Online Diary (March 2011)
Mar 31, 2011 Latest News
31/03/11
I have sent of a preview version of Secret to my friend who will be doing sound at the Glastonbury ETC so he will hopefully play it a few times over the big speakers.. you never know who might go “who was that singing just then?” “I want to give him a large cash advance and possibly introduce him to my other signed bands; Radiohead just heard it and wants him to go on their next tour” etc…
Also realised today that my gig at The Bedford (London) will be streamed live over the internet so even if you live miles away you can make a couple of clicky noises with your mouse and still watch. If you would like me to dedicate a song to you live then get in touch 
click here to get to the website but remember it is not until 23rd May >>>> www.thebedford.co.uk
Will be performing at The Fleece & Firkin in Bristol on June 14th it would be another chance for you to come and hear the original material. Ticket informatin will be available soon and an event invitation will be forwarded to you via facebook if you have joined my group on there.
This weekend I will be at The Grove – Taunton (Friday) and Ammos – W-s-M (Sunday) so if you are in the area why not come for a listen and to say hi?
On a lighter note if you play ‘Words With Friends’ on your iPhone and fancy a match then you can find me with the user name ‘ryaninglis.com’ If you beat me I will give you a free track of your choice now that’s a hard offer to turn down!
30/03/11
Right then a new change of plan with the music video… given the budget I have decided that I am going to get KLEE Photography to take a series of pictures which will tell a story… which I need to write/storybord. Trying to film something thats not going to end up being dull and limited is gonna be difficult so I think a series of stills will be much better; give more options and keep costs down not to mention KLEE has a unique style in her work that will stand out. Also I can do the editing myself. I feel confident this is the direction I want to take. I also read that Pulitzer prize winning photographer Eddie Adams said “Still photographs are the most powerful weapon in the world. People believe them, but photographs do lie, even without manipulation. They are only half-truths” – with this in mind it is in keeping with the theme of the song and the lyrics.
Saw Limitless last night and I could definitely go for a stash of those drugs… If you haven’t seen it I totally recommend it. Made me feel slightly energised afterwards and put me in a great frame of mind today to get things together. Been listening to Rich Maya’s version of Everybody Wants To Rule The World which I highly recommend, listened to it 5 times in a row now.
I have some demo recordings from Steve (Hatton – Bass) and Sam (Evans – Drums) to add my vocals and acoustic guitar to. Gonna try and get it done over the next few days then Adam (Chetland – Lead Guitar) & Hannah (Johns – Violin) can add their parts – then we should be ready to get them recorded properly at Abbey Road which I have alreay enquired about a second visit to which I am waiting to hear back about some possible dates.
I have some new photos to put up soon from Sam Fawcett who kindly offered a shoot for me and a few other local artists (Johnny Edgar and Adam/Alex Lipinski) should be up in next couple of days.
Only other task today is to have another little look at my guitar course and see if I can get the 6th week finished. I have not done anything with it for weeks as I just didn’t know what to do next… but feeling a little more focused recently so it’s time to get back into the swing of things.
22nd April the band will be playing at 15 Hands Festival. I have purchased an advertising slot on the flyer which I hope will attract some attention and our slot is main support on the Friday. We (the band) have 9 songs in total that are ready to play at your ears so would love to see you there.
27/03/11
Back from my private booking in Kent, handed out a few cards to hopefully gain some further bookings and enjoyed my time with some friends. Decades went well with regards to the band performance; I’m pretty sure there were no mistakes at all! The turnout was a little thin on the ground but a big thanks to those of you who were there and I’m very happy that you all had a great time.Also having tested Starlight out at the gig and getting some very positive comments it is a strong contender for the follow up single to Secret.
Off to Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition on Saturday to hand out some CD’s and see if I can get into Glasto somehow. Fingers crossed my music will get into the right hands and something will happen… If not I still get to see some cool new bands and have an evening out so it’s all good.
I have a list of new covers to learn over the next couple of days due to gigs booked with Adam Barmaki. Some of them are a bit questionable (Barbie Girl – Aqua) but work is work… plus it’s great fun playing with Adam
Looks like I will be performing at The Fleece in Bristol at the beginning of June with my awesome band so will be promoting that very soon. It will be a singer/songwriter showcase and I will aim to get some footage of it too.
APRIL 22nd!! 15 Hands Festival in Bristol (The Thunderbolt) If you wanna hear myself and my band performing the original material get yourself down there.
25/03/11
Been talking to Richard Browne again today with regards to the music video and he helped put a few things into perspective. With the budget I am willing to pay to make it I am basically restricted to filming in ONE day in ONE location with emphasis being on a good story. How about that for a tricky situation… with this in mind it has to be fully storyboarded in advance and every shot predetermined. Time to start pulling in some favours from friends I feel.
Apart from that I am currently preparing for my bands gig tonight at Decades in W-s-M – for every cider that is bought £1 goes towards my skydive sponsorship and I’m hoping it will be a good turn out tonight. Some of my original material will be in the setlist as well as our favourite covers so I am looking fwd to it. Off to soundcheck at 7pm
Also been transferring all my covers from sheets in folders onto my laptop so they are easier to find and access. Currently at nearly 400 songs in my setlist which I feel is enough for now. Just need to get writing more original material… some upcoming collaborations will hopefully get the juices flowing again.
23/03/11
Been working on my portfolio today with help from my friend and current life coach Jo Merry; she’s definitely helping me get my ass in gear and get on with work! Last nights rehearsals went well and some songs have taken a new direction. Here are the ones I edited today for your listening pleasure. Obviously the room mic isn’t the highest quality but they don’t call them ‘basement tapes’ for nothing eh?!
21/03/11
Been starting the storyboard for the music video and have had some ideas but I’m not entirely sure yet on how to put them all together. I have been in contact with someone today who might be good to get involved… I am looking for something artistic and thoughtful which will have enough going on to warrant a second or third viewing. Also something that loops from end to beginning so the it makes even more sense the second time you watch it.
Been watching some of Jamie Childs work (director) and found this which I thought was indeed thought provoking
Steve & Sam have recorded demo versions of the drums for 5 of the next tracks to go into the studio with. A few changes have been made to fully grasp the dynamic shifts in the songs and now with some demo recordings we can really iron out the bits that might need changing/adding etc… and to see how everything intertwines. We are not doing things by half! Karl is working on Secret as we speak and I’ve said it before but once the first single is done everything else should fall into place quite nicely.
18/03/11
Ok, so this month has not been going too well with productivity and to be honest I’ve been feeling a little lost and overwhelmed by what needs to be done. However today I have had a tarot reading, whether you think it’s mumbo jumbo or not it still helped to give me a clearer mind and actually made me feel better about things. I have lost my focus recently and I know I need to get it back. I just don’t know exactly how to do that… It does feel like I have put too much on my shoulders and I need to enlist more help from those around but in the last few moments a lot of ideas and plans of action have come to mind.
Firstly I have been to visit Karl G today, he’s been busy with moving house and so it has taken a while to get together. We listened to the track and I pointed out some of the edits that I intend to make after chatting to Mark Ely. Karl will have a play around with it over the next couple of days. In the studio on Monday with Tony Hobden to divide up the tracks for Karl to manipulate and also we can make the edits.
I have finally decided on what I want to do with the music video too. I think it would be beneficial to include as many people from my local area as is feasible to appear in the video as well as including local businesses and venues to take some of the scenes… As the track is called ‘Secret’ I want to portray a ‘chinese whispers’ scenario whereby an action at the beggining of the video starts a chain of events which sees people telling each other the secret throughout the town. Now W-s-M, much like a whole host of other places in the world is quite close knit and news travels quickly – I think this makes the video idea quite apt… also with local businesses involved I intend to sell video time to them; for a small fee (let’s say £20) a 10 second scene will be shot in their venue. This will help towards costs of the video and also help them with publicity and advertising as I believe most of W-s-M will eventually see it if ‘word gets around’ With lots of local people being involved in the video it opens itself up to being viewed by a much wider audience; if your mate is in it you are totally gonna watch it and show it to your mates aren’t you?
Anyway I will get contacting some local venues tonight and start spreading the word that I am looking for cameos from people like YOU. If you would like to take part in the video please get in touch. You will be doing nothing other than walking into somewhere and whispering in someones ear… sounds simple yeah?!
For all you investors reading this I have been aware of the time it has taken so far to get things moving but I do firmly believe once this first single is completed and publicised and on sale the rest of the work will be much easier to do. I don’t see any point in rushing things and certainly no point in recording an album that no one knows about. Gotta keep building up the name and reputation. It is very likely that over the course of the year I will be releasing singles leading up to the album release… slowly but surely building up the fanbase and hopefully encouraging sales that mean you all get your money back and we can maybe even turn a profit.
Right, better start storyboarding the video…
I am playing in Loves Cafe tonight if you are out
TalentWatch radio have been asking for tracks from artists linked to the site so should get some more exposure from there. If you have not checked out TalentWatch yet then please have a little look. It’s a great new site that will open up opportunities for unsigned musicians and helps showcase the most popular singer/songwriters (I am currently at number 6 overall
15/03/11
As you can see I have had a few days of not much going on. Here is an article which will appear in The Scene Magazine sometime in May The Scene Article.
Rehearsals went well last night and LOST is pretty much there. We will be recording demos of MY WEAKNESS, FEEL ANY FEELING & HOW THINGS CHANGE next as they are the most ready. Once that is done I will post them on here for a preview.
09/03/11
I would like to point you in the direction of Sian Cross who I played acoustic guitar for on a couple of her tracks which were recorded at Abbey Road sometime last year. If you like her style be sure to sign up to her mailing list.
I have been thinking about how long everything seems to be taking but I want to assure you (investors) that I am doing my best. I have been wondering whether it is the time to get some outside help as I am struggling to juggle so many balls and my motivation has a tendency to struggle sometimes. I have received a few encouraging messages from a few of you though which really does make my day so thanks for that. I am trying to get in the studio again with Tony Hobden to do some editing of the track and then get some time with Karl G but everyone is so busy it’s hard to get anyone to sit still for 2 minutes.
Last nights rehearsal was missing the violin so we worked on some alternative guitar parts for Adam. It really is hard to agree on what should definitely be part of the track and what should not but we have some nice new bits in Feel Any Feeling and How Things Change. Sam also brought up some gospel influences that he is into so might have a think about including some strings that are similar in some places. Oh if only we had a world class producer saying “this needs to be there” “that sounds great, we’ll keep that” and all those encouraging things that make you feel like you are going in the right direction… until then it feels a little bit like searching for the light switch in the dark.
If you are out there and you have some helping hand you are willing to put into the mix I’m all ears. I may have to get some skype meeting together with Slicethepie to get some more advice from them too.
Skydive stuff is going well though. I am very close to reaching full sponsorship (just need to get some pledges in) and also I have a potential 2 local businesses who will top up the remainder. I am still looking to get 40+ volunteers (currently at 25) so if you want to join in let me know.
07/03/11
Got a few more live recordings for you today; a couple from Belinda Lee Day who is a fantastic singer from W-s-M and one more cover from me performed last night at Ammos
For The First Time – The Script
Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
I’m afraid the rest of the day will be taken up with those mundane things in life such as laundry, tax spreadsheets, mobile phone hunting, travel organising, bank stuff and possibly watching a movie with friends… got to chill out sometime eh?!
06/03/11
Back home in good old Weston-super-Mare after a 4 day jaunt to the county of Devon. Gigs in Dartmouth, Totnes, Slapton and last night in Torquay with the one and only Matt Baker. Turns out the gig was for the 50th birthday of the wife of the guy who founded guitar techniques magazine… I’m pretty sure I recognised Shaun Baxter in the crowd too. Cool beans Here are a couple of bonus tracks for you to help yourselves to with myself and Matt.
Bad – Michael Jackson
I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
Home – Michael Buble
It Must Be Love – Madness
Currently listening to the FREE album RA from The Moon Band suggested to me by Carl Joughin whom I met at Mannifest Festival (Isle Of Man) last year. Try it out for yourself here… It’s actually pretty groovy baby
Playing at Ammos (W-s-M) tonight with a couple of guest singers and learning a few songs for tomorrows Illusions Open Mic Night (90′s Dance)
Only other thing worth mentioning is that I need to get back into the editing suite with Tony Hobden to cut some parts of Secret up to shorten the overall length and make some arrangement changes that were suggested by Mark Ely while I stayed with him on Wednesday evening. He pointed out some very obvious things that would make a lot of difference to the overall appeal of the song.
04/03/11
I have been offered a write up in The Scene magazine so have sent off some info today and some KLEE Photographs. Looking forward to seeing how it comes out.
I have a band gig at Decades on the 25th March which I would love to get a good crowd in for. 2 reasons being that a) it’s much nicer to play to a room full of happy, dancing people than a coughing barman and a few sporadic old timers slowly smoking themselves to oblivion and b) because every pint of cider bought on the night will put £1 towards the sponsorship of my skydive in August. So you have 2 great reasons to get your knees right out and drink the place dry
03/03/11
Well the main thing to come from today was the slight battle it took to secure a cancellation fee from a venue in Totnes that decided to cancel tonights gig last minute. It actually wasn’t so bad and they ended up being very reasonable but it could have easily gone another way. I think from now on I will be more inclined to use contracts for paid work. 99% of the time things are fine but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Been looking further into a website called My Major Company. It’s a record label essentially and if their A&R department see potential in you as a product they will put you forward for financing (£100,000!!) Needless to say I put myself forward and eagerely await their reply. Go to the website your selves by clicking the picture
Got a contact detail for The Pigs Nose in East Prawle from my friend Antonia Suner whilst in Dartmouth today which I hear is a totally awesome music venue where a lot of big names regularly drop in and perform. I think it will be worth calling them up and seeing if I can maybe get a support slot perhaps. Played at The Royal Castle last night and stayed with my friend Mark Ely who kindly put me up and also gave me some further ideas with the production of SECRET. Basically it is currently at about $mins 30secs and needs editing. I will implement Marks ideas as they did make sense to me too and see if it can get down to the 3min mark which anyone will tell you is the aim for any single to be considered to radio play and general release.
Been asked if I would like a write up about myself in Scene It magazine. Naturally I jumped at the chance to get some added exposure so will let you know how that goes as soon as I get some confirmation. Also enquired about the AEON festival, The Barrelhouse (Totnes) and Sunrise Celebrations.
In other news I have now got to 30% sponsorship for my skydive in Aug. If you would be happy to chuck £1 or £2 in the pot them please follow this little badge link below
Online Diary (February 2011)
Mar 3, 2011 Latest News
28/02/11
Put the 22nd April in your diaries as myself and my band will be performing at The Thunderbolt in Bristol for the Fifteenhands Festival. Songs from the upcoming album have been re-arranged and brought to life with guitar & violin lines and an amazing rhythm section. This is the ONLY planned band performance of the album material so be sure to get involved. Click the image below to get to the official website – also here is the FACEBOOK event link
I will be mostly learning some covers today as I have some gigs coming up that require something new. Playing with Jo Williams on 12th March so some Adele is on the cards and with Matt Baker on 5th March which demands some Michael Buble numbers. Also trying to organise a time to meet up with Karl G so we can make more progress with ‘Secret’ looking like it will be sometime next week. Richard Browne and I are overdue a meeting so will sort that out too. He has some footage that I need to get edited. The music video needs scripting which I do actually have an idea for so will make a start on that later.
Just edited a couple of tracks from last nights gig for a friend who wanted them. The recording was damaged on one side of the stereo so I had to normalise both mono files.. this made the quality a little ropey but have a listen to No Diggity and Feel Any Feeling performed live at The Five Alls in Chepstow last night
25/02/11
Been working on some more ‘relaxation music’ for Jo Merry. The purpose of them is to sell CD’s of the music at tarot and healing parties that Jo hosts. It’s a great opportunity to make a few extra quid to help with the bills and gets my creative juices flowing on the old ivories. Will post some of the work soon.
I have put the Blackbird up on my TALENTWATCH profile. If you would be up for registering and rating it my rankings would go up and added exposure always helps (Went from 9th place to 6th over night because of ratings so far). They are talking of getting the popular artists radio play soon too. Your help would be, as always, very much appreciated. If you are a musician or know of one then be sure to let them know about the site. It’s always good to get yourself out there on various sites; you never know who might find you there.
Chad Price is a musician on Slicethepie that has a little further to go to reach his $4000 target. If you have any vouchers or fancy helping him out with some cash then click his photo. He promises (as did I) to return your investment fully as well as offering a percentage of sales… you never know how far he could go and if you like his sound then all the better
Playing in Tewkesbury (Farmers Arms) tonight with Lorna T and spending the day writing some relaxing piano parts. I may also get to see my sister, bro in law, niece & nephew a bit later on which is cool beans.
23/02/11
It’s pretty much been all about the Skydive today. Putting together some letters and confirming volunteers etc… Also been in contact with Mama Stones in Exeter about getting a slot to play my songs. Got a gig confirmed at Ammos on Sunday 6th March in Weston so come along if you are at a loose end. Been editing some live recordings as well but cannot upload until I have mixed them a little at home.
I like to use this space to let you see or hear what my friends get up to and also people I feel have something you might be intereted in. My friend Stacey Clarke makes time lapse painting videos and I would like to share this one with you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCfEVDIRh1U
22/02/11
So that was an interesting weekend! Lots of gigging, partying and catching up on sleep… I won’t bore you with the details I have a few rehearsal recordings to share with you today. We have worked out a pretty much finished idea for For You, How Things Change, My Weakness & One Step At A Time. Hear for yourself but be aware it is rough around the edges
I’m happy with pretty much all of this. The lead guitar parts fit between everything nicely and the acoustic comes through. The violin smooths over the pre-chorus. The violin part in the chorus is my fave; the little flutter into the short notes (which could maybe be a little more sustained?) Noticed some nice bassline parts that I enjoyed but on the whole it sticks to what a bass does best; following the kick.
The inclusion of the violin hook at the begginging really changes the feel of the intro as does the quick 2 beat. There are definite changes at each new section of the song which helps it grow – working hard to work with dynamics as much as possible. The groove between Steve and Sam is great as well as the different rhythms the lead (Adam) is playing. The build before the last chorus has a little tense violin part which I was pleased to have thought of on that particular day. The acoustic lead part at the end will be worked on and definitely included
The main difference with this is the added hook in the chorus from the vocal and violin working together in harmony. Also I am strumming some sections whilst picking others to make sure there is not too much going on in the bridge. Need to make sure no instrument is tripping over the other. There is more work to be done to smooth some areas but it’s getting very close
One Step At A Time – Rehearsal
As you may notice from listening to the end the chords need to be decided on further but all in all I think this song is pretty much there with another rehearsal. This is the most recent song I have written – it came about since I seemed to have a lot on my plate with regards to organising all this music stuff as well keeping myself sane and rich enough to pay all my bills… but it can always be worse hence the second verse. The middle section has no lyrics and I was thinking of leaving it that way; a good few seconds of instrumental for you to comtemplate within. The last chorus changes from minor to major to lift the song in a positive way because I don’t want to leave the listener in a bad mood when it finishes – this way they may feel right to hear it again
We also worked further on Feel Any Feeling, Forgive Me, Look FWD, There’s A Scene & If I Fall but they are not as ready to play to you yet. Looking at some of the reviews for Secret from Slicethepie too…
Score: 8/10
The intor is beautiful, well composted, gentle, soothing, I love it. I would listen to it over and over again. The vocalist has emotion and meaning. The lyrics are brilliant.
Score: 10/10
what a great song, relaxing to listen to instrumentally and the voclas were so natural and nice and emotionally connected. I was left wanting to listen to the song again, and commerically thats what we need and want from a song.
Score: 10/10
Beautiful lovely song,I like this vocals on this track, this guy really takes his time, and put his all into this song.
Score: 9/10
the singing was just wow! THe acoustic guitar was beautifully done and well strummed as well. the melody was surely memorable and engaging. a really strong presecen but it was the vocals that gave one awesome and moving execution.
Score: 8/10
I think that this song has a rather interesting guitar sound. I think that the melody and the rhythm are fine. I think that the singer has a rather pleasant voice. I think that this is a song by an artists who has a rather good vocal ability. I liked the complex manner of this song. I think that this is a rather strong track.
Score: 8/10
The guitar rhythm was nice and did a good job of laying down a backdrop for the singing voice, which hit all of its notes well (sounded amazing on the falsetto notes) and this track was well written melodically as well, good track.
On an unrelated note I would like to point you in the direction of another local artist I think is awesome. Rich Maya has been coming to my open mic at Illusions for the last couple of weeks and has some great material for you to buy… get it in your ears!
17/02/11
16/02/11
Been with Tony today doing more on the main mix. Notes are here for you to check out Secret Mixing Notes 160211. Mixed the live version of Blackbird too which we are now trying to put together with the video for your viewing and listening pleasure.
Got a gig in Cornwall (Vertigo) on 5th May so will be in the Cornwall/Devon area that whole weekend including Dartmouth Festival.
Kate Lee (KLEE Photography) has gone ahead and made a mouse mat with my face on it… have a look
I would also like to point you in the direction of my friend Matt Reynolds (Red Dust Road) as they have an EP free to download. If you have a sec please get yourself a copy and have a listen.
15/02/11
Sitting in Loves Cafe… doing some things for my friends today as I am on hold until my motivation comes back; Tony is ill again so mixing has to wait a while longer for Secret. My guitar course has got about 50% complete but I need to think of some more ideas to finish it off. Last couple of gigs have been pretty awesome Illusions and The Shield & Dagger in Bristol.
My frind Jo Merry is hosting an evening of Tarot and Healing at Loves Cafe on 3rd March.
Bought a friend of mine (Suchy)’s 3 singles on iTunes today >> You can buy them by following this link.
I need to get my iPod charged up again. It only has local original music on it as I like to listen to the hard work of those musicians around me. As a strong believer in karma I like to buy everyones CD’s (local unsigned) so as to support them, enjoy their music and hope that it will in turn mean I sell a few of my own. The universe kinda works in that way I think.
Going to promote my Illusions Magic Bar Open Mic Night (Beatles) today.
Looking to encourage more Bristol musicians to come along and join in. The theme is there to make it interesting for everyone (you only need to do 1 song based on the theme to get on stage) and everyone is encouraged to jam together. Also there are quick change overs but you get to go on stage more than once which I think is better than getting an alotted time and then that’s it. If you are a singer/guitarist/pianist you should come and meet the awesome guys who have turned up so far. I have already met some great new contacts from these nights.
Here is a copy of the advert I paid for in ‘Bridal Dreams’ magazine for potentially more wedding gigs RIB Advert
10/02/11
The BIG news is that the vocals for Secret have been comp’ed and mixed. I would love to play you what has been done so far but I must be patient and wait until the whole thing is finished.. it sounds amazing though! It took two hours but it was time well spent. Here are the updated mixing notes Secret Mixing Notes 100211. If you are reading this I would like you to have a look at this Facebook Group >>> LET’S GET A SLICETHEPIE FUNDED ARTIST INTO THE CHARTS. I am aiming to try and get as many people as possible to buy Secret from iTunes in the space of one week to gain a charting position. This will achieve more exposure and a greater potential fanbase for when the album is ready – this of course is better for investors and my music all round. I will need to be sure the track has a unique code and is eligible in all ways.
Played at Vaults tonight in Yeovil (with Lorna Thomas, Lucas Thomas and Hannah Johns) where I got to meet some new faces and play my little songs. I performed If I Fall, For You, My Weakness, Grounds For Divorce (Elbow) How Things Change, Secret & Red Alert. Met a singer/songwriter called Jorden Lindsay who is well worth checking out… go on have a look
Been a busy couple of days; sorting more of the Skydive out and an event to be hosted in Weston in Aug 5th-7th with help from Steve Young (Streetfest) and The RNLI. More information to follow but Steve is really on the ball with event orgainsing and is a god send for the possibility of getting Footprint on the seafront this year showcasing the local talent that is on offer.
Got a gig sorted at The Bedford in London for 23rd May. Will be looking to find some more slots in the area over that week so I can stay there for a few days. Contacted Glasswerk, The Monto, The Regal Rooms & The Trobadour. Will see if it comes of anything, if not I will try elsewhere and get myself playing in London for a week. This came about when I met Mark Parker at Illusions Magic Bar – we got chatting and he passed on a contact. He’s been really helpful finding the right people to talk to when looking for a stage in London. The old adage about being in the right place at the right time is always true but being pleasant and chatty to new people is such a great way to gain new opportunities. Also got some help from George Eason and Elaine Buckle (both who organise events in London)
Spoke to Omni Spencer about a festival he is putting on in Bristol on 22nd – 25th April (CLICK HERE for details) May be getting a slot on the Friday which would be great. Will wait for confirmation but you should check it out if you are looking to play in Bristol. He runs an agency as well… CLICK HERE. Sorted out my gigs for Dartmouth Festival at the beginning of May. details are on my gig diary.
08/02/11
Today has been pretty productive so far; sorted a few more gigs which have been added to the GIG DIARY. Created an event for the next Illusions Magic Bar Open Mic Night. Looking forward to tonights band rehearsal as we are gonna polish up another few songs with Hannah Johns on hand with her trusty ‘beast’ of a violin. Been chatting to Handley Bird-Kellogg about some styling work to be done with regards to clothing and an ‘image’ for the band which needs to be in place before the photoshoot with KLEE Photography and the imminent music video for Secret (which is being mixed further tomorrow morning) Booked my train ticket for a gig in Kent (Private Wedding) and eaten some great food at LOVES CAFE
07/02/11
Been in the studio with Tony Hobden today to make a start on mixing Secret. I have made some notes of the process and turned them into a PDF for your perusal Secret Mixing Notes 07/02/11 also just for those of you who take the time to come and read this stuff I have decided to let you have an exclusive sneak peek at the track so far. It does not include vocals or acoustic guitar as we will continue the mix on Wednesday but will give you an idea of the direction the track is heading in
Ordered some more beer mats from Kall Kwik today. This will be my third order as they are going thick and fast. I am hoping people have been taking them with a view to booking at a later date. You never know who’s hands they will end up in. Would like to say a massive thenks to KallKwik of Weston-super-Mare (Stuart) for his professionalism and reasonable prices… if you have any printing needs I throughly endorse his work. email him on sales@weston.kallkwik.co.uk
It’s been a whole week of stagnation I’m sorry to say. Been gigging of course; Street Inn on Friday which was great as a few friends came along too. Saturday was a private band gig in Pill and yesterday I played at Cafe Grounded in Redfield (Bristol) Tonight is Illusions open mic night so will be going through a few 80′s songs for that as that is the theme. Also been fiddling with my nylon strung guitar with songs such as Big Love – Fleetwood Mac & Shape Of My Heart – Sting and wondering whether I should use it to record One Step At A Time. I think the tone would suit the song.
In the studio with Tony Hobden today to mix Secret and the live version of Blackbird I did at Abbey Road. Will be very much happy to show you the video of the live performance very soon. The audio that is to go with it should be mighty creamy Going to need to start thinking about ideas for a video for Secret… here are the lyrics, if any of you have any particular ideas please send them in and if used you will get credited
SECRET:
Could you keep a secret
Could you be strong and hide it from the world
Or would it burn a hole in your mind
And spend most of it’s time
With a view from the tip of your tongue
Could you find the right words
Or end up not knowing what to say
Should the curtain reveal
Should the truth stay concealed
Or would it make much more sense
To remain on the fence and leave….
Leave this story’s characters be
‘Cause rumours could lead to grief
A secret stays a secret with me
“I know something you dont know”
but i wont let those whispers go
Did you make the right choice?
Or is the cat out of the bag again?
Did the actions you take
Lead to sadness and heartache
Would it have made much more sense
To remain on the fence and leave…
CHORUS x2
I have a nice weekend away in Devon planned for the first week of March. Playing in Dartmouth, Slapton and Totnes so I will get a chance to see Mark Ely (Eastertown) and spend some time with my dad and auntie Clare As far as this week goes I am choc-a-bloc; tonight in Illusions, tomo rehearsal with the band, Weds London Inn acoustic night, Thurs playing in Vaults (Yeovil) Fri at Illusions again, Sat playing at the Shield & Dagger (Bristol) so all that is left is to make the most of the daytime hours… please lord my you grant me with some motivation as I am struggling to get out of bed at a sensible hour