Video by NLIGHT PRODUCTIONS
Produced by Enzo Mazzeo Script & Directed by Èric Boadella Cinematography: Lawrence Le
Steadicam Operator: Patrick Ortman
1st AC: Jose Mendoza
Make Up & Hair: Judith Koppelmann
Still Photography: Federico Janni
Production Assistant: Pau Palanco
Production Assistant: Emily Aspland
Production Assistant: Marco Siguenza
Editors: Èric Boadella & Nora Hadad
Color & VSFX: Èric Boadella
Black Swan:
Robin McAuley – Lead Vocals & Background Vocals
Reb Beach – Guitars and Background Vocals
Jeff Pilson – Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Keys & Background Vocals
Matt Starr – Drums and Percussion
The genesis of Black Swan was sparked by a conversation between Jeff Pilson and Frontiers’ President & Head of A&R, Serafino Perugino, who wanted a project that would not only showcase McAuley’s vocal prowess, but have a mighty musical backbone to stand skyscraper tall behind him. Thus, the initial seeds were planted and Pilson ran with it from there. “Shake The World” was tracked at Pilson’s home studio in Los Angeles, “Shake The World” is a showcase of both the musical talents of the instrumental players in the band as well as McAuley’s powerful voice. The four members got Black Swan off the ground by exchanging ideas back and forth and then bringing all the songs together. The final result is something fresh, very heavy, but still intensely melodic and it’s certainly not Dokken, nor Winger, nor MSG, or some combination thereof, but it’s own unique animal. As an example, one of the songs was written by Jeff Pilson right after seeing the Queen movie ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. “I came home and I sat down at the grand piano and pretty much wrote exactly the chorus that we have, just coming straight [from] the movie. It is a bit Queen-like.” Continues Pilson, “It’s amazing, incredible music. Wait until you hear everybody’s playing and singing. It’s beyond — way beyond.” Adds Robin McAuley, “This is really exciting for me to read: Black Swan announces the release of “Shake the World,” the first offering from the band on the Frontiers’ label.” I’ve known Jeff for some thirty years and we have a history of performing together on MSG Unplugged, in addition to being great friends, musically and socially. When he asked me to do this and collaborate with Reb, I didn’t have to think too long with my response. Initially he wasn’t going to play bass on this, but Reb and myself soon changed his mind, lol!!! Bringing Matt into the mix was a great decision. His powerful energy and style is unmistakable on this album. Overall, it is a very powerful blend of styles and writing. Reb is truly an amazing guitarist and songwriter. Jeff captured my vocals the way I like to sound. Probably the best vocal sound I’ve had… ever!!!! Such a great and creative studio experience for me. This is kick ass, powerful music on an album full of great songs. If you love strong melodies and BIG choruses, BLACK SWAN won’t disappoint!! It’s time…”SHAKE THE WORLD!!!” Guitarist Reb Beach says, “When Jeff approached me to do this, I was so excited because I loved writing “Erase the Slate” with him for Dokken. I also played in the band with Jeff for four years, and we worked so well together, writing and live too. He is as good as it gets when it comes to a rock musician, a great songwriter and an absolute joy to work with. I came in with riffs, Jeff arranged them into a song by adding his own parts, and then Robin wrote the lyrics, and knocked it out of the park with the vocals. I am pretty particular about singers, and Robin’s voice is so slammin’ that I wouldn’t want anyone else. Matt came in with his huge drum sound, and we had a great sounding band. Very exciting stuff!!” “Shooting the video was a blast,” says drummer Matt Starr. “Shot in Los Angeles over the course of two days, it was similar to recording the record, everything was very organic and comfortable. That’s the advantage of working with guys who have so much experience. There’s not too much discussion going on. Everybody knows what to do, we just get to work and do it. That leaves more time for hanging out, chatting and smoking cigars!” The album is a killer slice of melodic hard rock & heavy metal from seasoned players who have gelled musically. Whether you are a fan from “back in the day” or brand new to the scene and just diving in, the album is essential listening! Mastered by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering, USA
