Peter Hook's Freebass project
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Sorry to be critical, but I think it's spelt; 'Freebass'.
Something is due out next year....
Nick King knows more, so hopefully he'll be in soon...
Basically it's a new side-project comprised of Hooky, Andy Rourke (ex-Smiths) and Gary "Mani" Mounfield (ex-Stone Roses/Primal Scream); Three bassists = Freebass, geddit? Nobody really seems to know what's going on with Freebass these days; it's a project that's been "in the works" for roughly two years now. Plus with New Order releasing and no doubt promoting another LP in 2006 it's hard to imagine Hooky having enough time to complete and tour a new side-project record, not to mention alongside his new DJing gig. Having said all that Hooky has consistently mentioned Freebass in interviews over the past couple of years, so the project is definitely "there". He has also reportedly spun a Freebass track or two during at least one of his DJ sets; it apparently had a very guitar driven edge but no vocals (?).
Anyway, the last I heard they had recruited a vocalist by the name of Matt Clayson (a.k.a. 'Fella') after auditions in February last year. Since then it would appear they have parted company as Hooky recently stated in this article "We’ve had a problem finding a [Freebass] vocalist. We have not been lucky yet to find the one." so perhaps Mr Clayson has parted company with the project? Music-wise, Hooky says they have 19 ideas with 12 ready for vocals, whether this means lyrics are written or need to be is unclear. Also, it's not known whether Freebass are signed to a label or have proper management. I do know that Andy Rourke (+ Mike Joyce) play in a band fronted by a guy called Vinny Peculiar (Manchester singer/songwriter) although I've not heard their stuff. Mani regularly DJs and has reportedly been recalled to begin new material with Primal Scream.
Looking at all the evidence, if Freebass is going to appear I wouldn't count on it being any time soon due to each member's other band commitments. From the information I've seen over the past couple of years it's hard to determine whether Freebass is a serious band like Monaco or Electronic or simply three good mates jamming occasionally. Naturally, any new Freebass info is very welcome on this forum especially from official sources or those close to the band.
I can't see the new NO LP coming out next year given the bad sales of WFTSC... I reckon it will come out, but maybe the year after... I have a bad feeling that WFTSleftovers may be a digital only release if it comes out next year, which would be a tragedy!
But.... If WFTSleftovers is delayed; that could bode well for a Freebass release as Hooky likes to be busy and has itchy bass fingers...
Just a theory........
Nah, Ally knows more than me, although given the line-up on the January MancAid gig, they could be playing live there (since Hooky, Mani & Andy Rourke are also appearing)? 
Alex from Blur had been approached in some shape or form, because I remember at the Q Awards 2000, he was talking about a project with Hooky involving only bassists. Or something to that effect.
God I hope there's not gonna be Alex Blur in there. Blur are the most over-rated band since the beginning of time.
Michael Monkhouse wrote: God I hope there's not gonna be Alex Blur in there. Blur are the most over-rated band since the beginning of time.
I'm sure The Kinks are up there.
Alistair wrote:
Looking at all the evidence, if Freebass is going to appear I wouldn't count on it being any time soon due to each member's other band commitments. From the information I've seen over the past couple of years it's hard to determine whether Freebass is a serious band like Monaco or Electronic or simply three good mates jamming occasionally. Naturally, any new Freebass info is very welcome on this forum especially from official sources or those close to the band.
It'd be good to see. Just get Youth in to produce, and it'll be even more fun.
Christopher Owens wrote: It'd be good to see. Just get Youth in to produce, and it'll be even more fun.
Youth produced Crowded House's last album "Together Alone" which is a fantastic record and the only CH album which has not dated in terms of production; a very 'wide' soundscape and lots of reverb. I read for the TA sessions Youth recommended the band record in the nude 
I have a feeling a Freebass album may be a self produced effort as producers (especially famous ones) cost money. At the end of the day if they're just having a mess around record I doubt it will have a well known producer at the helm. Hooky has documented production experience but I don't think Rourke and Mani do. The production on Music for pleasure was very good I thought and that was a self-produced effort so I wouldn't be surprised if they don't bring an outsider in.
Alistair wrote:
Youth produced Crowded House's last album "Together Alone" which is a fantastic record and the only CH album which has not dated in terms of production; a very 'wide' soundscape and lots of reverb. I read for the TA sessions Youth recommended the band record in the nude
Christopher Owens wrote: Youth's records.
Ah yes, I do remember reading that very Q article and the story of Mr Finn getting his short & curlies caught in those guitar strings! I think that was just before Q took a nosedive in terms of being a quality music mag.
I really like the production on Together Alone. I also like Urban Hymns as a record but Richard Ashcroft as an individual does my head in. Lately he's banging on about "loving Jesus, feeling like Jesus" erm, piss off Richard and take your shitty solo career with you! 
Bloody typical, him wanting to ditch an album of Urban Hymns quality and Youth having to convince him otherwise, twat!
Take it you're a fan of Youth?
Do you think he'd be a good choice if Freebass was a serious project?
Alistair wrote: Basically it's a new side-project comprised of Hooky, Andy Rourke (ex-Smiths) and Gary "Mani" Mounfield (ex-Stone Roses/Primal Scream); Three bassists = Freebass, geddit?
Thought it just might also be a ref to White Lines by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five? 
I can exclusively reveal that a version of one of the Freebass tracks IS finished featuring guest vocalist Allan Owens who is the vocalist in critically ignored Manchester band, CircusGirls (ex vocalist in another great band called GEEK). The track is called "The Tower" and is a really great sounding tune. If this is what the rest is gonna sound like we are on to a winner!!! It is going to be available via download via iTunes soon. ENJOY
Alistair wrote:
Christopher Owens wrote: Youth's records.
remember reading that very Q article and the story of Mr Finn getting his short & curlies caught in those guitar strings-I think that was justbefore Q took a nosedive in terms of being a quality music mag.otherwise, twat!
the curlies in the strings- magazine going down maybe related.the last straw. can't wait to see how Freebass goes.
seals wrote:
Alistair wrote: Basically it's a new side-project comprised of Hooky, Andy Rourke (ex-Smiths) and Gary "Mani" Mounfield (ex-Stone Roses/Primal Scream); Three bassists = Freebass, geddit?
Thought it just might also be a ref to White Lines by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five?
It's definitely a pun on white lines (of some description - which, obviously, the Grandmaster Flash song was also similarly inspired by)!
OSXed wrote: I can exclusively reveal that a version of one of the Freebass tracks IS finished featuring guest vocalist Allan Owens who is the vocalist in critically ignored Manchester band, CircusGirls (ex vocalist in another great band called GEEK). The track is called "The Tower" and is a really great sounding tune. If this is what the rest is gonna sound like we are on to a winner!!! It is going to be available via download via iTunes soon. ENJOY
Thank you Mr Lyons for your information.
I hope people on here will welcome you better than they did with David Dresden, some people here don't like remixers too much, attacking too much their favorite tracks to their tasting, which is not my case ;)
Are we expecting a Lionrock remix of that track? ;)
Hmmm, I am happy to be here being a huge fan and all. Must admit though you sorta blew my cover there so no more exclusives.
Lionrock has been "on pause" since 1999 but never say never eh? Just so you know I am producing and programming the album with the guys, its progressing very nicely but slowly as we all fit it in around other projects. I got Allan Owens involved as he is a great undiscovered talent who suited this song in particular. He is not 'the vocalist' on the entire project, just this one track at the moment. We DO have other guest vocalists lined up too but non have been commited to tape/hard disk yet and no I am not telling who they are, YET........
Keep the true faith
OSXed wrote: Hmmm, I am happy to be here being a huge fan and all. Must admit though you sorta blew my cover there so no more exclusives.
Lionrock has been "on pause" since 1999 but never say never eh? Just so you know I am producing and programming the album with the guys, its progressing very nicely but slowly as we all fit it in around other projects. I got Allan Owens involved as he is a great undiscovered talent who suited this song in particular. He is not 'the vocalist' on the entire project, just this one track at the moment. We DO have other guest vocalists lined up too but non have been commited to tape/hard disk yet and no I am not telling who they are, YET........
Keep the true faith
Glad to have you onboard Roger, I promise not to annoy you about Programming TPK for at least 5 minutes.
Good to hear some positive news about Freebass, cannae wait to hear the stuff.
By the way, yer email address appears at the bottom of every post you do. So you may want to change yer profile details so it doesnae appear 
OSXed wrote: Hmmm, I am happy to be here being a huge fan and all. Must admit though you sorta blew my cover there so no more exclusives.
A legend posts!
Perhaps see you in Brazil?!
OSXed wrote: Hmmm, I am happy to be here being a huge fan and all. Must admit though you sorta blew my cover there so no more exclusives.
Sorry about that, your email address actually lead to this conclusion, after a few internet search I realized it was indeed you.
I wanted to confirm this news to be honest, so that's why I did this research to make sure you were authentic.
I can delete this if you want? and of course, make your email private though it can be found on the net.
For the record, your email is now private.
And for your information, Jack_H is Jack, Hooky's son ;)
Everybody has a cover these days ;)
Michael Monkhouse wrote: God I hope there's not gonna be Alex Blur in there. Blur are the most over-rated band since the beginning of time.
wha??? in the face of oasis? ha! hey look--oasis is right over there! look at em. try listening to them. ugh, mmhmm. overrated... blur is practically ignored! hrm... did i spell that right?
Christopher Owens wrote:
Alistair wrote:
It'd be good to see. Just get Youth in to produce, and it'll be even more fun.
raar! youth produced primal scream's new one! coming out in june or something!
Al Jarvis wrote:
OSXed wrote: Hmmm, I am happy to be here being a huge fan and all. Must admit though you sorta blew my cover there so no more exclusives.
A legend posts!
Perhaps see you in Brazil?!
Hiya! A legend? Never been called that before. Does that mean I am getting old or just better? Either way its a lovely thing to say. If Brazil happens I WILL see you there (I hope)
Much love to Y'all
