ROCKA Magazine

Oh hey there… it’s been a bit. I wrote a few pieces up now including a review of the new record that I love. Check out my Substack for my signature vaguely autobiographical thoughts & some updates. Link in bio as always. Hope you all have been upright and sentient!

Happy August! This month I tell you the story of the first band I ever interviewed and what it was like seeing them live for the first time (it was great). It’s a longer piece, but a goodie. This month’s mix is fondly titled “right on red” and is all about having energy to do things even when you don’t know all the rules. Go for it— be crazy and make an extremely legal traffic move!! I’m obsessed with this month’s spotlight track “Now It’s Over” by .band and frankly you should be too. Hop awn that Substack, get some new tunes, and have a grand time reading my Bat Faction chronicle. Godspeed readers, new article on Fri!

newest release “Shadow” is a perfect teaser for his upcoming Aug. 9 EP: “Doobie Mouth (An EP From PawPaw Rod)”. Featuring his signature style of funk and finesse, PawPaw Rod reminds listeners that getting to know the darker parts of your identity is a noble (and danceable) pursuit… albeit a game of tug-of-war. Read my full review online now!
📸 Mike Gray

Friends, forgive me. I skipped April! May’s newsletter and playlist are now up. I’ve got plenty of good tunes for your spring and a couple thoughts on music acting as sonic spaces for us to visit.

My spotlight track is “The Thrill is Gone.” which is a lively, almost Amy Winehouse-y breakup track. She ate it up.

Subscribe on substack & give the playlist a listen!

In need of some tunes to pull ya through the last few weeks of winter? Look no further than Chicago group — new feature out now! I chatted with lead Olivia Wallace about this release, the Chicago DIY scene, and the effects of community on the art of songwriting.