INTO THE LIPSTICK STRAT-OSPHERE WITH GUITARIST STEVEN COOPER | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.25

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, I take a trip through the Lone Star State with Steven Cooper, a native Texan and Nashville-based touring/session guitarist who has worked with a variety of artists including the Watson Twins, Patrick Sweany, Jessie Baylin, Nicole Atkins, and his own band Indianola. Steven's knowledge of lipstick Stratocasters can be traced back to his youth spent at Dallas' legendary Charley's Guitar Shop and two of Texas' favorite guitar-playing sons: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Charlie Sexton. In addition to discussing the Lipstick Stratocaster's rich history, we explore the importance of communication and professionalism, navigating Nashville's music culture, and the complexities of owning vintage guitars.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Stephen Cooper and the Lipstick Stratocaster03:16 The Journey of a Young Guitarist06:09 Charlie's Guitar Shop: A Hub of Musical Knowledge09:16 The Evolution of Guitar Ownership12:18 The Impact of Local Music Scenes15:17 The Legacy of Charlie's Guitar Shop17:56 The Influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan20:52 The Importance of Small Amplifiers23:53 The Role of Jazz in Guitar Playing27:04 The Guitar Community and Its Evolution29:45 The Value of Vintage Guitars32:41 The Relationship Between Charlie and Stevie Ray Vaughan38:33 The Supportive Role of Relationships in Music41:11 The Evolution of the Lipstick Strat47:34 The Legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan51:25 Charlie Sexton: A Multifaceted Artist56:05 The Gear Behind the Sound01:10:48 The Power of Instruments in Music01:12:15 Guitar Acquisitions and Personal Preferences01:14:15 Touring Experiences and Musical Connections01:16:49 The Significance of Guitar Shops01:20:17 The Journey of Giving and Receiving Guitars01:22:35 Guitar Choices and Personal Comfort01:24:30 Influences and Early Musical Inspirations01:27:37 The Role of Communication in Music01:31:15 Building Relationships in the Music Scene01:33:24 The Economics of Vintage Guitars