INTERVIEW: I, Captain shares new single “Gone”

Hailing from the western New York music scene, I, Captain is the genre-bending artistic banner of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Pete Rogers. An accomplished musician with a catalogue that includes multiple solo and collaborative projects, Pete has crafted an identity with I, Captain as a vehicle for sonic experimentation under the broader umbrella of alternative rock.

Drawing from a kaleidoscope of influences ranging from Nomeansno, Primus and Firehose to Pink Floyd and Into Another, the project finds its voice in a collision of styles, held together by a sharp ear for contrast and texture. After unveiling the I, Captain moniker with an eponymous debut in November last year, Pete followed up just months later with Outer Space, a sophomore album that continued to explore the outer limits of his musical instincts.

Now, with the release of the new EP One for the Money, I, Captain expands his musical sphere once again. Clocking in at four tracks, the project marks a subtle yet noticeable shift in the sound with a focused, exploratory chapter that digs deeper rather than broader.

The EP still carries that blend of old and new that has become a calling card for I, Captain, but there’s a newfound aesthetic in the arrangement and pacing that speaks to Pere’s continued growth as both composer and performer. Lifted from the EP, the single titled “Gone,” is a prime of this sound, balancing grit and reflection, it distils the push-pull between eras via a song that feels grounded in alternative rock’s raw legacy while leaning confidently into the artist’s modern vision.

Opened by the hypnotic pulse of bass guitar runs and steady tapped percussion, Pete’s vocals arrive to deliver split, panned lines to deliver a sense of swirling motion to the mellow groove of the arrangement. Building with the crunch of distorted guitars and impactful stomp of rhythm capped by expressive vocal performance, the track serves up a dusty rock jam that’s catchy and highly original in equal measure.

Flowing through a passage of hurried energy and hazy lead guitar work, the instrumental bridge adds a prog-tinged vibe to the track, injecting a sense of excitement before simmering down for the vocal-led finale. It’s a superb showcase of I, Captain’s musicianship talent and unique songwriting ability, resulting an engaging slice of alternative rock from an artist who continues to go from strength to strength with each move.

We caught up with I, Captain to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Gone” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with I, Captain below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music? I remember that I had a couple of cassette decks and I would take instrumentals that I found and mix in audio sound clips from television or radio. It was very silly and not enjoyable at all to listen to, but I remember having fun showing my friends. I vaguely recall one of the songs being off a Steve Vai album.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I draw a lot of inspiration from friends I’ve played with or friends who have bands or projects. I’m also big into 70’s rock and that big arena sound. It doesn’t necessarily reflect in my music, but it definitely gets the juices flowing.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I’m a fairly observant person, so I tend to find inspiration in my everyday life. I see things or hear things that can create song ideas.

What was your highlight of the year for 2024?

2024 was a good year in terms of getting my music out there. I managed to get most of it on platforms like Spotify and iTunes. So that is thrilling just to have it available to anyone who wants to listen.

What do you love about the New York music scene?

The New York music scene is always in motion. I’m from outside of Rochester, Ny and there has always been an active music scene there. Lots of variety and great musicians. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with some really talented people over the years.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

The perfect setting for listening to I, Captain? I really don’t know. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace and everywhere, all the time, every place lol!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

My sound evolves all the time, I think. I learn new tricks to recording and find new ways to write and balance out the songwriting. I do a few projects so that helps keep it fresh.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Oh my, that’s a tough one. I guess I’d say that working with someone like Walter Schreifels would be cool. I love everything that dude does musically and it goes back to my teen years listening to him and projects he was involved with. Quicksand’s “Slip” album is an iconic record.

How did you find making your new single “Gone”?

“Gone” was a fun song to record. It came together quick. It didn’t really have a home so I used it for the EP.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I don’t really have a message necessarily to anything I do other than storytelling or testimony. I’ve thrown thoughts on different things out there at times but I’m not ministering to anyone. I do however keep my lyrics clean and without negativity if possible. Music is meant to be lift you up, not bring you down!

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to Jose Junior lately. He’s killer!

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Enjoyment! Plain and simple. I feel my music is maybe more apt for deeper music fans than the casual fan. I’m an acquired taste maybe lol.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I haven’t played any shows as I, Captain yet because I’m a one man band. I’d like to get some musicians to come in and play live shows but all in good time. It’s on the to do list.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Three artists to headline a dream festival? This would be an odd lineup but Frank Zappa, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Soulive. I think they all would tear the house down! It would have to be in my backyard lol.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

I doubt anyone wants to follow in my footsteps but if by chance someone does, I’d say be patient and be sincere. Make the music you feel the most and let it take its course organically. Have fun and never let it stress you out. Again, music is meant to lift you up, not bring you down.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

I am continuing to work on an album that will be coming out in January of 2026. It’s been an awesome experience so far and I can’t wait for people to hear it. Thank you guys!

Listen to Gone below