StillWarm
CONTACT

ABOUT

I compose, arrange, perform, mix, master & produce my own music now.
No more label getting in the way.

Screen name:
StillWarm
Member since:
Jan 17 2006
Active within 2 weeks
Level of commitment:
Very Committed
Years playing music:
35
Gigs played:
Over 100
Tend to practice:
2-3 times per week

Influences

Astronoid, In Flames, Soilwork, Gary Numan, Front 242, Ministry, and all the weird, out there stuff that is hard to categorize.

Instrument experience:

Drums:
Advanced
Rhythm Guitar:
Intermediate

EQUIPMENT

PDP 7 Piece Concert Maple Drum set

MXL & Nady mic's

various older drum machines

MUSIC

CALENDAR

Past Events

The New CD Release of Still Warm will be available on April 15, 2008, despite the rumours and delays. "I have been doing alot of work on this...," says Shawn Stoddard of StillWarm, "...and I have every intention of finally releasing this CD, even though I have had minimal input from Smudge. I have aquired a new member, Storm, who seems to be one of the most understated guitarists I have come across. His ability to just make shit up is beyond what I can do, and it makes for a perfect balance to what I can do by myself, so I find it refreshing. Smudge is always there, always, but he does choose some very odd times to show up and make a point, if ya know what I mean... " In another interview, Shawn says "...I endure, but also accept what Storm does, he is on the outside, but he has become a sort of fixture, a constant, if you will, to the entire songwriting process for us. He is able to come up with great guitar on the spot, and make it what I want to hear. I can't really say that this could have happened without him." On the topic of the enimatic Smudge, Shawn says " I love him, he is one of the only friends who has stayed true to me through everything, past and present. On the other hand, he is extremely hard to work with, and find myself hating him at times. He is distant, but not absent from the creation process, and always has a new approach. I suppose that is what true friendship is all about. The ability to have such massive differences with each other, yet still find a common ground and make it all work. This CD is not easy in any way, and I'm sure there will still be many conflicts as we close in to the release date. It has taken almost 4 years to make this work, and I see at least another year of post-production and final tracking to make everyone happy before it is released. I know if Smudge had his way, he would come and track each drum with 50 different takes before he was satisfied, but this time, he doesn't get that opportunity! This time, he has to just go with the flow and let a take be just that--a take!"
Shawn also expressed concern for the reception of the new CD, stating that is was not "what they are used to." Indeed, some of the demo tracks are so very far away from what StilWarm has done in the past that they may ultimately lose some fans along the way. Shawn does not seem to be worried, at least for now.
"I am confident that there are people out there who find experimental metal and industrial music totally fascinating, like a total mind fuck, if it's done right. They need to feel like they're getting something, for real, a concentrated effort made by themselves. No one likes to be told what is 'good music.' It will all become very obvious when the CD is released."
With That being said, StillWarm is not at all about to give up. Shawn Stoddard has been the driving force behind Still Warm since it's infancy, which sprouted in 1996. "I have really only begun to see what I am capable of. I see the colors and the painted doors and I now understand the business, unfortunately. It is full of very smart people, who do thier best to make money off of you, and I'm sorry if that seems bleak, but it's true.
Make this an art, not a profession, not an end to obtain the means. Have fun, and never lose sight of the fun you have. Smudge has always told me that 'the clock will always move forward, but the hands always tell the time.
Take it for what it is."
I think that Shawn has not only an insightful crew, but an equally insightful band. I only hope that no one tells him that they are all really one in the same, and that he does not lose sight of who he really is. That would be a shame.