Online Diary (February 2011)

Mar 3, 2011 Latest News
Posted by ryan

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

No Diggity Feel Any Feeling

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

For You – Rehearsal

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.

How Things Change – Rehearsal

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

My Weakness – Rehearsal

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

Secret (Mix 1 070211)

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