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