John Rake:

Quick Facts!

By John Rake

-Hometown: Detroit, MI

-Current Location: Chicago, IL

-Family: Annie (wife), Finnegan (dog), Gwen (cat), Gordon (cat)

-Education: M.F.A. Composing for the Screen- Columbia College Chicago ‘24, B.A. Music- Wayne State University ‘21

-Areas of Expertise: Orchestral music (composing, orchestration, mock-ups), rock/pop, traditional Irish, American Roots Music (blues, bluegrass, folk)

-Instruments played: Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro, Guitarra de Gamba (bowed guitar), Bass and Banjo

-Favorite Beatle: George

-First Genie Wish: Infinite Wishes. If Genie refuses, wish they were “the kind of Genie that would grant infinite wishes,” after that, a button that creates a Ken Burns documentary about any subject… *any* subject.

-Music Philosophy: Scores should be bespoke and assume an audience’s intelligence.  They needn’t be dumbed down or shy away from taking risks.

-Collaboration Philosophy: Clear, open and honest communication that assumes the best intentions.  Each party should approach the other with empathy and commitment to the art.  When the project is finished, everyone should feel proud of the work and that they were treated fairly, heard and understood.

-Interests outside of music: Ice Hockey (playing and watching, forever Detroit Red Wings fan), snugging pups, snugging cats, Comedy, British comedy and panel shows, tabletop games, fandoms (Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel), video games, history, political/labor theory.