Strongly inspired by The Beatles, The Weeklings (currently featured in the latest issue of New Jersey Stage magazine) will release Studio 2 on November 18. The album takes the listener on a sonic journey that evokes the kind of excitement contained in early Beatles recordings. To accomplish this feat, The Weeklings flew to England to record at Abbey Road Studios in June. They discussed ideas with former Beatles recording engineers Ken Scott and Alan Parsons, and then actually recorded in the very room, called Studio 2, where The Beatles had worked with the legendary producer George Martin.
Studio 2 is the result of such painstaking efforts. The album contains eight new Weeklings' songs, and four ultra-rare Lennon/McCartney bonus tracks.
“Some (Lennon/McCartney compositions) are only now seeing the light of day as finished recordings,” Zeek Weekling said. “The album completely embodies the magical legacy of the original British Invasion...We recorded all tracks live, standing where The Beatles stood, with all vintage 60's equipment, all in 2 days!”
The band’s debut album, Monophonic, received heavy rotation on many radio stations since its release in March 2015. The song “You Know What To Do” earned the title of “Coolest Song in the World” on Sirius/XM’s “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” channel. In addition, The Weeklings recorded an hour long “Loft Session” for legendary DJ Mike Marrone on Sirius/XM Channel 30.
The Weeklings are:
Lefty (Glen Burtnik), bass guitar/vocals: platinum and gold record awarded songwriter, composed songs for John Waite, Styx, Randy Travis, Marshall Crenshaw, Patty Smyth and Don Henley. Portrayed Paul McCartney in the Broadway production of Beatlemania, and went on to perform as a member of major international acts including: Styx and The Orchestra (composed of former members of ELO).
Zeek (Bob Burger) rhythm guitar/vocals: gold record awarded song writer whose credits include Styx, Donnie Iris, HBO pictures, Kasim Sulton and others. Performed with Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi.
Rocky (John Merjave) lead guitar/vocals: longstanding member of The Fest for Beatles Fans house band, Liverpool, performed with Billy Preston, Donovan, Denny Laine and many others.
Smokestack (Joe Bellia) drums/vocals: He has been the drummer with Southside Johnny and Dave Mason.
The release will be available as a CD, LP, and Limited Edition cassette with additional tracks.
