The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – PEL Presents NEM#198: Chris Stamey Keeps on Developing

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts interview Chris Stamey, a musician, producer, and songwriter. They discuss his musical journey, songwriting process, and the inspirations behind his latest solo album. Stamey shares insights into his creative process, the importance of music theory, and the power of connecting through shared experiences. Join the conversation as they delve into the world of music and philosophy.

Main Takeaways

Chris Stamey’s Musical Journey

• Chris Stamey started recording at a young age and was in a band called Sneakers with Mitch Easter, who produced many REM albums.
• He started a record label out of his apartment and is a big fan of Big Star.
• Chris left the DB’s in 1983 to become a producer for several bands and played in the Golden Palominos with Michael Stipe and Jack Bruce.
• He has released nine solo albums in addition to the DB’s reunion album, three more albums with Peter Halzapal, and several collections of avant-garde guitar stuff.

Exploring Chris Stamey’s Latest Solo Album

• The episode features a discussion of “I Will Try” from his latest solo album, “The Great Escape 2023,” the title track from his album “Love Sick Blues,” and “I Don’t Think of You” by Chris Stamey and the Fellow Travelers from “A Brand New Shade of Blue 2020.”
• The album was recorded with a core group of North Carolinian musicians including Rob Ladd and Dan Davis on drums, Jeff Crawford, Brett Harris, Peter Holes Apple, and Libby Rodinbao from MIPSO.
• “I Will Try” is a commitment song that aims to be more down-to-earth and realistic than typical wedding songs.
• The song features long harmony notes and the report harmony reminiscent of The Birds’ “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” period.
• The song uses a less paw and Fenders to create a unique sound.

Chris Stamey’s Songwriting Process

• Songwriting is more of a fugue state, where careful manipulation is not always involved.
• Writing a song is done in a timeless frame of mind, usually in 20 minutes to an hour and a half.
• The recording process allows for second-guessing and adding details.
• The artist used to write string and wind arrangements, but now prefers to do it on guitar.
• The song has multiple climactic moments where everything stops.

Exploring the Themes in Chris Stamey’s Songs

• The lyrics focus on trying to be true and sticking together through tough times.
• The harmonies in the song are unique and nutty, voiced in a plane song kind of way.
• The song has a refrain and a part that adds melancholy, making it not just a straight ahead happy song.
• The lyrics explore the idea of committing to a vow and the performative nature of language.
• Using grief over a friend as inspiration can lead to powerful music.

Chris Stamey’s Musical Influences and Future Plans

• The speaker is interested in exploring more complicated chord structures and harmonic richness in his music.
• He is proud of his new album, “Brand New Shade of Blue,” but also plans to record another collection called “Marvelous Melodies.”
• The speaker has been studying and learning more about music theory and chord voicing.
• The speaker is interested in exploring different ways of chopping up what he hears in music, including chords with three, four, or five notes.
• The speaker skips the traditional process of writing and recording music, preferring to write concise songs on paper.

Summary

Chris Stamey’s Musical Journey

Chris Stamey’s musical journey started at a young age, playing in bands like Sneakers and working with renowned producer Mitch Easter. He later became a producer himself and collaborated with artists like Michael Stipe and Jack Bruce. Stamey has released multiple solo albums and continues to explore different genres and avant-garde guitar music.

Exploring Chris Stamey’s Latest Solo Album

The hosts discuss specific songs from Stamey’s latest solo album, “The Great Escape 2023.” They analyze the unique sound and harmonies in “I Will Try” and the emotional depth of “Love Sick Blues.” The album showcases Stamey’s collaboration with talented musicians and his commitment to creating meaningful and realistic songs.

Chris Stamey’s Songwriting Process

Stamey shares insights into his songwriting process, describing it as a fugue state where careful manipulation is not always involved. He emphasizes the importance of capturing the initial inspiration and then refining it during the recording process. Stamey’s songs often feature climactic moments and intricate arrangements.

Exploring the Themes in Chris Stamey’s Songs

The lyrics in Stamey’s songs focus on themes of commitment, sticking together through tough times, and the performative nature of language. His songs explore complex emotions and often draw inspiration from personal experiences, such as grief over the loss of a friend. The harmonies and melodies add depth and nuance to the overall sound.

Chris Stamey’s Musical Influences and Future Plans

Stamey draws inspiration from various musical influences, including jazz, classical music, and the Great American Songbook. He plans to continue exploring complex chord structures and harmonic richness in his music. Stamey is proud of his latest album but also has plans for future projects, including another collection of songs called “Marvelous Melodies.”

Conclusion

Chris Stamey’s interview provides valuable insights into his musical journey, songwriting process, and the themes behind his latest solo album. His commitment to creating meaningful and realistic songs, exploring complex emotions, and pushing the boundaries of his musical style is truly inspiring. Whether you’re a fan of Stamey’s music or interested in the creative process, this episode offers a fascinating exploration of the intersection between music and philosophy.