Stephen Paul Smoker Needs Your Help

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 14, 2013 7:00PM

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Stephen Paul Smoker. The Pennsylvania native and his band got us all juicy with his EP Ripe Fruit and its dreamy psych-rock back in spring 2012, but then he snuck away to Knoxville in January for an extended stay. They’re staying down south through the year to continue working on new material, with plans to return in early 2014. But for right now, the band is preparing to release a new album, Strange Ways, and will head back this way to celebrate the record release with a hometown show.

The band has planned on an early September release of the new album, but there’s one thing: they need some financial support for the endeavor. So, they’re turning to the fans for some help via a Kickstarter campaign. So far, they still need about $600 to reach their goal and have three days to reach it. But they’re not straight out asking for cash—the band is giving you a listen to the first track, “In Regards.” Check it out down below.

As with other Kickstarter campaigns, supporters get some nice perks. Ten bucks gets you a digital download of the album, an exclusive bonus track and a seat in the audience of their JBTV appearance in October. But if you’ve always dreamt of having your image immortalized on the side of a scummy tour van (of course you have), we suggest making a $100 donation—for that, they’ll spray paint your face on the side of their van, which will make its way around the country on their next tour.

Either way, the act plans on releasing Strange Ways in a few weeks, and they’ll celebrate with a show at the Empty Bottle Sept. 6. Also performing will be The Kuhls and Wild Jesus and the Devil's Lettuce Family Party Band.

Stephen Paul Smoker plays Friday, Sept. 6 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western 9:30 p.m. $8, 21+