Loves Songs: Ohia and Smog, Was at a Convention

2301 s. king drive, Chicago IL

Description

I met this guy at the "Sweets and Snacks Expo" at McCormick Place, a food and beverage convention for CPG products, in 2018 (maybe 2017). I was running a booth and playing vinyl records. He was in his late 30's or early 40's, average height, shaved head or maybe super short hair cut, came by and started talking to me about music, life, etc. One of the most useful details I can remember is that he told me he used to own/run a chain of record stores. He had a swagger to him, he was very confident, gregarious, very-firm-handshake-without-seeming-like-a-tool kind of guy. We talked about whatever LP I was playing at the time; I told him how I was into Bonnie Prince Billy and he was SHOCKED I did not know Songs Ohia and Smog (Bill Callahan) — insisted I listen to them (I since have and they have since changed my life). It was a great conversation about music, we hit it off, and at it's conclusion he handed me a business card and told me to hit him up. I tried to affirm I would, and made it sound like I was exclusively interested in networking, and he said "or, you know, we can just talk." and that really stuck with me (I quit marketing). I ended up losing the business card he gave me among the mix of dozens of cards I was handed during that convention. I think back to the instant connection and conversation we had often. Like, once a month for the past 4 years. He was an artist-zealot like me. If you or someone you know might be aware of some middle aged guy who is cool, obsessed with Songs: Ohia and Smog, and used to have something to do with record stores, help me find him. I am counting on you. You can reach me via email or on instagram at MSNLPZ -- thanks.