Bob Reuter's Alley ghost live at CBGB's Feb 25 2010

First fan letter from hot librarian

Dear Mr. Reuter,

Thank you for making radio exciting again. I happened upon Bob’s Scratchy Records en route to the St. Louis airport one Friday afternoon. The songs sent a thrill right through the speakers and into me. Now I listen to you online, and I can’t get enough. The individual songs you select are fantastic, and the way you put them together shows you bring plenty of thought and passion to what you do. Your commentary--whether words or sounds, between songs or during songs--is also a pleasure to hear and makes me feel as if you are speaking directly to me. That’s the power stellar DJs like you have, and I know I can’t be the only listener who feels this way. You have brought new and beautiful music into my life. Please keep doing what you’re doing now.

Alley Ghost at the Big Muddy Roof Party!

e-mail from a fan after Alley Ghost roof party performance

I had to tell you that last night was the first time I finally got to see your band play. I loved it... it was fucking spiritual. It was fucking amazing.

I remember thinking to myself as I stood there with a much needed and almost overwhelming feeling of happiness, that I would remember that set for the rest of my life. I can't make anyone else understand it, but it's etched in my memory forever.... it was moving, to say the least. It was moving because you're fucking amazing and you're real and you're legit.. and you made me convinced that you meant every word you said. And you would make me convinced every time in a new way if I heard you sing the same song a thousand times.

I needed to get happy. Thanks, more than I can say.
Much love- X

I didnt know it at the time Bill Streeter for his Lo-Fi show, but i was pretty sick, in another two weeks I was being operated on -quadruple by-pass surgery - you can hear me coughing at the beginning of the tape, that was me trying to get a deep breath...so you know, if I dont look so healthy here, well, that's the reason! i think Bill Streeter is an amazing documentarian - thanks Bill!

new bob interview

Journey Beyond The Artist’s Studio: Bob Reuter

Beyond the surface, there is a deep end to each artist I meet. Through this series of interviews, I have had the great opportunity to introduce many artists to a developing audience, virtually visiting each in their studio. The tenth interview in the ongoing series Journey Beyond The Artist’s Studio is with South City’s own, St Louis artist Bob Reuter.

Essential to Reuter’s photographs/music/writing is a great, familiar sense of being alive in the moment. His photographs, noir as they might appear, are contemporary moments captured. Unlike documents, Reuter’s photos are complete with the sense of time. That sense that it’s Thursday. That sense that it is 2:00pm. Bob’s songs are visceral and of a legendary quality. Reuter’s stories are actual legends. All are about Bob.

Recently I caught up with Bob:

DBS:

Please start off by describing your studio for our readers in 3 words.

Bob:

world of confusion

DBS:

If you could take a trip in a time machine, when and where would you go?

Bob:

Memphis 1956.

DBS:

Do you work full-time as an artist or do you have another job?

Bob:

Full time artiste

DBS:

Tell us 3 random things about yourself.

Bob:

• I come from a different time

• I can tolerate way more pain than the average person

• And I'm very good at what I do!

DBS:

Please select one of the following super human powers that best fit your personality and tell us why:

-the ability to fly

-the ability to become invisible

-super human strength

-the ability to read minds.

Bob:

-super human strength** - I can tolerate a lot of pain

DBS:

When did you start making art and how did you get into it?

Bob:

I started making shit when I was about 7 - got into it by dating artists and when it would never work out, I became one.

DBS:

You completely change your career path with no limitations; what other fields interest you?

Bob:

I'm already open and ready to go wherever my heart takes me - I mean I already write, take pictures, draw and sing my own songs

DBS:

What motivates you as an artist? Why do you make art?

Bob:

- the need to tell my own story - ie, what it's been like to be Bob Reuter in the middle of America during the last half of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries

DBS:

Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

Bob:

Anybody who lives their own life, walks their own path, feels their own feelings and aint a republican or racist asshole

DBS:

Indeed!

Describe what you would do with a free storefront property and $10,000?

Bob:

Start the church of the 45 RPM single! - St. Sam Phillips of Memphis

DBS:
Thank you for the interview Bob!

• To learn more about the Bob Reuters stories please visit his website.

• To purchase Bob’s photographs, visit his shop.

• Please show your appreciation for Bob by leaving a comment here.

• Bob's Scratchy Records is presented each Friday at 2:00 pm on KDHX.

• For samples of Reuter’s music, check him out online.

• Please join The Studio Chronicle next week when we present Journey Beyond The Artists Studio: Gina Alvarez.

Thee Dirty South - (Top of The) Dirty South