Nowish started playing music in third grade when he was handed a guitar and a trumpet — and hated both. Music disappeared from his life until a fateful day in the early ’90s when he rented a Fostex 4-track recorder and discovered the joy of overdubbing. It was love at first listen. He picked up the guitar and harmonica, strapped on a chain of effects pedals, and threw himself into the world of multi-track recording. He’s always been drawn to the studio mindset.

In his 20s, he tinkered relentlessly with early digital audio workstations and, performing as Crambo, found his way into Chicago’s anti-folk scene. At the turn of the millennium, he began playing music with his then-wife, a drummer, and together they grew into larger (and louder) stages. As the punk-rap duo DUENOW, they toured the country, played festivals, and shared a record label with Bootsy Collins and Bill Hicks.

Eventually, life quieted the music — health issues, kids, home improvement — and for a long while he let music take a more recessed role while he focused on his children and building a replenishing new marriage with the inimitable and radiant Ami Saraiya (also part of Rise Up 2025).

He is deeply grateful for the invitation to re-enter this ritual of creativity. It feels like a chance to reconnect with the Muze who has patiently waited for him to return to that childlike place in himself that loves music for the goose pimples alone.