A year ago last January, I had the distinct pleasure of stumbling in to a life changing week aboard “The Rock Boat - Niner,” a 5 day music cruise with over 30 bands and singers performing round the clock. The event was amazing, but the highlight, musically, was not simply the performances, but also the accessibility the artists offered. From dining with the fans, to special events handpicked by the singers, to simply being in the crowd at another performers show, the musicians were everywhere. And it was on TRB Niner that I discovered Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, who immediately became one of my favorite bands.

Inspired by the reality of such unfettered access to the artists, I returned this year as part fan, part journalist. Due to the open and easygoing nature of the cruise, I was able to arrange interviews with many of the amazing musicians who took the stage on The Rock Boat X, chief among them being Stephen Kellogg himself. Edited only to eliminate major interruptions, what you will hear in two parts below is my full conversation with Stephen. I am grateful he shared his time, his passion, and his true thoughts with me, and I truly do hope we get to continue the conversation again soon.