Hey all - I know it's been a while since the last update....my only excuse is that I have been rather busy with working, writing, recording and also doing a bit of acting as well.
The Feckers - It'd Be Rude Not To
Recording sessions are now done, we're down to the mixing phase and shall have the album, and some bonus tracks released early in 2012. In addition a cover of a classic metal tune has been recorded and will preceed the album - although expect this rendition to be different, I can't say too much about it at this point in time without giving too much away.
The Feckers - A Second CD
That's correct, we've already begun work on recording tunes for the 2nd album, the plan is to conjur up more material than what we require (which we did do with the debut album, albiet not on purpose). A lot of the same musicians and singers will appear on the 2nd album (which will include the same production team of Chris Szkup & Stew Long), but also a lot of new additions to the group are definitely planned. Talks have been had with several good rockin' folks who have expressed a lot of interest in taking part and making a noise. The plan at this stage is to have this album released in 2014, giving us a chance to proper promote "It'd Be Rude Not To"
For more info on The Feckers:
http://www.thefeckers.net
http://www.facebook.com/thefeckers
http://www.youtube.com/welcometofeckerville
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, May 3, 2010
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:
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.
Friday, April 30, 2010
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)
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.
(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.
Friday, April 23, 2010
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
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Richard Anderson - Wellington, New Zealand
Joakim Finbak Pedersen - Norway
Roy "The Beer King" Bratbakken - Norway
Chris Szkup - Melbourne, Australia
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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)
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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.
(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.
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