In most records of the alternative music scene, the 1990s is considered a decade of explosion for this genre. In keeping with that theme, Jim DeRogatis penned a book that drew immediate attention on publication. "Milk It" (De Capo Press 2003) was soon hailed as a "cool book" (Gina Vivinetto, St. Petersburg Times) and a book of truth that pulled no punches (Dave Chamberlain, New City).
His subjects included Kurt Cobain just months before he died, Arrested Development (DeRogatis said this group best "updated" the feeling of Woodstock ‘69), and Pearl Jam. This very brief list of subjects from DeRogatis’ tenure as pop music critic for the Chicago Sun Times does little to show the breadth and depth of the writing this fellow offered in the Alternative Nation decade.
So what is DeRogatis up to now, during this explosion of indie music that includes everything from legitimate rock/alternative groups to single artists who just want someone to listen to them? In 2002 he was still at the Sun Times as pop music critic and hosted a radio show called Sound Opinions. In 2006 he published a book about the Flaming Lips: "Staring At Sound: The True Story of Oklahoma’s Flaming Lips" (Broadway Books 2006). Apparently he still has something to say about the fascinating world of alternative and independent label music. www.jimdero.com
Tags: indie, music, independent music, indie music