From the hay rack to the headliner stage, Cody Diekhoff—the man behind Chicago Farmer—proves that the grit of an Illinois farm is the perfect foundation for a life in music. In this episode of ILCorn TV, Shane Gray sits down with Cody to discuss his transition from a Delevan "study hall poet" to a premier Midwest storyteller.
Cody draws striking parallels between the seasonal discipline of a producer and the creative "editing" required to capture a life story in just three minutes. We dive into the inspiration behind his new album, the tragic history of the Peshtigo fire, and how he keeps his roots alive through his band, The Field Notes. Plus, don't miss an exclusive live acoustic performance that honors the legacy of his 102-year-old grandfather and the century-old barns of Illinois.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Welcome: Shane Gray & Chicago Farmer
1:44 – I-80 Divide: Connecting North & South Illinois
2:50 – The "Hayfield" Education
3:51 – Planting Songs vs. Planting Crops
6:53 – The 3-Minute Life Story: Mastering Lyrics
9:10 – Cruising Delevan: Finding Songs in Small Towns
11:45 – The Peshtigo Fire & Farm Aid Comparisons
14:23 – Special Feature: Live Studio Performance
16:20 – On the Road: The Field Notes Tour
16:45 – Not To Be Corny: A "Grainy" Joke
17:19 – Closing Thoughts
Support the music that honors the American producer. Head over to www.chicagofarmer.com to stream the latest singles and find out when Cody is playing at a town near you!
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