It's another completely unique Surprise Saturday Single benefiting an eminently worthy cause as two of the Bay Area's finest singer-songwriter-bandleaders -- JEFF SHELTON of THE WELL WISHERS and BRADLEY SKAUGHT of THE BYE BYE BLACKBIRDS – offer up exclusive new recordings of each other's compositions, with all sales going directly to COLOR OF CHANGE. The new single “All Our Friends” (performed by Shelton) b/w “In Another Life” (performed by Skaught) is available for download at www.bigstirrecords.com/big-stir-digital-singles now.

“I think it's rare that songwriters of the same generation cover each other and I like the idea. Jeff and I have been mutual fans for a long time, so it just seemed like a fun and overdue thing. Plus a good use of quarantine time,” says Skaught. Shelton concurs: “It was actually Bradley's idea to cover one of each other's songs. We each picked a specific song for the other to do. I think each song works with our individual styles and vocal ranges. I'd say we each took a little creative license with the arrangements while still keeping true to the original style and spirit of each song.”

"All Our Friends", recorded and performed entirely by Shelton, is a cover of a tune from the current (and widely acclaimed) album from The Bye Bye Blackbirds, BOXER AT REST. “In Another Life” originally appeared on 2018's A VIEW FROM ABOVE from The Well Wishers, Shelton's primary songwriting vehicle, although he's also a key player in the San Francisco four-piece TRIP WIRE and records as HOT NUN. Skaught's version of the tune includes harmonies from JOHN ASHFIELD of San Francisco guitar-pop heroes THE BOBBLEHEADS and bass from The Bye Bye Blackbirds' own AARON RUBIN. Both tracks were mastered by KC BOWMAN, who's a member of both the Blackbirds and The Corner Laughers and also records under the name Fireproof Sam; the cover portraits are by Oakland artist/musician JESSE RIMLER.

If that list of contributors reads like “family”, Shelton agrees. “I think this endeavor speaks to the cohesive and collaborative unit that is the tight-knit Bay Area 'pop music' scene. Not too many bands here doing what we do....so it's cool how we all support and promote one another. At least that's my takeaway.” We at LA-based Big Stir Records, with our ties to (and deeply-rooted fandom for) these Northern California artists, agree and are proud to highlight such a vibrant musical community.
We're proud also that Skaught and Shelton have directed all funds from this release to COLOR OF CHANGE, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, dedicated to helping people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. A national online force driven by 1.7 million members, the organization moves decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America.

Our “pay what you want” setting for the single provides an opportunity for fans to contribute to Color Of Change beyond the $1 price for the download. Donations can also be made directly to:

www.colorofchange.org