[Diamond’s] tenor sax swerves through the ambient sounds of Florida’s outdoors...”
— JR Nelson, Chicago Reader 2021
“Hunter Diamond…is not shy to make use of melodic development, space, and dynamics as he improvises… [The] music evolves logically and, while there are some intense moments, much of the playing is fairly relaxed and thoughtful.”
— Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene 2023
“Reeds-drums duos often result in fire music, but this one has the confidence to cook at a lower heat.”
— Bill Meyer, Wire 2022
“...narrative twists and turns, end[ing] with a clarion story-telling sequence which sums up, clarifies and affirms the ongoing collaboration.”
— Ken Waxman, Jazz Word 2022

Inspiration