Book Choice:
“Chuck Klosterman IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas” by Chuck Klosterman (bestselling author and essayist focusing on American pop culture)
Review:
Branden Rosenlof, co-host of the 100 Block Podcast highlighted in this week’s issue of the V, says he tries to dig beneath the surface when interviewing musicians. One source of inspiration for Rosenlof’s interviewing style comes from author and essayist Chuck Klosterman and his book “Chuck Klosterman IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas.”
The book is a collection of essays by Klosterman focusing on pop culture and especially focusing on music. “He’s very funny,” says Rosenlof of Klosterman’s writing. But Klosterman also looks deeper than many who cover musicians and bands.
“He really gets deep into the personal aspects of the band,” says Rosenlof, who tries to do the same on his podcast.
Klosterman asks questions that try to uncover and connect with the people behind the music. Rosenlof feels this helps one to understand the music more. He also says he believes that “almost anybody could find at least one band or artist” they like covered within the books pages.
Klosterman keeps his interviews “fresh and interesting,” according to Rosenlof, who first heard from Klosterman on the radio show “This American Life,” where Klosterman and others were discussing non-fiction writing.
Rosenlof was interested and decided to take a chance and get Klosterman’s book. He now has several of Klosterman’s books and says he is inspired by many of Klosterman’s “unique” interviewing techniques to help make the podcast meaningful. His goal is to help people become acquainted with local musicians and Klosterman’s book has been an aid toward that goal.
By Sierra Wilson
