THIMK
THIMK marks a significant milestone as my first EP release. It also stands as my final musical endeavor for my devoted fans. Regrettably, the music industry has undergone a detrimental transformation, with the diminished financial viability of records and inadequate compensation from streams. Although my last album, “We’ll Talk About It Later In The Car,” released in 2019, enjoyed apparent success, the prospect of releasing another project left me apprehensive. The album proved to be a costly endeavor, consuming both personal and professional time, and the exhaustive efforts invested yielded no reward. Initially, I had intended for that to serve as my final album. However, my wife persuaded me to assemble this EP as a special offering for my fans.
While my intention to continue writing persists, this EP stands as my final musical offering. Consider it a gift from me to you. I've chosen not to engage in interviews about this project; instead, you can find comprehensive details about the songs and the stories behind them below. My sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported my career; it is now time for me to retire from recording. I sincerely hope you find joy in this short, but musical farewell.
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Love and Sunshine,
Stephen Bishop
About the name THIMK
THIMK, a name that tickles the senses, shares a humorous resemblance to the word "THINK." Flashback to the 1980s, where I stumbled upon a pin boasting the peculiar term "THIMK" while out shopping . Given my penchant for eccentric pins, I adorned many in those days, and this particular name left a mark on me. Initially, I contemplated using "THIMK" for other albums, but deemed it too peculiar at the time. My wife found it hilarious and believed it would prompt people to "THINK" about "THIMK."
About The Artwork Cover
The artwork derives from a painting I created in 1982, aptly named "Bowling in Paris." It incorporates the number eight, a long-standing symbol of luck in my life. Despite my desire to incorporate it earlier, the opportunity only presented itself now. While I'm uncertain of its specific symbolism, in the realm of art, does it truly matter what it represents? As long as you find it appealing, that's what truly counts, isn't it?
About The Songs
1. She'll Always Be My Girl
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The journey of this song started in the early 1980s with just a few initial lines. Despite attempts to develop it over the years proving futile, the turning point occurred during the pandemic. Collaborating with my friend James Bourne (known for Busted, Son of Dork, FutureBoy) in some co-writing sessions, we crafted several songs together. I approached him to lend his lyricism prowess to an old unfinished song of mine. Thanks to his skill in weaving words together, we successfully completed the song relatively quickly. It's a harmonious fusion of old and new inspirations, and personally, one of my favorite creations in a long time.
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2. Now That I've Hit The Big Time (Dear Ol' Mom)
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Originally composed in the early 1970s as a heartfelt tribute to my mother, this song reflects the sentiment that every mother deserves a musical homage. Regrettably, she never had the chance to hear it, as I never recorded a demo back then; the melody lingered solely in my mind. A few years ago, I shared it with my wife, who insisted that I record a demo, recognizing the song's unique significance. This piece vividly captures the essence of my early days in the music industry and underscores the profound impact a mother's love can have in facilitating her children's success.
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3. Liz (So In Love With You)
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Being the wife of a songwriter comes with its challenges. While being a wife to any husband or partner has its difficulties, navigating the world as a songwriter's wife adds an extra layer of complexity – the late nights consumed by creativity and the unpredictable nature of artistic inspiration. I must admit that I took longer than I should have to write this song for my wife; she deserved it much sooner. This also happens to be the most recent song I've penned, and I invested more time in it than usual. The extended effort was primarily to avoid the need for a second song in case the first one didn't resonate with her. Fortunately, she gave her approval.
Liz, I extend my heartfelt thanks for all that you do; I genuinely cannot fathom what life would be like without you. This song is dedicated solely to you and my fans. My hope is that everyone finds a life partner as supportive and enduring as my wife.
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4. In The Limelight (1974 Demo Bonus Track)
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True to its title, this song originated as a demo back in 1974. Opting not to re-record it, I was captivated by the authenticity of my voice from that era. The narrative unfolds around an aspiring singer-songwriter navigating the challenges of breaking into the music industry. As they seize a significant opportunity, the question looms: will they succeed, or will they falter? Such uncertainties are inherent in both life and the music business – some revel in 15 minutes of limelight, while others enjoy a lifetime. Although I held onto this piece since my 23-year-old self recorded it on a cassette in my bedroom, it is only now making its debut. After sharing it with friends who contributed to the track, we decided to enhance the original guitar part and piano. The result is a much-improved version, and for fellow singer-songwriters chasing their dreams, I sincerely hope your time in the limelight far exceeds a mere 15 minutes.