Start spreading ‘The Les Fradkin News’ because this is by far the most crucial project to date for the multifaceted artist, producer, keyboardist, songwriter, composer and MIDI guitarist, Les Fradkin. What makes this new release extra special is that it serves as a premonition record for Les based off of songs he wrote and recorded 17 years ago on ‘Reality- The Rock Opera’. The songs are revisited on his latest album and the lyrics have come to light in 2020. Embrace the Present, Prepare for the future and allow ‘The Les Fradkin News’ to awaken your senses.
J Rae: It’s a pleasure to work with you again and very excited about your latest release titled ‘The Les Fradkin News’. All songs on this album were written and recorded in 2003 for the album, ‘Reality- The Rock Opera’ and now reissued on ‘The Les Fradkin News’. There is a true vision in place for then and now, so can you please tell the Skope readers about the 17 year journey from ‘Reality-The Rock Opera’ to ‘The Les Fradkin News’?
Les Fradkin:
When we originally wrote and released “Reality”, we were telling a story about a possible Dystopian Future-the decline of America from unseen forces. Some of the songs, such as “Everything Is Wrong” spoke to some people. But until now, the impact was uncertain. Now, every review of the album and the single (“System Crash”) agrees that we predicted the current moment.
J Rae: When we spoke over the phone, you had mentioned that this new project is your ultimate achievement to date and that all of your previous accomplishments were leading to this one, specific & special moment in time. What is so incredibly significant about ‘The Les Fradkin News’ and why does everything else you’ve done in the past pale in comparison?
Les Fradkin:
Many of my past songs also offered predictions of things to come- “God Bless California”, (“You’re the only State with the sacred honor, to sink into the sea..” “The State of Oregon is taking up a stand”), among them. What is significant is the breadth and depth of detail in the ‘Les Fradkin News’ songs which describe, in vivid detail, current events.
J Rae: What originally sparked the interest in reissuing tracks on ‘The Les Fradkin News’ that you wrote and recorded 17 years ago?
Les Fradkin:
Their time had come.
J Rae: The featured single on the new album is called “System Crash”. How does this song stand out from the rest and what is the “System Crash” all about Les?
Les Fradkin:
“System Crash” was written from multiple perspectives- the past, the present and the future. An observer in the distant future looking back at events that hadn’t happened as of the creation of the song and from the perspective of an observer in the present, looking at events that are happening now and that might be happening in the future!
J Rae: There is also a music video for “System Crash”, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dsjcNNa55c&feature=youtu.be), and wonder how the visual element enhances the song?
Les Fradkin:
Well, in the video, you can see me perform the song on my Starr Labs Ztar. The end of the video portrays a world devoid of population.
The version in the video is the original long version-over 7 minutes long, in fact. The single was edited for Radio play.
J Rae: As a highly skilled player and musical technician, I would love to know all of the instruments used on ‘The Les Fradkin News’ as well as sound equipment and audio software?
Les Fradkin:
Guitars used were Roland Ready Fender Stratocasters and Roland ready Epiphone G-1275 Double Neck (the Jimmy Page style replica).
The Electric 12 string, which appears occasionally through the record is a Rickenbacker 360/12v64 (similar to the George Harrison “Hard Day’s Night” model). Guitar sounds were achieved with a Roland VG8EX, a Tom Scholz Rockman Module System and an Epiphone SJ-300 Acoustic Guitar. The Bass was a Rickenbacker 4001 v63 (similar to the Chris Squire model). Keyboards were Roland XV-5080, VK-7 Organ and Piano. Software included sounds from Arturia, Native Instruments and the GForce MTron Pro (Mellotron). In particular, the Flute, Violin and Oboe patches of “System Crash” are Mellotron sounds from the Mellotron MkII library. The album was recorded in Logic Pro on a Mac Laptop with Focusrite and Behringer Hardware. New overdubs for the 2020 release were achieved with my Starr Labs Ztar Midi Guitar and Hallmark guitars. Mixdown and Mastering were done with Logic Pro.
J Rae: How are you currently promoting the new record and where can people find ‘The Les Fradkin News’?
Les Fradkin:
The single and album are being skillfully promoted by Whiplash PR. The music is available at iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other fine stores.
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1524507205?ls=1&app=itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1524507205
https://www.amazon.com/Fradkin-News/dp/B08DHJ4DWG#ace-g2342880709
J Rae: Anything else new or exciting going on in your life and doesn’t necessarily have to be music-related?
Les Fradkin:
Enjoying the sunshine and a slower pace of life.
J Rae: If you had to choose one word that best describes ‘The Les Fradkin News’, what would that be and why?
Les Fradkin:
Truth. Why? Self evident.
J Rae: With your album serving as a real eye-opener for today’s society, do you feel ‘The Les Fradkin News’ can be a helpful guide and/or tool for people everywhere?
Les Fradkin:
Woody Guthrie once said: “It’s a folksinger’s job to comfort disturbed people and disturb comfortable people”. I am a Neo Classical Progressive Rock Artist, and I consider these songs, very important to current and soon to come future events. Some will agree. Others won’t. “Some folks like the status quo, other ones see thru a new rainbow”.
J Rae: I always end the interview on a positive note, so then what do you think is the true answer toward achieving ultimate peace, happiness and prosperity?
Les Fradkin:
Just one thing. Each person has to figure that out for themselves.
By Jimmy Rae
