In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Shelby Turner of Richard Album. Shelby talks about how his relationship with making music, going to shows, and touring has changed over time, being a curator of the Chicago DIY scene, the magic of live performance, and more! Listen to Richard Album here: https://richardalbum.bandcamp.com/ Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com Jessica Risker is a musician based ...
May 18, 2020•59 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with William Pierre Ramsey of Boys vs Girls. William talks about losing work because of the pandemic, how previous hardships with homelessness have prepared him for quarantine life, struggling with anxiety and anxious ruminations, reflecting on what's important in life, spirituality, how he stays positive, working on his debut album, and more! I found William's drive, reflections, and gratitude extremely inspiring and touching in these difficult times. Li...
May 15, 2020•46 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Rob Sevier, one of the co-founders of Chicago-based label Numero Group. Rob shares how the work environment of Numero has been changed by quarantine, the pivots Numero is making to adapt to our current reality, and more! Rob's ability to adapt to the current situation and work towards the future made me feel hopeful. Visit Numero Group's website here: http://www.numerogroup.com/ Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK...
May 11, 2020•48 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Gabe Liebowitz of Calvero. Gabe shares openly how his struggles with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and negative thinking have interfered with his music career and creative process, and the steps he is taking to overcome these challenges. Listen to Calvero here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xB0JMYgS479Dj7pfDuRAx Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.co...
May 11, 2020•55 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Jess Shoman of Chicago band Tenci. Jess shares how the pandemic caused her to return home mid-tour, waking up with mush-brain, her upcoming video and album release, and more! Listen to Tenci here: https://tenci.bandcamp.com/ Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LC...
May 09, 2020•35 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of Music Therapy, Jessica talks with Sima Cunningham of Chicago band Ohmme. Sima shares how the coronavirus pandemic forced her to postpone several upcoming tours and festival performances, how she's staying inspired and creating music during quarantine, thinking of ways to reach an audience while staying at home, and more!
May 09, 2020•48 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Sophie, the principal songwriter and vocalist of Chicago band Fauvely. Sophie shares how the pandemic forced her to cancel her SXSW show and Japanese tour, as well as put recording a new album on hold, the challenges of working on music in a one-bedroom apartment she shares with her partner, and more! Listen to Fauvely here: https://fauvely.bandcamp.com/ Visit http://jessicarisker.com...
May 03, 2020•35 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Erin Elizabeth Birgy, the main force behind the band Megabog. Erin talks about how she manages to get a backing band together despite multiple moves around the country, her daily routine, wanting to settle in New Mexico, the forced slowdown of quarantine, and more! Listen to Megabog here: https://megabog.bandcamp.com/ Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com Jessi...
May 03, 2020•32 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of Music Therapy, I interview my Western Vinyl labelmate Peter Oren, who recently released a new album "A Greener Pasture". He talks about life during quarantine, making music his main source of income, doing his own PR, and why he chose to settle in Bloomington, IN instead of LA, and more! Listen to Peter Oren and buy the album here: https://peteroren.bandcamp.com/ Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: http://jess...
May 02, 2020•34 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of Music Therapy, I interview Emily Jane Powers about how her life and music have been impacted by quarantine. Check out Emily Jane Powers here: https://emilyjanepowers.bandcamp.com/ This episode was recorded on Instagram Live on April 25, 2020. Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC)....
Apr 26, 2020•49 min•Ep. 17
In this session of Music Therapy, I interview Miranda Winters about how her life and music have been impacted by quarantine. We talk about Melkbelly's new album, not being able to see her bandmates for practicing, postponing tour because of quarantine, how being a mom impacts her songwriting and touring, and more! Check out Melkbelly here: https://melkbelly.bandcamp.com/ Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.c...
Apr 21, 2020•44 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of Music Therapy, I interview Karissa Talanian about how her life and music have been impacted by quarantine. Check out Karissa's record label Eye Vybe Records here: https://eyevyberecords.com/ I also perform an original lullaby (#29). Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC)....
Apr 20, 2020•39 min•Ep. 14
In this session of Music Therapy, I interview Vivian McConnell of V. V. Lightbody about how her life and music have been impacted by quarantine. Listen to V. V. Lightbody: https://vvlightbody.bandcamp.com/ I also perform an original lullaby (#26). Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC)....
Apr 19, 2020•51 min•Ep. 13
In this session of Music Therapy, Jessica interviews Chris Coleslaw of Tobacco City about how his life and music have been impacted by quarantine.
Apr 18, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of Music Therapy, I interview Maria Jacobson of Fran about how she and her music career have been impacted by the global pandemic. We also talk about ways she stays creatively productive during this time. Listen to Fran: http://firetalkrecs.com/fran I also perform my song "Zero Summer Mind" from my album "I See You Among The Stars", released 2018 via Western Vinyl. Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6...
Apr 12, 2020•48 min•Ep. 8
In this session of Music Therapy, Jessica talks about the importance of creating a daily routine while quarantined in order to keep a rhythm to your days and facilitate mental health. Jessica gives tips for building your routine and important activities to incorporate in your daily routine. Jessica also performs an original song "Cut My Hair", released on the album "I See You Among The Stars" via Western Vinyl. Visit Jessica's website: http://jessicarisker.com Listen to Jessica's music on Spotif...
Apr 06, 2020•19 min•Ep. 3
