Feature image photo credit: Paja Hartmanova
Since 1984, Dan Reed has led a funk rock outfit known as The Dan Reed Network. That band was signed to Polygram/Mercury Records, managed by the legendary concert promoter Bill Graham, and found themselves on gigantic tours with Bon Jovi and The Rolling Stones. They would make records with producer Nile Rodgers as well as Bruce Fairbairn, find management under Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch (known as Q-Prime), and they would also disband in the early 90’s. They would eventually reform in 2012 for their 25th anniversary, and in 2016 they would record their first album in 25 years. And now, Dan takes all of that experience into a new project called Shogun Mojo. Shogun Mojo is an explosive rock collaboration with former Kiss and Black N’ Blue guitarist Tommy Thayer. And on October 30th, Dan and Shogun Mojo will release their self-titled full-length debut album on Frontiers Music.
In this interview, Dan gives us the story behind some of his incredible life journeys of living in India, Israel, France, and the Czech Republic, interviewing the Dalai Lama, and how all that experience translates into his music. He tells us about his bandmates, including former KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. Dan also tells us about writing songs and recording in the studio, how we can find and purchase his paintings, and if we might hear more from Shogun Mojo or see them tour in the future.
“Under The Gun” video:
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Hello everyone! My name is Scott Itter, but some know me as Dr. Music. I am a music journalist and photographer out of the Chicagoland area, and I have been in practice for over 20 years. I grew up in the 70’s with two big brothers that showed me all kinds of rock and roll. As I grew older I ventured out into different genres like jazz, funk, folk, and whatever else I could wrap my ears around. As I read every liner note and every Circus and Hit Parader like they were the Old and New Testament, I came to realize that I just love sound and appreciate all the people that create it.
I later became a stay-at-home dad and started honing my writing and photography skills to keep my mind from turning into mashed peas. My kids are now adults, my mind is only slightly mushy, and I am thrilled to have the honor of presenting my work to you!