Today, the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music proudly unveils Our Loving Tribute to the Pretenders—an EP featuring three iconic Pretenders covers performed by the SCM All-Stars, an ensemble of the Conservatory’s exceptional youth musicians. Executive produced by Flea, bassist and founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, alongside Merck Mercuriadis, founder of Hipgnosis Songs, the project showcases the passion and skill of the Conservatory’s talented students. The EP’s three covers (“The Wait,” “Show Me,” and “Talk of the Town”) are available to stream and download beginning today HERE. Recognition Music Group / Hipgnosis Songs has kindly agreed to waive all of Chrissie Hynde’s Mechanical Royalties so that they are donated to SCM. All proceeds from Our Loving Tribute to the Pretenders will directly benefit the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music.
“Music education! From the lesson room, to the practice at home, to the band rehearsal, to letting it all out in the recording studio. And now, to your earholes! The kids at the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music have recorded something incredible, and the first three songs, an homage to The Pretenders, are out today,” shares Flea. “Please support the kids, support music education, listen to it and cheer them on. Thank youuuuuuuu!”
“Flea’s passion, commitment to music education, the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music and the kids it serves is contagious for good reason,” adds Merck Mercuriadis. “Seeing these amazing young people benefit from learning an instrument and start making records in tribute to their favorite artists and songwriters is truly special. All proceeds will benefit SCM so please listen to these amazing performances of songs you know and love and support these amazing kids!”
Our Loving Tribute to the Pretenders serves as the first release in a trio of EPs that the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music will release this year. In July, the SCM All-Stars will unveil an EP featuring interpretations of Neil Young’s work. In September, the group will conclude the series with a collection of Red Hot Chili Peppers covers.
Silverlake Conservatory Of Music was founded in 2001 by longtime friends and musicians Michael “Flea” Balzary and Keith “Tree” Barry. After severe cutbacks to arts education programming throughout Los Angeles public schools, the two enlisted the help of their friend Peter Weiss and founded SCM to fill that void and bring music education to the community. SCM first opened its doors with a location at Sunset Junction. Initially offering private music lessons and scholarships to students in need, they expanded their programming to include ensemble classes, summer camps and workshops. In October 2016, after outgrowing their Sunset Junction location, they moved into their forever home at 4652 Hollywood Blvd. The music school now exists in a 1930s brick building featuring 13 state of the art lesson studios, a recital space and retail store all beautifully redesigned by Barbara Bestor.
Our Loving Tribute To The Pretenders Tracklisting
1. The Wait - Chloe Haack (lead vocals, bass), Zaiel Felix (keys), Oscar Ellsworth (guitar), Jose Medina (guitar), Lucca Medina (drums), SCM Masters* (background vocals)
2. Show Me - Stella Kaino (lead vocals), Morgan Hubbard-Bennett (background vocals), Zaiel Felix (piano), Chloe Haack (bass), Jose Medina (guitar), Lucca Medina (drums)
3. Talk of the Town - Pippa Mahmood (vocals), Alani Rey (vocals), Kaeliana Littlejohn (vocals), Chloe Haack (keys), Ashley Stoneburner (bass), Brady Yip (guitar), Luca Tolot (guitar), Dominic Sadeghi (drums)
*SCM Masters are: Frida Gerhardt, Emma Fairbrother, Imogen Schwartz, Pippa Mahmood, Stella Kaino, Blu Kuhn, Kaeliana Littlejohn, Anahit Matevosyan, Madilyn Droddy, Matilda Knauff, Mahrynn McLaughlin, Harper Bibring, Alice Dunlevy, Emi Erentreich, Cyprienne Virgil Vierset, Rory Metzler, Alani Rey, Chloe Haack, Bono Stevens, Morgan Hubbard-Bennett, Daniel Kang, Brady Yip, Julian Selby, Dean DelCampo, Clark Dunlevy, Serafin Nasatir, and Zaiel Felix.
Produced by SJ Hasman and Marc Rey
Artistic Consultant - Phillip “Fish” Fisher
Mixed by Andrew Scheps at Punkerpad UK, Titton
Mastered by JJ Golden at Golden Mastering
Vocals recorded and mixed by Gabe Moffat
Recorded by Ian Rosales
Recorded at Kingsize Soundlabs (Los Angeles, CA)
Photographs by Gary Leonard
Cover Artwork Design by Kelsey Kay
All rights administered by Hipgnosis Songs
About Silverlake Conservatory Of Music
Our mission at Silverlake Conservatory Of Music, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is to facilitate a dynamic music education and to teach beginning and accomplished musicians of all skill levels. Our primary focus is on the youth of the community, but all are welcome and encouraged to participate. We offer private music lessons on all orchestral and band instruments including voice, as well as a variety of ensemble classes at a reasonable cost. We grant scholarships to children who qualify, providing free lessons and instruments. Performances and recitals put on by the Conservatory are a fulfilling experience for the students and a beautiful outreach to the community. Our goal is to keep our standard of teaching at the highest level while maintaining a friendly, fun and nurturing environment. The study of music enriches not only the lives of the student and teacher, but the community and society as well.
