Dennis Callaci
Podcast Edition
I am always interested in understanding what inspires and drives people with a passion for the creative arts. It’s rare to find someone that can lay claims as a songwriter, author, artist, record producer and book publisher. But I found that very person.
Dennis Callaci is the founder of Shrimper Records, an independent record label, and the Co-founder of Bamboo Dart Press, an independent publisher of short fiction anthologies, chapbooks, and companion books to record compilations.
He is a guitarist and songwriter for the band, Refrigerator, who have released 13 albums since the mid-1990s, and author of three works of fiction including his debut work, 100 Cassettes (Pelekinesis, 2020), Five Ghost Stories (Bamboo Dart Press, 2021), and Lost Reflection (Bamboo Dart Press, 2023).
If all that is not enough, he co-hosts a weekly radio show on College Radio KSPC 88.7FM in Claremont, California.
Dennis embodies the pursuit of the creative arts, and it oozes from his soul. His fascination lies with getting the voices and words of indie artists and free-thinkers alike into the raw physical world for the community to appreciate. I had the good fortune to talk with Dennis for the third in my interview series on Substack.
In this podcast, I learned what makes Dennis tick and what compels him to pursue this passion. Dennis has a great sense of humor and outlook on life. I believe you will find the next 40 minutes a wonderful break in your day.
I encourage you to check out Shrimper Records and Bamboo Dart Press and support Dennis in his endeavors:
As is usual, this Substack post is accentuated with original artwork. For the occasion, Dennis provided the imagery below.
I should also note that when I interviewed Dennis, I did not even remotely think of it as a podcast. I have only recently found that hearing the interviewee tell their story is far more compelling than me writing about it. Even though I recorded the audio on my phone, I think it is important to hear the words from the artist themselves.
I get it… I didn’t realize I wanted to be a podcaster when I grew up. Dennis Callaci and Suzie Brooks have taught me to embrace this artform and my recording equipment has recently been upgraded! I thank them both for their support!
Check out my previous interviews:
Lynn’s Story: Lynn's Story
The Indomitable Suzie Brooks: Suzie Brooks
The Indomitable Suzie Brooks (podcast edition): Suzie Brooks Podcast
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IF you are new here, please support me by subscribing to Timberline, my Substack, for regular works of fiction, non-fiction, philosophy, and inspirational interviews. For more access to cool stuff such as immersive readings of my fiction, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription of Timberline if you are awesome.
I hope you enjoy the interview and feel inspired to pursue your passions. When you do, life will be more rewarding, fulfilling and satisfying. If you make one person smile today, it’s been a good day.
Original art by Dennis Callaci:
Click to listen: