There's a new band in Memphis, TN that I'm a part of called SPOOKY PARTY. Our debut performance is TONIGHT at Bar DKDC; 8pm; no cover. Here's the lineup...
Mike Doughty - guitar, vocals
Dave Cousar - guitar, vocals
Andrew "Scrap" Livingston - cello, bass
Stephen Chopek - drums, percussion
Rory Mills Sullivan - drums, percussion
Art Edmaiston - saxophone
Logan Hanna - guitar
For more info...
facebook.com/events/653877711433320
Shake Your Money Makers
Top 10 highest earning songs of all time (so far)
10 "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)"
Mel Torme/Nat King Cole
09 "Pretty Woman"
Roy Orbison
08 "Every Breath You Take"
The Police
07 "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"
John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie
06 "Stand By Me"
Ben E. King/Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller
05 "Unchained Melody"
Alex North and Hy Zaret/The Righteous Brothers
04 "Yesterday"
The Beatles
03 "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"
Phil Spector, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil
02 "White Christmas"
Irving Berlin
01 "Happy Birthday To You"
Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill/Warener Chappell
NYT songster blog
From 2008 to 2014, the New York Times published a blog in their Opinionator section called Measure For Measure. It featured songwriters sharing their thoughts and feelings about songwriting. Lots of great insight from Suzanne Vega, Rosanne Cash, Mike Doughty, Paul Westerberg, Andrew Bird, Jeffrey Lewis, and others. Check it out...
opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/category/measure-for-measure
DIY touring
Vipassana Meditation
Beautiful drive yesterday after completing a 10-day silent retreat at the Vipassana Mediation Center in Pecatonica, IL (Dhamma Pakasa). That was my fourth retreat, and first one in IL. (The others were at Dhamma Dhara in Shelburne Falls, MA.) Every time has been a unique and fascinating experience. If you'd like to learn about Vipassana Meditation and the worldwide course schedules, please visit the website: www.dhamma.org
Off the grid
I'm leaving tomorrow for a silent meditation retreat. I'll be off the grid from June 1st until June 12th. No talking, writing, calling, texting, emailing, etc. See you on the other side.
Rent vs. Own
Bandcamp has been providing valuable resources to musicians since 2012. They recently posted an article about their role in the future of music. Good read. Short and sweet.
https://blog.bandcamp.com/2016/05/19/bandcamp-downloads-streaming-and-the-inescapably-bright-future/
Off the road, into the studio
Feels good to be back in the studio! #bassface
New friends. New music.
Since I got home from tour last week, I've been busy sorting through a giant pile of mail and listening to all the new music I brought back with me. I met so many great musicians while I was traveling. Some of them traded CDs with me. Check these artists out...
The Stoplight Roses
Bay Station Band
In Details
Caleb Martin
Nina & The Buffalo Riders
Yes, Ma'am
Ian James Pinchbeck
Two Years Later
Dillon Biggs
William Bloom
Mike Llerena
Sheldon Clark
Feeding Leroy
Miles Over Mountains
Spring Tour wrap up
I returned home yesterday from Spring Tour. In total, I travelled 7000 miles to play 31 shows in 30 days in 28 cities in 16 states. I couldn't have done it without the help of many good people. Big thanks to them all. I had a great time! Looking forward to doing it again!!
DJ Bob Dylan
Shortly before my 2015 Fall Tour, I started listening to the Theme Time Radio Hour archives. Since then, I've listened to all 101 episodes! Bob Dylan is a great traveling companion: funny, smart, and has impeccable taste in music. Every episode was entertaining and educational. You can get them all at themetimeradio.com
Also be sure to read the recent New York Times article about the acquisition of Bob's Dylan's Secret Archive.
Spring Tour - Week #5
Spring Tour continues this week in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas! Check out the SHOWS page for details.
Fearless Radio
I'm playing in Chicago tomorrow night, Friday, April 22nd, at a great venue called Transistor. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Fearless Radio about the upcoming gig and my latest album, Things Moving On Their Own Together. Listen to the interview here...
fearlessradio.com/podcast/item/6348-stephen-chopek-040816
Spring Tour - Week #4
Spring Tour continues this week in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio! Check out the SHOWS page for details.
I remember The Alamo.
The first half of Spring Tour has been great! I have another two weeks of shows coming up, so check out the SHOWS page and catch me while you can.
I've been documenting my journey with lots of photos, so be sure to follow me on Instagram for updates.
Pee Wee Herman found out the hard way; but since I was in San Antonio TX last night, I decided to see for myself. There's no basement at The Alamo.
Spring Tour - Week #3
Spring Tour continues this week in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Wichita! Check out the SHOWS page for details.
Shane!
Amazing mural of Shane MaGowan of The Pogues (before his new teeth). On the wall at HBGB, where I played last night in Brunswick, GA.
Spring Tour - Week #2
Spring Tour got off to a great start last week in Meridian MS, Birmingham AL, and Atlanta GA! This week I'll be in Decatur GA, Brunswick GA, Gainesville FL, Orlando FL, and New Orleans, LA. Check out the SHOWS page for details.
Spring Tour starts tomorrow!
I'll be on tour in April to support the release of my latest album, Things Moving On Their Own Together. I'm excited to play at lots of new places and return to some of my favorite venues. Visit the SHOWS page for details. See you soon!
Tour prep
Spring Tour promo posters are ready to be packed and shipped around the USA! I'll be following them soon. Check out the SHOWS page for details.