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Everyone Doing Everything
Stephen Nawara is energized after working outside all day in 90 degree heat. “I just wanna play as much as I can,” said the 30-something guitarist known for his stints with the Detroit Cobras, Wildbunch and Rocket 455, while also heading online label, Beehive. “Cheesy as that may sound, the more music in my life the better.”
After playing in other people’s bands (as “a hired gun”) for so long, often unable to present material, Nawara, “a songwriter first and foremost,” said it feels great to “sit there and say, ‘Hey guys, I’ve got this … and then the guys are more than welcome to do the same … ” The “guys” include bassist Jake Culkowski, drummer Dave Vaughn and Nawara’s longtime friend, guitarist Marc Craven (with whom the idea for a new band started, back in the early '00s). Finally, Magic Shop saw the light of day (or, night?) last March — and is currently finishing up their full-length debut album.
“We’re just trying to find our sound,” said Nawara, as the band self-records in Craven’s home. That sound being shunting, stomping rhythms, curvy twangy guitar riffs, jangly strums and bluesy bass — a humble slam of country, bubblegum pop, punk energy and a sprinkling of psychedelia.
The band holds roots and rock music dear. But, Nawara lackadaisically worries that the newer stuff is getting “a little folky, a little more country,” and said they’d also like to balance that with some “raw power, rockers” and “psychedelic bluesy jams.” But, “ … maybe it’s just the summertime and everyone’s getting lovey-dovey; the new stuff is becoming a little more pretty, a little more country,” stated Nawara. The band is enjoying finding, together, a way to string it together. The first batch of songs were mostly by Nawara’s pen, but Craven and recently Culkowski are stepping up to the plate. Perhaps a reaction against past roles of relegation, Nawara said, “I want everyone to be contributing. I want everyone to be singing, I want everyone to be doing everything they possibly could.”
The band is preparing to tour the nation and hopefully beyond to other foreign lands. But, Nawara stresses that they want to do a lot of state-based (Michigan) touring, in attempt to set up a stronger local support system. | RDW
Magic Shop • 7/1 • Cityfest’s Park Stage
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