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When Nikki O'Neill and Rich Lackowski moved to Chicago, it was so they could live a life as independent musicians in an environment that could literally afford them the creativity. The creative process is something that depends not only on finances, but having a dedicated work ethic. It also means having a good band. Their Chicago band has helped with "Stories I Only Tell My Friends" O'Neill's latest release. With Lackowski not only on drums, but moral support as both bandmate and husband, O'Neill has captivate an audience far beyond her Los Angeles days. Showcasing at SPACE in Evanston, IL and touring, she will be coming to a town near you. O'Neill explains her creative process and how she manages to creatively juggle it all to keep on the road as an indy musicians.

www.Nikkioneill.com is the website. Check out her bio, her music and catch a show.

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Nikki O'Neill is calling Chicago her sweet home. Her bandmate and husband, Rich Lackowski grew up in Chicago but moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. There he met O'Neill, who despite her Irish last name, spent a good part of her life in Sweden. Nikki ended up in Los Angeles, pursuing a goal of being a full-time musician. Together, O'Neill (lead singer, songwriter) and Lackowski (percussionist, vocalist) joined with other musicians and had a band in Los Angeles, working the musical circuit, writing songs and enjoying the unique life that California offers. Along the way, they fell in love and married. Longing for some stability in their lives, they looked to find a musical scene where they could pursue their livelihoods, have a home and also enjoy some of their non-musical pursuits. (Both are avid adventurers, exploring different cultures for their music and cuisine.)

It was O'Neill who decided that Chicago could be that place, and they moved to a beautiful home and were delighted to find out that in the Windy City they could live a life as independent musicians. They now have a new band, a new record "Stories I Only Tell My Friends" and an expanded following of ardent Midwesterners. It's a tale of travels, some trials and a triumph for this duo, who as a married couple have proven that dreams come true if we make them come true.

www.Nikkioneill.com is the website. Check out her bio, her music and catch a show.

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Martin continues his interview with Steve Dawson, a singer-songwriter who formed several bands, most notably the alternative country band, Dolly Varden. Having written scores of songs, Dawson is a wonderful source to ask about songwriting skills he has developed, his work with record labels, on being a success in the working musician world and advice for aspiring musicians on setting goals and expectations in this rough and tumble business. Dawson's song title, The Spaces In-Between refers to a line in that song that mentions it is those spaces in-between where music comes from. It's an intriguing line, yet when Dawson explains his musical style and work ethic, it makes a lot of sense. Dawson teaches songwriting at the well-loved and respected Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. His website is www.SteveDawsonmusic.com.

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Well-known for the alternative country band Dolly Varden, as well as Stump the Host, Steve Dawson is a lifer when it comes to music. His family roots in Saskatchewan, Dawson has lived for a time in California and Idaho before heading to Chicago in the late 1980's dragging all that western with him. There, he found a music scene that embraced his style of writing and performing.

Chicago being cross-roads of the country-- has its own peculiar mixture of dustbowl, Appalachian, western, bluegrass, Celtic, Mexican, jazz, blues, country and garage rock. Those elements are all called upon when it comes to being a singer with a guitar in the Windy City, let alone a full band. The small clubs had patrons of all stripes who expected such a mix and were delighted when a band dished out its own special recipe. Though tough to make a living solely on them, these clubs were the perfect place for experimentation, expression and performance.

It's the salsa---not the chips, and Dawson's mix of songwriting is personal, powerful and worth indulging in. A contemplative man, painfully open, yet guarded enough, Steve Dawson is proof that the city of Big Shoulders is also the city of singer-songwriters. His bandmate, wife and artist in her own right Diane Christiansen, make their home not too far from those clubs along Division Street. His website is www.SteveDawsonmusic.com.

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Ernie Hendrickson is a true hard worker, plying his craft with great intensity and attention to detail in both lyrics and guitar playing. The results are spectacular songs that relate to people on a hopeful, positive level without any indication of insincerity. Living in the Chicago area, this Rockford native represents some of the amazing songwriting wealth that abounds in the Windy City. Ernie explains how he writes and what he likes to write about. It's a master class in singer-songwriting from a true troubadour.

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For every big name in the business of music, there are thousands of names in the calling of music. These names are not as well known, but they are the ones that pursue their craft with no illusions about fame or fortune. They are drawn to it because they know they need to do it. Their reward is touching souls, channeling the energy in a room and bringing light into a sometimes-dreary world. Ernie Hendrickson is one such musician. No pretensions about the business, he steadily plies his craft across northern Illinois, playing a myriad of different venues. His songs are wonderful creations, part reflections on the calling he has answered and part observations about the world around him. His guitar handling is smooth, bringing out great support to his midwestern baritone voice. Hailing from Palos Park, he has a family and is one of the few who is out there--independent, full-time and working like no tomorrow. His website is www.erniehendrickson.com.

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Part of an ongoing series about the cultural need for respect. Marcus Gentry, an expert in the field and known as "Dr. Respect" unfolds why these difficult times are due to the erosion of respect. Join us as we delve into this complex and very urgent topic.

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We are living in tough times, made worse by a world that has made a lack of respect a virtue. Caring about others and protecting your boundaries are now paramount when it comes to living free of negativity. Speaker Marcus Gentry has devoted his life to researching and teaching about the necessity to practice the art of Respect. Visit www.marcusgentry.com to find out about his seminars and classes.

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

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