Ep. 103 - CHRIS BARRON ("Two Princes")

EPISODE DETAILS: PART ONE Scott and Paul chat about why interviewing Chris Barron is a particularly significant milestone for them. PART TWO - 5:18 mark Chris Barron stops by Songcraft World Headquarters to chat about why he calls his musical background a “dog’s breakfast;” what his music teacher told him that blew his mind about songwriting; the reason he doesn’t like Eddie Vedder’s voice; what happened creatively when vocal cord paralysis kept him from being able to sing for many months; what he really thinks about playing “Two Princes” every night; and why, when he was talking to us, he really wanted to be standing on the arm of the couch howling and waving his underwear over his head. Plus, Chris performs two songs live and acoustic!

ABOUT CHRIS BARRON Chris Barron is best known as the lead singer of the Spin Doctors whose major label debut album, Pocketful of Kryptonite, spawned the hit singles “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” “Two Princes,” “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues,” “What Time is It?” and “How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me)?” The album was certified five times platinum and earned the band an American Music Award nomination for Favorite Pop/Rock Album, as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance. The Spin Doctors built a loyal fanbase through relentless touring, including a key stint as members of the H.O.R.D.E. festival alongside Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, and Phish. Three additional albums followed, including Turn it Upside Down, another platinum release that spawned the charting singles “Cleopatra’s Cat” and “You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast.” The band eventually broke up after Barron experienced vocal cord paralysis and was told he may never sing again.  When his voice returned Barron embarked on what he has called "a journeyman songwriting experience," branching out to compose lyrics and music that draw from a variety of genres and influences. He returned to music with his debut solo album, Shag. His most recent release, Angels and One-Armed Jugglers, emerged after yet another struggle with vocal cord paralysis. The album has earned enthusiastic critical reviews and has given Chris an opportunity to pursue a solo career while continuing to perform with a reunited Spin Doctors. The band recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its formation.