All of the songs for 29 19's EP "The Wake" were written and recorded by Brian Gallagher and Mark James collaborating remotely through file sharing. The EP features Daniel Fasano on the drums, who also recorded his parts remotely in Torino, Italy. The record was mixed by Blaine Misner at Cue Recording in Virginia and Mastered by Mike Monseur in Nashville.

Where did the idea for this project come from?

“This project came out of nowhere really…. there was never a conversation about putting out a record. After the first couple of songs were finished, we knew we had to see if it could find an audience…” - Mark James

“…I had written some songs on bass and asked Mark if he would he be interested in putting down guitar and vocal tracks. I can’t remember how many songs I sent him, but he picked six and five made it to the EP.” - Brian Gallagher

“… there was a period of years where I primarily wrote on acoustic guitar and started to feel the itch to plug into an amp. It was great to break out a wah pedal and channel our early hard rock influences….” – Mark James

What is the origin of the name “29 19”?

“It started with hockey and hanging out. After hockey, we would talk about everything, especially music… we eventually jammed with some friends and the two of us have been together as a band and best friends ever since. Since it all started with hockey, it is fitting to call this project 29 19, our hockey numbers.” - Brian Gallagher

“…Brian is one a few goalies I know that also play bass. I think the roles of bass player and goalie are similar… keeping the group tight and bailing us out when we make a mistake...” - Mark James

How did you make the EP “The Wake”?

“…I was used to going to a studio with a whole band and performing that way…this was a new adventure for me. I would lay down bass lines to a drum loop. Then I would send everything to Mark… he would add guitars and vocals. Every time Mark would send me his tracks, it just blew me away.” - Brian Gallagher

“I cut everything in Sonar using a Focusrite 18i8. Mics went through an FMR RNP preamp…Most of the vocals were cut with an SM58 or SM7. I liked my rough takes so much, I kept them for most songs…. I cut guitars mostly close mic’d. On some tracks you can hear an echo chamber effect which was added while my basement was under construction…Just a figure 8 mic in the basement and my amp cranked on the floor above…I was surprised it even worked...”

“Daniel was extremely helpful when working with us to find the right drum patterns and the right style to fit each piece. He is an extremely talented drummer, and we were very happy to be able to work with him.” - Mark James

What equipment did you use to record the record?

“…I used a 1961 Reissue Fender P-Bass…. and also a Rupert Neve Design DI box which went into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.” - Brian Gallagher

“…Guitar tracks were recorded using an SM57 and an SE VR1 ribbon microphone. For most of the tracks I played an Epiphone Dot or an Epiphone Les Paul… the Les Paul is modified with updated electronics and Lindy Fralin pickups…. I used a mix of pedals to set the amount of gain I wanted…Fulltone 2B was on every track… for grit I used combinations of pedals… Way Huge Green Rhino, Wampler Tumnus, JHS Charlie Brown. All of these went into a hand-wired head and cabinet by Chandler Amps. ” - Mark James

Are there plans for another record?

“… I would like to create more songs together…. I ‘ve already sent Mark him some songs… Hopefully, he will find inspiration and write more killer riffs and lyrics. A few years ago, we were able to meet one of our favorite musicians…. He told us one of the best things in life is to make music with your friends…. It is so true, and I would be honored if Mark would do another record with me…he is truly a brother.” - Brian Gallagher

“…I have really enjoyed being a part of this project… it may be the first record that I’ve made where I feel like the record is what I could hear in my head at the start. Working with Brian is great… I am always changing things around and trying new things, and he hangs in there with me… always positive about the direction… We’re rock brothers [laughs]…” - Mark James