Meet This Artist: Kickstarting it with Breadfoot

“Spawn of the East River delta, Breadfoot is as much a game of checkers as a cold beer on the stoop. Inclined to wear Red Wing boots, he likes his Whiskey neat and his eggs are always sunny side up with Tabasco.”

Firecracker hats. Industrial hemp. A redneck clown noire. These things have all provided inspiration for Bynum singer/songwriter Breadfoot (aka Stephan Meyers), known for his unique style of telling stories with music. He has shared the stage with the Avett Brothers, Regina Spektor, Kimya Dawson, and Langhorne Slim—and in the UK with the Decemberists, Richard Buckner, and the Larry Love Show Band. In addition to his own albums, he has written and recorded with both anti-folk legend and Ramseur Records recording artist Paleface and “vixen of the violin” Anna Phoebe.

The motion picture/television world has snagged him too. He has created music for several episodes of “Roadtrip Nation” on PBS,  the full-length film “10 MPH” by Hunter Weeks and Josh Caldwell, and the work-in-progress reel for acclaimed documentary “Bringing It Home” by local filmmaker Linda Booker and Blaire Johnson.

Listen to his music: www.soundcloud.com/breadfoot

But local kids don’t give a hoot about all of that. They’d rather play the colorful, hand-built, Clyde-Jones-inspired games Stephan created for Chatham Arts Council’s annual event for children, ClydeFEST. “What I was hoping to create was something fun and exciting for the little kids and some sense of nostalgia for the big kids,” he said. We say he succeeded.

From the Artist

Born in the Midwest. I’ve lived a bunch of places in between. This includes a 14-year stint in the Big Apple, where I cooked and restored historic plaster to pay the rent, all the while working on making music. Seven years now south, Chatham County is where I hang my hat. Since landing I’ve flipped eggs, poured beers, made cool signs for cool restaurants, and helped re-boot ClydeFEST, a children’s art festival. Again, all the while working on making music.

Real excited about my new project. An album I’m calling Salvatella. Have turned to the wonderful world of crowd sourcing via Kickstarter to try and raise the funds required. It’s the way music works these days for us folks in the trenches taking chances and following our hearts. To get in on the campaign, score an ear full or two, and have a look-see at videos of live performances, just check out the links below.

Explain your sound in 5 words: Americana roots, down home and organic.

Some jobs I’ve had: Sous chef, historic plaster restoration specialist, warehouse wizard, illustrator and graphic designer, sign maker, and of course, musician.

I knew I was a musician when: What I heard in my head came outta my guitar.

When I’m not making music I like to: Read, watch a movie, cook for my sweetie, and drink cocktails.

My favorite spots in Chatham County: Woods along the Haw River near my house in early winter.

Local artists/musicians that inspire me: Julia Kennedy and Tommy Edwards.

Five things I can’t live without: Music, books, local organic produce, my sweetie, and cocktails.

My perfect day: Starts with fried perch, egg, grits and coffee, takes me 6 hours down the road to play the next show, and ends with a cocktail.

Ten years from now I will be: Recording another album.

 

Links

• Kickstarter campaign for new album Salvatella:
  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/breadfoot/salvatella-the-new-americana-roots-album-from-brea
• Official website: www.breadfoot.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/breadfootvideo
• Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/breadfoot
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Breadfoot/181343155213503
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreadfootMusic
• Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/breadfoot