This is Stephan Galfas’ FIRST interview! Stephan Galfas has worked with hundreds of artists, spanning over 5 decades, including Meat Loaf, The Allman Brothers, John Waite, and Kool and The Gang, to name only a few. He was also the owner of the House of Music in West Orange, NJ, a recording studio where dozens of classic albums were made.One such album Stephan produced at the House of Music was Tasty by the Good Rats. I first saw the Good Rats in the late 70’s at the Asbury Park Convention Center. They were the opening act and on a bill with Dicky Betts and Eddie Money. At first glance, they were an odd band with a caveman look. The lead singer sported gym shorts and wore knee high tube socks.  Most of the set he swung a baseball bat and sometimes smashed a metal garbage can with the bat. The rest of the band looked like they’d surely be on a modern-day no fly list. They played their asses off and were beyond entertaining. They exuded humor and irony. Their songs were a twisted mix of different genres, and reminiscent of KISS or Black Sabbath, with a touch of George Gershwin thrown in. Their set was tight, well polished. Background vocals were impeccable, in tune, well- rehearsed, with intricate arrangements and harmonies.  These guys were nothing short of total pros and played a 30 minute set with intent to slay the audience. And that they did. Soon after, I discovered that, although heralding from Long Island, NY, they were popular staples in the bars in northern New Jersey, near my hometown of Randolph. I would go on to see them live many times, mostly at The Showplace, in Dover, NJ where they were regulars. They never disappointed and I’ve been a serious fan ever since.From the very first moment that Stephan and I spoke together, it was all Good Rats. It seemed that after many years, he needed an outlet and to be heard about the Good Rats. The faucet opened on how they worked together, and how they produced a body of such unique albums of songs. From my end, my head was swimming with questions that my mouth couldn’t speak fast enough. I simply had too many. The conversation you’re about to hear is a bit long, yet I couldn’t justify editing it into 2 separate parts, as the interview flowed naturally from one point to the next. I hope you enjoy it. Let’s listen in.

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