JIM COLAO
If you were or still are a fan of NAKED RAYGUN, then you'll want to check out upcoming songs by NR's original drummer and author of several of the band's most unusual songs. Inspired by 4 decades of Rock, the set of songs weaves punk, glam, tribal, metal, and Latin influences into raw energy with hooks that dig in.
The first track Jim co-produced with Eric Williams is an amped up rewrite of an early NAKED RAYGUN song that Jim wrote. Now called "Only in the USA-hole," the music and some of the lyrics have been updated to reflect today's America.
(ALERT: this version reflects the world in 2014. A newer version with updated lyrics that reflects the world of 2024, is set for release this year)
Here's the music video Jim created for the 2014 song.
The first track Jim co-produced with Eric Williams is an amped up rewrite of an early NAKED RAYGUN song that Jim wrote. Now called "Only in the USA-hole," the music and some of the lyrics have been updated to reflect today's America.
(ALERT: this version reflects the world in 2014. A newer version with updated lyrics that reflects the world of 2024, is set for release this year)
Here's the music video Jim created for the 2014 song.
"We first tried recording the drums with me listening in headphones to my original digital tracks but it felt unnatural, so I ditched the cans and told Eric I'll play drums "bare back" and just hum the songs in my head. We added guitars and vocals later. It worked out pretty well all things considered."
– Jim Colao
Take note of the tasty leads burned in by guitar ace Alex Thiedmann. In summer 2014, Alex toured Lallapalooza with The Chicago School of Rock Allstars and is now attending Berklee College of Music with plans to become a composer for movie scores. We'll be hearing more about Alex for sure and look forward to working with him again. Alex is energetic and passionate about making music, and he's a total pro in the studio.
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Alex jamming on leads.
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Singing lead vocals is Shawn Kellner, a 15+ year veteran of the Chicago band scene. Shawn also is the founder and editor of CHICAGO MUSIC MAGAZINE, an e-zine covering the Chicago music scene from an insider's view.
Shawn's vocals have great enunciation while maintaining a punchy melodic line. He imbued the lyrics with the right attitude of sarcastic wit. Also looking forward to working with Shawn on more tracks in the near future. |
Shawn going over the lyrics.
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Eric Williams engineered the recording sessions, played rhythm guitar and bass, sang backup vocals as well as co-producing the mix with Jim Colao.
Eric has been a continued source of musical insight from the beginning of this project. Jim has relied heavily on Eric's tactful suggestions and his ability to be a true partner in production. |
Eric enjoying the mix.
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THE ANTI-EXTREMISTS
More songs are in the works as you read this. We plan on releasing more tracks in fall 2015. Jim wants to then put together a band of high-octane players to kick ass on stage as "The Anti-Extremists." Will be looking for a female lead singer on several songs...
USA-HOLE UNPLUGGED
Jim and Eric also co-produced an acoustic version of "ONLY IN THE USA-HOLE" with singer songwriter Hannah Frank. Hannah rearranged chord progressions and added her own unique vocal melody to create a new, stark, satirical protest song. The "whistler" is none other than Eric ad libbing the The Star Spangled Banner in minor!!!
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Hannah musing...
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Only in the USA-hole (Acoustic version)
MUSIC ©2015 JIM COLAO, HANNAH FRANK, ERIC WILLIAMS. LYRICS ©1982-2021 JIM COLAO
MUSIC ©2015 JIM COLAO, HANNAH FRANK, ERIC WILLIAMS. LYRICS ©1982-2021 JIM COLAO
DIGITAL DRUM AND BASS COLLECTIVE
Currently in the beginning stages, this project revolves around Jim Colao writing entire songs using nothing but an augmented Roland V-Drum Club Kit and an Alesis DM5Pro module. Over 2000 different sounds can be assigned to different drum pads so no two songs sound alike. Everything from wonky electro sounds to voices, organs, odd percussion, and bizarre noise. All set to an array of funky, twisted beats.
Various musicians will be invited to improv parts to fit with the grooves and song structure. Some examples of guest musicians are brass players from the fun-loving ska/soca marching band Environmental Encroachment (EE for short), popular hip hop/jazz outsider Julio Davis (J. Davis Trio), and several surprise vocalists TBA.
Here's a sample of Jim jamming on customized pads.
Here's a sample of Jim jamming on customized pads.
"Belly Dancer"
Music ©2014 JIM COLAO |