We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dirk Kroll. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dirk below.
Alright, Dirk thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I have always been an “ atypical” learner. I loved reading, film, music and the arts but was not a great student in school due in most part to unidentified dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. I attended Wayne State University in Detroit with a focus in history but did not graduate. I had an opportunity to learn the art of plaster restoration and repair from some Sicilian artisons and I took to it; I was in my twenties and I found satisfaction in a skilled trade that was both artistic, challenging and rewarding. It’s a traditional craft that is not practiced by many, it has a cultural significance, perhaps a percieved value, and I see it as a dying art, unfortunately. I have had the pleasure to work in historically significant homes/ buildings designed by Wallace Frost, Albert Kahn and others, recreated ceiling medallions, columns and repaired a challenging crack or two.
I am also a singer-songwriter and I lead an eight piece band featuring horns, keyboards and guitars and my original songs. I have been performing for years and this gives me a lot of satisfaction, although not in a monetary way. It’s a challenge to promote music through social media and other channels without appearing overyly self-promotional, which is not my style at all. My music is out there on all streaming platforms and such and there it is. I am grateful to have the time to practice the things I love to do.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have a loyal clientele and have been featured in historical directories. I have repaired/restored plaster in fine Detroit neighborhoods such as Sherwood Forest, Boston Edison, the Park Shelton next to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Palmer Woods as well as Huntington Woods and Pontiac’s historical Seminole Hills, where I live in a 1927 built home. I feel I think “ out of the box” to solve problems and my work lasts. I also do fine painting. I love historical spaces and I enjoy working with folks. There is alot of satisfaction in completeing a project. I am strictly word of mouth so I appreciate it when my clients share my name. That is a testimonial in itself.
I love music. I grew up in Southern California and moved to metro-Detroit at a young age. My older brother accompanied me to music spots and turned me on to the Motown sound which I loved, showcasing the power of strong vocal delivery combined with fantastic melodies. I was hooked. I feel my songs are mostly influenced by early British pop/rock from across the Atlantic and back, blues, funk, ska and elements of Americana. I am influenced by novels I read, films I see and stories shared by folks I talk to. I have been nominated for multiple Detroit Music Awards to date and was awarded Outstanding Rock/Pop Songwriter in 2020, 2021 and a special Honoree for Outstanding Rock Songwriter for 2022. I am honored to be included amongst so much talent in this town.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
That’s a great question! My wife and I rarely purchase from large chains/big box. We choose to support local markets, boutiques and indi-owned establishments. We know folks by name, drop in and chat. My wife claims I grocery shop like a European; I shop frequently, small fresh quantities and I know the fishmonger. We praise the staff and are frequent fliers to the spots we love, when we can afford to do so. Rather than purchasing daily cappuccino’s, perhaps consider saving up to pay a cover charge to support local music. Tip when you can. Bring a friend. We frequent art galleries and openings, and have purchased original art. Most galleries allow lay -away purchases and it makes it more affordable to buy original. Get to know the artist, participate, attend shows. It’s an investment in culture, fuels the soul and there are many teachable moments to be gained in partipating and sharing. I have learned that having an eight piece band is very costly. Recording costs, website maintenance, paying musicians and instrument upkeep, among other things, is not reimbursed in performance. It is what I love and choose to do, but most folks do not realize it rarely pays monetarily. The investment is huge and every little bit helps and is appreciated We love to see you! I advise picking and choosing, find online pod-casts and art journals, music and performance calendars, do some research and pencil us in! Better yet, pen us in! Find out who your home folks are and support local because ESPECIALLY NOW, it really matters.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I love what I do and it is all that I know. I worked a short time in display technology, custom-photographic service labs and design for a small company that supported larger firms in Detroit. I learned alot but I found working in a more corporate environment was just not for me. My practice style is more on an intimate, one on one level and that’s what I do best. I have been accused of being a closet therapist and by that, it was meant I am a good listener. This is how I gather stories, moments and collect. This is where my creative comes in. I feel very fortunate to be able to practice both the art of plaster restoration and work in stunning homes and be able to compose songs and have a wonderful and generous band perform with me. I am a lucky guy!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thedirkkrollband.com
- Instagram: krolldirk
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/thedirkkrollband
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW9q6r9uG5Q5aevNiqJeUSA
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/24OGxM0DddQ2SbN0iB0STR
https://dirkkroll.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Photos: Alchemy Photographic: Aimee List
Richard Blondy: Direct From Detroit
Jane Cassisi ( Detroit Blues Society)
Thompson Photography LLC (ThompsonPhotos.com)
Paul Raab (raabmediaproduction.com)
Paul Price, photographer