The Rock in Chicago Show
Oct 3, 2021
Episode 12: Matt Derda
playlist_add
Erik chats with Matt from Matt Derda and the High Watts about their new releases, getting back into playing after the pandemic, using social media challenges and rewards with building a fan base. Erik and Matt also compare notes on the craft of storytelling and art of improvisation as a performer. The latest single "Moonshine" is also featured in the episode.
More episodes from The Rock in Chicago Show
Nov 13, 2022
Episode 39: Trey Elder
Trey Elder has worn many hats since arriving in Chicago, ranging from sound engineer at the infamous Double Door, Head of Sales & Consulting at Intelligentsia Coffee, American whiskey connoisseur and educator, and Operations Manager of Jerry’s restaurants While at Jerry’s, Elder booked an eclectic array of music 7 nights a week for several years, organized many craft beer and spirits focused dinners and events, as well as oversaw all PR and marketing.
In 2019, Elder launched Quiet Pterodactyl, a non-profit that creates experiences, enjoyment, education, and entry into arts and music. In his “spare time”, Elder has created music in various original projects, as well as booked/promoted local and national touring acts at venues all over Chicago.
Elder is a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and currently serves on planning committees with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce on Chicago’s north side.
In this episode we dive into Trey's history with involvement with various facets into Chicago's music community along with the history of Quiet Pterodactyl and his work during the pandemic to help both artists and venues.
Featured Tracks:
Miirrors: Sinistry
Moritat: Weapons
Neptune's Core: Turning Red
playlist_add
Nov 11, 2022
Episode 38: Al Rose
Al Rose is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and musician with a unique and powerful vision which has helped drive his work as originally co-leader of Buffalo Trout, to his years spent as a solo performer and also leading his current band, featuring a roster of top-shelf musicians, The Transcendos. Al's latest release and eighth album, Again the Beginner is a set of 13 good and true songs which features some of his best work musically combined with some of the most nervy and scathing set of lyrics he’s yet composed. It’s a heartening and bracing experience; one man’s attempt to come to terms with modern times and that broken feeling many folks today feel in the pit of their stomach. The stakes couldn’t be higher: this is your life; our time is running short, and every personal crisis seems tied to an accumulating sense of public dread. After all, a lot has happened since Rose dropped his last album in 2016, a resurgence of authoritarian encroachment, COVID-19, and unstinting attacks on democracy at home and abroad.
Featured Tracks:
Don't Know Why
Shooting Straight
Sign on the Doorpost
Said & Done
Dignity & Grace
playlist_add
Oct 31, 2022
Episode 37: Mark Lofgren
Like most musicians operating under the new normal, Mark Lofgren (The Luck of Eden Hall, The Thin Cherries) has been spending time in his home studio crafting intimate recordings. Black Moon Book II, an album of exquisite bedroom pop that touches on relationships, memory, isolation and, most explicitly, the healing power of hope and love, is the follow -up to his Black Moon Book released in 2020 and his 2014 solo debut, The Past Perfect.
In this episode Erik and Mark have a pretty wide-ranging conversation around pets, family, studio work, coping with the pandemic, work-life balance in the tech/creative space while diving into the creative process behind making of Black Moon Book II.
Featured Tracks:
Waxing Crescent
We Don't Leave The Yard
Waning Crescent
More at markalanlofgren.bandcamp.com
playlist_add