When Stefan asked me to do a 7” record for his label I said “Yes” immediately. I wasn’t quite sure what it would entail at first but as I started thinking about it, there seemed like only one way to go. When I was around 13, I found punk rock and soon began scanning the MRR ad section for new music. I loved that all these bands I hadn’t heard of were putting out 7” records with 2, 3, 4 or sometimes up to TEN songs or more. In a way these were a cheap way to get into a band but they also stood on their own as statements. 4 exclusive songs only available on these releases. A lot of bands would also use this opportunity to record cover songs. I can’t tell you how many great bands I got into because someone covered them on the b side of a 7”. One label that really made this format for me was Mutant Pop from Corvallis OR. For a while, every record they release perfected the idea of the 3-4 song standalone EP. This record is a tribute to both the format and the music that got me here. A love letter to pop punk.
credits
released May 1, 2020
Written By Mikey Erg (except for Mother Nature’s Son which was written by Lennon/McCartney)
Produced, Engineered and Mixed by Scotty Sandwich at The Sandwich Shoppe. Oxford, NC. February 3/4/5, 2020
Additional Engineering by Louis Sherman
Drums, Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Mellotron and Lead Vocals by Mikey Erg
Additional Guitar SHREDDING on The New Departure Blues and Mother Nature’s Son by Scotty Sandwich
Backing Vocals on Bon Voyage and Colleen by Lydia Loveless
Additional Backing Vocals on Colleen by Jonny Clousson
Backing Vocals on The New Departure Blues by Kyle Cox
Gang Vocals on Mother Nature’s Son By Louis Sherman and Mikey Erg
Thanks to Stefan Tijs and Stardumb Records, Scotty Sandwich for realizing my vision for these songs perfectly, Heather McKinney for the wonderful hospitality, Lydia, Jonny and Kyle for the incredible vocals, Jameson, Basil Hayden’s, Miller Lite, Straw-Ber-Rita, & The Accordion Club for the inspiration, Chris Farren for the perfect set at Cat’s Cradle on the second night of recording and of course Pop Punk.
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