Chris Trapper is an old pro although he tends to forget that.
I've been doing this for a long time, 14 years, and have always had jobs and opportunities, but I don't think about it like that, Trapper said. I still think I'm trying to make it.
The scrappy singer-songwriter has been rewarded for all his humble hard work with tours supporting the likes of Matchbox Twenty in his alt-rock band, The Push Stars. His songs, both with the band and solo, have appeared in films like There's Something About Mary, The Devil Wears Prada and August Rush which featured This Time.
Thousands of people have covered that song, Trapper said. There's one from this heavyset bald guy who sings it without a shirt on. I never thought that someday, someone would be singing it shirtless on YouTube. With The Push Stars on indefinite hiatus, Trapper has cherished the move to the more quaint routine of solo performer, watching his life go from a massive projection to an open book.
There's this bizarre, outside pressure that everything has to be big.
When you do solo work, it can be very isolated, but there's a beauty in it, he said. I don't think anyone has seen my solo show and left not knowing who I am and where I am from. I've seen people laugh at my gigs. I've seen people cry at my gigs. You don't get that sort of intimacy at a big rock show.
NORMAN - Even if you're not familiar with Chris Trapper you've probably heard his songs before. He writes and performs the kind of thoughtful romantic compositions that catch the ears of Hollywood movie and New York television producers.
Though Trapper is known for his tunes in productions such as There's Something About Mary, The Devil Wears Prada and All My Children,he said he prefers the personal touch a solo performance brings.
My shows now are more of a shared human experience versus seeing a rock concert and leaving it unchanged, he said. People at my shows now laugh a lot, cry occasionally and that becomes a beautiful thing for me.
That's exactly what made Trapper the perfect compliment to Norman's Winter Wind Concert Series.
Journal Entry: My New Album, from conception to birth
November 09, 2011
Around the time of my birthday last year, I woke up in a cold sweat, realizing I hadn't had a new album out since 2008. This concerned me because new material sometimes generates new income and opportunities. Music is also one of those oddly disposable, oddly not, type of mediums. You may love a song now, be sick of it in three weeks, re-visit it in ten years and love it again. But in this day and age, when you can record an album on your lap top, then with one click distribute it throughout the world, there's a lot of music out there. No one seems to know exactly how to market it, but it seems to me to be a fan friendly time, with plenty of options, songs and songwriters. But just like Burger King always adds a new sandwich to keep things fresh, songwriters need new songs.
One of our favorites ... Chris Trapper, was back with a special performance for FOX 25 Morning News! Chris stopped by to tell us about his show tonight and his new album, available now, called "Few and Far Between."
THE CHRIS TRAPPER E-NEWSLETTER
Music News. Three Things and a Thank You
October 05, 2011
Three Things to put you in the know.
Be the first to tell your Friends.
It's nice to Share, and Twit, um, we mean Tweet.
So, I just completed a new CD. I'm excited about it, I think it's good, to really good. I could be wrong. Maybe it's great. Maybe it sucks ass...who knows? But the important thing is I did it. I created a collection of songs that document where I am in life, and what I've been feeling the past couple of years.
The players on this CD are very important to me. Some of you may know them, some of you will not. They're the guys from my old band The Push Stars, Ryan MacMillan on drums, and Dan McLoughlin on bass, keys and production.
Great Big Sea With Martin Sexton. Part of Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor. (Saturday evening in the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf). The final night of live music on the Harbor for the summer of 2011. And a fine night it was.
A standout was certainly Everything Shines, a pop-friendly tune that found Buffalo native and Push Stars founder Chris Trapper chiming in with all his heart. In fact, Trapper had already been on the stage, joining his fellow Boston based singer songwriter Sexton to sing harmony during Glory Bound.
NEW MUSIC VIDEO
Just Added! New Music Video from Chris Trapper ~ THIS TIME. (totally cool to share, tweet, blog, google+, embed or otherwise draw attention to)
In between you'll find the incomparable Chris Trapper. You may recognize Trapper's music from popular films including "There's Something About Mary" and "August Rush." There are few singer/songwriters that are better at captivating an audience with well written music and charming stories than Trapper. So check him out if you get a chance because his hectic touring schedule makes this date his only area performance this year.
There are three Chris Trapper songs featured in indie film Fighting Fish: "Avalanche", "Weightless" and "Time To Forgive"
and the New York premiere of the film is officially set for Wednesday, June 22nd, at 8:00 pm, at Tribeca Cinemas in lower Manhattan.
You can get tickets to the premiere by clicking the link.
Here's the chance to see a top singer-songwriter in your living room. Well, not exactly.
But Chris Trapper is bringing his roots-pop storytelling touch to Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St., Syracuse, at 8 p.m. May 26.
And if you're living room can fit about 70 folks comfortably ... well, it still likely doesn't have the graduated level theater seating like Jazz Central.
In any case, Trapper, the man who used to rock out of Boston with The Push Stars, has had his share of successes, including getting his song "This Time"
on the popular, Grammy-nominated soundtrack for the film "August Rush."
His acoustic live shows usually include a segment with a ukulele. And if you don't think that bouncy sound of Hawaii is in these days, ask Eddie Vedder.
The Pearl Jam front man's new album features the instrument.
ROCHESTER CITY PAPER
Choice Concerts, ALT-ROCK/FOLK: Chris Trapper (5/21)
A consummate songwriter and former lead singer of The Push Stars, Chris Trapper brings his extensive catalog of disarming acoustic pop to Rochester
this week for two shows. Having toured with Colin Hay of Men at Work earlier this year, as well as Great Big Sea and Martin Sexton,
the Buffalo native has made Rochester a biannual stop on his seemingly never ending string of shows, reeling in audiences with his affable
stage presence and heartfelt songs. Chris Trapper performs Saturday, May 21, at Abilene.
Chris Trapper = The type of songwriter you want to hear when you're shit-out-of luck and wind up at a place like the Barley Street hoping that someone will be playing that can make you smile like John Denver while at the same time make you weep into your whiskey like a young Tom Waits.
Just want to say how much I truly enjoy your music - voice, guitar playing and writing. I agree with your PR quote - that the songs are instantly listen-able, that's not to say they are trite or cloying or superficial. I think you are that rare talent who is just supremely natural - which is anything but common or easy. Plenty of people are like that in life - but so few can achieve that air if naturalness in art, check out Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to A Young Poet" - letter #1 - I think you embody this aesthetic.
I'm usually underwhelmed and unimpressed - but you are a find!
Thanks for the cds - and rock on - you are going places - Desiree was right - "very special", keep it where you got it! See you again I hope for your own show.
Went to see Colin Men At Work Hay at The Birchmere last night, he's supporting his new (and great) Gathering Mercury album. Let me start by saying that the opener, Chris Trapper,
was way better than an opener has any right to be. (I plan on doing a feature on him soon.) He was so good, in fact, that I started asking myself why Colin would allow someone
this good to preceed him. I started thinking maybe Mr. Hay wouldn't measure up.
Of course, I was wrong. Colin Hay has a tremendous presence and a voice that booms through the room, like Van Morrison or Eddie Vedder, he can convey all kinds of moods and
completely capture a crowd. I've always enjoyed his studio work, but I've never been fortunate enough to catch him live, and what I never noticed before last night is how good
his guitar work is. Hay is extremely skillful, making complex, emotional music seem simple and easy. It's deceptive on his studio albums, but live you can really see the music
that's behind all of his catchy, sentimental songs. And I mean sentimental in a good way. Hay is comfortable expressing the love he has for his father, but never gets schmaltzy,
never gets twee.
Great show, if you can get there tonight, don't miss out.
Chris Trapper grew up here, attended Amherst High School and went to Fredonia State College, where he formed the band Awake and Dreaming.
This group, a powerful ensemble that married Trapper's folk-based songs to elegant altrock arrangements and post-punk guitar figures, moved to
Boston, Mass., at the end of the '80s. Trapper went on to form the Push Stars, a killer folk-pop-rock trio high on many a "These guys
shoulda made it way bigger!" list.
The Push Stars eventually crumbled beneath record company pressures, constant touring and the inability of management to
fully understand what Trapper and company were trying to do. Trapper continued on, however, building a loyal following based on a string of intelligent and endearing solo albums,
and high-profile song placements in major films and television series.
Trapper returns home for a show at 8 tonight inside the Ninth Ward, Babeville (341 Delaware Ave.) with Kristen Cifelli. Tickets are $17.
These days, a songwriter/ performer has to be an independent businessperson, too. Do you enjoy this part of the gig, or is it just a necessary evil?
Yes to both, it's a necessary evil that I've learned to enjoy. [laughs] I look at Ani DiFranco as an inspirational business model.
She laid the blueprint out for so many of us. These days, I own my own records, and I can tour when I want to. I'm getting a nice balance, touring, writing, releasing records on my own terms.
I no longer have to feed the beast, so to speak. I don't regret any major label involvement I've had over the years. It has all led to great things, and it has all been part of a
necessary growing process. But I'm much happier now. If I'm a businessman, that's OK, because the product I'm selling, so to speak, is something that I love and totally believe in.
The Push Stars ended up on a few bills with jam bands, just as that scene was enjoying the beginning of its renaissance. Was this a good fit?
It really wasn't, unfortunately. We were working with a manager who is the guy that signed Phish. He believed that we were at heart a
jam band, but for me, it has always been about the songs. I spend so much time working out where I'll place a lyric, even if it's just an 'and' or an 'if',
you know? and then to be playing big places where no one is even listening to the lyrics ... Well, that just didn't feel right. Again, I don't have any animosity about that period.
It was another part of the learning process.
You're a parent now. If one of your kids wanted to dive headlong into the music business, would you be supportive?
That's a good question. I'm the youngest of six kids. My dad played organ, and my mother was a performer, too. They totally
supported me in my music, at the beginning, and still today. When I had taken some time off from performing, and everything was looking a little bit grim,
my father told me, "Don't give up on yourself, you're too good at this to throw in the towel." That meant the world to me. So, as tough as this business is,
I would have to support my own kids if they choose the music path.
After all of the different aspects of the musician's life you've been through by now, what keeps you going?
I still go to bed at night thinking of the next gig, the next song, the next recording session, and I'm still as excited about all of these
things as I've ever been. I play music because I love it, plain and simple. I never expected to make a living from this, you know? So it just can't
help but feel like a blessing to be making my way in the world doing something that I love so, so much.
WE SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC (BLOG)
Here to There and Back Again: Interview with Chris Trapper
A few weeks ago, I had the great luck of playing at Blue in Portland, Maine on the same night as Boston-based Chris Trapper (of The Push Stars). Chris Trapper's career went from solo, to band with major record deal, back to solo again.
He's won awards, had song placements in television and film, and had some big names cover his songs. Having been a Push Stars fan in the '90s, I stuck around to catch Chris's solo acoustic set, and was immediately drawn into the stories of his songs,
and his mesmerizing, yet accessible, performance style.
Chatting after the gig, I asked Chris if he'd take a few minutes at some point to be interviewed for our blog. Graciously, Chris agreed.
Now, I'm no hard-hitting journalist, just a singer/songwriter with lots of questions about how others make it work.
It's not exactly a homecoming. But when push comes to shove for former Push Stars' frontman Chris Trapper, it's close enough. Trapper grew up in Buffalo and attended the State University of New York at Fredonia.
He long ago left Bills' and blizzard country for Boston, where he began the alternative-pop band the Push Stars. They built a devoted following among fans and critics, thanks to his sturdy songcraft and painterly, impressionist lyrics.
Trapper returns near his ol' romping grounds on Monday at 8 p.m. at Noble Winery in Westfield, N.Y.
"I went to Fredonia State, so, yeah, it's kind of a homecoming whenever I play near home," he said.
"I always kind of wait with anxious anticipation to see who will show up out of the woodwork from my past -- people I never expected to see again. That seems to be a general theme."
If Trapper has a musical theme, it's carry on and forge ahead. He admires Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and early inspiration John Prine, who remain sharp as ever.
Like Simon, Trapper escapes his comfort zone occasionally. After Push Stars ended a four-album run that included a tour with Matchbox Twenty (Rob Thomas is a major Trapper fan), he recorded with a Dixieland jazz band.
Trapper has also collaborated with Canada's Great Big Sea, singer-songwriter Martin Sexton and Latin-jazz band Sonando. For his latest project, the digital-only EP "Into the Bright Lights," he took another left turn. He dipped his toes into electronic waters.
"This is the first time I stepped outside of the roots' world and did a kind of programmed music," he said. "But the producer was familiar with my work and knew what parameters we could work with. It doesn't sound outside the box. It just has a different texture."
Trapper said his musical exploration isn't calculated.
"I kind of go where my creative flow is taking me. I think it works. Ultimately I'm hoping to keep it interesting for people over the long haul. I have people at shows saying they've been seeing me since 1998, which is cool."
Some are older, thanks to "Gone Again," the 2005 CD with Wolverine Jazz Band.
"I love that," Trapper said. "Music is a shared experience. One of the worst things I remember happening when the Push Stars were touring was opening for Unwritten Law. Their entire following is all 16-year-old boys. My thought was, 'If this is my only following, I'd go jump off a bridge right now.'"
You should jump at the chance to see Trapper this close. He's an engaging, entertaining performer.
"I do a lot of storytelling," he said. "It's almost a mix of comedy and heartfelt music."
Take three: A Critic Crony lauded Chris Trapper (The Push Stars) for his ability to "take both serious singer-songwriter-y thoughts and sublimely silly lyrics and make really memorable songs." "Good on record, but a hundred times better live," we were told, Trapper is "the antithesis of a rock star, but someone who ought to be better known." Here's your chance, Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the Rumba Caf with opener Matt Crompton.
In less than a few months, Boston singer-songwriter Chris Trapper has gone from zero to hero -- outshining better-known acts at the Folk Fest adn selling out his own shows in Edmonton.... click the link to read the rest!
Chris Trapper, a true dual-threat in the music industry, is coming to Moscow this weekend. He is a dual-threat, in a sense, because he has the ability to not only perform but to write music.
Today's music industry relies heavily on catchy lyrics and beats. What gets lost is the ability to create those notes and chords from within your mind. This is not a time to bash the artists who cannot write their own music. Instead, take time to celebrate the ones who can write.
Bad news: Singer-songwriter Chris Trapper's show on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at the Blue Chair is sold out.
Good news: The Boston musician will now play a second show ... on Sunday, Sept. 19 at Haven Social Club. Tickets are $12 at the venue. The show starts at 8 p.m.
Fun fact: Trapper, who gained thousands of new fans at this year's Folk Fest, is one of Great Big Sea's former cowriters.
ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH
CHRIS TRAPPER BRINGING OLD-TIME JAZZ FEEL TO THE RED HOUSE
SYRACUSE. Longtime Red House favorite Chris Trapper of the Push Stars returns once again to debut the Red House Regulars series.
Trapper's concerts are heavily anticipated by his fervent local following and this appearance is sure to be no different as Trapper's interesting blend of 1950's pop, 1990's rock and old-timey jazz, presented with his distinctive baritenor, is sure to pack the House.
The Boston-based Trapper is a favorite among fans of the indie alt-acoustic music scene for his ability to write songs that speak to the heart; intricate power-pop with a compelling knack for telling everyday stories. Trapper writes songs that at first listen are greeted as old, familiar friends. His musical stories are accessible but never trivial, smart but never snobbish, honest but never pandering.
What started off as a disappointing gig for Chris Trapper turned into a wonderful opportunity. Last fall,
the Boston singer-songwriter performed to a handful of people at Blue Chair Cafe. It's not the size of your audience, but it's who's in it.
As it turned out, Folk Fest producer Terry Wickham was in the crowd. He liked Trapper's set so much, he booked the folk-pop musician for this year's
Folk Fest where he was one of the surprise hits of the festival. (He sold out of CDs, according to one new convert.)
Trapper is now about to return to the site of his fateful Blue Chair gig on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Tickets are $12.
Hopefully, he'll come stocked with more merch. He's released at least seven discs, including Into The Bright Lights, a seven-song EP,
which is available for a pay-what-you-want download at christrapper.bandcamp.com. (He also released five efforts with his former band, The Push Stars.)
Fans can request songs for his upcoming gig via christrapper.com. He only has one request: (no David Hasselhoff or Justin Bieber please:), he tweets. What, no Hoff? Darn.
Trapper will also perform Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Ironwood Stage and Grill in Calgary, and Friday, Sept. 17 at CBC Stage 700 in Vancouver.
Chris Trapper performs at stage three for The Meaning of Life during the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on Sunday August 8, 2010 in Edmonton. (Photo by: Jason Franson / EDMONTON SUN)
EDMONTON SUN
Folk festival workshop probes the meaning of it all
When the title of your session is "The Meaning of Life," great expectations are sure to follow. If you were to take it from the four on stage, the meaning of life would have something to do with comedy. Terry Morrison joked along a bit with Hay, but Chris Trapper loved to ham it up as well. He even suggested forming his own cult, in part thanks to a review in a Chicago newspaper earlier this year. The end of the festival can be a hard time. The end of the side-stage performances on Sunday signaled the coming finale. While the name was slightly confusing, The Meaning of Life was a good way to say goodbye to another year of folk.
EDMONTON JOURNAL
From Gloria to glorious, festival No. 31 ends its run
excerpt: "As usual, there were musical surprises. Not-yet-famous acts like Dan Wilson, Chris Trapper and Brandi Carlile gained thousands of new fans. A powerful Latin American component arrived on the hill, with Aterciopelados from Colombia, Aurelio Martinez from Honduras and the border-town rhythms of Calexico"
EDMONTON JOURNAL
Folk Fest aficionados share their greatest festival moments
excerpt: "So there, up on Stage 3 Sunday, Hennessy asked a crowd of about 700 fans to sing the chorus with her. I hear the whole audience, she said. And I hear Colin Hay beside me, who I revere, and Chris Trapper, and I think Murray McLauchlan all chiming in to the chorus. It sounded so beautiful, we just kept repeating it."
We asked KATE BRADLEY -- an alumna of XM Satellite Radio (the Loft) and a present-day Blurt Blogger, to give us her thoughts on Chris Trapper INTO THE BRIGHT LIGHTS [EP]. She gave us one word: GORGEOUS.
Ever wonder what might happen if Chris Trapper was transported back to the mid-1980's to release an album? "Into The Bright Lights" is the music that he might have created in that situation, blending an 80's feel with the Chris Trapper that you've known and loved for years.
Chris Trapper has always defined his music through his songwriting and storytelling, and this latest digital release is no exception. It is incredibly reminiscent of his debut solo album as well as the music he made in the early days with The Push Stars. "Family Tree" is signature Chris Trapper, as his lyrics are the star and his vocal delivery is as unique as his music. "The Game Is Done" and the title track are also excellent tracks. Trapper will always be one of those musicians that you can count on for great music, and this new EP is no exception.
Check out the EP for yourself by clicking on the cover art and downloading the album by naming your own price.
GUELPH. A powerful force of nature swept through the Hillside Festival on Saturday.
No, I'm not referring to persistent showers throughout much of the day that turned the island into a soggy sponge before the sun appeared just in time to be seen sinking into Guelph Lake.....
"Good music leavened with a humour was provided by Buffalo-bred singer/songwriter Chris Trapper"
I decided to release this in the "pay what you can" model, as an offering for those fans who may be under the economic tide,
and for those of you who are swimming, all proceeds for this recording will pool into my next recording budget, tour support,
and my ongoing struggle with doughnut addiction.
Many thanks for your continued support, Chris Trapper
I tend to forget sometimes that I am a singer, because I'm so caught up in songwriting, so when Crit and Brad asked me to sing some tunes for them I thought...really? me? I'm no Frank Sinatra...but heck, why not. Crit has actually recorded a bunch of stuff for me, including the original recording of my "Birthday Song" so I owed him a favor or two as well. Chris Trapper
Be Sure To Tune In:
On Episode 604 Chris Trapper can be heard singing a song called "Frozen Snow"
music by Brad Hatfield, lyrics by Crit Harmon.
On Episode 606 Chris is singing a song called "I Will Take You Home"
music by Brad Hatfield, lyrics by Crit Harmon.
Episode 604 Breakout, Original Air Date: July 20, 2010
Episode 606 Sanctuary, Original Air Date: August 3, 2010
There's two reasons why Chris Trapper appeals to me. One, he's worked extensively with one of my all-time favorite bands, Celtic-rock outfit Great Big Sea. But two, Trapper is a fellow stutterer who wrote his first song as a teenager to express his angst over being picked on in school. Since then, Trapper has fronted the indie alt-rockers The Push Stars and, while on hiatus from that band, has carved out a niche as a solo artist who produces intricate power-pop songs that are smart, honest, jaded, and funny. His ability to tell stories of everyday people and their struggles will be on display when he plays two shows at Abilene this weekend.
Chris Trapper plays Fri-Sat, April 30-May 1 at 8:30 p.m. at Abilene Bar & Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way. $20. 232-3230
The Chris Trapper song In My Sight can be heard (about 65 seconds of it!) in the Hallmark Channel Movie Elevator Girl.
Listen for Chris' music, about 2/3 of the way in, during the Jake's Burgers romantic music montage.
In My Sight can be heard on the current CHRIS TRAPPER CD: Til The Last Leaf Falls
CHRIS TRAPPER CONTRIBUTES THREE ORIGINAL SONGS TO INDIE FILM FIGHTING FISH
"Avalanche", "Weightless" and "Time To Forgive"
Film Premiers April 20, 2010
Boston singer/songwriter Chris Trapper contributes three original songs, "Avalanche", "Weightless" and "Time To Forgive" to indie film Fighting Fish. Chris enjoys a long-standing creative rapport with the film's Producer, Bertha Bay-Sa Pan and is pleased to be a cornerstone artist for the film and corresponding soundtrack.
Fighting Fish is the first feature coming from producer Bertha Bay-Sa Pan's recently launched Slew Pictures (Face, Almost Perfect). Fighting Fish is Annette Apitz's feature-film directorial debut. The film was shot with a Red camera in upstate New York.
Pan says: "We are dedicated to telling stories with heart and intelligence that cross international borders"
The talented cast includes Val Emmich (Ugly Betty, 30 Rock), Anna Moore ("The Life Before her Eyes"), Halley Feiffer ("The Messenger," "Gentlemen Broncos") and Haviland Morris ("Adam"). Three of Val Emmich's songs are on the film's soundtrack. Other soundtrack artists who supported this project include Elf Power, Imperial Teen, Chris Trapper, This Car Up, and Mark McAdam.
Fighting Fish world premiere is confirmed for April 20, 2010 at the NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL as part of the First-Time Filmmaker Competition category. There will be two screenings: April 20th at 9:15 pm and April 2st1 at 5:15 pm, at Regal Green Hills Cinemas.
Bertha Bay-Sa Pan directed the music video for Chris Trapper's pop tune "Wish I Was Cool".
Friday, March 12th at 8 PM Chris Trapper came into Prescott on tour, performing at Livy Lou's until 11 PM. The clothing store was converted to an intimate setting for the preparation of Trapper's musical performance.
Also, along with Chris Trapper, the audience was treated to two other singer's. One being an old friend of Chris' from New York, Adam. The other being a local girl, Shelby.
Starting at 7:40 with a performance from Shelby Trischler. With a beautiful voice, accompanied by an acoustic guitar, it was a great opening for the show. After her performance there was a short break, before the next performer took the stage. Taking the stage next at 8:35 was Adam, growing up with Chris in New York. Performing a single song as an opener for Trapper's performance.
Finally, Chris took the stage at 8:45 in the evening, beginning his performance by asking how the audience was doing. Trapper has an interesting way of performing, not only does he sing, but he also tells stories from his experiences, making a connection with the audience that most musicians lack. Just one of the reason's for the extraordinary performances he provides, that connection allows a personal touch, something that will stick with the people present at his shows.
PHOENIX EXAMINER
Q&A with Signer/Songwriter Chris Trapper, by Sahara Faughn
February 19, 2010
After hearing Chris Trapper was coming to town for a performance, I decided to contact him for a quick Q&A to help promote the performance and get to know him a little before his show.
Q: First of all, I think its important to ask how your doing ... Often times I think people forget singer/songwriters are people to, they have feelings, good days, bad days. So, how are you?
Chris: I’m very well, thank you. Just getting ready to play tonight in Syracuse, N.Y. where the winter weather today is semi–frightful. Aside from getting 4 hours of sleep last night
(which has become the norm for me) I am feeling good.
Q: Have you ever been to the Prescott area before?
Chris: I’ve never been to Prescott, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I’ve played Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale,Tucson, and Flagstaff, but this will be my first time in Prescott.
Q: Do you have a particular song, or album that you feel is a personal achievement?
Chris: As far as having a CD that’s personal achievement, I think my Gone Again album would be my vote, If only because I was in such a creative space making the record.
At the time, my rock n roll band, the Push Stars, had decided to go from full time job to semi–retirement, and I knew I had to go solo, but I wanted a clean slate creatively,
so I talked to my buddy John Clark who leads a 7 piece jazz band, and asked if they'd make a CD with me. Now to differentiate, some people think jazz and they think Kenny G,
but the Wolverine Jazz Band plays New Orleans style traditional, or Dixieland jazz, and have a median average band member age of about 60 years old.
So the process of blending styles was cool, and I got the most press I’d ever gotten nationally because the concept seemed to interest people.
But mostly, the record itself is the testament that music knows no boundaries. It’s played live, not with computers, and the engineer got really good sounds, so listening to it, you feel like you’re in the room with us.
Q: Have you ever gotten stage fright, like when you first started and first saw the audience?
Do you still get that from time to time? Where you just need to take a few moments and collect yourself before going out there.
Chris: I always get stage fright. If I didn’t, I’d think something was enormously wrong. My pre–show ritual is to feel like a sheep being led to slaughter,
and the thoughts running through my head are ’why the hell do I do this for a living, I'm such an idiot’ My post show feeling is relief, success, a certain ’ahhhhh, thank god that’s over’
And that feeling of fear and release is addictive.
Q: Do you feel your career as a singer/songwriter has had a jump since doing the song for August Rush?
Chris: No, not really any particularly huge jumps anywhere. What ’August Rush’ HAS done is help sustain my career and enable me to add a great story to my suitcase when I go out on the road,
and also bring in enough money to put food on the table for a couple years when I’m home. My career has truly been a slow and steady marathon, and I’d love it no other way.
I also think it was a beautiful movie, and a lot of people loved it, so being attached to it has lent a certain credibility around me in some people’s eyes.
Besides, whenever I’ve had songs in movies, my parents have tended to stop nagging me to get a real job ... for about a year.
Q: After touring the US, do you have plans of touring overseas at any time in the future?
Chris: I just played in Scotland and Germany in December, and had a wonderful time. I have to say, it was the easiest touring I’ve ever done. I didn’t have to drive anywhere,
book any hotel rooms, and I was not allowed to pay for anything while I was there. (my hosts in Scotland threatened to beat the p*ss out of me if I revealed my wallet at any time) I’m going back in May.
Q: A lot of music out today tends to influence society, how they dress, act, talk ... and some of that isn’t always good influence. Do you hope your music will influence the younger generations?
How so?
Chris: I honestly don’t think of myself as important enough to influence people. And that’s just being honest. But at the same time,
I guess most of the artists who DO influence people probably don’t have a right to. Look, songwriting is an art form, and my vehicle is entertainment, but Saturday nights party is ultimately Sunday mornings memory,
so I see it all as semi–meaningless. I love it, but I also use it as a release to get me through the stuff I’m going through. I guess it’s selfish in that respect.
But I think a good writer should always remember his / her audience, and I hope that people will hear an occasional nice message in my lyrics.
Funny, now that I think about it, there’s a beautiful song by John Prine called ’Hello in there’ which influenced me maybe more than any other piece of artwork I’ve ever come across.
The song’s message is simple, getting old is lonesome and hard, but the last line goes ’so if you’re walking down the street sometime, and you spot some hollow ancient eyes,
please don’t just pass them by and stare, as if you didn’t care, say hello in there, hello’ and to this day, I always say hi to old people. True, it's not ’smack my bitch up’ but it is powerful to me.
Q: If you could say anything to the readers out there, and the people listening to your music, what would it be?
Chris: I would thank them. I know there are several million musical listening options, so for the fact that they not only stumbled onto my music, but actually listen, thanks.
I want to thank you very much for your time. I wish you the best of luck with your music and hope to hear more from you in the future!
His performance will be Friday, March 12, 2010 at Livy Lou's in Prescott, Arizona.
ALL MY CHILDREN
THIS TIME featured scene
original air date: Dec-02-09
“We’ve tabulated the votes, and the Top Ten CD’s of 2009 have been selected.
We’ve listed CD’s #15 to #11 below, in case you wanted to see who ’just missed’ being included in the WUMB Top 10 for 2009. Thanks to all who voted. “
15 – Chris Trapper – Til the Last Leaf Falls
14 – Geoff Muldaur – Geoff Muldaur & the Texas Sheiks
13 – Elien Jewell – Sea of Tears
12 – Levon Helm – Electric Dirt
11 – Eliza Gilkyson – Beautiful World
10 – Buddy & Julie Miller – Written in Chalk
9 – The Derek Trucks Band – The Derek Trucks Band
8 – Chris Smither – Time Stands Still
7 – Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women
6 – Susan Werner – Classics
5 – Justin Townes Earle – Midnight at the Movies
4 – Monsters of Folk – Monsters of Folk
3 – Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
2 – Tom Russell – Blood & Candle Smoke
1 – Antje Duvekot – The Near Demise of the High Wire
MELODIC.NET
FOUR OUT OF A POSSIBLE FIVE STARS
January 12, 2010
Chris Trapper with a history in the cool band Push Stars and four released albums is a really productive artist. As a solo artist, he has over an eight year
period managed to deliver six albums, and with a good result every time. Ok, if he had done half as many, we had been given stronger and more consistent album,
but thinks he still has managed to create something exciting every time. A large part of this is of course good songs, but he has also a very proper voice.
Would not say that Chris Trapper is one of the greatest singers, but few artists have such a presence and feeling in his voice, which makes he especially interesting.
’Til The Last Leaf Falls’ is no exception to his earlier material and is of course, a nice pop – rock album in the spirit of both Brian Vander Ark and Jay Clifford.
Would even say that it is his best solo album and very close to Push Stars best moments. There is a playfulness and optimism behind the melodies which make him stand out among all
singer–songwriters out there. It can also be further confirmed as Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty is said to have expressed that Chris Trapper writes “The kind of music that songwriters love“.
Not bad from a great hero who has written a few good track over the years. So if you want a warm and very well written album " 'Til The Last Leaf Falls" is a very good investment,
very uncomplicated, but also very well made done.
Like many major–label casualties, Chris Trapper has garnered a cult following with his easy E Street pop–rock.
Trapper quietly polishes tunes of booze, brunets and broken dreams both as a solo artist and as the songwriter behind the Push Stars.
CHRIS TRAPPER SHOW FEATURED AS A TWIN CITIES BEST BET
for the Week of Jan 3-9
*Big Thanks* to music journalist Rob Hubbard of the Pioneer Press for selecting the Jan-07 Chris Trapper show at Ginkgo's as a Twin Cities BEST BET
FOLK / CHRIS TRAPPER
Thursday: Boston has a thriving rock scene, but it is also known for pumping out first-rate singer-songwriters.
After becoming the toast of the former with his band, the Push Stars, Chris Trapper decided to check out life in the latter.
One could say Trapper has always gone out of his way to avoid stardom, the Push Stars eschewed major-label offers in favor
of small indies, where they had more creative control. Now, Trapper has taken that to an extreme by barnstorming the coffeehouse
circuit alone, playing intimate venues like Ginkgo, which we're betting has never before hosted anyone who once warmed up for
Matchbox 20. 7:30 p.m.; Ginkgo Coffeehouse, 721 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul; $12; 651-645-2647.
