Stephen Ashbrook's career was launched out of Tempe, AZ where he won the Phoenix Tribune's Best Acoustic Performer 1998 & 2000. The talent of this artist became so widely recognized, that in the summer of 2000, Ashbrook delivered a command performance for President Bill Clinton, at the President Clintonrequest of the White House.
In Arizona, Stephen recorded "American B-Sides" with friends from The Gin Blossoms, The Pistoleros and Dead Hot Workshop. After relocating to Oregon , Ashbrook launched his promotional campaign for "American B Sides" from his new home town of Portland . The incredible response to this Southwestern Singer/Songwriter was swift as press and music industry watched a national cult following for Ashbrook come alive. Within weeks, the first single “Rock –n- Roll” was added to regular rotation in both Southern California and Arizona markets, and earned a First Place prize in the international “Makeastar.com” songwriters contest. The Phoenix, Arizona New Times dubbed him "Pop tunesmith-extraordinaire," and credited “Rock –n- Roll” as a “bona fide classic!” With the 2004 release of the long anticipated live two disc set, "Double Live @ Long Wong’s", the magic of Ashbrook’s live performance is evident. Stephen continues to tour across the nation and in Europe acquiring a broad fan base across markets.
Stephen Ashbrook recently completed 10 new tracks, "White Balloons", with the respected Seattle musician and producer Pete Droge, who has experienced global fame, both as a solo artist and with The Thorns. “I knew right away after listening to his demo I wanted to work with him,” claimed Droge in a recent article. As producer and co-writer on a few songs, Pete Droge pushed Ashbrook’s music to bold new levels.
Show Notes
The Scott & Randy podcast studio isn't nearly worthy enough. But, regardless of our worth, we were graced with the presence of Stephen Ashbrook! And what a fantastic time we had!
Stephen kicked off the interview with a discussion of his performance for former U.S. President William Jefferson Clinton! The performance took place in Arizona, and Stephen chats about the security involved and how he got the gig.
We chat about the time he spent in Arizona and what brought him back to Oregon. Turns out, Stephen digs the rain!
We cover the use of Stephen's music by the Adam Corolla show and how it might just have been the cause of the demise of Adam's program. Of course, that's just crazy!
We asked Stephen about his throat surgery and the affects it might have had on his singing voice. And Stephen relates his time while he was unable to speak.
Stephen has written several tunes for the Seattle Mariners, the Special Olympics of Washington, and the Phoenix Suns. Would he be interested in writing something for the Portland Trailblazers? Check out the podcast for that answer!
Currently touring in the west and promoting White Balloons, Stephen is also working up some demos for a new ablum. And, not surprisingly, Stephen also reveals that he is working on a Children's music album.
Stephen then discusses his time working with Pete Droge on Vashon Island. Of course, there was the time he nearly spent the night in a covered wagon...
Randy mentions how impressed he is with Stephen's tour map. Stephen gives a shout out to Reverb Nation for this cool widget.
To catch Stephen live, he is currently playing at Virgo & Pisces each Wednesday. It's a great acoustical set in a nice, intimate club.
Just before he laid us out with his amazing music, Stephen had a humorous discussion of playing a Rib Festival - as a vegetarian! And why do they shape tofu like meat?
