In 2021, in full pandemic tilt, Timothy Showalter aka Strand Of Oaks, released a brilliant &nbsp;record in the vein of much of his stratospheric catalog called In Heaven (Dead Oceans) but decided not to tour on it, because that's what you didn't do during those heavy days; tour. Instead, he shut it all down. Stopped strumming and humming and stopped checking his emails and all other things that create anxiety for an artist who's been busting his ass for most of 20 years and who's making quite a dent in the music world with his intoxicating mix of Neil Youngian based songs and stories. There's always been an astral leaning, psychedelic connection to Strand of Oaks music, but for that moment it needed to cease, and all Tim Showalter wanted to do was paint. Not that he had ever done that, or been called to it, but that filled his creative bucket for two straight years. And then, the painting stopped, and the music started again. But this time he wasn't drawn to his guitar and the usual Youngian template. Instead he headed to his synthesizers and his long time engineer/producer/collaborator Kevin Ratterman (Elliot, Twin Limb) and rebirthed his muse in a different form, albeit one that continues to radiate what Tim does instinctively, move the listener. His new album Miracle Focus, is a fresh start and reflects his DIY ethic completely. It's still 100% Strand Of Oaks, long time fans will be relieved to know, but uses instruments that inspired him for this round of songs after the time off. Songs that give back what he's been living, Transendental Meditation, Yoga, Ram Dass and the feeling of joy that each moment creates, passes and recreates again infinitely.&nbsp;

Episode 180 - Timothy Showalter

WARNING! All ye who put your ears toward this episode should know that it is the final installment of Third Gear Scratch, which appropriately features one of my closest friends and bandmates, Mr Chris Metcalf of our band, The Life and Times. But before that Chris had done much wood-shedding with crazy great bands like Stella Link , SImple Lines and Lafayette. The latter one here Lafayette has in fact reformed since Chris has returned to KC after an almost 10 year run in Chicago, and has recently made a new record with Paul Malinowski, Shiner bassist that is due for release. We recount our time together in TLAT through 5 records and 3 more EPs and so many live shows and tours with bands like Russian Circles, Mono, Pelican, Murder By Death, Appleseed Cast, Sparta, Nueva Vulcano, Magnetic Morning and so many more. It's a fantastic way to close out this podcast that I've been so greatful to host and get to meet so many hugely talented artists who've inspired me and Chris is among the most inspiring. There's new Life and Times in the pipeline, so pour one out for Third Gear Scratch podcast but don't weep for me or us. We'll continue to make music as long as our bodies will let us. Thank you all so much for the support and for your ears and for all my amazing guests. ONWARD and Keep on making stuff. All the love!&nbsp;

Episode 180 - Timothy Showalter

Third Gear Scratch

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