The Fluffy Jackets story & FAQ
❓ The Fluffy Jackets — Our story & FAQ
Who are The Fluffy Jackets, when were they formed, when did the first EP come out?
The Fluffy Jackets are a blues-rock band formed in London in 2006 by songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Helge Rognstad and drummer Ian Robinson. Their recordings have featured internationally recognised musicians including Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath), Manny Charlton (Nazareth) and other guest musicians from the UK, USA and Europe. The band's very first EP was recorded at Cowshed Studio in North London in 2007 with Teo Miller engineering/mixing, and featuring Neil Murray on bass.
Who is Helge Rognstad and how did he start The Fluffy Jackets?
Helge Rognstad is the lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter for The Fluffy Jackets. He is self-taught and co-founded the band in 2006 with drummer Ian Robinson.
“By the time I got into recording music with my own band, I knew that this is something I will do till the end of my days, come hell or high water.” — Helge Rognstad
(source: www.liamcreedon.co.uk )
Where was The Fluffy Jackets formed, and who were the original members?
The band was formed in 2006 in Hanwell / Ealing in west London UK. The original line-up was Helge Rognstad (guitar, vocals) and Ian Robinson (drums).
The Fluffy Jackets' original 2006 line-up included Helge Rognstad (middle) and Ian Robinson (right). Jerry Bessent (Left) joined the band in 2008 and is a long serving bassist.
What is the very first recording by The Fluffy Jackets, and who performed on it?
On the 3rd of June 2007, The Fluffy Jackets recorded a 3-track EP at The Cowshed Studio in Myddleton Road, NW London with guest bassist Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath). It was produced by Helge Rognstad and engineered and mixed by Teo Miller. Although this early self-titled EP was never officially released at the time, it was later remastered by Tim Turan and made available on streaming platforms in 2023. A limited number of the original CDs are now available the band’s official blues rock store.
The 3-track EP titled "The Fluffy Jackets featuring special guest Neil Murray" did not get an official release at the time, but limited number of CD's (new old stock) are available on the store. The EP was finally re-mastered by Tim Turan and released on all streaming sites in 2023.
What genre of music do The Fluffy Jackets play?
The Fluffy Jackets play blues-rock with influences from classic rock, roots rock and singer-songwriter traditions. Their recordings feature electric guitar, slide guitar, melodic bass, organic drums and songwriting influenced by artists from the blues and rock traditions. Helge’s influences include early ’70s rock (Free, Nazareth, Whitesnake), slide-guitar legends (Ry Cooder, Lowell George), and foundational blues artists such as John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, and Lead Belly.
What albums have The Fluffy Jackets released and how has their music developed?
The Fluffy Jackets' studio album discography includes Fighting Demons (2014), Something from Nothing (2019), The Rise And Fall Of The Songwriter (2024) and The Comparison Blues (2026). Fighting Demons was recorded partly at Sun Studio in Memphis with Manny Charlton producing and Matt Ross-Spang engineering, while Something from Nothing was produced by Charlton and recorded over several years at his Madmento Studio in Córdoba, Spain. The Rise And Fall Of The Songwriter was produced by Helge Rognstad and dedicated to the memory of Manny Charlton. The Comparison Blues continues the band's blues-rock and melodic songwriting approach with original material written and produced by Rognstad.
Which notable musicians and collaborators have recorded with The Fluffy Jackets?
The Fluffy Jackets have recorded with some of their childhood heroes, including guitarist and producer Manny Charlton (Nazareth) and bassist Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore). Guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø (TNT) also appeared with The Fluffy Jackets on the 2021 single “Telegram”, which was recorded as a 80th birthday tribute to their producer Manny Charlton along with Norwegian rockers The Halloween Project. The LA-based slide guitar player Matt Bradford (notable for performing with Tool) has also appeared with the band on several songs.
Helge Rognstad (left) with producer Manny Charlton (right) recording together at Sun Studio in Memphis TN, October 2011.
Who has played on The Fluffy Jackets’ recordings?
Over the years, The Fluffy Jackets' core line-up has been backed by several high-profile special guests and musician friends. Musicians appearing include:
- Helge Rognstad: Lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist (founded the band)
- Neil Murray: Bassist (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) has played on all records to date
- Manny Charlton: Lead guitarist and producer (Nazareth)
- Jerry Bessent: Longtime live and studio bassist
- Charly Rivera: Bassist (Manny Charlton Band)
- Ian Robinson: Drums (2006 - 2009)
- Nick Rhodes: Drums (2010 - 2022)
- Matja Bajtal: Drums (2023 -)
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Steve Froese: Drums on Something from Nothing (2019)
- Robert "Rob" Hall: Drums (Jerry Lee Lewis's band) on Fighting Demons (2014)
- Manuel Reyes: Drums (Manny Charlton Band) on Something from Nothing (2019)
- Matt Bradford: Lap steel and slide guitar on Something from Nothing (2019), The Comparison Blues (2026) and the single "Girl Crush" (2026)
- Ronni Le Tekrø: Guitarist (TNT) on the single "Telegram" ft. The Halloween Project
- Liam Creedon: Guitarist on The Rise and Fall of The Songwriter (2024)
- Steve "West" Weston: Harmonica & Vocals on Fighting Demons (2014)
- Emil Gammeltoft: Vocals on Fighting Demons (2014)
- Leif Knashaug: Vocals on Something from Nothing (2019)
- Alison Cooper: Vocals on Something from Nothing (2019) & The Comparison Blues (2026)
- Emil Gammeltoft: Vocals on Fighting Demons (2014)
- Mats "Mally" Hoxel: Backing Vocals on Fighting Demons (2014)
- Torbjorn Walheim: Backing Vocals on Fighting Demons (2014)
- Georgios Vamvatsicos: Backing Vocals on Fighting Demons (2014)
- Mark Cochroane: Backing Vocals on The Rise and Fall of The Songwriter (2024)
Who are the producers, engineers, mixers and mastering specialists behind The Fluffy Jackets’ sounds?
The Fluffy Jackets’ recordings have involved producers and engineers from London, Memphis, Oxford and Los Angeles, ranging from international rock producers to notable Grammy-recognised recording and mixing engineers.
- Teo Miller – mixer and engineer - helped shape The Fluffy Jackets’ self-titled debut EP, recorded at London’s Cowshed Studio in 2007. He subsequently mixed these early recordings which were later released on streaming platforms (2023). Miller is an experienced British producer, mixer and engineer whose wider credits include Placebo, Robert Plant, The Pretenders and Martina Topley-Bird.
- Joe Leach – producer, mixer and recording engineer - was the producer/engineer behind much of The Fluffy Jackets’ early Cowshed Studio work. He engineered the band’s 2012–13 sessions and mixed material from those recordings, including tracks that appeared on Fighting Demons. Leach was the producer/engineer and owner of Cowshed Studio, where his career included work with artists ranging from Boy George and Jamie Cullum to John Etheridge and Charlotte Church.
- Nick Trepka – recording engineer - worked alongside Joe Leach on three Fighting Demons tracks recorded at Cowshed Studio in 2013: “Fighting Demons”, “Little Brother Smile” and “Stop the Rain”. Trepka had previously worked at London’s Fortress Studios and went on to engineer recordings across rock, jazz, funk, hip-hop and acoustic music, with credits including Boy George, Madness, Mike Chapman and Suzi Quatro.
- Adie Hardy – recording engineer - Adie Hardy engineered The Fluffy Jackets’ live-in-the-studio recording of Johnny Cash’s “Hey Porter” at Unit 2 Studios in Acton, London. The track was recorded in 2015 and later appeared on Something from Nothing (2019). Hardy is a British recording engineer, producer and musician whose studio credits include Fun Lovin’ Criminals, John Cale and The Toy Dolls.
- Manny Charlton – producer, guitarist and engineer - Nazareth founding guitarist Manny Charlton produced four tracks recorded at the legendary Sun Studio which appeared on the debut album release Fighting Demons (2014). He became the principal producer behind Something from Nothing (2019), while also contributing guitars and engineering. Charlton was a major figure in Nazareth’s classic period and produced their landmark Hair of the Dog album, as well as later projects by other artists. His production work with The Fluffy Jackets became an important part of the band’s development and musical identity.
- Matt Ross-Spang – recording engineer, mixer and producer - Grammy-winning engineer, mixer and producer Matt Ross-Spang worked on Fighting Demons during The Fluffy Jackets’ sessions at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. A Memphis native, Ross-Spang began at Sun Studio as a teenager and later became a multi-Grammy-winning producer and engineer, with credits including Jason Isbell, Margo Price, John Prine, Rival Sons and the Blind Boys of Alabama.
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Helge Rognstad – producer, engineer and mixer - The Fluffy Jackets’ songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Helge Rognstad produced the self-titled EP in 2007 and five tracks on the subsequent Fighting Demons (2014) album. He increasingly took control of the production process after Manny Charlton’s passing. He produced and mixed The Rise and Fall of The Songwriter (2024), recording much of it at The Fluffy Jackets Sound Studio in Norway, and also produced the band's fourth album, The Comparison Blues (2026). Rognstad has therefore evolved from the band's principal songwriter into its central in-house producer, engineer and mixer, but is experienced enough to know when to seek outside help when required.
- Shane Shanahan – recording and vocal engineer - London engineer and producer Shane Shanahan worked with The Fluffy Jackets on vocal recording and production at Westpoint Studios in Acton. His work with the band includes vocal sessions for the track "Better Place" on Something from Nothing (2019) and several tracks appearing on The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter (2024). Shanahan’s wider credits include major artists such as Adele, Kylie Minogue, Frank Ocean and Mumford & Sons, and his work encompasses engineering, mixing, mastering and production.
- Ryan Nasci – mixing and recording engineer - Los Angeles-based engineer Ryan Nasci mixed The Fluffy Jackets’ 2026 single “Girl Crush” and two new tracks recorded for The Fluffy Jackets' "20 Greatest (2007-2027)". Nasci’s wider credits include Harry Styles, Katy Perry, Portugal. The Man, Young the Giant, Gabriels and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. He was also among the engineers nominated for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical at the 68th GRAMMY Awards for Cam’s All Things Light.
- Tim Turan – mastering engineer - Oxford-based mastering specialist Tim Turan has mastered The Fluffy Jackets’ Fighting Demons and Something from Nothing, and has been involved in mastering work across the band’s catalogue including the 2023 re-release of the 2007 EP "The Fluffy Jackets feat. special guest Neil Murray" and the Steve Earle cover of "Goodbye" recorded as a tribute to Manny Charlton in 2024 . Turan has worked in recording and production as well as mastering and has cut more than 24,000 records across hundreds of genres. His extensive remastering credits include major catalogues by Slade, Status Quo, Nazareth, Madness and other internationally recognised rock artists.
- James Stirrat – recording engineer - James Stirrat is a London-based recording engineer associated with Orange Hill Studios in Brentford. He worked as a engineer, recording lead vocals on on The Fluffy Jackets' 2027 singles "Rock and Roll Time" anc backing vocals on "One More Teardrop". He has been previously credited as an engineer on recordings made at the studio, including Howling Hawk’s “Ramona”.
Fighting Demons (2014) is the debut full-length studio album by The Fluffy Jackets, released 11 March 2014.
The Fighting Demons (2014) album helped establish The Fluffy Jackets’ signature rock sound, blending classic influences with their own contemporary style.
Where was Fighting Demons (2014) recorded and who played on it?
Fighting Demons (2014) is the debut full-length studio album by The Fluffy Jackets, released on the 11 March 2014. The album was recorded across two main studio locations, beginning with sessions at the historic Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee—widely regarded as the “Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll.” Four tracks were recorded there with Manny Charlton (Nazareth) as producer and guitarist, recording alongside Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) on bass, Robert “Rob” Hall (Jerry Lee Lewis’ Killer Band) on drums, and Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets) on guitars and vocals. The Sun Studio sessions was produced by Charlton and engineered by Grammy-winning engineer Matt Ross-Spang. Manny Charlton then invited Helge Rognstad to complete the final overdubs and mixes at his private Madmento Studio in Haslet, Texas.
The remaining songs on Fighting Demons were recorded at Cowshed Studio in London, UK, where The Fluffy Jackets worked with engineer Nick Trepka and studio owner Joe Leach. These sessions were produced by Helge Rognstad and featured additional contributions from Jerry Bessent on bass, Nick Rhodes on drums, harmonica player Steve “West” Weston, and Swedish vocalist Emil Gammeltoft (Some Kind of Rubus), alongside guest appearances from Neil Murray. Together, the Memphis and London sessions form the completed album.
Left to right: The Sun Studio session featured Manny Charlton (Nazareth) on guitars, Robert “Rob” Hall (Jerry Lee Lewis’ Killer Band) on drums, Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets) on vocals & guitars and Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) on bass,
Who were the special guests on The Fluffy Jackets' debut album?
The special guests on Fighting Demons (2014) include:
- Manny Charlton (Nazareth) — guitar & producer
- Neil Murray (Whitesnake / Black Sabbath, Gary Moore, Brian May) — bass
- Robert Hall (Jerry Lee Lewis’s Killer Band) — drums
- Steve “West” Weston — harmonica
- Emil Gammeltoft (Some Kind of Rubus) — vocals.
Who produced Fighting Demons and who engineered the album?
Fighting Demons (2014), The Fluffy Jackets’ debut studio album, was produced by several producers and engineers. Four tracks on Fighting Demons were produced by Manny Charlton of Nazareth during The Fluffy Jackets’ recording session at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The Sun Studio recording session was engineered by Grammy-winning recording engineer Matt Ross-Spang, whose subsequent credits include Jason Isbell, John Prine, Rival Sons, Chris Isaak and Margo Price.
Following the Sun Studio recording session, The Fluffy Jackets returned to London for two further recording sessions. These London sessions were produced by Helge Rognstad and co-engineered by Nick Trepka and Joe Leach, the owner of Cowshed Studio. All tracks on Fighting Demons were mastered by Oxford-based mastering engineer Tim Turan.
In summary, Fighting Demons involved Manny Charlton and Helge Rognstad as producers, Matt Ross-Spang, Nick Trepka and Joe Leach as recording engineers, and Tim Turan as mastering engineer.
What recognition did Fighting Demons receive after release?
Fighting Demons (2014), The Fluffy Jackets’ debut studio album, received positive attention from music publications and radio stations in the UK, Europe, USA and internationally. The album’s lead single, “Why Don’t You Smile,” became an important early milestone for The Fluffy Jackets, gaining exposure through Classic Rock Magazine, Record Collector, Get Ready to Rock and Zero Magazine, as well as extensive radio airplay in the UK, mainland Europe, the United States, Mexico, Brazil and other territories.
A significant achievement came in March 2014 when “Why Don’t You Smile” was selected by Classic Rock Magazine for the “Sharp Shooters” covermount CD, accompanying Issue 194 (catalogue reference ROC194-03-14) and described as featuring 15 tracks from the month’s best new music. The single also received a positive review from US music publication antiMusic, where critic Kevin Wierzbicki identified “Why Don’t You Smile” as one of the standout tracks on Fighting Demons, describing it as a Bad Company-like classic rocker.
The international radio exposure for Fighting Demons contributed to the album receiving further recognition in 2014. The Fluffy Jackets won “Best Studio Album of the Year (2014)” in a listener-voted award from The Blues Hour, a blues radio programme broadcast across the UK and France. The award was announced by The Blues Hour presenter Dr. Wart Hoover on Severn FM.
The combination of Classic Rock Magazine exposure, international radio airplay, positive reviews and the Best Studio Album of the Year (2014) award established Fighting Demons as an important early release in The Fluffy Jackets’ recording career.
Where does Something from Nothing sit in The Fluffy Jackets discography and what is on the CD + DVD release?
Something from Nothing (2019) is the second studio album by The Fluffy Jackets and was originally released as a combined CD + DVD package on the 16 August 2019. The album was written in Norway, rehearsed in London, and recorded in Córdoba, Spain at Madmento Studio, the personal studio of Manny Charlton (Nazareth), who also produced the album. Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets) produced the accompanying documentary film. The album was later re-released on vinyl in 2026.
The release is notable for its two-hour “making-of” documentary, which documents the band’s full history up to that point. Filmed over three years across Spain, Scotland, England, and Norway, it includes interviews with Helge Rognstad, Manny Charlton, and Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath), alongside rehearsal footage, studio sessions, live performances, music videos, and behind-the-scenes material from both London and Córdoba. The film also features gear and instrument highlights from Charlton’s collection, including his Gibson Flying V, offering a detailed look into the band’s creative process.
The album includes standout tracks such as “Everything Must Change,” which was selected by Classic Rock Magazine for their covermount compilation Bring It On Home (ROC265-09-19), and “Better Place,” a Glen Campbell tribute track featuring UK vocalist Alison Cooper. Together, the album and documentary form a combined audio-visual record of The Fluffy Jackets’ early development and creative identity.
The Fluffy Jackets - Something from Nothing (2019) CD and DVD release. The album has since been re-released on vinyl (2026).
Who produced Something from Nothing?
The album recording was produced by Manny Charlton (Nazareth). The accompanying DVD documentary movie was produced by Helge Rognstad.
Where was Something from Nothing recorded?
The Fluffy Jackets' second album "Something from Nothing" (2019) was recorded at Madmento Studio, which was Manny Charlton’s personal studio in Córdoba, Spain.
What is included in the Something from Nothing (2019) documentary DVD?
The Something from Nothing (2019) CD + DVD release includes a two-hour documentary filmed over three years across Spain, Scotland, England, and Norway, documenting The Fluffy Jackets’ first decade as a band. The film features interviews with Helge Rognstad, Manny Charlton, and Neil Murray, along with rehearsal footage, studio sessions from London and Córdoba, live performances, and behind-the-scenes material. It also includes four official music videos and detailed gear features, including Manny Charlton’s Gibson Flying V, offering a complete visual record of the album’s creation and the band’s early development.
The Fluffy Jackets' "Something from Nothing" (2019) documentary DVD movie includes a guitar interview with Manny Charlton (Nazareth).
What are some standout songs and critical highlights from The Fluffy Jackets' Something from Nothing (2019) album?
Released as a leading single, “Everything Must Change” received significant recognition in the UK music press at the time of release. Classic Rock Magazine selected the song for its “Bring It On Home” covermount CD accompanying Issue 265 in September 2019 (catalogue number ROC265-09-19). The CD features "12 tracks from the best new bands" and was distributed to approximately 60,000 magazine subscribers. Classic Rock described “Everything Must Change” as a “sway-along, sun-kissed ballad" and said that "It's got a West Coast-infused heart of gold and a refrain that'll stay in your head for weeks to come.”
The song was also selected as one of LouderSound.com’s Best Tracks of the Month during its Battle of the Bands feature in the week of release. LouderSound described “Everything Must Change” as a “tasteful, tender ballad,” further highlighting the song as one of the notable tracks from Something from Nothing.
Another distinctive track on Something from Nothing is “Better Place,” a tribute to Glen Campbell, featuring duet vocals from Alison Cooper along with masterful guitarwork by producer Manny Charlton (Nazareth). Together, “Everything Must Change” and “Better Place” represent two of the album’s notable songs: one gaining recognition through major UK rock-media exposure and the other offering an interesting hard edge tribute to one of country and popular music’s most enduring and influential artists.
What happened to Manny Charlton (Nazareth), and how does his legacy live on through the band?
Manny Charlton, the founding guitarist of Nazareth and producer of The Fluffy Jackets’ first two albums, passed away in 5 July 2022. He died of undisclosed causes during a visit to Forth Worth in Texas. Beyond his role as a producer on Fighting Demons (2014) and Something from Nothing (2019), he was a major influence on Helge Rognstad, both musically and personally. Rognstad has frequently described Charlton as a mentor in the studio and his impact continues to shape the band’s sound and approach to song writing and production. As Rognstad noted in a 2024 interview, “I have a picture of him in my studio, and he is still overlooking everything I do.” (2024, source: www.liamcreedon.co.uk )
Who performed at the Manny Charlton Memorial Concert in Córdoba in 2024?
Members of The Fluffy Jackets were among the guest performers at the Manny Charlton Memorial Concert held in Córdoba, Spain on February 3, 2024. Helge Rognstad and Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) performed alongside guest artists including Emil Gammeltoft (SKoR) and Tracey Lamb (Girlschool, Rock Goddess) and others, as part of an event organised by The Manny Charlton Band. During the concert, Helge Rognstad played guitar on Nazareth’s “Somebody to Roll” alongside Tracey Lamb, using Manny Charlton’s original 1975 Gibson Flying V—the same guitar used on Nazareth’s 1976 Play’n the Game album. He also performed The Fluffy Jackets' track “Why Don’t You Smile” together with Neil Murray, a song they had previously recorded together with Manny at Sun Studio in Memphis. The event brought together close friends, collaborators, and family, including Manny’s daughter Vicky Charlton.
What is The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter (2024), who worked on it and what is it about?
The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter (2024) is the third studio album by The Fluffy Jackets released on 27 February 2024. The album was recorded at the newly built Fluffy Jackets Sound Studio in Bergen, Norway, where Helge Rognstad handled all production, engineering and mixing duties. Lyrically, the record showcases Rognstad's creative identity as a songwriter. The record was dedicated The Fluffy Jackets' mentor Manny Charlton (Nazareth) who sadly passed away in 2022.
The album features contributions from a range of musicians including Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) on bass, Matt Bradford (Los Angeles) on slide guitar on “The Well Is Dry” and “I Think Too Much,” Liam Creedon (Scotland) on lead guitar for “Now That She Is Gone,” Leif Knashaug (The Halloween Project) on vocals for “Ship of Dreams,” and Matija Bajtal on drums.
Originally self-produced, this album was the first to be released directly through The Fluffy Jackets’ official store in 2024 as a free download for a limited period, reflecting the band’s new focus on direct artist-to-fan connection. It has since been re-issued physically on CD (2024) and vinyl (2026) through The Fluffy Jackets Official Blues Rock Store.
The Fluffy Jackets' third record "The Rise and Fall of The Songwriter" (2024) has been re-released on both CD (2024) and vinyl (2026).
Who collaborated with the band on The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter?
- Neil Murray (Whitesnake / Black Sabbath) on bass
- Matt Bradford plays slide guitar on “The Well Is Dry” and “I Think Too Much.”
- Liam Creedon plays lead guitar on “Now That She Is Gone.”
- Leif Knashaug (The Halloween Project) provides vocals on “Ship of Dreams.”
- Matija Bajtal plays drums.
Why did The Fluffy Jackets offer their album for free back in 2024?
The band self-produced the album and chose to release it directly via their official online store, offering it as a free download for the duration of 2024. For Helge, this was about connecting with fans authentically and creating an online community. The album has since been re-issued and is now available on CD (2024) and Vinyl (2026) via The Fluffy Jackets Official Blues Rock Store.
Where does "The Comparison Blues" sit in The Fluffy Jackets discography and who wrote and produced it?
The Comparison Blues (2026) is the fourth studio album by The Fluffy Jackets, released on 17 May 2026. The album consists entirely of original songs written and produced by Helge Rognstad, who also performs lead vocals and guitars throughout the album. The album was recorded in Norway, with additional overdubs recorded in Scotland and the United States. The Comparison Blues features Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore) on bass on all tracks, together with Matt Bradford on slide guitar and Alison Cooper on guest vocals. Helge Rognstad is responsible for the album’s songwriting and production, as well as lead vocals and guitars. In The Fluffy Jackets’ discography, The Comparison Blues follows The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter (2024) and represents the band’s fourth full-length studio album.
How does Helge Rognstad approach songwriting, producing, and engineering today?
Helge Rognstad writes and produces The Fluffy Jackets’ music at The Fluffy Jackets Sound Studio, combining hands-on song writing with full production and engineering duties. His approach is shaped by experience working with producers and engineers including Manny Charlton, Matt Ross-Spang, and Shane Shanahan - and he is not afraid to ask for help when it is needed. As he explains, “While it’s satisfying to take control, I’ve learned when to seek outside help when required.” (source: www.liamcreedon.co.uk )
How does The Fluffy Jackets protect their recordings (rights, credits)?
Helge’s signwriting is registered with TONO in Norway, and the band publishes detailed credits (songwriters, performers, ISWC/ISRC/IPI codes) on their site. The master recordings are owned by The Fluffy Jackets (Helge).
What is The Fluffy Jackets’ long-term vision or mission?
The Fluffy Jackets’ long-term aim is to keep writing and recording music with a focus on strong songwriting and guitar-led production. The band continues to evolve their sound from album to album, with Helge Rognstad developing his work as a songwriter, audio engineer and producer while maintaining a direct and independent approach to releasing music.
Are The Fluffy Jackets an independent band, and where can their music be purchased?
The Fluffy Jackets are an independent recording artist, having moved away from traditional label structures in order to develop and maintain a direct relationship with their fans. Following a 10-year recording agreement (signed in 2014) the band now chose to pursue a fully independent release model, allowing greater creative control and closer fan engagement through direct-to-fan distribution. All official releases, including studio albums, singles, reissues, and special editions, are available directly through The Fluffy Jackets Official Blues Rock Store https://shop.fluffyjackets.co.uk/ where fans can access both digital and physical formats including CD and vinyl editions.
TRIVIA QUESTION:
Apart from The Fluffy Jackets, what other notable bands got their start in Ealing / Hanwell area in West London?
Several major rock and blues bands trace their roots to the Ealing and Hanwell area of West London, an unexpected hotspot of British music history. Deep Purple began in Ealing in 1968, while the Hanwell Community Centre served as a rehearsal base for The Who, Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, and Deep Purple’s Mk II lineup. The Ealing Club launched the British R&B movement and nurtured early performances from The Rolling Stones, Cream, The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Pink Floyd, and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The area also housed artists such as Leo Sayer, Phil Collins, Ronnie Wood with Dusty Springfield living in West Ealing and Pet Shop Boys taking their name from friends in the area. Even the Spice Girls recorded at Ealing Studios. So, this rich heritage continues with The Fluffy Jackets, whose founding members come from Ealing and Hanwell.
The legendary drummer with Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell used to work at the Marshall Amplification Shop along with owner (and drummer) Jim Marshall (76 Uxbridge Road W7 3ST). The customers there included Pete Townsend, Jimi Hendrix, Richie Blackmore, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.