Chris Szkup – “Ours”
We were going through the archives and found this very early version of the song “Ours” which features on “It’d Be Rude Not To”, here performed by Chris Szkup solo in Feb 2011 @ 303 in Northcote. This was the 2nd ever performance of the song!
It’d Be Rude Not To – It’s Actually A Done Deal, Right?
Well we finally got there didn’t we?
Yes! The Feckers have achieved our goal, and that was to write and record an album of material featuring some of our best muso friends in the world.
Not too many people know the full gist of what lead us to this point, so, let me cut it down into a few small slices of the big pie……
Chris used to be in a band called Jigsore with his brother Mathew (also known as Matt or Skube), Jigsore folds….Chris tries to get together with various people (they turn out to be some of the flakiest mofo’s on the planet)…Chris & I team up and write a couple of sweet little numbers – they don’t see the light of day (past the demo phase at least) because some other flaky mofo’s decide they will commit to something but not carry through (and one winds up being busy with studying)….thus leaving the said Chris & I somewhat jaded. Jigsore reforms, records some demos….Jigsore folds…..(I am still waiting on my cd people!!!!). Chris once again goes on the lookout for dudes/dudettes to work with – once again gets given some of that good ole douchebaggery treatment (rock n roll hardon’s don’t abound)…..Chris thinks bugger this! (and possibly wonders if he’s flogging his head against a brick wall), Chris writes some interesting stuff, his brother hears it then Matt recommends a studio, Chris and Matt enter the said studio (Chris is now a singer, who woulda thought????) – what transpires is a sweet as bonafide piece of whatsamacalledit that plays music – oh yeah a bloody good solo album (accompanied by one or two cameos from other Jigsorian natives) – Chris releases the kickass production (really, Stew Long knows his shit!…and for that matter so do Chris and Matt)…..”Pieces Of Eternity” kicks a few asses and takes a few names….!?!
Then……..
Chris emails me suggesting that something be done with them old demoes from the dark ages – I think Chris is a little mad (20 more solo albums oughta be the go no????, why stop when you’re on a roll???), many more emails back and forth contemplating a plan of attack…what to do, what to bloody do???? no pressure, or was there lots? okay fuck all pressure because we decided from the get-go it was always going to be a “lets see what happens but have no expectations because you know we are jinxed as all heck” type gig.
Then……..
Arrangement jobs are done on a few old demoes – Chris waves his magic wand and wam bam yippekayaye father fecker (for we have sinned) – the first tune is sent off to Dennis Leeflang (a bit of a genius in the banging and crashing department – or so Chris had reckoned – but hadn’t we had enough of drummers?????) – what transpires is that Dennis blows my head off (and Chris’ who already knew that Dennis’ shit was good shit), he is our guy – that’s THE one, sorry other drummers that we would possibly have liked to have worked with but now can’t because this is the man….this is the sound……the blend is good (and we’re not just talking about the coffee – because quite frankly Chris’ missus makes a bloody good brew!)
Then……..
A few talks are had about who would sing? (we didn’t want to carry the can entirely), who would play bass? (this turned out to be a bit of a mix and match affair between the Szkupster brothers….both doing not a shite job you’ll be pleased to know).
Then……..
More talks with a few pals that we had worked with on various projects, people that we felt might possibly actually get what we wanted to achieve, and that was to rock out and write/record the album that deep down we really wanted to make, none of this “I wish we had” business….
Then……..
Success, we managed to convince some singer types (and ourselves) that we might actually be making an album…..hell it might even be a completed project….
Then……..
Song after song began to look like it might actually take shape – there was ZERO BULLSHIT, NO EGO PROBLEMS…..sweet fecking relief! (okay so not complete relief because there were a couple of things that were attempted that really could have done with some pain relief being issued in the form of a crowbar…)
Then….
Chris heads into the studio and lays down some of the rhythm tracks (to go with the now properly recorded – and actually bloody professional sounding – ie: ZERO RE-DO’S or “Hey Dennis, that sucks” type comments – nope none of that!!!) them was some killer drums….and Chris’ gatt tracks didn’t suck the farts out of dead seagulls either (thanks Rodney for the beautiful description…)
Then….
The process of mixing and matching the words and sounds with the right voices….the hunt was on….
Then….
I found a dude named Roy Bratbakken online and think “Sammy Fecking Hagar trapped in a lumberjacks body….not at all crap vocally, seems to be able to knock out a bit of ‘tude, yep we’ll have a lash and see if this guy is as nutty as we are” (as it turns out, having a lash equals signing Roy up fulltime to be a singer on the debut album, a couple of singles, a couple of tribute album tracks – and heavens to betsy, a 2nd album!!!)
Then……..
The next vocalist to take the Feckers oath of allegiance (ie: “Bottom’s Up!”)…..Irene Slade, the most beautiful thing for me was to be staring through my camera and seeing this person in front of me burst into life – which funnily enough was quite contrary to her earlier admission “I’ve got a sore throat, I’ve been naughty…” sweet, we can appreciate that, now to get on in and give it the college try….(even though none of us spent that much time at college, and some of us too much time hanging out at the girls’ college…) …. she nailed her tracks and then some!
Then……..
We felt we were on a roll with these singer types…..so we got brave and ventured in new territory, we enlisted the services of some dude who was actually going places (we’re not sure where as yet) – Chandler Mogel, so we flick a song his way which we thought was pretty cool, wires get pulled loose (wakey wakey Chandy!) Chandler writes his own lyric and comes up with a vocal arrangement (keen much brother ???), so that in turn kicks thy ass…and is quite possibly one of the best recordings of Chandlers life (stepping away from the clean aor rocker boy stuff…I hope he gets to dirty it up like this again sometime…)
Then…..
Come on down El Robbo Mofo (better known to his parents as Robert Smith – no not that Cure dude with the funny hair, we’re talking the farmer type dude from Ratapiko….(okay so farmer is a stretch, he owns 2 mad as fuck sheep and some things that are meant to be dogs….and one even looks like a dog). Now put this into perspective – Rob is one of the best guitarists in New Zealand – and also one of the best music producers as well…..and we ask him to sing…..(later we let him plug his lil geetar thingees in). What transpires is that Rob sends back some vocal tracks that are a little rawer than what he normally does – but we like it a lot because it’s different (and it doesn’t sound like the solo artist dude trying to fit into a project type gig) – sweet, we are impressed (and we then we proceed to knick a song from him for the next album….we dig it that much).
Then….
All hell breaks loose….and out pops Alexey Spectre, with his “ouch that had to hurt the balls screams” – so we write a tune specifically to pearce the ears of the 2 listeners that we envision hearing this stuff……hello, this is 80s metal, we love it!
Then….
Chris and I decide we might wanna have a lash at the lil mates tune I had conjured up on my acoustic (which demo wise probably sucked somewhat, but every little idea counts)…..Chris is at this point oblivious that its a song about our working together and becoming great mates….what transpires is not the greatest vocals of alltime, but the intent was there – that and I got to live the dream of having a string arrangement on a song…thank you for the sexy strings Lyris….!!! (and I got to sing with Chris which was pretty cool!)……
Then….
I managed to convince both Dennis and Chris that we should get their missus’ to do some backing vocals on a sweet lil thang that we felt would be a great thing to finish the album with…..the missus’ take the bait – and duly respresent the ladies department of Feckers Inc bloody well!
Then….
We get the opportunity to work with GREATNESS (not that the other dudes and dames aren’t great of course) – Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and Tommy Denander, 2 big names in the music realms (or at least our realms….hip-hop gangstas out of Compton may struggle to recognise them) – both guys step into the fold and throw down some awesome guest geetar solo action – we love what they played and we love them dudes even more for hanging notes in the air for us (we’re still trying to grab a few of them notes out of the air).
Then….
We enlist a few mates named Edo Van Der Kolk (amazing tone mate!), Pat Valley (a young dude that will be around for eons!), Ponch Satrio (who comes up with the craziest arrangements I have heard in instrumental rock….and I actually like them too), Matteo Bucca (a mad italian who supplies some of the lead breaks, that’ll make your toes curl) and also the previously representing Matt & Rob - their solo-ing with Chris on various tunes blows me away – and I remember why I am not ever going to be playing guitar on a Feckers album (which is not an entirely sad thing for me, because these guys kick ass!)
Then….
Everything is recorded, then it’s down to the processes of things being mixed….not a job I really envied as there is a heap going on there musically, but not to my surprise, Stew Long does a great job and holds up his end of the bargain (he also did the great job mastering the album and again delivers!).
Then….
We send everything off to be printed up and sit and wait……I admit I am not the best at waiting so ponder the next album (we were juggling a load of ideas during certain phases of the making of “It’d Be Rude Not To”…things that will end up on album #2)…..but hell it was worth it.
In Conclusion….
We got there, sticking to ones guns despite the mammoth task it seemed to be – it was oh so worth it. I couldn’t have hoped to have worked with such an incredible and humble team of professionals to deliver this….OUR album. Thanks guys and girls – you were terrific in your output and faithful to the core – me love your work long time! My last hope was that we got to touch a few hearts and mince words and music with a few minds and that people buy this thing (seems this is proving to happen too!!!)
- Richard Anderson 14th March 2013
Album out next week!
Hey all – look what just turned up on my doorstep!!!
To everyone that has pre-ordered already, THANK YOU and I hope you’re enjoying “Music Keeps Me Sane” for now!! Your hard copies will start shipping on Tuesday March 12th due to me flying to NZ straight after work tomorrow and Monday being a holiday here, which makes 12.3.13 the release day for our album “It’d Be Rude Not To”!!!
It wouldn’t be an album release without something going wrong, so in between work and international flights, I’ll be chasing up the posters as they didn’t arrive with the CD’s!! Rest assured they’re still happening though and if you’re ordered one, it’s absolutely coming!!
Will be making some tweaks to the site next week to mark the release and also setting up the digital sales for the album if that’s your thing – stay tuned!
Haven’t pre-ordered yet but think you might like to? Fret not – there is still time, and to say “THANKS”, everyone that does so will score a copy of our as yet unreleased single “Music Keeps Me Sane”. Visit our STORE PAGE to do that!!
Richard Anderson – Feckers On Fire: The Interview
Richard Anderson – Feckers On Fire: The Interview
1. There was some exciting news that came through recently, in that The Feckers have signed on for a KISS tribute album. How pleased are you to be a part of that project?
Richard: We were VERY happy to come onboard and throw our weight behind this project.
2. Was it because of the fact that you’re KISS fans or was there some other added reasons for your wanting to take part?
Richard: There are a few of us that are very much into the music that KISS has recorded over the years, as well as that several of us are fans of different members’ work with other people over the years. So from a musical perspective it was very much a cool thing to be able to pay homeage to some legends in the business. Our #1 reason however for coming onboard was that we really wanted to support the cause, and that was to be able to raise some money to benefit The Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence. We wanted to be part of something that created some good and acknowledged the amazing work that such hospices do.
3. Have you had any personal experiences with cancer?
Richard: I’ve had a couple of closely related members of my family die of various forms of cancer, one of my grandmothers and a dear cousin specifically. And I have also helped nurse a very very dear friends mother a few years back who passed away from cancer…this same friend is at the moment battling to stay alive, I thought that she would be quite chuffed to see that we would put our hat in the ring to support a worthy cause. I have seen the work that hospices do and have experienced the highs and lows of their work – the people that do that kind of work are amazing, they to me seem to be the closest thing to living angels I think.
4. How hard was it to convince the other members of The Feckers to come onboard for this?
Richard: It wasn’t hard at all - within 5 minutes of me sending a message to Mitch Lafon (the founder of “A World With Heroes”) telling him that we would like to be a part of things in some way, I had Chris Szkup, Dennis Leeflang, Ponch Satrio and Roy Bratbakken all saying YES, let’s make this happen. It also took zero arm twisting for Mathew Szkup, Irene Slade and Rob Smith to come onboard either. Without me speaking for the other Feckers, I know there is some personal experiences with cancer that have gone down in their lives too, so they could relate and see where I was coming from in regards to wanting us to be a prescence.
5. Had you heard of Mitch Lafon before?
Richard: Yes indeed, I have visited his website (www.bravewords.com) for a few years now, he always came across in his interviews and other writings as someone who was very genuine in his love for hard rock music, with Mitch the music has always mattered and so have the people who have made it, you can read that in his work. I have a lot of respect for any writer that I can relate to, and Mitch is definitely one of those guys who’s work is stellar. For us to be involved with something of this mans creation is simply a wonderful thing, I am delighted that he has allowed us onboard.
6. What was the selection process for the song you’re contributing?
Richard: Mitch supplied me with a list of songs he thought would be ideal, he was specific in that he wanted us to do an 80′s song, he had enough people already tackling the 70′s and 90′s eras. We figured that we are children of the 80′s so we could make it happen, but choosing which song was always going to be a toughy with so many of us wanting to contribute to the final recording. In the end Roy Bratbakken and Dennis Leeflang chose the track, “Heaven’s On Fire” they didn’t gang up on us or anything (laughs) but they were adament that we could deliver something cool – something unique is what we were going for here as we feel if you’re going to record a cover then it’s pointless just re-recording the same thing as the original artist and putting your name to it, that wouldn’t work for us – there always has to be a spin. At the moment it is in Chris Szkup’s hands to come up with an arrangement that suits – he’s the master of that kind of thing so I have every faith it will be rocking! – both Irene and Roy are itching to get onto singing this one too which is great that they are brimmed for action.
7. What was your reaction to all the other great artists taking part in “A World With Heroes”?
Richard: I was very happy to see some familiar names there in the form of Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and Tommy Denander, which it didn’t surprise me that they were involved at all, they are great guys, awesome musicians and just such wonderfully caring people. Ron and Tommy have been very supportive of The Feckers and both played on our debut album, which is to this day something that I pinch myself over! Obviously it is a bit of a who’s who of 80′s rock there, it would be easy to get stars in the eyes – and I definitely would if I were in the same room together with any of the artists involved with this project. The talent pool is emmense so it makes me look forward to hearing what people come up with, but the cause was always #1 with us.
8. Have you discovered anyone new through your association with ”A World With Heroes”?
Richard: Willie Basse is someone new to me, that cat has a real magic touch to his music. And of course he is a Thin Lizzy fan so he has got to be a cool cat. His rendition of “Bad Reputation” with DJ Ashba on guitar is something pretty cool too I might add, that’s one of my favourite rockier Thin Lizzy tracks. There are a couple of other bands/people there that I have heard of but haven’t necessarily heard a lot of their music, it has been great in that sense to be able to go and have a listen to their work and seeing how they stack up.
9. Can you see The Feckers working with any of the other people on ”A World With Heroes” aside from Ron and Tommy?
Richard: Actually there is one guitarist/singer on the album that we are already scheduled to record with for our 2nd album, we have been for a while now, it’s just been a matter of having the right song to fit…we’re still working on it.
10. What is your hope for this project?
Richard: I just hope that Mitch is able to get the pledges required to make this thing happen and then some, so please people do go and pledge for this project…not only are you doing something worthy to help a great cause, but there are some awesome things there that you could potentially take part in/win. The artists involved with this project have been very kind in not only giving their time to record freely but also in offering their services to be a part of the pledge process, that to me is a very cool thing and I am itching to see this go ahead, and I know the rest of The Feckers involved feel the same way!
To pledge your donation to “A World With Heros” please visit: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/kiss40thtributeKISS 40th Anniversary Tribute Album to benefit Montreal cancer hospice
Montreal rock journalist and KISS fanatic Mitch Lafon wanted to help raise some cash to benefit The Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence after his father-in-law James Stanley Droulis passed away from cancer last month. Within days of dreaming up his KISS 40th Anniversary Tribute Album for charity – the album will be called A World With Heroes – a who’s who of the hard-rock world have come on board.
The list of rock stars who have agreed to record tracks for the KISS tribute album is very impressive:
Terry Ilious (Great White), Bumblefoot (Guns N’ Roses), Russ Dwarf (The Killer Dwarfs), Ron Young (Little Caesar), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dokken), Rex Brown (Kill Devil Hill, Pantera), Derry Grehan (Honeymoon Suite), Bill Leverty (Firehouse), Derek Sherinian (Black Country Communion, Dream Theatre), Phil Lewis (L.A. GUNS), Doro, Mark Zavon (Kill Devil Hill), Slaves On Dope, Chris Van Dahl (ex-L.A. Guns), Tommy Denander, Johnny Dee (Doro), Jeff Paris, Phil Naro, Willie Basse, Sean Kelly (Helix, Nelly Furtado), Ron Keel, Gary Fraser (Brighton Rock), Don Dokken, Mark Tornillo (Accept).
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KISS fans (or people who support this cause in general) can be a part of the creation of this album by donating money or pre-ordering the album via Pledgemusic. There’s a ton of really cool memorabilia being offered to donors.
Says Lafon, “The initial goal is to raise $15, 000 and it’s intended for the charity. We will have to pay the ‘mechanical licenses’ for the permission to use the songs – which has nothing to do with KISS, it’s simply the law – and we’ll have to pay for the manufacturing of the CDs which runs about $1.50 to 2$ per disc”.
“I want to be very clear: The mastering house is taking NO money. They have donated their services. The graphic artist doing the album artwork has donated his services. The ‘rock stars’ have donated their talents. The artists are assuming their own recording costs. I’m not taking a single cent from this, not even as much as paying for a cup of coffee for myself. Hopefully, the project will not only reach the goal but double, triple, etc. it. Would be nice to raise $100,000$ or $200,000 and more.”
Tracklisting:
1. Bumblefoot & Rex Brown – Detroit Rock City 2. Bill Leverty & Russ Dwarf & Sean Kelly – Deuce 3. Russ Dwarf & Bill Leverty & Sean Kelly – Unholy 4. Terry Ilous – Forever (Acoustic) 5. Willie Basse – I Love It Loud 6. Rex Brown & Mark Zavon – Larger Than Life 7. Ron Keel – Rock N Roll Hell 8. Doro Pesch & Johnny Dee – Only You 9. Slaves On Dope – New York Groove 10. Don Dokken – Cold Gin 11. Mark Tornillo – Spit 12. Honeymoon Suite – Reason To Live 13. Jeff Paris – Shout Mercy 14. Phil Naro – Pyscho Circus 15. Phil Lewis – Master & Slave 16. Chris Van Dahl – Hard Luck Woman 17. Ron Young – Little Caesar 18. The Feckers – Heaven’s On FireBonus Tracks:
Slaves On Dope – Anything For My Baby Willie Basse – A World Without Hero’s Willie Basse – Tears Are FallingChris Van Dahl – Beth
The deadline to make a pledge for the A World With Heroes KISS 40th Anniversary Tribute album for cancer care is April 17. Click here for more info and to make a pledge, click here for Mitch Lafon’s all-star rock’n’roll Dropping The Needle podcasts; and here for POP TART’s interview with Gene Simmons of KISS.
Chris Szkup – Tell Him He’s Dreamin’
Chris Szkup – Tell Him He’s Dreamin’
1. Chris, How has 2012 treated you? – you’ve been a very busy guy right?
Chris: REALLY well thank you!! Everything is great on this end!! Yeah I’m always playing “catch up” on “the list” of things to do, but I’m definitely not the only one – am just happy to get the chance to do exactly what I wanna do with great folks who mean business!!
2. Is it true you’ve been working on 2 solo projects?
Chris: Yeah kind of. Once upon a time there was going to be a digital EP of acoustic songs before the next full length solo CD came out. Then I noticed that according to stats and things for sales of my music, the digital stuff seemed to be chipping away consistently, but the hard copy CD’s just weren’t moving much at all!! So I’ve shuffled things around a little bit and am doing the acoustic stuff song by song as singles with an accompanying goofy home video, and will break up the intended “album tracks” into two or three digital EP’s.
3. When can we expect both of those projects to be released?
Chris: Two songs of acoustic stuff are out (via http://www.cs-songs.com) and there are two more to come very soon. The remaining stuff will come as soon as I can. Paying for everything yourself is a great position to be in creatively, but the flip side is that sometimes things take a little bit longer than you’d like as well haha.
4. What has been the most fun about working on The Feckers debut album “It’d Be Rude Not To”?
Chris: Everything really! I don’t know. Haha! I think the best thing all up would be hearing all these different musical personalites adding their thing to your creation. When you wrote the song a while back and had it on your computer for months (or maybe even four track tapes!) it can be easy to think of what may very well be a fantastic song as “just another song” and become bored with it even. Sometimes hearing Dennis’ drumming or Roy’s singing on a song we might happen to be working on can really bring it back to life and make me fall in love with a song all over again. That’s really cool!
5. How would you describe “It’d Be Rude Not To” musically?
Chris: I think all round it’s just a rock album. Rock is a pretty broad spectrum which is what this album kinda is too – there is acoustic stuff, ballads, classic rock, and even metal. It all sounds very much like us though.
6. What is the coolest thing about working with all those people from around the world?
Chris: I touched on this earlier I guess, but just hearing each person adding their own thing and eventually hearing the sum of all the parts! It sure is a different way to do it, but with the right people on board it’s a fantastic way to do it too!
7. Is there anyone that you haven’t worked with that you would like to? And what does it take to become a Fecker?
Chris: That’s another cool thing about this arrangement I suppose – some of these things that 16 year old me dreamed of wanting to do someday are actually happening in The Feckers. If you told me years ago that one day I’d be trading off solos with a musical giant like Bumblefoot some day, I would’ve told you that you’re dreamin’ (to quote a favourite movie of mine called “The Castle”)!! There are more of these types of situations being talked about with other folks as we speak too which is amazing!
It’s pretty open as far as becoming a Fecker goes. If we like what someone does and their attitude to things, that’s usually all it takes – assuming we have the room as well of course, because there are a big number of people involved in this thing already. Think you might be keen? Feel free to write to us!
8. What was your first thought when it was suggested that there be a 2nd of The Feckers albums?
Chris: I don’t recall exactly as the last few years have been such a blur of musical happenings. It was probably something along the lines of “as long as everyone is into it, we are able to come up with songs that are as strong as the ones from the first album, and we take the time to have a spell in between, then COOL”!!
9. How are things progressing with the 2nd The Feckers album?
Chris: It kind of started without us realising it, so I think there are maybe 5 songs underway, with maybe a couple of them all but complete. During the mixing of “It’d Be Rude Not To”, Stew Long was tied up with some other things, so in the downtime, we figured we’d chip away and throw another song Dennis Leeflang’s way as we’ll want to do that eventually anyway. I’m stepping back a bit from starting new things this year, but every once in a while a song will come along so I’ll demo it up and send across to Richard to see what he thinks.
10. Looking at the list of people involved with The Feckers, that must surely take a lot of man management to pull everything together, do you find it difficult dealing with so many people?
Chris: It’s great really. Maybe because we look for attitude in a person just as much or even more as we do musical ability, so no one is a problem to deal with. We usually found throughout making this one that if for example someone was quiet for a while on their guitar parts for such and such song, then someone else might fire back their vocal on a different song, so there was always something to do and it was always good!
11. Was any thought given to perhaps stripping things back and making The Feckers more of a “band” situation?
Chris: There was. I guess that’s the one thing I haven’t had for a long time, so there were thoughts, but at the same time, it’s never truly going to be a “band situation” if you all live in different countries. Also we still had people we hadn’t been able to include on the first album that we wanted to work with, so naturally, the theme continued!
12. What for you was the highlight of 2012 for The Feckers?
Chris: Probably the first song “Just” coming out. There was a sense of “FINALLY”, and there also seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm around it’s release which was cool!
13. Can we expect to see more singles both The Feckers/Chris Szkup released in 2013?
Chris: You sure can. I’m having two solo singles mastered over the coming weeks, and as I type this, we’ve just put “It’d Be Rude Not To” up for pre-order which includes our fourth single as a “thank you” before it’s released via the usual digital medium a bit later on.
14. You were also a guest artist on the Russian band Anchor Field’s debut album “Claustraphobia”, will you be working with them again?
Chris: If they like! I’m here. I guess it depends on what they have going on and if Alexey hears a spot for my noodling anywhere.
15. You’ve been regarded as somewhat of a master arranger/session guy, would you consider doing more session work in the future?
Chris: Thanks – I appreciate that! Sure I would do more stuff and have actually reached out to a few folks offering my services before. When a soul artist gets an email from a guitarist that looks like me though, I suppose the stereotypes ring through their head, so I often don’t hear back when I try reaching out haha! But absolutely – if people think I might suit their stuff, definitely drop me a line!
16. What is your major goal for 2013 musically?
Chris: Finishing everything that is underway – The Feckers album and singles (which is about to be a reality), then my remaining singles and EP’s. Would like it all to be out by the end of the year.
17. And finally, a bit of word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:
Chris: The Feckers – Friends making some rock music together. On paper it maybe shouldn’t work so well but in reality it totally does!
Richard Anderson – Word Dude, MacGyver, Co Fecker, someone to throw any musical idea at!
Matt Szkup – Late! Haha! Brother in life and music, and one of the best guys you could ever want in your corner making an album as you can slot him in anywhere on any instrument and he’ll deliver.
Dennis Leeflang – Drum god, great producer and fantastic guy! Someone I’m looking forward to buying a beer for!
Stew Long – This man is a true friend and totally amazing at what he does! If our paths hadn’t crossed I may not have fell into regular recording of my music like I have been since we started in 2005 as I was very discouraged by the whole thing before then. The first guy I worked with in the studio where I remember thinking “wow this guy is really on the same level as us”!
Jake Long – Just like his Dad all the way from what I can tell and that is a great thing – the Hobart music scene will be ok for many years yet!
Paul Jolley – The best keys player I’ve worked with. Open to trying anything. Great guy!
Irene Slade – Cousin, great gal and amazing voice! I was also really amazed at a couple of the songs I heard she had written. I’m not sure how many she does, but I really like the ones I heard!
Roy Bratbakken – This guy made me really know for sure that this crazy idea we had with The Feckers was actually possible along with Dennis! Before we started with Roy, I had been doing the vocals on all of my solo songs out of pure necessity so I didn’t have to ask another singer about it and end up being dissapointed. Roy has the kind of voice I always wanted to work with – totally melodic and really good range if it’s required, but at the same time totally heavy with attitude as well as comedy. When I hear him sing I feel he’s really letting us get to know him and I love that!
Alexey Spectre – The Count! Haha. Bigger Queen freak than me or Richard I think. Fantastic voice and as a writer some really left of centre ideas that totally work and make sense.
Rob Smith – Amazing writer, but also killer on vocals and guitar. Some things we’ve tried as far as collabs go in the past left me a little scarred, so when I heard Rob it was a matter of “wow – I can deal with that”!!
Aisha Polat – My lady, my best friend, and the only one who ever truly “got me” – which is probably an insult to her haha! Although she hasn’t heard hardly any of it, she is totally cool with me sitting in the other room for hours at a time working on my music because she knows what it means to me. I really appreciate that!
Jennifer Leeflang – The gal behind the lens! Seems like a fantastic person from our dealings and someone else I look forward to buying a brew for!
Yohei Eto – I’ve hung with Yohei twice now and before his last trip, I read a comment from a friend of his in Japan along the lines of “Gday! Have a bloody great flight mate. She’ll be right” which just killed me! So that whole last trip in between jamming Queen songs we were doing bad exaggerated Australian accents the whole time. Great times. A true friend!
Carl Linquist – Energy! I had a certain type of voice in mind for our single “Music Keeps Me Sane”, and I figured he’d be out there somewhere on Youtube. I think the first thing I heard him do was “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal, and I thought “that’s the guy”!! When I started reading about him and getting to know his attitude a bit, I KNEW that was the guy. He came onboard with enthusiasm and humour and we can’t wait to do more with him!
Steve Hacker – We haven’t had huge amounts of communication, but from what I can tell, an insanely talented guy with his heart in the right place!
Tommy Denander – ONE TAKE! I wasn’t really familiar with Tommy until Richard mentioned him to me and I had heard more over the years. After we did “Unleash the Beast” with him and I was BLOWN AWAY by his stuff, especially after he told us it was a first take, I realised we had another musical giant on board, and through our communications with Tommy, I realised he’s an amazing guy also! Has played with everyone and can play better than anyone haha!
Edo Van Der Kolk – Bumblefoot Forum moderator and fantastic guy! I met Edo through our Bumble Fan-dom years ago, maybe the late 90′s. Straight away I could tell he was an awesome guy, but the other thing that struck me was his playing. The Bumble community is full of amazing players who can play anything, but I remember Edo’s playing really talking to me back then! I thought that if I’m in a position some day, I’d like to play with him on something! Luckily The Feckers happened and it was all arranged!
Chandler Mogel – Pingers! Killer voice and really friendly guy!
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal – Musical hero, the coolest guy you’ll ever meet, can sing or play absolutely anything no matter what it is on the spot even if he’s never played it before. When I think about Ron there is just a long list of amazing things that he’s done for me, and basically any big fan of his would tell you the same thing. This is a guy who replies to emails from fans for 10 hours a day even though it’s killing his fingers and his living is playing guitar. This guy is the real deal all the way, and it was such a dream come true getting to play alongside him on “Minus”!
Pat Valley – I like Pat’s attitude and had spoken to him online years before Richard mentioned that he “knew this guy called Pat” which was unreal! It really is a small world sometimes! Great rock player!
Ponch Satrio – The little maestro! Ponch is another one of those guys that just oozes enthusiasm! I’m so glad that he’s getting to do what he really wants to these days because he totally deserves it. Amazing player, but a great friend and someone I look forward to hanging with in the future!
Matteo Bucca – We didn’t hear much from Matteo during his contributions for the album, but he seems like a stand up guy to me, and his playing on “A Better World” is great! He did some amazing lead where I didn’t think of having any, but also added some nice textural rhythm guitars to things that were great too!
Lyris Hung – Amazing talent! The stringslady! Have had her on a handful of songs now and it blows me away to get these parts back that really do sound like an ensemble and to think that it’s one gal playing them all!
David Austin – Dma! Skate enthusiast and nice dude! We had started on a trio arrangement with him years ago that didn’t quite happen, so we made a point of wanting to get him on a song in The Feckers. Of course he was up for it and did fantastic!
Hurb Jephasun – I was asked to play in a trio that also involved Hurb fairly last minute a few years back. Found him full of gags and great fun to play and hang with and hope we can do it again some day!
Giancarlo Florida – May be on our second album. We’ve thrown around some vocal ideas with him late last year!
Sean Bodley – The Bodmeister! This was another name I had heard a lot over the years and I always liked the bits of music I had heard. It was a given that he would end up on some future Feckers material. So far we have one song down but I’m sure there will be more.
Freddie Mercury – The real deal and best vocalist ever. To read that he sung a song like “Show Must Go On” as a first take while on his death bed just knocks me out as it’s one of his best vocals ever I think! Wish he was still here kicking our arses!
Brian May – One of the greatest guitarists ever, but underrated behind the scenes I think. Some of those more obscure early songs were him playing all the weird instruments and things on them which is amazing. Wish he’d do another solo album and tour!
Roger Taylor – I was amazed when I heard that the really high note “for meeeeeeeeeeeeeee” in “Bohemian Rhapsody was him, and even moreso when I read about how they did their vocals. Really like Roger’s more recent solo material “Happiness” and “Electric Fire”.
John Deacon – Maybe one of the smartest dudes ever bowing out when he did in his late 30′s/early 40′s – he had made his money and had some good times but probably knew it would never be the same again if he stayed. Respect him for that. Amazing player and writer!
Robin Zander – Completely underrated and can sing anything. Still singing stuff from their first album over 30 years ago with the same attitude and in the same key. One of my favourites!
Glenn Hughes – You could insert most of my comments on Robin here too. This guy probably has the biggest range I’ve ever heard on a male singer? I remember first seeing him in 2006, not having much money and being sick at the time so I was going to skip the show, but being pushed along to it by my lady Aisha. Within a few seconds of him singing that night my jaw was on the floor. Great writer too and I appreciate how he has done so much but continues to be so prolific in his 60′s showing up guys half his age!
Black Country Commmunion – As with any Glenn related thing nowadays, amazing songs and singing. All great players and a real rock band! Wish they could get it together to tour for it properly cause we could use a band like them in 2013!
“It’d Be Rude Not To” – Pre-orders Available!!!!
Just a note to let you know that pre-orders are now live on the site, and as a “THANK YOU” from us, anyone that takes us up on it will receive a copy of our fourth digital single “Music Keeps Me Sane”, a melodic rock song written by Chris and Richard, which features Carl Lindquist – vocals, David Austin – bass, Dennis Leeflang – drums, and Chris Szkup – guitars / ukulele.
If you haven’t checked them out yet, here are the preview clips for “It’d Be Rude Not To”!!! – ENJOY!!!
“It’d Be Rude Not To” – Preview Clips!!!
Here’s your first taste of the album guys!!! Preorder info is going up in a matter of minutes from this post also!!
The making of “It’d Be Rude Not To” #2!!!
A new “making of” video captured during sessions for “It’d Be Rude Not To” – the album is now coming at ya in very early 2013!! Stay tuned for further info we’ll be posting soon as we can in regards to the release, but for now, enjoy these teasers from the album!!
The making of “It’d Be Rude Not To” #1!!!
Get your first taste of what the (very soon to be released) album is gonna shape up like here guys!!!
As it’s so close, we wanted to start sharing this footage with ya’s – more to come!!!
The Singles’ – Lyrics/Credits
The Feckers – Just (Released 25th January 2012) Written by Richard Anderson & Chris Szkup Produced by Dennis Leeflang Mixed by Dennis Leeflang @ The Groove Cabin, New York, USA Mastered by Maor Appelbaum @ Maor Appelbaum Mastering Studio’s © The Feckers Productions 2012 All Rights Reserved THE FECKERS representing on this recording are: Roy Bratbakken: Lead Vocals & Backing Vocals Chris Szkup: Electric Guitars, Bass Matt Szkup: Acoustic Guitars Dennis Leeflang: Drums ————————————————————————————– Just want nothing but money Just breathe for your man Find my jokes not so funny Intelligence might be needed - But I never thought that you would understand Never envisaged sanity Never dreamt of happiness Maybe, Maybe Maybe I’m too weak (Break) Just Just (Solo) Just didn’t have the heart Not the tolerance to wait Just didn’t have the courage Maybe I’ve lost my faith Never envisaged sanity Never dreamt of happiness Maybe, Maybe Maybe I’m too weak Just want nothing but money Just breathe Breathe Breathe Just want nothing but money Just want nothing but money Never envisaged happiness Never dreamt of happiness Maybe, Maybe Maybe I’m too weak ————————————————————————————– The Feckers – Wasted Years (Released 5th April 2012) Written by Adrian Smith Produced by Dennis Leeflang Mixed by Dennis Leeflang @ The Groove Cabin, New York, USA Mastered by Maor Appelbaum @ Maor Appelbaum Mastering Studio’s Originally recorded and performed by Iron Maiden from the album “Somewhere In Time” © The Feckers Productions 2012 All Rights Reserved THE FECKERS representing on this recording are: Irene Slade: Lead Vocals & Backing Vocals Chris Szkup: Acoustic Guitars, Bass Matt Szkup: Acoustic Guitars Dennis Leeflang: Drums ————————————————————————————– From the coast of gold, across the seven seas I’m travelling on, far and wide But now it seems, I’m just a stranger to myself And all the things I sometimes do, it isn’t me but someone else I close my eyes, and think of home Another city goes by, in the night Ain’t it funny how it is, you never miss it til it’s gone away And my heart is lying there and will be til my dying day. Chorus: So understand Don’t waste your time always searching for those wasted years Face up… make your stand And realise you’re living in the golden years Too much time on my hands, I got you on my mind Can’t ease this pain, so easily When you can’t find the words to say, it’s hard to make it through another day And it makes me wanna cry, and throw my hands up to the sky Chorus: So understand Don’t waste your time always searching for those wasted years Face up… make your stand And realise you’re living in the golden years ————————————————————————————– The Feckers – Far From Done (Released 3rd October 2012) Written by Richard Anderson & Chris Szkup Produced by Dennis Leeflang Mixed by Dennis Leeflang @ The Groove Cabin, New York, USA Mastered by Maor Appelbaum @ Maor Appelbaum Mastering Studio’s ©CS-SONGS / RAAA International Productions / The Feckers Music 2004-2012 - All Rights Reserved THE FECKERS representing on this recording are: Yohei Eto: Lead Vocals & Backing Vocals Chris Szkup: Electric Guitars, 12 String Acoustic, Bass Dennis Leeflang: Drums Paul Jolley: Piano & Keyboards————————————————————————————–
Building pathways To the future A better life To be made I have found faith – in the dreams we share I don’t believe we have cause – to worry We have so many things – for which to care I don’t have any need to be sorry Chorus: Climbing mountains These obstacles – we can overcome For our lives to be certain We are far from done(Guitar Solo)
There is no cause to question our instincts There’s no need to dismay over my intentions I know who you are Sometimes better than I know myself It’s a journey we’re on A ride of endless belief(Repeat Chorus)
We are far from done We are far from done We are far from done We are far from done We are far from done————————————————————————————–
with special thanks to Dennis Leeflang, Maor Appelbaum, Tamaki Kashiwa & Ren Reich
Far From Done ft Yohei Eto – Now Available Via Itunes
OCTOBER 3, 2012: “Far From Done”
Yohei Eto – Lead Vocals & Backing Vocals
Dennis Leeflang – Drums & Mixing
Chris Szkup – Electric Guitars, 6 and 12 String Guitars & Bass
Paul Jolley – Piano & Keyboards
Maor Appelbaum – Mastering
Dan Verkys – Artwork
Lyrics: Richard Anderson
Music: Richard Anderson & Chris Szkup
Vocal Arrangements: Chris Szkup, Richard Anderson & Yohei Eto
Musical Arrangements: Chris Szkup
©CS-SONGS / RAAA International Productions / The Feckers Music 2004-2012
Lead Vocals & Backing Vocals recorded by Yohei Eto & Tamaki Kashiwa
Electric Guitars & 12 String Guitars & Bass recorded by Chris Szkup
Piano & Keys recorded by Paul Jolley
Drums recorded by Dennis Leeflang
Be sure to check out the preview video:
Available for purchase from the following links:
Itunes Japan | Itunes Australia | Itunes USA | Itunes New Zealand
Written at CS-SONGS, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia & Raewynn’s Place, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand
Recorded at CS-Songs (Melbourne, Australia) / Open Plan Recording (Melbourne, Australia) / Beechdale Music Studio’s, (Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire, England / The Groove Cabin, (New York City, USA) / T’s Sound Studio, (Tokyo, Japan)
New Merch Design!!!
We’ve just added a new Merch design to the Zazzle Store – you can customise the colour and style in a bunch of ways sure to suit most tastes. Check out the store for all the options!!
Much thanks to Dan Verkys for hitting a home run quicker than most people take to even respond to an email!!!! \m/
It’d Be Rude Not To – The Feedback
It’d Be Rude Not To – The Feedback:
Sounding great guys, a very cool album indeed, and thanks for letting me croak on a couple….some great gatt swinging and drumming on this album, including brilliant vocals by the all the other singers…gonna play it again real soon…..- Rob Smith – 14th March 2013
I feel very humbled and excited about being able to finally hold a copy of “It’d Be Rude Not To” in my hands, it has been a long road to get to the point where we are able to celebrate with our friends and family that a job well done has had its ultimate conclusion. I personally feel very indebted especially to the core of the production, Chris Szkup, Matt Szkup, Dennis Leeflang and Stew Long for all their hard work in seeing this thing through to the end, thanks for the faith and for all the good work…I look forward to seeing that our next album “Courage Of Conviction” too is delivered with the same classy attitude and talent together with my brothers and sisters in rock, thank you all! and thanks to Rob & Carol for kicking me into gear in the first place and believing in me when even I didn’t! - Richard Anderson – 14th March 2013
I put the Feckers album on (loud of course) Well, when “Minus” came on, both the grandkids went balistic, jumping around all over the place! a couple of future metalheads there I think, haha! wished I’d filmed it, Congrats Chris, great album man! and you surpassed yourself there Richard, “Ours” is one of my favs! \m/…..- Rob Smith – 14th March 2013
Been listening to The Feckers in the car today, and it came up ace, great work – Dan Verkys – 17th March 2013
Been listening to the album and really enjoyed it. The overall sound is really slick and huge, for musicians spread all over the world you managed to really get a chemistry there as though you were all together in the same studio. Fav tracks would probably be “Never Say Never” (funky), “A Better World”, “Ours” (something for late night listening) and “Slackers and Wankers” is rather funny. Some great guitar riffs going on there and Dennis’s drumming kicks serious ass. Well done guys. – David Austin – 21st March 2013
The album is a great mix from an awesome group of writers & musicians. Nice & heavy to the ballads. Can’t wait till the next one. - Stephen Titter - 21st March 2013
I’m listening to it now. Not what I was expecting at all. It’s very impressive!. It definitely has a good mix of sounds on there. It’s a rockin’ kick ass album. You guys should be real proud of this collaboration. - Shayla Royals - 22nd March 2013
Got the cd’s today boys. Not too shabby! We oughta do this for a living!. - Dennis Leeflang - 22nd March 2013
Love the disc. Yeah, was great for Chris and yourself to finally see the spoils of your labour finally come to fruition. - Matt Szkup (Multi-Instrumentalist/Funny Fucker) – 27th March 2013
CD is great man, you guys did a bang-up job, mix is great too. I enjoy listening to it! And btw, that Roy Bratbakken dude is a really good singer; what else has he done? Was surprised I haven’t heard of him before (except on here). Congrats and well done!!!! \m/ looking forward to the next one! - Chandler Mogel - 7th April 2013
Got it! whoooooo-hooooooooooooooooo thanks a bunch! you’s have a fan for life! – John Gard (manager of The Godz) – 12th April 2013
Hey fellas! Just wanted to let you guys know the CD arrived today to Atlanta GA : ) Listened to it throughout the day and I gotta say, you guys (and everyone involved) did such a great job. Lots of cool tunes and slamming grooves on here! “Under the Gun” turned out very cool, and again, I gotta say thank you for having me be a part of this project. Also, the artwork and packaging all looks spot-on…definitely something to be proud of, my friends! I look forward to spinning it some more, and can’t wait for the next round. - Pat Valley (Guitarist) – 13th April 2013
GREAT JOB on the phenomenal album “It’d Be Rude Not To”. You (Richard) and Chris (amongst others) are to be HIGHLY COMMENDED. A great addition to my collection thank you very much. Congratulations on this one and best of luck on future developments!!! – Mark Gregory(Vocalist) – 16th April 2013
Got my cd yesterday - went for big drive alone and had it loud today, liked them all especially the female singer, she sounded great, you should be very proud of yourselves, can’t wait for the next one – David Work – April 19, 2013
“Never Say Never” is a good song man, it’s got the 80′s vibe going on - Mark “Chopper” Smith (Rock Music Addict) – 8th May 2013
Rob’s got the gravel in his voice – mean, that’s it Rob - Mark “Chopper” Smith (Rock Music Addict) – 8th May 2013
Good album man, I thought I was listening to Glenn Hughes there on a few songs, Roy sounds like Glenn, I thought I was listening to Black Country Communion, great! The dude who sings “Out Of Your Mind” – he can wail that dude. Irene has a great voice, you should do another album and bring her to New Zealand, I think I’m in love! “Unleash The Beast” – great stuff - Mark “Chopper” Smith (Rock Music Addict) – 8th May 2013
I must say…The Feckers’..It’d Be Rude Not To:, Effin Rocks…..Great songs, stellar musicianship…guitar solos that would make Eddie Van Halen smile. The vocals are amazing and the songs are very dynamic with tight arrangements. After giving it 3 complete spins through, it’s still hard to pick a favourite….they are all great. It rocks hard, but has some great ballads that build until they literally explode with raw passion. One of the best new releases I’ve heard so far this year. – Rick Killingbeck (Rock Musician – Sonic Roots, Canada)
March 14, 2013 | Categories: info, New Releases, news, Projects | Tags: "A Better World", "A Soldier's Fortune", "I Don't Wanna Fight", "Lay It On The Line", "Master Of My Own Destiny", "Minus", "Never Say Never", "Nothing That A Bullet Wouldn't Fix", "Ours", "Out Of Your Mind", "Slackers & Wankers (Dedicated To...)", "Slackers & Wankers", "The Keys To The Kingdom", "Under The Gun", "Unleash The Beast", Aisha Polat, album, Alexey Spectre, bass, Bumblefoot, cd, CDs, Chandler Mogel, Chopper, Chris Szkup, Comments, Communication, Critics, Dan Verkys, David Austin, Dennis Leeflang, discs, Edo Van Der Kolk, engineer, Feedback, guitars, Industry People, Irene Slade, It'd Be Rude Not To, Jake Long, Jennifer Leeflang, Lyris Hung, Mark, Mark "Chopper" Smith, Mathew Szkup, Matt Szkup, Matteo Bucca, Notes, Opinions, Pat Valley, Paul Jolley, Ponch Satrio, Review, Reviews, Richard Anderson, riffs, Rob Smith, Ron Thal, Roy Bratbakken, smith, Steve Hacker, Stew Long, The Feckerinas, The Feckers, Tommy Denander, Uncle Pauly | Leave A Comment »