Local Band Revives 1985 Tracks For Charity Record Release Party

In 1985, Chicago musician and philanthropist Rob Stepen recorded two tracks, "Your Way" and "Have You Seen My Heart," but, lacking a reel-to-reel player, never listened to them. The tapes were forgotten in a box for decades, until they were rediscovered in Stepen’s attic in January 2023. Determined to revive the recordings, Stepen sought out legendary producer Steve Albini, known for his work with bands such as Nirvana, Page and Plant, The Pixies, Cheap Trick, PJ Harvey, and The Breeders. Albini, alongside Taylor Hales, meticulously restored and re-recorded the tracks at Electrical Audio in Chicago, and the album was mastered by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service. The final product, Alternate View, was pressed into vinyl at Third Man Records in Detroit, founded by Jack White of the White Stripes.

Now, almost 40 years later, Stepen and his band, The Generations, founded in 2023, is ready to share these long-forgotten songs with the world. On Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Generations, will host a Record Release Party at Durty Nellie’s (180 N Smith St, Palatine), celebrating the release of Alternate View. The event will feature:a live performance by The Generations, a panel discussion on vinyl record production, networking opportunities, and will benefit Joey’s Song, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting epilepsy research and awareness.

“This album is a labor of love and represents decades of my musical journey,” said Rob Stepen. “It’s incredible to see these songs come to life after so many years, and we’re honored to celebrate this release while supporting such an important cause like Joey’s Song.”

The panel discussion, titled “How to Make a Vinyl Record in Today’s Landscape,” will be emceed by Lisa Fielding, WBBM News Reporter and Anchor, and will feature insights from Stepen, band members, Adam Grais and Stacy McMichael, and industry experts such as Lauren MacDonald from Electrical Audio, and Andre “Add-2” Daniels from Haven Studios. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase vinyl copies of Alternate View and limited-edition branded merchandise.

Donations will be accepted at the event, with proceeds going to Joey’s Song, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for epilepsy research and awareness. For those unable to attend, online donations can be made here.

For more details on the event, including the full schedule, visit Durty Nellie’s website. Tickets are priced at $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and can be purchased directly through the site as well.

About The Generations

Founded in 2023 by Chicago musician and philanthropist Rob Stepen, Generations blends nostalgic 80s rock with modern influences. The band’s lineup includes Rob Stepen (rhythm guitar), Stacy McMichael (bass), Adam Grains (drums), Michael Kopstain (lead guitarist), Janet Jones (keyboardist and vocals), and Monika Jedrzejek (vocalist). Their debut album, Alternate View, released in October of 2024, is the product of Stepen’s journey through the 1980s Chicago rock scene. After recording two tracks in 1985, “Have You Seen My Heart” and “Your Way,” the tapes were lost for decades until rediscovered in 2023. The tracks were restored by Steve Albini and Taylor Hales at Electrical Audio, mastered by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service, and pressed at Third Man Records in Detroit. The album blends the energy of 1980s rock with a modern sensibility, creating a sound that resonates with both nostalgic and contemporary audiences. For more info about The Generations, performance dates, or to purchase the album, visit www.RobStepenMusic.com.

About Joey's Song

Joey's Song is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for epilepsy research and awareness. Named in honor of Joey Gomoll, who died in 2010 just shy of his fifth birthday after suffering a debilitating form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, the charity uses music to inspire change and support families affected by epilepsy. For more information, visit www.joeyssong.org.