Today we’d like to introduce you to J. Eric Menge
J. Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We met in high school and discovered our mutual love of writing original ROCK music. Eventually, we began recording our songs on a 4-track tape recorder in our makeshift studio and, in a twist of fate, we both ended up at Berklee College of Music in Boston studying Performance and Songwriting. In 1996, we gathered together a group of talented local Minneapolis musicians and developed our first actual album “Just The Beginning”, which had some international acclaim and industry interest. Unfortunately, shortly after the album, the band went its separate ways and we got caught up in the cover band music scene, and life in general. In 2010 things slowed down enough for us to attempt a second album, we had written many new songs, but we just could not make it happen. Finally, during the pandemic of 2020, technology had caught up to the point where we were able to solve some of our troubles, self-produce our music, and at last release our second album “Second Chances” in 2022, as well as our third album “Trilogy” in 2023. Over the years, we have amassed a catalog of roughly 300 songs with 60 songs in-process. With our fourth album, we have been able to gather together some very talented local musicians: [Beth Norris Hill (Vocalist): Sugar Buzz, Queen of the Ryche
, Jake Jacobs (Vocalist): Audio Circus
, Michelle Hernick (Vocalist): Spin Cycle, Record Prophets
, Muddcat Melby (Guitar, Vocalist): Muddcat Melby
, Steve Hill (Bass): Hellion
, and Mike Reschke (Drums): The Cyclones].
“The Fourth Degree”, is due to be released in late 2024.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, It has NOT been a smooth road. There have been many struggles and roadblocks to overcome. In the beginning, finding other musicians with the same vision to help bring our songs to life had been a huge struggle. At that time, no one was self-producing CD’s, (the newest technology then). So, we had to figure all that out ourselves. Writing and recording music takes a great deal of time and creative energy, sometimes life just gets in the way. Also, until recently for us, cost and technology restraints have hampered progress. However, lately, we have started to hit a grove in the process. Time, Technology, and an outstanding and talented group of people, we have been able to realize a creative vision well beyond even our own expectations. It is very exciting!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Blue Rain is the name of the group, and we feel our strength is in the variety of songs we are able to create. We pull from a large number of influences, not only in ROCK music, but essences of POP, JAZZ, HARD ROCK, and BLUES music. While the music is definitely a nod to the era that influenced us the most (80’s ROCK), we also are able to infuse it with whatever mood strikes us, as well as incorporate the influences and talents of the other musicians involved. To us, that is the most rewarding. The ability to join people together and explore music to the joy of all involved.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Well, there are so many more tools and technology available these days. Eliminating many of the challenges and struggles we had to go through. However, at the core it is the same. Don’t be afraid to explore. Listen to other types of music. Jam and talk with lots of other musicians. Find others you enjoy making music with, but also stay true to yourself. Because at the end of it all, you want to look back at what you have made with a big smile on your face, right?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluerainrocks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluerainbandmn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluerainrocks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEK-PVgQXvmrRrLJg7C-4uA
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hcojujw0AGLnh9Lc2zIc4?si=Fa-4E6ZUSvK5UDfXqUGiyg
