Lakeland professor releases second album
This semester, Amy Moua, a senior from Sheboygan, Wis., double majoring in psychology and writing, is creating content for the Lakeland blog. This is the latest in a series of blog stories she’s written.
Lakeland University Professor of History Rick Dodgson released his second album, “Mission to the Stars: King of an Alien Nation,” earlier this fall.
The album is a follow-up to his first release and continues an intergalactic storyline featuring human themes, as the hero and princess of an astral world rebel against the king. In an exclusive interview, Dodgson revealed that the journey to produce this latest work spanned nearly two years.
"I think I started it in the fall of 2022, but there were periods where I had to step away from it," Dodgson said.
As a professor, he balanced his academic duties with his musical interests, primarily working on his compositions during vacations. He collaborated with local musicians, including Marc Golde from Rock Garden Studios, Lakeland Associate Professor of Instrumental Music Evan Chancellor, as well as Lakeland students.
This new album showcases a broader range of musical styles compared to Dodgson's debut.
“The first album had more rock and guitar solos,” he said. “This one is more varied. There are pop songs, protest songs, even love songs.”
Beyond the sounds, the album’s topical themes resonate with issues people may find relevant today. Although Dodgson casts his music in the light of kings, queens, aliens and princesses, he noted that listeners who read between the lines will understand the underlying messages. This is part of who he is as a “creative.”
Much like his teaching, Dodgson’s music can also be philosophical. One track in his album, "Nothing Stays the Same," reflects the belief that change is the only constant, an idea that traces back to ancient philosophers such as Socrates and Plato, as well as his own life experiences.
Dodgson was particularly inspired by Ken Kesey, one of the first hippies who drove around in a chunky colored bus in San Francisco back in the 1960s. On the door of the bus was the painted phrase “nothing lasts,” a sentiment that has stayed with Dodgson.
To celebrate the album's release, Dodgson played the songs during his regular DJ gig at Limelight Pub in Sheboygan under the moniker "DJ Rickdiculous." The name reflects his humorous side.
When asked if his second album would follow the footsteps of his first by being adapted into a stage production, Dodgson said, “maybe,” before adding with a laugh, “but someone will have to pay me a lot of money.”
Looking ahead, Dodgson already has plans for a third album, which is currently in the works. He shared a glimpse into his future project, which promises even more diverse sounds, including electronic elements and more humorous lyrics that stays true to his personality.
Dodgson is not just a professor; he is a storyteller, philosopher and a rebel at heart—both in the classroom and through his music.
“Mission to the Stars: King of an Alien Nation” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Those who are interested can speak to Dodgson directly or find the album at The Music Boxx, 1119 N. 8th St. in downtown Sheboygan.
