"Blues has given us an understanding of the past, which we can use to unite in the present. We truly need to listen to the voices of the past, and listen carefully. It gave the black man a way to voice his struggles that he otherwise would not have the chance to speak of so freely. Blues has shown us that the ladies have paid their dues and have earned the right to stand side by side with the fellas."

Skylar Rogers: Among... Soul and Blues

Skylar Rogers was born and raised in some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods. She learned at an early age that music brought people together. Music and faith were primary sources of strength and inspiration for Skylar through not only the bad times (abusive relationships, the stillbirth of her only child, and a brief period of homelessness following a divorce), but the best of times (meeting, dating and marrying her second husband, Mark.) Skylar genuinely believes that “Music survives the worst and celebrates the best.” Skylar’s “Soul Rockin’ Blues” sound can be attributed to the artists who influenced her the most: Tina Turner, Koko Taylor, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, B.B. King, and Michael Jackson. She credits listening to these and others such as AC/DC and multiple Motown artists with influencing her and molding her into the strong, passionate, and energetic singer she is today. Skylar began touring in 2019 and has shared a stage with Ms. Zeno “The Mojo Queen,” Tab Benoit, Annika Chambers, and Kevin Burt. She successfully launched her debut release, “Insecurities” in 2018, and with her band, The Blue Diamonds, brings a sound that has been often described as a “cross between Tina Turner and Etta James.”                 (Skylar Rogers / Photo by Michael Goza)

In the two years since her debut EP Rogers has dubbed her ensemble of musicians, “The Blue Diamonds,” giving the sound she creates with them the moniker “Soul Rockin’ Blues.“ In 2021, album Firebreather, features ten new songs that reflect her life growing up in some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods and the influence of music that flows across the region from St. Louis to Memphis over to Nashville and back up to the Windy City. For her third album, Among The Insanity (2023 / Blue Heart Records), fire breathing vocalist Skylar Rogers made great strides to step up her game. After overcoming several personal challenges in the wake of the pandemic, Rogers teamed up with vaunted producer and songwriter Terry Wilson, who brought in a team of A-list studio players to record a dozen new tracks that allow her to stretch out on an array of rockin’ blues, roots, and soul melodies.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues, Soul and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I tend to feel the vibes of music, as in the physical sound waves. It helps me understand that yes, the world sucks right now, but these genres in particular have taught us well that though times may be bad, we'll get through, and brighter days are ahead. I've dealt with some of my darkest times with the help of music. It's my therapy. I truly do believe that music survives the worst, and celebrates the best.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

 It took some experimentation for me to find my sound! I would describe it as complex as life itself. It's a never back down, unafraid sound. Hard Headed Woman is an example of this: she knows it's going to cost her everything, but she refuses to back down. All of my songs reflect something personal. You can't sing any form of the blues if you haven't had the blues. Even in future projects, I will still be drawing on personal experiences, even if they're in the third person.              (Skylar Rogers / Photo by Michael Goza)

"I tend to feel the vibes of music, as in the physical sound waves. It helps me understand that yes, the world sucks right now, but these genres in particular have taught us well that though times may be bad, we'll get through, and brighter days are ahead. I've dealt with some of my darkest times with the help of music. It's my therapy. I truly do believe that music survives the worst, and celebrates the best."

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

I've learned that you can't sing any firm of blues without going through the blues. It's about experiences in life, and I try to convey that through my lyrics. If I've experienced this emotion, I'm sure at least 50 people have had the same emotion as well.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Honestly, it was listening to my husband when he told me to give professional singing a shot. Of course, I was hesitant, but I'm glad I finally took the leap of faith. Through that leap, I now have my manager, publicist, label, musicians... so many blessings! I've been nominated for multiple prestigious awards, Grammy considered... and just recently nominated for a Josie Award!

Currently you’ve one release with Blue Heart Records. How did that relationship come about?

Betsie Brown of Blind Raccoon, who handled the promotion for my previous release, "Firebreather," mentioned it to Sue Olson, my wonderful manager. Sue reached out to Sallie and Betsie, owners of Blue Heart, who reviewed the new music and were delighted to offer me this opportunity.

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album Among The Insanity (2023)?

The late-night pastry fueled writing sessions with Terry! The knowledge he shared with me in regard to lyric writing have become canon. I also remember fangirling as I listened to the tracks being recorded. I couldn't believe I had these amazing musicians playing on this project! As my flight home took off, I was listening to Billy Joel's "This is the Time" and playing the chorus over and over. The lines "This is the time to remember, 'cause it will not last forever. These are the days we'll hold on to, 'cause we won't although we'll want to." It perfectly summed up my experience writing and recording this project.

"I've learned that you can't sing any firm of blues without going through the blues. It's about experiences in life, and I try to convey that through my lyrics. If I've experienced this emotion, I'm sure at least 50 people have had the same emotion as well." (Skylar Rogers / Photo by Michael Goza)

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

One of my favorite moments with my brothers (Blue Diamonds) was the final show before the shutdown, in Springfield, IL. I truly discovered who I was that day. You can see the difference in the pictures from previous shows, and look at the pictures from the Springfield show. Another time was when I was down from having a major surgery. I told the guys that I knew they had other obligations, so I told them if they wanted to go, I wouldn't have blamed them. Every last one of them said they were with me no matter what. My eyes got sweaty from the onion cutting ninjas. We became more than just a band...we were a family.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss the originality. Sounds harsh, but while at the IBC in Memphis, I heard Bobby Rush say, 'There's nothing new anymore. It's all been done before.' There is so much truth in that. We are simply building on the foundation that the pioneers built for us. Sure, we can rearrange styles, combine genres, add different sounds, etc., but we will never be able to reinvent the wheel. One hope I have for the future is that our blended styles of blues become more acceptable. The genre lines are so blurred at this point, that you can't hear a song and say, "that's not blues." I know there will be purists out there who will look on us with disdain, but if we all played the same thing, how boring would that be?

What would you say characterizes Chicago blues scene in comparison to other local US scenes and circuits?

The Chicago blues scene is all about keeping it simple, and in more intimate settings, one of the exceptions being the House Of Blues, of course. There's something about that amped harp and guitar being right in your face, and the interaction with the audience that early Chicago blues artists were known for. It's a party, and everyone was invited!

"I've learned that this is NOT for the faint of heart!! You're either all in, or you need to get out.  Also, no matter what, you HAVE to be true to who you are. You can't be afraid to do what you really want. You do it, and people either like it or they don't. If they don't oh well...it simply wasn't for them. I've also learned to not take things personally. There's no time to. You process, decide if it makes you better, great." (Skylar Rogers / Photo by Michael Goza)

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

My mother was in a male dominated industry (commercial roofer). I worked in male dominated industries for years: military, truck driver, municipal bus driver, even security. There's a very delicate balance of hanging with the boys and maintaining your identity as a woman. I watched my mom do it, and learned it from her. Women in music have had to maintain that same balance, and it's even harder now more than ever: we basically have to fly to get to where a man can walk to. I am proud to say that we ladies are holding our own, and are definitely a force to be reckoned with!!

What is the impact of Blues on the civil & human rights, feminist, political and socio-cultural implications?

Wow, that's a deep and slightly loaded question. Blues has given us an understanding of the past, which we can use to unite in the present. We truly need to listen to the voices of the past, and listen carefully. It gave the black man a way to voice his struggles that he otherwise would not have the chance to speak of so freely. Blues has shown us that the ladies have paid their dues and have earned the right to stand side by side with the fellas. They've done so since the times of Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Gladys Bentley. Now we have Samantha Fish, Annika Chambers, Shemekia Copeland, and, well...lil ol me. Unfortunately, there is an undercurrent of tension between white and black blues artists. I was going to jam with a band on Beale, and was told I better know some black standards. I walked away, angry. What the heck was the difference between a black band and a white band? WHY was there a difference? I was listening to a show on Bluesville, and the dj classified the artist he'd just played as 'one of the greatest of the white blues players.' Disgusted, I changed the station. There will always be the debate of who the blues is for, who has the right to play it, and who shouldn't. My take on it? BLUES IS FOR EVERYONE! Young, old, white, black, polka dotted. Acknowledge where the music came from, and respectfully play to that.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?                         (Skylar Rogers / Photo by Michael Goza)

I've learned that this is NOT for the faint of heart!! You're either all in, or you need to get out.  Also, no matter what, you HAVE to be true to who you are. You can't be afraid to do what you really want. You do it, and people either like it or they don't. If they don't oh well...it simply wasn't for them. I've also learned to not take things personally. There's no time to. You process, decide if it makes you better, great. If not, out the other ear it goes. This is your little company, and YOU are the CEO. You will make bad decisions, after all, you're human. But you learn, and keep it moving, And lastly, NEVER get comfortable. EVER. Always reach for something higher.

Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Blues is an ever-evolving genre, and more fusions are being added almost on a yearly basis. I just learned about metal blues, and it's really good (in my often-challenged opinion). The Blues TRULY has something for everyone, all ages, all ethnicities, all EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. It's truly universal!

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?

To come full circle from a previous question, it's about the experiences of life, and the stories we tell. Our experiences, while not necessarily unique, are tied together with others in one form or another. This is what life is; laugh, comfort, celebrate with all.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

Just one day? Let me sit and learn from 1990's Tina Turner. She was the epitome of the overcomer. I would love to hear her talk about how she decided to do something no one would expect her to do: become the Queen of Rock and Roll. I'd love to know what her thought process was, if she immediately walk in her truth, or did it intimidate her? So many questions!!!!! If you ever see this, Queen Tina, let me pick you brain for a day!

Skylar Rogers - Home

(Skylar Rogers / Photo by Michael Goza)