STEPHEN PETER RODGERS – A SINGLE EXCLUSIVE AND INTERVIEW
By Ralph Beauchamp
AMP EXCLUSIVE!
Stephen Peter Rodgers is truly a renaissance man. Rodgers has been a mainstay figure in the New Haven music scene for decades. His travels have taken many different forms. It all started as a member and frontman for the highly regarded CT group, MIghty Purple. From there, he opened the influential Space complex in Hamden. After exiting their ownership, Rodgers dove deeply into his songwriting acumen and artistic endeavors. In 2022, he released his ground breaking album. Speck On A Clover. In addition, Stephen has delved into producing other artists at his Tiny Bunker Studio. Today, Rodgers drops his new single, “Winter Is Coming” on Bigger Beast Records and AMP has been honored with its exclusive premier.
“Winter Is Coming” is a majestic piece of textured beauty. Rodgers‘ vocals carry a heartfelt timbre with emotive intonations. The track has an Americana feel with heavy folk leanings. The subtle guitar fills the listener with a harmonic peace. Stephen’s voice is soothing yet still delivers a brazen edge. The song’s arrangement is sublime. It is easy to be transfixed by its earthy groove. Also, its somber tone is eerily stunning. Stephen Peter Rodgers is giving us a glimpse into his deep emotional pull. His music is pure magic, We can’t wait to see what comes next.
Stephen Peter Rodgers was kind enough to sit with AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: You were instrumental in building a strong indie scene here in CT with your historic Space venues including the Ballroom. How did that all begin?
SPR: It really started with Mighty Purple becoming a band in the early nineties and us touring the country. We played a lot of tiny out of the way venues. Plus, we did a bunch of college dates.. That accounted for for about ten years of mine and my brother’s lives. We had a rehearsal space about 1000 feet from where the current Space Ballroom stands. It used to be a small train depot on an abandoned track which is now the Farmington Canal Trail.
I moved in there when I was seventeen. I still lived there when I got married at 27. It was very bohemian and we started to have an open mike night. The room wasn’t big but we crammed a whole lot of people in it. It was like a secret. Neither the town nor the landlord knew about it. Eventually, it turned into a twelve band night with kegs a plenty. In 2003, they caught wind of what we were doing and shut us down. I was really bummed out about it.
Since there were no cell phones in those days, I walked across the street because that industrial area had the only pay phone around. When I went to use the phone, I noticed a “For Rent” sign. I called the number and I had a signed lease in three days with a promise to pay the landlord in two months. That’s how The Space complex was born. My wife and I had no idea what we were doing but the music community gave us an immense amount of support. It was truly amazing what it turned into with the help of musicians and friends.
AMP: Since you have been a musician and producer most of your life, do you feel there are two different dynamics at play?
SPR: Absolutely! It’s hard to focus on both of them at the same time. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to compartmentalize the two. For me to be a musician and write songs, I need a lot of solace. I work around my junk garden or feed my dogs. When I record in my studio, I’m in total peace.
On the other hand, working with other artists as a producer requires a lot of energy. Trying to bring their visions to life has now become a passion for me. Helping other songwriters achieve their dreams by using my production experience is simply amazing. I’m also learning as I go along. I’m not a real techy guy but I think I know enough to get their songs to blossom. I get inside their songs and it’s pure adrenaline.
AMP: In the 90’s and 2000’s you were the frontman for the alternative ensemble, Mighty Purple. How was that experience?
SPR: Mighty Purple was my entire life. I threw my entire self into it. If I wasn’t at rehearsal or on my way to a gig, I was on the phone trying to find shows and promote the band. I could spend 12 hours straight talking to clubs and venues. It was everything Mighty Purple.
AMP: Can you give our readers a little glimpse into your creative process?
SPR: For me, there isn’t one set process. At twelve, I was sent off to boarding school. I was a rebel without a cause. That’s when I started to write songs. I was always writing down my feeling on paper and then I would organize them into tangible lyrics. Even at an early age, it was ingrained in me to create. Now, when I get a basic melody line or lyric in my head, I come down here to flush it out. Usually, my studio has paper everywhere from all my notes. I also keep a guitar in every room. When the inspiration hits, I’m well prepared.
AMP: You’ve been through many incarnations in your life. Do you use your vast experience to highlight your lyrics and embed specific themes in your songs?
SPR: I’ve taken my licks over the years but you don’t get licks if you don’t take risks. I’ve had my issues in the past but now I have a lot of support from my family and the faith based community I belong to. So, many of my newer songs stress hope. My goal is to show people a hopeful path out of the dark.
AMP: Your new song is “Winter Is Coming” and we thank you for this exclusive premier. Can you give us some insight into the track?
SPR: Like my mother before me, I struggle with seasonal depression but I’ve learned how to manage it. Winter has always been this ominous vulture coming directly at me. When I wrote this song, I was waiting outside in the cold for someone. That’s when I got the vision for the tune. For me, winter has always been a period of introspection.
AMP: You’ve teamed up with Bigger Beast Records. How did that happen and do you feel it’s a good fit?
SPR: First of all, I’ve known Frank Viele, who is one of the principals at Bigger Beast, for a long time. If Frank wants something, he gets it. He has a fair amount of chutzpa. I was on a few other labels before Bigger Beast but what I see in Frank and his team is organization and the determination to do things right. I also think they get a lot of love and support because they genuinely want to put out great music. They believe in community and that’s important. Bigger Beast definitely fits well with my current situation.
AMP: If you could collab with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
SPR: My answer may seem weird but I would love to collaborate with the Indigo Girls. Emmylou Harris and Kala Farnham are another two that would be cool. In the past, I may have said REM or U2 but sensibilities change with age.
AMP: What next for Stephen Peter Rodgers?
SPR: I’m releasing new music. You have the exclusive premier of “Winter Is Coming”. A bunch of new songs will be coming out of the Bunker soon. Hopefully, a bit of touring. I would like to revisit some of the venues Mighty Purple played if they are still around. In addition, I’m excited about some of the production projects coming out of Tiny Bunker. I’m not at liberty to disclose anything yet but it will be exciting. It may sound strange but I really believe I’ve actually grown into the person I’m meant to be. The next few years will be far from dull.
To learn more about Stephen Peter Rodgers, check out his Website
Stream music: Spotify | Apple Music
Purchase: Amazon Music
Views: 140
Awesome interview and awesome new song!!