Mike Petruccelli is a singer/songwriter of the purest kind. He’s the kind of songsmith who is constantly preoccupied with the job. The odd details and fleeting emotions behind an experience become his lyrical sandbox, from which he culls short-form narratives and imagery to set to hooky, unrestrained melodies.
Petruccelli stays busy on the scene, releasing music of various flavors, united under the large and diverse umbrella of punk. Petruccelli has an overflowing personality, tinged with occasional self-deprecation and nihilistic humor. He brings a determination to his craft that comes across in the urgency of his performances. While it’s hard to imagine that he ever does anything other than write, rehearse, or gig, Petruccelli assures me that he sometimes does laundry.
I gave Petruccelli the opportunity to comment on his experience as a musician living in Logan Square. His music speaks for itself—check out Mike Petruccelli, Rapids, and Tens on Bandcamp.
How long have you lived in Chicago, and Logan Square specifically?
I have been in Logan Square for roughly six years and it’s been the only neighborhood I’ve been in since I moved to Chicago from Massillon, Ohio in 2010.
Why did you choose to move to Logan?
I never really chose to live in Logan Square in a direct way. Chicago was always a place I wanted to move to, and I never thought I would have the opportunity to do so. So, it was happenstance when I messaged my friend Adam one night in early 2010 to catch up about life. That turned into a discussion about an open room in his apartment and I jokingly asked if he needed a roommate. He did, and he offered me the room.
At that point, I still never thought it would happen, but I accepted and moved in about 5 months later, after I graduated from college. I have been in Logan Square ever since and it’s been a pretty rad time…a very rad and blurry time… (laughs)
Has the neighborhood meant a lot to you as a musician since you moved here?
I wouldn’t really have much without Logan Square. I have been playing in venues in the neighborhood ever since I started living here and it’s been some of the best experiences in my life when it comes to playing music. I think independent music really finds a voice in this area of town, with places like Quenchers, Whistler, Crown Liquors, etc. They all provide a huge outlet for musicians.
As for the people, I’ve been lucky to meet some of the most talented and humble folks around Logan, people who book shows and play music. And, people in our neighborhood take creative projects seriously—that sense of community is something I’ve never really had in my life. It’s the reason why I’ve remained in Logan for six years.
Got any other favorite spots in the neighborhood, for food, beverage, laundromat, whatever?
I am usually at Quenchers or Burlington these days for shows, but every once and a while I’ll be at Cole’s for a show or to see friends. I don’t drink much but I can’t turn down an offer to go to Two Way or Whistler whenever given the opportunity. I always loved the comparison between the two, being across the street form each other.
My favorite place to eat in Logan is Chicago Diner but when it comes to pizza, I either get Festa or Dante’s. The best burrito in the neighborhood a tie between Taqueria Moran and D’Noche. Obviously, the best laundromat in the neighborhood is Scrub-A-Dub at Kimball and Fullerton, I’ve been doing laundry there weekly for 3 years now.
So what else is new? Props on the video, and awesome to see you perform recently. Where else can Mike Petruccelli be seen these days?
Since the solo EP has been released, I’m now focusing on releasing a full length for both of my bands, Rapids and Tens. The Tens LP will be out sometime this year and I’ve been steadily writing for the Rapids LP and hoping for a release by year’s end or early 2017. Somewhere down the line, I’m writing a solo EP but that’s still a while away in the plans. Aside from that I am gaining new ground on collecting milk crates and purchasing candles for my apartment because music takes up everything in the “life’s passion” category.
Hi Mike <3!