This week, Features contributor DJ Ninja speaks with Chicago artist Al Rose. They discuss his eighth album, Again the Beginner, his spontaneous and in-the-moment setlist planning, how he future-proofs his protest songs, and why he doesn't play the flute at shows anymore.

"The fun part is because of the release and catharsis. I still kinda drum up the rage that happens when I wrote the song, but the release is fun. Because playing music, anybody who's ever been in a band or is watching, it looks like the musicians are having a really good time playing, whether it's a quiet thing or a loud, raucous thing. I will say from experience that it is fun; it's great to be in a band and make noise like that." - Al Rose

Produced by DJ Ninja.

Photo Credit: Al Rose