Stephen Peter Rogers – Exclusive Interview
Ralph Beauchamp
Exclusive amplifier!
Stephen Peter Rogers What a renaissance man. rogers has been a mainstay in the New Haven music scene for decades. His travels took many different forms. It all started as a member and lead singer of the highly regarded CT band Mighty Purple. From there, he opened the influential space complex in Hamden. After exiting ownership, rogers A deep dive into his songwriting acumen and artistic endeavours. In 2022, he released his seminal album. spots on clover. also, stephen Delving into the work of other artists in his Tiny Bunker Studio. today, rogers His new single “Winter Is Coming” is released on Bigger Beast Records, with AMP receiving exclusive premiere honors.
“Winter Is Coming” is a majestic work of textured beauty. rogers” The singing has a sincere timbre and emotional intonation. The song has an American feel to it, with a heavy folk leaning. Subtle guitars fill the listener with harmonious calm. stephen’The sound is soothing but still has a cheeky edge. The arrangement of this song is great. It’s easy to be enchanted by its earthy grooves. Additionally, its sombre tone is eerie. Stephen Peter Rogers Giving us a glimpse into his deep emotional appeal. His music is magical and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Stephen Peter Rogers It is an honor to be interviewed by AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: You’ve been instrumental in creating a strong independent scene in Connecticut through historic space venues, including the Ballroom. How did it all begin?
SPR: It really started when Mighty Purple became a band in the early nineties and we toured the country. We played a lot of little out-of-the-way venues. Plus, we went on a lot of college dates…which took up about ten years of my brother and I’s lives. Our rehearsal space was about 1,000 feet from what is now the Space Ballroom. It was once a small train station on an abandoned track that is now the Farmington Canal Trail.
I moved there when I was seventeen. When I got married at 27, I was still living there. The room is not big, but we were crowded with a lot of people. It’s like a secret. Neither the town nor the landlord knew about it. Eventually, it turned into a twelve-band night with lots of kegs. In 2003, they heard about what we were doing and shut us down. I’m very frustrated by this.
There were no cell phones back then, so I walked across the street because that industrial area had the only public phone nearby. When I went to use the phone, I noticed a “For Rent” sign. I called the number and three days later I signed the lease and promised to pay the landlord within two months. This is how the space complex was born. My wife and I had no idea what we were doing, but the music community gave us tremendous support. With the help of musicians and friends, it turned into something truly amazing.
AMP: Since you’ve been a musician and producer most of your life, do you feel like there are two different dynamics at play?
SPR: Absolutely! It’s hard to focus on both of them at the same time. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to separate the two. For me, being a musician and writing songs, I need a lot of comfort. I work around my trash garden or feed my dogs. When I’m in the studio recording, I feel very peaceful.
On the other hand, working with other artists as a producer requires a lot of energy. Now, trying to bring their vision to life has become my passion. It’s been great to use my production experience to help other songwriters achieve their dreams. I’m also learning as I go. I’m not really a technical person, but I think I know enough to make their songs shine. I get lost in their songs and it’s pure adrenaline.
AMP: In the 1990s and 2000s you were the lead singer of the alternative band Mighty Purple. How was that experience?
SPR: Powerful purple is my whole life. I put my heart and soul into it. If I’m not in rehearsal or on the way to a gig, I’ll be on the phone looking for gigs and promoting the band. I can spend 12 hours talking directly to clubs and venues. Everything is a powerful purple.
AMP: Can you give our readers a little insight into your creative process?
SPR: For me, there is no set process. At the age of twelve, I was sent to boarding school. I am a rebel without a cause. That’s when I started writing songs. I always put my feelings down on paper and then I would organize them into tangible lyrics. Even at a young age, the idea of creating was ingrained in me. Now, when I get a basic melody line or lyric in my head, I come in here and wash it out. Usually, I have my note paper lying around my studio. I also put a guitar in every room. When inspiration strikes, I’m fully prepared.
AMP: You have had many reincarnations throughout your life. Do you draw on your vast experience to highlight lyrics and embed specific themes into the songs?
SPR: I’ve been trying for years, but if you don’t take risks, you won’t succeed. I have had my share of problems in the past, but now I have great support from my family and the faith community I am a part of. So, a lot of my new songs emphasize hope. My goal is to show people a hopeful path out of darkness.
AMP: Your new song is “Winter Is Coming,” and we thank you for the exclusive premiere. Can you give us some insight into the track?
SPR: Like my mother, I struggle with seasonal depression, but I’ve learned how to manage it. Winter has been this ominous vulture, heading straight for me. When I wrote this song, I was outside in the cold waiting for someone. That’s when I had the vision for this piece. Winter has always been a time of introspection for me.
AMP: You work with Bigger Beast Records. How did this happen?
SPR: First of all, I’ve known Frank Viele for a long time, he’s one of the guys behind Bigger Beast. If Frank wanted something, he would get it. He has considerable courage. I had worked at several other brands before Bigger Beast, but what I saw in Frank and his team was organization and determination to do the right thing. I also think they get a lot of love and support because they genuinely want to put out great music. They believe in community, and that’s important. The Bigger Beast really fits my current situation.
AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist from the past or present, who would you choose?
SPR: My answer may seem strange, but I would love to work with Indigo Girls. Emmylou Harris and Kala Farnham are two other cool people. In the past, I might have said REM or U2, but sensitivity changes with age.
AMP: What’s next for Stephen Peter Rogers?
SPR: I’m releasing new music. You have the exclusive premiere of Winter Is Coming. A bunch of new songs are coming out of the bunker soon. Hopefully a little touring. I’d like to revisit some of the venues Mighty Purple played if they were still around. Additionally, I’m excited about some of the Tiny Bunker production projects. I’m not at liberty to reveal anything yet, but it will be exciting. This may sound strange, but I truly believe that I have grown into the person I was meant to be. The next few years are definitely not going to be dull.
To learn more Stephen Peter Rogerslook at his website
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