It’s no shocker that the global COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on all facets of life as we know it. For instance, with members of the music industry, they saw their primary sources of incoming (touring) halted completely. Most bands adapted to their new situations with livestreams, merch drops, ebay, and cameo. There are also a number of bands who formed during COVID-19 times. Bands like The Housebound Ska Collective and The Moore Family Band formed out of a desire to play music and stay connected. There was also another band that was forged from the shadows of COVID-19 isolation – The NPCs.
The “Mastermind” of The NPCs is Josh Hershkovitz from ska punk band Backyard Superheroes. He got members from over 50 bands together during the stricter days of quarantine to start recording covers of songs that make people happy – a way to lift spirits in troubled times. They also went and donated proceeds to their recordings to various charities. If, for some reason, the band’s name isn’t ringing a bell, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard them. Remember that cover of Goldfinger’s “Superman” that went viral around the time of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater re-release? Yeah, that was The NPCs.
Welcome to Good Burger, Home of the Good Burger, Can I Take Your Order?
Today, The NPCs are back with a ’90s classic. If you grew up in those days, then surely you’re aware of the Nickelodeon show All That. The show really was the beginning for Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. After All That, the comedy duo landed their own show. The skit they created back in the days of All That most people remember is Good Burger. It was so popular, that it even became a feature-length film in 1997. And, because it was the late ’90s, the movie’s theme song was a ska song naturally. Originally written and performed by Less Than Jake and Kel Mitchell, “We’re All Dudes” is an anthem that has remained memorable to this day.
I’m a Dude. He’s a Dude. She’s a Dude. We’re all Dudes!
Like previous release by The NPCs, their rendition of “We’re All Dudes” will see its proceeds donated to charity. This time around, they plan on donating to The Trevor Project. As the world begins to open up again, “We’re All Dudes” is the perfect song to help us move forward and get back to normal. With lyrics like “It’s time to put hard times behind, get all the band things off you mind.” the song is just inviting you to start looking at the positive things to come in the future.
Much like the covers that came before it, “We’re All Dudes” was recorded remotely by band members from 57 different bands. It’s a veritable who’s who of the modern ska scene. Bands like Half Past Two, Courtesy of Tim, Meskales, Millington, and The Bruce Lee Band can be heard as featured players. That’s just the tip of the iceberg though. I highly suggest you take a peek at the band list on the YouTube page and check every band out. It’s way worth it. Some new discoveries I’m stoked about personally from doing that are The Guilty Parties and The Schwam. Then of course, lending his musical talents, and his ability to make so many people sound like a cohesive unit is Mr. Andy Baker from Andy B & The World!
Without further ado, it’s time to step back in time, profess your love for orange soda, and check out this absolutely amazing rendition of Less Than Jake’s “We’re All Dudes.” You may even spot a special guest who loves orange soda too.
