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Tuned into the state of the world, songwriter Graham Bridgman of Elmhurst is using the latest recording by his band Mind’s Hideaway to help the planet at the local level. Partnered with the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the group will donate all proceeds from the title track “The Spill” to raise money to preserve the world’s largest source of freshwater. To help the cause, people can download the song for 99 cents or purchase the EP. It’s one of several fundraising projects for the socially conscious band, whose current lineup features Bridgman on vocals and guitar; bassist Nick Bajzek of Bolingbrook, who joined in 2005, and drummer Adam Boulton of Westchester, who’s been with the group almost since its start a decade ago. Bridgman talks about their music.
How did ‘The Spill’ come about?
I actually wrote (it) in response to the BP disaster; we were recording about the time that happened. The producer is Travis Brown (of Split Habit), and he and I put that together, just the two of us. The other three songs are the full band. I did some research and found the Alliance. … It’s such a wonderful organization. We need those organizations to balance out all those companies and their political money.
What are other subjects on the EP?
The other songs are more self-focused — about struggling to succeed in this environment and to achieve your dreams. (That) it’s really all up to you. The song ‘Fair Whatever’ is kind of a play on life isn’t fair — (about) persevering regardless of challenges.
How do you describe the band’s sound?
We’re still pretty much alternative rock. Especially with all this talk of the 20th anniversary of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Our music is really rooted in that in a big way.
Raising awareness of issues appears to be a big focus of the band.
I am somewhat of a news junkie. I (follow) two NPR stations and Chicago Public Radio. And then I read the paper and look at Internet news. As a kid, I always read Tom Clancy novels. Now, the world is one big Tom Clancy novel. You can’t make that stuff up. I kind of feel if more people paid attention, we wouldn’t be in the dire situation we are.
Explain your latest online project.
I started a Facebook group called ‘Save the Planet with Music.’ We’re inviting anybody who wrote a song or music regarding the environment, or even just likes someone else’s (related) music and wants to talk about or post it.
Tuned into the state of the world, songwriter Graham Bridgman of Elmhurst is using the latest recording by his band Mind’s Hideaway to help the planet at the local level. Partnered with the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the group will donate all proceeds from the title track “The Spill” to raise money to preserve the world’s largest source of freshwater. To help the cause, people can download the song for 99 cents or purchase the EP. It’s one of several fundraising projects for the socially conscious band, whose current lineup features Bridgman on vocals and guitar; bassist Nick Bajzek of Bolingbrook, who joined in 2005, and drummer Adam Boulton of Westchester, who’s been with the group almost since its start a decade ago. Bridgman talks about their music.
How did ‘The Spill’ come about?
I actually wrote (it) in response to the BP disaster; we were recording about the time that happened. The producer is Travis Brown (of Split Habit), and he and I put that together, just the two of us. The other three songs are the full band. I did some research and found the Alliance. … It’s such a wonderful organization. We need those organizations to balance out all those companies and their political money.
What are other subjects on the EP?
The other songs are more self-focused — about struggling to succeed in this environment and to achieve your dreams. (That) it’s really all up to you. The song ‘Fair Whatever’ is kind of a play on life isn’t fair — (about) persevering regardless of challenges.
How do you describe the band’s sound?
We’re still pretty much alternative rock. Especially with all this talk of the 20th anniversary of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Our music is really rooted in that in a big way.
Raising awareness of issues appears to be a big focus of the band.
I am somewhat of a news junkie. I (follow) two NPR stations and Chicago Public Radio. And then I read the paper and look at Internet news. As a kid, I always read Tom Clancy novels. Now, the world is one big Tom Clancy novel. You can’t make that stuff up. I kind of feel if more people paid attention, we wouldn’t be in the dire situation we are.
Explain your latest online project.
I started a Facebook group called ‘Save the Planet with Music.’ We’re inviting anybody who wrote a song or music regarding the environment, or even just likes someone else’s (related) music and wants to talk about or post it.
