Strand of Oaks – New Album & Interview

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A Hoosier transplanted to the coal highlands of Northeast Pennsylvania, Timothy Showalter has nested in fertile musical soil. Taking cues from luminaries such as Nebraska-Era Bruce Springsteen and a burgeoning Neil Young, Showalter extends a musical gesture and searches to find modesty in the midst of confusion, addressing insecurities and settling existential debt with a simple and beautiful delivery. The personification of a Midwestern Grandfather’s advice, his songs smack with hard truth and poignant severity.

That is a bit of overview on Tim Showalter or as I and many of you know him “Strand of Oaks”.  I have been following for a while, but there was only ever a track here or there floating around and I couldn’t get enough.  Now we have something to work with in the first full album release in “Leave Ruin” that hit the streets in late January.  I have been listening non-stop since picking up a copy and immediately contacted the man himself to get him on the blog.  Well, it seems to all have worked out and we have some music and a little bit of “Q & A” for you this Monday.

“Leave Ruin” is right up the Slowcoustic alley, practically “Slowcoustic 101″.  The album is 9 tracks created with acoustics, piano, strings and a vocal delivery that floats over the farmers fields, back alleys and cross country road trips that is his music.  Lyrically there is almost a conversation, if only between one person, that tells stories of life and the beauty and heartache of those who actually live it.  As mentioned many times previously, I never believe anyone besides the actual songwriter can speak to the creative process, what we as listeners do is simply listen and grasp on to the melodies.  The melodies included on this album may just grab you first.

There are stand out tracks, including “Leave Ruin”, “Dogs of War”, “Sister Evangeline” and “Morning Worker” which are those aforementioned glimpses into lives being lived.  Regardless of if there is a winner or triumph, the story is why we are all here.  Well, enough rambling, let’s put some questions in front of the artist and see what he has to say.

Interview:

1) First off, the name, how did you become “Strand of Oaks”?

Well, here is a brief history, I guess. In fifth grade I was “The Nuclear Warheads”. It was my comic strip band. It was probably the result of post Cold War feelings. Then in six grade I formed “Freak Show”. This band really only consisted of a logo that my friend Adam drew. Then my first real band name was called “Mind Groove”. This was my electronic band. Then my in high school I had a group called “Much Needed Rest”, very emotional. Then I had a trucker band called “Brown Sugar”, or “Birthday Boy”, depending on which band member you asked. Finally, Strand of Oaks happened. My friend Josh came up with the name. Our first show was drums, echoed guitar, and me on an organ. Nobody sang, we just had a Noam Chomsky speech on 9/11 sampled, very college.

I kept writing songs and kept the band name. I’m still not sure about the name. It always makes me laugh because my songs seem to be the opposite of what the band name represents. I write all my songs alone, and usually cooped up in the smallest room I can find. Strand of Oaks always conjures up wide open fields and big skies. Maybe I might be a bit happier if I let this feeling influence me more. I think its to late to go back to Nuclear Warheads though.

2) How long have you been recording, is this album a “debut” for you?

I’ve been recording for a long time, never to the extent of Leave Ruin. I always have tried to at least document songs for posterity’s sake. I first recorded some of the songs off the record six years ago. Then I put some of the songs on a demo and took it on tours and what not. Then 3 years ago I recorded a split 7′ with my friends Dragon Turtle. But I do feel like this is my first real record, at least it feels real to me.

3) How is it playing with your label mates – I see you have had some stage time with Matt Bauer and soon with Lewis & Clarke (both Slowcoustic faves)?

I have no sense of modesty when it comes to my friends. I think they are making some of the most legitimate records out there. If you look in my car you’ll usually find all the La Soc releases being heavily listened to.

Lou (Lewis & Clarke) and I have collaborated a lot between playing shows and recording over the years. We’re both so busy it’s hard for us to get out and play shows, that’s why I’m so excited to play with them again. I feel the same way about Matt. He’s a good friend and I always wish we could play more.

4) Do you revel as a solo artist, any gravity towards a “band” to be known as Strand of Oaks?

I still haven’t quite decided if I am solo artist yet. Even when I play solo shows there is always some friend that is up there helping me out. To be honest I don’t like playing guitar live. I always want it to sound like an organ. I’ll be the first to admit that I lack a lot of chops.

The best feeling about playing with a band is that you’re supported. I love being up to divvy out responsibility to others. The songs seem more protected and solid. The more I play though I feel more and more comfortable to be by myself on stage.

5) With the album out on January 27th – what is on tap for promoting – tours, SXSW, etc?

We have all worked really hard for this and it feels so good to just enjoy the record now. I’m planning as many shows as my school schedule allows. I’ll be going out on a two week tour in April down South and the Midwest. Then there will be more once the summer comes around. I’m just in a very good place right now and feeling really positive about things so I’m really ready just to play this music as much as I can.

There you have the Interview with the very gracious and talented Tim Showalter.  I have included some live tracks and an album track for your listening.  We start out with the album version of “End in Flames” followed by a live version, then 3 more live album tracks, followed by a couple of extras!

Visit Strand of Oaks on MySpace, Label Page and Virb.  Pick up a copy of the new album on eMusic and iTunes.

~Smansmith