When I had the idea to start this show Chase was one of the first people who came to my mind. When I think about creatives and people who are obsessed with art and driven, I think of Chase. He is both a musician and an artist (and he is amazing at both).

Back in 2007 his punk band, Dear and Glorious Physician, rocked the Gainesville, FL scene. In a short amount of time they released 2 albums (Grenada Records) and became a regional band. Chase pays attention to every detail in his music and as he says in this interview he knows he was at times difficult to work with and has some regrets about being hard on his bandmates (siblings). The band consisted of siblings Andy, Robin and Jill. In this interview Chase talks a lot about the importance of working with his siblings and how the band would never have become what it was without them. In his mind it was because of their belief in him, and their patience with him, that D&GP was able to become the band that it became. I also talk about the "dormancy" of the band as I hint many times that the band is just "dormant" right now.

For the past many years Chase has been focusing on his art as the main source of his creativity. His art is gritty, conflicted, and full of symbolism and very moving. In one of his projects "Control" he was able to work with Julian Dorio (founding drummer of the Whigs). Julian was the drummer touring with Eagles of Death Metal and was playing onstage at the moment the Bataclan in Paris was attacked by terrorists. Many were killed and the scene was extremely violent. Chase asked Julian to write a short drum piece to express what it was like. Chase and his team captured this performance on video and it is powerful! As I listened to Chase telling the story of this process I got the chills.

Visit his website to view and experience some of his other art. Chase has been traveling the country doing lectures, exhibits and curating other exhibitions.

Talking with Chase is enlightening and I wish we had had more time. This way by far the longest interview that I have done yet and it still felt short to me. He has a lot to say and I love hearing him say it.

Towards the end Chase shares some regrets and some gratitude with us. He attributes all of his success to his wife (Amber), his mother (Susan), his father (Chuck) and the rest of his family.

As you will see in this interview, I have so much respect and admiration for Chase. He truly is a creator and an amazing human being.

https://www.facebook.com/dearandglorious/
http://www.charlesawestfall.com/