Jason Falkner
Encyclopedia
Jason Falkner is an American
pop
and rock
musician. Active since the late 1980s, he has performed with several bands. In addition to releasing several albums as a solo artist, he is a prolific session musician and producer who has contributed to dozens of other recordings by other bands and musicians.
, as a guitarist (and composer of one song) on their final album Vermillion, released in 1988 on Prince's Paisley Park Records
label. However, the band broke up shortly afterwards."
convinced him to move to San Francisco to join his new band, Jellyfish
. The band's 1990 debut album, Bellybutton
, was a minor chart success and received some radio and MTV
play. Falkner, however, had a number of disputes with other band members, primarily concerning his lack of songwriting opportunities, and what he considered the band's over-reliance on its influences instead of cultivating its own image. He left the band shortly after touring the world in support of Bellybutton, vowing never to join another band.
. Reluctantly breaking his vow against joining another band, he found himself in The Grays
with Jon Brion
, Buddy Judge, and Dan McCarroll. Composed of three separate songwriters/lead singers/multi-instrumentalists and a drummer, the band fervently disliked the pitfalls and self-imposed politics of most rock bands and did all in their power to avoid them. In spite of this, musical differences led to a rift between members. They released only one album, 1994's Ro Sham Bo
, before disbanding.
Afterwards, he continued recording in his home studio, with the intention of releasing an all-covers album; however this album, and most of its songs, was left unreleased until 2001, when, titled Everyone Says It's On and augmented with demos of songs released and left over from his two solo albums, it was issued by Air Mail Recordings, a small Japanese independent label.
In 1995 he worked with Eric Matthews on his album It's Heavy in Here
, which led to a recording contract as a solo artist with Elektra
.
Falkner also collaborated as a songwriter, producer, instrumentalist and backup vocalist with singer-songwriter Brendan Benson
on Benson's first two albums, One Mississippi (1996) and Lapalco
(2002). Benson is currently a member of The Raconteurs
.
Falkner produced "The Tourniquet" by the Norwegian singer-songwriter called "Magnet" in 2006.
, which was produced, written, and performed almost entirely by Falkner (the only exceptions being a string section heard on several songs, and a guitar overdub on one song by Alain Johannes
). Although it received strong critical reviews, it was not a commercial success. During that same year, he wrote several songs on Brendan Benson
's album One Mississippi, and played various instruments on Susanna Hoffs
second solo album, released in 1996. In 1997, he worked with Eric Matthews on a second album, The Lateness of the Hour, co-producing and assisting on five tracks.
In 1999, Falkner released Can You Still Feel?
, another album written and performed as a completely solo effort, aside from the horns and strings. This album was produced with Nigel Godrich
. In 2000 Jason kept very busy, touring and contributing to various projects. He recorded a song for a tribute album, and performed on Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
and Brian Reitzell
's album Logan's Sanctuary
, conceived as the soundtrack album for an imagined sequel to the film Logan's Run
.
In 2001, he worked with Air on their 10 000 Hz Legend album, and toured with the band during the summer and fall as its bassist. During that time, spinART Records
released Necessity: The 4-Track Years, a disc composed of old 4-track demos. Falkner's projects that year included an instrumental album of Beatles
songs, and he contributed a track (Do Ya) to a Jeff Lynne
tribute album Lynne Me Your Ears
. While in France with Air, he worked with Roger Manning and Brian Reitzell again, this time performing under the band name, TV Eyes.
Falkner spent the summer of 2002 touring with Air, and contributed on albums for other artists, including Beck, Aimee Mann
, and Travis
. He began working on his third studio album in June 2003, and worked on albums for Beck and Air. In early 2004 he joined Travis on tour, as their opening act, to debut his Bliss Descending EP. He also contributed guitar parts to two songs on Paul McCartney
's 2005 album, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
. He is cited as playing assorted instruments on several tracks of Beck
's 2006 album, The Information
and 2008 album, Modern Guilt
.
His third solo album I'm OK... You're OK
was released in Japan, on Noise McCartney Records on April 18, 2007. It was released in the U.S. on February 16, 2010 with alternate versions of two tracks, "This Time" and "The Knew". Falkner's second album of instrumental Beatles covers, Bedtime with the Beatles 2, was released on June 17, 2008.
In 2009, Falkner collaborated with Dutch singer and guitarist Anne Soldaat on the album "In Another Life", co-writing several songs and getting credit as the album's producer and mixer. The same year he also produced the acclaimed Daniel Johnston
's acclaimed new album Is and Always Was
. Johnston wrote all the songs and Falkner added guitar, bass and keyboards.
Jason Falkner's fourth solo album, "All Quiet on the Noise Floor", was released in Japan on September 2, 2009 and in US during early 2010.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and rock
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
musician. Active since the late 1980s, he has performed with several bands. In addition to releasing several albums as a solo artist, he is a prolific session musician and producer who has contributed to dozens of other recordings by other bands and musicians.
Three O'Clock
While still a teenager, Falkner joined The Three O'ClockThe Three O'Clock
The Three O'Clock were a United States alternative rock group associated with the Los Angeles 1980s Paisley Underground scene. Lead singer and bassist Michael Quercio is credited with coining the term "Paisley Underground" to describe a subset of the 1980s L.A...
, as a guitarist (and composer of one song) on their final album Vermillion, released in 1988 on Prince's Paisley Park Records
Paisley Park Records
Paisley Park Records was Prince's record label, associated with and funded in part by Warner Bros. Records. It was started in 1985, following the success of the film and album Purple Rain...
label. However, the band broke up shortly afterwards."
Jellyfish
After The Three O'Clock folded, Falkner's friend Roger Joseph Manning Jr.Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. is an American keyboard player and founding member of bands Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, The Moog Cookbook, and TV Eyes. He has also spent several years as an integral member of Beck's backing band, and made contributions to several recordings by the band Air. He is...
convinced him to move to San Francisco to join his new band, Jellyfish
Jellyfish (band)
Jellyfish were a power pop band from San Francisco. It formed after Beatnik Beatch broke up in 1989. The core members were drummer/singer/songwriter Andy Sturmer and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Roger Joseph Manning, Jr...
. The band's 1990 debut album, Bellybutton
Bellybutton (album)
Bellybutton is the debut album by Jellyfish, released on August 7, 1990.The album spawned the singles "The King Is Half-Undressed" , "That Is Why" , "Baby's Coming Back"Bellybutton is the debut album by Jellyfish, released on August 7, 1990.The album spawned the singles "The King Is Half-Undressed"...
, was a minor chart success and received some radio and MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
play. Falkner, however, had a number of disputes with other band members, primarily concerning his lack of songwriting opportunities, and what he considered the band's over-reliance on its influences instead of cultivating its own image. He left the band shortly after touring the world in support of Bellybutton, vowing never to join another band.
Other groups
In 1993, Falkner worked with Fabulon as a guest musician. This led to jobs as a session player for several other bands, and he worked in this capacity when he met Jon BrionJon Brion
Jon Brion is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer and record producer.-Early life:...
. Reluctantly breaking his vow against joining another band, he found himself in The Grays
The Grays (band)
The Grays were a short-lived rock band comprising singer/songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Jon Brion, Jason Falkner, Buddy Judge, and Dan McCarroll...
with Jon Brion
Jon Brion
Jon Brion is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer and record producer.-Early life:...
, Buddy Judge, and Dan McCarroll. Composed of three separate songwriters/lead singers/multi-instrumentalists and a drummer, the band fervently disliked the pitfalls and self-imposed politics of most rock bands and did all in their power to avoid them. In spite of this, musical differences led to a rift between members. They released only one album, 1994's Ro Sham Bo
Ro Sham Bo (album)
Ro Sham Bo is the debut album by The Grays, released on February 22, 1994.The album title Ro Sham Bo is taken from one of the many names for the game Rock-Paper-Scissors.-UK CD: 475839 2:#"Very Best Years" – 3:26...
, before disbanding.
Afterwards, he continued recording in his home studio, with the intention of releasing an all-covers album; however this album, and most of its songs, was left unreleased until 2001, when, titled Everyone Says It's On and augmented with demos of songs released and left over from his two solo albums, it was issued by Air Mail Recordings, a small Japanese independent label.
In 1995 he worked with Eric Matthews on his album It's Heavy in Here
It's Heavy In Here
It's Heavy in Here is the debut solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Eric Matthews. It was released by Sub Pop Records on September 26, 1995...
, which led to a recording contract as a solo artist with Elektra
Elektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
.
Falkner also collaborated as a songwriter, producer, instrumentalist and backup vocalist with singer-songwriter Brendan Benson
Brendan Benson
Brendan Benson is an American musician and songwriter. He sings and plays guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drums. He has released four solo albums and is a member of the band The Raconteurs....
on Benson's first two albums, One Mississippi (1996) and Lapalco
Lapalco
Lapalco is the second album by American singer-songwriter Brendan Benson, released in 2002. The name "Lapalco" is in reference to Lapalco Boulevard, a major highway which runs through, Harvey, Louisiana, where Benson spent part of his youth...
(2002). Benson is currently a member of The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
.
Falkner produced "The Tourniquet" by the Norwegian singer-songwriter called "Magnet" in 2006.
Solo artist
In 1996, he released the album Jason Falkner Presents Author UnknownPresents Author Unknown
Presents Author Unknown is the debut solo album by Jason Falkner.-Track listing:# "I Live"# "Miracle Medicine"# "Hectified"# "Don't Show Me Heaven"# "She Goes To Bed"# "...Nobody Knows"# "Follow Me"...
, which was produced, written, and performed almost entirely by Falkner (the only exceptions being a string section heard on several songs, and a guitar overdub on one song by Alain Johannes
Alain Johannes
Alain Johannes Moschulski is a guitarist and, along with his late partner Natasha Shneider and drummer Jack Irons, a founding member of the band Eleven...
). Although it received strong critical reviews, it was not a commercial success. During that same year, he wrote several songs on Brendan Benson
Brendan Benson
Brendan Benson is an American musician and songwriter. He sings and plays guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drums. He has released four solo albums and is a member of the band The Raconteurs....
's album One Mississippi, and played various instruments on Susanna Hoffs
Susanna Hoffs
Susanna Lee Hoffs is an American vocalist, guitarist and actress. She is best known as a member of the all-female pop band The Bangles.-Early life:...
second solo album, released in 1996. In 1997, he worked with Eric Matthews on a second album, The Lateness of the Hour, co-producing and assisting on five tracks.
In 1999, Falkner released Can You Still Feel?
Can You Still Feel?
Can You Still Feel? is the second album by Jason Falkner. It was produced by Falkner and Nigel Godrich.Falkner recording contract with Elektra came to an end after the album was met with weak sales numbers...
, another album written and performed as a completely solo effort, aside from the horns and strings. This album was produced with Nigel Godrich
Nigel Godrich
Nigel Godrich, , is a recording engineer, record producer and musician. He is best known for his work with the English rock band Radiohead and is sometimes referred to as the "sixth member" of the band...
. In 2000 Jason kept very busy, touring and contributing to various projects. He recorded a song for a tribute album, and performed on Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. is an American keyboard player and founding member of bands Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, The Moog Cookbook, and TV Eyes. He has also spent several years as an integral member of Beck's backing band, and made contributions to several recordings by the band Air. He is...
and Brian Reitzell
Brian Reitzell
Brian Reitzell is a musician, composer, producer and music supervisor best known for his contributions to several film soundtracks. He was formerly the drummer for the punk band Redd Kross. He has also collaborated with the French electronica duo Air, having performed drums on their 2001 album 10...
's album Logan's Sanctuary
Logan's Sanctuary
Logan's Sanctuary is an electronica album by Roger Joseph Manning Jr. and Brian Reitzell, conceived as the soundtrack for an imagined sequel to the film Logan's Run....
, conceived as the soundtrack album for an imagined sequel to the film Logan's Run
Logan's Run (1976 film)
Logan's Run is a 1976 science fiction film based on the novel of the same name by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson. It depicts a dystopian future society in which population and the consumption of resources are managed and maintained in equilibrium by the simple expediency of killing...
.
In 2001, he worked with Air on their 10 000 Hz Legend album, and toured with the band during the summer and fall as its bassist. During that time, spinART Records
SpinART Records
spinART Records is a now-defunct New York City-based independent record label that released recordings by artists such as The Apples in Stereo, Clem Snide, Frank Black and Michael Penn....
released Necessity: The 4-Track Years, a disc composed of old 4-track demos. Falkner's projects that year included an instrumental album of Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
songs, and he contributed a track (Do Ya) to a Jeff Lynne
Jeff Lynne
Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynne is an English songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained fame as the leader and sole constant member of Electric Light Orchestra and was a co-founder and member of The Traveling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob...
tribute album Lynne Me Your Ears
Lynne Me Your Ears
Lynne Me Your Ears - A Tribute To The Music of Jeff Lynne is a compilation of compositions written by songwriter Jeff Lynne. The majority of material are cover versions of Lynne's longest running and most successful group; Electric Light Orchestra....
. While in France with Air, he worked with Roger Manning and Brian Reitzell again, this time performing under the band name, TV Eyes.
Falkner spent the summer of 2002 touring with Air, and contributed on albums for other artists, including Beck, Aimee Mann
Aimee Mann
Aimee Mann is an American rock singer-songwriter, guitarist and bassist.-Early life:Aimee Mann grew up in Bon Air, Virginia, graduated from Open High School in 1978 and attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, but dropped out to sing with her first punk rock band, the Young Snakes...
, and Travis
Travis (band)
Travis are a post-Britpop band from Glasgow, Scotland, comprising Fran Healy , Dougie Payne , Andy Dunlop and Neil Primrose...
. He began working on his third studio album in June 2003, and worked on albums for Beck and Air. In early 2004 he joined Travis on tour, as their opening act, to debut his Bliss Descending EP. He also contributed guitar parts to two songs on Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
's 2005 album, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard is the thirteenth solo studio album by Paul McCartney released in 2005. A long time in the making, the set was produced by Radiohead and Beck collaborator Nigel Godrich at George Martin's suggestion....
. He is cited as playing assorted instruments on several tracks of Beck
Beck
Beck Hansen is an American musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known by the stage name Beck...
's 2006 album, The Information
The Information
The Information is the tenth studio album by American alternative rock musician Beck, released in October 2006 on Interscope Records. It was produced and mixed by longtime Beck collaborator Nigel Godrich. Recording began in 2003 concurrently with Guero, but the album was not completed until 2006...
and 2008 album, Modern Guilt
Modern Guilt
Modern Guilt is the eleventh studio album by American alternative musician Beck. It was released on July 8, 2008. The album fulfills Beck's recording contract with Interscope Records...
.
His third solo album I'm OK... You're OK
I'm OK... You're OK
-Personnel:*Jason Falkner - vocals, instruments*Jeremy Stacy - drums, "Runaway"*Christy Hindenlang - background vocals, "NYC"-Production:*Jason Falkner - production, mixing, art direction, photography*Mathieu Bitton - art direction, design...
was released in Japan, on Noise McCartney Records on April 18, 2007. It was released in the U.S. on February 16, 2010 with alternate versions of two tracks, "This Time" and "The Knew". Falkner's second album of instrumental Beatles covers, Bedtime with the Beatles 2, was released on June 17, 2008.
In 2009, Falkner collaborated with Dutch singer and guitarist Anne Soldaat on the album "In Another Life", co-writing several songs and getting credit as the album's producer and mixer. The same year he also produced the acclaimed Daniel Johnston
Daniel Johnston
Daniel Dale Johnston is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and artist. Johnston was the subject of the 2006 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston. He currently lives in Waller, Texas....
's acclaimed new album Is and Always Was
Is and Always Was
Is And Always Was is a studio album by Daniel Johnston released in 2009. The album is noted for its upbeat sound in comparison to previous albums.-Track listing:All songs written by Daniel Johnston.# "Mind Movies" – 3:01...
. Johnston wrote all the songs and Falkner added guitar, bass and keyboards.
Jason Falkner's fourth solo album, "All Quiet on the Noise Floor", was released in Japan on September 2, 2009 and in US during early 2010.
Solo
- All Quiet On the Noise FloorAll Quiet On the Noise FloorAll Quiet On the Noise Floor is an album by Jason Falkner, released in Japan on September 2, 2009. One edition is to include a DVD that features a July 28, 2008 performance and "rehearsal footage with Quruli before the Fuji Rock Festival." A US release was tentatively scheduled for the end of...
(2009) NOISE McCARTNEY RECORDS/Bad News - Bedtime With The Beatles 2 (2008) Adrenaline Records
- I'm OK... You're OKI'm OK... You're OK-Personnel:*Jason Falkner - vocals, instruments*Jeremy Stacy - drums, "Runaway"*Christy Hindenlang - background vocals, "NYC"-Production:*Jason Falkner - production, mixing, art direction, photography*Mathieu Bitton - art direction, design...
(2007) NOISE McCARTNEY RECORDS/Bad News - Bliss Descending (EP) (2004) Wreckord Records
- Eloquence (2002)
- Bedtime With The Beatles (2001) Sony Wonder
- Everyone Says It's On (2001) Air Mail Recordings
- Necessity: The 4-Track Years (2001) spinART Records
- Can You Still Feel?Can You Still Feel?Can You Still Feel? is the second album by Jason Falkner. It was produced by Falkner and Nigel Godrich.Falkner recording contract with Elektra came to an end after the album was met with weak sales numbers...
(1999) Elektra EntertainmentElektra RecordsElektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009.... - Can You Still Feel?Can You Still Feel?Can You Still Feel? is the second album by Jason Falkner. It was produced by Falkner and Nigel Godrich.Falkner recording contract with Elektra came to an end after the album was met with weak sales numbers...
(1999) Lovitt RecordsLovitt RecordsLovitt Records is an independent record label that was founded in 1995 by Brian Lowit who was a student at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina at the time...
(LP Version w/ Bonus Tracks) - Holiday 7" (1998) Lovitt RecordsLovitt RecordsLovitt Records is an independent record label that was founded in 1995 by Brian Lowit who was a student at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina at the time...
- Presents Author UnknownPresents Author UnknownPresents Author Unknown is the debut solo album by Jason Falkner.-Track listing:# "I Live"# "Miracle Medicine"# "Hectified"# "Don't Show Me Heaven"# "She Goes To Bed"# "...Nobody Knows"# "Follow Me"...
(1996) Elektra EntertainmentElektra RecordsElektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009.... - Miracle medicine 2x7" (1996) Sub Pop Records (all songs by Jason Falkner except* Jason Falkner and Steve Keros)
Other
- TV EyesTV EyesTV Eyes is an electronic pop group consisting of Jason Falkner, Roger Joseph Manning Jr. & Brian Reitzell.They released their self-titled debut album in 2006, but it has been released only in Japan.....
- TV EyesTV Eyes (album)TV Eyes is the self titled debut album by TV Eyes, a CD available only in Japan which was released on October 25th, 2006.-CD: BNCP-134:All songs written by Jason Falkner, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr...
(2006) Noise McCartney Records/Bad News - The GraysThe Grays (band)The Grays were a short-lived rock band comprising singer/songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Jon Brion, Jason Falkner, Buddy Judge, and Dan McCarroll...
- Ro Sham BoRo Sham Bo (album)Ro Sham Bo is the debut album by The Grays, released on February 22, 1994.The album title Ro Sham Bo is taken from one of the many names for the game Rock-Paper-Scissors.-UK CD: 475839 2:#"Very Best Years" – 3:26...
(1994) Epic RecordsEpic RecordsEpic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A... - JellyfishJellyfish (band)Jellyfish were a power pop band from San Francisco. It formed after Beatnik Beatch broke up in 1989. The core members were drummer/singer/songwriter Andy Sturmer and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Roger Joseph Manning, Jr...
- BellybuttonBellybutton (album)Bellybutton is the debut album by Jellyfish, released on August 7, 1990.The album spawned the singles "The King Is Half-Undressed" , "That Is Why" , "Baby's Coming Back"Bellybutton is the debut album by Jellyfish, released on August 7, 1990.The album spawned the singles "The King Is Half-Undressed"...
(1990) Charisma RecordsCharisma RecordsCharisma was a record label founded by former journalist Tony Stratton-Smith in 1969. Manager for The Nice, the Bonzo Dog Band and Van der Graaf Generator at the time, Stratton-Smith was unable to find a record company willing to release an album by one of his favourite groups so he founded his own... - The Three O'ClockThe Three O'ClockThe Three O'Clock were a United States alternative rock group associated with the Los Angeles 1980s Paisley Underground scene. Lead singer and bassist Michael Quercio is credited with coining the term "Paisley Underground" to describe a subset of the 1980s L.A...
- Vermillion (1988) Paisley Park RecordsPaisley Park RecordsPaisley Park Records was Prince's record label, associated with and funded in part by Warner Bros. Records. It was started in 1985, following the success of the film and album Purple Rain... - BeckBeckBeck Hansen is an American musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known by the stage name Beck...
- The Information (2006) InterscopeInterscope RecordsInterscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:... - Ocean's 13 - Soundtrack (2007)
- The InformersThe InformersThe Informers is a collection of short stories, seemingly linked by the same continuity, authored by American author Bret Easton Ellis. It was first published as a whole in 1994. Chapters 6 and 7, "Water from the Sun" and "Discovering Japan", were published separately in the UK by Picador in 2007...
- Soundtrack (2009)