I must confess I was never a fan of the show…mostly because, well, I don’t know why. Just never watched it before. But, I’m a fan now. Thanks to the fans for letting me know they used one of my songs, Bones Into Dust, in the final minutes of the “Bloody Mary” episode. Check it out:

About 18 months ago a friend of mine told me about a movie production company that was looking for songs from Ohio songwriters for a movie. I told him I would submit songs and then promptly forgot to submit anything. But, sometimes, good things happen to bad people: I was blown away when I got an e-mail from the movie producer at Skoche Films asking if they could put one of of my songs in their upcoming movie. (I guess my friend sent them my songs, because he knew I’d probably forget). I said “Yes…in fact you can do anything you want with my songs…just get the address on the check right.” And, they got the name on the check right for sure! And, they made a pretty great movie too! It’s called “Old Fashioned” and it’s in theaters starting today. The soundtrack is on Amazon, Itunes and pretty much every where music is sold and stolen. They ended up using a song I wrote with Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites). It’s called “Ain’t Where I Used to Be.”

I’m humbled and grateful. Thanks Rik Swartzwelder and everyone that worked on Old Fashioned.

Fred

I heard recently from a fan who did an animated video for Sleepytime Prayer. Enjoy!

Hey all, it’s been such a long time since I’ve posted anything here and I guess it’s because there really hasn’t been much to say.  Musically, I’m plodding along in life writing songs that may or never be heard by anyone but me and my Tascam 4-Track cassette recorder (a veritable dinosaur…believe me, I know).  But, you know, I couldn’t be happier being free from the strings of a recording contract and the self-induced pressure to write the next great something or other.  That being said, the 3 records I did record had proper coming-out parties and got their 5-minutes of fame within 12 months of when they were each released.  Since then, I honestly haven’t done much with my old records.  I still hear some of the songs from time to time on the TV (special Thanks to HBO and Martha Stewart…no joke).  Anyways, I received this e-mail about a month ago and was reminded of why I began to write music in the first place:

Dear Fred
 
Just wanted to thank you for making your music available. Two of your songs are now on the soundtrack for two digital picture frames I’m giving as Christmas gifts this year. (I know it’s not MTV, but it’s big to me) I lost my husband this past October to cancer, and so the gift of remembering happier times with him is one I’m giving to my mom and daughter via the pictures & music. Anyway, I was thrilled when I discovered your songs while surfing for music.
 
Thanks again and may God bless you,
 
Rochelle C., Williamsburg, VA

In all honesty, I have no idea how Rochelle found my songs for free but I’m so glad that she did.  I feel such gratitude for being able to encourage someone going through a tough spot with my little 3-minute songs.  At the risk of sounding cheesy, Rochelle truly gave me the best Christmas gift of the year.

So, I’ve made the decision to put all 3 of my records up here for free.  Please download away…use them however you’d like.  I’m not going to sell CDs anymore so don’t even ask.  If you’d like a CD I have over 800 “Ghosttowns and Kingdoms” and “This Grand Parade” CDs in my basement.  Unfortunately, I only have a couple of CD copies of “Every Reason That Doesn’t Matter.”  In fact, I still have to buy those myself from the record label that paid to have it made.  But that’s all cool by me.  Anyways, Just shoot me an e-mail with your address and I can send them to you at no cost if you’re not into burning them from straight from this site.  Hell, as long as you don’t live in Timbuktu or something I’ll even pay for the postage.

Thanks again for checking out the site (you know who you are).  Please tell anyone you think might enjoy the music, to come to the site and get the songs for free.  No strings attached.

Rock on My Friends,

Fred