The Fluffy Jackets story & FAQ

❓ The Fluffy Jackets — Our story & FAQ

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 )

When 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) would join the band in 2008.

What is the very first recording by The Fluffy Jackets, and who performed on it?
In 2007, The Fluffy Jackets recorded a 3-track EP at The Cowshed Studio in London with guest bassist Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath). 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 style of music do The Fluffy Jackets play and who are their influences?
Their sound is a blend of blues-rock, classic rock, and Americana. 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.

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 80^th 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.

Which notable producers, audio engineers, and mixers have worked on The Fluffy Jackets’ recordings?
The Fluffy Jackets is recognised for investing in high-quality sound production. Throughout their catalogue, the band has collaborated with an exceptionally experienced team of producers, engineers, and mastering specialists whose credits span internationally recognised artists and award-winning recordings. For their second album, Something from Nothing (2019), the band worked with Manny Charlton (Nazareth), who produced the album, adding to a distinguished production career that includes work with Nazareth throughout the 1970s and 1980s—as well as productions for artists including Streetheart, Marseille, and Jingo De Lunch, along with early production connected to Guns N' Roses' first album "Appetite for Destruction". Manny Charlton also contributed production work to four tracks from their debut Fighting Demons, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. The Sun Studio session also featured Grammy-winning engineer Matt Ross-Spang, who's discography includes work with artists such as Rival Sons, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, archival projects associated with Elvis Presley, and collaborations connected to John Prine. The band has also worked with engineer Shane Shanahan, who recorded and engineered vocals at Westpoint Studios in London for both Something from Nothing (2019) and The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter (2024). Shanahan’s studio background includes sessions with major international artists such as Adele, Mumford & Sons, and Kylie Minogue, reflecting experience across high-profile pop and contemporary recordings. More recently, the single “Girl Crush” was mixed by Ryan Nasci, a Los Angeles-based engineer whose credits include work with Harry Styles, Portugal. The Man, Katy Perry, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Nasci was also a Grammy nominee at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical), for All Things Light by Cam (2026), highlighting his recognition within the industry for engineering excellence. In mastering, the band has frequently collaborated with Tim Turan of Tim Turan Mastering, who mastered Fighting Demons (2014), Something from Nothing (2019), and the 2024 single “Goodbye”, as well as re-mastering the band’s self-titled debut EP (2007) for its 2023 re-release. Turan’s extensive mastering portfolio spans thousands of recordings and includes artists such as Status Quo, Slade, Thin Lizzy, Motörhead, Hawkwind, Van Halen, Deep Purple, and Madness, situating The Fluffy Jackets’ releases within a mastering tradition associated with long-established international acts.

What is The Fluffy Jackets first album?
Fighting Demons (2014) is the debut full-length studio album by The Fluffy Jackets, released in 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 in 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, 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 were co-produced by Charlton and engineered by Grammy-winning engineer Matt Ross-Spang, before being completed with final overdubs and mixes at Charlton’s 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. 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 guests on Fighting Demons include:

• Manny Charlton (Nazareth) — guitar & producer
• Neil Murray (Whitesnake / Black Sabbath) — bass
• Robert Hall (from 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 it?
Fighting Demons was co-produced by Manny Charlton (Nazareth), with the band’s session at Sun Studio engineered by Grammy winner Matt Ross-Spang. Following the Sun Studio session, The Fluffy Jackets worked with engineer Nick Trepka at The Cowshed Studio in London on two separate sessions. The two UK-sessions were both produced by Helge Rognstad. All tracks on the album were mastered by Tim Turan (Oxford, UK).

What recognition did Fighting Demons receive after release?
Fighting Demons was well-received. Their single “Why Don’t You Smile” was featured on Classic Rock Magazine’s Sharp Shooters compilation (issue ROC194-03-14 - CD). The album also won “Best Studio Album of the Year” from The Blues Hour radio show in the UK and France.

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. 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 on Something from Nothing?
The single “Everything Must Change” was selected by Classic Rock Magazine to appear on their compilation covermount CD "Bring it on Home" in September of 2019 (ROC265-09-19). The album also includes a tribute to Glen Campbell’s “Better Place”, featuring Alison Cooper. 

What happened to Manny Charlton, and how does his legacy live on through the band?
Manny Charlton (Nazareth guitarist and producer) passed away in 5 July 2022. Beyond his role as a producer on Fighting Demons and Something from Nothing, he was a major influence on Helge Rognstad, both musically and personally. His impact continues to shape the band’s sound and approach to songwriting 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 )

The Fluffy Jackets paid tribute to Charlton through their 2024 album The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter (2024), which is dedicated to his memory. Charlton had originally been due to contribute to that album. Following his passing, his latest guitar technician Liam Creedon (Aberdeen, Scotland) stepped in to perform the guitar solo on “Now That She Is Gone”. The album also features “The Well Is Dry,” a track rewritten in tribute to Manny. The Steve Earle–penned song “Goodbye” was the last track Manny Charlton suggested The Fluffy Jackets should record, and a rudimentary demo was made with him before his passing in 2022. The band later re-recorded the song from scratch as a tribute in his memory; it was the first single from that record.

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. 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 (LA) plays slide guitar on “The Well Is Dry” and “I Think Too Much.”
• Liam Creedon (Scotland) 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 and consists entirely of original material written and produced by Helge Rognstad. The album was recorded in Norway with overdubs recorded in Scotland and the United States. It features contributions from Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore) on bass, Matt Bradford on slide guitar, and Alison Cooper on guest vocals, alongside Helge Rognstad’s lead vocals, guitars, and production.

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 songwriting 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.