Chris Rosenau is a guitarist and founding member of Pele, the influential instrumental band formed in Milwaukee in 1997 alongside bassist Scott Schoenbeck and drummer Jon Mueller. As the creative driving force behind the group, Rosenau helped pioneer a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization, blending post-rock sensibilities with jazz-influenced complexity and experimental electronic textures.
Pele's music is characterized by Rosenau's nimble, layered guitar work paired with intricate rhythmic arrangements featuring syncopated handclaps, vocal elements, and electronic bleeps and bloops. The band's ever-evolving approach to instrumental composition—combining angular drum fills, rolling bass lines, and unconventional production techniques—has made them a touchstone for artists exploring the intersection of rock, jazz, and electronic experimentation. Through their prolific catalog, Rosenau and Pele have demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of instrumental music and inspiring generations of musicians working at the crossroads of multiple genres.
