Interview w/ Unrated Magazine

By Dan Locke 

Stephanie Rogers the Hipchick

Interview - January 17, 2018

(photo credit Dan Locke)

Stephanie Rogers is a musician, actor, and bandleader.
Host and producer of Story Jam—a unique live lit and music show committed to diversity and originality—Stephanie creates songs for storytellers’ personal stories, which are played by a ten-piece band. The stories are true, and many of the tellers are award winners. Stephanie earned a theatre degree in acting from Northwestern University; and she combines her love of non-fiction theatre, storytelling, and music, to produce Story Jam.

With the same top Chicago musicians, The Stephanie Rogers Band plays events, fundraisers, weddings, and other private functions. She started an indie label, Hipchick Records, to release her own original music in the early 2000s. Hipchick is currently producing its fourth release—a collection of Story Jam jams—which will be available in early 2018.

Tell me about your background.  How did you get interested in Music?

I was a theatre student at Northwestern University when I first became interested in doing music. I had to sing for a part in a play, and we did a little preview show at the campus bar. Some grad students were there hanging out, and happened to be looking for a lead singer for their progressive rock band. OH! Actually, it started before that, when I was a little kid. I was amazed by anyone who sang in front of an audience; I truly never thought I could be that brave. It’s still pretty surreal that I sing professionally now.

What jobs did you have before turning to music? 

Oh man! I’ve been a photographer’s assistant, a Montessori teacher, an office temp, a server in various restaurants, a pre-school teacher, a perfume sprayer, a tennis instructor, a commercial actor, a writer for local industry magazines, a theatre actor, a reader for a blind computer programmer, a kid’s music teacher, a video sales person, a telemarketer, a photographer’s rep, an acting school night manager, a moms-and-tots teacher, and I’ve done various production jobs on my dad’s indie films.

How did you begin doing pinball music?

My college band was comprised of grad students who worked for Williams Bally Midway Games. So, I was hired on the cheap! I think I did a bunch of them, but I’ve seen a few credited. 

Do people ever mix you up with the Poet Stephanie Rogers?

No, I don’t think so.  

What was the first guitar you ever got and who gave it to you?

I had a beautiful black Ovation, sold to me for $50 by a friend in college named Michael Kroll. He went on to become an incredible guitarist. Me, well, I got his guitar.   

Did you play any other instruments while growing up? 

I played piano as a kid. Mostly show tunes and pop. 

What is the music scene in Chicago like?

I think it’s very vibrant, with a terrific talent pool. I’m not in the rock clubs much these days, but there is a great sense of community in Chicago music, as well as Chicago live lit. 

What is Story Jam?

Story Jam is a live lit-music show which brings a diverse group of performers together in a unique format. Storytellers (who tell true personal stories) tell a story, and I write songs that echo each story. We have a 10-piece band on stage and it is a jam! Check it out: http://www.storyjamshow.com. 

How has your degree in acting from Northwestern University helped you with Story Jam?

I use my acting degree for Story Jam and for life in general! I took classes in nonfiction theatre at NU, which were basically focused on bringing true stories—news, or autobiographical material—to life in performance. Story Jam is somewhat theatrical. We do it on a stage and present it like a piece of theatre, with “actors” and musicians. The “actors” are the storytellers; the “script” is their personal stories. There is no narrative to the show, per se, no theme. But, we do develop it to create an arc and to cover a broad range of visceral and intellectual responses. We also like to inject plenty of humor into the experience. No two Story Jams are ever the same. We have new songs and stories at every show. A lively, reality-based format is very much in line with what I learned in Performance Studies classes at Northwestern.  

How did you start Hipchick Records? 

I was recording my first cd, “Not To Keep," and had to make it an official release by incorporating my company, and creating a label. So far, I’ve released three cds on Hipchick, and we’re now completing a fourth.   

Why did you write "The FB Song”?

That was when Facebook hit my demographic. It was shocking to see current pix of epic people—like ex-boyfriends—after many years of re-creating them in my head. There are two types of Facebook folks: 1. The kind who overshare; and 2. The kind who intrigue you by posting minimally. Most of my friends and I were in the former camp back then (wow, how things have changed!). Some things you just don’t want to see...like your ex’s minivan or beer belly!

Tell me about the Stephanie Rogers Band and how it changed over the years?

Well, that is the name of my event band. When I play my own original music, I usually bill as “Stephanie Rogers.” At Story Jam, we are “The Story Jam Band.” All three of these projects have progressed, gotten better, become more pro over the years. I hire great players; they make me look good!

In 2014 you performed at Chicago Millennium Park.  How did you get the gig? 

That was a wedding through Stitely Entertainment, which is an Evanston company run by my former bandmate, the wonderful Jeff Stitely.  

I see you are using Pinterest.  How has Pinterest helped your career? 

I don’t think it helps at all! I’ve spent lots of time procrastinating because of Pinterest!

What is KOO-koo-FAW-RE koh-koh-PUHFS?

Sounds like someone who really loves cereal. I prefer oatmeal! Oh, now I know! It’s the pronunciation of my name on Facebook. 

Any awards? 

I won some category in a songwriter competition once. I think it was The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. I don’t remember much about that, but I have won a bunch of tricked out tennis trophies! 

There is a singer in Australia who has the same name as you.  Do you know her?

Not personally, but she’s my friend on FB. 

What took you to Germany in the early 2000’s?

Man you dug around for this one, Dan! I went with my family, and was interviewed by a German pinball aficionado, who ran a Pinball magazine. I came back and told all my friends that I was “huge” in Germany. This was back when you could lie to people so much easier about your notoriety in foreign countries. 

Where does your music come from? 

It’s observational, introspective, with a touch of tongue-in-cheek. I draw a lot from female singer-songwriters, but also can’t avoid my strong history with theatre, nor being hopelessly theatrical by nature. I also love to rock!

Any other ongoing projects?

I’m in grad school at National Louis University, for writing. I might do a solo show for my thesis. I also sing in a pop band at The Northfield Community Church every Sunday at 9:30am, which I’m surprised to see myself doing, but it’s a blast! Oh yea, and I have a teenage son, which is akin to being in the middle of a human battlefield with no ammunition or map. 

What type of music did you grow up with?  Plus give me some of the artists?

Besides my main triumvirate —Stevie Wonder, Rickie Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell—I grew up listening to artists like The Who, Bowie, and James Taylor, but also British pop artists XTC, Elvis Costello, The Police, The Stones. I definitely wore out all my Talking Heads, Steely Dan, Kate Bush, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, and Pretenders albums as well. 

What are some of the some of the bands that Influence your music?

I am massively influenced by a producer/writer named Jon Brion. He's produced, among others: Aimee Mann, Elliott Smith, Kanye West, and Fiona Apple. 

Are you going to tour this year?

I am bringing Story Jam on a small tour in 2019-2020. No details yet. Just getting the plans together.  

What is your feeling about Vinyl?

LOVE vinyl. I have been thinking about investing it in, but it's a commitment. There is a huge sonic difference in the warmth and soul of vinyl.  

Who would you like to open up for you? Being alive or dead. 

Someone funny, like Jon Stewart. Or fellow NU alum, Stephen Colbert. If they’re not available, maybe Sia. 

How was it to open for Anne Heaton?

I loved being invited. Her fans are pretty rabid, yet they treated me graciously. Anne is a very special person. 

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

 Over 1000 people in a club. Several thousand at Navy Pier.

What direction do you see your music heading in the next 2 years and your long-term goals of your music?

I’m pretty focused on Story Jam right now. I’d like to turn it into a radio show in the next two years. We’re doing a cd. I’m making podcasts. I’d love to take it to places beyond Chicago, as well. It has a lot of potential to reach a broad audience, and I’d like to continue to expand it.  

What was your first and last concert you saw?

First concert: The Who at Rosemont Horizon. Last concert: Willie Porter at Space in Evanston. 

How many guitars do you own?  And what is the make, model and year of your favorite guitar?  Don't forget the color? 

I only own one guitar-a blonde Taylor acoustic 800 series cutaway with a pickup. I’ve had it since the early 90s, paid for over two years. 

What music fests would you like to play in?

I’d love to do Lilith Fair! Are they hiring?

What do you think of shows like American Idol and the Voice?

My husband thinks they’re very entertaining. I prefer "Late Night With Jules Holland." 

Anything you want to say about Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan?

What a sad story. She had a pretty voice.  

Are you BMI or ASCAP? 

ASCAP.

What is on you cell phone right now? 

Music-wise, or in terms of naughty pix? I’m kidding. On my phone: Jesse J, Lisa Fischer, Johnny Cash, Prince, The New Pornographers, and some Christmas songs that I had to learn for a gig in December. I actually mostly listen to Spotify. I’m currently obsessed with a band called "First Aid Kit." 

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?

I enjoy French hip hop. When you don’t understand the words, they’re not offensive. 

If you could pick any cartoon character who would it be and why?

I always had a thing for Popeye. 

What music do you listen to to relax? 

Sometimes I listen to spa or “chill” music on Spotify. I also love this meditation app called "Insight Timer.” It has a lot of good, zenifying music. 

Anything you like to close with?

Thanks for asking me all of these obscure questions Dan! We’ve known each other for decades and I’ve always loved your photography. 

Stephanie Rogers | Hipchick  | Story Jam