The Imperial Sound with Rachel Drew

The Imperial Sound

THE IMPERIAL SOUND is a swinging pop band with roots in 1970s AM radio, Chicago soul, and first-rate songcraft. Kenn Goodman (keyboards) and Rick Mosher (guitars and vocals) have collaborated in various musical ventures over the years, from the Chicago-based Pravda Records store and label to the legendary trash-rock trio The New Duncan Imperials. Their latest incarnation as the founders of The Imperial Sound, often affectionately referred to as ImpSo by its fans, places them at the center of a talented collective of seasoned musicians, all of whom share a passion for reinvention and a dedication to crafting exceptional music. The band’s debut full-length album, recorded with the esteemed Mike Hagler at Kingsize Sound Labs—known for producing iconic albums for artists like Wilco, Neko Case, and the Mekons—was mixed by John “Strawberry” Fields, who has worked with a diverse roster that includes Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and the Dollyrots. With twelve tracks brimming with infectious pop hooks and tight arrangements propelled by an all-star horn section, the album showcases heavenly harmonies from a who’s who of Chicago pop legends. Notable guests include Peter Himmelman, Dag Juhlin of Poi Dog Pondering, singing icons Kelly Hogan and Nora O’Connor, and Kathy Ruestow, all contributing to a rich, collaborative sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.

The roots of this band run deep, with Kenn Goodman and Rick Mosher meeting in college, where their shared love for music and playful provocation led them to form a new wave band and even publish a satirical college newspaper that poked fun at frat culture. Their original music found a place in the local scene, which was notable for its emphasis on covers, and they quickly gained recognition, even opening for the biker band Black Oak Arkansas. Their early successes included recording two singles and securing airplay on local radio, which solidified their presence in the vibrant music landscape of the time. However, Kenn and Rick had ambitious aspirations beyond their college years. They dropped out, relocated to Chicago, and Kenn took the initiative to launch Pravda Records, a record label and store located in the iconic Cabaret Metro building, which quickly gained acclaim. Alongside their label endeavors, which included notable tribute albums featuring covers of 1970s one-hit wonders performed by well-known local and national bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Mojo Nixon, they formed The Service, a band that would become a cornerstone of Chicago’s new music scene.

Rachel Drew

$12 ADV/ $15 DOS plus fees

· 21+