benjamin fawkes is the self-described "custodian" of Rozz-Tox, a space which defines itself as "a listening bar, cafe, performance venue, gallery, culture cell, guesthouse, cinema, club; a virus whose ultimate goal is to constantly mutate to avoid becoming part of mainstream culture." Located in Rock Island, IL, inspired by ben's time running a space in China, opened by he and his mom, named after Gary Panter's Rozz Tox Manifesto - we go into it all. This is the story of one of the best spaces i...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 121
Jawson Dell is a Chicago musician by way of Colorado, influenced by RnB, jazz, funk, rock, and the blues. He's also a Certified Public Accountant. These facts lead us down some interesting paths, including the tension between music and business, how American Idol influenced Jawson's music career. We also listen to a couple of tracks from Jawson. Songs included in episode: "Windows Apart" and "Flow" by Jawson Dell ***************************** Visit musictherapypodcast.com for session notes, past...
Jul 12, 2023•56 min•Ep. 120
Group Session! Chicago's artsy post-punk Ovef Ow takes the couch as we dig into their minds, hearts, and souls about how they work together, managing the band, success, being part of the indie scene, and more. Ovef Ow gives a live performance. My esteemed colleague Leslie Tanner co-hosts! Many thanks to Joshua Wentz, Bret Koontz, Ralph Darski for capturing the sound, and of course Cafe Mustache for having us! This episode was taped live at Cafe Mustache on May 10, 2023 **************************...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 119
Salami Rose Joe Louis has a killer new album out called "Akousmatikous" (via Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder Records) and I am a massive fan. She is fantastically creative, thoughtful, and incredibly nice. We dig into the perils of obsessively working on music, how she approached the concept of the album, her creative and recording process, social media, AI, "authenticity", and a ton more. We also listen to two tracks off her new album: "Akousmatikous" and "Dimcola Reprise". **************************...
May 31, 2023•53 min•Ep. 118
Humans are group-ish beings! Whether it's your family, your friends, your band, your artist community, your country, etc., we all belong to groups. Whether we realize it or not, groups have a powerful impact on our own thoughts and behaviors. In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with science writer and journalist Michael Bond, author of " The Power of Others: Peer Pressure, Groupthink, and How the People Around Us Shape Everything We Do " and his newest book " Fans: A Journey Into the Psycho...
May 12, 2023•59 min•Ep. 117
How do you honor your idols without being derivative? How do you start over in a new (york) city? This week on Music Therapy I sit down with Dan Rico, a Chicago DIY scene fixture who moved to New York City right before the pandemic hit. We get into creativity, live band recordings vs virtual instruments, SXSW takeaways, quitting drinking, finding a new music community in NYC, impostor syndrome, and lots more. We also listen to a couple of new fantastic tracks from Dan: "Conceited" and " Hit and ...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 116
Chicago's Joka No Joke is a self-proclaimed "rap therapist" with a brand-new mixtape called "Recess". In this episode of Music Therapy, we dig into the new-found freedom and playfulness Joka experienced while creating the album. We touch on his creative process, tapping into his inner child, his "New Cool" philosophy, reflections and changes in his life through the pandemic, how fatherhood has impacted Joka, and the importance of order. We go deep but keep it moving! It's refreshing and inspirin...
Apr 12, 2023•59 min•Ep. 115
The van's full of gas, the drums fit, and there's hope in your eyes! Until Arby's is getting old, you want a shower, and too much beer is taking a toll. Touring can be amazing! But it's rarely the healthiest time of your life. So we got four experienced touring musicians to share how to make touring healthier. We cover: Sleep Diet Drugs/alcohol Keeping up with relationships back home How to keep band communication open Finances Essential things to bring on tour And more! Featuring musicians Eric...
Mar 22, 2023•45 min•Ep. 114
Does social media make you feel like crap? Are you wondering why other artists are getting the press / shows / labels that you're not getting? Today we dig into some of the more negative feelings that can arise for artists - especially when we compare ourselves to other musicians. Jealousy / comparison / envy / resentment can feel bad, but it's telling you something! And, we can listen to those feelings, and actually make them useful! On today's episode of Music Therapy, Jessica talks with thera...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 113
Today, for a special Valentine's Day episode, we answer a question that has plagued musicians for thousands of years: Should you date your bandmate? We talk to three musicians about their experience dating bandmates. Leslie Tanner also drops by with a few words of wisdom. If you have dated a bandmate or are considering dating a bandmate, this episode's for you! Featuring Steve Malden (Sofas), Danielle Sines (Impulsive Hearts), and Emily Jane Powers + Alec Harryhausen (Dream Version). ***********...
Feb 08, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 112
In December of 2022, Pitchfork published an article, written by Jenn Pelly, called " Confronting Music's Mental Health Crisis ". This article was passed around widely on the internet; obviously, it resonated with many musicians. Jenn and I dig deeper into her article, discussing her research and takeaways, bits that she left out of the article, and consider what role Pitchfork can serve regarding artists' mental health. We also identify resources for artists and offer concrete ways you can suppo...
Feb 02, 2023•38 min•Ep. 111
Jealousy is tough emotion, but can it be useful?? In this episode of Music Therapy, I chat with therapist/musician Ben Stover - who also co-hosts the Popcorn Psychology podcast - all about Artistic Jealousy. We look a the ways it can manifest, how social media leads us to comparison and jealousy, and what you can do about it. If you've ever felt envious of someone else's success or talent, sit back and face the feeling with us - and see how you can turn your jealousy into productivity in this ep...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 110
Así Así is a Mexican/American band from Chicago, IL. In August 2022, the band released their debut album, “Mal de Otros”, where Así Así blends rock, dance, and Latin themes together to form oftentimes haunting, yet upbeat and catchy songs. On this episode of Music Therapy, taped live at Cafe Mustache, Jessica sits down with the full band to talk about work/art balance, how they create music together, mental health, and lots more! Featuring a live performance by the band and a special guest appea...
Jan 04, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 109
In this episode of Music Therapy I talk with Chicago artist Alana Schactel of Lipsticsm. Lipsticism’s sound is frequently described as cosmic, dreamy, and psychedelic, and there is something immediate and sensual in her punchy drums and emotional honesty. We cover a lot of ground in this episode! Alana is currently studying to become a therapist, so we discuss our shared experience in the worlds of music and therapy. We look at how music impacts mental health, the anxiety of performing solo vs w...
Dec 07, 2022•53 min•Ep. 108
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! In the spirit of holiday traveling, we have an episode all about touring. In October 2022, Isabel Olive (Half Gringa) posted the following on Instagram: "Hey folks. A photo of me smiling because this is a tough one - I’ve decided to cancel the last four dates of the HG October tour in Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. This was hard to make because I’m both the artist and the manager, but the manager in me looked at the writing on the wall and knew it was t...
Nov 23, 2022•46 min•Ep. 107
What's it like to walk away from the music industry? Steff Reed is a New York-based musician, educator, and activist. As a musician and producer, he has produced many tracks that have made it to Billboard Charts. As an educator, he has taught thousands of youth over the past 15 years, and was nominated for the Grammy Music Educator Award. As an activist, he is currently building a non-profit in Brooklyn called Power of Love. We explore how Steff went from grinding in the NYC music industry to te...
Nov 10, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 106
There comes a time in every musician's career when you ask yourself: should you get a publicist? In this episode of Music Therapy I talk with a real-life publicist, Colin Smith of Fresh Paint PR. Colin breaks down exactly what a publicist does, how a publicist chooses to work with someone (or not), and what you can do to make a PR campaign successful. We also discuss the biggest question of all: what exactly does publicity accomplish for a musician? The answer may surprise you! Song featured: "T...
Oct 26, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 105
Group Session! Chicago art-punkers Spread Joy define once and for all the grand purpose of art, ponder "derivative" music, explain the methods behind their songwriting and give a killer live performance on this episode of Music Therapy. With special Exploration by the one and only Leslie Tanner! This episode was taped live at Cafe Mustache on August 10, 2022. Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes, past episodes, and upcoming events! Music Therapy Podcast Credits: Music Therapy is hosted b...
Oct 12, 2022•56 min•Ep. 104
In this episode of Music Therapy we talk with Duncan Sheik! You might remember Duncan Sheik's 1996 chart topping hit “Barely Breathing.” That song racked up 55 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy Award® nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. In the years since, Sheik has been celebrated for his work in musical theater, including the groundbreaking success of Spring Awakening, which won eight Tony Awards and a Grammy and is also the subject of the just rele...
Sep 28, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 103
Annie Fish is a musician, cartoonist, and author based in Chicago, IL. In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Chicago musician Annie Fish about their new album “Weird Like Me”. “Weird Like Me” is a full length 90’s inspired rock album accompanied by an oral illustrated history, found at anniefish.net/weird.html. Through the album’s concept, Annie explores her rock n roll dreams, considers what it would have been like to be a trans star in the MTV era, takes down the record industry, and c...
Sep 21, 2022•53 min•Ep. 102
In this episode of Music Therapy, Lizzie No and I dig into touring, protecting her mental health while on tour, how Lizzie knows she's spending too much time on social media, her definition of success, and lots more! Songs featured in episode: "Sweeter Than Strychnine" and "Stop Bothering Me" by Lizzie No Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes, past episodes, and upcoming events! Music Therapy Podcast Credits: Music Therapy is hosted by Jessica Risker, produced by Sullivan Davis of Local U...
Sep 14, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 101
This is our 100th episode! Jessica and Josh reflect on what we've learned so far through our 100 interviews with artists. Thank you guys for listening to the podcast - here's to 100 more! Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes, past episodes, and upcoming events! Songs included: "Disco Smile" and "Stay" by Jessica Risker/DEADBEAT Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes, past episodes, and upcoming events! Music Therapy Podcast Credits: Music Therapy is hosted by Jessica Risker, produc...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 100
Uma Bloo is a pool. Uma Bloo is the persona of Molly Madden, a musician from Chicago who is maybe thinking about possibly moving to LA. Molly worked on an album for years and released it and then left her band and is currently in total flux with music, where it lives in her life, her goals, and what it all means. This is a very vulnerable place for a musician to be and totally relatable, and Molly explores it all in this episode of Music Therapy. Songs featured in episode: "To Be Vast" and "Don'...
Aug 24, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 99
How do you start over in a new city? Bridey Hicks (BRIDEY) is moving from Chicago to LA. We discuss the reasons behind her move, her approach for joining the LA music community, why Chicagoans are the best people, transitioning from comedy to music, her songwriting process, working solo vs with a band, and recordings vs live performance. She also debuts a brand-new single called "The Light" from her upcoming EP. Songs featured in episode: "The Light" and "Decisions Make Me Sick In The Head" by B...
Aug 10, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 98
On this episode of Music Therapy I talk with one of my favorite artists Mike Meegan of RXM Reality! We discuss getting sober, dig deep into Mike's music-making process, complain about social media and learn about Mike's favorite gear and DAWs. Songs featured on episode: "Big Forever" by Jessica Risker & RXM Reality "Thank You" and "Life is Shit" by RXM Reality Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes, past episodes, and upcoming events! Music Therapy Podcast Credits: Music Therapy is hos...
Aug 03, 2022•59 min•Ep. 97
We are a culture obsessed with the pursuit of fame - but what happens when fame fades away? Nick Duerden, author of "Exit Stage Left: The Curious Afterlife of Pop Stars" explores this question through candid interviews with pop stars who were once on top of the world. Nick joins us on this episode of Music Therapy to discuss the book, his insights and takeaways about the ups and downs of fame and life beyond. Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes, past episodes, and upcoming events! Music...
Jul 27, 2022•59 min•Ep. 96
Hilarity and shenanigans ensue when Chicago 4-piece Boo Baby takes the couch at Cafe Mustache! The band shares their performance philosophy and tells us who are better humans: musicians or comedians? Special guest Leslie Tanner takes us on yet another spirit-expanding Exploration, Julia Louis-Dreyfus may or may not have been in the audience, and Boo Baby gives a special live performance in this week's episode! Features an in-depth interview with the band, comedy, and a special live performance b...
Jul 20, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 95
Have you ever felt like people are going to find out you're a fraud, or that you don't really deserve the success you've had? Dr Lincoln Hill is a Chicago therapist who specializes in Imposter Syndrome. In this episode of Music Therapy, Dr. Hill and Jessica discuss Imposter Syndrome. We give you an understanding of Imposter Syndrome, how it can impact you, and helpful ways to overcome it. Song featured on the podcast: "Zero Summer Mind" by Jessica Risker Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show no...
Jun 29, 2022•39 min•Ep. 94
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Dustin Currier of Lightleak! Dustin talks about quitting his job to work on music, how his studio space setup helps him be more creative, the limits and strengths of binary thinking, making an album remotely, and his most recent album "Tender Fits" Songs featured on the podcast: "No Icon" and "Sympathetic Vibration" by Dustin Currier Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes, past episodes, and upcoming events! Music Therapy Podcast Credits: Music...
Jun 22, 2022•51 min•Ep. 93
On this episode of Music Therapy I talk with Daniel Wyche of American Dreams Records! Daniel talks about: His newest album “Earthwork” via American Dreams Records! Curating the wildly successful Quarantine Concerts via Experimental Sound Studio balancing teaching and making music mental health the Chicago music scene getting older and lots more! Songs featured: "Earthwork" (excerpt) and "The Elephant -Whale II" by Daniel Wyche from the album Earthwork Visit musictherapypodcast.com for show notes...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 92
