Behind the Song: “Alien Nation” Tricia Greenwood performs the lead vocals, with Pam Overland on backup. The song was originally conceived by Chuck Privitera, Tricia’s brother, while he was living in Southern California. Chuck teamed up with guitarist Mark Schade to compose the music. The sessions came alive when Mark played a 1959 Les Paul with PAF pickups and Chuck laid down the groove drums and bass on a 1970 Fender Precision Bass guitar, with these two classic instruments that gave the track its distinctive sound, and Keith, known as The Phantom Keyboard Player, recorded the keyboard parts, adding the final touch.