Hiya John, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide music is a thing for you?
It goes back to when I was a kid listening to Rolling Stones records and holding baseball bats pretending we were Keith Richards playing guitar. I just loved it and felt like I had to take it up.
Introduce us to your musical history –
My musical history is likely different than many new artists. I played in my younger years, but put it on the back burner. Life took over – career, family, home – and music was in the background. About four years ago, the creative spark struck, and I dove into songwriting, recording and producing. The result is nine fully mastered recordings including my upcoming release, Strip Mall Jesus.
What is the live music scene in Minneapolis right now? Who should we be looking out for?
First, the venues in Minneapolis, MN and for that matter St. Paul, MN are outstanding. First Avenue is my favorite. It is an iconic stage where everybody has played, including the famous scenes from Prince’s Purple Rain. We have other great venues – the Turf Club, the Palace Theater, the Fine Line. Artists that have caught my attention are Creeping Charlie, Kiss the Tiger, the Melismatics, Run Westy Run, and Humbird.
What’s your view on the industry?
I think I am mostly on the outskirts of the industry! Let’s face it, Strip Mall Jesus is literally my first release. What I will say, it’s a great time to be an independent artist, as far as producing your own music. A laptop, minimal equipment, and the will to record can result in professional sounding recordings.
Tell us two truths and a lie about yourself
Truths – I played/sang all of the parts except the drums in Strip Mall Jesus. Peter Anderson, of the awesome Minneapolis band Run Westy Run, played drums and drives the song.
Lie – I am really good at multiple instruments. Lots of takes, let’s just leave it there!
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
I do not. Stay away from them, they are soul crushing!
What was your best experience on stage?
Last summer I was playing at a local outdoor park and a little girl, about 6 years old, came up to the stage grabbed the microphone. She called out to find a friend of hers. The next thing I knew I was surrounded by a dozen 6 year olds – chaos ensued!
Worst experience on stage?
When virtually nobody in the audience is paying attention to what I am doing. I bet that never happened to Sting!
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it?
Strip Mall Jesus is my first single, release date of March 15th. It has an interesting story behind it. I was jamming with a couple of friends in a practice space, when the drummer, Jonathan, paused and told a story that was like a gut punch. When he was 10 years old, his best friend got into an argument with his older brother. The older brother went to their father’s sock drawer, pulled out a loaded revolver, and shot Jonathan’s friend dead.
Jonathan paused, searching for a thought. I was stunned. After a moment, Jonathan asked, “You know what that guy does now? He is some kind a of an effin Strip Mall Jesus.” A couple of days later, I scribbled out the lyrics to what became Strip Mall Jesus.
What was the recording process like?
I have recorded all of my songs in my basement. With Strip Mall Jesus, I was searching for a specific vocal sound. I took a bathroom, a very small room, lined it with carpet and blankets to absorb sound, and made a vocal recording booth. My older daughter dubbed it “The Shudio”.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I am proof that it is never too late to dive into something you are passionate about and give it a go. I hope you listen to Strip Mall Jesus. If you enjoy it, spread it around and look for more music in the coming weeks and months.
FOLLOW HIM HERE // STREAM HERE
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