The Red Button Returns To The Time Machine

"If The Red Button had been around in the '60s when I was producing, I would have signed them to EMI." - Norman 'Hurricane' Smith (The Beatles Engineer)

With a quote like that, you can understand why The Red Button have been a musical staple on the playlists of The Time Machine the last four years. Singer-songwriters Mike Ruekberg and Seth Swirsky are the multi-talented duo behind The Red Button. Their debut album "She's About To Cross My Mind" is filled with so many musical gems that the album became one of our most played albums on the air for 2007. Now their follow up "As Far As Yesterday Goes" has been released and the refreshingly retro collaboration showcases the duo's shared passion for the juicy melodies and catchy hooks of the pop music of the ’60s and ’70s, yet still crackle with present day energy. You will not be able to resist the urge to sing along like The Time Machine Crew does in the radio station, so it was nice to have both Seth Swirsky and Mike Ruekberg share their thoughts on their sophomore release.

Mike Ruekberg’s indie credentials are rock solid: He spent the ’90s as writer and singer for Minneapolis-based pop heroes Rex Daisy, who recorded a CD for Geffen Records with producer Paul Fox. He also wrote the soundtrack for the indie cult film classic “Dummy”, which starred Adrien Brody, Milla Jovovich, and Vera Farmiga. Mike’s music has also been heard in other movies and on TV, as well as in football stadiums and blaring from audio greeting cards.





In addition to The Red Button, Seth Swirsky has his own solo work and many records composed for other artists like; Rufus Wainwright, Taylor Dayne, Al Green, Jane Weidlin, Michael McDonald, Celine Dion, The Poppies, Xscape, Olivia Newton-John, Charles & Eddie, Smokey Robinson, Brenda K. Starr, Trey Lorenz, Bonfire, Air Supply, Faith Evans and Tina Turner. In addition to getting the chance to compose songs with Eric Carmen, Seth is also a published best selling author ("Baseball Letters" from 1996, "Every Pitcher Tells A Story" from 1999 and "Something To Write Home About" from 2003) and a film maker. His documentary film "Beatles Stories" is currently screening at film festivals around the globe and consists of interviews he had done with his hand-held camera with people who had a story about themselves and The Beatles. It was originally going to be titled ""A Year In The Life" but it’s not a “tribute” or “anthology” piece, according to Seth, just people from all walks of life with a neat, specific Beatles story.

As a solo artist, his first album, "Instant Pleasure", won for Best Pop Album at the 2005 L.A. Music Awards. His follow-up, "Watercolor Day", won Best Pop Song (the title track) at the 2010 Hollywood Music and Media Awards.

The two met in 2005 and hit it off immediately; both of them admiring the songs of each other and sharing a taste for vintage pop.

So, they got together and started writing and recording songs. They found that Seth’s tuneful optimism balanced nicely with Mike’s pessimistic but passionate style. Their first album “She’s About to Cross My Mind”, in 2007, was the result of those sessions and the new album clearly demonstrates that the craft of songwriting and performing in the studio can result in an album that you just can't get enough of.

The Time Machine Crew decided that it might be a good idea to have an album listening party and hear the songs in the order that they were placed on the record. In fact, two albums sounded like an even better idea, so with a three hour afternoon airshift to fill with killer tunes, radio host Michael McCartney started off the broadcast with Seth Swirsky's album "Watercolor Day" along with Seth discussing the music and his film followed by Mike Ruekberg joining the album listening party for The Red Button's brand new record "As Far As Yesterday Goes".

Other artists heard on this Maui afternoon FM aircheck include Paul McCartney & Wings, The Smith Bros., Linda Ronstadt and The Knack.




Click here for The Red Button on The Time Machine











Photo above: Mike Ruekberg and Seth Swirsky of The Red Button


Below Video: "A Summer Day" - The Red Button

Below Video: "Cruel Girl" - The Red Button

Official website for The Red Button



The Red Button on Facebook



The Red Button on MySpace Music



Official website for Mike Ruekberg



Official website for Seth Swirsky



Seth Swirsky on MySpace Music



Official Website for Seth Swirky's Documentary Film "Beatles Stories"

Rob Schneider and Bari Leigh Interviews on The Time Machine

Actor and comedian Rob Schneider was a guest on The Time Machine this past week. Rob was on Maui for a comedy concert in Lahaina at the Maui Celebrity Series hosted by Brian Evans. The Maui Celebrity Series is now up to eight performances. If you're a Maui resident or planning a future visit to Lahaina, make sure to check out the link below for the Maui Celebrity Series' upcoming live performances. Rob discussed his latest comedy album "Repeat Offender" and some of the tracks were featured on the broadcast. Radio host Michael McCartney taught Rob before the broadcast about a regional pidgin slang that Rob had never been aware of before. Rob's been to Hawaii a number of times during his life and was only familiar with the pidgin slang "Brah" often heard in short sentences like "Howzit Brah!". Michael wasn't sure if it was just a Maui slang but he shared "Shoots Brah!" with Rob who thought it was funny enough to incorporate into his concert act in front of the Hawaii audience. The Time Machine's Executive Producer Jenny Leong was convinced that Michael may have oversold it on the air but she couldn't stop laughing when Rob said it from stage several times. Rob Schneider owned the audience like a rock icon. If Rob comes to your town on his comedy tour be sure to see him.








Singer-songwriter Bari Leigh was also a guest on the program. Her debut EP is filled with strong songs that sound great blasting over the FM dial and make great car cruising music. Joining in the musical fun are collaborators Mike Ruekberg, Willie Wisely and John Fields who are no strangers to The Time Machine's playlist over the years along with Andy Thompson, Kristin Mooney and Chris Heinrich. Bari shared with the radio audience the various stories behind her catchy songs. Bari is an artist that is ready to share her craft with the world since she began writing songs at age seven in Darnestown, Maryland. As a teenager, she found her voice and her life’s passion. Bari’s music has been described as a slant of country, infused with pop and heartfelt soul.









In addition to Rob Schneider and Bari Leigh, brand new songs from Gary U.S. Bonds and Left On Red are also featured. Other artists heard on this Maui afternoon FM radio broadcast include; Nelson Bragg, Rachael Yamagata, Julian Lennon, Puffy AmiYumi, Tom Petty, Beatles, The Smith Bros., Old 97's, Klaatu, Lee Cataluna & Tony Gillis, Hanson and Bon Jovi.



Click here to listen or download the interviews with Rob Schneider and Bari Leigh on The Time Machine









Official Website for Rob Schneider

Rob Schneider Music Foundation

Order Rob Schneider's album "Repeat Offender" at Oglio's Website

Official Website for Bari Leigh

Bari Leigh on MySpace Music

Bari Leigh on Facebook

Bari Leigh on Twitter

The Maui Celebrity Series

Seth Swirsky of The Red Button Interview on The Time Machine

Singer-songwriter Seth Swirsky along with Mike Ruekberg are the multi-talented duo behind The Red Button. Seth was a guest on The Time Machine and discussed the album "She's About To Cross My Mind" that is filled with so many musical gems that the album became one of our most played albums on the air for 2007.

In addition to The Red Button, Seth also talked about his solo work and his many records composed for other artists like; Rufus Wainwright, Taylor Dayne, Al Green, Jane Weidlin, Michael McDonald, Celine Dion, The Poppies, Xscape, Olivia Newton-John, Charles & Eddie, Smokey Robinson, Brenda K. Starr, Trey Lorenz, Bonfire, Air Supply, Faith Evans and Tina Turner. In addition to getting the chance to compose songs with Eric Carmen, Seth is also a published best selling author ("Baseball Letters" from 1996, "Every Pitcher Tells A Story" from 1999 and "Something To Write Home About" from 2003) and a film maker. His documentary film "A Year In The Life" is set for a summer release and consists of interviews he had done with his hand-held camera with people who had a story about themselves and The Beatles. It’s not a “tribute” or “anthology” piece, according to Seth, just people from all walks of life with a neat, specific Beatles story.

Seth Swirsky also performed a bit on his guitar during the interview to demonstrate the inner workings of his songwriting craft.


Click here for Seth Swirsky on The Time Machine







Photo above: Mike Ruekberg and Seth Swirsky of The Red Button


Official website for The Red Button

The Red Button on MySpace Music

Official website for Mike Ruekberg

Official website for Seth Swirsky

Seth Swirsky on MySpace Music