INTERVIEW: INTERVIEW: I, Captain shares new album

Coming out of the Western New York music scene, I, Captain is the genre-warping outlet of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Pete Rogers. Known for his diverse musical background and collaborative endeavours, he created I, Captain as a platform to freely explore the fringes of alternative rock without artistic restriction. The result is a project that’s full of contrast and texture, fusing decades of influence into something memorable, unpredictable and wholly original.

With a creative output that flows across everything from the angular punk funk of Nomeansno and Primus to the psych rock atmospheres of Pink Floyd, I, Captain blurs genre lines and renders them irrelevant. Drawing just as much from the intensity of Firehose and the emotional complexity of Into Another, Pete Rogers crafts songs that reflect both his technical dexterity and instinctive sense of storytelling.

After launching the I, Captain moniker with a self-titled debut late last year, he now brings us Outer Space, a sophomore album that takes his sonic ambitions even further. Across nine tracks, he offers a conceptual voyage through the cosmos, yet instead of exploring sci-fi tropes or abstract grandeur, he anchors the journey in something more grounded; the stories of ordinary people. It’s this juxtaposition of grandiose theme, human heart, that gives Outer Space its charm and staying power.

Musically, the record draws inspiration from the eccentricity of 70s concept albums and the lo-fi intimacy of homegrown DIY demos. The production feels intentionally loose in places, prioritising feeling over shine and texture over perfection. The result is an album that feels alive, full of unexpected shifts and unconventional hooks, balancing rock riffs with moments of funk swagger, and mesmeric psychedelic vibes all filtered through an experimental lens that keeps the listener on edge.

From the hazy groove of windswept opener “Flight Tips,” with its moody aesthetic, sparse vocal elements and intricate instrumental flourishes, the album serves up multiple highlights. The downtempo energy and immersive, hypnotic soundscape of “Orbits,” the crashing charge and lively guitar rhythms of “Endless Miles” and the smokey arrangement of “The Reactive” all offer something entirely different yet tethered together by I, Captain’s unique sound.

Closing the record with title track “Outer Space,” the flicker of spacey vocal elements, soft instrumental tones and laid back rhythm forms an expansive, seven-minute finale that perfectly distils I, Captain’s highly original and truly enduring sound. From start to finish, with Outer Space, I, Captain delivers an engrossing musical experience that’s sure to win over both new and existing fans alike.

We caught up with I, Captain to find out more about his musical journey so far, his sophomore album Outer Space and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with I, Captain below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I used to make guitars out of cardboard and use rubber bands for strings. I’d pretend to be Peter Gabriel or somebody I was into. I’ve never wanted to be famous but playing music for a living has always appealed to me.

What is your favourite part about being a musician?

The energy! When you’ve got something cooking and everything is clicking, there is no better feeling than that as a musician.

Which artists or bands have influenced your music the most?

I get influenced the most by my friends who play or that I’ve played music with. The unity and friendships you build through creating or listening to what’s been created is so inspiring. Of course, I love lots of music and have delved into so many things over the years that served as influence.

How has your musical taste changed over the years?

I think it’s more of an expanse. I still love stuff I listened to as a teenager but have also grown up into other styles and genres. I love Jazz and blues while still enjoying some punk rock and metal. My kids are showing me newer stuff also which I can enjoy a little bit too.

What are you three favourite albums of all time?

Oh man! Well, I’ll just go off the top of my head here. In no particular order but first would be Slip by Quicksand. I still hold it in high regard after all these years. It’s just a great album. Second would be Dark side of the moon by Pink Floyd. I like most of what they did but Dark side is a quintessential album and I spent a lot of time with that one. Third would be 2:00am by Zimmerman Telegram. They were a band from my high school and friends who made a killer album back in the early 90’s. They were huge influences on me and early supporters of our bands back then.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Rock and Funk, Blues and Punk! That’s how I describe it because it combines a lot of those styles.

What are some of your favourite artists in the New York area?

Electric Organic is rad! I used to play a little with Josh who is the man behind it. Electronic, mind melting awesomeness! He also has a radio show on Wayo104.3 FM in Rochester which plays good stuff. He’s played my music a bunch. I like Mikaela Davis a lot too but I’m not sure she still resides in New York.

What is your creative process like?

I have a studio in my house so if something strikes me I usually lay it down right away. I have a standard way I record which usually starts with drums then Bass. Some people have found that odd but it’s how I do it. Then I usually write guitar parts off the rhythm. It works for me.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

I guess maybe Quicksand or Dinosaur Jr. would be cool. I’d prefer they open for me but all in good time lol! Seriously, it would be an honour to open for a lot of the bands I’ve listened to and respected over the years.

How did you find making your new album ‘Endless Miles’?

Well, the album is called “Outer Space”. Endless Miles is just a featured track from the album. It’s an old concept I had dating back to my teen years. I was a huge Star Wars fan and thought that an outer space concept album would be cool. It was a long time coming and the songs were written over a twenty year period. It was a blast to record and will always be one of my favourites.

Did you find any challenges in making a full-length record?

Not really. Once I started it was easy to keep going. It’s a labor of love most times and this was music I really had a passion to do. I do wish I had done a few things differently but, I can live with how it is. I like the songs on it a lot.

Do you have a personal favourite song from the record?

If I had to pick one it’s probably “Orbits”. I love the heavy parts and the overall rhythm of that song.

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

I’m finishing up the next album which will be out in January 2026. I may have an EP before then but, probably after. My next album will also be available on Vinyl which brings me so much Joy!

Listen to Outer Space below