Ron Rogers Just released "Ron Rogers And The Wailing Wind" November 5th 2013. It has been two years since Rogers released "Country and Eastern" But for fans of Portland Oregon's very own Ron Rogers the wait is well worth it. For a limited time you can receive a free download of
"Real Time Religion" at Civil Defense Music .
Digital Music Marketing had a chance to ask Rogers about the New release, His band and his very unique artwork. Thank you Ron for taking the time and sharing your experience with us."Ron Rogers and the Wailing Wind" is available now at all digital retail outlets and streaming radio.
DMM: When did you become aware that you had a strong gift for writing and storytelling?
RR: I've been writing songs since I first picked up the guitar at 16. when I was 20 I got in my first serious band and the other three guys liked and wanted to play my songs so I kept writing songs. I don't know that I thought of it as a "strong gift" but I thought it was cool to do it.
DMM: When it comes to your band you say:
“the quartet has become tighter than a rusted lug nut and hotter than a habanero. “
How did you come to find your current line up ?
RR: I had played in a short lived band with Chris Bond the drummer and Don Campbell, bass, and I had talked about playing together for 5 or 6 years before we finally did. Don and I were working up some songs on our first little get together and he said "what about steel guitar" ? I had been thinking about the same thing and I said"know any" ? He called Dave Grafe and Dave came over and it sounded good right from the start. Next time Chris came and that was it.
DMM: You are originally from Texas where you obviously get your Texas roadhouse, Blues and country influences. So why the move to Portland, Oregon?
RR: I'd been living in LA for 15 years and needed a change. I had been to Portland a couple times to play and always thought it was a cool place, similar to Austin. The music scene was very "alive" with venues and lots of musicians. Lots of artists and creative people live here. And great neighborhoods, unlike what I was used to.
DMM: What did you take away from your experience as a staff writer at Island records?
RR: Oh, Island, let's see. I guess I learned the way to get some where was relationships with people and you have to keep them interested in what you are doing. You can write good songs but getting them cut is another thing. If you are signed as an artist or writer you need an advocate pushing for you. People move around a lot in the business and sometimes your "guy" moves on. Things are different now but in some ways it's the same, you have to be very pro active to stay noticed.
DMM: When did you start recording in your own studio? Is there an upside or downside to this process for you?
RR: I have had my own studio since 1983. It's all upside for me. I don't care about the clock
DMM: When you are in the studio you have said that you like:
“ recording tape with the passion and inspiration of single-take performances, preferring mood and feeling to note-for-note perfection”
Is this because you like to keep it as close to a live experience as you can? or is it something else that you like about it?
RR: did I say that? I do like it when I show the guys a song and we cut it before they really know it. On the new album there are several that happened that way, first or second takes on the night I show 'em the song. In the end the feel of the take is most important to me.
As David Briggs used to say, "it's gotta have the spook".
DMM: Beyond Music, you are also a mixed media artists. Known for your Shrines to Dead Musicians. When did you start start creating this subject matter and how many have you created to date?
RR :I have always painted on canvas, since my twenties. I did my first "Shrine" in 1996. I don't do it full time but I have probably done 400. It comes in waves. Writing songs is a lot easier for me.
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