Pete Thelen talks about how music has changed over the last 30 years, his musical influences, and takes the audience on a personal look into life of a musician with his song “Thoughts Passing Through”.

Vizions of Rock: Who plays what instruments in your band?

PETE THELEN: Michael, firstly let me say thank you for this opportunity. The three Blues Today albums were recorded in Chicago, IL. Tempe, AZ., and Sturgeon Bay, WI. In each recording setting, I asked friends I’d played with over the years.

In Chicago, my friend and music partner for over 35 years on Keyboards & accordion Michael King. Charlie Prazma & Vince Micko on Guitar, Jim Massoth Sax, Todd Brooks and Bruce Penn on Drums, Paul Wood Hammond B3. In Tempe The Blues Dinosaurs, whom I played with over 20 years, Greg Sheldon on Guitar, Lynne Avril on Bass, Mark Denny on Harp, Bennie Hughes on Sax, The Professor Jim Mente on Keyboards, and One Hundred Dollar Bill Hardin on Drums. In Sturgeon Bay the band Mighty Mouth, Jay Whitney on Guitar, Paul Sowinski on Bass, Pat Judy on Drums. Hans Christian on Cello, Piano. Also, at least 25 more musicians that made cameos on the albums.

Vizions of Rock: How did the band come together and how long have you been together?

PETE THELEN: My friend Greg Sheldon and I were on our way to a Ringo Starr concert and I said we should start a Blues Band; Ringo is still touring. He said forget it, we are Dinosaurs. I replied that is it, The Blues Dinosaurs. We played together for 20 plus years.

Vizions of Rock: What do you consider is your sound?

PETE THELEN: The Blues Dinosaurs played mostly blues standards. The Blues Today albums which consisted of songs I wrote, performed by other artists and myself. I guess it’s my interpretation of contemporary blues, whatever the hell that is.

Vizions of Rock: I felt that your song “Thoughts Passing Through” brought us into such a personal look into the life of a musician. Was that autobiographical or simply great song writing?

PETE THELEN: I’m sure it’s autobiographical; but a lot of people who travel in all walks of life have said to me they can relate.

Vizions of Rock: How has “Blues” as an artform changed over the last 30?

PETE THELEN: Unfortunately, we have lost so many of our blues treasures.

Vizions of Rock: As a follow up, how is “Blues” perceived internationally oppose to here in the US?

PETE THELEN: I lived in Europe for 2 ½ years and traveled around the world. It’s my contention it’s more popular abroad.

Vizions of Rock: How has the music industry changed over the last 30 years and what would you change about it?

PETE THELEN: I think it’s changed for the best. With the onset of all the social media platforms, an individual artist can control their own destiny. They record what they want, when they want, and tour as much or as little as they want.

Vizions of Rock: We have interviewed so many musicians from Chicago, what makes the music and the music scene so rich in Chicago?

PETE THELEN: It was the place the likes of Robert Johnson and those who followed from The Mississippi Delta choose to call home. It was their gift to Chicago.

Vizions of Rock: Who are your influences?

PETE THELEN: Muddy Waters, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Howlin’ Wolf.

Vizions of Rock: What is the creative process like when writing your songs?

PETE THELEN: I get an idea and let the lyrics flow.

Vizions of Rock: Do have any advice for up and coming musicians who want to follow in your footstep, aside from “Stay in school” and “Don’t quit your day job”?

PETE THELEN: Follow your passion.

Vizions of Rock: Is there a message that you are trying to communicate with your original music?

PETE THELEN: Not really.

Vizions of Rock: Is there a tag line that describes PETE THELEN?

PETE THELEN: I hope passionate.

Vizions of Rock: What is on the horizon for the future?

PETE THELEN: I hope to continue to perform and raise money for charities I’m involved with.

Vizions of Rock: How can we find you music?

PETE THELEN: pete-thelen.com & any platform to down load music.