Music Therapy with Jessica Risker

Episode 51: Interview with Claudia Ferme of Claude

In this episode, I talk with Claudia Ferme of Claude! We talk about her new EP "Enactor", the covidwinter blues, her songwriting process, comparing to others on social media, a new album she is working on, and more!
 
Listen to Claude: https://girlclaude.bandcamp.com/album/enactor
Visit https://jessicarisker.com/

Episode 50: Interview with Dave Vettraino of Public House Sound Recordings and The Hecks

In this episode of Music Therapy I talk with Dave Vettraino of @publichouserecs ! Dave talks about his new solo album “Exercise” coming out this Friday via @firetalkrecs , how he’s developed his recording studio over the years, advice for bands coming in to a studio to record, how it’s been sort of nice to get a little break this year, and more!
Something messed up with the audio at the end of the interview so it cuts off abruptly, but all the good stuff is there.  To answer Dave's question  - I am fine!
 
https://davevettraino.bandcamp.com/album/exercise
https://jessicarisker.com/

Episode 49: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with guest therapist Malory Dahl

In this episode of Music Therapy I interview therapist Malory Dahl of Chicago Counseling Center about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Malory does an incredible job of sharing the symptoms of SAD, why some people experience SAD, ways to treat SAD at home, when to see a therapist for SAD, and how to differentiate SAD from generalized depression or COVID related mood changes.
Learn more about Malory: https://www.instagram.com/malorydahlwellness/
Visit my website: jessicarisker.com

Episode 48: Interview with Adele Nicholas of Axons

In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Chicago musician Adele Nicholas of Axons. Adele talks about her work as a lawyer, her active community involvement, her creative process, feeling anxious about releasing albums, her soon-to-be-released album about two creative bank robbers (based on true events!) and more!
 
https://axons.bandcamp.com/
https://jessicarisker.com/

Episode 46: Interview with Angel Marcloid of Fire-Toolz

In this interview, I talk with Angel Marcloid aka Fire-Toolz! Angel talks about making her music into a career, getting salty on Twitter, her experiences in therapy, Eckhart Tolle and other spiritual teachings, how she’s coping during the pandemic, and more!
 
Fire-Toolz: https://fire-toolz.bandcamp.com/

Episode 47: Interview with Brianna Tong of Cordoba

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/

Episode 45: Interview with Isabel Cristina of Half Gringa

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 Gringa: https://www.halfgringa.com/
 
Visit jessicarisker.com

Episode 43: Interview with Roy Kinsey

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!

Episode 42: Interview with Mick Fansler of The Curls

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.com/

Episode 41: Interview with Jake Acosta of Lake Paradise Records

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: http://jessicarisker.com
Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).