Ever type a URL incorrectly and get bounced to a page that has nothing to do with what you were looking for? I did this earlier today and discovered my first "Diamond in the Rough", so to speak, Stu Sweatman. Time to get to know him better....
Stu is the unlikley owner of "thisdayinrock.com", which bounces to StuSweatman.com. Stu Sweatman is a unique individual: For one thing, his music, bought direct from his mini-player costs a little less than iTunes, at $.77/track, or the somewhat telling $7.77 for the entire album. And yes, you have to buy Stu Sweatman's music. He's not a charity, damnit.
Incidentially, Stu is also on iTunes, but under the name "Ontario" -- but he assures fans that he, and he alone, did all the music and production. He'd also like his fans to leave him reviews there, according to his MySpace.
Stu kindly provides some background on his life on his official site: he comes from a family of musicians and was "tickling the ivorys" at the "meager" age of two [I'm guessing he shares my dislike for babies?] He then learned drums, but at the age of 20, "picked up a guitar and vocals." Sweet. I want to pick up some vocals, too. Says Stu of his own music, "my ecclectic style makes me a unique sound in this marketplace!"
So, let's hear his "ecclectic" style, shall we?
Load up the music sampler at StuSweatman.com and let's have a listen....
Oh, were to start? I like how "Nibble" starts out with him screaming "NO!", which is what I started to do as soon as I began listening to the samples. But I carried on, as I am bound by duty to do so.
"Mary's Still Got Her Monkey" just... blew my mind, but not in a good way -- in the sort of way where I was seeking relief [possibly inserting something larger than my elbow into my ear?] when the next song kicked in, "Jamaican Me Crazy." No, really. He actually called a song "Jamaican Me Crazy."
It all ends with "Danny's Song"... poor Danny. I bet people in Stu's town are all, "hey, Danny? Is that Stu Sweatman song about you?" And Danny is all, "Hell no, that's some other Danny!" And the people accept this, until Stu skulks up and says, "Danny! My bestest friend ever! I'm writing another song about you!" And Danny cries and runs away.
Stu lists little in the way of interests other than music -- but why would he? A talent such as this should not allow himself to be distracted by anything -- be it sleep, food, drink, using the bathroom... it doesn't matter. He should only focus on music. However, he does have a nickname, as he signs his Web site Stu "Buktu" Sweatman. I think I prefer calling him "Sweats." I mean, what's a "Buktu", anyway?
As for his site, it's a little dry. Lots of "site coming soon - check back!", even on the most crucial page of all: the "Booking Info" and "Fan Club." However, as usual, MySpace saves the day -- because of course, Stu is on there as well!
Photo time!
Casual Stu. Not sure about the shorts; don't want to be.
Hey! That's not how you play a guitar! This is Stu showing off his notorious sense of humor. See that smile on his face?
The old "me and my ex, but it was a good picture, so I had to cut her out!"
And on that note, here's to you, Mr. Sweatman... you are a true Diamond in the Rough, and I wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors.
