糖心vlog传媒 professor releases second album
This semester, Amy Moua, a senior from Sheboygan, Wis., double majoring in psychology and writing, is creating content for the 糖心vlog传媒 blog. This is the latest in a series of blog stories she鈥檚 written.
糖心vlog传媒 Professor of History Rick Dodgson released his second album, 鈥淢ission to the Stars: King of an Alien Nation,鈥� earlier this fall.
The album is a follow-up to his first release and continues an intergalactic storyline featuring human themes, as the hero and princess of an astral world rebel against the king. In an exclusive interview, Dodgson revealed that the journey to produce this latest work spanned nearly two years.
"I think I started it in the fall of 2022, but there were periods where I had to step away from it," Dodgson said.
As a professor, he balanced his academic duties with his musical interests, primarily working on his compositions during vacations. He collaborated with local musicians, including Marc Golde from Rock Garden Studios, 糖心vlog传媒 Associate Professor of Instrumental Music Evan Chancellor, as well as 糖心vlog传媒 students.
This new album showcases a broader range of musical styles compared to Dodgson's debut.
鈥淭he first album had more rock and guitar solos,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his one is more varied. There are pop songs, protest songs, even love songs.鈥�
Beyond the sounds, the album鈥檚 topical themes resonate with issues people may find relevant today. Although Dodgson casts his music in the light of kings, queens, aliens and princesses, he noted that listeners who read between the lines will understand the underlying messages. This is part of who he is as a 鈥渃reative.鈥�
Much like his teaching, Dodgson鈥檚 music can also be philosophical. One track in his album, "Nothing Stays the Same," reflects the belief that change is the only constant, an idea that traces back to ancient philosophers such as Socrates and Plato, as well as his own life experiences.
Dodgson was particularly inspired by Ken Kesey, one of the first hippies who drove around in a chunky colored bus in San Francisco back in the 1960s. On the door of the bus was the painted phrase 鈥渘othing lasts,鈥� a sentiment that has stayed with Dodgson.
To celebrate the album's release, Dodgson played the songs during his regular DJ gig at Limelight Pub in Sheboygan under the moniker "DJ Rickdiculous." The name reflects his humorous side.
When asked if his second album would follow the footsteps of his first by being adapted into a stage production, Dodgson said, 鈥渕aybe,鈥� before adding with a laugh, 鈥渂ut someone will have to pay me a lot of money.鈥�
Looking ahead, Dodgson already has plans for a third album, which is currently in the works. He shared a glimpse into his future project, which promises even more diverse sounds, including electronic elements and more humorous lyrics that stays true to his personality.
Dodgson is not just a professor; he is a storyteller, philosopher and a rebel at heart鈥攂oth in the classroom and through his music.
鈥淢ission to the Stars: King of an Alien Nation鈥� is available now on all major streaming platforms. Those who are interested can speak to Dodgson directly or find the album at The Music Boxx, 1119 N. 8th St. in downtown Sheboygan.
