Rich Ulloa of Y&T Music Talks Badfinger Legend Tom Evans Rare Home Recordings “I Am Myself”

“I Am Myself” is a collection of never-before-heard home demo recordings by Liverpool’s Tom Evans, bassist and co-lead singer of the iconic power pop group Badfinger. It will be released as a limited-edition CD by Y&T Music and available on all streaming platforms on 5th June, 2024 to celebrate what would have been Tommy’s 77th birthday. Rich Ulloa of Y&T Music chatted to us about the release and more:

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest memory is from 1963, when my brother brought home a 45 by Allan Sherman, called “A Letter From Camp (Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh”)

You started and own the record label Y&T Records in the US. When did you get the idea to launch your own record label and what have you previously released on it?

I started the label in 1991 for the sole purpose to release the debut album by a local country band, The Mavericks. They subsequently signed with MCA and have won Grammys and countless awards over 3 decades. We then released the debut album by singer-songwriter, Mary Karlzen, which led to her signing with Atlantic Records and also a band called For Squirrels, who signed with Epic Records. Other artists on Y&T included Amanda Green, Arlan Feiles, Charlie Pickett, Drew Weaver, Mandy Marylane as well as tribute albums to Pete Ham, Fred Neil and Eric Andersen.

“I Am Myself” is a collection of never-before-heard home demo recordings by Liverpool’s Tom Evans, bassist and co-lead singer of the iconic power pop group Badfinger. It will be released as a limited-edition CD by Y&T Music and available on all streaming platforms on June 5, 2024 to celebrate what would have been Tommy’s 77th birthday. How did this opportunity to release these songs arise?

I was contacted by representatives of the Estates of Pete Ham and Tom Evans in early January. They asked me if I would be interested in the possibility of releasing some historic early demos by Pete Ham and it led to the release of “Gwent Gardens,” in early March and now “I Am Myself” by Tom Evans, thanks to the tireless work of Kevin McElligott and Tom Brennan. The release of our Pete Ham tribute in 2023, was what led to this amazing opportunity of a lifetime for Y&T.

Was it difficult picking which tracks to include on the album? Was there a specific song selection process?

No, according to Tom Brennan, we put out all the good early Tom Evans demos that remained unreleased. The only thing different would be, if the song, “Sad Tomorrow” wouldn’t have been released on The Iveys CD, “Golden Delicious,” then it would have been added to this album, as it is a true Tom Evans solo song. In addition, the mastering by Kevin McElligott was crucial in the final selection process.

The release includes some lovely photos. Who was the photographer and how did you get in contact with him to use them?

Former Badfinger member, Bob Jackson reached out to photographer, Tim Boyle and asked if it would be OK to use some of his photos for this project. Tim gladly gave us his permission and Marianne Evans also offered a lot of photos for us to use.

What was the first Badfinger song that you heard and what are your memories of that?

It was “Come and Get It” back in the summer of 1970, when I was a 15 year old kid. I had never heard of Badfinger before and I loved the song. All I knew was that they were on The Beatles new label, Apple Records, and the song was written by Paul McCartney.

Do you play any instruments yourself?

I can play guitar, mostly acoustic, but not have not played seriously after I was in high school.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and still live there today. Multi-cultural / Tropical / Beaches / Crowded / Hot!

Is there anything new that you discovered/learned about Tom Evans or Badfinger?

Only that he has a treasure trove of unreleased recordings that I never knew existed.

When you are dealing with the idea of releasing unreleased and forgotten material, especially someone who has passed is it a difficult process in terms of balancing coordinating with Estates and legal teams alongside what the long-term fanbases would like to hear?

Yes and no. Yes, because there is so much detail that needs to be reviewed and triple checked. It can be very touchy and things must be handled carefully. No, because the passion for doing this work is always there and if anything, it is only getting stronger. We are fans ourselves and so it is important to keep a finger on the pulse of the fanbase as we consider future releases.

What formats will “I Am Myself” be released on?

Just CD and streaming…for now. A limited vinyl release is always a possibility, I would hope.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I love many different genres but it all really started with The Beatles. I also love Dylan, Springsteen, The Kinks, The Who, Midnight Oil, Joan Armatrading, as well as classic musicals, traditional jazz, (especially Billie Holiday). A new band that I really like are The Lemon Twigs! Great songs, musicianship and a real throwback.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2024 on Y&T Records?

Yes! We are working on a rare collection of unreleased Iveys recordings for the fall that I am VERY excited about as well as a wonderful album, called “Patsy on The Porch,” a tribute to Patsy Cline by Nathalie Archangel. If all goes well, we may also release the new studio album by Mary Karlzen in October.

I wanted to ask you given that it is an important topic right now especially within the music and other creative industries – What are your thoughts on the rise and use of A.I.? In particular, people wanting to replicate a deceased person’s voice on a certain track for example?

I will not have anything to do with AI as it pertains to Y&T Music. The ONLY thing I MAY be open to is to use AI to separate a vocal from a rare recording, similar to what they did with John Lennon’s “Now And Then.” However, I am 100% against adding new overdubs to older songs that were only intended to be demos when they were recorded. To me, “Now and Then,” is a total misstep.

What makes Rich Ulloa happy and what makes you unhappy?

My extended family, with 3 grandchildren gives me the most joy, followed by releasing music by artists that I am passionate about. I also love old classic movies, dogs, nature, history and baseball! Things that make me unhappy are gun violence, political hatred, wars, animal cruelty and seeing people suffer.