Happenstance by Neil Fernandes

It was around 2003 when I was ensconced in the service of the public, having long since turned away from writing and recording songs, when Phil, who was working where I worked at the time, told me about this ‘deal’ at (the then) Planet Studios – three songs recorded and produced for $500. “You should do it”, said he.

Next thing you know, I’m in the studio with Gary and Howard playing live and recording three songs, with Les and Phil in the control booth. I can’t remember which ones we recorded first. We liked what we heard, and it went from there; another three, and then more, and before you know it we had an album’s worth of songs.

These were the songs that were most easily learned; some were old Manikins’ songs; others were written since. The recording has lain dormant in a small box on a shelf at home, when I thought I’d better dig it out and let it see the light of day.

This was the first time I’d been in a recording studio since The Manikins back in 1980, and none of it would have been possible without the direction and assistance from Gary, Howard, Phil and Gus, Dom, Tim and, of course, Les, who laboured over the mixing and production for more hours than I’d care to guess.

This all happened by happenstance. Here it is, almost 20 years later. I hope it meets with your favour.

Much love

Neil

I once played in a band called The Cheap Nasties, that became The Manikins. That all ended in 1981. There was then an interim period, when life intervened.
Now that I've got time on my hands, 40 years down the track, I'm writing songs again. I hope you like them.
If so, spread the word. Thanks x