Happy #ValentinesBey!”

Skeleton Crew is proud to announce the release of our much anticipated single [at least in our minds! :-)] “Chime For Change: If I Were a Boy,” as a Valentine to Beyonce for including Skeleton Crew at the close of her “***FLAWLESS” video. Each band member went through a lot of personal crises during the recording process which is why it took so long to finish. The process was painful, but so is the important subject matter of the song.

On December 13, 2013, Beyoncé surprised the world with the release of her self-titled album: Beyoncé. Her record-breaking release sold nearly 900,000 copies to adoring fans in over 104 countries in three days.

The first single and video release for “***Flawless” included Skeleton Crew and introduced the band to the world. The timing of her release was almost twenty years to-the-date when Skeleton Crew faced a 12-year-old Beyonce and her then group, Girls Tyme on Ed McMahon’s Star Search TV show: “the American Idol” of its time. Skeleton Crew defeated Girls Tyme, but went on to lose in the semi-finals. The Girls Tyme Star Search loss became “a defining moment of [her] childhood,” according to Beyonce.

Skeleton Crew is eternally grateful to Beyonce for the overwhelming amount of attention the band has received as a result of this global exposure. The media focus has been off-the-charts!

Skeleton Crew’s hope with this recording is to draw awareness to Chime For Change: a global campaign co-founded by Beyoncé, Salma Hayek, Frida Giannini and founded by Gucci. Chime For Change’s mission is to help promote gender equality and advance the status and human rights of all women and girls around the world.

Skeleton Crew has also released the “Chime For Change: If I Were a Boy” video to bring this critical issue to the forefront and help initiate positive change by inspiring everyone to #ChimeIN and pass this powerful message forward. The Chime For Change video is available for viewing on Skeleton Crew Music YouTube Page.

Skeleton Crew co-produced “Chime For Change: If I Were A Boy” with Emmy-Award winning producer, Kevin Sharpe, and it was recorded at Detroit’s Metro 37 Recording Studios. The song will be available as a free download on the Skeleton Crew’s Soundcloud.com and Nimbit.com websites among others.

Learn more about Chime For Change and how you can help make a difference at www.chimeforchange.org.

Learn more about Skeleton Crew at: www.skeletoncrewmusic.com

Download Chime For Change: If I Were a Boy here: Nimbit
and: Soundcloud.

Download Chime For Change: If I Were a Boy Digital Booklets

Watch Skeleton Crew in Beyonce’s Flawless video

peaceloveone! ~Skeleton Crew

Skeleton Crew Wants The World To #ChimeIN

Skeleton Crew has a message for the world this April Fools’ Day: Gender equality and human rights are no joke and it’s “Chime For Change.” April 1, 2015, marks the turning point in putting an end to the injustices that have befallen girls and women worldwide for centuries.

Promoting gender equality and advancing the status of all women and girls around the world remains one of the greatest unmet challenges of our time. Skeleton Crew has released a video PSA (Public Service Announcement) to bring this critical issue to the forefront and help initiate positive change by inspiring everyone to #ChimeIN and pass this powerful message forward: https://youtu.be/cgWhhVEgM8o

Skeleton Crew’s efforts are in support of Chime For Change: a global campaign co-founded by Beyoncé, Salma Hayek, Frida Giannini and founded by the house of Gucci. Chime For Change is intent to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women around the world because none of us can move forward if half of us are held back. Learn more at http://www.chimeforchange.com or visit http://www.skeletoncrewmusic.com.

“Why” Skeleton Crew Partners With Music For Good

Skeleton Crew is proud to announce the band’s participation in Music For Good. We have partnered with Music For Good to help raise awareness and money for OXFAM America: “Creating Solutions to Poverty, Hunger & Injustice.”

Every artist selling music on ReverbNation that participates in Music For Good chooses a charity they’d like to support and splits proceeds of that sale right down the middle: $0.56 for the artist + $0.56 for the charity + $0.17 processing. So every time a fan buys a song from a ReverbNation artist, they’re demonstrating their support for indie music and a worthy cause.

Oxfam America is a global organization working to right the wrongs of poverty, hunger, and injustice. OXFAM save lives, develop long-term solutions to poverty, and campaign for social change. Oxfam is one of 17 members of an international  confederation, they work with people in more than 90 countries to create lasting solutions.

Oxfam America works on the scene, helping people gain the hope, skills, and direction to create a new future. They are also active in the global arena, addressing social injustice through our advocacy, public education, and emergency assistance programs.

Skeleton Crew has contributed our song: “Why.” Originally inspired by Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award  winning film, “Schindler’s List” and the genocide that was taking place in Bosnia-Herzegovina circa 1994. “Why” has never been released as a recording to the public until now. Our purpose is to inspire the power within everyone to speak up, help others, and simply “do good.”

Download “Why” by Skeleton Crew

Skeleton Crew’s “Why” was first enlisted as the soundtrack to the band’s video of the same name focusing on the 2011 Arab Spring uprising taking place in Egypt:

Why Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYJY9F9ZE68&feature=share&list=UUMaGtvTSkV2lmE-pz55tBJw

The sound recording is the original conceptual demo of “Why,” basically written and recorded the moment that inspiration hit that same day. The song shows the band experimenting with found sounds and tape loops to help illustrate the chaos and carnage taking place in the world at that moment.

While the band would prefer that interested parties donate to a worthy cause we are also making the song available as a free download here: Nimbit Store: http://www.nimbitmusic.com/skeletoncrew/#shop/why

Happy Birthday Mrs. Rautenberg!

Connie Marshall Rautenberg has been a longtime friend, number one fan, and to many, considered the sixth (or seventh depending on the configuration at the time) member of Skeleton Crew. She has championed our music from day one and most our milestone events have been a direct result of Connie’s concerted efforts.

Skeleton Crew would like to take this moment to express our deepest, heartfelt thanks to Connie for everything! On January 26 we wish our Harmony Partner the “best birthday ever!” With many more to come!

Sending much love and light your way, Connie, on your very special day!

Happy Birthday Mrs. Rautenberg!

peaceloveone! ~Skeleton Crew®

Goodbye…

Our hearts are heavy as we lost two friends in two weeks senselessly, tragically, and far to soon. 

Last week we learned of the sudden passing of Detroit-area soundman Jiří Friedecký. We’ve had the pleasure to know and work with Jiri on many occasions in various musical configurations and he was always kind, considerate, accommodating, professional, friendly and most of all talented at his craft. He will be missed.

On Monday, January 21, 2013 Chris Best, longtime road manager for many popular Detroit-area bands was horrifically gunned down while trying to help a friend. 12 of 23 bullets hit their mark. 12 of 23…

Chris was the kindest, gentlest soul that ever walked this earth. No words exist to describe our sadness at both of these tragic endings.

Much love and light go out to the spirits of Jiri and Chris and to the families and friends that mourn their passing.

peaceloveone! ~Skeleton Crew®

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Man-killed-outside-friend-s-front-door-shot-12-times/-/1719418/18237778/-/11noy56z/-/index.html

Skeleton Crew® Has “Faith” In First Single Release On New Label

Skeleton Crew® New Single | Faith

Detroit (November 11, 2010) – On November 11, 2010 Skeleton Crew® will release their first single, “Faith,” on their own recording label, Skeleton Crew Music. The new single is available for digital download on iTunes, Amazon.com, CD Baby, ReverbNation, Nimbit and most popular digital music download sites. “We’re excited about taking control of our music catalog and how it is presented to the public,” said William Pilipchuk, Skeleton Crew® lead singer. “We’ll be following this release up with a re-mastered version of our debut album “pre-historic…dig!,” a collection of un-released demos and new music in 2011.”

Record Producer, Marc Pastoria

“Faith” was produced by Grammy® Award winning record producer Mark Pastoria (for his work on the Luther Vandross Tribute Album with Aretha

Author, Mitch Albom

Franklin) and recorded at Harmonie Park Studios in Detroit, Michigan. The song was originally released as the band’s contribution to the Christmas in Detroit 3 project. Proceeds from Christmas in Detroit 3 went to author/columnist Mitch Albom’s S.A.Y. Detroit Charity to help the homeless in Detroit. “’Faith’ is still available on Christmas in Detroit 3,” adds Pilipchuk, “and we encourage everyone to purchase that incredible recording at http://www.christmasindetroit.org.” “Faith” single cover photograph by artist Julio Pallone.

###

This not-so-stereotypical Detroit band has enjoyed a wealth of accolades bestowed on them by their hometown in recent years. The band garnering top honors at The Motor City Music Awards as “Band of The Year” and pre-historic…dig! was named “Best Pop/Rock Record.”

Skeleton Crew® was the first Michigan band to release an “Enhanced CD,” technology that combined video and computer interactivity in addition to the music tracks. “pre-historic…dig!” was also one of the first “Enhanced CD” releases in the country, even in advance of enhanced products from the Rolling Stones and Madonna!

As performers, Skeleton Crew has opened shows for such diverse acts as: The Rembrandts, the Smithereens, Robert Palmer, Todd Rundgren, Tesla, Kenny Loggins, Foreigner and Eddie Money. Venues have ranged from 2000-seaters, to the outdoor DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, Tiger Stadium in Detroit and The Palace of Auburn Hills arena.

Skeleton Crew® also merits a musical footnote in the career of superstar Beyonce Knowles as being “that scary band” that defeated the then 12-year and her group Girl Tyme on Ed McMahon’s Star Search.

Skeleton Crew Teams Up With Best Selling Author Mitch Albom To Promote Peace

DETROIT (November 1, 2010) ­– In a rare public performance, Skeleton Crew® will appear and perform live on The Mitch Albom Radio Show, Tuesday November 2, 2010 at 6 pm on WJR-Radio AM 760. The band will perform their version of The Beatles “I Am The Walrus” which they released as a free MP3 download to celebrate John Lennon’s 70^th birthday.

Skeleton Crew® is asking all those who download the free song to consider becoming a “tributary of peace.” John and Yoko were at the forefront of the modern peace movement. Their vision embraced new technologies to encourage peace and love throughout the world. Noting that the Internet is like a mammoth “river of peaceful possibilities,” Skeleton Crew® lead singer, William Pilipchuk would like to encourage the masses to follow in Yoko’s footsteps as she continues to harness the powerful connectivity of the Internet to help humanity embrace and share peace and love.

Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom is a bestselling author, a nationally acclaimed newspaper columnist (with the Detroit Free Press) a radio host (with WJR-AM) and a television commentator (with ESPN and ABC.) His well-known book, “Tuesdays With Morrie”, is now the best selling memoir of all time, with nearly 10 million copies sold worldwide. Albom, along with playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, adapted the book into a hit play, which opened off-Broadway late 2002. That play is currently being performed in regional theaters throughout North America. Albom’s first novel, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” was published in 2003 has been on the New York Times bestsellers list for more than a year. With a screenplay by Albom, “Five People” has been adapted into an ABC movie starring Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn and Jeff Daniels.

“We can’t thank Mitch enough for the opportunity to help promote this positive message on his radio show,” said Pilipchuk. The broadcast can also be heard streaming on the Internet at http://radiotime.com/station/s_29965/WJR_760.aspx. After downloading the Free MP3 of I Am The Walrus, Skeleton Crew® encourages everyone to visit Yoko Ono’s website, Imagine Peace, at http://www.imaginepeace.com to see how she is utilizing the Internet to spread positive messages. Visitors to the site may find some inspiration on how they, too, can help change the world.

Celebrate John Lennon’s 70th Birthday With “MPFree” Music Download

Happy 70th Birthday John Lennon! peaceloveone! ~Skeleton Crew®

To commemorate John Lennon’s seventieth birthday on October 9, 2010, Detroit-based indie band Skeleton Crew® will make an MPFree (Free MP3) music download of their version of John’s “I Am The Walrus” available to the world. The high quality, 320 kbps MP3 download can be downloaded for free the entire month of October at these two download links:

CloudApp: http://cl.ly/e11f2c7e6cb07949ec59

Droplr:  http://drp.ly/9Jxz. There’s just one (positive) catch.

Skeleton Crew® is asking all those who download the free song to consider becoming a “tributary of peace.” John and Yoko were at the forefront of the modern peace movement. Their vision embraced new technologies to encourage peace and love throughout the world. Noting that the Internet is like a mammoth “river of peaceful possibilities,” Skeleton Crew® lead singer, William Pilipchuk would like to encourage the masses to follow in Yoko’s footsteps as she continues to harness the powerful connectivity of the Internet to help humanity embrace and share peace and love.

Noted mind, body and spiritual guru, Dr. Deepak Chopra, expands on this sentiment in explaining the theory of Quantum Physics as an energy that flows freely between all things and the universe making us all interconnected. “In John’s opening lyrics to ‘I am The Walrus’ he sings: ‘I am he, as you are he, as you are me and we are all together,” in other words, as Pilipchuk points out, “John clearly defines Quantum Physics in one line of his song: amazing!”

In this era of instant-everything where it seems people are talking more and listening less, one thing has remained constant: we’re still listening to music. “The celebration of John Lennon’s 70th birthday is the perfect time to once again embrace his medium of choice – music – to encourage the world to start listening to each other, keep the peace and stop the proliferation of fear and hate,” said Skeleton Crew® drummer, Greg Tyler.

After downloading the Free MP3 of I Am The Walrus, Skeleton Crew® encourages everyone to visit Yoko Ono’s website, Imagine Peace, at http://www.imaginepeace.com to see how she is utilizing the Internet to spread positive messages. Visitors to the site may find some inspiration on how they, too, can help change the world.

True Blue Crew: Take A Look At Tat Beauty!

Connie Marshall-Rautenberg | Applying Skeleton Crew Tattoo

Connie Marshal Rautenberg can be considered either the sixth or seventh member of Skeleton Crew depending on which configuration of the band you discuss. Over the years Skeleton Crew has performed at a select few weddings that has earned the band the additional honor of “Wedding Band!”

When we were asked to perform at our “Harmony Partner’s” wedding to a great guy and great musician no less, Art Rautenberg, we were honored. But we were totally not prepared for the surprise Connie had in store for us!

Connie has been true blue Crew since day one and our legacy owes a large part to her incredible efforts on our behalf. So I guess it really shouldn’t have come to much of a surprise when Connie revealed underneath her wedding dress the glorious-to-behold Skeleton Crew tattoo emblazoned on her ankle!

Connie was gracious to supply us with photographs of her getting tattooed along with some pictures of the band performing “Siren Song” and “Faith” at her and Art’s wedding held at the stately Detroit Athletic Club. A splendid time was had by all!

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Confirmed: Skeleton Crew LargeFM.com Interview Friday 7-30-10 at 7 pm

Confirmed: Skeleton Crew will participate in their first band interview of 2010 this Friday, July 30, 2010. The interview begins at 7 pm sharp on internet radio powerhouse Large FM! Skeleton Crew will be the guests of DJ Corey “Hack” King and DJ Coori “Ferrari” Francis.

The band will discuss their Star Search experience, Beyonce, the collapse of their record label, Intersound, just when the band was talking off, their resurgence in 2009 with the recording and release of Faith, solo projects and Skeletal plans for the future.

Tune in and listen to all the antics at http://www.largefm.com/! We’re slated for 15 minutes of on-air time, maybe more if Bogdon is on a roll!

This is a worldwide internet radio event so tell all your friends in Prague, Barcelona, Kingston, Okinawa, Cologne, St. Petersburg…