Theo Katzman - Be The Wheel [Official Video]

Buy VINYL + MERCH + TIX at theokatzman.com
Buy on Bandcamp at theokatzman.ba...
Theo Katzman: Vocals, Piano
Dave Mackay: Wurlizer, Organ, Synth
Joe Dart: MusicMan Bass
Jordan Rose: Drums
Mike Shea: Percussion
James Henry, Jr.: Producer, Vibe, Longhair
Rivers: Dog
Music & Lyrics by Theo Katzman
Recorded live to tape by Phil Weinrobe at Cinnamon Ranch
Additional recording by Phil Weinrobe at Sugar Mountain
Assisted by Nick Nagurka
Produced by James Henry Jr. and Theo Katzman
Mixed by Phil Weinrobe
Mastered by Devin Kerr
Video Edited by Chris Bartlett + RT Vrieze from Knorth Studios
Video Shot by Nick Nagurka
LYRICS:
Knock on the door
Open the invitation
Lookin' out for
A lemonade situation
Hold out your hand
It's a lemonade stand
You see?
Thousands of years
Stuck to the ocean bottom
Out of the blue
Dayton, Ohio's callin'
Next thing we knew
Man on the moon
You see?
Here comes the hurricane
It's blowin', babe
And there goes the automobile
Don't be the horse and buggy
Be the wheel
Watch the old ways
Fight for survival under
Solemnly sworn
Hands on the Bible, while the
Continents dance
Over the sands of time
Back at the ranch
Look for the Golden Teacher
Lie in the grass
Next to the water feature
Listen in close
Maybe take notes?
Just sayin...
I'm just sayin...
Here comes the hurricane
It's blowin', babe
And there goes the automobile
Don't be the horse and buggy
Don't be the horse and buggy
Don't be the next best somethin'
Don't be the second comin'
Just be that holy one thing:
Be the wheel

[@theokatzman]

Buy VINYL + MERCH + TIX at theokatzman.com

[@ojelajo]

I’d like to buy your new songs but I don’t have any vinyl player. I know maybe it’s a shame to listen only cds or youtube videos….Pour le moment c’est comme ça je suis à la retraite et je suis triste de ne pouvoir vous écouter ainsi que Vulpeck and the other friends of yours. En tout cas Bravo. Je vous adore 💕

[@tomasshannon6537]

Bro imma need a plain but stylish BE THE WHEEL t shirt. Love that phrase and what it means

[@CoryWongMusic]

YESS BRO. amazing song 10/10

[@BuckShot0099]

I mean,....the whole album

[@konstapelwalander]

Theo's music is just instantly classified as classics when they enter my brain database. Joe doesn't make things worse.

[@ProgRockDan1]

Yes instantly

[@JKoooozie]

Joe is my spirit animal

[@LonetrackTV]

the amount of talent that has come from every vulfpeck member in their solo work is actually insane

[@DanielHardin]

can we just appreciate the dynamic skill it takes for Jordan Rose to play RIGHT NEXT TO THEO SINGING and still sound amazing

[@SBL-Unofficial]

The fact that you can hear *anything* other than drums is kind of unreal, given that his live vocal appears to be the *final* vocal. Plus it looks like they recorded the lead vocal and the piano with the same ribbon mic, to a single track. Without headphones, so Theo just had to sing and play at a balanced volume based on the sound in the room. Really had their work cut out for them.

[@joshuajohnston2317]

I want to have Jordan Rose’s baby

[@trustnugget280]

@@joshuajohnston2317 Okay joshua, we might be getting a little ambitious here

[@Ralonmithos]

He has a mic it is not that crazy

[@aarontuchardt7540]

I'm kinda thinking it was tracked and then re-performed for a video. My hypothesis based on hi hat volume with no top mic nearby at 1:07 and it looks like Theo stops singing at 2:51. Plus we're hearing that organ in the corner but nobody is playing it. Also backup vocals etc. I will say though I've seen them live several times and they're just as good... No doubt. I'll have to ask Jordan if/when I get a lesson when he comes out.

[@OrdinaryLatvian]

You're probably my favorite songwriter out there. Fantastic musician, hell of a lyricist. Thanks for doing what you do. :)

[@jacefairis1289]

2:25 ii - iii - IV - V (expecting a I) - flatVII (huh??) - IV - I (ah, there it is!) - flatVI (wh-) - IV - V (okay...) - VI (wait-) - ii (yeah! back to the chorus progression, nice) I'm convinced Theo wrote this chord progression just so he could play a flat VI, natural VI, and flatVII within the span of 8 bars, while somehow still making some tonal sense. absolutely obsessed, I love it. (worth mentioning: my notation left out the extensions. there's definitely lots of 7ths and 9ths in there - the VI aka V/ii definitely has a 7th, for example - but I don't feel like annotating them all lol)

[@johnathanballew2774]

🙏 appreciate this

[@dominicocallaghan]

Lovely stuff. I also love the suggestion of a minor plagal cadence in the verses, substituted with bVII. So rich. 0:46

[@jmc6995]

Amazing progression, I love the changes!👍👍

[@ivanlester8195]

@@dominicocallaghan sure is lovely! The first covers of this song I heard, they didn't do the bVII :D that's why listening to Theo himself play this one is a gem!

[@robbiebrownvox]

I remember just discovering Theo as a member of Vulfpeck in 2016, seeing him jumping around between so many instruments AND providing a lot of lead vocals too. I think his lyrics might be the most inspiring of all his work for me though. So uplifting and serious, without losing sight of having a little fun too. Theo, you are one of the best at expressing the unfiltered chaos of life through song.

[@giuliagrigoli5886]

Totally agree ! And I've also discovered him and his amazing music after seeing Vulfpeck live in Dublin in 2016. 😊

[@DaveCraterMusic]

Another Masterpiece. Theo IS IT! It’s funny that he hasn’t blown up even more. The next Elton John/Bernie mix. Don’t need two when you have THE KID, THEO!

[@emmitjohnstone1734]

@@DaveCraterMusicdude I saw him in Portland before covid, unfamiliar with his work outside of Vulfpeck and left knowing I’d just seen something as important as Elton John. No exaggeration. Modern Johnny Sings got me through the pandemic and now all of his music walks with me in life.

[@dootrecords]

Theo just keeps delivering the goodest of goods

[@MylesRoachMusic]

Theo is such an inspiring musician and songwriter. Love the Michael McDonald piano vibe to this one and it’s one hell off a vocal performance. Can’t wait for the rest of the album!

[@wildcroissant]

Schvitz sauna/studio vibes, awesome team, doggo chilling in the background, cozy blanket to muffle piano (what a move!) - all the things we have not asked for, but truly appreciate. Theo's at it again, and it's sooooo mellow (sticking to 'don't be the next best something')

[@JonathanCurro]

Love the muted upright piano vibes too! Helped perfectly balance every instrument. So good.

[@michellejimenez2335]

must be so nice to be Rivers

[@dinkelberchs3697]

every single day I get more obsessed with Theo's stuff without even meaning to. I just draws me in and keeps me coming back

[@codysennpaintings]

IT'S THEO SEASON BABY

[@asp7251]

Unbelievable performance here. He finished the entire song in just under 3:50. Not just a personal best - an undisputed world record.

[@BeauStephenson]

Theo has the ability to get 3:50 into about 2:30. He really is this generations's Speedy Gonzalez.

[@edburns00]

I love - On first listen, I know I will find a lot more on subsequent listens to love - How one can look at the song as being about mobility as a service - River the dog - Prepared piano - Sauna room - Ice boy - Lemonade situation - hi hat hankie - groove dude (assume he'll be on other tracks) - guitarless I am unfond of - guitarless

[@Buswik]

That blanket over the strings in the piano is the greatest thing I’ve seen in decades

[@stevemcnelley4982]

All killer, no filler, every time.

[@rustydomino]

It's so cool that all the Vulf gang have really distinct styles of their own in their solo projects, while Vulf is still its distinct thing.

[@watchingvideosnow]

ahhh, yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@Ten_Fingerz]

Loved that Jesus was just chilling on the bench the whole time

[@Frankie_Fish]

He was there for acoustics. Dampening the room with his hair. XD

[@DanielHardin]

Jordan Rose and Joe Dart are the best rhythm section there is. amazing

[@jacksonwright5145]

Theo's tunes are so effortlessly catchy. I can hear some of the "formulas" he uses but still it always feels fresh.

[@benstorme6173]

Theo, you're the king of songwriting. Love the chorus!

[@HayateJC]

This one's going on repeat!

[@trustnugget280]

Listened to this like 30 times already today, I just can't stop

[@Ryan.OShaughnessy]

What a song! ahahah "my personal best" - craftsmanship at it's finest

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

If you like Theo Katzman you might like a band called the Doublejumps

[@ericwarncke]

This is my favorite song of 2023. I sing it every day. It was an instant "forever remember" song the very 1st time I ever heard it. Theo is really a master songwriter. My favorite moment is at 2:47 when he goes "yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah" with the talkbox effect on his vocals. It sounds just like the beginning to the classic Stevie Wonder song "Love Having You Around". This whole record is such an accomplishment and proves what a talent he is. I hope Theo's star continues to rise.

[@silvercoins]

wow wow

[@jesseforest1]

One of the best vocalists and songwriters of his generation, hands down.

[@Lousicle]

It's crazy how incredible this is. Flawless.

[@thrillhovanhouten253]

1:00 “When I was told there was a ‘Catsman’ in here, that’s not what this doggo had in mind. But the music is definitely the Kat’s meow. So I think I’ll stay.”

[@megaforse]

Back at the ranch, look for the golden teacher 😉

[@stephaniebelcher2022]

I remember seeing Theo on stage with My Dear Disco in 2009 and knowing he would be a star. Once in a lifetime energy right here. This song is beautiful, thank you Theo 💜

[@Gassyyetclassy]

Never imagined my hometown, Dayton, Ohio, would be mentioned in one of Theo's song. This is pure gold.

[@simiansociety]

The chorus is so soothing!

[@マホーン-o8w]

FEEL SOOOOO GOOOOOOOODDDDDD

[@guitardadsinc]

This entire album is fucking amazing. 5 watt rocks the best song and one of my all time favorite songs period of all time

[@thegeezz6485]

I love his Harry Nilsson style of singing. It's so heart felt and genuine.

[@vincentstanzione8112]

No kidding. Way to be the real wheel dudisimo. Everybody who visits the Ranch is touched by the power of the Sowing and Sprouting, about this there is no doubting. A deep dip into cold, deep breath in to be bold and their we all are going beyond the fold, so after all is said and done let the story be told: thus song of yours Theo is pure Gold, and the corn grows becausevthat how the story goes: now be the wheel baby and go daddy go!!!

[@DanielHardin]

unmistakably Jordan Rose is the best groove drummer in the world

[@lucasprittsmusic]

Everything about this song is 100% class. When that hook hits… 🤦‍♂️ smacks you in the face, it’s so gooooooood.

[@tboneshandy]

Amazing song! See you in Vancouver!

[@BillStrathearn]

Fuck me sideways, this is such an excellent live recording. Give this sound engineer a grammy right now.

[@verocastine3072]

Sublime.. Theo and Joe... Wahouuuu 🥰🥰🥰 J'adore

[@dkrmsd365]

love to see rivers on the dog

[@officialsundayspecial3793]

Theo, Jordan, and Joe. UN-DE-FEATED

[@CaimanReid]

Raw and unbounded talent. What a triumph. I am so glad you get to do this full time.

[@heavypiano]

Really dig that upright muted vibe.

[@jennmanos2521]

Omg THEOOOOOOO YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS YOU’Ve BLESSED US AGAIN!!! ❤❤❤ Please please come back to Spokane this summer to the Stone Fam event n play this for ussssssssssss!!!!!!🎉

[@wizardofpie123]

Can't stop watching, can't stop listening. 2023 off to a great start

[@rolandoo002]

Reminds me on the old John Lennon 70s studio sessions. That´s how real music is made! :)

[@beverlytjerngren8829]

This was playing on repeat in my brain after just one listen. It's that catchy. Thanks, Theo!

[@alextilgreenmogensen3699]

I LOVE THIS, its been on REPEAT

[@Antonio_Gallego]

Can't wait to see Rivers' debut in Madison Square Garden

[@pierrerichermusic]

Very smooth as always... A modern Mc Cartney who would have listened to The Motown Thanks ! 👏👏🙏

[@lildonkabonka]

Theo Katzman. Everything you make turns to gold in my ears. Thank you and the gang for making all this wonderful music for the rest of us to experience.

[@Smush30]

Always excited when a new song arrives and you deliver every time. Such a joy!

[@ezekielrivera9363]

You’re one of my top artist!

[@dankas7470]

So, so good.

[@wafflemaker6590]

Best suggestion spotify has ever given me! This song is so fantastic

[@tomcraven8977]

Theo you keep telling beautiful stories that create a little world in a song. I love you

[@Push_Start_Nova]

1:05 Who is this homie? Is he just just there for the vibes? Can I get that job? I’ll pay!

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

If you like Theo Katzman you might like a band called the Doublejumps

[@Push_Start_Nova]

@@MassiveFish-hp4pm Dope! I’ll check them out!

[@andyp6169]

I love the dog cruising around in the background

[@ProgRockDan1]

Karen thanks for sharing your original composition. Lovely playing and singing

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

If you like Theo Katzman you might like a band called the Doublejumps

[@ProgRockDan1]

@@MassiveFish-hp4pm okay

[@spork858]

Rivers: Dog is exactly what i needed

[@nielskooloos5726]

What a great piece of music. It's calm, but not too calm to the point I get bored of it. It has raw emotion, power and great flow!

[@timetops]

Another pure gold nugget from Theo. Added bonus: who knew Matt Damon could play drums?

[@rradiosilencee]

i just fucking love theo

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

If you like Theo Katzman you might like a band called the Doublejumps

[@Push_Start_Nova]

Heck yeah! I need more Theo content in my life!!! Thank you Theo!

[@Michaelist_music]

I love Theo's writing style, you can hear the effort and time he has taken to perfect the art - a modern master!

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

If you like Theo Katzman you might like a band called the Doublejumps

[@beardown2489]

He’s a brilliant song writer. Sometimes I don’t even realize how good some of his songs are until I hear them a few times, or even better, when he gifts them Antwan Stanley for a vulf record. What Did You Mean by Love is one of the best songs he written, but it took me Antwan to recognize that fact. Sometimes theos quirky voice distracts me from recognizing how great his songs are, and sometimes his quirky voice makes the song. Odd dichotomy

[@jessevandendoren4235]

There is so much Mccartney in his songwriting. Love it.

[@Broadsacified]

You sir, are the wheel

[@914digital7]

Incredible!

[@marcverresen]

The dog's in and out of the studio like this going to be a hard jam or a chill jam? Check his tail and looks. He decided he loved it. Got my soul juices going too, thank you so much.

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

If you like Theo Katzman you might like a band called the Doublejumps

[@quentindujardinofficial]

Bravo Theo !

[@ericvanderbilt-mathews8131]

the fact that something recorded live sounds this good is just difficult for me to even comprehend.

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

If you like Theo Katzman you might like a band called the Doublejumps

[@BeauStephenson]

I love that the live performance is the meat and potatoes with very very tasteful overdubs as salt and pepper. And then whoever mixes his stuff is given this gift to finish off.

[@Ionic457]

Bless u theo. Come to Toronto. Let me book you a show up here, brother!

[@prescottrynewicz797]

JOE. DART. IN. THE. MUSICMAN. SHORTS!!

[@theconjugate5204]

This dude’s falsetto…. Dang. And what a cozy groove to sink into!

[@treetownsound]

just want my day needed

[@MrPopsnap]

fantastic . !

[@anthonybarnes]

This is straight fire

[@funkystrunk9228]

The best songwriter i know! By far!!

[@21centdregs]

so clean

[@JordiTisserand]

This is mind-blowing... I have no words but thank you 🙏

[@Icaron98]

So excited for the new material! loved the previous albums

[@wowflower]

holy fuck the mixing, the performances, all of it. superb.

[@toasty.nihilist]

NOBODY doing it like theo

[@Loubeeftard]

B-E-A-Utiful

[@artmostly]

I'm a simple man, I see a new theo upload, i click.. and boy am i never disappointed

[@ciaraherlihy9934]

Love love love as always.

[@xelaalvarez]

Everything Devin Kerr masters has this nice crispy color, not sure what it is. Love this song, this sound

[@tom_something]

The treatment of the piano gives the harder notes some of that Wurli "bark", and the reduced sustain gives the organ some room. It's very pleasant.

[@Loedelio]

perfect blend of modern and older styles of music 🕺

[@tomf726]

Theo is a true musicians musician. He really feels it

[@DrowningPonyo]

WOWZA

[@trevorharmonguitar]

I love the dude just chillin and vibin. He represents all of us around the world listening to this

[@leopoldwambersie5162]

"Here comes the hurricaneeeee"🎶 Love it

[@mattdoyle1554]

Theo, You're the wheel of my musical career. I Thankyou

[@Hazzarius]

Theo this is incredible!! Would love to see you here in the UK

[@passonthering]

Vulfpeck came to me via Jacob Collier, and now Theo Katzman has come to me via Vulfpeck. I am in such complete agreement about what a wonderful songwriter he is. And he seems like a swell human being as well. Good for us that you are, and great for me that I found you. 😊❤️🙏🏼

[@be-dro]

Increible!!!!!!!!!!!!