The story of a song: from Bedroom to Studio,
from Album to Cinema, from Lockdown to Release.

“I Will Not Break You” Roulette Kino EP - A brief introduction. An expanded version of this story will appear in the next, Matt Charles Newsletter.
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During the Hobart, Tasmania winter of 1997 – a brunch of mates, gathered at Red Planet Recording to test drive some original songs, before beginning an Album recording project.
After this session, I discarded most of the songs I’d thought of recording. They were simple, singer/songwriter tunes… the band ate them up and spat them out.

Shortly after, inspired by this experience, I wrote and recorded, “I Will Not Break you” on my home, 4 track cassette recorder. After hearing this, Stew Long (Drummer/Engineer/Co-Producer), was triggered into action. We soon had a studio version recorded and the Album, “java tsunami” began its journey, over the next few years.

The album was recorded in spare time, in between video production work and sometimes being able to hire the band to record jingles or corporate documentary music. We’d do that during the day. Then have a pizza dinner break next to the giant metal café style coffee machine or retreat to a local Italian restaurant - decompress - then work on ‘java tsunami’ into the small hours…

This is Track 3 on the EP – the familiar to some, Java Tsunami Album version. Released in September 2001.

In 2013, I was approached one night, at an outdoor Gig on the Reeperbahn in Hamburg. Two local film makers had heard my songs – were interested in using IWNBY for the title theme. Maybe some other songs as well. There was a certain song they wanted for a ‘shower scene’ – but were unable to secure the rights. I suggested, a stripped back, acoustic duo version of IWNBY.

This is Track 4 on the EP – a mobile phone recording of me watching a cut of the scene and playing along – as a demo for the Director, Julian Schöneich from Film Fatal www.filmfatal.de

Sadly, the original Duo version recorded with, Bernd Kühl on acoustic lead guitar – was lost…
This Film duo version is Track 5 on the EP – taken from the final film mix – which includes the sound effects - included here as part of the archive and for your interest.

Happily, the Solo part of my voice and acoustic guitar were saved. Track 6 on the EP.

Then as the world closed down in March 2020 – live Gigs were cancelled, and livelihoods destroyed… many musicians were trying to develop was to connect across the world.

Late one Friday night in mid-April 2020, in Lübeck, Germany – while exchanging messages with Andrew Gatenby in Melbourne, Australia – and idea was hatched. I would send him the Rescued Solo version of IWNBY – he could lay some Electric over the top, maybe another version with Acoustic guitar, to recreate the spirit of the lost Cinema version. Since Andy had played on the original studio version, it felt like a poetic journey to take.

As I shut down for the night about 3am – the first version arrived. A Les Paul had joined my Solo version. And to this day, still hold a special place in my heart – the last chord form Andy, crashes like a ‘fuck you’ to the pandemic that was only just beginning. Track 8 on the EP.
A few hours later – I woke up – to discover the 12 String version. Track 7 on the EP.

It was over 20 years later, and here I was, joined with Andrew Gatenby again – lost inside the same song. That morning, everything changed. Possibilities tumbled forth and there was some hope again. We could remotely collaborate – and maybe save our souls and spirits in the process.

4 hours later, I was on the floor screaming in agony – with a back injury.
The next day, firemen had to try and ease me down 4 flights of stairs and then and ambulance took me away for 4 days in hospital. It was over 4 months later, before I started to feel mostly healed.
All plans destroyed – and the rest is a Covid nightmare - as shared by many.

Finally, a few nights ago, I resuscitated one of countless ideas – and asked Andy if he could send over the best quality version of what we’d recorded, 2.5 years ago.

In the last days, during my German late nights and his Australian days – two new versions of IWNBY were born.
Andy, remixed the 12 String version – more to his satisfaction. Track 1 on the EP.

And then, due to his own frustration at the April 2020 electric Les paul version, proceeded to record a new version on his Gibson 335. Track 2 on the EP.

Is this all too much? Will anybody care?

This is why I started the Damage Control Archive.
To see who really listens and cares – the way I do about music. They way we do, if you’re reading this. Tracking down lost B-Sides, unique versions of Tracks… There is priceless depth in the history and details. Far more than from the disposable, musician harming, Spot-A-Lie.

If you love a song – put a ring on it.

They don’t cost much and maybe it helps more of the music you love and support, be created.

You can listen to the full songs for free. The whole 8 tracks are also available for just, 4€.
This also include a PDF with lyrics and exclusive artwork.

Please visit: www.DamageControlArchive.com

P.S – Unfortunately, the original Home Demo of IWNBY is not included here. I hope to locate it in the coming months. When it’s available, I will add it to the EP track list – and purchasers with be notified.

Thanks for your time / matt x

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