Post by "The Freq" on Jul 30, 2010 8:19:14 GMT -5
After 10 years with the band, singer Jim O'leary and Flat Stanley have parted ways. This is a mutual split but I'm sure there will be drama from outsiders. There always is. Jim wasn't happy and we the remaining 3 members weren't happy. Our goals were no longer a common one so it was time to move on. Flat Stanley was at a stand still with Jim as all he really wanted to do was his solo stuff. We were deadlocked and the only way to move forward was to eliminate the problem for both of us. That is now done and the band is moving forward and we hope Jim is too. Bassist Mark Brandow has recently been writing lyrics for some solid Flat Stanley unfinished work. Mark has just completed lyrics for the song "Gasfire" which was partially recorded the other night. The song was rewritten a few days ago and guitar and drum tracks recorded. Killer tune. Tony and myself have also gone back to songs we've recorded for our upcoming album to replace or actually do parts Jim did or was suppose to complete, but never did. There wasn't much there to replace to be quite honest. Jim was really never part of the recording process and a reason for part of the deadlock we were experiencing.
It's difficult to part ways with someone who has been a great factor in this band but in the end, if you're not contributing or your hearts not in it, it's only reasonable you move on. Jim's contributions to Flat Stanley will not go unnoticed but the new album by Flat Stanley will focus on the new lineup and get back to the original goal I set out for this band 10 years ago when I started it.
For the many fans of Jim, there are plenty of live videos of him with Flat Stanley kicking around plus his solo work for you to enjoy.
Flat Stanley needed to do a CD of original material to evolve. That wasn't happening with Jim. Recording an album is what we needed and now after hovering in circles for years, it's now happening and the process has been an amazing feeling for the remaining band members. :-)
Yes, we will be hiring a new singer/ guitarist for the band at some point but that's not our main focus at this time. Recording the last of the material for the album is our goal first and foremost. If you're interested in trying out for Flat Stanley as a singer, let me know. You have to remember that we are an original music band and will only be doing a few cover songs during live shows. After years of not wanting to do cover songs, doing all original material is what we want at this time.
I will keep you posted as things move along. ;-)
It's difficult to part ways with someone who has been a great factor in this band but in the end, if you're not contributing or your hearts not in it, it's only reasonable you move on. Jim's contributions to Flat Stanley will not go unnoticed but the new album by Flat Stanley will focus on the new lineup and get back to the original goal I set out for this band 10 years ago when I started it.
For the many fans of Jim, there are plenty of live videos of him with Flat Stanley kicking around plus his solo work for you to enjoy.
Flat Stanley needed to do a CD of original material to evolve. That wasn't happening with Jim. Recording an album is what we needed and now after hovering in circles for years, it's now happening and the process has been an amazing feeling for the remaining band members. :-)
Yes, we will be hiring a new singer/ guitarist for the band at some point but that's not our main focus at this time. Recording the last of the material for the album is our goal first and foremost. If you're interested in trying out for Flat Stanley as a singer, let me know. You have to remember that we are an original music band and will only be doing a few cover songs during live shows. After years of not wanting to do cover songs, doing all original material is what we want at this time.
I will keep you posted as things move along. ;-)