Longmont Leader: Review of "A Songwriter's Grimoire"

Article by Adam Steininger

https://www.longmontleader.com/local-news/andy-eppler-writes-further-than-a-song-in-his-book-a-songwriters-grimoire-7650892

Prolific multidisciplinary artist Andy Eppler is back again with another creative thing, a book called “A Songwriter’s Grimoire: Practical Notes for a Mystical Practice,” and it’s not just for songwriters but for those who’ve ever felt daunted by the mystique of the artistic process. 

Eppler wanted to write a book that transcends the boundaries of traditional songwriting guides, offering a universal perspective on creativity that empowers individuals to follow their creative hearts. With his signature humor and personal insights, Eppler aims to dismantle the myths that often cloak the creative process and provide clarity and inspiration to those seeking to unleash their artistic potential.

“I’ve been working on this book for the last year or so. It’s a relatively short book because I’m writing it for creative people. We have short attention spans. This is a 30,000-word kind of experience,” Eppler said.

Eppler’s motivation to write this book emerged from his extensive musical career, spanning two decades, during which he honed his craft with a trusty guitar in hand. In celebration of this milestone, Eppler felt compelled to share the lyrical treasures he had penned over the years. “A Songwriter’s Grimoire” thus became the perfect avenue for him to showcase his lyrics without veering too much into pretentious territory.

“I wrote this book because it’s the kind of book that I wish somebody would have handed me when I was starting out on my own artistic journey. I think it really would have made me feel more free and more purposeful,” Eppler said.

One of the book’s biggest concepts is the idea of “having safe sex with the Muse.” Eppler employs humor to address the delicate relationship between artists and their sources of inspiration. By shedding light on this dynamic, he encourages artists to embrace the Muse’s wonder without falling into the trap of mythologizing it.

The relationship with the Muse need not be toxic; instead, it can be a source of nourishment when approached with balance and care. “A Songwriter’s Grimoire” takes a trip into the realm of creativity and the pursuit of a life filled with self-expression, and doesn’t shy away from addressing the quirks and challenges of the creative process without succumbing to the pitfalls of conceit and arrogance. 

“A Songwriter’s Grimoire” also delves into the viewpoint of what Eppler calls the “seven categories of art.” This framework intends to help artists explore the various dimensions of their craft, allowing them to refine their skills and discover new avenues for self-expression.

Eppler tackles the age-old question of art’s purpose, emphasizing the importance of intention. Through his perspective, readers can come to understand that art and craft are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined facets of the creative journey. Defining their purpose becomes a crucial step for artists seeking to make meaningful contributions.

“Because the book uses the lens of songwriting to discuss larger concepts about the creative process, it’s not just a book for songwriters. The creative process is largely the same, no matter what you’re trying to get through, whether it’s a work project, a painting or a quilt. The basic process doesn’t really change,” Eppler said.

Eppler’s connection with Longmont spans nearly 15 years, making it a significant part of his creative journey. In “A Songwriter’s Grimoire,” he fondly reflects on his time in Longmont, describing it as a wellspring of inspiration. His love for the city is palpable in his songs, some of which are featured in the book itself.

Eppler is hosting a release party open mic event for the book on October 12 at the Dickens Opera House. The event is a fitting culmination of the themes and insights explored in “A Songwriter’s Grimoire” where creativity is not just discussed but actively encouraged and celebrated.

Candor and comedy set the tone for Boulder County Tonight - Longmont Leader

By: Matt Maenpaa

Longmont has a late night show, courtesy of Andy Eppler and Longmont Public Media. 

The show, called Boulder County Tonight, airs at 10 p.m. Saturday nights through Longmont Public Media, or LPM. Three episodes have been filmed, with guests including Native Station’s Greg Benton, Boulder Weekly’s Arts and Culture Editor Caitlin Rockett and Longmont Mayor Brian Bagley. Once an episode airs, it runs nightly on LPM at 10 p.m. until the next episode debuts. Boulder County Tonight is also hosted on Eppler’s YouTubechannel. 

According to LPM Executive Director Sergio Angeles, Eppler approached them with the concept for the show. LPM was happy to provide a venue for a late night talk show for the community. Other than some ground rules and disclaimers, Boulder County Tonight is Eppler’s show. Angeles and the staff at LPM taught him how to use the cameras and provided the stage and timeslot. The rest is in his hands.

“Eppler had a variety of topics he wanted to talk about on the show, including inviting candidates for the election this year,” Angeles said. “We don’t inject ourselves into show productions or tell producers what to do with their show. We’re just here to provide the space, gear and distribution for content that people want to create.”

Eppler, something of a renaissance man, is no stranger to the screen or stage. Eppler is an artist, filmmaker and musician that’s become something of a fixture in Longmont over the past decade. During the pandemic, Eppler made a cannabis-heavy video series dubbed The Hippie Report, sharing anecdotes and musings from his bathtub.

“I was trying to provide some sense of normalcy when we were all locked in our homes,” Eppler said. “People responded so well to (The Hippie Report) and seem to value the idea, so this new show is almost a sequel.”

In past election years, Eppler wrote a voter’s guide on ballot issues and political candidates based on his own research and opinions as an independent voter. The guide was often submitted to publications like the Longmont Leader as opinion piece. Boulder County Tonight is Eppler’s answer to that this election season, he said, to invite current politicians and candidates for an opportunity to connect with the community.

“The goal of the show is to introduce the community to these politicians in a way that isn’t combative or poisonous, because these are just people trying to help,” Eppler said. “And maybe I don’t agree with them, there aren’t all that many politicians I do agree with, but they are trying to help on a local level.”

While there are serious topics discussed on the show, Eppler still leans into the comedy side of things. The opening monologue for the third episode is a lengthy, crass and candid contrasting of Star Wars versus Star Trek. When Eppler gets into the nearly hour-long conversation with Mayor Bagley, it’s equally full of candor for both men, and the language is certainly not for polite company.

Eppler has a plan for the show’s sixteen episodes, and establishing the tone to put his guests at ease is the way he wants to get them comfortable talking about the deeper issues. Eppler ran a podcast with Benton in the past, so choosing him for the first guest was his soft opening. For Rockett, Eppler said he wanted someone who wasn’t a politician but was still deeply connected to the issues that face the county who would help him guide the show in the right direction.

“Andy has a large personality, I don’t think there’s any question about that,” Rockett said. “But inside that is a vulnerable person, someone who is really looking to dig into a community like Longmont and be a gadfly and really make change.”

Rockett wanted to approach the show as a member of the Boulder County media to broach issues that matter to the community, particularly homelessness and the city of Boulder resigning a franchise agreement with Xcel Energy. Rockett doesn’t consider herself an authority, but was grateful to hash out issues with a friend on camera, particularly as Longmont and Boulder County move closer to an election season. 

“Andy doesn’t take himself too seriously and I think that’s part of what makes his show accessible to people. He’s not trying to pretend he’s an authority on any of these issues,” Rockett said. “I think what makes the whole thing sort of wonderful is that he just wants to have a conversation with people.”

Mayor Bagley was another easy choice for Eppler. Eppler has been friendly with him since Bagley’s days on city council. The Mayor was quick to say yes, according to Eppler, and Bagley was more than candid on his opinions regarding Longmont’s political scene and the issues it faces during the nearly hour long interview.

“(Bagley) is a Libertarian, and I’m pretty liberal and socialist in my thinking, so we’re definitely on opposite ends of certain spectrums,” Eppler said. “But I wanted to show the community that two guys that definitely disagree on things can also like each other.”

Eppler’s next guest will be Mayor Pro Tem and candidate for one of the city council at-large seats Aren Rodriguez. The goal is to get each of the candidates on the show in the weeks leading up to the November election. The final petitions for city council and mayoral candidates in Longmont are due August 23. Eppler is hopeful that whomever Longmont’s next mayor winds up being will be the final guest on the show after the election.

“We’re going to have honest conversations with people that are trying to help our community grow and not leave people behind as they do,” Eppler said.

Boulder County Tonight airs nightly at 10 p.m. on Channel 8 and new episodes debut on Saturdays.

https://www.longmontleader.com/local-news/candor-and-comedy-set-the-tone-for-boulder-county-tonight-4242823

Boulder County Tonight Article by Longmont Times Call

To engage more people in local politics, a Longmont artist and musician is fusing comedy and candid conversation to talk about community issues.

Andy Eppler is the creator of the brand-new “Boulder County Tonight,” a 16-part series that began airing Aug. 7 and will run through November. Each episode is roughly a half-hour long, and following jokes and a monologue, the show spotlights different local issues and presents interviews with city leaders and candidates vying for the next political title.

“I feel like a lot of locals didn’t even realize we were having an election,” Eppler said. “Of course, average citizens don’t necessarily know who their city councilpeople are. I’m trying to like, with a heart of playfulness and joy, lead our community through some of that.”

Eppler said he thinks local politics are important, because that’s where residents are going to see the most change, whether it’s policy related to the coronavirus or helping the homeless. With a curiosity for these issues that impact his community, Eppler said his goal was to create “nonpoisonous” discussions with local politicians. He said that means listening to their ideas, rather than debating with them.

So far, Eppler has interviewed fellow musician Greg Benton, Boulder Weekly writer Caitlin Rockett and Longmont Mayor Brian Bagley. For episode four, Eppler interviewed City Councilmember Aren Rodriguez to talk about homelessness in Longmont and housing prices.

Wanting the show to have an authentic, unedited vibe, Eppler said he peppers the show with expletives.

“I have a certain flavor, for sure,” Eppler said. “If I were to edit myself, people that follow my art would know that, and they would know that I’m holding back and not speaking from the heart. They would know I’m putting on a front. That’s just against the law in my art.”

Eppler shared his idea for the show in mid-June with Sergio Angeles, the executive director of Longmont Public Media.

“Longmont’s never had a late-night show, Boulder County’s never had a late-night show, so we said, ‘Let’s go for it,’” Angeles said. “As a media maker space and public access TV station, that’s why we exist, to help facilitate the creation of concepts such as this by local residents in our community.”

Eppler moved to Longmont in 2009 from Lubbock, Texas, to play music in a band. He is part of the Left Hand Artists Group, which brings together musicians, local beer brewers and artists to help empower and promote one another. Eppler plays guitar, piano, drums and bass and has performed at local venues.

His new show is not his first appearance on Longmont Public Media. Last year in April, he played guitar and harmonica for a show titled “Quarantunes #1.”

Every local election season, Eppler said, he writes opinion editorials for local online publications, including The Longmont Leader. The show is not his first broadcast endeavor; he’s had other comedy interview shows and podcasts of his own.

Angeles said people are encouraged to reach out to Longmont Public Media if they have an idea for a show they would look to explore.

He commended Eppler’s show for providing some comic relief, while teaching people about local politics.

“Comedy is needed. I think it brings interesting dialogue, especially between the guests,” Angeles said.

Eppler’s YouTube channel numbers show close to 2,000 views per episode — a number Angeles says is continuing to grow.

“It’s easy for people to be distracted by national level politics, but the truth is in their real lives, I believe people are more affected by local politics whether they realize it or not,” Eppler said. “People that disagree can still have a polite conversation about how to help our community.”

Where to see the show

What: “Boulder County Tonight“

When: 10 p.m. every night, with new episodes premiering Saturdays

Where: It can be viewed on Longmont Public Media’s YouTube channel; at 10 p.m. on public access Channel 8 and is available on demand through the Roku app.

Have a show idea? Reach out to sergio@longmontpublicmedia.org to start a discussion.

By KELSEY HAMMON | khammon@prairiemountainmedia.com | Longmont Times-Call

PUBLISHED: August 22, 2021

Boulder Weekly: Archiving Andy

https://www.boulderweekly.com/entertainment/archiving-andy/

by Matt Maenpaa

On a recent trip to Texas, Andy Eppler found himself stoned and tripping on a small dose of acid at 3 a.m. in Denver International Airport. With an empty airport at his disposal and hours to kill before his flight, Eppler started filming at strange angles with an eye on sacred geometry.

Branching beyond the life of a working musician, as many around the county have known him, these days Eppler is embracing a holistic approach to art. While he still plays music, Eppler has delved into filmmaking, painting and hosting homespun talk shows to understand himself and offer his own brand of strange love to the world around him.

Eppler didn’t plan on making a movie, he was just flying back to Austin. But the pot, the acid and eerie solitude of DIA spoke to him. So, he got out his phone and started filming, capturing the moments when the airport started coming back to life in the early morning.

“There are beautiful little things lining up. That whole airport was built by the Masons, so everything is super geometric,” Eppler says over coffee at a cafe in Longmont, flurries swirling in the frigid air. “It’s super easy to set up these shots.”

Eppler’s art films are shot entirely on his phone and amount to more than a half-dozen shorts since 2018. The films are just another artistic exploration for him—raw, unapologetic a little surreal. The inspiration of an acid tablet and an empty airport is par for the course for a man who made more than 400 episodes of The Hippie Report, a stream-of-conscious one-man show often filmed naked in his bathtub with a joint on his lips.

The films—along with The Hippie Report and Boulder County Tonight, Eppler’s election-season late-night show—are an opportunity to put his whole self on display. For Eppler, there is no character to play, no persona, just one man continuously putting himself out in the world for all to see. That includes starring in several films with Denver film company Spark Erotic, as well as making the music for them.

“They wrote a film for me to be in, so I starred in an erotic film. I played myself—one of my only stipulations was no fake name. I’m not embarrassed of what I’m doing,” Eppler explains. “And I wanted to do the music. I’m not going to do a sex movie without also doing the music for it. I want to make sex music.”

While he says it’s certainly fun to make an erotic film, it’s also incredibly challenging for him. 

After just over a decade playing music in Colorado, first as part of roots-Americana duo The Prairie Scholars and then as a solo act, Eppler’s spent the past few years exploring his other artistic interests. Paintings, film, photography and erotica are all just stones on the path that leads to “Ando the Artist”—it all comes from a place of vulnerability and a desire to put his whole self out there. But Eppler’s salacious and substance-infused ambling toward a strange future can’t happen without a sojourn to the past.

The flight back to Texas was more than just an opportunity for making a new film, but a homecoming for Eppler. His alma mater, Texas Tech University, is adding his music and art to their archives.

“Soon I’ll be the only person on Earth who has their art in the archives of Texas Tech University and their film purchased by the London Sperm Bank,” Eppler says with a laugh.

Eppler has been pouring through album art, handwritten lyrics and more, quite literally indexing his past for the archives.

“I don’t believe the universe is sentient, but if it were, the message I would assume it’s sending me is to expand and explore more,” Eppler opins. “It’s literally putting my music career in a museum.”

Eppler finds poignancy in the message, recalling feeling isolated and unappreciated in his hometown, musing that perhaps his absence has made hearts grow fonder. Eppler’s taking it as an opportunity for closure of a chapter of his life.

Eppler also acknowledges the honor of having his work added to the archives alongside esteemed alumni artists like Waylon Jennings and Buddy Holly. He’s not emotionally connected to the archive or his alma mater, Eppler says, but he’s proud to have his work there.

And Eppler isn’t giving up music. From writing soundtracks for his own films, as well as more work with Spark Erotic, Longmont’s renaissance man keeps writing and recording songs. His new project is more of an EP than Eppler’s 2020 Brokedown Deluxe, a 30-track project that took three years to come together.

“I’m just going to do EPs from now on, I think. Just little bites,” Eppler says.

Like Eppler’s films, the new music is a brief exploration of mood and desires, born of a need to have his music grow alongside the rest of his artistic self. The five-track EP is titled Lonely Disco: Lust Letters to my Friends, a collection of songs about sex and relationships. 

One track, “It Rolls Like Thunder,” is a bombastic piece of ’70s soul with a throbbing bass line and an almost orchestral chorus. Eppler’s voice conjures a growling Tom Jones as he croons out an ode to worshiping a partner, rejoicing in the connection.

“You know I wish I could dream about you / Just about you / So I wake up every day just to touch you,” Eppler purrs through the opening of the track.

To celebrate the nexus of his past and present, Eppler wanted to throw a party. To ease the burden, Eppler brought in his friend AJ Foxx and her event planning business, Sobremesa Creative Solutions. Foxx, a professional model and event organizer, connected with Eppler a few years back, considering herself both a friend and a huge fan. 

“I’ve been Andy’s friend for a long time. This kind of work has a high turnover in friends, but we stuck it out,” Foxx says. “It’s great he’s expanding beyond the idea of being just a musician.”

Both Foxx and Eppler agreed the ideal venue for the show would be Longmont’s Abbott & Wallace Distilling. Eppler has graced the stage of the craft distillery on numerous occasions, often haunting it even when he isn’t playing. 

The pair want to be sure that it won’t be just a gallery showing, but a proper experience. Eppler’s erotica may make an appearance, as well as a few colleagues and friends from Spark Erotic, but he assured the public (and the distillery owners) that no sexual activity would be on display. 

True to his brand, the two-day art show offers up a sampler-pack of Eppler’s art, music and the debut of his latest efforts, Denver International Airport and Lonely Disco. Prints, vinyl, old Prairie Scholars merch and Andy’s new strange things will be offered up for sale before he sticks his Texas roots in the archive. 

Review from AfricanHype Magazine

https://africanhype.com/andy-eppler-broke-down-deluxe/

Can the sad clown still tell a joke? By Caitlin Rockett for Boulder Weekly

A couple of years ago, in the disorienting wake of a divorce, Andy Eppler found himself in his garden, pondering the transience of life.

His friend Dave — “my garden mystic,” Eppler says — convinced him to grow a big bed of “Crystal Palace” lobelia, these little clumps of dark blue flowers that merge to form striking, delicate carpets of color. 

He captures that moment in the garden early on in his new album, Broke-Down Deluxe.

“My life burned down this year / And I did my best to quench you,” he croons in “Losing The Lobelia.” “And just as trauma passes from me now / So my lovelies / Went you.”

“The flowers will always remind me of that year and all the hardships and trauma that eventually passed away from me,” Eppler writes in the 116-page art book he created to accompany Broke-Down Deluxe. “The flowers, no matter how much I cared for them, eventually passed away. The lovely things and the terrible things, they all pass away. That makes them sacred.”

The cover of Andy Eppler’s ‘Broke-Down Deluxe’

His voice versatile (Tom Waits here, Tom Jones there), his musical proclivities eclectic, Eppler transverses rugged musical territory with ease, offering slinky, lounge-tinged love-lost songs (“Winter On The Moon”) alongside crunchy, anthemic rock cuts (“Much Less Under”) and spacier psychedelic missions (“Hits The Floor”). 

The book pairs watercolors, acrylics, liquid light, photography and digital design with song lyrics and explications to create a kind of journal from a past self to a future self: This pain is temporary, and it will open your mind. 

“It was a traumatic thing for me,” Eppler says of the divorce during a phone conversation recently from his home in Longmont. “And so it’s, for me, way more vulnerable to write a love song now than ever. I consider being vulnerable part of the job description. If you want to have an idea that someone lets into their mind and heart, I think you have to earn that.”

Andy EpplerEppler says he “aggressively skimmed” Ray Kurzweil’s book ‘Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology,’ and “it scared the fucking shit out of” him. Eppler touches on man’s relationship with technology on the track “We Build The Gods.”

Eppler earns it by baring his soul over and over. 

“I’m not an easy guy / I guess you’re noticing,” he sings on “Winter On The Moon,” only one of two tracks on the album that features any production or songwriting by someone other than Eppler (in this case, Greg Benton; Tim Ostdiek co-wrote the honky-tonk-influenced kiss-off track “I Wanna Get High Forever”). “You read me like a sign / With neon vacancies / I hope I find my place / I hope you’ll stay for weed / I hope you’ll stay for weeks / I hope you’ll stay for me.”

Eppler’s willingness to bare his soul seems rooted, oddly enough, in his history with religion. Raised in Lubbock, Texas — his parents both church employees — the first thing Eppler wanted to be in life was a worship leader. 

“I saw [our church’s worship leader] doing all this great work that really seemed to reach people,” Eppler says. “And after that experience was done, those people seemed happy and fulfilled, like they had just eaten a good meal. I wanted to do that for people. I wanted to show up and cook them a meal of art and love and have it give them a little sustenance in some way.”

But Eppler grew uncomfortable making money through religion and found himself more drawn to connecting with people through his art.

“I discovered people like Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder, and the idea of Bob Dylan being this poet who happened to also be a musician really reached me,” he says.

Musically, it took years for Eppler to tap into his own vulnerabilities. 

“In my 20s, especially because I was very depressed and in a bad relationship, I didn’t want to talk about myself — I didn’t necessarily like myself,” he says. “I wanted to tell stories that meant something, parables, you know, things that would help people think and maybe access new, beautiful ideas for themselves. It’s totally a great, noble idea, but also sort of obviously avoids the thing that most songwriters write about, which is themselves.”

The end of his marriage provided a chance for Eppler to take a hard look inside and figure out who he was, and what he wanted to do. In the book, Eppler writes about baring more than his soul after the divorce by appearing in an erotic short film. The track “Can I Give It All Up To You?” — a dewy-eyed song that leans into romance for its eroticism — was written to soundtrack the film. 

“That’s not even the most offensive thing I’ve said or made,” Eppler says of the film. “It’s only offensive if you think sexuality’s offensive, and that’s exactly why I said yes to that project. I’ve been experimenting in that world since I became single again at, like, 30, and that has been a really engaging and growth-oriented part of my life.” 

Eppler believes in the power of saying yes; not in a hedonistic way (no matter your thoughts on erotic film), but in a soul-searching way. Less manic episode, more productive brainstorming. It’s another divine message he discovered in the garden: the “yes voice.” 

Of course there was a little help from some psilocybin. 

“It was a mystical vision I had where I was chatting with my flower garden in my backyard,” Eppler says. “Roses, pansies, petunias.”

Over the course of the “conversation,” Eppler found himself wondering — or rather, the flowers asked him — what’s the greatest truth in the universe? 

“I decided that if you follow the timeline of the universe all the way back, you get to a place that is like, ‘Will there or won’t there be a universe?’ And here we are in the ‘yes’ version of that.”

In the six years since, Eppler has held on to that revelation: An idea is a universe just waiting to be born. Just get out of its way and let it happen.

“When I do my work and I follow my own creative impulses, I’m actually evolutionarily tuning in,” he says. “There’s not a functioning idea — it’s happenstance, but the fizz being created in the universe is called creation and it’s a naturally occurring thing. And when I [create], it is exactly the same.”

Natural is a fitting term for Broke-Down Deluxe. This is Eppler in his natural state: creating, learning, re-framing, wash, rinse, repeat. While sadness may have been the catalyst for the album, it’s not the binder that holds it all together — that’s love. 

“This album is dedicated to my lovers, my friends and my cat who all save me all the time,” Eppler writes. “I hope you will say ‘yes’ to the art, hope and love that is inside you. The world needs your unique medicine.”

Broke-Down Deluxe is Eppler’s medicine, for himself and for others.

“In the past it has felt to me like the universe picked on me and chose me for special suffering,” he says. “And nowadays I think of it more like the job of the universe to do exactly that function, to cause me to grow. And I hate that Tony-Robbins-kind-of bullshit, but that’s how I think of it now. Now it’s more like, ‘Can the clown get through this sad story and still make a joke?’” 

FINDING THAT WAY INSIDE: ANDY EPPLER SEARCHES FOR THE SPECIAL MOMENT ON THE GROOVY ‘MUCH LESS UNDER’ by Llewelyn Screen

Colorado artist, singer-songwriter and podcast host Andy Eppler brings his unique style to the fore of our minds on ‘Much Less Under‘.

The jazzy start gets you in the mood rather quickly and you get the feeling that this is going to be a song full of much heart and soul. The bouncy intro is a pleasure on the ears as the gritty vocals have so much blues and soul wrapped around the edges here. His voice is real and simmers hot like a hot cuppa coffee, this is a man that is a true storyteller and has clearly lived life to the fullest.

His artwork seems to be the main passion in his life and probably pays the bills as the music is a treat he teases the world, as this is an incredible singer-songwriter. The way he tells stories is a blessing to hear as he tells us about how he was invited into seeing more of their heart but something is holding him back from seeing the whole picture. Perhaps they are either too shy to let you know more or they have been hurt before and are making sure that you are the real deal. Sometimes people let you in but wait a while until they feel the timing is 100% right, if that ever happens.

Andy Eppler is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, artist and podcast host who clearly has the gift of the gab and he sings with such intrigue here on ‘Much Less Under‘. The story of trying to work out what the best way in is with a person that is holding back from what they really want. With his quality band, his strong vocals and a style that has so much soul, this is a song that will have you pondering your next move when you see your crush again.

Andy Eppler introducing a brand new release: Broke-Down Deluxe - coming out with matching art book. by ZACK SULTAN

December 2020 - Andy Eppler is an artist and songwriter hailing from Colorado. His music blurs the lines between Americana, Country, and Folk, going for a heartfelt and emotionally driven sound. His most recent studio release, “Broke-Down Deluxe,” is not only a deluxe edition of his well-received recent studio album, but it also comes with a matching art book. This is a true multi-media experience for the audience, signaling Andy’s artistic versatility, as well as his passion for immersive storytelling. I am a big fan of artists who transcend traditional release formats, and this is definitely the case here. The whole “Broke-Down” experience is incredibly well-crafted, whether you aim to simply enjoy the music, or match the listening with the stunning visuals in the book. This release is highly recommended if you are a fan of artists such as Steely Dan, as well as Roy Ayers, only to mention a few!

Three years in the making, Longmont musician Eppler releases 'Broke-Down Deluxe' By: Matt Maenpaa →

Andy Eppler is a familiar name among Colorado musicians. Active in the arts and music scene since he first moved to Colorado in 2009, he’s played gigs solo and with group acts. He’s a painter, photographer, actor — a self-professed “Renaissance man” of creative pursuits.

As 2020 draws to a close, Longmont resident Eppler is celebrating the release of “Broke-Down Deluxe” to cap off a year that has radically changed the lives of professional musicians across the globe. The album was three years in the making, with work on songs such as “We Build the Gods” starting as far back as 2017. 

“It feels really good,” Eppler said of last month’s album release. “The album absolutely sums up the last three years, running just this side of a concept album.”

“Broke-Down Deluxe” is a double album Eppler produced in his home studio and, with the exception of a few guest musicians, the tracks are a true solo project from vocals to instrumentation. The first half of the album contains the full songs, with the back half a reprise of instrumentals. 

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The album leads with “Much Less Under,” what Eppler referred to as “the rock ’n’ roll starter of the album.” The track owes a lot to blues and soul, with horn tracks punctuating the heavy rhythm lines and a vocal track reminiscent of a growling Tom Jones. 

In the art book released alongside the album, Eppler describes the heart of the opening track: “The song is about a relationship obviously, but more specifically it’s about the desire to connect and the awful feeling of being hidden from. The lead vocal track needed to embody both of those elements.”
 

Longmont musician Andy Eppler in November 2020 released “Broke-Down Deluxe” to cap off a year that has radically changed the lives of professional musicians across the globe. (Courtesy photo)

The album is full of soul, with horns and fuzzed out bass playing against spacy synths. The music and lyrics balance universal ideas and poetic musings with some deeply personal songs: “Being a person who struggles with depression and anxiety, the album is a celebration of turning the page and finding new ways to bloom,” Eppler said.

The art book, also titled “Broke-Down Deluxe,” serves a dual purpose of a visual gallery of photography and paintings and providing lyrics to the songs and notes on the production and personal history of the music. The art is done in a variety of mediums from impressionist self-portraits in oil to pop art and erotic photography. 

“It’s a sampler platter of the last five years and beyond, of these projects that have kept my attention,” Eppler said.

The life of a professional musician wasn’t always easy, but 2020 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have made things substantially more difficult. In June, the National Independent Venue Association, citing a survey of its members, stated that 90% of independent venues reported they will close permanently in a few months without federal funding.

NIVA — which “includes nearly 2,000 independent live entertainment venues and promoters from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., banding together to fight for survival” — further stated that live events provide 75% of all artists’ income, citing a Business Insider report.

Though Eppler was more discerning in the gigs he would take before the novel coronavirus took hold, he acknowledged the year had been hard.

“My whole life just kind of stopped,” he said. “But I’ve made it a point to not write about all that, or about Trump. It’s just not something I wanted to comment on in my art. I didn’t want to write The Great Coronavirus song.”

Eppler hasn’t joined the crowd of musicians that stream concerts from home, indicating he wasn’t interested in vying for attention in that space. But he said he is not averse to putting himself out there on his own terms. He streams “The Hippie Report” via Facebook Live, a series of monologues and musings occasionally delivered from his candle-lit bathtub. 

“It’s just forcing myself to take a smoke break for 20 minutes or an hour and just talking about what’s been on my mind,” he said.

Though “Broke-Down Deluxe” is available for purchase, Eppler has made it available for free on his websiteand through popular streaming sites. 

“I didn’t go into debt. I don’t have to make my money back for studio costs, because I did the whole thing myself. I don’t want the barrier of money keeping people from the album. The year is hard enough already and money is tight for all of us.” Eppler added with a laugh, “but I do have a Venmo if people want to tip me.”

“I hope these songs, which are about relationships, depression, anxiety, the future, help people feel less alone.” Eppler said. “I hope it helps people find a little beauty and mystery.”

“Broke-Down Deluxe” and the accompanying art book can be found atandyeppler.com, as well asSpotify,YouTubeand other digital music services.

https://www.longmontleader.com/arts/three-years-in-the-making-longmont-musician-eppler-releases-broke-down-deluxe-3161429

Avalanche Journal

William Kerns 7-2008

This year, the headliner expected to interest the younger, college-age market is Cross Canadian Ragweed, a four-piece alternative country band originally from Yukon, Okla., and became known for touring hundreds of days per year. Record label executives could not ignore the band's gigantic fan base. Local singer-songwriter Andy Eppler, 22, was hired to open Saturday for Ragweed. He also performed at a Cactus Theater show with Joe Ely, and was to have opened a Ray Wylie Hubbard concert, which canceled. Eppler calls his festival participation a "huge honor," adding, "Don Caldwell is the most historic music figure left in Lubbock; that he likes what I'm doing means even more." Broadway Festivals is administrating the Lubbock Music Festival's street fair. Tracy Bacon, president of Broadway Festivals, noted, "This won't be like 4th on Broadway.”

Avalanche Journal

by William Kerns May 2011

Andy Eppler's "Lubbock, Texas" is a killer song that gradually also becomes a sing-along, and most likely will become a requested favorite when played in Lubbock music venues by Eppler ... or eventually by artists who are going to feel a growing kinship with the Lubbock-born singer-songwriter.

The song already works, but adding Kenny Maines familiar voice on harmony and chorus is a blessed stroke of genius as it dilutes any perceived bitterness and puts the emphasis back on fun.

Sure, " Lubbock , Texas " is an original composition that will continue to reflect the frustrations of a young artist -- any young artist -- but it isn't ugly and the door is left open for Andy and Lubbock to one day kiss and make up.

South Plains College Newspaper

2004

Jen Colnee

Eppler Misses Poetry in Music Jennifer Conlee, co-news editor Andy Eppler and his band, The Blue Notes, are plotting the demise of pop music. At least, that's what the artistic young man said as he slid into his seat at a Lubbock coffee house recently. "If folk and jazz had a one night stand," said Eppler, trying to explain his music, "I would be their bastard child." Eppler, a South Plains College student who was born and raised in Lubbock, has been playing and writing his music for six years. As many people do, he started out by performing at church. "I'm in music because I can't do anything else," said Eppler, claiming this as the creed of most musicians. "The music scene today is made up of people who are untalented in other areas, not those who are talented in music." Eppler has been playing with his new band for about six months. "I went around and found the best musicians," he said, "and I hired them. In a way, I hire them for each show." The Blue Notes consists of Eppler's girlfriend, Jessica Carson, who provides backup vocals, Skylar Stevens on drums, and Micah Vasquez on bass. All of the band members attend South Plains College. Eppler's music is his form of poetry. "People don't appreciate language any more," he claimed. "They all listen to pop music, which is void of real content; it's repetitive and meaningless." Eppler's goal is to bring poetry back into the world. However, he's afraid that no one would read it. "I believe that people are deeper than they seem," Eppler said. "I want to believe that people are not shallow."This is why he writes his unique music. "The sad thing about the majority of the musicians in this town (Lubbock) is that they don't do anything original," said Eppler. "They are just cover bands, and play other people's music." He adds, "You can't call yourself an artist if you're a cover band. You're just a jukebox. I try to encourage people to support live music in all it's forms but lets not call something art that isn't." His advice to other musicians who are trying to make it big in music is to start writing, even if the stuff is bad. "If musicians in Lubbock would put out their own stuff, this town would not be a nowhere town," he said. Andy Eppler and the Blue Notes are currently trying a daring project that most musicians won't. "We will be putting out a new CD on the third Saturday of every month," said Eppler. For each release, the Blue Notes perform at Sugar Brown's, a popular coffee house in Lubbock, every third Saturday each month. The performances are free to the public. For more information about Eppler and his performance dates and times, visit his Myspace music page at www.myspace.com/andyeppler.

Virtualubbock.com

Chris Oglesby 7-07

THERE IS NO UNDERGROUND" is the self-produced CD by Lubbock native Andy Eppler. This is a must-have CD for all fans of great music from Lubbock. Recorded mostly in Andy's home and mastered by Acuff-based sound guru Alan Crossland, this record is filled with clever lyrics and masterful ecclectic music. Andy's versatility and virtuosity remind me of Austin-based Bob Schneider. With 15 tracks of music, this loaded album will not disappoint anyone who gives it a listen. I've told Andy that the final track "Lubbock TX" could be the new unofficial theme song for virtualubbock.com. -Chris Oglesby

Daily Toreador (Texas Tech)

April 03, 2008

Chelsea Roe

Doug Haines and Andy Eppler speak out on originality The snow is falling, and time seems to be slowing down as we progress into the semester, but life around us does not stop. In fact - it is the perfect time of the year to let creativity fester and prepare for summer festivities. Two local artists who repeatedly have given back to the community scene - Andy Eppler, 22, and Doug Haines, 33, - earned themselves prestigious invitations to open up Lubbock's centennial celebrations this past weekend at the City Bank Coliseum onstage in front of thousands of Lubbock residents. Now, through Myspace's "Artist on Artist" program, these two begin a project to inform us what it has been like to invest in Lubbock's culture over the years they've been here, and they hope to stir up an interest in the original artists this city has yet to discover. It has been a long tedious journey for these friends, but it had to start somewhere. Eppler: "I guess the first thing you want to start with is when you came to Lubbock." Haines: "Well when I first came to Lubbock I wasn't a musician." Eppler: "Really? I didn't know that." Haines: "Yeah, I was a huge music fan. I came to town and saw bands like the Texas Belairs and John Sprott, but there weren't a lot of shows coming through town. I didn't start playing until a year almost and took a couple of lessons from someone I found flipping through a phone book. Back then, I was a lead player, and I didn't play rhythm at all, but I had to accept the fact that I would never be a great lead player. I was writing a lot, so I started playing around with chords and writing songs with them. So I was just playing around town until I had the pleasure of meeting you, young Andrew." Eppler: "We met through a booking agent that another friend of ours, we'll call him "Sam," hooked us up with. The first time we met, I was playing at some place I probably shouldn't have been playing at." Haines: "Ironically, it used to be a gay bar in town." Eppler: "Icehouse!" Haines: "Yeah the Texas Icehouse. It was a really funny place to see YOU for the first time." Eppler: "I definitely didn't have four hours worth of stuff then." Haines: "I remember you played 'C-Sharp Minor.'" Eppler: "That song has been around since I was 16. There were about eight people total in the bar, and I was stoked 'cause it was my first time to get paid $200 to play. A guy from the bar had told me to start coming out to open mikes, and I started playing open mike nights at Bash Riprock's and got hooked up with this gig, so I had finally gotten my big break playing at an actual bar - that I had to sneak into because I was too young." Haines: "I remember telling you to stick through the originals, but I know it's going to be harder. It's like going uphill the whole time, but I've always felt that it's the way to go." Eppler: "I remember when you told me that, too. And when I was introduced to you it was like … and this is Dr. Skoob. He is God." Haines: "Ha. I had people fooled." Eppler: "Not too fooled. But I remember after that I would come out to one of your gigs every once in a while and you would come to mine. You were the only other person I knew at the time doing originals." At this statement the realization that listening to Haines' advice was probably the best move Eppler could have made in his music career kicks in. Sticking to each other's side and always supportive of each other's creativity; it is partially through both of their own flavors that Lubbock has developed its own unique taste these days. Never giving into jumping on the cover-band bandwagon, both Haines and Eppler have influenced musicians and music lovers alike with their originality, giving a multitude of others around town someone to play for - even sharing band members such as Nic Schute on the trumpet or an occasional guest appearance from other friends. I'm sure just as I do, both Eppler and Haines would have this to say: If you've got originals, the only way anyone is going to hear them is if you play them.

Avalanche Journal

by William Kerns

Stunt draws attention to songwriting Becoming a prolific songwriter would mean nothing at all if the songs were bad. Andy Eppler, 21 and the walking, talking portrait of confidence, is very aware of that and didn't let the warning bother him one iota. In fact, he is taking a short break from songwriting this month precisely because he does not want to burn out. Earlier this year, he called The A-J and announced that he was going to write and record one album of original songs every month for six consecutive months. He wound up recording for five, rather than six, months. William Kerns He and his girlfriend decided to get married, and a wedding demanded a lot more time-consuming planning than he had expected. (The joy was short-lived after their honeymoon. They returned home and discovered their apartment had been burglarized.) Eppler has a commercial music degree at South Plains College in Levelland. More than anything, though, Eppler is a creative writer, a poet and a lyricist. And he writes a lot. In fact, SPC songwriting professor Jay Lemon applauded his songs' quality. "Andy is the most prolific writer ever to attend this school of songwriters, and everything he does is far above average," Lemon said. I'm not sure how Eppler's dad, a local pastor, will take all this, but the songwriter cracked me up with recollections of early songwriting when performing at church. He explained, "You just mix words like holy, blood, river and spirit, and you have a song." Adapting a song just involved "taking out 'baby,' and substituting 'Jesus.' " He annoyed venue owners until they booked him. Then he'd let his original jazz-inspired folk work its magic. The young musician said that he can perform four hours of original material. One would assume that he has great memorization skills. Not so. Eppler keeps spiral song books close at hand for referral purposes. "My memorization is so bad that I had to cheat at school when we had quizzes about Bible verses." If he could make a living with poems and stories, he would pursue that. He said, "Lyrics are the new poetry." Eppler owns quite a bit of music equipment, records about eight tunes to a CD, burns about 50 of them, rubber stamps an image on the outside and sells them for $5 each at his gigs. That's a bargain for friends used to downloading whatever they want to hear off the Internet for $1 a song. The response has been great. His CDs sell. As for recording 40 originals in five months, Eppler freely admits, "I did that as a promotional stunt." The stunt worked. But it's not like he's trying to land a recording contract. Rather, his dream is that his songs will be discovered and others will record them. "I'm just proving my chops, showing people what I can do." - William Kerns