Today I’ll be talking with with Young Elk frontman Zeke Rudick.

In this episode, Zeke walks us through the forming of Young Elk along with guitarist Tony Reyes, bassist Bruce Reid and drummer Nic Moen.

We also discuss his influences currently, and in his formative years as a young dude in Washington State.

In this chat, we also explore Zeke’s difficult break with the concept of religion and how that, in part, was the thematic springboard for their debut album “Dark Side of the Holy Ghost” and one of my favorite songs “God is Cruel” in particular.

Zeke and I also discuss their evolution as a band, which led them into explorations of male archetypes and toxic masculinity, which forms the thematic background for their second album “False Paradise.” We even had some annoying moments with the internet not cooperating, which I’ve left in there for your listening pleasure, awkward silences and all. This is one of my favorite bands and I’m still baffled that they aren’t more recognized for their superb output and artistry. I hope you all enjoy this chat, and I really hope you all go listen to their music.

http://www.youngelkband.com/band

https://www.instagram.com/youngelkband/

https://youngelk.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IZDmLIVFNpQ1Yx8pSxvLY?si=rJL8DNOeTQSD87ZDhaHtig