Chester Light Guiles
Original Release Date January 14, 2024
5 Year Anniversary January 14, 2029
10 Year Anniversary January 14, 2034
Listen on Bandcamp.
Tracks
01 Perfect in every way, an innocent lie I still believe
02 Smog Signals was a love letter to the villains of wrestling
03 He may have been an international spy, now we may never know
04 Dupont is sending us to Southern California
05 Wrapped around the mall waiting to see The Empire Strikes Back
06 I knew the smell of cherry blend tobacco before I learned to tie my shoes
07 How much longer will these flannels smell like you?
08 Big black airforce boots
09 He fought the Civil War a thousand times and I can’t remember which side he was on
10 Five page pun about a submarine that we’ve all forgotten
11 Russian transmission intercepted and sent on to command
12 Sliding down the firepole in Guilford, CT
13 Once he knew what he believed, he made notes for you to follow
14 Rated R movies on a Saturday afternoon
15 Wearing shorts to church is a sign of rebellion
16 I learned it by watching you
17 I mourned your passing before you left
18 Thanks for not making me feel like sh!t for ripping the door off the 89 civic
19 Everything you wanted to know about laminates but were afraid to ask
20 Programming the TRS-80 and loading games on cassettes
21 Chemist, poet, punster, theologian, war gamer
22 I don’t know anyone that didn’t get along with my dad, but if they’re out there, fvck ’em
People Involved: Steven Wesley Guiles music and titles, cover art and titles by Dave Guiles, mastering and mix help by Pedro Costa (Dove Pilot).
Notes: This was originally scheduled to be released as part of a Kickstarter class Steven took with Laser in the summer of 2021. Instead he released Transitions, and this album sat on the harddrives of his computer at John Cash Studios in San Dimas. Each song was recorded in a single day and in a single take with one mic and and iPhone capturing the video performances. Almost all of the performances were recorded using a Rode NT-5 pencil condensor microphone. Steven used all of the acoustic guitars in his studio, leaning heavily on the “Bon Iver” tuned guitar, an old Yamaha from his high school years.
Official Press Release for this album:
Steven Wesley Guiles Releases a Heartfelt Instrumental Album, “Chester Light Guiles”
Los Angeles – Acclaimed indie musician Steven Wesley Guiles announces the release of his new instrumental album, “Chester Light Guiles,” a poignant tribute to his father. Scheduled for release on January 14, 2024 (Chester’s birthday), this album significantly departs from Guiles’ previous works and is his first entirely instrumental effort.
“Chester Light Guiles” is an intimate musical journey from a unique creative process. Over 25 days, Steven recorded one solo acoustic instrumental daily, using just one guitar and one microphone. Each track he captured in a single take, raw and unedited, imbued with the authentic sounds of the room – from the clicks and pops to the artist’s breathing. This approach lends the album a personal, almost conversational quality, as if Steven is in the room, sharing his artistry and memories directly with the listener.
Each track in the album honors Steven’s father, Chester Light Guiles, interweaving whimsy, beauty, and thoughtful contemplation. “The album is a way for my brother and I to honor our dad. It gives us a way to talk about him and the stories that filled our lives. These snapshots emotionally resonate with how we remember him.“
The album’s simplicity and serenity invite listeners into a space of reflection and remembrance, particularly appealing to those who appreciate chill, relaxing, and thoughtful instrumental music.
Collaborating with his brother Dave, who has been a long-time art partner in Steven’s projects, the album also features a visual storytelling element. Each track of the album will have an accompanying drawing that will appear somewhere on the cover of the album. Mastered by Pedro Costa, a bandmate of Steven’s from Dove Pilot, the album is an ensemble of memories and melodies, each title recalling a specific memory shared by the brothers.
“Chester Light Guiles” will be available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp, with the possibility of a physical release based on demand. In anticipation of the album’s release, Steven Wesley Guiles will share behind-the-scenes content, personal stories, and previews across various social media platforms.
For more information, promotional requests, or to arrange an interview, please get in touch with Dan Portnoy at dan@portnoymedia.com at 626.487.9822
About Steven Wesley Guiles: Steven Wesley Guiles, known for his unique blend of indie-pop and introspective lyricism, has been a vibrant part of the music scene for many years. His previous works have earned him recognition as a solo artist and as a member of bands like Pushstart Wagon and The Future Kings of Denmark. Guiles’ music is also featured in film and television, showcasing his versatility and depth as a musician.