Trapper Schoepp - Primetime Illusion (2019) [Official Digital Download]

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Trapper Schoepp - Primetime Illusion (2019) [Official Digital Download]

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The rising Milwaukee-based troubadour’s third studio album Primetime Illusion. Produced by Wilco multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansome, the album also features a co-write with Bob Dylan on the track On, Wisconsin.

Primetime Illusion sees Schoepp reaching for his own place in the canon with a truly remarkable collection of character-driven songs and stories, a carefully etched series of sonic snapshots in which people we all know struggle to fulfill their own American dream. The album also features a co-write with Bob Dylan called, On, Wisconsin.

When time finally came to record, he reached out to Sansone, who he had met earlier that year in Chicago while supporting The Jayhawks. Impressed by the young troubadour’s “songs and commitment and enthusiasm,” Sansone sorted through the songs Schoepp had written over the past year, whittling it down to an essential 10 tunes. The multi-instrumentalist / producer provided “inspiration and Jedi-like guidance” as he helped push the project to completion.

Together, artist and producer built upon Schoepp’s newly acquired piano skills by adopting a refined and relaxed approach akin to the classic Laurel Canyon sound of the 70’s, all glittering piano, ringing guitars, and crisp vocal harmonies courtesy of Trapper’s bassist brother Tanner Schoepp. For fans of Jesse Malin, Craig Finn, Field Report, Old 97s, Frank Turner.

“I think a lot about the folk process,” he says, “how things are passed down to the next generation and are reinvented and evolve. That’s really important to me, to keep the spirit of what someone might consider old new.

“Dylan, in his MusiCares speech a few years ago, made the point that his role in music is simply extending the line. That’s my whole M.O. as well. I want to push this music forward like my life depends on it. It’s all I have.”

“Publishing a song with Bob Dylan – Bob Dylan! – “put wind in my sails."