Cullum and Fetzer first met in Nashville, performing in backing bands for artists including Caitlin Rose, Wanda Jackson, Jonny Fritz, Rayland Baxter and Andrew Combs, among others. In one another they discovered a mutual enthusiasm for instrumental pop music across genres—country, surf rock, reggae, psychedelic, jazz, funk and soul. “We’ve always been into the idea of playing a strong melody—something you can hum—rather than soloing,” said Cullum. “Steelism allows us to write and play in a way that crosses genres to tell our own stories, rather than supporting someone else’s songs as side-men,” added Fetzer. Produced and arranged by Cullum and Fetzer, 615 to FAME is a nuanced, mature exploration of their combined sensibilities, featuring 11 songs, 10 of which are original compositions. They write catchy tunes with memorable hooks so strong you don't miss the fact that there aren’t any vocals. "Cats Eye Ring," "Marfa Lights" and "The Landlocked Surfer" are but 3 examples from the new album that illustrate their creative range. Single Lock’s Ben Tanner, who mixed the record and co-produced half the album, explained, "Great instrumental rock and roll, sadly, has become a lost art, but Steelism are resurrecting that tradition and adding new chapters of their own. They may not have a singer, but they certainly have great things to say."
TRACK LISTING
1. Cats Eye Ring
2. The Blind Beggar
3. The Landlocked Surfer
4. China Plate
5. Tears Of Isabella
6. Marfa Lights
7. Caught In A Pickle
8. The Spook
9. Ladybird
10. Cuban Missile
11. Greenwich Meantime