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E rich Specht is a risk taker. Whether it’ s using homemade backstage passes to meet one of his idols or adding a spicy horn section to his song, he believes in taking chances. That’ s part of what drives his band, Push Puppets. The project began as a musical outlet for Specht, where he played nearly every instrument( aside from drums) on the first two albums, 2008’ s A Living Experiment and 2020’ s A Boat of Lies and A House of Cards. With an“ everything but the kitchen sink” approach to his music, the project allowed him to explore whatever ideas, sounds, and melodies popped into his mind, genre be damned. The Push Puppets have since evolved into a fully realized band featuring Steve Frisbie( backup vocals and guitar), Kyle Magnusson( keyboards), John William Lauler( bass), and Greg Essig( drums). The band has changed over the years, but Specht’ s approach to music remains the same.
During the project’ s early days, Specht admits he wanted to“ push people’ s buttons.” Though that’ s no longer the focus of his music, he still pushes boundaries by refusing to play it safe. Rather than stick with one genre that works, Push Puppets thrive on exploring various styles and incorporating different sounds in their music. The band’ s latest album, Tethered Together, sees them further exploring their sonic range. IE’ s Ashley Perez- Hollingsworth spoke to Specht about the band’ s amazing new album.
HELLOMYNAMEISJIM
Although Scottish art-rockers Simple Minds enjoyed massive support in Europe and elsewhere, mainstream success in the United States remained elusive through the early‘ 80s. The band had gained a modest foothold with college radio airplay for songs like the shimmering“ Promised You a Miracle” from 1982’ s New Gold Dream( 81-82-83-84), the band’ s status changed with the release of“ Don’ t You( Forget About Me)” on The Breakfast Club soundtrack. The band is currently undertaking its 40th anniversary tour. Singer Jim Kerr spoke from the road with Illinois Entertainer’ s Jeff Elbel.
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File
Jim Kerr from Simple Minds.
CinemaScopes
It’ s Jurassic July.
Spins
Enuff Z’ Nuff, Garbage, Jason Isbell.
Media
WGN’ s Steve Bertrand celebrates 40 years in radio.
Calendar
1400 shows and 4000 bands, it’ s IE’ s live music calendar.
Classifieds
Music services, musicians and more.
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