Chicago newscaster Evrod Cassimy puts out new Christmas album

What they're saying: "I love storytelling," Cassimy tells Axios. "I get to do it for work and then storytelling through music is just another way to do what I love when I have free time."

The big picture: Cassimy has been producing music as a side project since he was a student at Columbia College.

• This is his fourth studio album and his second Christmas record, which Cassimy says requires a different focus when writing and producing them.
• "I wrote these holiday songs in the dead of summer," Cassimy says. "So you have to think ahead, think of cold and snow and everything that goes along with the Christmas season. Even when it's actually hot out."

Zoom out: Cassimy joins other multitalented local news anchors with side gigs, including Dan Ponce (Straight No Chaser) and Pat Tomasulo (stand-up comedy).

State of play: This year, Cassimy is donating album sales proceeds to help residents at the Chicago Housing Authority. Cassimy is also hosting a week-long series called "Making A Difference with Evrod."

• The special programming airs next week and will spotlight several CHA families.

The bottom line: Although Cassidy is passionate about music, he has no plans to jettison the broadcast news desk for a life playing music on the road.

• "I don't take myself too seriously when it comes to music. I have too much fun doing it," Cassimy says. "Being a journalist, that's my life's work."