Groomsman is Steven Thorn's debut album. It is a coming of age record about his 20s, when he was a groomsman 9 times. The cinematic soundscapes range across wedding processionals, downtown carriage rides, NYC dance clubs, therapy sessions, graduations, church pews, roller skating rinks, and wedding receptions.

Notable album influences include Arcade Fire's The Suburbs, Coldplay's X&Y, Death Cab for Cutie's Plans, and M83's Hurry Up, We're Dreaming.

Groomsman on Bandcamp

Regret

Groomsman (feat. Kellie Coffey)

Uncle Don and Aunt Norma

I'm Not a Dancer

Someone's Someone

Return to Sender

By My Side

Today is Not About Me

Now the Years Have No Name

Friend

Roller Skating Rink

Sometimes You Need a Red Light

"Heart on Sleeve, Bloody Elbows" is an alternative rock song - with an electronic edge - that confesses the price of love and vulnerability. Readers of C. S. Lewis, the acclaimed children's book author and Christian writer, may recognize the theme that loving anything comes at a price ('The Four Loves'). The only way to avoid hurt is avoid love - but the consequences for such protection are to resign your heart to decay.

The musical style is influenced by Death Cab for Cutie, Lorde, and Paper Route. While this is Steven's first single without acoustic guitar, the song retains his characteristic focus on lyrics and distinctive hooks.
lyrics
“Heart on Sleeve, Bloody Elbows”
By Steven Thorn © 2018

You wear your heart on your sleeve
And you get bloody elbows
I chased a star for a dream
Now the fire is burning me, is burning me

When I was a boy, I was brave in love
I didn't know that love would hurt
When I was a boy, we made promises
But promises can be empty words, empty words

I was brave and I was innocent
I wore my heart on my sleeve
I got some wounds from fights and accidents
While I found what I believe; what I believe?

When I was a boy, I said too much
I gave trust before trust was earned
When I was a boy, I got these scars
I learned lies that I should unlearn, I should unlearn

I was brave and I was innocent
I wore my heart on my sleeve
I got some wounds from fights and accidents
While I found what I believe; what I believe?

Maybe I’ll just hold it closer to my chest
Tuck my heart inside a bulletproof vest
But who am I if I can’t feel a thing?
Am I still alive if I no longer bleed?
There’s nothing new that I can tell you
Wear your heart on your sleeve, and you get bloody elbows

released June 1, 2018
Produced by Colton Jean in Norman, Oklahoma
Artwork by Steven Thorn
Label: Autumn Heart Music
All Rights Reserved (c) 2018

Buy on Bandcamp

Heart on Sleeve, Bloody Elbows

"Uno" is an alternative rock ballad about imperfect people committing to love each other.
The transcendent hope of love contrasts with the desolation of this broken world. A bright acoustic guitar sustains meaningful verses beneath a sparing but brilliant electric guitar. The catchy chorus will have you humming along for days: "Always / You know / Only / Uno."

The acoustic-driven ballad recalls influences such as Coldplay, Switchfoot, and James Blunt. Switchfoot fans will be reminded of Jon Foreman's solo work, both the Seasons and the Wonderlands. James Blunt fans will feel the longing and love from similar songs like "Calling Out Your Name."
lyrics
“Uno”
By Steven Thorn © 2013

We are not perfect
And that’s not ideal
But that is what happens
When people are real
And not a design
Of somebody’s mind

You are the flower
In the war’s desolation
You are the beauty
Of the bright constellation

Always
You Know
Only
Uno

When I put on a mask
You see my disguise
The doubts fill my mind
And you fight all the lies
Lower my shield
To you I yield

You are the flower
In the war’s desolation
You are the beauty
Of the bright constellation

Always
You Know
Only
Uno

Tell me you love me
Feel the elation
Give you my every
With no reservation

Moon on the water
You are my best friend
Hold me and keep me
From now to the end

Always
You Know
Only
Uno

released April 4, 2017
Produced by Colton Jean in Norman, Oklahoma
Artwork by Garrett Kaida
Label: Autumn Heart Music
All rights reserved (c) 2017

"City of Lights" is an alternative rock anthem celebrating the beauty and romance of Paris on an idyllic Bastille Day.

The dramatic soundscape evokes Ben Gibbard, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, James Blunt, Jon Foreman, Switchfoot, and U2. Come along for the ride and revel in the City of Lights.

“City of Lights”
By Steven Thorn © 2013

Disco ball hangs from the tower
Climb to the top at night
We could stay up here forever
In the City of Lights

The kids were loud and it was late
They were singing songs I knew
So we sang all the way home
We stayed close and played it cool

At the bridge over the Seine
And cathedral of Our Mother
Hang a lock and lose the key
So our love is safe forever

Certainty is mine no more
Seeking the Lost Generation
Broken spirit, I am poor
Waiting for a revelation

Says the mother in the street,
“I need money for my child
Can you spare a coin for me?
God bless you"

At the bridge over the Seine
And cathedral of Our Mother
Hang a lock and lose the key
So our love is safe forever

Eyes are closed inside the church
As we pray a silent prayer
She is sitting next to me
And our hands are twined together

At the bridge over the Seine
By the Notre Dame at night
I walk with my mademoiselle
In the City of Lights

released April 29, 2016
Produced by Colton Jean in Norman, Oklahoma
Artwork by Steven Thorn
Label: Autumn Heart Music
All rights reserved (c) 2016

City of Lights

Steven Thorn is a storyteller from Denver, CO. Steven blends the storytelling of the folk genre with the soundscapes of indie, pop, and synth pop. He sounds like Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, and James Blunt.

Steven Thorn

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