Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere: News

http://cdbaby.com/cd/tsatsop2

coming soon on Amazon.com

In Knoxville: try disc exchange

On Youtube: search ESKIMO HAIR todd steed and or FUJIAN FAMOUS TEA FACTORY

SKIMOS ARE COMING!

Eskimos Are Coming....
Actually, they are here in Knoxville.

Eskimo Hair, which will be released on 08/08/08 at 8:00 AM has already been SNUCKED into Disc Exchange in K-town.

Walk into that glorious South Knoxville store and with a firm steady voice say: I would like to know where you might be hiding ESKIMO HAIR in this here record store for I would like to purchase a copy for listening pleasures.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Eskimo Hair is the culmination of two years of off and on recordings, writings, ramblings and everything else but the kitchen think. Recorded at Apeville Musics and Indie Recorders with none other than Eric Nowinski and Don C Jr.

Musicians on this record include but are not limited to:

dave nichols
ed richardson
bob deck
jeff bills
hector qirko
peggy hambright
elodie lafont
steve owen
mic harrison
phil pollard
eric nowinski
don C jr
greg horne
jon whitlock
tim lee
jimmy mann
matt morelock
stweart cox
don hough
owen davis
paul noe
klm monday
lexi the celli gal
leslie terry
todd steed


Mic Harrison says this is the best suns of phere record, hands down. See if he's lying.

if you want to order this record the good old fashioned way- send 14$ non bouncing check or M.O. to:

todd steed
po box 16044
knoxville tn 37996

I'll get you one right out

I was on a panel for the Knoxville Voice a few weeks back talking about the 'scene' - which roughly translates as 'the underground punk thing' in Knoxville. It was a great idea, really interesting, and a lot of fun. Plus they gave us beer.

The first questions had to do with the infamous early 80's Knoxville punk scene and why people are still talking about it so many years down the road. Well, in this case, I was talking about it because I was asked about it. Had everyone wanted to talk about Music For Bus Stations, Eskimo Hair, -which is coming out in a few weeks, and what new bands are forming, I would have been happy to talk about that, too, even more happy.

So my real answer to the question of why are you talking about 81, is: Because people keep asking about it. I don't sit around listening to Real Hostage and 5 Twins tapes, gazing at Balboa posters, and reliving my teens, I can assure you. Those were great times but I prefer the present because it's real and not just memory goo.

But if people want to hear about it, I think it's interesting to discuss. I just don't want to live there.

Truly, there are little magical times in music scenes around the world. Athens, GA in the mid 80s, SF in 1966, NYC CBGBs early days, London in 1967, Seattle grunge explosion, etc. These are not disputed in a historic sense. I would add Knoxville 1980-83 in there somewhere, not because it even comes close to equaling those other places and times, but because it was similar to them in spirit in it's own tiny tiny way. I would have like to have been in SF in 66, London in 67, or in the Be-Bop explosion in NYC after WW2, or New Orleans at the birth of Jazz. I like quick and exciting musical evolutions. I wasn't in those places, but I was here in 80-83 and did see an amazing transformation occur in sleepy Knoxville. It will have to do.

Now, here is where I have to stress that the music that came out of that period is no better than what's going on in Knoxville now, with the possible exception of Balboa. Other than that, every single person in the scene in that time went on to do much better stuff later. From a personal point of view, I can tell you the songs I wrote in 81 were mostly stupid and not that well developed though on occasion they were executed OK. Also, I wouldn't want to go back and relive that period again. It was fun and amazing, but things really got a lot more interesting for me *after* that, in terms of music and creative projects. I didn't even start touring until 86, which was when Smokin' Dave got it's sea legs.

There were some unique things about that early era though:

Nothing quite like it had come before. Similar things had, mabye more interesting things, too- and I am sure the hippies have an exciting story to tell about Kent State era Knoxville. (And Streaking!)

Punk Rock was new only once in Knoxville, and that's when it was. If you are saying 'so what?' well I agree. But it's an interesting fact, I reckon. By all means, folks should never start a punk band just because it's not new any more. Add your own twist. It's as good for the musician as it is for the audience.

And for the people who were there- it was amazing because kids from various schools (and wherever) converged in a very quick and organic way. There may have been two or three underground kids from Powell, a couple from Bearden, several from Doyle, a few bunches of misfits from UT, local folks from here and there, all uniting in this common cause and tiny revolution. Without a plan and much knowledge of what was going on.

The Balboa shows were the center point and everybody danced like crazy. It wasn't just kids, there were real live adults, outcasts, philosophy professors, UT music staff, nearly homeless types, artists, etc. Truly, if you were of the mind that different is good and the status quo was ridiculous, you were welcome. Or if you were just curious, you were welcome. It all felt 'all for one' - even if just for a brief period. It was small enough to feel that way. You didn't stand in the back and talk, everyone participated. It was social but music and art where front and center while they were happening.

Sure, it was thrilling and I bet there is something very typical about every 18-year-old thinking they are doing something for the first time- and tend to get nostalgic /idealistic about it later. Sure, I'll give that. Nothing wrong with that, either. I hope an 18-year-old is doing something right now thinking it's never been done. They may be right, they may be wrong, but for them, it's meaningful and truly new for THEM and that's what matters.

Now- I am definitely not one of these 'THESE KIDS TODAY' types. I have been around college students and young folks all my life and not just in Knoxville. Each generation is full of incredible, creative people. And dorks. And great thinkers. And wonderful conversationalists. And dorks. And writers and doers. And idea folks and adventure folks and on and on. Your generation, my generation, the next one, they all have their heroes and zeros. I don't tie myself to *any* of them. I tie my self to the ideas and music itself.

There are general differences in each generation but in no way is my generation better than any other. That's stupid. And there are enough differences within each generation to make generalizations kind of useless, anyway.

But one thing I have always been interested in is this original punk creed: no rules.

Freedom is still beautiful, young people can do whatever they want and call it whatever they want, different races cultures and religions can talk with each other, old people can enjoy young bands, and vice versa.

Playing music for the sake of music is still an incredible thing. I celebrate it every chance I get and I applaud everybody that does it, even if it's not my cup of tea, and even if I what I do is not your cup of tea. Sound is good for the people.

Right now is where it's at though.

And I Can't wait to see what's coming tomorrow.

What you got for us?

We're all ears.

BOOM BOOM, BANG BANG, IT'S OUR COUNTRY DO YENS GIVE A DANG?

Having lived in this country most of my life- and in a couple of others for shorter periods I feel like I have seen this ole gal Ms USA from several different angles. She looks good still. I don't like who's been taking her to the inverted prom for the last 7 years but those folks should be gone soon. I hope. That bit is up to you and I.

Education. That's it folks, we need more of it and better quality. Democracy will never reach it's full potential when you have half the country thinking Sadam flew a plane into the twin towers and that Obama is a muslim who goes to a Christian church. This will not do, not to mention there are leaders out there who WANT people to believe some serious and ignorant lies. Those inverted buffoons are in charge. Twice. You get what you vote for.

Here are some subjects our kids and adults can do better in: History, Government, Science, Current Events, Math, Music, English, Spanish, Chinese, Art, and Gym Class. This is America, BY GOD, don't tell me we can't do better.

Science indicates world wasn't created in 7 days, but History says it could be destroyed in that amount of time.

Careful with your fireworks, America.

This just in:

On Amazon.com one can now download all the Smokin' Dave records. Music for Bus Stations is on there, too. Suns of Phere, of course.

Ta'

Suns had two shows this past weekend, the fabulous benefit for WUTK at the Valarium and also a private party out in outer reachers of Anderson County.

Live music is better.

Eskimo Hair is truly almost finished and ready to go to the pressing plant. It's a full on eco-package with lots of stuff to see and hear.

Off to West Virginia in July for a couple of solo shows with Owen Davis.

Time for some sencha.

WOOOF! ARF!

New record almost done- plus in the meantime we have an EP called ESKIMO HEAR. Full length is ESKIMO HAIR.

Simple enough.

Getting lots of questions about Bonnaroo and clues, DjJd, etc.

It ain't me babe, no no no it ain't me babe. Though I have a small part. (I am a good translator)

Very funny though.

In the words of a certain bad man from the 60s: I'm a patsy.

You will be better served by going to bonnaroo.com/ and looking for Zimmy, I believe. He's not as stupid as he sounds. (Thanks a lot Zimmy- revenge is sweet!!)

The March march forward on Eskimo Hair continues- for proof that this recording is actually in progress go to our ’video’ section on our profile and see Hector Qirko in action. I love the facial expression he makes near the end of the song. The chord is changing- but hector’s one note part doesn’t go with it, but his facial expression indicates something is turning, just not the e-bow note. This is why we love Hector Qirko.

The record is about 90% done in terms of tracking. Mixing has commenced as well- so we are now looking at a late spring release if things go well.

Just back from Austin, went down for SXSW. Abigail Washburn (who we manage at AC Entertainment) did several brilliant sets. Of all the stuff I saw at SXSW, Abigail Washburn and the SQ was my favorite. For real. Abby and the Sparrow Quartet will be in Knoxville at the Blue Plate special- stay tuned for details.

Other things that were of note: X, The Slits, The Giraffes, Joe Arthur, Martha Wainwright with Daniel Lanois, and oh I can’t remember all of ’em. OH - Jackie Joke Man gave a great performance in the hotel bar at the D. Hotel.

Other than that, I saw about a zillion bands walking around looking for somebody famous to spot.

Some cool gigs are coming up- earth day in Oak Ridge, Blue Plate Special, Dylan Tribute, Sun Ra thing- details all coming soon.

Studio 865 continues to get more and more fun to do. Last tapings were the everybodyfields and Greg Horne. Both were fabu.

I tried to watch the movie Moby Dick with Jean Luc Picard in it. I couldn't make it until the end. What a great book, minus the how to scale a whale chapters. Even those are kinda cool.

OK-lah.

Got a new shot on WUTTV (Comcast Channel 194) and WUOT FM.

For all the news- check out:

http://studio865.utk.edu/host/index.html

and:

http://metropulse.com/articles/2008/18_09/coverstory_2.html

and:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=307871937

Enjoy y'all.

We are going to play T-head Maryville next week. Looking forward to some garlic filled goodies.

I deleted my personal myspace page. Enough is enough. We still have the suns of phere myspace page.

Work continues on the new record- it's turning out mighty fine.

So far.

It's 23 degrees outside. Great weather for the Packers.

In any case, I have posted several songs up on 'music' page of this website. Enjoy.

It's O8.

Wow.

NYE show at Corner Lounge was a musical tonic for me, to paraphrase a remark heard second hand at a party. I still can't think of a better way to bring a new year than with music and stout beer. Thanks to Corner Lounge for hosting- and Don, Tim & Ed for arranging it all. TL3 and 1220 brought the rock.

I also did a meander across the street to the Ironworks Fiesta- it was fabulous. Missed Dixie Dirt and the Ball dropping, though. I did see Divorce for the first time, they were intense- and Gypsy Hands with a new routine which I dug- and a great performance by some secret street musicians with a sign that said BUMS when it was time to sing along. I did. Fab.

This is is the first time in a long time the suns of phere have no bookings on the calendar. It's time to finis the record- which is really coming along at this point. We're doing tracks here at Apeville and then some stuff with Eric at Indie Recorders.

The record is going to be the most varied one I've done. Lots of instruments I've never done- and as always lots of guests. (list to come soon!) It's perhaps the most interesting groups of songs I've assembled as well. Some of you will like it- some of you will buy and it give it to your strangest friends.

We may play at the T-Head in Maryville, though.

OK- wish us luck and we do the same for you.

saw Zeppelin in London-
played Blue Plate-
eating lots of garlic
not ready for holidays
ready to not be ready
watching DVDS again after a break
enjoying family/friends

Quit my UT job, going to work for AC Entertainment and also developing new show for WUOT: Studio 865. Suns of Phere on NY Eve at the Corner.

It's going to be cold tonight. So here I write.

et's see. What's next?

We are off to Asheville, NC this weekend to play with the Cheeksters. They are releasing a new fab record, too. Come see us if you are around that way.

Just finished mixing a song for a WUTK compilation. It's a cover of Randall Brown's CROSSTOWN WALTZ from his Year of the Monkey.

Friday night is the Jazz For Justice show at World Grotto- and I will be interviewing folks at WUOT on Thursday night's improvisations. (Got an improvisations facebook page now.)

Ian is coming in to town. So is Uncle Pete.

More big news just around the corner. And speaking of the Corner- we should be there on NY Eve w/ Tim Lee 3.

Back from China. It's early AM. Jet lag.

Stories and photos to follow.

Next two shows: WDVX and HOTTFEST

Hey- we are taking the summer off until late August to travel, read, write, record, not record, not write, write some more, travel some more, work here and there, and there and here.

That's it's for now.

Smokin Dave and the Premo dopes will play their first club date in two years: The Corner Lounge on June 2 with our good pal and super songstress Kat Brock. Non-Smoking show- but smokers are welcome as it will be a nice night to smoke outside during our ballads.


The Dopes may add another set at B'roo.

In other news- the Suns of Phere are hard at work on their new record. Well, not that hard at work. But at work.

Just back from a week out west- Monument Valley is my hero. I will post some photos.

Good news- Smokin' Dave and the Premo Dopes are to play Bonnaroo- Thursday, June 15 at 8:15 in the Troo Music Tent.

I think we are on first!

We are knee-deep working on the new record. It's very schizo. I mean that in a good way.

http://www.bonnaroo.com/smokin-dave-and-the-premo-dopes