Timothy Monger is an independent singer/songwriter, leader of the power pop band Timothy Monger State Park, co-founder of seminal Ann Arbor rockers Great Lakes Myth Society, curator of the multimedia project Log Variations, proprieter of Northern Detective, music journalist, marathoner, and occasional birder. He served as an Artist-in-Residence at the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts at University of Michigan in March 2023.
OFFICE HOURS:
Tues. 3/7/23 - 2-4PM @ ALH Art Studio
Wed. 3/8/23 - 2-4PM @ ALH Art Studio
Thur. 3/9/23 - 10AM-12PM @ ALH Art Studio
CONCERT:
Thur. 3/9/23 - 7PM @ ALH Living Room
TEA w/ SCOTT B:
Fri. 3/20/34 - 10-11:30AM @ ALH Living Room
SONGWRITING WORKSHOP:
Fri. 3/10/23 - 4-5PM @ ALH Art Studio
SELECTED ITINERARY:
A MONGER SAMPLER:
INFLUENCES + INSPIRATIONS:
BOOKS ABOUT CREATIVITY:
How to Write One Song - Jeff Tweedy (2020)
A fun and inspiring read by the frontman for Chicago band Wilco. He really simplifies what it means to write a song. This is a good book for a creative person seeking simple, direct and welcoming exercises in trying to write a song.
It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be - Paul Arden (2003)
A pithy and fun read from one of Britain’s leading creative directors of the late 20th century. More geared toward advertising, there are nonetheless some very worthwhile nuggets of wisdom for creative people looking to make their mark.
If You Want To Write - Brenda Ueland (1938)
A classic and inspirational book on writing from a trailblazing woman of the 1930s. Her advice still holds up today.
INSPIRING READS:
Poems - Lydia Tomkiw (2020)
The collected poems of the wonderful Chicago poet and singer Lydia Tomkiw who also led the band Algebra Suicide. Playful, zippy, urban, punk, abstract, fun, and sometimes profound. I just love her. Reading Tomkiw always makes me feel creative.
The Book of Delights - Ross Gay (2022)
A wonderful book from an Indiana-based writer and poet who took the time to recognize one delight per day and write a short essay about it. A quick, engaging, and inspiring read. A great reminder to be more observant of our day to day dealings.
Just Kids - Patti Smith (2010)
A gorgeous memoir that won its author the National Book Award. A sort of creative coming of age in 1960s-'70s New York and the friendship and early careers of two significant artists: Patti Smith and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
Landmarks - Robert MacFarlane (2015)
All of MacFarlane’s books on nature are inspiring simply for their gorgeous prose and love of language. Here he examines the language of the natural world in the U.K., excavating dozens of arcane regional terms for landmarks, weather, and water. Example: Fizmer - An East Anglian term describing the “rustling noise produced in grass by petty agitations of the wind.” This book made me re-think how I describe things.
DIY CULTURE:
The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter - David Sax (2016)
Sax's book is a delightful exploration of old school creative practices from vinyl records and film photography to the culture of board games and print media.
Mix Tape: The Art of Cassette Culture - Edited by Thurston Moore (2004)
Edited and compiled by Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, this is a lively coffee table-style compendium of mix tape culture that mixes personal essays with plenty of visuals celebrating tape cover art.
PILLARS OF ROCK:
White Bicycles - Joe Boyd (2006)
Memoir by the intrepid producer who helped introduce American blues artists to European audiences in the 1960s, produced Pink Floyd and Nick Drake, and was an essential player in British folk-rock.
Electric Eden - Rob Young (2010)
Dense and exhaustive, but gorgeously written deep dive into U.K. folk music, its '60s revival, electrification, psychedelic offshoots, and beyond.
Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk - Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain (1997)
The bible of punk as told by its progenitors, major and minor players, and survivors. From Velvet Underground and Iggy Pop to New York Dolls, Television, Patti Smith, etc. A classic!
Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-1984 - Simon Reynolds (2005)
Although it's by a different author and in a more biographical style, I consider this the logical sequel to Please Kill Me. It covers the ambitious years after punk's heyday and bands like Joy Division, Devo, Depeche Mode, and Public Image Ltd.
Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes From the American Indie Underground 1981-1991 (2001)
Again, I consider this a part of the unofficial trilogy that begins with Please Kill Me and Rip It Up and Start Again. This is the story of early American indie rock and the forging of its DIY networks, key bands, indie labels, and underground culture.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Sodajerker on Songwriting (Podcast)
A consistently interesting, entertaining, and well-researched podcast that interviews a wide range of songwriters. No fluff. The two hosts are charming Liverpudlians who are also songwriters and ask relevant questions. I have learned so much from this show.
Songwriters on Process (Podcast)
Another good podcast that features interviews of songwriters strictly about songwriting. Digs heavily into processes.
Tape Op (Magazine)
For aspiring musicians, producers, engineers, and home recordists. I have learned many useful skills and been endlessly inspired by the interviews in this magazine. Subscriptions are free.