FDR LABEL

FDR is proud to announce The Successful Failures have released a new five song ep called The Real Defenders of the Acropolis. The Real Defenders of the Acropolis is the acoustic / blue grass alter ego of The Successful Failures. The 5-song EP features acoustic versions of three Successful Failures’ songs, one version of a Dipsomaniacs’ song , and a previously unreleased track (“Awful Lonesome”). The band features Mick on guitar, vocals, and bass. Ron Bechamps picks up the mandolin and sings harmony, Greg Potter (from NJ power-pop band, Black Pages) plays lead guitar, and Tim Martz plays the harmonica. The album was recorded by Paul Crane (Bastards of Melody) on August 8th 2010 in a small room in NJ. Download the songs or order the physical CD here:

Check out the Successful Failures page for a free weekly download – each week we’ll add a different track. Free for one week only. This week’s freebie is “Sunday Morning Coming Down” from the 2007 ep, Bridges Over the Delaware.

We are excited to make our first music release of the new year.  The new song – “Liar in the Room” was recorded by The Successful Failures for the Three Nights album but didn’t quite fit in with the other tracks. I wanted it to sound like an old Nick Lowe tune like “Cruel to be Kind”. I recently finished tracking and mixing the song and I love the way it came out. “Liar in the Room” is available for a limited time as a free digital download (or name your own price and help the cause). “Liar…” will be up on iTunes and other vendors but grab it now from us for your price or no price! – Mick

Bastards of Meldoy #19 in Big Takeover

The new Bastards of Melody CD, Hurry Up and Wait,  was ranked #19 in the most recent Big Takeover (best indie zine, period) by editor Jack Rabid.  We are celebrating the new album with a show this Friday in NYC at Bar Nine (Hell’s Kitchen area).  The Successful Failures (appearing as the Real Defenders of the Acropolis, Mick/Ron acoustic) on first  at 8:00.  Bastards of Melody on at 9:00.   Bunnie England and the New Originals on at 10:00.  Check out the FDR Catalog  to order the new album.

“Time for a shout out to the FDR label, the “other” power pop label from New Jersey (we all know and love Kool Kat). They don’t release a high volume of discs, but the ones they do are usually really good, and the latest from NYC’s Bastards of Melody is one of their best…..” and so begins a great review of the new Bastards of Melody CD.  Thanks to the folks over at Absolute Powerpop for the kind words!  Read the full review here.

Bastards of Melody New Album

FDR will be releasing the new Bastards of Melody CD, Hurry Up and Wait,  on 11/23/10.  Hurry Up and Wait is the 4th Bastards album and 2nd on the FDR label.  This NYC band has also contributed tracks to nearly all the FDR Tribute CDs including a truly killer version of “The Real Me” on our Who Tribute album.  We’ll be adding a post soon with info on how to order the new CD.

The Successful Failures - Three Nights

September marks the start of our Three Nights radio campaign.  We are working with radio promotion company AAM (Advanced Alternative Media) based out of NYC to promote the new album to over 500 stations.   Many have already given Three Nights an official Top 5 add on CMJ, including… KSLU-1 (St. Louis , MO), 106VIC (Ithaca , NY), WBWC ( Berea, OH), WHRW (Binghamton, NY), WKPS (University Park , PA), & WXVU (Villanova , PA)!  This is a great start.  Email or call your favorite local station and request “Houston, We Have a Drinking Problem“.  Thanks! – Mick

Mick Chorba in FDR Studio C

Bear with me while I work on the long overdue overhaul of the FDR site.  I’m working on the catalog now.  This will eventually make it easier for me to keep you updated on FDR events and upcoming releases as well as offer special deals, holiday sales, free downloads and such.  Thing is I’d rather be in the studio making music (see left) than sitting here on my computer but this needs to get done… a few more late nights.  Thanks for reading.   -Mick