Spotlight On: WEEKENDS
WEEKENDS is the acoustic project of Fred Oakman, formerly of the defuct pop-punk THE TWIRPENTINES, and currently of the emo/rock band SIGNAL HOME. Oakman has just released a debut split release with FLEETS (Dan Gribbin), which is available via iTunes. You can check out several new songs and demo tunes from Oakman on the WEEKENDS MySpace page. I particularly recommend listening to the song “Something New,” which reminds me quite of a bit of TIM BARRY.
love both those guys!
love the new stuff from both artists.Both very talented and make for good listening ;)
Fred has a commanding stage presence and a voice and sound that exude the emotions necessary to compliment his lyrics. For years in three bands/projects, he has created and delivered music that is captivating, original, and heartfelt. He continues to do so on his solo project, weekends. The pace has slowed, but the emotion and lyrical content still shine in his trademark style. Nothing ever sounds the same, and there generally is a story in each song. His newest song on the split is “They cannot kill me”, it is easy to get hooked on. His talent is obvious and his drive relentless. He is deserving of catching a break.
I had the pleasure of being on tour with Fred for about a week, and besides being a great guy, his material is energetic and emotional. The enthusiasm he delivers onstage is infectious and the reactions to his live shows were proof of his talents. I’m lucky to be able to call him my friend, but even more lucky to have witnessed this project of his up-close. A+
I recently had the pleasure of playing a week-long stint with Fred and his tourmate Chris Stowe(Anniversary Club). These guys are two very honest, very high-caliber songwriters most deserving of your time. Emotive and inspiring…the songs are really an affirmation of life and leave your spirit all the more enriched for the listen.
all i know is fred oakman is probably the most influential musician to me and many of my fellow musicians. throughout the years we’ve listened to his work almost religiously. and it never disappoints. and ALWAYS inspires.
Fred’s work never seizes to amaze me, it’s just raw emotion and intensity in every word he writes. The old tradition of the honest, pure singer-songwriter may have lost it’s way, but Fred carries it onward and continues to put out some of the best and most well-crafted songs out there today!
Groundbreaking.