Artist: Stephen Chopek
Song: “Now for Always”
Album: Space Magnets EP
Label: Declared Goods
Genre: Alternative, Indie, Rock
While Stephen Chopek has made a living as the drummer behind acts like John Mayer, Mike Doughty and Jesse Malin, he is far more than just a drummer. On his latest EP, Space Magnets, he shows it. Playing every instrument and singing on all four tracks, Chopek explores the architecture of songwriting, carefully sculpting his songs to the point that he’s dubbed his style of music “Granulist”. EP opener and highlight “Now for Always” is a great showcase for his talent.
A track that insists renewal is constant, “Now for Always” is constantly engaging. Chopek sings with an endearing, quiet warble, and layers these vocals on top of each other for a sprightly, harmonized chorus. Lyrics like “Be with me now for always, I know that we’ll never stay the same. Each day will burn a bright new flame” touch on the concept of renewal and change from a hopeful perspective. Melodic guitar noodling creates unexpected textures behind the rhythm, showing how Chopek’s knack for arrangement.
Check out this great track in our Check This 2025 Playlist.
The Indy Review 