Fiction Factory - Feels Like Heaven | Cover (live)

Late 1983 Fiction Factory released their only true hit single "Feels Like Heaven".
It charted around the world in 1984 hence the "1984" tag.
I've always loved that song and since I've had some requests to do something on that I just thought I'd cook up a little "live in the studio" thing on it.
itunes.apple.c...
open.spotify.c...
espenkraft.ban...
play.google.co...
Electric Piano: Roland MKS-20 & Yamaha TX802 played LIVE
Drums: Sequential TOM & Roland TR-626 drum machines synced
Bass: Roland S-10 overdubbed in the DAW
Synth riff: Roland Alpha Juno 2 overdubbed in the DAW
I sing LIVE into a AKG D5 mic.
Everything (except the overdubs) recorded LIVE in one take.
Please join me on social media:
/ espenkraftmu. .
/ espenkraft
/ espenkraft
I use DistroKid for all my releases onto streaming services.
Try out Distrokid yourself and get a 7% discount off your first year by using this link:
distrokid.com/v...
Growing up I listened to so much synth-pop and it's only natural that my own music takes inspiration from many of the acts I loved back then. I still love them and listen to them!
Howard Jones, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Erasure, Thompson Twins, Tears for Fears, The Human League, Propaganda. FGTH, Ultravox, OMD, Eurythmics, Duran Duran, Giorgio Moroder, Jean Michel Jarre, Jan Hammer, Alphaville, A-ha as well as loads of artists doing what is now called Italo Disco. And many more great acts like Nik Kershaw, Spandau Ballet, Wham, Dire Straits ++

[@jjjuhg]

When your voice started , I smiled. It is pure expression. Not showing off. How music was before

[@EspenKraft]

Fantastic, thanks! :)

[@GT380man]

Echo that. It’s different but the same vibe.

[@muteaaa__4279]

Great performance Mr Espen Craft..., ... I like this song whenever forever, one of the best vaforite of mine.... When i children verry verry like and love this song.... Like i ever found and walk with my Lord Jesus Christ. .. Love it....Thanks a lot...

[@jackmeoff2376]

Fuckin-a-right! Espen!!!! (Sorry for my American directness) Brilliant cover of one of my favorite songs! Thank you for continuing to educate the general public on synthesis!!!! Much love from Virginia USA!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Jack!

[@gmartworks]

OMG you touch my sensitive and musical emotion string. This is one of my favorite songs from the 80s. I still have the 12inch album in my collection that I still listen to. You made me very happy what you did with this song. Thank you so much, and of course well done!!

[@EspenKraft]

Hey, thanks for the comment, very appreciated! :)

[@darking-rayleigh]

This deserves million views!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@mariusmitrea5462]

THE SOUND IS GREAT...THE DRUMS ARE PUNCHY...!!....EVERYTHING WEARS THE AROMA OF THE 80 s !!!!...LOVE IT !!!

[@EspenKraft]

Nice, thanks! :)

[@eddylizer6865]

I am a Italian and the England - American music just simple the best in the world ' s last 1 century . O can saiyng amazing & wonderful 😍

[@GT380man]

This is a song written & recorded by Scottish lads in Scotland. 1983 or 4. A one hit wonder.

[@rachelar]

Their second release Ghosties of Lurve was a minor hit​@@GT380man

[@reddevil70]

@@GT380manBritish then.

[@pekkagronfors7304]

So simple and yet so pleasant. One of my favorite tunes back in the days. Thanks!

[@dedpxl]

Yeah, can't go wrong with covering one of the best tracks. I love this different take on it. Makes me feel like doing the same. Really nice cover version isn't it.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Pekka! :)

[@GT380man]

I was an undergraduate at university, torn between two girls, one of whom I married and am still with over 40 years. I still miss the one who got away, she’s permanently 20 & I’m permanently 23, and the sun always shone. I’ve been very, very lucky in life. Love this song. It was on “That’s What I Call Music II”, cassette 2. I wore it out in my Ford Escort Mk 2.

[@EspenKraft]

Nice story.

[@rachelar]

"but she only loves him because he drives a Cortina"🎵

[@FeedbackPete]

You nailed this classic. They are Scottish. My home country

[@EspenKraft]

Happy to hear it. Thanks! :D

[@Latvian3Dman]

Today is my birthday. Thank You for this present!

[@EspenKraft]

Congrats! This was my gift then ;-)

[@alescitocp3802]

Mine's next March the 3rd !!! Congrats and greetings from Mexico! ♓♓♓♓🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🎊🎉🎉🎊🎊🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁

[@Latvian3Dman]

@@alescitocp3802 , cool, Thanks!! 😄

[@NathanChisholm041]

Mines the 3rd off March too! ;0

[@Latvian3Dman]

Alescito, Amigo, Happy Birthday!! :D

[@themighty6]

i love this song, I wish I could sing or play music. Thank you, great Job

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers :D

[@80ssynthfan48]

Even learning the basics of playing/chords/scales is very useful. No need to be an expert.

[@alanchowe]

This for me is one of the very very best evocative 80s tune along with don't you want me and fade to grey its is right up at the top of the 80's tree. I am actually moved by you cover my friend.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks for saying! :D

[@TimMoney]

Really nice! Makes me miss my MKS20, I worked at a Roland dealer when the entire MKS line came out and had 20/30/80, still have my EII+HD

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! The MKS-20 is so sweet and nothing else sounds like it with that chorus and tremolo enabled. Good that you still have the EII :)

[@mickydireland]

This is one of my fave tracks from the 80s! Perfect cover and it sounds brilliant. Love the orchestration. Nice choice of patches and well done on the one take Espen! Now, time for a Talk Talk cover. Such A Shame would be amazing I reckon!

[@EspenKraft]

Thank you very much! I highly doubt any Talk Talk cover will be done on my account as the voice of the late Mark Hollis was so haunting and beuatiful and such an integral part of the compositions. Good choice though! :)

[@graemechallis4866]

Espen Kraft I only found out just now from your comment above that Mark Hollis had sadly passed recently. I just have to second your comments on his voice, one of the most incredible I have ever heard and a true genius who pushed the boundaries and influenced so many that followed after.

[@L2ix-]

i love the Song

[@geraldburns2932]

Absolutely fantastic

[@EspenKraft]

Hey, great to hear! Thanks :)

[@mu_zines]

The 80s were a great time for synth riffs - as a kid learning to play synths and understand music, I'd learn to play all of the riffs on these kinds of records - and this was certainly a good one!. Good stuff, Espen!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Ben! This song always had something about it I loved and that synth riff is gold in its simplicity. :)

[@freak.with.a.camera]

This is a beautiful cover that's totally faithful to the original, as far as the emotion it invokes are involved. It brought me back to 1983 in the best way possible. Thanks!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks for saying! :)

[@freak.with.a.camera]

@@EspenKraft Many thanks for playing!

[@tarciuscondgerente5154]

Awesome Espen!! You really bring tears of joy to my eyes. Elimaika my beautiful japanese wife and i really stoped to apreciate this song and the precision wich you hook up the gear. You did a great job of explaining, each step of this production, absolutely amazing! You are a phenomenal musician and It is nice seeing this, we hope to see more. Congratulations and Keep up this great work, guy!!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks for saying Tarcius! I will try to make more like this so stay tuned! :)

[@cortical1]

Just discovering this now. How did I miss it? I was subscribed long before 2019. Very nice! Cheers.

[@EspenKraft]

I have many videos on here. ;-) Cheers my friend

[@jaxman1235]

Very Nice! The simplicity and clarity of this is great. Thank you for your videos. They are great for instruction and for entertainment. I miss this type of music.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks for saying! :)

[@zugel]

Nice 80s tune, so great harmonies. Thanks, have a great weekend.

[@EspenKraft]

Thank you, you have a great weekend too! :)

[@adamkarolwizzard]

With glass of wine, screaming ... sorry singing like in Sad Karaoke Bar ... thanks Espen, You make my evening ;)

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks! :)

[@automaton111]

Love this. I used to sing this all the time at karaoke before the 🦠

[@TH3_FURY]

Nice cover and great production !

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks man! :)

[@markstevens5442]

What a tune !! - Takes me back to my early synth days. I still have the original sheet music for this too :)

[@AndrewAHayes]

This is uncanny!!!! I had listened to this song on Spotify about 20 mins ago I then look at my email and get a notification for this video, I like your version you haven't gone for the high on the lyric "Heaven" and I don't blame you that's choir boy territory, thanks for keeping the 80's alive Espen

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks, yeah I must do it so my voice does its best ;-)

[@sauermusicDE]

Maybe you should have tried to "fake" the high note with your Eventide H3000...hahahahahaha! ;-)

[@Cristake1974]

Superb, thank you for sharing! So great a decade, so great music of the 80s! Thanks for keeping that spirit alive! / Chris

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks!

[@marcinsuszycki8613]

Great performance! I like it very much.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@markhuiden8504]

Your low voice is BEAUTIFUL !! I listen it again and again .

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks!

[@johntammaro]

I haven't seen much of the Sequential being used on other YT channels so was good to see this. Thanks

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Together with Died in your arms tonight my favorite of that era.

[@LowerWestSideStudio]

Excellent work! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and talent.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks for saying! :)

Feels like 1980 whenever this song was made! Beautiful done.

[@EspenKraft]

Excellent. Thanks Michael! :)

[@GBPaddling]

Feb 1984 UK release...........

[@EspenKraft]

As far as I know and can remember it charted everywhere in 1984, but I'm pretty sure it IS a 1983 recording at least. On my old vinyl single it says so , printed on it.

[@GBPaddling]

@@EspenKraft www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19840205/7501/ Don't think I'll ever forget this time Espen, it's when I met my Wife, and am still very happily married. Brilliant channel by the way, cannot be more impressed, I have a Korg M1 and was going to get the Akai sampler you demoed. But I fear it will be too complicated for me.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks fore the support and the story! The M1 is great and a true classic in itself :)

[@rcorreia80]

Just Wow!! Thank you so much for this. 👏👏

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@thewiseman227]

Great work Espen, great vocals too, thank you for this video. I also like all the infos you give in it for the production, nice!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :)

[@jm6734]

Man! this takes me back to my tweens 😅 I loved this song back then and love it still. A great 6track 80s synth pop song still kills so much of today’s hundreds of tracks shait pop.

[@BboySalamon]

Thanks a lot Mr. Kraft and sincere congrats, with the first Day of spring, nature rise🌺🌹🏵️💮🌸💐 1984 and Synthpop, Discofunk, Italo, Spacesynth rules🙏👍💪👌

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Sal! :)

[@voxager5165]

Another flashback to the heyday of great synth pop. Really well done, thanks for sharing!

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet, thanks! :)

[@nicovanliempt1179]

The '80s and begin of '90s synth music brings my back too my yought 😍 again a great cover Espen👍💪🤟🎵🎶🎙️🎹 I'm more for the drums (Roland TD-30)😉

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Nico! :)

[@indeolok1623]

SUPER!!! Beautiful!

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks! :)

[@Jan-S-Simonsen]

Another great job Espen.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Jan! :)

[@afrojack9061]

The sound is most amazing! Thank for showing the details of the wonderful music...you are a Genius, my friend! A Great big hello from America!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks man, I appreciate it! Hello back, from Norway! :)

[@chisel316]

Wow! I don't believe that I've heard this song since 1984! Thanks for bringing back some good memories. :)

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@mysterio77690]

Hi Espen, You played this wonderfull track with the right 80's spirit! Thanks for that and well sung as well, of course!

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet! Thanks :)

[@leafsmithleafsmith691]

Excellent,made me smile.I am of that generation, and it’s funny when you show the set up of instruments ,and I get a glimpse of the Bit99 rack mount synth.There is one in my rack also 😃

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks man! Yeah, the Bit01 is great, I have a video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5rZdZ5plKefba8

[@musella974]

We're jealous ! It's so easy for you ! You're the Italo Disco resurrection. I love your job, always and always !!!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks a million Xavier! :)

[@neilfalcon7266]

The years melted away, well done

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@808music3]

Very powerful remake👍👏👏👏

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@summerWTFE]

Fantastic performance

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet, thanks! :)

[@wimvanduijn6556]

Very nice technical elaboration!

[@MrMetalsi]

Damn im jealous. My dream was always to cover old 80s track just like you. I wish I had experience in this kind of music You did an excellent job man. Keep Going!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks!

[@timweinheimer1]

You are the 80's Synth Pop Guru

[@EspenKraft]

Nice, thanks! :)

[@louierussel]

Sir, I'm a fan of New wave especially this song and I loved how you discuss the things that we need to do to cover this song. God bless you!

[@hellitastenfan]

Hi Espen,...a nice song in the 90´s and a very good repro. Great work. Gratulation. greetings

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Helmut! :)

[@alescitocp3802]

Wooowwww Espen!! superb! Luv it !! Thx! 👌👌👌👌🎵🎵🎶🎶🎵🎵🎧🎧🎧

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks for saying! :)

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Heaven is closer. Heaven is closer.

[@visionario81]

Tremendous cover! Congratulations Espen, keep making good music. Impeccable work! Success in all!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks!

[@woodyatlarge]

Incredible...

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet..

[@stringman509]

I love this song ,what a great voice you have wish I could sing best wishes Colin UK 🇬🇧 😊

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks!

[@soepil]

Perfect soundtrack to a quiet Saturday morning on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Tak, Espen! :)

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet, thanks! Takk København! :)

[@johnnyvegas2015]

Just awesome....cheers

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks!:)

[@davidgriffin79]

Very nice; thanks for sharing.

[@EspenKraft]

Thank you! :)

[@CandyAppleBlue]

This doesnt even sound like you Espen. It's crazy how different your voice sounds in this register. Beautiful song very nicely done. 🎹🎹🎤🎧♬♫❤🎶🎤

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks my friends! Yeah, I felt like using my lower register on this and it worked out pretty well, it's a simple, but great song :)

[@addario2]

great performance again!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@Racingheartrecords]

Beautiful sounds!

[@dannesvanstrom3408]

Amazing man. AMAZING!

[@LFOVCF]

Another top job!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! !:)

[@honkeyness9427]

Incredible

[@papacarsten8375]

I am driving right now back to the center in my UPS P80. In 30 minutes i have weekend after a 50 hour hard week and it starts with that fantastic cover. Great job Espen. Now i know what i will do on sunday: try to cover it in my little homestudio. Greets from germany...

[@EspenKraft]

Excellent, thanks for the comment and happy weekend! :)

[@scotmcfox8908]

Great version! I would LOVE to hear you do another mix of this tune using Prophet 5 and Roland stage piano! I worked in the studio with these guys in 1988 (arghh time machine please!) I was always amazed at how hard they worked, they make music like their life depended on it. It taught me alot. =: )

[@EspenKraft]

Nice story! Must have been great. Too bad they didn't last and had other hits, but I have no doubt they worked very hard! :)

[@scotmcfox8908]

@@EspenKraft they had a few minor hits in the 80's, made more cash writing for pop acts, life eh!? Your voice is much suited to the Feels like heaven song, great work again. All the best from Edinburgh, Scotland =: )

[@scotmcfox8908]

ps, obviously my real name isn't scot Mc Fox lol

[@EspenKraft]

I bet they made a little cash off this as well ;-) Greetings from Norway, land of fjords :)

[@scotmcfox8908]

@@EspenKraft haha yes, they are always good at being serious cash makers!

[@MEqwed]

Excellent track and great cover

[@allansadventures9459]

Hey man, was just listening earlier to Lukas Lundh and now u because you guys kinda remind me of each other...nice one man!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@triplebacon1]

That was really really lovely!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@johanvancauteren6203]

Spot on Espen😎

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Johan! :)

[@reverendomax68]

wonderful what you do to find the best sound.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks for saying! :)

[@NathanChisholm041]

Awesome playing mate!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks man! :)

[@AlexisMald]

Great job, Espen!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Alexis! :)

[@rickygarcia7400]

Wow so Awsome rich sound

[@EspenKraft]

Cool man, thanks! :)

[@davo86]

Very nice cover sir, love the synth!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@frankgijselhart]

Wow,, superb synth sounds! Nice work Espen.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Frank! :)

[@christofferainek]

Espen, we need to hear those vocals more often. Well done 👌

[@EspenKraft]

I will try to then. Thanks for saying Christoffer! :)

[@bridgetchibwe4038]

I am a Italian and the anglosaxon music is the best in the world

[@ValSoloPop]

Skitsnyggt Espen!!!

[@EspenKraft]

Så bra, tackar så mycket! :) En härlig klassiker detta.

[@MrZeroPage]

Fan-bloody-tastic!

[@streck0486]

Espen, your voice sounds great in this register. You should go there more often!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks!

[@puppylove3781]

I found it humorous how you say the chorus "feels like heaVUNNN" lol...but that's minor. What I really like about this rendition is that you played it a key or two down. While I normally prefer that it is the same as the original, playing it in a different key actually sounds better and more true to the 80's sound during the era. Your vocals are clean and crisp here, so I waited for it to start halfway through the video, but I'm rather glad I did. Aside of the late start and the awkward chorus, you gave it a nice twist to this. I'm not a vocal coach per se, but I pay attention to things, and overall it has a nice essence to the cover. Nice job. :)

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks!

[@Menahem1avnaim]

Great !!!!!! beautiful ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@DimiKaye]

I love this song man, great job

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks for saying! :)

[@sergeladygin703]

Wow. Simply and easily. As it should be (from the side) 8) Thank you, that's fine.

[@EspenKraft]

Man thanks! :)

[@thetubedude2011]

Great effort Espen :)

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@steinovejensen391]

You have to do more of these cover songs Espen! Just love it!

[@EspenKraft]

I have a couple of other covers on my channel as well. I do one occasionally. Thanks! :)

[@martinlubitz3171]

Nice vid Espen 👏

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Martin! :)

[@ExpliCiT78]

You are cool! I like the way you are authentic. Btw, great cover!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :)

[@ZoeSummers1701A]

I think you’re amazing; and early 80’s synth pop (pre 1986) is my fav. If you’d like a new challenge, would you please consider doing as accurately as possible, a complete tutorial / cover of Stewart Copeland’s “Equalizer” theme. The syncopation and cool angry synth growling is amazing on that track. Thank you for everything you do! xXx PS your vocals on this track were excellent!

[@EspenKraft]

Thank you very much! I know Stewert Copelands music very well. I have so much more I'd rather do than a breakdown of that magnitude so I'm afraid I have to disappoint you on that one. You never know though... good choice! :)

[@Johngengelbach2]

Wow, really enjoyed it

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks! :)

[@StefanoPapaleo-TS]

Nailed it, once again ;)

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet, thanks! :)

[@BlixtenMarlowes]

Sketasnyggt! :-P

[@EspenKraft]

Tackar så mycket! :)

[@endorphinsmusic]

Very sweet version