We had the good fortune of connecting with Dirk Kroll and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dirk, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Well, that’s a challenging question because success is measured in so many different ways. While certainly I have no monetary gain creating music, which for many would demonstrate a real indication of success, I have been true to myself and my own personal best. By that, I mean that writing and recording my own music and lyrics and seeing the songs come to fruition has meant so much to me. I had performed in cover (copy) bands in the past and I found that the melodies and the stories I carried around with me needed a place to go and I started writing. It has been an honor to perform with outstanding musicians and to have recieved some recognition for my work and to play for audiences. I feel that the recording studio where I craft the stuff is my playground and I love it. ( Rooftop Recording in Grand Blanc). The joy is my success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been performing music for many years but my songs are mostly unknown. I have had folks say ” why aren’t you famous” which gives me a chuckle but I am just not a marketing king in any way, It’s a differnet world; there are thousands of bands, genres and tribute bands and mass media helps dictate the pecking order. BUT I love what I do. I compose for myself, it’s many genres, not just one and I throw it out there. I have wonderful artists performing with me and I have had many Detroit Music Award nominations and received a coupla Detroit Music Awards, which is peer voted. I have a new album release event happening in November and I am most proud for having opportunites to perform all original music. It’s not for everyone! I am seasoned, have lived some life and I think it’s important to follow your passion at the end of the day if you can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a challenge to throw together; the Detroit Institute of Arts, a gem. A run around the grounds of Cranbrook, a visit to the Detroit Eastern Market, Tapas at La Feria Detroit, run next door to Galerie Camille, MOCAD Gallery, Cliff Bell’s for sounds, breakfast at Ferndale’s Fly Trap, a film at the DIA, find some music around town, check out the Habatat Glass Art Gallery hiding out on Fernlee Ave., Royal Oak, go kayaking weather permitting, go to a Tiger’s game, have a home dinner party with some fun folks, take a long walk on the many nature trails around and then back to Pontiac where I live; check out Goldner Walsh Nursery and land at Pontiac’s Alley Cat for some chow and drinks. And a check in at the PLAT, ( Pontiac’s Little Art Theatre) where I will have a show Friday, November 10th. It’s a stunning vintage space!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Marci, has been a rock solid support and sounding board along this path. She has a true love of music, has a great ear and has been there for me. We had not planned on this but she jumped on board recently to add to the band by singing backing vocals when actually she had absolutely no life experience with this other than singing/playing guitar for her daughters when they were young. So it’s been an interesting ride! I am ever grateful for the fellow musicians who have had the patience to work out material with me…new songs! At times, I’m sure, testing endurance/fortitude while hanging in there with me. And David Roof of Rooftop Studios has been an enormous and encouraging presence. Over and over.

Website: https://thedirkkrollband.com

Instagram: @krolldirk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thedirkkrollband

Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCW9q6r9uG5Q5aevNiqJeUSA?

Other: dirktkroll.bandcamp.com open.spotify.com/artist/24OGxM0DddQ2SbN0iB0STR

Image Credits
Black and White image: Richard Blondy Direct from Detroit taken at Berkley Coffee & Oak Park Dry, Oak Park, Mich. Other images taken at Goldner Walsh Nursery in Pontiac, MI by ThompsonPhotos.com Car image backdrop for photo created by Tim Post Travis

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