David Bowie, Wilco, the Flaming Lips, the Shins, Belle and Sebastian, the Beatles, Jim Carroll, Air, Elliot Smith, Neil Finn, Yo La Tengo, Edith Piaf, Charles Bukowski, Nourallah Brothers, Supergrass, eels, The Brothers Quay, Aimee Mann, Chet Baker, Yes, The Velvet Underground, William S. Burroughs, Spoon, The Pixies, Dylan, Bedhead, Simon and Garfunkel, Beck, Esquivel, Paul Thomas Anderson, Super Furry Animals, Low, Joanna Newsom, Scott Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Prince, Blur, Brian Wilson...
In 2002, after years and years of working at an all-Tasmanian health food store, and reinventing the Vietnamese language, Stephen decided to take a stab at songwriting. So, he created The Chemistry Set and began his search for a horn section consisting of 9 physically fit musicians with handle bar moustaches. This never panned out, however, but he did happen to meet a few interesting people along the way. Fate threw several parties in which these individuals became acquainted with one another. In the rock world, these are often referred to as Post Rock Show Social Enlightenment Sessions.
First there was Meri. There was just something about her. Maybe it was the fact that she played the dulcimer, and wore mens overalls. Or maybe it was the fact that she had every word from the Back to the Future trilogy memorized. They quickly became friends, and began writing songs about the songs they were writing. Their first collaborative effort, I am writing a song, this is the way it goes came quickly in one of their first sessions. They developed this a bit more, and the songs started to get a little more complicated and even had melodies.
Then Cory came along. Stephen and Meri didnt quite know what to think of him at first because he would wear only vests and talk about the extensive research he had done on rare insects such as the Nicaraguan nut beetle and the Zimbabwean cicada (who self combusts in order to fight off its enemies). Anyways, the more they talked, they found out Cory was also a musician and had spent several years playing the steel drums for a reggae cover band in Jamaica. The money soon ran out. Apparently, people can only take so many reggae versions of Shock the Monkey and Jailhouse Rock. So he came back to the states to become Americas premier purveyor of authentic, custom designed fanny packs. He also continued trying to make a bassoon sound like Randy Travis. The trio was now onto something. However, with the instruments they had chosen, they would need a drummer.
Thats where Josh came in. Cory knew Josh from a creative movement class they had taken together. He thought it was only fitting to suggest him, even though Josh had no musical experience whatsoever. Except for the countless nights he spent sitting in his room playing Midnight Oil songs on his mouth harp. Josh declined the invitation at first, as he had no desire to pursue musical endeavors. His main focus was perfecting his Christopher Walken impersonation and hitting the circuit as a stand-up wrestler. One day, he had an epiphany. He looked in the mirror and saw Gary Buseys reflection, and knew he had to change. He took Cory up on his offer, and moved forward with the decision to become a drummer. The musicians began playing together and found that there was good chemistry. They also enjoyed spending time with one another after practice by playing tetherball, newcomb, and pin the tail on Dale Earnhardt, Jr. They were now a band. Their music comes from a wide spectrum of influences, including the most commonly shared: David Bowie, the Beatles, the Flaming Lips, Led Zeppelin, and not Simple Plan, or any of those other bands that sound exactly alike or are just horrible. Stephen, Meri, Cory and Joe-hash each provide their own unique elements, which in turn has taken the group to another magical land not foreseen by Stephens initial vision. Another common thread within the band is that all of their instruments are custom made from recycled unicorn bodies. Listen to what others have to say:
Top Ten Best Local Release - Dallas Observer
Best Local Dallas Release Dallas Music Guide
Boo-ya, Im Tom Petty Tom PettyWhy Don't You
On a day like this, you get into your car and drive like mad. On a day like this, you feel a little sad. A day like this is worth a million dollars easy. A day like this you take the good with the bad. I was just listening to the song and it brought me great comfort and joy. I miss you guys, and hope you all are doing fabulous.
BTW, turning 25 again just won't be the same without you.
Chemistry Set! Wussapnin,fam? Thanks for the acceptance! It's truly appreciated and I hope all is well. The music is rockin and I'm enjoying ya'lls sound! Keep it blazin! Please be sure to come through and holla at'cha fam in tha Bamaz! Easter Greetings! Mad love & continuing success,peace...
Salut!!
Stoppin in to take a listen..how all is well...its gettin a bit hotter here in Bangkok now but things are good...this year is really flyin by!!
YOuna
damn, i was glad to catch your last show (for the moment) - good luck to you, stephen & merry, on your colorado adventure - i'll be in touch with you all as i'm able
