My latest record is a refreshed version of a track I originally recorded over 20 years ago at Sweetway Studios in the Catlins with the late producer Ross McNab.
The recording had been sitting quietly on my computer for years until a friend and producer, Barry McConnachie, recently rediscovered it and gave it a new life with a modern remix and master. The result feels very much like a current release, while still carrying the spirit of that original session. AI has not been used.
The song is a cover of Sharon O’Neill’s Asian Paradise and is dedicated to Ross, whose encouragement at the time led me to sing lead vocals on a studio recording for the first time.
After more than 50 years in music, this release feels like a small but meaningful full-circle moment — an old recording, a new sound, and a tribute to a much-missed friend
TWO TRACKS ADDED to ‘ THE ART OF NOT LOOKING BACK’ EP
Some time ago I added these two tracks to my first EP ‘ The Art of Not Looking Back’, available on Spotify and Apple Music. Thank you to Laneway Music, Sydney
The first track is called ‘ PALAVA STAR’ An upbeat, positive chill track that has a vibe of its own. The second track is called ‘ MARTIN’S SONG, which I wrote and was inspired by, the funeral of Martin Phillips of The Chills. I watched his funeral online and after I had just started working on this track, I became fully inspired by the mood, by the speakers and the feeling in the room. It’s not a tribute song but merely my way of expressing what I felt at the time. I hope you enjoy both tracks.
PRODUCTION CREDITS: Mastered by Barry McConnachie in Dunedin, New Zealand. MIxed by Marcel J Rodeka, Assistant Mix, Denis Gibbins. Bass Guitar, Denis Gibbins. Additional keyboards and guitars by Marcel J Rodeka, December, 2024
Thank you to Barry McConnachie and Denis Gibbins for ongoing support of my music.
My solo EP ‘ The Art of Not Looking Back’ is OUT NOW!
The EP, ‘The Art of Not Looking Back’ is a seven track EP of instrumental chill music featuring my guitar and keyboards and not the drum kit. I have had a great time creating this EP and if you, the listener, like it, I will be quietly thrilled. Available on Spotify, Apple Music and for purchase on Bandcamp.
MARCEL J RODEKA
Musicians I work with..
Pictured here with my good friend and rhythm section compatriot, Denis Gibbins. Denis and I went on a wild nine-year ride as founding members of 1970’s New Zealand band Mother Goose. Today, Denis is my sounding board - my second pair of ears, in both my songwriting and mixing and production.
Barry McConnachie.
Producer, guitarist, mix engineer.
Barry and I have been friends since high school. Going our separate ways for many years with our own careers, mine in music, his in music and broadcasting, we have come full circle again at the other end of our careers. Barry’s knowledge, production and technical skills, not to mention his guitar playing, have helped me enormously, either producing and mixing my own music to live performances. I can’t thank him enough.
Collaborations
For me, collaborations are vital. It’s so good to work with people who are better than you at lots of other things. People like Barry and Denis mentioned above, and guitarist, singer, mix engineer, David Harrison from Dunedin. Working with these great people and others inspire me to be better at what I do. I’m keen to improve my songwriting, singing and guitar playing.
😉 Above pic by: Melanie Peters Photography