Alex Askew's tales of a "Dad Rocker"!

  Good day, rock connoisseurs!   Alex here from Dad Rock Merch, taking a moment to appreciate the masterpieces that grace the covers of our favourite albums.  Have you ever been completely mesmerised by an album cover? It's the first encounter you have with the music inside, a visual appetiser for the auditory feast to come.   Think of Pink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' – simple, enigmatic, and utterly unforgettable. These covers are more than just packaging; they're iconic pieces of art that capture the essence of the music. They tell a story, set the tone, and often become as legendary as the tracks they encase. From the surreal collage on The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's' to the stark and stirring 'London Calling' by The Clash, each cover is a doorway to another world.  In the golden age of vinyl, album art was a canvas for creativity, a space where visual and musical arts would collide in glorious harmony. And let's not forget the ar

Hey there, rockers and rollers!    Alex here, your chief rocker at Dad Rock Merch. Have you ever pondered how 'Dad Rock' climbed the charts to become a cultural beacon?  Let's rewind the tape a bit. 'Dad Rock' isn't just a genre; it's a badge of honour. It's those timeless tracks that have the power to unite generations. From the Beatles to the Stones, these bands weren't just making music; they were crafting anthems that defined eras.  But why 'Dad Rock'? Well, it's the music that dads (and mums, let's not be exclusive here!) grew up with, the soundtracks to their own coming-of-age stories. And now, they're passing those records down like treasured family heirlooms.  This isn't about nostalgia alone; it's about quality. The riffs, the solos, the lyrics – they've stood the test of time because they're just that good. And in a world that's constantly changing, there's something comforting about a tune that f

Hey there, rockers! Alex here from Dad Rock Merch, bringing you a little insight into what stitches the very fabric of the tunes we can't get enough of. Have you ever stopped to wonder what makes a rock song truly timeless? It's not just about a catchy riff or a sing-along chorus (though, let's be honest, those are pretty crucial). It's the soul of the song, the passion behind the lyrics, and that indefinable magic that sparks from the first chord to the last. A classic rock song is like a hearty stew. It's got layers, mate. The base is a solid rhythm section; think of the bass and drums as the potatoes and carrots. Then, you've got the meat – the guitar riffs and licks that give it substance. And finally, the spices – those lyrics and melodies that stick in your head for days. But what really makes it timeless? It's the way it resonates with us, how it captures a feeling, a moment, or a movement. It's a tune that's as relevant now as it was when it

Hello, fellow rock aficionados! It's Alex here, your mate from Dad Rock Merch. Today, let's chat about the six-string legends that have strummed their way into history. Have you ever marvelled at the sleek curves of a Fender Stratocaster? It's not just a guitar; it's a piece of rock 'n' roll royalty that's been cradled by the likes of Hendrix and Clapton. Or what about the Gibson Les Paul? With its rich, full-bodied sound, it's been the trusty sidekick for icons like Slash and Page. These aren't just instruments; they're the very tools that crafted the soundtrack of our lives! And let's not forget the Rickenbacker, which became synonymous with the jangly chords of the Beatles, or the Ibanez, which has shredded its way through the metal scene. Each guitar tells a story, not just of the music it's created but of the hands that have played it. From woodwork to wiring, these guitars are more than just timber and strings; they're the hear

Do creative people choose to create, or do they need to create? I have been asking this question of myself recently, although subconsciously I have probably always been asking it. I have recently taken up listening to podcasts lately at work to get me through the work day. I have grown bored of listening to the same songs being repeated over the radio and have given up the argument over which station to listen to with a particular person at work. So I just put on my headphones, listen to whatever music I choose to play or listen to conversations that intrigue me. Only three of us work here and not always at the same time, which suits me because I would hate to work in large busy environment, the work here is bearable, but it is a job of convenience and I do get bored. So I start listening to podcasts from Joe Rogan, a comedian, martial artist, UFC colour commentator, conspiracy enthusiast, all round nice guy who likes to talk to interesting people. Which contributes to having one of

They say the best songs come from the heart... and I agree. In my opinion, my personal favorite songs of mine were written during times of emotion or stress and are usually written in a relatively short time. Its for this reason that I always try to keep my trusty note book nearby. For example, the first song I released was written at a turbulent time in my life. My wife and I were having trouble with housing and employment and it got to the point where we felt like we had hit a wall. One afternoon I just sat down with all these emotions bubbling up inside and aimed it at a piece of paper with a guitar in hand. It felt like exorcising demons as the metaphors seemed to flow out of me. Another example came when I had a heated discussion with my wife. I went another room picked up my guitar and started picking this riff and the lyrics followed immediately after, which were a play on the things we said to each other in the heat of the moment. Again another song written in the space