We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Exoteque Music in 1983 in Columbus, Ohio, to showcase my own recordings and highlight other creative people I know who are making their own DIY music and artwork. It is not so much a business as it is a labor of love. If we break even, we are doing good!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been creating experimental noise since 1983. I am the child of Throbbing Gristle. From them I learned the creative uses of experimental noise, DIY releases, and the world of Exotica music. Since the early 1980’s, these two worlds have occupied my entire life on this planet. Hopefully, my music and writing will live on long after I am gone! It’s definitely not easy. Trying to work a full-time job, health issues, and daily life can sometimes be a struggle. But persistence and the creative urge will always win. I want people to know that you can do anything you set your mind to. Don’t let anyone or anything distract you from fulfilling your goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Schmidt’s Sausage House in German Village for the best German food in Columbus. Plus, they just brought back the Autobahn Buffet!

The Huli Huli Tiki Bar in Powell, Ohio. The BEST Tiki destination in Columbus! The food and cocktails are amazing, and the tropical decor is never ending! Currently they are on the last stages of rebuilding the giant Moai that stood in front of the Kahiki for nearly 40 years! A $20K project that is truly inspiring for Columbus Tiki enthusiasts!

North Market for food and browsing!

A Fuse Factory performance, or a S.T.A.T.I.C. performance, or an Ohio Wrecking Crew show. There is plenty of creative music shows in Columbus so this would be high on the list of things to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Multiple people including James Towning, Mark Gunderson, Andy Izold, Dan Rockwell, Kevin Kennedy and the entire ele_mental crew and of course Alison Colman at Fuse Factory.

Website: https://jeffcentral.bandcamp.com/music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.chenault.56/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeffchenault7711/videos?reload=9&app=desktop&view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2

Image Credits
Deb Chenault

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.