Music Therapy with Jessica Risker

In this episode of Music Therapy, Brianna Tong of Chicago band Cordoba talks about Cordoba’s new album "Specter", music and activism, dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic, feeling pressure to be creative during quarantine, how she’s been coping through all this, and more! Listen to Cordoba: https://cordoba.bandcamp.com/

In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Isabel Cristina of Half Gringa! Izzy talks about her new album, touring, not thinking too far in the future about her career, how her artistic practice is changing this year, the ways she approaches songwriting, what she finds helpful about therapy, how she uses CBT techniques and mindfulness to challenge negative thoughts, and more!   Listen to Half G...

In this episode of Music Therapy, Roy Kinsey talks about his work as a librarian in Humboldt Park,  finishing a new album earlier this year and how the pandemic affected the release, how his identity and productivity are intertwined, his creativity the past few months, his thoughts on substance use and addiction during quarantine, and much more!

In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Mick Fansler of The Curls.  Mick talks about his current daily life during quarantine, social media and anxiety, how the quarantine has shifted his relationship with his music career, ambition, what it’s like to be in a band with his wife, what keeps him moving forward during the quarantine, and more!   Listen to The Curls: https://thecurls.bandcamp.co...

In this episode, Jake Acosta of Lake Paradise Records takes us on a ride of thoughts and feelings and plays a Silver Jews song and gives us a tour of his setup. I play a new song "I Miss You My Friends".  And more! We had fun!! Lake Paradise Records: https://lakeparadiserecords.bandcamp.com/ Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website: htt...

In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Sarah Jane Quillin of Desert Liminal. Sarah talks about playing her biggest show ever at the beginning of this year, sitting on a completed album, her dual paths of research biologist and musician, talks about how gut bacteria can impact our behavior and moods, what she misses about the Chicago DIY scene, her comedy show Casual Agony at Cafe Mustache,...

In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Natalie Chami of TALsounds. She shares what it’s like to be a music teacher for CPS during the pandemic, her feelings on making money as a independent musician and performer, her personal experience with therapy and anxiety, why she feels it’s best to work on music every day, and more!!   This conversation originally aired via Instagram Live on August...

In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Sullivan Davis of The Hideout Chicago, a well-respected music venue located between the Lincoln Park and Bucktown neighborhoods of Chicago. Sullivan shares what steps The Hideout is taking to survive the pandemic, the impact quarantine has on agents and booking agencies, what makes the Chicago music scene unique, how to support The Hideout, and more!  ...

In this episode of Music Therapy, Britt Julious talks about her career as a writer and music journalist, her take on the fragmentation of Chicago music scene and how that contributes to the different sounds coming out of Chicago, what makes Chicago music special, and how the pandemic has impacted Chicago music, and more!   Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3...

In this episode of Music Therapy, I interview Coleman Brice, owner of Cole's Bar in Logan Square. Cole talks about how he started the business, the changing clientele of Logan Square through the years, how the business is weathering the pandemic, advice for opening your own business, and more!   Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K Visit my website:...

In this episode, I talk with Anna Holmquist of Chicago band Ester, as well as the creator and host of Bad Songwriter Podcast (highly recommended!).  This episode was recorded on May 31, 2020 - Anna and I are both shaken up by the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests.  Anna talks about their experience protesting, as well as how their life and music have been impacted by the pandemic, wha...

In this episode of Music Therapy, I share places and resources to look for a therapist, what kinds of things to look for in a therapist, and ways to cover the costs of therapy.   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 cou...

In this episode of Music Therapy, I interview Erik Hall of In Tall Buildings.  Erik talks about the patchwork way he's made music endeavors his only source of income, his newest album, his changing feelings about touring, considering the audience while composing, and more! Listen to Erik Hall here:  http://westernvinyl.com/artists/erik-hall.php Listen to my music on Spotify:  https://open.spotify....

In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Blake Norris of Audiotree.  Blake talks about his journey with depression, suicidal ideation, learning the signs he's becoming depressed, fatherhood, how Audiotree is adapting to quarantine, Audiotree's relationship with Chicago venues Lincoln Hall and Schubas, and more!

In this episode, I interview Chicago vocalist and music teacher Sacha Mullin.  

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/1...

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 Willi...

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:...

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 Spoti...

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...

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!  

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.co...

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: htt...

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 mu...

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 R...