Vocal Work…
The demand for Owen as a recording vocal artist is increasing year-on-year. Predominantly working for London producer Hal Ritson in the former studio of Stock/Aitkin/Waterman.
Owen specialises in ‘mimic’ recordings, where an artist has blocked the use of an original recording. As well as Sting, Owen has been a sound-a-like for Bon Jovi, Frankie Valli and Gotye to name a few.
Lead Vocal: People (Get Together)
Owen was asked by renowned London Record Producer Hal Ritson to sing lead for this collaboration between producers and DJs Pink Panda and Silverland, released on Island Records. It uses a verse from Jimmy Cliff’s song “People” originally sung by Sting. This high quality production also features members of the London Community Gospel Choir on backing vocals. The song has received several plays on BBC Radio 1 by Scott Mills and was featured in Radio 1’s Dance Weekend in 2020.
Lead Vocal: Beggin’
Working again for Hal Ritson and the Replay Heaven company in London, the objective was to recreate Franki Valli’s iconic vocal performance as authentically as possible. Using period-correct antique studio equipment, the astonishingly accurate results were recorded at the former studio home of Stock, Aitken and Waterman. As of 2020, it is unclear exactly what the track will be used for and so it remains officially unpublished for now, but watch this space!
Trumpet: The Flowers of Hell
Owen has played trumpet on numerous sessions and recordings for this truly unique band. Described by Rolling Stone magazine as a “trans-Atlantic experimental orchestra”, The Flowers of Hell are led by Maestro Greg Jarvis, based in Toronto. Greg was a lecturer during Owen’s university years and the pair have stayed in touch ever since. To date, Owen has featured on 3 “Flowers” albums and performed a live BBC6 Music session for Tom Robinson’s show in 2007.
Vocals & Brass: Hammer to Fall
Owen accepted “The Brian May Challenge” during lockdown in 2020. Brian posted a video on social media playing guitar to Hammer to Fall, the staff from Thomann in France [a music shop] added drums, bass and guitars. Owen added vocals and some brass to give the song a slightly different feel from Queen’s original classic. Just for fun this one.
Vocals & Bass: Shape of my Heart
Another lockdown project in 2020 with The Rozzers. The band had never played this song live in 10 years, so decided to team up remotely with London Cellist Matthew Barlow and Harmonica Player Dave Jones to finally record a version of Sting’s famous song from 1993. Enjoy.
Trumpet: I’m Not the Only One
This was recorded by musicians all over the world and coordinated by Jarde Pierre, a pianist based in St Lucia. Owen met many of these musicians on cruises with P&O. Along with the superb Laura Miller on lead vocals, Jarde has given Sam Smith’s hit a very different sound…