Throughout the 1st Skafish album re-release project’s evolution, I’ve tried my best to keep everyone informed every step of the way. So, now that the fan funding survey has been completed, I wanted to share the results with everyone.

The total number of responses we received for the fan funding survey was 174.

Here are the responses to the question, “Will you participate in the fan funding campaign to re-release the re-mastered first Skafish album (with the bonus track Sink or Swim?”:

• 137 (78.7%), said YES to supporting the fan funding campaign.
• 37 (21.3%), said that they would only MAYBE participate.
• No one responded NO to backing the project.

In order to create a budget and timeline for this project, I was asking for specifics on what formats and products fans were really interested in. In terms of what everyone was looking for out of the project, there was a tremendous disparity in what people wanted.

Here are those diverse responses to the question, “What format would you prefer to purchase via the fan funding campaign?”:

• 111 (63.8%) respondents said that they wanted the first Skafish album (with Sink or Swim) re-released on CD.
• 77 (44.3%) indicated that they would like the album on vinyl.
  Of those who participated, 57 (32.8%) said they would like 180 gram weight, while 48 (27.6%) indicated that their weight preference was standard.
• 53 (30.5%) of the respondents said they wanted digital.
  Regarding those total responses, 51 (29.3%) preferred mp3, 33 (19%) requested lossless quality, and 37 (21.3%) were looking to have both mp3 and lossless.
• 4 (2.3%) requested formats other than CD, vinyl, or digital.

(The reason that the total number of “format” responses is higher than 174 is because some expressed the desire to purchase multiple formats.)

When it came to boutique formats, a cassette release received the most responses, while a T-Shirt run scored the highest when it came to higher tier rewards. Finally, a group listening party with me received the most votes for a superfan package.

I was the most surprised by the responses to this question, “Do you (or did you ever) own the single ‘Obsessions of You’ B/W ‘Sink or Swim’”?:

• 37 (21.3%) said they had purchased the single, “Obsessions of You” B/W “Sink or Swim.” I would have thought that number to have been much higher.
• 137 (78.7) indicated that they had never owned the single. So, the inclusion of “Sink or Swim” offers many fans a bonus track of great value.

Some respondents strongly indicated that they wanted a deluxe CD and vinyl package. Many requested extensive liner notes, never-before-seen photos, extra comments by the band, and anecdotal stories from back in the day. A few mentioned that they only wanted to see the album available digitally.

Many offered interesting suggestions regarding making memorabilia and specialty items available through the fan funding effort.

But, this all brings me to the question of what to do from here. I was certainly hoping for far more responses than I received, especially because a great deal of support is needed to successfully run a fan funding campaign.

Because the number of total responses we received was so low, and of that number, only 137 have said definitely yes to backing the project, it is extremely hard to figure out a way to give everyone what they want. At this point, there doesn’t seem to be near enough interest to do a re-release that includes all the formats (CD, vinyl and digital). To do a low number run on vinyl and CD and still make them in anyway cost-effective for everyone is virtually impossible. Truthfully, there may just not be enough support to re-release the album.

Also, it was pretty clear that there was a big split between those who wanted it available as inexpensively as possible and those who wanted a really deluxe package. Those two extremes are hard to reconcile.

So, at this point, I have to weigh all the options to try to see if there’s any possible way to make this happen, given the responses to the survey. After 35 years, I would certainly love to have enough fan backing to be able to run an affordable, successful campaign to get the 1st Skafish album with Sink or Swim back out there in multiple formats.

To everyone who took the survey, thanks so much for taking the time to let me know what you want and what you think. Also, to those of you who have in any way supported this project, I truly appreciate all of your efforts!

If you have any suggestions other than to just re-release it digitally (that’s an obvious option), please let me know.

I will be in touch once I’ve sorted all of this out.
Skafish

Support re-releasing the first Skafish album:

I promised everyone that I would let them know what I decided to do regarding the re-release of the first Skafish album, and I certainly have been looking forward to sharing my thoughts with everyone. In case you’re just tuning in or only know bits and pieces of the story, here is a brief recap of where things are at: I finally regained the legal rights to my first album (along with the track Sink or Swim), the fans generously paid for the record to be fully re-mastered, and I recently asked the fans to take a survey to let me know exactly what they wanted in terms of the album’s re-release. The last time everyone heard from me, I shared the results of that survey.

I thought long and hard about the best way to deal with the project, crunched the numbers, and did a detailed analysis based on the survey results I received. I wanted to do my best to insure that eventually, everyone gets what they want, yet in a fiscally responsible way.

What I really feel the best thing to do at this time is to re-release my first album (with Sink or Swim) on CD and in digital formats. This will be the first time the record will ever be available digitally and on CD. When I asked the fans what formats they wanted in the fan funding survey, CD and digital received the strongest responses.

However, a vinyl re-release is still in the works – just down the road a bit! At this time, to keep the project costs down, we’re going to hold off on the vinyl portion of the project for right now. In 2020, though, it will be the 40th anniversary of the album’s initial release. Since most people who took the survey expressed their desire to have a deluxe vinyl package, the 40th anniversary would be the ideal time to try to offer that type of package for the fans if the support is there at the time. That could be wonderful!

Regarding the current CD/digital release, right now, I am planning the rewards (and trying to keep things straightforward and simple), as well as getting the final costs and shipping estimates together to be able to launch the fan funding campaign. My goal is to make the release affordable to everyone, while still maintaining the highest possible quality standards. I won’t compromise quality, yet I am extremely mindful of everyone’s financial situations. So, I will do my best to offer reasonable prices for everyone involved. Plain and simple, I want everyone who connects with this record and wants it to be able to have it. Of course, I will certainly follow up on all the new developments and let you know exactly how things are progressing.

It is extremely important for me to try to make all the fans happy. With that in mind, I’ve tried to create a plan that will ultimately work in that way.

Again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been so generous in supporting this project all along. It couldn’t have gotten this far without you. And, I thank you for your continued patience throughout this journey. I know this has been a long and drawn-out process. But, this project is extremely important to me just as I know that it is to the fans! And, I am totally committed to seeing this record out there again.

Skafish

Support re-releasing the first Skafish album:

You Tube has just made it harder to monetize videos. Now, a channel will have to have at least 1000 subscribers to be able to monetize. This will really hurt the working musicians, for whom every penny counts.

Currently, the Skafish channel has 179 subscribers. If you can help me out by subscribing to my channel and watching the videos, it would be greatly appreciated, and that way, I can try to post more content. Also, please spread the word to anyone who is interested in Skafish. As an indie artist, your support can really make such a difference for the better! Here is my You Tube channel link: https://www.youtube.com/user/sKaFiSh

Thanks so much, Skafish

Support re-releasing the first Skafish album:

The pictures used in this post were taken at the Chicago premier of Urgh! A Music War, June, 1982.
Photos: Paul Natkin.

RE Urgh! A Music War being shown in Chicago this July: I’ve asked everybody to stop contacting me about this because I am not in this particular version of the film being shown.

The Chicago Film Society is screening a much edited down version with many bands removed and I am edited out as well. As my fans have said, “So much for authenticity.”

Had I been in this version and had I been asked, I would have been happy to introduce the film and do a Q&A, because my band is the only Chicago act that was featured in Urgh!.

People have been frantically checking their DVD’s to see if Sign of the Cross by Skafish is included. The answer is yes. My band is included in the DVD.

You can pick up a copy of the DVD-R by Warner Brothers from Amazon. And, if you’re interested in hearing the history of that version and how I’m not getting paid anything for it, check out my blog post here.  And, yes, I was in that edit.

Skafish

Support re-releasing the first Skafish album:

Yes, you heard right!

Starting today, Monday, July 9, 2018 through Sunday, July 15, 2018, take advantage of this unheard of price and get my holiday jazz album “Tidings of Comfort and Joy – a Jazz Piano Trio Christmas” on CD for just $5 from CDBaby! Keep in mind that this offer is ONLY good on CDBaby and just for one week. Also, it gets better: Buy more than one album and get a 10% discount! Click here to purchase!

You’ll get 68 minutes of pure holiday jazz, superb musicianship, unique reworkings and fresh arrangements of holiday classics. Each song was cut in 1 to 4 takes and recorded and mixed on the highest quality analog recorders, giving you the warm, rich sound that classic tape recording provides.

This is a fantastic gift at a low price for those who want high quality music for their holidays. It is also an album for those who might not be a big fan of holiday music, but could enjoy something in that vein that is musically sophisticated and done well. No gimmicks — no technological trickery — just pure holiday jazz.

Skafish

Support re-releasing the first Skafish album:

Photo: Martin Martinez

For those of you who have followed along with the journey so far, we have successfully remastered the first album and have completed the artwork package design. We are finally ready to reissue the album with the bonus track Sink or Swim via Kickstarter!

The album is ready to be back in the hands of the fans, where it absolutely belongs. It sounds fantastic and it looks great! The artwork design contains the old and new credits, the original images restored, along with a 16 page booklet that features every word, both sung and spoken on the entire album. 

The record, along with other rewards, are now being offered via Kickstarter through a 30 day crowdfunding campaign. Please support the project and spread the word. I need your help to make this happen!

Before I close, I wanted to take a moment to once again thank all of my fans who so generously paid for the remastering project and the album’s re-release long before it was a reality, without asking for anything in return. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: I’m forever grateful to all of you who have contributed to this project.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. It means the world to me. Let’s get this done — Skafish 

Hello everyone!

You’ve asked, we’ve listened!

Because Kickstarter only allows pledging to one reward tier, backers have asked for reward tiers that include the autographed poster along with other items. So, we did it for you.

DON’T WORRY! If you have already pledged, Kickstarter allows you to change your pledge to a different reward tier while the campaign is still live. 

Here are the new reward tiers:

Personally Autographed Poster, which includes: Personally Autographed Poster, Personally Autographed CD, and Digital Album

Fan Pack, which includes: Personally Autographed Poster, Personally Autographed CD, Skafish Debut Album T-Shirt, and Digital Album

With these changes, you are able to get the rewards of your choice with your pledge!

The campaign has already reached its funding goal and is continuing to do great! I so appreciate your support. 

Please spread the word to make this campaign as successful as it can be!
Skafish

I am thrilled to announce that Friday, November 29th, 2019 will be the international release date for the remastered 2019 reissue of the 1980 Skafish debut album with the bonus track Sink or Swim. It is being released digitally and on CD.

Right now, you can pre-order the CD on Bandcamp and Amazon.com. 

If you shop at my Bandcamp store and buy from me directly, you have the option of high quality digital, CD, or a personally autographed CD. You can also purchase an autographed poster and debut album T-Shirt at my Bandcamp store. For the T-Shirt, we have sizes Small through 4XL.

On November 29, 2019, the album will be available to purchase on Bandcamp, Amazon, and CD Baby. It will also be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other other major streaming platforms as well.

Nearly 40 years after the album’s initial release, thanks to everyone who has helped to get this daring record back out there again!

Skafish

I wanted to let everyone know that you can now watch my interview on NPR Radio’s Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges by clicking here. 

The interview was on Friday, November 29, 2019, and coincided with the international reissue date of my debut album (including the bonus track Sink or Swim) on my record label, 829 Records. The album, originally released on I.R.S. Records had been out of print for nearly 40 years.

Along with interview segments, this was the first time that tracks from the remastered reissue were aired on radio. The featured tracks were Obsessions of You, Joan Fan Club, Maybe One Time, Disgracing the Family Name, Sink or Swim, No Liberation Here, and Take it out on You.

In this two-hour show, I discussed many topics, including the turbulent and often violent early years, being Chicago’s punk and new wave Godfather, the saga of this record being out of print for nearly 40 years, how it took 35 years to get the rights back, the meticulous 9-month remastering process with Trevor Sadler, many revelations about my personal feelings, and my singular process as an artist, both creatively and spiritually. I think everyone will enjoy the provocative questions that Tom Lounges posed and the in-depth answers I provided. The show in its entirety was filmed and edited by John Carpenter.

I thought that everyone would also like to know that I made a special first time worldwide announcement that a full-length I.R.S. Records documentary is in the works. I was recently interviewed for inclusion in the film by filmmaker Lawrence Porter. Since I was one of the only artists to be there from the beginning of the label and also, after it became commercially successful, I was able to offer a unique perspective of how I.R.S. Records significantly changed. The project, tentatively titled We Were Once Rebels, also features interviews with The Police, Go-Go’s, R.E.M., CEO Miles Copeland, Squeeze, MTV’s John Sykes, The Bangles, Oingo Boingo, as well as many, many others. 

When it comes to the reissue of my debut album, the fan reaction has been fantastic so far. I am repeatedly hearing that the remastering greatly improved the sonic quality of the record without interfering with the original vision of the album. Fans love the inclusion of the radical bonus track Sink or Swim. Many are commenting on how crisp and clear the restored album cover and original artwork looks, as well as the attention to every detail that makes this reissue the best it can be.

As a Skafish fan, there is something that I need you to do to help spread the word. If you love the remastered reissue, it is so important that you post a review online wherever the album is being offered. That includes Amazon, You Tube, Apple Music, and CDBaby. You can really help to get the word out there about this truly one-of-a-kind record that deserves to be heard by everyone! 

Finally, if you enjoy my radio interview, please make sure to click “like” and leave a comment on You Tube.

Your support is always appreciated,
Skafish

I am thrilled to share the news with you that my son Jamie Harrison’s new single, Devil’s Kiss,  just dropped today. Not only was he the writer, arranger and primary producer of the project, he performed all of the guitar parts and sang both the lead and backing vocals.

Both Glinda and I were so excited to be the executive producers of the project. We hopefully helped to provide the guidance and artistically supportive environment that allowed the beauty of this track to come together.

I love the track and I think you will, too!

You can listen, download and stream it at:

You Tube

Spotify

Amazon

Apple Music

CDBaby

If you love the track, please leave a review online and help to let people know this track is available!

And, in case you’re the type of person who is interested in more details, here are the credits:

Jamie M. Harrison: Lead and Backing Vocals, Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars
Guy Lagerway: Bass Guitar
Richard Reed: Drums

Produced, Written and Arranged by Jamie M. Harrison
Executive Producers: Skafish and Glinda Harrison
Drums, Bass and Electric Guitars recorded at Santa Fe Center Studios,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Engineer: Jerry Douglas Geist
Vocals and Acoustic Guitar recorded at Thunderclap Studios,
Hammond, Indiana
Engineer: John Carpenter
Track Mixed by John Carpenter, Jamie M. Harrison and Skafish at Thunderclap Studios
Mastered by Trevor Sadler

Your support is always appreciated,
Skafish

Back in 1975, after their first album and tour, I became the keyboardist in the group White Lightnin’.

We were set to record the group’s second album at Bob Marley’s studio in Jamaica, but we ended up recording at CRC Studios in Chicago.

Before forming White Lightnin’ with drummer/brother Woody Kinsey (Albert King), and bassist Busta Jones (Talking Heads, Eno), guitarist Donald Kinsey had played lead guitar for Marley, including on some of his biggest hits.

Pic is the first White Lightnin’ album cover. It was designed by Mati Klarwein, the same artist who did Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew.

We all salute and appreciate Bob Marley and his tremendous contribution to music and culture!

This is an important announcement regarding how things are going to move forward with everything Skafish.

I have great fans who have generously helped me with the remastering and reissue of my first album. Now that the album is available digitally and on CD, plus vinyl is coming, I have many new musical projects I want to release. The reason I can do this now is because finally, after decades of struggle, I own the rights to ALL of my music. And, I am passionate about wanting to release it all.

Getting back the rights was quite expensive. Re-releasing new music is also expensive. Graphics, artwork, videos, legal issues, platform fees, and the cost of properly reissuing old and creating/releasing new music, especially on vinyl and CD is costly.

So, I’ve decided to focus my energies on Patreon and the benefits that platform can bring to both my fans and I. Patreon allows me to have a direct relationship with my fans, minus the gatekeepers, such as a major record label. The purpose of me asking for financial support on Patreon is to assist in being able to cover all of the costs of releasing the music. The less time I spend on outside projects to pay the bills, the more time I can devote to Skafish music projects, both old and new.

Therefore, from now on, all important Skafish updates about every project  (announcements, sneak peeks, etc.) will be first posted and shared on Patreon. Some of it will be for free; some of it will only be for paid tiers and some of it will be exclusive to my patrons on Patreon.

Click here to visit my Patreon page and follow me there for free. Also, let me know on Patreon your thoughts of what I am intending to share and if there is anything else you would like to see me offer that you are willing to pay for through supporting me monthly on Patreon. If you want to contribute your financial support in whatever capacity works for you, it will help future Skafish projects to be released. There is a lot to look forward to and together, we can make this happen!

FYI, the Skafish newsletter will be continuing to provide updates. It is just that the news will be posted on Patreon first.

As always, I truly appreciate our connection, the support and the fact that my fans have made this long road trip of a transformative journey with me that has been both gratifying and heartwarming.

Skafish

I am pleased to announce that the worldwide vinyl reissue of my remastered debut album (with Sink or Swim) will be on May 7th, 2020. This is exactly 40 years to the day of its original release date back in 1980.

I am certainly sensitive to the COVID-19 crisis that has affected the entire world, and I had considered postponing the vinyl project for the time being. However, I have been planning this for several years with the hope that the vinyl reissue could commemorate its original release date. As many of you already know, the initial 1980 release of the album was astrologically calculated, and I wanted the vinyl reissue to pay tribute to that detail.

I’ve chosen to move forward with my original plan and go ahead with the release. While we have already released the album digitally and on CD, there are a number of fans who have been patiently waiting for the vinyl to be reissued. I wanted to make sure that the album is available on vinyl for those Skafish fans who would like to have the record. It is my hope that this album can help to provide a sense of emotional connection to assist in these times of needed self-isolation and high stress.

I went to great detail to make sure that everything was done to the highest industry standards possible when it came to preparing and manufacturing the vinyl. I absolutely wanted to be able to offer something fantastic for my fans! I was lucky that I picked up the records from Smashed Plastic in Chicago (where they were pressed) on March 4th, before the need for self-quarantine came into play.

There is more news to follow, including special features of the vinyl reissue, cover and artwork reveal, and pre-order options!

Thanks always for your support and our connection – it means so much to me!
Skafish

Here is your look at the new vinyl cover!

I am so pleased to announce that the pre-order is now live. You can pre-order the 40th anniversary hand-numbered limited edition collectible vinyl reissue of my debut album on Bandcamp! Click on this link to pre-order the album now!

Getting this collectible vinyl reissue done correctly was a tremendous labor of love that took years of effort. As many of you know, creating and overseeing a high-end vinyl project requires absolute dedication and the ability to pay attention to every single detail. And yes, I am thrilled with the results of how it all turned out. It looks and sounds incredible!

The album will be released on May 7, 2020, exactly 40 years from the day of its original release. This record had been out of print since its first and only prior vinyl pressing in 1980. This vinyl reissue is a limited edition collectible pressing and here are the unique features of this release:

• Hand numbered limited edition of 500 copies
• 180 gram red vinyl
• Personally autographed by Skafish
• Meticulously remastered for vinyl
• Includes the bonus track Sink or Swim
• Includes a unique, collectible digital download card (lossless quality)
• Purchase also includes immediate high quality digital download via Bandcamp
• All new artwork design includes restored original cover
• Redesigned inner sleeve includes complete lyrics with photos
• Pressed and manufactured to the highest industry standards by Smashed Plastic Pressing in Chicago

FYI, you will be given the lowest numbered copy available at the time of your purchase.

Again, thanks for your support. I greatly appreciate the journey we have already made and continue to make together,
Skafish

https://skafish.bandcamp.com/album/skafish-remastered-reissue

Little Richard, one of the greatest rock n roll singers and performers of all time, has transitioned into spirit. He was 87 in earthly years, and the cause of his transition was bone cancer.

As an artist, it would be hard to accurately describe the influence that Richard had on rock n roll, music, and future generations. Singers really got how powerful his voice was. Singing in a demanding, high register well over a decade before the emergence of hard rock and heavy metal, his ability to belt was unparalleled then and still now. 

I hate when people use the term falsetto to describe his voice. Due to general misunderstanding of the term, people often refer to any male vocalist singing in a high register as falsetto, but the two are not one and the same. Falsetto is not even a vocal register, but a tone. It is airy, and weak sounding. It sounds breathy, and non-substantial. It has no power, or bite. That was not Richard’s singing.

Richard’s voice could be thought of as analogous to both a rowdy tenor and alto saxophone through an ear-shattering amplifier. Yet, he was not a tone deaf screamer. He sang beautifully: on pitch, with great phrasing, and soulful, heartfelt interpretation.

He was David Bowie’s favorite singer. Iggy Pop has mentioned that when he recorded the album Raw Power, he was trying to sing like Little Richard.

It is astonishing to think that somehow, Little Richard burst onto a 1950’s middle America white public and became famous. He shocked people, especially parents, because people had never seen anything like him before. Pat Boone covered some of his hits in a more sanitized version, but the kids of America loved Little Richard. Imagine this: a black man screaming and hollering, wearing heavy makeup, acting effeminate (as the 1950’s term was), jumping off stage, ripping off his clothes and giving them to the audience, all done in 1950’s white America. It was astonishing that he was so on the fringe, yet had such a powerful mainstream impact.

And, with that impact also came him being dismissed. People who are truly the innovators often have their contributions trivialized or disregarded. Richard’s flamboyant sexuality (as in his gayness) and being black made him a double minority. This was a turnoff for the gatekeepers: the narrow-minded establishment that approves who is recognized or not. Richard didn’t like the rejection, and spoke out about it. He deserved all of the respect of the entire world, and he didn’t have to tolerate being thrown under the bus. 

He spoke out and championed his accomplishments, as he should have. Why did he need to be humble? To keep himself small? Why should he accept the not-so-subtle dismissal of his tremendous contributions, influencing everyone from the Beatles, to The Rolling Stones to Jimi Hendrix (who played with Richard), to Prince, to Michael Jackson, and to the entire world of music?

Thankfully, Richard received some of the acclaim he deserved as the decades unfolded, but he probably would have not if he hadn’t tooted his own horn. In today’s world, people scoff at the idea of somebody tooting their own horn, as if it is the height of shameful self-aggrandizement and whipping your tiny dick out embarrassment. But, I am thrilled that Richard let everybody know who he was. He was his greatest promoter and he deserves any and all credit he ultimately receives.

I have to say that Richard was one of my greatest rock n roll inspirations. He helped to inspire my own sense of authentic outrageousness and desire to both rock and shock the world. Because I was different when I was a kid, I had a tough childhood. I sometimes got a reprieve when I went to spend weekends at my cousin Bobby Skafish’s house. Bobby, his brothers and sisters were older than me, and they had this wonderful collection of original rock n roll records. It was them who turned me on to Little Richard. And whenever I went there, I wanted to hear his records over and over. Surprisingly, my parents didn’t have a problem with me liking Richard, and at times even picked up some of his albums when they were out shopping and brought them home to me.

The frenetic energy of Richard’s records and singing, along with his flamboyant performance style was a win-win in my young social outcast mind. I never wanted to be like him, or sound like him, but let his greatness be an inspiration for me to hopefully take the boundary-pushing aesthetic further.

When I think of my favorite Little Richard songs, I start with Good Golly Miss Molly. The drumming of Earl Palmer, the ferocity of the band, and Richard’s vocal performance are just unparalleled. I also love Lucille, because of the unique one-of-a-kind approach to the vocal. In other words, no one else could really sing that song and do it justice but Richard. Keep a Knockin’ is also one of my favorites, too. Not only did Led Zeppelin lift the drum intro for their 1972 song Rock and Roll, Richard’s band sounds like it’s coming apart at the seams. Again, Richard’s performance in such a high vocal register in full voice is jaw-dropping.

In reflecting on the immeasurable impact of Little Richard, all of us should take a moment to salute his unparalleled greatness and wish him well moving forward in the spirit world. But, as time moves so quickly in today’s world, let us never forget who he was and all he contributed.
Skafish

Hello everyone,

Now that my debut album with the bonus track Sink Or Swim has been successfully reissued digitally, on CD, and vinyl, I am excited to share the news of what’s coming next with all of you!

The next major Skafish project will be an expanded, uncensored reissue of my Conversation album. (FYI, I may release some singles unrelated to Conversation in the meantime.)

It is still in the early stages, but here’s what my plans are so far for this release:

1-The original Conversation album that was released in September 1983, remastered.

2-The rejects. These are the previously unreleased tracks that were vehemently rejected by IRS Records because they were considered too controversial for release. I think that these are among the edgiest and most envelope-pushing recordings from that era. All of the rejected tracks will need to be mastered.

3-Bonus Tracks (to be determined).

I have started planning the remastering/mastering process with Trevor Sadler, and will look at what the best format options would be.

I’ve been listening to all of these tracks quite a bit lately when I’m exercising. I usually listen to whatever Skafish project is in progress while doing my daily weight training.

I love all of these tracks for very different reasons! There is such an indescribable level of diversity, that it’s hard to imagine that one artist did them all, especially during a short time frame.

As many of you have heard me say, the whole process of my second album was turbulent, and emotionally overwhelming for me then. Not only was most of the original record I turned in rejected, but IRS Records forced me into making an album that fit their more narrow standards.

In addition to that, it was largely considered by the fans and the press that I sold out by trying to make a more commercial album than I had with my debut. Since that was something I simply did not do, it was, at the time, a hard pill to swallow hearing this and reading it in the press.

This was decades before social media, which would have allowed me to directly set the record straight as opposed to having other people draw conclusions about what happened that weren’t true and put them out there as fact.

But now, after all this time, I am truly thrilled to finally be able to offer both sides of this project to the fans: The Conversation album that was originally released, and the music they (IRS Records) wouldn’t let you hear.

In the meantime, please give me your feedback on what you would like to see happen with this project — and on my end, I will be happy to keep you posted.

This is going to be an interesting one – and thanks for making this ever-unfolding journey with me!

Skafish

If you love my music, please consider supporting me on Patreon. Every dollar helps to get all of my music out there! Click the button to get started.