THE FADED RELEASE ’BREAKING FREE" ON SKUNK-APE RECORDS

"High School Musical Goes Punk"

April 3, 2008 – Hollywood, CA – Alternative rock band, The Faded, announced their new single, Breaking Free, today. In December 2007, Skunk-Ape Records, Hollywood, invited the band to participate in a musical compilation tribute album to Disney’s ultra-successful movie, High School Musical. Tentatively entitled, "High School Musical Goes Punk!," the Skunk-Ape release will feature rocked-up versions of many of the movie’s best songs. The Faded’s single is their version of the climactic song, "Breaking Free."

"The original song is beautiful and sweet – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it," says vocalist, Gene Blalock, "but I think the message of the song – being yourself and breaking free from others’ expectations and demands – gets lost on a wider audience who only hear this pretty duet. Reworking the song makes the message more accessible." The Faded’s version replaces the duet, with Blalock doing the primary vocals, and members Micheal Diamond and Freddy Maciel offering backing harmony. "The original is quite nice," according to bassist Micheal Diamond, "but adding energy, speeding it up, and offering a sense of urgency really allows people to appreciate the lyrics, and even the song, better." Reaction among fans of the group has been strongly positive, with many commenting that they prefer the new version to Disney’s original.

"We hadn’t planned on doing a single release. This was to be part of the compilation, but we’ve had so many people ask about it, that the label felt it was worth releasing on its own. It is a lot of fun to play," states drummer Freddy Maciel, "and I think many of our fans are picking up on the fun we have performing it."

The band says that the single will be available through their website, www.thefaded.com, as well as through Skunk-Ape Records and their distributors by the end of April 2008. Additional information is available from their manager, Phil Goldberg, at 773-388-2784.

Phil R. Goldberg, Esq.
773-388-2784
phil@seraphonline.com

Emerging alternative rockers, The Faded, combine catchy melodies, provocative lyrics, rich instrumentation, and captivating stage shows. Their music blends early glam rock, techno-punk, early alternative, and today’s energy to create a powerful new sound - one that gets people singing, gaining new fans at each show. Formed by frontman, Gene Blalock, The Faded has received the Los Angeles Music Awards, Alternative Band of the Year, two years running (2005 and 2006).

Seeking to create strong bonds with its fans, The Faded endeavors to make every show memorable - from trick-or-treat bags at their Halloween shows, to glow sticks, balloon drops, and noise-makers on New Years Eve, there's always plenty to remember after the show. Band members place quality and professionalism at the forefront, recognizing that listeners have plenty of choices. From custom CD packaging imported from Japan to professionally printed fliers and posters for every show, from coordinated video projection to extensive lighting, synchronized to their performance, the band puts on a show.

Musically, the band pushes themselves in the pursuit of both personal musicianship and sonic mastery. Each member has strong skills and the desire to create something larger. Unwilling to compromise in any aspect of their musicianship, the band has their own studio-quality recording system and makes liberal use of the talents of Hollywood's professional studios.

To spread the word, The Faded has established a street-team network of loyal fans who enthusiastically promote the band’s upcoming shows. The band encourages this through myspace.com and other online venues where more than 20,000 fans share their love of the music.

This release was published on openPR.