Since moving from St. Louis to Chicago, I have entered an entirely new world. It is a world of musicians, artists, and people who love them.

I fully expected (hoped?) to make new friends of these people. But I hardly expected to be adopted by a band.

But that’s exactly what has happened. I couldn’t be happier.

The first time I came to Chicago in 2017, I met Erik Oldman. He and his band, Sons of Ra, were preparing to open Progtoberfest. He recognized me from my online work and we struck up a conversation. One thing led to another, and before you know it, Erik became my Chicago contact. Whenever I came to town, we’d find time to hang out.

I moved to Chicago in 2020, as COVID-19 took hold of the country. I spent the vast majority of my first seven months in town staring out at Lake Michigan from my windows. Concerts were pretty much out of the question. Still, I was able to spend a little time with Erik, who formally introduced me to Keith Wakefield and Mike Rataj. We got along swimmingly.

It got to the point where the guys became my primary Chicago social circle. We’d hang out all the time. We learned about each other’s likes. I had something in common with everyone. So, there are now times when I’ll hang out with each of them individually. I have made true friends.

Of all the bands I’ve seen since moving to Chicago, Sons of Ra (and their alter-ego band KW3) are the band I’ve seen the most. In fact, I feel like I’ve become a groupie.

They play a club, I’m there. They play at a radio station, I’m there. They play outdoors near the lake, I’m there. They shoot a video, I’m there.

I love it!

I’ve even been given a nickname. I’m the oldest of the four of us, and I have a tendency to be a little grumpy now and then. We share a group text, and I’ve been known to air my issues with the guys. Just like that, I was “Grimble Grumble,” which was shortened to Grimble. (It’s a Pink Floyd joke.)

I thought it was hilarious, to the point where I’ve actually put the name on my guitar amplifier and camera bag.

And nearly every time, I’m taking photos. Hundreds and hundreds of photos. I’ve heard their music often enough that parts of it serve as cues to tell me when to move to a different vantage point.

I was surprised the first time they asked me to go with them for a weekend tour. Still, I jumped at the chance. I’ve always wanted to go on the road with a band. Of course I assumed I’d be one of the musicians, but this was more than good enough.

My initial thought was to stay out of the way. Just melt into my car seat and make like I wasn’t there. To my delight, my plan failed. I was one of the guys, engaging in constant conversation and being allowed to pick the traveling music from time to time. And yeah, I was called Grimble through the entire trip.

In fact, I’ve gone out with the guys twice now. There would’ve been a third trip, but I have serious issues with my back. Erik benched me before I could even ask about going. He made the right call, even though I was willing to power through it.

Sons of Ra’s star is rising quickly. Their recent EP, Tropic of Cancer, is garnering great reviews. (I was given the privilege of writing the record’s liner notes.) They’ve been signed to a label. A new album is coming very soon. I’ll be there for all the festivities.

If there’s another road trip in my future, I’m happy to tag along. If I may toot my own horn, my photography skills are improving, as is the gear I’ll be using to create content. I look forward to using it on the band.

I have a metric ton of photos of these guys in various locations. I was thinking about posting them here, but I’ve changed my mind. The photos need their own post. So, look forward to the sequel.

It’s so great to feel like I’m a part of something. I really appreciate Erik, Keith, and Mike bringing me under their umbrella. Music journalists are supposed to be objective at all times and not seek friendship with whom they’re covering. Well, this goes beyond business. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We few. We happy few. My band of brothers.” Henry V may have been talking about leading soldiers, but it would seem Shakespeare’s words can have an even better meaning.

I love these guys.

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed, please contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com