Trapper Schoepp – Siren Songs

By starrymag | June 8, 2023

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) Folk music, which brings to mind this brilliant quote by Louis Armstrong: “All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.” 

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) For my latest album, the Irish musicians Paul Brady, The Clancy Brothers and The Chieftains.

 

Q) Tell us the story behind “Good Graces.”

 

A) The first instrument I heard in the Cash Cabin was an antique harmonium organ. Joseph Cash unfolded it like a children’s popup book and a sublime sound filled the room as he pressed his feet on the pedals. Later on, our producer Patrick Sansone took his turn and explained how these portable instruments were once used by military chaplains to hold services on battlefields.

“Good Graces” is the tale of a couple who’s hit a crossroad. There are two paths and neither guarantee a future together. The harmonium sets the stage for this song, extending a musical olive branch with its tranquil sound. 

 

Q) You also recently released a music video for “Good Graces.” How did you come up with the concept for the video?

 

A) During the pandemic, I got obsessed with paddle boarding. It’s the most calming and still during the middle of winter, so I took a film crew to sea then! No one got hurt. Although we did capsize a canoe! The song is slow and meditative, which is the feeling I get when I’m out on my board. 

 

Q) “Good Graces” is off of your latest album Siren Songs, which was produced at Johnny Cash’s Cabin in Hendersonville, TN. How did it feel to work in such a historic space for this album?

 

A) It’s a holy house of music! I had the honor of recording with Johnny Cash’s 1930s Martin Guitar. It was called the “shitkicker” guitar because it long sat on Johnny’s couch where it was often played by his friends and guests. It was inspiring to say the least! 

 

Q) You also collaborated with John Jackson (The Jayhawks, Ray Davies) and Patrick Sansone (Wilco) on this album. What was it like getting to work with them and how did their input help you during the writing and recording process?

 

A) They’re both old friends who speak the same language as me. It was very easy and was such a joy to be together after the isolation of the pandemic. 

 

Q) I really loved the song “Silk and Satin”—the lyrics versus the melody really throw you off kilter in a surprising way. Which song was your favorite to write and record for Siren Songs?

 

A) That song, actually! It tells the story of a person living out a double life in New York City. He’s a Manhattan businessman by day and a drag queen in Brooklyn by night. His love interest falls for him in his drag persona, knowing nothing of his 9-5 life. 

I used Maritime jive in this song because I once heard old sailor wives would crossdress as men to be with their husbands at sea. I think such an extraordinary risk is romantic. 

 

Q) Which would you say were your favorite(s) from Siren Songs or what makes them so significant for you?

 

“Queen of the Mist” was the first track we recorded and has an interesting backstory behind it. This song recounts Annie Edson Taylor’s harrowing trip over Niagara Falls inside a wooden barrel in 1901. Faced with financial hardships, the 63-year-old widow and retired schoolteacher set out to become rich and famous with this stunt over the falls. The rookie daredevil first sent her cat over the 167-foot falls before successfully completing the stunt a week later herself. Annie posed for newspapers next to the barrel labeled “Queen of the Mist” and found some overnight national attention. Tragically, the same barrel was later stolen by her manager and Annie was only able to make a meager living off her stunt, selling souvenirs and postcards in front of the falls. 

 

Q)  In addition to a new album, you’re also in the middle of touring. To date, which place has been your favorite to perform in?

 

A) I really enjoy Italy! Its food, its people, its venues. Good times.

 

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I’d just like to be a fly on the wall watching Randy Newman work.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you, goodnight! [smiles]