Hi everybody! It's been awhile since I've updated anyone as to what I've been doing, so I thought I would check in.The big news for ROBOTECH fans is that the long delayed acoustic album of ROBOTECH songs finally has a release date! December 1, 2008.
This CD (as I have mentioned ad nauseam over the last year or so) consists of recordings of the original songs from the ROBOTECH television series and from ROBOTECH: The Movie. These are acoustic versions of the songs that I recorded for the Lonely Soldier Boy CD (still available at the Store). There will also be a couple of extra tracks that were not included on the first Lonely Soldier Boy remake CD.
I tried to keep this record as minimalist as possible (tried using only one guitar and one vocal...no backgrounds), however a couple of the tracks have more than one instrument...but it's all acoustic. A lot of people all over the world have been asking me about doing acoustic versions of the original ROBOTECH songs that I performed, and/or wrote and produced for the show...and it will finally be available for shipping on December 1.
It seemed at times this acoustic album would never get done, but it was the inspiration given by many fans who helped me see this project all the way through. As a special thanks to my fans waiting for this album, I'd love to actually include your names in the Lonely Soldier Boy II CD cover artwork. So, for those that Pre-Order this CD before November 15th (when the album goes to print), your name will be included on the cover artwork. You can Pre-Order Lonely Soldier Boy II - An Acoustic Album starting today at www.michaelbradleymusic.com. If you sign up to be a site member to receive our newsletters, there's a special promo going on now through Saturday.
I'm deeply indebted to my great friend and ROBOTECH fan, Vivian Lanza (valkyrie22) for redesigning my web site. She did a fantastic job and I cannot thank her enough for her talent and hard work! She did an incredible job and I am appreciative beyond words...so I won't say anymore, except THANK YOU VIV! :0)
Viv will remain the administrator for Michael Bradley Music and has many new ideas for upcoming projects. There will be periodic updates as to what's going on. There's also a page dedicated to the ROBOTECH character, Yellow Dancer. The web site is still growing, so keep checking it out!
I also want to say thanks again to Tommy Yune who designed my original website. Thanks so much, Tommy! And to Craig Cordts who has been my administrator for the last year or so. Your help was invaluable.
Be sure to sign up for the mailing list and we'll keep you posted on upcoming events and/or promotions.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I'm really proud of the work I've done with two new artists, Erica Shine and Haikaa. Erica's record is still in production and Haikaa is arriving in L.A. (from Brazil) in November to wrap up some business and make preparations for a live show.
I plan on being heavily involved in Haikaa's live performances, so I may be coming to a town near you sometime in the next year. These things take time to arrange, but as soon as there is a tour schedule, I'll announce it here on my blog. I hope some of you reading this will come and see us play.
While Erica comes from the dance music world and has switched to a more hard-edged rock sound, Haikaa is more on the mellow side. She has a very charming, "airy" voice, some people might say is comparable to Lisa Loeb. Haikaa is a true talent and a thoughtful artist. There's some electric stuff, but it mostly has an acoustic vibe. As I mentioned before, I did virtually all the guitar work and arrangements and some bass and keys. It'll be a challenge putting a group of musicians together to pull this off live...but I know the band's going to be great.
My music partner/engineer Ross Leitner (who actually produced Haikaa's record) and I will be putting her band together here in Los Angeles. As it stands now, I will be the musical director and one of the guitarists...maybe play some keys here and there. We'll be starting rehearsals soon and hopefully will be able to go on the road early next year. Ross will not be going on the road with us...which is fortunate, because we really get on each other's nerves after a while! :0)
I still have my band, RK Project...however, due to outside projects, we really haven't played much lately. Just some private functions. Whenever we play in public, I'll be sure to announce it on my blog.
Speaking of RK Project...we have a great new female vocalist, Rachel Scott. Rachel is beautiful, talented and a fantastic singer with a fun personality...I really look forward to working with her. I hope some of you in the L.A. area get a chance to see us soon!
On a more somber note, I've got a couple of friends who are now in Iraq. I hear from them periodically and I want them to know that I'm keeping them in my thoughts and sending my hopes for a safe return! We are all indebted to the men and women of the armed services who are making great sacrifices for all of us. Thank you! I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we cannot thank you enough for all you do. Come back home soon!
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the acoustic CD and keep in touch!
OK...I'm out.
mb