Chris Szkup & Richard Anderson - Welcome To Feckerville (The Feckers Interview)

1. How did you two manage to come into contact with one another ?

Richard:
Well firstly I have to say that Chris and I have not yet met in person, most of our dealings with one another has been via email and the occasional chat on the phone over the years - we first came into contact on the Brian May Mailing List (The Mayniacs) in 1998.

Chris:
It was such a long time ago, but it kinda seems like yesterday as well!! I seem to recall liking Richard's quirky humour on that list - it definitely stood out, as I'm the king of quirk!! The first stuff we ever tried writing was in 1998 too, so we probably started talking music, and off it went!!

2. Would you say that you've become friends through "meeting" online ?

Richard:
Most definitely - Chris has become both a loyal friend and also someone who has been a huge influence on me as a songwriter over the years, he's an inspiration realistically and truely - a brother in rock.

Chris:
Likewise to all of the above!! You can definitely tell in the age of spam that we're in who the genuine folks are, and that kiwi bugger over there is one of them!!

3. How did you guys come to writing tunes together ?

Richard:
At the time of our meeting I had been writing a few tunes with various people all over the world, and the initial plan I had was to assemble a group of people to write and record together, over the years we had tried with varying levels of success to put different projects together - the biggest hurdle we had was finding likeminded people who were not only talented but also had the right commitment to the cause, unfortunately it can be more of a hurdle to find the right combination in people - so until GONE WILD came about a lot of those plans to work together sat in waiting.

Chris:
Yeah I guess to a point we were both a little put off with all the flakes we'd dealt with, and that lead to just putting our little thing on hold, even though we didn't really verbalise it so much. Really it felt like we needed to go and do our own thing for a while, and when the time is right we would absolutely revisit our collaborations.

4. What happened with the A.S.A project that you guys were both involved with ?

Richard:
The third member of the team, David Austin had other commitments so we were unable to complete an albums worth of material. Chris and I both felt artistically we were headed in a different direction at any rate, although some good demoes were recorded we felt they weren't quite album quality, but looking back some of the bare bones ideas were pretty good.

Chris:
I guess it wasn't meant to be hey. Sometimes no matter what you do, things just aren't going to align and have everyone end up on the same page. Things were definitely learned during that time though and am glad that we did what we did!

5. Will any of the A.S.A recordings see the light of day or will any of those tunes be revisited ?

Richard:
One tune called "The Keys To The Kingdom" is a track that Chris and I co-wrote, it's seen itself go through several different guises, including being demoed by A.S.A - unfortunately none of the different versions that have been recorded over the years have really had that definitive sound that Chris envisioned - so we've decided to include it on The Feckers album, it's a definite for the album. As for the rest of the songs, I'm not sure - but there's no plans for an A.S.A reunion at this point in time. David Austin has re-recorded some of them old A.S.A songs and released them as part of his latest solo album "Revisions" which sounds pretty good, he did some new versions as well as tweaked some of the older recordings.

Chris:
One thing the last handful of years have been about musically for me is doing everything you possibly can to get out what's in your head with a song and make it the best it can be. Call me a douche, but yeah, I never felt that song was nailed as good as it could be. People might hear this version we do and say it sucks, but at least I'll know we gave it our all!!

6. How has it been revisiting some of the older songs that you both co-wrote ?

Richard:
I'm sure that Chris has had fun demoing the older songs, he must have done as it has inspired him and I to write all new material specifically for The Feckers. Hearing these tunes re-demoed and re-arranged has made me realise not only what a great player Chris is, but also what a good ear he really has for melody...these new arrangements are exactly where I think we both knew these songs could be headed.

Chris:
Thats too kind of you Sir!! Yeah I've had real fun digging them out. It's funny that a lot of the stuff way back then I'd be playing the melodies of the lead vocals on guitar because I was way too shy to try and sing them, and in some cases I tried but couldn't. Coming back to them has been fun to see the growth in confidence and ability I've gained as a singer in that time, but you also forget how good some of the music is too if it sits in the closet for 5 years!! There are some beauties in this bunch for sure!!

7. Are you looking at The Feckers as a "band" project ?

Richard:
In some ways I think it's more of an all-star collaboration as far as the other people we are working with -but essentially the songs are Szkup-Anderson tracks, with the odd exception that may slip in there as well - there is one track that Chris has given to the cause that was initially something he was going to use on his second album. Really The Feckers is our shared baby.

Chris:
Yeah that track Richard mentions is the most out there metal stuff I've ever written, so to say I'm looking forward to doing it is an understatement!!

8. How are you finding it working together to put The Feckers album together ?

Richard:
Chris has been great to work with, he always has been. I really like the fact that no matter how crazy the idea, if we both have ideas we're able to bounce them off one another without worrying about the fact that the other guy might not get it - we're both open to meeting in the middle where arrangements and structures are concerned, we're cool with whatever happens as long as the songs rock and we are true to the songs themselves. Another thing that I have enjoyed about working with Chris over the years is that he has always remained humble and is always the first person to tell someone when they have done good, he's honest and has a huge amount of integrity, which I can tell you I have found a rare thing over the years - the GONE WILD chaps would be the other blokes that I would put in the same category.

Chris:
Wow - what can I add to that?! Haha. Too kind again. I just find the working together on stuff totally natural, a breeze and a pleasure really!! Richard is basically up for anything that doesn't flat out suck, which is how I am as well, so it's a perfect fit.

9. Will The Feckers album sound anything like GONE WILD or Chris Szkup solo ?

Richard:
Obviously with Chris' playing being the thing holding it together musically, it will be closer to sounding like his solo material than it will a GONE WILD album - we're trying our best to make it sound different from GONE WILD in terms of style and production - I like the idea of mixing things up so that we have a unique indentity happening here.

Chris:
I'm excited to hear the answer to that question to be honest!! We shall see. I'm sure all the different musicians will add their bits and put their own slants on things that will give the music it's own identity, even though you will definitely get bits and pieces that will absolutely sound like the us that people might know!

10. You have a singer named Roy Bratbakken onboard for this album, how did you come about his work ?

Richard:
I heard him online and thought what a cool voice he had, his voice reminded me of Sammy Hagar in places...so I simply asked him if he would like to work on something oneday, he said he was up for it so I put the idea to Chris, who thought he would be perfect for "Master Of My Own Destiny" - which has proved to be correct as when we heard his vocal track we both thought "this is it!!!", funnily enough we both immediately thought of asking Roy to sing on a second track called "Under The Gun", the penny dropped at the same time to us that Roy's voice would suit that song.

Chris:
Yeah that was cool how it happened. I was holding off suggesting it until we were able to get a bit closer to working on that second track with Roy, but definitely had it in my mind. When Richard said about us maybe asking him about the 2nd track, I pretty much laughed at how on the same page we are!! Luckily Roy was into it as well. Hearing his vocal track was really something on that first song. Good times!!

Richard:
Needless to say we have a few things in the pipeline with Roy on vocals and are looking forward to working with him more and more in the future.


11. Was it always a given that you'd have Rob Smith (GONE WILD) sing a track ?

Richard:
I don't know about a given, as he is a busy bloke, But he was kind enough to offer his services should we need it....to which Chris had said to me "that's a must!" (laughs). I was really cool with that as long as we threw a song at him that was challenging and different to Rob's solo material and also anything that GONE WILD have done, we like the idea of showing off another facet of Rob's talents. The song that Chris has written that Rob is singing on is a beaut too I have to say!

Chris:
It shall be real interesting hearing a man who has basically done it all over a long time as far as music is concerned getting something new and possibly foreign to him to do!! I'm really excited to hear that one come together as I mention before!

12. Are you guys going to be singing any of The Feckers tracks ?

Richard:
That was something we were always going to do yeah, I liked the idea that we could pick and choose for ourselves what songs we wanted to sing. The thing with demoing things first has been great in that we can tell for ourselves weither something is going to work or weither our voices will suit certain songs. I'll be singing a couple of tracks - one of them has been a bit of a challenge, but it's a real asskicker, so that'll be cool to see what people think of it when it's a done deal. I've put some work into arranging my vocals for it - even Chris isn't 100% in the know yet as to where I am going with that track (laughs). There is another track that we will be sharing the vocal duties on - it's been funny listening to the demoes as my mother and my niece have heard different tracks and thought that Chris' singing was me (laughs), so we should be able to blend together well. I'm mindful that this is a collaborative project so didn't want to have Chris and I singing all of the songs - we'd probably get bored with hearing ourselves too much...besides we can endulge ourselves all we like with solo projects, part of the fun of The Feckers is being able to hear all the songs with their own different voice.

Chris:
People should note that for years there would be ribbing going on between us as far as singing goes too!! This will be cool to finally do some of that stuff on the same album of songs!! Who would have known back then?!

13. You guys are also making The Feckers a bit of a family affair...

Richard:
That we are - Chris' brother Matt has been asked to come onboard, He and Chris work really well together and get on really well. When you have that amount of talent in one family it makes sense to capture it I think, it also helps that Matt is a rocker himself and gets where we are coming from...at least I hope he does (laughs). Chris also came up with the idea of asking my niece Kayla if she would be happy to sing some backing vocals on a song for us - which she was quite honoured to have been asked, as an aspiring singer/songwriter herself, this I think will be her professional debut...Chris and I are all about encouraging other people, which is another reason for having so many friends and family onboard, hopefully this project will inspire everyone involved to continue on with their own endeavours and continue to pursue things with a kick ass attitude.

Chris:
My Bro is just such a great partner to have in your corner when doing music, and he's basically up for anything, so if I'm thinking about doing some music, I immediately think of getting him involved somehow. That's what happened here. Richard knew he played lotsa stuff, and I pretty much knew we'd have him on there somewhere too.

As for Kayla, of course! That's what it's all about. Not that we're over the hill just yet (although in lotsa ways I definitely am haha), but you have to do what you can for the younger folks getting into music. Especially if they're related to your bandmate!! That song we're thinking of for her I always heard a younger voice on there, so it all makes sense! I can't wait to get to it!!

14. What do you most hope to achieve with The Feckers ?

Richard:
Just like with anything I am involved with, I just want to work with cool people on a project that involves some good songwriting, some awesome playing - and to enjoy the processes of it all coming together. Already we have achieved that and it's only really been the demo phase that we've been in, although we do have one or two keepers for parts of songs sitting in the can.

Chris:
I have no expectations other than being satisfied with what we do, and to make sure we do it for the love of doing it. No bollocks allowed!

15. Will you guys be meeting in person ?

Richard:
That is definitely on the agenda, I was hoping to get over to Melbourne to record my vocals for The Feckers with Chris in person - but unfortunately my schedule hasn't allowed for that this year - but next year I am definitely going to head on over to spend some time with him - we'll no doubt have some fun working on some song ideas. I suspect this album will not be the last time we'll work together - actually I know it won't be (laughs).

Chris:
I've tried to get to NZ for the last couple of years, but that has been tough with everything that's been going on. Next year the beers will flow!!

16. Are there any plans for any of your tunes to be performed live ?

Richard:
That is something we will look at down the track, one or two things have been mooted....I am cool with whatever, as long as we get to have a bourbon and meet up with brother Chris!

Chris:
No I don't have any concrete plans, but you never know. I'm not really doing any live stuff as of late, but I'm sure that will change down the track.

Richard Anderson - Discography

Richard Anderson - Discography
I shall endeavour to give a breakdown and some info on each project thus far released as well as upcoming projects. Hopefully in time some of the people associated with each project will be able to come and add their 2 penneth as well :-)


Album's, EP's & Singles Released:

- Kween - Journey In A Labyrinth (1998 - Japan)
- David Austin - A Changing Sky (2001 - Re-Released 2003 - New Zealand)
- 003 - Chasing The Sun (2001 - Japan)
- 003 - Not For Sale (2001 - Japan)
- 003 - Chasing The Sun (2002 - Online Live Video Release)
- Annan - I Wish You Love (2003 - Japan)
- Rob Smith - Be Careful What You Wish For (2005 - New Zealand)
- Rob Smith - Actions Speak Louder Than Words (2006 - New Zealand)
- Quadraphonic - Live In The Marquee - The Official Bootleg (2006 - New Zealand)
- Scott Rose - Deep Sumthing (2006 - USA)
- Rick Bone & Friends - MS Blues (2007 - USA)
- GONE WILD - GONE WILD (2007 - New Zealand, Norway, Australia)
- Nils-Ole Finbak - Green (2007 - Norway)
- GONE WILD - For Your Love (2007 - Internet Single Release)
- Versailles Records - Skater Rock Vol 1, 2 & 3 (2008 - USA - Compilation)
- Hayley Oliver, Rob Smith & Richard Anderson - Something To Remember (2009 - New Zealand)
- GONE WILD - GONE WILD II (2009 - New Zealand, Norway)
- Rob Smith & Nils-Ole Finbak - Atmospheres (2009 - New Zealand, Norway)
- Rob Smith - Good Memories Are Made To Last (2009 - Internet Single Release)
- Rob Smith - Never A Dull Moment (2009 - New Zealand)
- Versailles Records - Lit Up: A Millennium Tribute To Buckcherry / Anthem Rock Vol 1 & 2 (Sampler) (2009 - USA)

Coming Soon:
- David Austin - ? (2010 - New Zealand)
- Chris Szkup - ? (2010 - Australia)
- The Feckers - ? (2011 - Australia, New Zealand, Norway, USA, Sweden)
- Rob Smith - No Smoking (2011 - New Zealand)
- Carol Smith - Tranquility (2011 - New Zealand)
- Rob Smith & Nils-Ole Finbak - Atmosphere's II (New Zealand, Norway)
- Rob Smith - Thick & Thin (2011 - New Zealand)

David Austin - ? (2010)

David Austin - "?"
(Released - 2010)
Produced by David Austin

2010 see's the release of a new David Austin album, which we're not yet sure what the title of the album is, but we're able to confirm the following tracks will be appearing on the album:

1. Recover (D.Austin, R.Anderson)
2. Slave To Reality (D.Austin, R.Anderson)
3. Cry Freedom (D.Austin, R.Anderson)
4. Over The Edge (D.Austin, R.Anderson, L.Schouten)
5. Forever Yours (D.Austin, R.Anderson)

Notes by Richard Anderson:
It's pleasing to me that these old tunes of ours are finally going to see the light of day on an album release. Originally we wrote 4 out of the 5 of our co-writes for a project that we had going called A.S.A (Austin, Szkup, Anderson or Anderson, Szkup, Austin) - but as we were working on several other projects at the time, we were unable to commit to the project fulltime. Both Chris and myself felt that we were heading in a different direction songwise, but nonetheless there was some hope that oneday these songs would be revisited in some form. In 2009, David mooted to me the idea that he wanted to re-work some of our collaborations for his next solo album, which I was all for.

"Recover" was concieved a lullby type thing, I remember sending David a file of me singing it without any music - on the initial demo we worked up both our voices were used to a remarkable effect, remembering at the time I wasn't actively recording anything.

"Slave To Reality" was something altogether different and I remember quite liking the hook, it could almost have been rocked up a bit if the arrangement had've been thought of at the time.

"Cry Freedom" was another unusual thing, in that it was the closest thing that I had ever conconcted to a country song. Once again this song was concieved as a vocal thing that David put the music to. I always had a bit of a soft spot for this tune for some reason.

"Over The Edge" has seen itself put through a few guises, although what will be on this album will be a completely new version of this track. On the original demo, both myself and my friend Leon (who co-wrote the lyric - although he didn't know it at the time I took bits and pieces of conversational pieces and used them in several different songs that will appear on a few different projects), he and I did a backing vocal session with David when we finally met in person for the first time (see attached picture for evidence of this actually happening) - however those backing vocals don't appear on this version, sorry Leon we all end up on the cutting room floor eventually.



"Forever Yours" is a track that David wrote but had a bit of a hard time finishing the lyric, so he asked me to contribute...it's quite a mushy lyric really, but at the time I meant what I wrote. Originally this song appeared on the original version of his debut album "A Changing Sky" in 2001, and it's re-release in 2003. But David felt that it wasn't really in keeping with the rest of the tracks on his 2009 re-release (a double album re-release accompanied by his second solo album "The Face Wall"). What has transpired now is that this is a completely new arrangement.

Upcoming Projects - 2010 & Beyond:

*please note this list is subject to change and additions will no doubt occur The Feckers - The songs of Chris Szkup & Richard Anderson *currently in production* (Australia, New Zealand) This is an exciting project that Chris Szkup & myself have gotten together, an allstar cast of characters have leant their talents to bring about the best of the Szkup-Anderson co-writes. We have enlisted both people that we have worked with previously and also some new and known talent for the cause....we have discussed plans to work on further material after the release of this album, and don't be surprised if there are not one or two (or more) offshoot projects in collaboration with the various members of The Feckers in the future as well. Chris Szkup - Melbourne, Australia Richard Anderson - Wellington, New Zealand Joakim Finbak Pedersen - Norway Roy "The Beer King" Bratbakken - Norway

Method In The Madness - Method In The Madness (Russia, New Zealand) A few of our collaborative efforts have been demoed, with talk of an actual album being worked on in the future.

Rob Smith - Never A Dull Moment (2009)

Rob Smith - Never A Dull Moment
(Released 2nd July 2009)
Released by Polar Music New Zealand
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
"Free Spirit", "Tears Of The Sun" & "Let Me Out - Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Programming)
- Nils-Ole Finbak (Keyboards - "Cinderella")
- Matt Sturgess (Bass - "On Common Ground")
- Richard Anderson (Narration - "On Common Ground")

1. Cinderella (Rob Smith)
2. It's Getting On Top Of Me (Rob Smith)
3. Never A Dull Moment (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
4. What Happened To My World? (Rob Smith)
5. Free Spirit (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
6. Freedom To Be Who I Am (Rob Smith)
7. You Say You Want To Be Free (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
8. On Common Ground (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith, Matt Sturgess)
9. Tears Of The Sun (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
10. Good Memories Are Made To Last (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
11. Let Me Out (Rob Smith)
12. You're Free (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)

Written and recorded during several different sessions, this collection is Rob's 3rd official solo album. "On Common Ground", "Good Memories Are Made To Last", "What Happened To My World?" & "Cinderella" were all written and recorded during "GONE WILD II" sessions. "Tears Of The Sun" was the first ever song that Rob Smith and Richard Anderson co-wrote together.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
Rob was initially going to begin recording this album in 2007, but testament to him being a team player, he put aside the bulk of his attention to complete writing and production of both the "Something To Remember" and "GONE WILD II" collections (as well as finishing up work on the Houston Wells collection "Now & Then", and
also remastering several of his own archived releases).

Whenever the moment took him and whenever the muse was kind, Rob was able to write and record several of the songs that make up this album during the middle of the previously mentioned sessions. This in itself shows what a talent Rob is, being able to flit between genre's as if it wasn't a problem at all...it still astounds me.

Other tracks that make up "Never A Dull Moment" have been sitting in the archives for a wee while waiting for their moment in the sun (or rain), it was a pleasure to have been once again involved in the writing process and seeing that Rob's 3rd solo album is brought to light as we had discussed, we have a motto in that if we say we are going to bring an album out, then we will do our best to complete each project.

Rob Smith - Good Memories Are Made To Last (Mp3 Single)

Rob Smith - Good Memories Are Made To Last (Mp3 Single)
(Released 1st July 2009)
Released by Polar Music New Zealand

Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

1. Good Memories Are Made To Last (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
- released in memory of Michael Jackson, with deepest respect

Notes by Richard Anderson:
Originally this song was written for the "GONE WILD II" album (as with "On Common Ground" also from "Never A Dull Moment" Rob Smith's 3rd solo album) but we felt that it was probably too mellow compared to the other songs on the album, so rather than waste what was a good recording, Rob chose to complete the track and put it on "Never A Dull Moment".

Late one night we discussed writing a tribute to Michael Jackson, when Rob pointed out that everytime he listened to "Good Memories Are Made To Last" that his mind wandered to Michael Jackson (who had only just died around the time of the release of the "Never A Dull Moment" album), so we released this as an mp3 single for free download. Meanwhile we did co-write another Michael Jackson tribute called "One Lonely Life", which is yet to be released.

Rob Smith & Nils-Ole Finbak - Atmospheres (2009)

Rob Smith & Nils-Ole Finbak - Atmospheres
(Released June 2009)
Released by Polar Music New Zealand
Piano Recorded @ Finbak Music Studio's, Bobo, Norway
Vocals & Guitars Recorded @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith
- Vocals, Guitars

- Nils-Ole Finbak
- Piano, Programming - "Mother Love" & "...And I Think (Song For Freddie)"

1. Intro + Our Love Will Always Shine (R.Smith, N.Finbak)
2. Sometimes (C.Bosley, R.Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
3. New Zealand Bound (R.Smith, N.Finbak)
4. It Won't Be Long (R.Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
5. I Wish I Didn't Have To Say Goodbye (R.Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
6. We Will Live (R.Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
7. Michigan (R.Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
8. ...And I Think (Song For Freddie) (R.Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
9. Mother Love (R.Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
10. Winter (R.Smith, N.Finbak)
11. Goodbye (Richard Anderson, R.Smith, N.Finbak)
12. Seascape (Instrumental) (R.Smith, N.Finbak)


Notes by Richard Anderson:
This collection has been 2 and a half years in the making (although technically it was only really worked on between other projects). Rob had always wanted to make a stripped back collection of songs with the vocals and piano being the main focus, so it was something special when Nils-Ole (aka Nilsy) came onboard and said he was up for it.

Rob and I had both seperately at different times had visions of working on projects that featured just vocals and piano - stripped back songs in essence, where the vocals and the words did all the talking, and the music sat back and just took the mind to different places. This was what lead to us working on this album with Nilsy, also we wanted to showcase what a remarkable piano player Nilsy is. I am personally rather touched by several of the songs on this album, I think they have shown a whole other side to our abilities as songwriters, working with the likes of Rob and Nilsy is something I never take for granted, so to have been so wonderfully represented here is a blessing.

GONE WILD - GONE WILD II (2009)

GONE WILD - GONE WILD II
Released May 2009
Released by Polar Music New Zealand / GONE WILD Productions
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Chris Szkup's Guitars on "State Of Euphoria" & "Georgia Peach" Co-Produced by Bill McMartin @ Beyond Therapy Studio's, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Programming)
- Richard Anderson (Vocals, Narrations)
- Matt Sturgess (Bass)
- Chris Szkup (Lead Guitars - "State Of Euphoria", "Georgia Peach" & "Bourbon Blues")
- Robin Wellaway (Sax - "Living On The Edge", "Legacy", "Is It Real?" & "In The Year Of The Blues")
- Nils-Ole Finbak (Piano - "Silent Tears", "If Only I Could Find The Words" & "In The Year Of The Blues")
- MC Hizzy (Rap - "Oblivion")
- Madame XXX (Spoken Intro - "Georgia Peach")
- Kenny Killz (Spoken Intro - "Once Bitten")
- Kayla Driskel (Children's Narrations - "Silent Tears")

Disc I:
1. Silent Tears (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
2. Rock This World (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
3. Immortal (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
4. Bitter Sweet (R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
5. Living On The Edge (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
6. Oblivion (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, MC Hizzy)
7. The Living Dead (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
8. Straightjackets (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
9. State Of Euphoria (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, C.Szkup)
10. Once Bitten (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
11. Legacy (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
12. My Good Addiction (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
13. The Death Of A Hero (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
14. Georgia Peach (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, C.Szkup)
15. De Ja Vu (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)

Disc II:
16. Thunder & Lightning (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
17. I Caught You Out (R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
18. Thicker (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
19. Is It Real? (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
20. Karma (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
21. Doesn't Really Matter (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
22. Rise Up (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
23. The Way Of The World (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
24. If Only I Could Find The Words (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
25. In The Year Of The Blues (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
26. Where Would We Be? (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
27. Bourbon Blues (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, C.Szkup)
28. 21st Century Cool (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
29. Wild Boy (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)


Notes by Richard Anderson:
Matt and Nilsy were both pretty fired up after the release of the first GONE WILD album, both of them at different times jokingly said they were looking forward to doubling the efforts (Nilsy had actually mentioned a 3rd and 4th album as well).

Rob and I both took that to mean they were serious about continuing to ply away rocking out together, so we put our heads together and devised a plan to record a double album. Unfortunately during the writing of this album we had several personal upheavals (2 divorces, 1 death of a sister, 1 death of a father, 1 death of a beloved pet - and several musical heroes passing too). Nilsy was unable to direct his energies fulltime into writing and recording for this album, so we decided rather than wait - while the inspiration was running red hot we decided to plow on as a 3 piece. Rob handled the bulk of the musical composition (Matt handled the writing of his basslines, Rob and I teamed up on vocal arrangements on several tracks), and Rob and I both handled the lyrical content. In fact we wrote more songs than wound up on this album, and had dozens of lyrical and musical ideas floating around, some that may find their way to being used in the future.

Inspiration was never a problem when working on this album, but the time it took was something we have agreed we wouldn't want to have to go through again, although looking back personally I feel we have come up with the best set of tracks possible for this follow-up album. We tested ourselves with the production of this album, often coming up with songs in different genres that we hadn't thought we'd travel in - there is some metal, some rap and even some croony blues type things on this album - GONE WILD can never be accused of being one-dimensional that's for real.

I personally like the fact that we were able to put in some of our humour ("Rock This World", "Georgia Peach", "Bourbon Blues") alongside some rather thought provoking songs ("Silent Tears", "Bitter Sweet", "State Of Euphoria", "Legacy", "The Way Of The World"), overall as songwriters I think this album contains not only some of our best hooks and lyrics, but also some outstanding playing, we were motivated enough to try our hand at representing ourselves differently than we had on other projects we had worked on - thus making the 2 years of effort worthwhile in the end.

GONE WILD - Ditto II (Unreleased Track) (2008)

Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Programming)
- Nils-Ole Finbak (WILD Guitars)

1. Ditto II (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith, Nils-Ole Finbak)


Notes by Richard Anderson:
Initially recorded during "GONE WILD II" sessions, this song wasn't something that suited where we were as a band at that particular time. But Rob rose to the challenge (after I bet him a bottle of bourbon that he couldn't turn Nilsys guitar track into a legitimate song), and I was then challenged to write a lyric to suit. The finished recording has grown on me.

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Hayley Oliver, Rob Smith & Richard Anderson - Something To Remember

Hayley Oliver, Rob Smith & Richard Anderson - Something To Remember
Released April 2009
Released by Polar Music New Zealand
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Hayley Oliver (Vocals)
- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Programming)
- Robin Wellaway (Sax - "How Many Ways")

1. Drifting Away (Rob Smith)
2. I Can't Help But Feel The Way I Do (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
3. Something To Remember (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
4. The Silence Of It All (Rob Smith)
5. Let's Get To The Heart Of The Matter (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
6. Love You Forever (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
7. Through The Heart (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
8. How Many Ways (Rob Smith)
9. I Believe In Angels (Rob Smith)
10. The Simple Things In Life (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
11. You Might Think (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
12. Days Gone By (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)

Rob Smith teamed up with English country singer Hayley Oliver on this wonderful collection of ballads, this marking Rob's first complete collaboration album outside of New Zealand.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
Working with Rob and Hayley on this project was a priviledge, all of the songs are packed with lots of emotional content and every song is a gem. It was an interesting experience working on songs of a different nature, gelling the pop-rock with country was something that we found both challenging and appealing. Rob and I both liked how we were able to show we were versatile as songwriters, and working with a vocalist of Hayley's calibre was certainly a blessing.

Skater Rock Vol 1, 2 & 3

Versailles Records - Skater Rock Vol 1, 2 & 3
Released April 2008
Released by Versailles Records USA


Disc 1:
1. Midnight Idols - Hellfire

2. Andy Endberg, Marko Pukkila, Vinny Appice & Rowan Robertson - And The Cradle Will Rock

3. The Jones - Jukebox Junkie

4. Signal 99 - Candy

5. LoveBone - Inside Out

6. Ground Level - Another Day

7. The Clear - The Goat

8. Choke On It - You're Not The Star

9. Hollowpoint - Hate To See You

10. Edmund Allan Brown - Daniel

11. Boarders - True Rebellion

12. Fireborne - No Regrets

13. Squirrels From Hell - Difficult/Funny

14. Adam's God - Angst.com

15. Mongrel - The World Loves A Tragedy

16. Limehead - Burn It Down

17. Rosko - Domino

18. Katet - Addicted To Sin

19. Turn - Litigator Snake

20. The Nick Nittoli Project - The Beach

21. Life Is Drama - Get Back To Your Soul

22. Joetown - Feelin' Rock 'N' Roll

Disc 2:
1. Santagata - Flatline

2. Disarray - Edge Of My Demise

3. Highschool Motherfuckers - What's Wrong With You?

4. One Bad Son - Orange City

5. American Dog ft Jason McMaster - Peace Dog

6. Pylon - Anaconda

7. Katet - Push

8. Buried Future - Vivisection

9. Signal 99 - Armed & Dangerous

10. Rebel Rebel - Harness All the Energy

11. Soulsilens - Loves My Mind

12. Chicago Violin - Wasted Away

13. Whiskey Dick 666 - Self-Destruction

14. Silent Scream - Play Loud

15. Danan Healy Band - What I Want

16. Seven Envy - Fear

17. GONE WILD - Escape

18. 784 Itch - Leaving Now

19. American Heartbreak - Primal Scream

20. Second Hand Child - Can't Stop Us

21. Nemesis Divina - Blue

Disc 3:
1. Veritas - 5 Black Skulls

2. Proven - Threw It All Away

3. Midnight Idols - Nymphomicon

4. Second Hand Child - All In Vein

5. 784 Itch - Foolin' The Crowd

6. Dark Miracle - The Drama

7. The Carpet Thieves - Contact Burn

8. Phearus - Fight Or Flight

9. DW - Cold Shower

10. Seven Deadly Sins - That's When Things Got Ugly

11. Pure, Inc. - The End

12. Big Engine - I'm Ready, Let's Go

13. 3 Dead - Al-Queda Waltz

14. Janne Hurme, Costello Hautamäki, Phil Varone & Marko Pukkila - Finish What Ya Started

15. Santagata - The Fire Inside

16. Kissing Pat - Electric Man (Potentia)

17. Through Darkness - Väinämöinen

18. Redeemer - I Am Revenge

19. Danan Healy Band - Despise You

20. The Karen Single Band - The Wild Side

21. Soulsilens - What Is True / Soulsilens

GONE WILD's first official release in the USA. The band were honoured to have their song released on an album featuring band members from some of their own past influences.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
We as a band (and also individually) were quite proud to be on this album alongside the names of some chaps who had been (and are) in some bands who we have listened to for a long time, then upon hearing the album in it's entirety it was a cool thing to know that our track stood up alongside some of the songs that were no doubt recorded in some pretty cutting edge recording studio's.

GONE WILD - For Your Love (Mp3 Single)

GONE WILD - For Your Love

Released in 2007 as a free online mp3 download
Released by Polar Music New Zealand / GONE WILD Productions
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Programming)
- Richard Anderson (Vocals)
- Matt Sturgess (Bass)

1. For Your Love (Graham Gouldman, Arr: Rob Smith)

"For Your Love" is a cover of The Yardbirds classic, Rob used to play this song (with a similar arrangement) live during his years with Crazy Paving.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
Rob showed me a video he had of a Crazy Paving (one of his former bands) practice, it was quite hilarious in that they would all be giving each other cheek and would dress up between songs. Rob remembered later that there was a version of "For Your Love" that they would play as a 3 piece to give his wife Carol a break from singing, he had mentioned how he had always wanted to take that arrangement and have it recorded. During downtime between tracks for the "GONE WILD II" album (in fact Matt, Nilsy and I were going to work on a collection of songs with various singers while Rob was supposed to be working on his 3rd solo album, but plans changed when Rob decided he was dead keen to get on with "GONE WILD II"), Rob had set about recording "For Your Love", Matt added his bass and I added some backing vocals to the completed recording. The feedback for this track has been amazing, and we do all really like how what started out as a bit an off-the-cuff idea (so many of our good ideas come about this way) turned into something that has garnered a lot of compliments for us from all over the world.

Nils-Ole Finbak - Green

Nils-Ole Finbak - Green
Released in Norway in 2007
Produced by Nils-Ole Finbak

1. Now I Do (Nils-Ole Finbak)
2. In The Bleak Mid-Winter (Rosetti, Holst)
3. Green (Nils-Ole Finbak)
4. Staria (Nils-Ole Finbak)
5. Saving Grace (Richard Anderson, Nils-Ole Finbak)
6. Let The Music Play (Richard Anderson, Nils-Ole Finbak)
7. Love For All (Richard Anderson, Nils-Ole Finbak)
8. Like Shadows Across The Sun (Richard Anderson)
9. Adore (Nils-Ole Finbak)
10. In the Bleak Mid-Winter (Acoustic Version) (Rosetti, Holst)
11. Never Known Love (Nils-Ole Finbak)

Notes by Richard Anderson:
This albums is essentially a collection of Nilsy's versions of several Always Forever tracks (including "Like Shadows Across The Sun" - my Bob Dylan-esque song that I wrote both the music and lyric for). As Nilsy is quite prolific with his own songs it is a bit of a blessing to have our collaborations put in there amongst his own material.

GONE WILD - GONE WILD

GONE WILD - GONE WILD

GONE WILD + Friends @ Facebook

Released January 2007
Released by Polar Music New Zealand / GONE WILD Productions
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Programming
- Richard Anderson - Vocals, Narrations
- Nils-Ole Finbak - Norske Narration, Piano, Keyboards, WILD Guitars
- Matt Sturgess - Bass
- Carol Smith - Harmonica - "Don't Need Them Blues"
- Chris Szkup - Lead Guitars - "Montage"
- Robin Wellaway - Sax - "The Good Ole Boys", "Heavens Above" & "Don't Need Them Blues")

1. Don't Wanna Be A Star (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess)
2. Escape (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
3. The Good Ole Boys (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
4. GONE WILD (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
5. Heavens Above (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
6. Achilles (Instrumental) (R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
7. War Of Words (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
8. Don't Need Them Blues (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
9. Montage (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith, Matt Sturgess, N.Finbak)
10. El Pronto Mofo (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
11. Ditto (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
12. Comfort Within (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
13. Introspective/Outrospective (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)
14. Turn Off The Lights (R.Anderson, R.Smith, M.Sturgess, N.Finbak)

Notes by Richard Anderson:
Both Rob Smith and Tim P Hall had been at me to put together a solo album of my own at some point, but I didn't really think anyone would want to be hearing me do my thing. As a compromise I had said to Rob that perhaps we should pool our efforts alongside Nils-Ole Finbak, who I had been writing a lot of material with (and also Rob had some material he was working on with him) and create a hard rock project that we could be listed within as equals rather than a solo album. Rob was at first keen to come onboard to play some guitar as needed, but then he thought about it further and suggested that why don't we go the whole hog and have him come onboard fulltime as both guitarist and producer?. Given that Rob had other projects he was working on we felt that he must have indeed been quite serious in his wanting to come onboard, so we took him up on the offer - and thus GONE WILD was born. Actually the name was supposed to be GOING WILD but somewhere along the line one of us (we've blamed Nilsy) typed the wrong name in an email. During one of his get-togethers (christened Ratapiko Rockfest) at his place I met Matt Sturgess and having heard good things about him from Rob, we struck up a conversation and I mentioned to him how Rob, Nilsy and I were going to be working on a hard rock-blues rock based collection of songs and that we would be keen for him to come onboard as a bass player if he wanted. Matt didn't have to take a second asking, he was keen as. The "GONE WILD" album took only 4 months to complete.

More information on the making of this album and also some reviews will be added to this blog soon.


You can purchase this album by simply emailing: robertsmith@xtra.co.nz or breakfree74@hotmail.com

Rick Bone & Friends - MS Blues

Rick Bone & Friends - MS Blues

Released January 2007
Aching Bone Music
Produced by Scott Rose & Rick Bone

1. MS Blues (Rick Bone)
2. Positive Light (Rick Bone, Scott Rose)
3. Help Me (Rick Bone, Scott Rose)
4. Surfin' Monkey (Rick Bone)
5. We Look Good (Rick Bone)
6. Don't Be Afraid To Love (Rick Bone)
7. Cry Through The Pain (Richard Anderson, Rick Bone)
8. Flying Free (Debbie Kelson, Rick Bone)
9. Pity Party (Debbie Kelson, Rick Bone)
10. The Cavern Monkeys Song (Rick Bone)
11. Payin' For The Rich Man (Rick Bone)
12. Cryin' Out (Rick Bone)

Proceeds from this release were and are donated to MS Research.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
Rick Bone is a friend of Scott Rose, he suffers from MS. "Cry Through The Pain" was my lyrical tribute to Rick, I was amazed at how he would power through his illness to pick up the guitar and play even though all the time he would be in pain. My good friend and co-writer Chris Szkup leant his talents to the cause and played lead guitar on that track too. Chris and I were only too happy to lend our time and efforts to this project, especially given the fact that proceeds were being (and still are) donated to help aid MS research in the US. Since the release of this album, Rick has forged ahead with the Broken Feather collaboration with Debbie Kelson, keeping the MS Awareness vibe flowing.



- Review by Lin Sarnecki-
www.nytedancer.com/MSChat/monster
A professional musician during the '70s and '80s, Rick initially gave up his music career back in 1983 to raise a family. Before that job was done (is it ever,really?) he was diagnosed with MS in 1999, which progressed to the point he was forced on disability in 2001.

Rick became very depressed over the loss of many things, as we all do, but especially over his inability to create and sing his music. For anyone with a passion, to lose it is tantamount to losing a huge part of oneself. We also must compensate for changes in our methodologies as well as adapt to changes forced by MS.

For a long time, Rick was convinced he could never sing or play again - especially at the level he did before MS. He couldn't feel his guitar strings because of the numbness in his fingers, he couldn't be in his studio long due to MS fatigue, he wasn't able to write songs and music due to MS cognitive loss, and he felt his voice quality was forever impaired. I am one of his friends with MS who knows we can do far more than we sometimes believe if we just try. I also knew how beautiful his voice was and is, and have urged him, scolded him, begged him, and even at times yelled at him to get back into his music! At long last, he has.


You can purchase this album here

Scott Rose - Deep Sumthin'

Scott Rose - Deep Sumthin'

Released in 2006
Country Rose Productions
Produced by Scott Rose

1. Deep Something (Scott Rose)
2. Born To Play Country (Scott Rose)
3. See You Later (Scott Rose)
4. Out Of Order When Lit (Scott Rose)
5. Baby Girl (Scott Rose)
6. She's A Red Head, Red Neck (Scott Rose)
7. The Caulk Sucker (Scott Rose)
8. Kentucky Fried Knight (Scott Rose)
9. Positive Light (Scott Rose, Rick Bone)
10. Miracles Happen (Scott Rose)
11. All In The Cards (Scott Rose)
12. Don't Forget Me, When I'm Gone (Richard Anderson, Scott Rose) - originally titled "When I'm Gone"

"Don't Forget Me, When I'm Gone" was a re-working of "When I'm Gone" which was demoed by Richard Anderson in 2004.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
I came across Scott Rose by way of Nils-Ole Finbak who I had been working with, Scott leant his talents to a track we had written and recorded called "Never Let You Down". We discussed perhaps working together on something - little did I know at the time that a song I had demoed would be moulded into an album-worthy track. Normally I am not the biggest country fan on the planet but I thought in keeping with the spirit that I would lend my support to a good friend and sincerely had hoped the album would turn out well - and it did.

You can still purchase this album here

Quadraphonic - Live In The Marquee - The Official Bootleg

Quadraphonic - Live In The Marquee - The Official Bootleg

Released in 2006
Released by Polar Music New Zealand
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars)
- Matt Sturgess (Bass)
- Hayden Okey (Drums, Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals - "Mustang Sally")
- Robin Wellaway (Sax)

1. Flip, Flop & Fly (Big Joe Turner)
2. Little Sister (Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman)
3. Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson)
4. Rock This Town (Brian Setzer)
5. Move It On Over (Hank Williams JR)
6. Freebird (Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant)
7. Things Have Changed (Bob Dylan)
8. Do Ya Feel Like We Do ? (Peter Frampton)
9. Mustang Sally (Wilson Pickett)
10. Hey Baby (Bruce Channel, Margaret Cobb)
11. Moving Up In The World (Rob Smith)
12. In The Midnight Hour (Wilson Pickett)
13. Ratapiko Blues (Rob Smith, Richard Anderson, Carol Smith)
14. Wish (Rob Smith)

Notes by Richard Anderson:
Rob had been playing with The Hiway Blues Band, but after bass player Ryland Sheard (also a member of Rob's other former band Snapdragon) had gotten ill, he was replaced by Matt Sturgess (who had previously played bass with The Candles after Rob's brother Phil had left that band), a new name was conjured up - Quadraphonic. This live album stems from a gig that Quadraphonic performed at Pukekura Park under a marquee.

It's great that some original songs were used on this recording, and I was pretty stoked to have had our collaboration with Carol Smith featured on this collection - Quadraphonic have continued to play that song at all of their gigs since 2004.
"Moving Up In The World" has a long history as far as Rob's live and recording experiences is concerned, so it was good to see that one included here, alongside of course a favourite of many of Rob's fans over the years (including myself), the soul stirring "Wish".

Now onto their third drummer, there have been talks of putting together an updated live album...so that's something to look forward to there.

Rob Smith - Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Rob Smith - Actions Speak Louder Than Words


Released in 2006
Released by Polar Music New Zealand
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, Ratapiko, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Michael Hill @ Killermoa Music Studio's, Waitara, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Programming)
- Catherine Smith (Backing Vocals - "An Angel Flies")
- Laura Smith (Backing Vocals - "An Angel Flies")

1. My Sanity (Rob Smith)
2. Why Did We Fall So Far (Rob Smith)
3. Actions Speak Louder Than Words (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
4. An Angel Flies (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
5. What Don't Kill Me Will Just Make Me Strong (Dawn Sinclair, Rob Smith)
6. What I Would Do For You (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
7. Let's Get To The Heart Of The Matter (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
8. In The Bottom Of A Bottle (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
9. I'm Gonna Miss You Baby (Rob Smith)
10. Forget Yesterday (Dawn Sinclair, Rob Smith)
11. Can't Stop Loving You (Rob Smith)
12. Inside Me (Rob Smith)
13. How Do You Feel? (Rob Smith)
14. The Woman I Never Knew (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
15. When The Wind Blows (Rob Smith)

Rob's second official solo album.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
After the release of "Be Careful What You Wish For", it was easy to see that there were still other tracks there left over from the same sessions that could be used for a second solo album. So we put aside some of those tracks and also co-wrote some new material specifically for what was to become "Actions Speak Louder Than Words".

Another lyricist was brought into the fold, English lyricist/poet Dawn Sinclair, who had been writing a fair bit with other artists, but took an instant liking to Rob's writing and recording style. As a thanks for her support, Rob included 2 Dawn Sinclair co-writes on "Actions Speak Louder Than Words".

I liked the fact that Rob was able to progress musically into rockier places where need be on this album - whilst it still sounding like a Rob Smith album, there was indeed some progression rather than just getting caught into repeating an exact formula, something we wanted with this label's releases was to always keep mixing it up. Thankfully Rob is inspired by a lot of different types of music and artists (and life experiences too), and as those things are all thrown into the pot with his own experiences the Rob Smith sound is always going to be varied.

It was an interesting experience seeing this project come together, as we had written some things that we both felt rated up there (and still do) as some of the best and most heartfelt things either of us had written, I take great pride in knowing that we were able to follow-up a great album that is "Be Careful..." with something equally as brilliant.

Rob Smith - Be Careful What You Wish For

Rob Smith - Be Careful What You Wish For

Released 2005
Released by Polar Music New Zealand
Produced by Rob Smith @ Polar Music New Zealand Studio's, New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
Mastered by Michael Hill @ Killermoa Music Studio's, Waitara, Taranaki, New Zealand

- Rob Smith (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Programming)
- Otto Beesling (Bass - "Le Merci" & "Wish")
- Robin Wellaway (Sax - "Wish")
- Catherine Smith (Backing Vocals - "Wish")
- Laura Smith (Backing Vocals - "Wish")

1. One Heart (Rob Smith)
2. Emerald Isle (Rob Smith)
3. It's Over (Rob Smith)
4. Mary Doesn't Need Tomorrow (Rob Smith)
5. Le Merci (Rob Smith)
6. Lost Without Your Love (Rob Smith)
7. The Memory Of Us (Rob Smith)
8. Nobody's (Rob Smith)
9. Wish (Rob Smith)
10. Lately (Rob Smith)
11. The Time Of Your Life (Rob Smith)
12. In The Beginning (Rob Smith)
13. Without You (Richard Anderson, Rob Smith)
14. We Won't Be Forgotten(Rob Smith)
15. Toddyar (Rob Smith)

Polar Music New Zealand was formed especially to release Rob Smith related recordings, "Be Careful What You Wish For" having the distinction of being the first release from the label, as well as being Rob's first official album.

Notes by Richard Anderson:
I met Rob at Music Services in New Plymouth early in 2004, at the time I had been doing some online promotion for the Tim P Hall Band, Rob had heard about what I had been doing for them and wondered if I might be able to help him do the same. It quickly became apparent to me that Rob really did have a gift way beyond his humble saying "I dabble a bit", so I discussed with him some goals and how he should really set about releasing his material to the world, so we put together the independent label Polar Music New Zealand.

My intial role was to help manage Rob and to also take care of online promotional actitivies. We also co-wrote a few things together, "Without You" being the first official release, but "Tears Of The Sun" was in fact the first song we co-wrote, Rob also gave me some titles to write lyrics to with the plan being that he would set those lyrics to music and we'd release them on various projects we had planned on putting together over the next few years (we have actually sat down and wrote a few ditties in person too...more on those later)...needless to say this album itself is very special to the Polar Music New Zealand family as a standalone entity, but also in the grand scheme of things it helped create a vision.

Pleasingly, 5 years after this albums release we still get people commenting on the songs favourably, new people have taken an interest and it continues to sell (thats right folks you too can own a copy if you want to contact me about purchasing a copy that'd be great!)

Annan - I Wish You Love

Annan - I Wish You Love

Released in 2003 Japan (Out Of Print)
Desert Lake Label / Southern Air Records

Producer: Annan
Executive Producer: Akira Minamino

Annan: Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Percussion etc.
UK Kurita: Percussion and Chorus

Guest Musicians:
Tetsuji Ogawa - Guitars
Toshiaki Furihata - Drums, Guitars and Chorus
Takeo Konishi - Drums
Nok "Yuichiro" Koshila - Computer Programming

1. I Wish You Love (Parrish Coppedge, Annan, Rosei Kobayashi)
2. Cheers! (Annan)
3. My Guardian Angel (Richard Anderson, Yohei Eto)
4. The One (Annan)
5. Freedom (Annan)
6. Maze (Annan)
7. YOKOHAMA (Annan)
8. ごめんね～ひとつの心残り (Annan)
9. 砂の仮面 (Annan)
10. 日常 (Annan)

Notes by Richard Anderson:
After having worked together on the last of the Kween EP's, it was nice that Yohei had asked me to come onboard to collaborate on his solo endeavour (under the name of Annan), in fact he rang me from Japan about 3 years before this album was released to ask me if he could use my lyric and put it to music and use it, which I thought was particularly nice of him. "My Guardian Angel" was written as a tribute to Kara Graff, a lady from the US (and another Queen fan, who Tim Davis used to visit), sadly she passed away much too young but was a wonderful support to me in our brief friendship, in fact she was the one person who managed to persuade me to let the world in on my lyrical meanderings.

Sadly this album is now out of print, I had hoped that perhaps the label might have picked it up for a bigger release. Annan did make a couple of quite good videos for the album.

Several times since we have discussed working together on something new - which is something that I hope we can bring to fruition here at some point.

003 - Not For Sale

003 - Not For Sale

Released in 2001 in Japan

Produced by 003

Shun'ei - Vocals, Keyboards
Luigi - Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals
Roman - Drums, Backing Vocals

1. Chasing The Sun (Richard Anderson, Luigi Yamagata)
2. Welcome Song (Luigi Yamagata)
3. Morning (Luigi Yamagata)
4. Birthday (Luigi Yamagata)
5. Horizon (Luigi Yamagata)
6. Sakaba no Taishou (Luigi Yamagata)
7. Afternoon (Luigi Yamagata)
8. Angel (Luigi Yamagata)
9. Tadeima (Luigi Yamagata)
10. Mitsukenikui Sagashimono (Luigi Yamagata)
11. Ashita no Hako (Luigi Yamagata)
12. Sorahe (Luigi Yamagata)
13. Yamato Daikon
14. Sakaba-Daikon (Live Take) (Luigi Yamagata)

Notes by Richard Anderson:
From memory I think this collection served as a kind of "Best Of" collection, so was rather pleased that 003 would deem our little ditty worthy of inclusion alongside some of their own material.

003 - Chasing The Sun

003 - Chasing The Sun

Released in Japan in 2001
Produced by 003

Shun'ei - Vocals, Keyboards
Luigi - Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals
Roman - Drums, Backing Vocals

1. Afternoon (Luigi Yamagata)
2. Tadeima (Luigi Yamagata)
3. Ashita no Hako (Luigi Yamagata)
4. Chasing The Sun (Richard Anderson, Luigi Yamagata)
5. Mitsukenikui Sagashimono (Luigi Yamagata)
6. Sorahe (Luigi Yamagata)
7. Yamato Daikon (Luigi Yamagata)

Notes by Richard Anderson:
I came across 003 online, and whilst all their music was in Japanese (which I couldn't understand a word of) I appreciated their efforts and their great ear for melody, so I sent the lead vocalist/guitarist Luigi Yamagata a note to ask him if he would be interested in co-writing a song in English, thankfully he was up for it.

"Chasing The Sun" was inspired by a conversation I had on a bus trip with a chap named Terry Blake in 2000, he had seemed like an inspirational type of gent, often wandering off on his jaunts for weeks at a time. It struck me as to what his family might be thinking while he was off wandering - he said to me "I am chasing the sun",which I thought would make a great song title...in the end I used our whole meeting as inspiration for this tune.

003 even wound up having a picture of a car with the number plate reading "003" on the front cover of this collection, which I thought was rather cool.

Later, 003 performed "Chasing The Sun" live in a reggae kind of format, thankfully I was able to obtain an mp3 of this performance (I once had the video footage too, but thats since seemingly been lost unfortunately), it really worked quite well in this style, I was stoked to have had a co-write performed so far away live for the first time.

Unfortunately this was the only song that we collaborated on, 003 have since seemingly split up.

David Austin - A Changing Sky

David Austin - A Changing Sky


(Released 2001 - New Zealand)
(Re-Released 2003 - New Zealand)
(Re-Released 2009 - New Zealand)

Produced by David Austin

1. Unfamiliar Town (David Austin)
2. Ghostsong (David Austin)
3. Mr X (David Austin)
4. More Than Anything (David Austin)
5. A Changing Sky (David Austin)
6. The Chamber (David Austin)
7. Snapshot (David Austin)
8. Mr X (Faceup Mix) (David Austin)
9. Take Your Place (David Austin)
10. Forever Yours (Richard Anderson, David Austin)

All Music & Vocals by David Austin

Notes by Richard Anderson:
I first corresponded with David on the Mayniac's online mailing list (a fan group set up for fans of Queen guitarist Brian May). He had told me he was working on an album and needed some help with the lyric for a ballad he was working on. I wrote pretty much the first thing that came to mind at the time - miraculously it worked. David and I proceeded to pool our efforts with Chris Szkup under the moniker ASA (or A-S-A), meaning either Anderson, Szkup, Austin or Austin, Szkup, Anderson. David remastered this album firstly in 2003 and again in 2009.

Note that the 2009 re-mastering (accompanied by the next solo album "The Face Wall") doesn't feature "Forever Yours" - that track is now being included in another collection of remastered and new material, something to look forward to.