CheekyChicago

Rego’s blend of thoughtful songs, powerful vocals, creative instrumentation and carefree stage banter made the alt country foursome shine as they opened for Brighton, MA’s residency at Schubas last week. Poised for their first CD release this spring, Rego has already put out a promising two-song single (“South Pole” and “After The War”) and earned a growing local fan base. Singer/songwriter Rebecca Rego, whose last release was the critically acclaimed solo EP, Learning To Be Lonely, spoke with us about her new band’s origins and plans.

Cheeky: You released Learning To Be Lonely as a solo artist in 2007, and now you’re close to releasing a CD as the band Rego. How was the songwriting and/or recording process different this time around, now that you’re part of a band? How does the collaboration work?

Rebecca Rego: I would say it was a completely different thing. Like going from high school to college; or more like going from college to that time after college where you have no idea what you’re doing or why you went to college in the first place.

I never really had intentions of putting a band together. It sort of just happened. I work at a bar, and when I had first put out my EP, I had been talking to this drummer, Mike Zelenko, who lived in the neighborhood. He was in the Chicago band, Material Issue, for a very long time. He was the one who really told me you have to get a band. He never really told me about everything that went into it though.

When I went in to start playing with Stephanie [my drummer], I thought we’d spend about an hour working over some of the parts and we’d have it. A year and a half later, I think we’re finally there. Playing, practicing and recording with a band is the hardest thing that I’ve ever had to learn how to do. It’s a lot about being technically perfect and a lot about really being able to tell people what you want, which is something I had struggled with for a long time. I feel so fortunate to have met my drummer, Stephanie, and her husband, Ryan, who really always believed in what I was trying to do with my music and wanted to make it sound the best that it could.

Cheeky: It was clear at Schubas the other night that Rego’s newly-released “After the War” is a big crowd pleaser with a catchy hook. In contrast with the bright sound, the lyrics remain serious and somewhat cryptic. I’d love to hear anything you want to share about that song’s meaning.

RR: There are a few parts to that song, but I wrote it mainly about my grandma. She grew up in Germany during WWII and met my grandpa during reconstruction there. They got married when she was 18 and moved to the United States. It’s kind of about her first impressions of America; how she reacted to coming here after growing up during such a violent time.

Cheeky: You’ve mentioned Wilco as an influence. Who are some of your other singer/songwriter heroes?

RR: I have so many…..AHHHH!!! Josh Ritter for sure, his live shows are the most amazing, energetic experiences; Tom Waits, Stars, Patty Griffin, just recently Andrew Bird (his new record is amazing) and Bon Iver.

Cheeky: Our readers need to see Rego live. Any plans in the works for a CD release party or tour?

RR: Right now, it looks like the record won’t come out until late May or early June. We will definitely be planning a CD release party here in Chicago, and we’ll be touring at least most of the Midwest states. For now, we are playing an acoustic show at Double Door Dirt Room on March 2^nd. We are also planning on headlining somewhere here in the city in April. You can sign up for our email list to get the updates.

Cheeky: And here it is, our final nosy question: what is the cheekiest thing you did this week?

RR: I parallel parked into the smallest spot ever last night. Without power steering, it was quite a feat. Anyone who lives in Ravenswood knows how “cheeky” that is.

Check out Rego at MySpace or rebeccarego.com.