Saturday nights gig went exceptionally well and I think it all has to be put down to the amount of practise I put in leading up to the night. I was confident with my songs, confident with my guitar playing and my voice had been preparing for weeks and with a small warm up on the day, I was confident that it too would do me proud.
That's not too say there wasn't an air of nerves about me before the gig because, sitting in the bar enjoying a pre-show drink, I was extremely twitchy and noticeably agitated. I think because of the preparation I had put into this show I desperately wanted it to go well.
There were three other acts on the bill on Saturday, JD, Cameron Murray and The Random Vandals, who were all excellent in their own way. A little highlight for me though was the jazzy, bass led cover of a Greenday track by The Random Vandals. Was a nice break in their stripped down, pop-punk set. (Something which anyone who's been to college has sat through time after time)
The bizarre thing about Saturday night though was the audience. Mostly made up of younger college students, they were silent throughout each performance but then erupting into applause after each song. Could it be that the acts playing were really that absorbing and attention demanding? Did the songs really grab the young audiences that much? Or was it something to do with the lady telling people to sssshhhhhh if they spoke during a song? Either way, from a performers point of view it was great to feel like you were playing to an audience who actually wanted to listen to your music.
I recorded my set and the result is great - tracks from this recording will be available, probably as a free download, very soon. Probably keep your eyes and ears in the direction of the Live'N'Up myspace for details.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Somerset Music Hub
Yesterday there was a trade show held at The Perfect 5th in Taunton to help spurr on the development of the Somerset Music Hub.
In attendance were some of the local venue owners, promoters, and various other music and creative industry types from around Somerset. The idea was to create abit of a networking opportunity during the day, followed by a discussion on the Somerset Music Hub, and what it could potentially do for the local music scene.
I'm all for the idea of linking up the various businesses and organizations which are dotted around Somerset and its surrounding areas. It's surprising how a short 20 minute drive can completely separate different scenes and mean that bands from say, Yeovil, struggle to gig or gain popularity in somewhere like Taunton, and visa versa.
There was a lot of talk last night about government grants and Arts Council funding and how people in the South West can tap into that money to help their businesses. There seemed to be more of a focus on that then there was on the idea of linking good business ideas with potential customers.
What Somerset needs is not funding from the Arts Council or a singular grant from the government. It needs a sustainable structure to support its creative businesses. If there aren't the willing paying customers wanting to see live music then your venue wont succeed as a business. Simple as. Government money wont solve that. It just helps you to continue with a bad business model. It encourages lazy musicians and artists to avoid reality and the long term effects run deeper then the purely financial.
I am very encouraged to see people with a passion for music trying to make things better for the local music scene and I will be getting involved and trying to help as much as I can. I just pray that people look for realistic solutions to their problems and don't just turn towards the Arts Council.
In attendance were some of the local venue owners, promoters, and various other music and creative industry types from around Somerset. The idea was to create abit of a networking opportunity during the day, followed by a discussion on the Somerset Music Hub, and what it could potentially do for the local music scene.
I'm all for the idea of linking up the various businesses and organizations which are dotted around Somerset and its surrounding areas. It's surprising how a short 20 minute drive can completely separate different scenes and mean that bands from say, Yeovil, struggle to gig or gain popularity in somewhere like Taunton, and visa versa.
There was a lot of talk last night about government grants and Arts Council funding and how people in the South West can tap into that money to help their businesses. There seemed to be more of a focus on that then there was on the idea of linking good business ideas with potential customers.
What Somerset needs is not funding from the Arts Council or a singular grant from the government. It needs a sustainable structure to support its creative businesses. If there aren't the willing paying customers wanting to see live music then your venue wont succeed as a business. Simple as. Government money wont solve that. It just helps you to continue with a bad business model. It encourages lazy musicians and artists to avoid reality and the long term effects run deeper then the purely financial.
I am very encouraged to see people with a passion for music trying to make things better for the local music scene and I will be getting involved and trying to help as much as I can. I just pray that people look for realistic solutions to their problems and don't just turn towards the Arts Council.
Monday, 23 March 2009
I'm Grinding My Teeth Again
I had stopped for a month or so but it's come back. I can only imagine that in a few months, if this continues, I will required dentures.
I'm looking forward to my gig at The Brewhouse on Saturday night. My once-a-day rehearsals have been paying off and I'm feeling really confident that the show will go well. I guess that's the thing about rehearsing. Although the songs haven't changed and my ability hasn't greatly improved, my confidence has and I have no nagging doubts about any of my songs. This should lead to a better, more relaxed performance.
And I still have a week to go through the set and get myself completely prepared for the performance. I don't think I've been this ready for a gig since I started the acoustic music.
I did some more location recording the other day up at Great Woods. I'm not so worried about creating a natural sound scape this time like I did in my last piece, but I'm more interested in just using some natural, organic textures as basic samples to see where I end up. The results so far are encouraging but the actual recording session was an interesting learning experience.
Where's the skill in location recording?
Not in the operating of the equipment and not in the post-production of the recordings.
The skill lies in the ability to scout out the locations. To get yourself to that space, away from other human beings, away from traffic or any other unwanted sound source. To find that location and patiently wait, listening intently to your surroundings to find the sounds you want. The skill lies in your ability to become apart of that location and to submerge yourself within the natural ambiance of that place.
If you fail to do this then you will fail to get good location recordings.
I'm looking forward to my gig at The Brewhouse on Saturday night. My once-a-day rehearsals have been paying off and I'm feeling really confident that the show will go well. I guess that's the thing about rehearsing. Although the songs haven't changed and my ability hasn't greatly improved, my confidence has and I have no nagging doubts about any of my songs. This should lead to a better, more relaxed performance.
And I still have a week to go through the set and get myself completely prepared for the performance. I don't think I've been this ready for a gig since I started the acoustic music.
I did some more location recording the other day up at Great Woods. I'm not so worried about creating a natural sound scape this time like I did in my last piece, but I'm more interested in just using some natural, organic textures as basic samples to see where I end up. The results so far are encouraging but the actual recording session was an interesting learning experience.
Where's the skill in location recording?
Not in the operating of the equipment and not in the post-production of the recordings.
The skill lies in the ability to scout out the locations. To get yourself to that space, away from other human beings, away from traffic or any other unwanted sound source. To find that location and patiently wait, listening intently to your surroundings to find the sounds you want. The skill lies in your ability to become apart of that location and to submerge yourself within the natural ambiance of that place.
If you fail to do this then you will fail to get good location recordings.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Ambience
n. The special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment.
I was imagining the other day what it would be like to have a bare, empty exhibition room, and to then fill it with the sound of crashing waves, running water and constant dripping. Or perhaps the rustle of leaves as wind filters amongst them, or the rhythmic scraping of somebody planing a piece of wood.
I would probably want to couple these sounds with some form of synthesised melody, just to create more of a structure to the piece, but I just thought it would be brilliant to create this parallel space to the outside world. Outside it may be noisy from traffic, cold or rainy, but only a few steps away, inside this room it could be something completely different.
Well in the same week I found myself reading in The Wire magazine about ambient music.
For many, ambient music was a back lash against the 'in ya face', obviously powerful effects of rock and pop music. Whereas rock music uses loud guitars, thumping drums and soaring, sing-along choruses to grab your attention, ambient music relied on constant but subtle sounds to gradually alter your emotions. You may perhaps ignore them at first as they compete with other background noise, but eventually they take hold within your subconscious and drastically alter how you feel.
When we think of ambient music, we think about sound-scapes, electronic textures and layers of subtle groove and repetition but it can also take a more recognisable form.
Think how many pop songs by artists such as Girls Aloud, Will Young and Coldplay seem to just be constantly making themselves know to us yet never being fully listened to or acknowledged? How many times have you been driving along with the radio on, perhaps tapping your finger along to the beat but not actually knowing or caring what the song was? Its just there in the background having a subtle effect deep in you subconscious.
The point I'm drawing from this is that if we rate how great a piece of music is from its instant effect it has on us, its capability to move us or excite us, then we are completely ignoring a whole wave of powerful music made by great songwriters and musicians that are just as moving and just as emotive, but approach us in a completely different way.
I was imagining the other day what it would be like to have a bare, empty exhibition room, and to then fill it with the sound of crashing waves, running water and constant dripping. Or perhaps the rustle of leaves as wind filters amongst them, or the rhythmic scraping of somebody planing a piece of wood.
I would probably want to couple these sounds with some form of synthesised melody, just to create more of a structure to the piece, but I just thought it would be brilliant to create this parallel space to the outside world. Outside it may be noisy from traffic, cold or rainy, but only a few steps away, inside this room it could be something completely different.
Well in the same week I found myself reading in The Wire magazine about ambient music.
For many, ambient music was a back lash against the 'in ya face', obviously powerful effects of rock and pop music. Whereas rock music uses loud guitars, thumping drums and soaring, sing-along choruses to grab your attention, ambient music relied on constant but subtle sounds to gradually alter your emotions. You may perhaps ignore them at first as they compete with other background noise, but eventually they take hold within your subconscious and drastically alter how you feel.
When we think of ambient music, we think about sound-scapes, electronic textures and layers of subtle groove and repetition but it can also take a more recognisable form.
Think how many pop songs by artists such as Girls Aloud, Will Young and Coldplay seem to just be constantly making themselves know to us yet never being fully listened to or acknowledged? How many times have you been driving along with the radio on, perhaps tapping your finger along to the beat but not actually knowing or caring what the song was? Its just there in the background having a subtle effect deep in you subconscious.
The point I'm drawing from this is that if we rate how great a piece of music is from its instant effect it has on us, its capability to move us or excite us, then we are completely ignoring a whole wave of powerful music made by great songwriters and musicians that are just as moving and just as emotive, but approach us in a completely different way.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Time To Get Serious
I'm not going to smoke anymore. And I'm going to start singing out loud at least once every day. I'm also going to try and remember to spend some time everyday going through deep breathing routines to try and expand and strengthen my diaphragm muscles. (I think I'm correct in what I just said)
I've decided I want to work on my vocal and really get it to its absolute best, just like Will Young.
I guess its from an increasing desire to deliver great, consistent performances. I know that I'm not the best guitar player out there, I seem to struggle to hit the right strings and get my hands in the right positions sometimes, but I am absolutely sure that I have a naturally great voice and for me to not capitalise on that would just be stupid!
I don't want to go too over the top though. I'm not going to start drinking honey and cutting out spicy foods. I just want to be able to use my voice to demonstrate a higher level of emotion, of texture and dynamics. I want to increase my range so that I can project depth and warmth from my voice instead of just soaring highs.
Plus perhaps if my voice was a little stronger with a little more character, I might find myself recording more vocal harmonies etc for my electronic work. That would be nice.
I've decided I want to work on my vocal and really get it to its absolute best, just like Will Young.
I guess its from an increasing desire to deliver great, consistent performances. I know that I'm not the best guitar player out there, I seem to struggle to hit the right strings and get my hands in the right positions sometimes, but I am absolutely sure that I have a naturally great voice and for me to not capitalise on that would just be stupid!
I don't want to go too over the top though. I'm not going to start drinking honey and cutting out spicy foods. I just want to be able to use my voice to demonstrate a higher level of emotion, of texture and dynamics. I want to increase my range so that I can project depth and warmth from my voice instead of just soaring highs.
Plus perhaps if my voice was a little stronger with a little more character, I might find myself recording more vocal harmonies etc for my electronic work. That would be nice.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
I Just Got Mayonnaise On My Mouse
Last weekend was busy. I didn't even see a musical instrument for the whole three days so this week I am feeling especially musical.
Despite my recent posts describing my lack of enthusiasm for Tauntons growing open mic scene, I have decided to get off my arse and start playing out at The Winch again on a Wednesday night. A break from the routine was much needed but I miss the people and I miss the stage. Plus I have an acoustic gig at the end of the month so I want to test out some new songs and some re-workings of older songs. I will be there tonight with a fresh energy - exactly what the night needs in my opinion.
My continuing focus for the coming months however will not be on the acoustic stuff - that can take care of itself - but on my electronic projects.
My first piece coupling ambient location recordings with synthesised sounds is complete and will be online soon.
This short track entitled 'Immersion' is a seriously laid-back piece using close recordings of running water and of the shoreline at Wimbleball Lake. It took alot of work for me to get the overall sound that I had in my head but it was definitely worth the hours.
The next project which is currently still in the planning stage is a soundtrack for a short suspense movie. The plot follows a 'stalker' type character as he follows his subject around her everyday activities. I'm very interested in using sound and music to create tension and suspense but without there ever being a conclusion. You will never be sure exactly how the plot finishes but will hopefully be left with your heart racing.
My blogging over the last week or so hasn't been as frequent as I would like - I've had alot to think about to be honest. Over the next few weeks/months however, I am going to pick up the pace again to detail, explain and complain about the projects mentioned above along with anything else that's on my mind.
Despite my recent posts describing my lack of enthusiasm for Tauntons growing open mic scene, I have decided to get off my arse and start playing out at The Winch again on a Wednesday night. A break from the routine was much needed but I miss the people and I miss the stage. Plus I have an acoustic gig at the end of the month so I want to test out some new songs and some re-workings of older songs. I will be there tonight with a fresh energy - exactly what the night needs in my opinion.
My continuing focus for the coming months however will not be on the acoustic stuff - that can take care of itself - but on my electronic projects.
My first piece coupling ambient location recordings with synthesised sounds is complete and will be online soon.
This short track entitled 'Immersion' is a seriously laid-back piece using close recordings of running water and of the shoreline at Wimbleball Lake. It took alot of work for me to get the overall sound that I had in my head but it was definitely worth the hours.
The next project which is currently still in the planning stage is a soundtrack for a short suspense movie. The plot follows a 'stalker' type character as he follows his subject around her everyday activities. I'm very interested in using sound and music to create tension and suspense but without there ever being a conclusion. You will never be sure exactly how the plot finishes but will hopefully be left with your heart racing.
My blogging over the last week or so hasn't been as frequent as I would like - I've had alot to think about to be honest. Over the next few weeks/months however, I am going to pick up the pace again to detail, explain and complain about the projects mentioned above along with anything else that's on my mind.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Repetition
Creativity can become repetitive and dull, much in the same way that a 9 - 5 can. Getting up onstage at the same open mic night, with the same people, playing the same songs, in the same kind of format - well it just gets boring after a while.
That's one of the reasons why I have been holding myself back from getting involved with anything like open mic. I know that after a month or too, being there every night and doing the same thing would just become boring. The difference is, if you are running the night, you can't simply take a week off. Can you even really shake things up every once in a while to keep yourself interested?
I went to the open mic night at The Winch last night. Everything was exactly the same as when I was last there almost a month ago. I used to get a little creative buzz from being there and would find myself itching to get up onstage and play, sometimes twice in one night. Last night though I was happy to block out the music all together and simply chat to my friends.
This isn't a love of music that is dying though. Recently I have bought some fantastic records that have really got my creative juices flowing. And I have been constantly developing ideas on paper for my next electronic project which should really push me out of my comfort zone. I guess its just the routine that's bugging me.
Same place, same time, same people, same songs, same format.
Hmmphh
That's one of the reasons why I have been holding myself back from getting involved with anything like open mic. I know that after a month or too, being there every night and doing the same thing would just become boring. The difference is, if you are running the night, you can't simply take a week off. Can you even really shake things up every once in a while to keep yourself interested?
I went to the open mic night at The Winch last night. Everything was exactly the same as when I was last there almost a month ago. I used to get a little creative buzz from being there and would find myself itching to get up onstage and play, sometimes twice in one night. Last night though I was happy to block out the music all together and simply chat to my friends.
This isn't a love of music that is dying though. Recently I have bought some fantastic records that have really got my creative juices flowing. And I have been constantly developing ideas on paper for my next electronic project which should really push me out of my comfort zone. I guess its just the routine that's bugging me.
Same place, same time, same people, same songs, same format.
Hmmphh
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
New Jotter
Yesterday there was a turning point in my life.
Turning points don't have to be big, one off, special occasions. They can happen everyday, with every decision you make.
My one yesterday was that, as I wandered into town to kill some time on my lunch-break, I decided to pop into Smiths and purchase a new notebook. My old one was now full with lyrics and poetry, some of which, in fact, most of which, dates back to my second year of college over two years ago.
As I walked back to work with my new notebook, I couldn't help planning the wonderful projects, songs and ideas that will unfold themselves over those fresh white pages.
I know its a little cliche to say it but a blank canvas holds so much potential. The possibilities are endless and it all has to start with you simply obtaining that fresh, clear space to outline your ideas.
My first project is basically a short suspense story. I originally conceived the idea as a potential short film plot but I am now planning on handing the completed idea over to artist Steve Mahn to hopefully inspire him to produce some illustrations relating to the plot. I am also going to follow the plot using some ambient field recordings to produce an accompanying soundtrack for the story.
All of this will of course be explored and developed in my new notebook.
Turning points don't have to be big, one off, special occasions. They can happen everyday, with every decision you make.
My one yesterday was that, as I wandered into town to kill some time on my lunch-break, I decided to pop into Smiths and purchase a new notebook. My old one was now full with lyrics and poetry, some of which, in fact, most of which, dates back to my second year of college over two years ago.
As I walked back to work with my new notebook, I couldn't help planning the wonderful projects, songs and ideas that will unfold themselves over those fresh white pages.
I know its a little cliche to say it but a blank canvas holds so much potential. The possibilities are endless and it all has to start with you simply obtaining that fresh, clear space to outline your ideas.
My first project is basically a short suspense story. I originally conceived the idea as a potential short film plot but I am now planning on handing the completed idea over to artist Steve Mahn to hopefully inspire him to produce some illustrations relating to the plot. I am also going to follow the plot using some ambient field recordings to produce an accompanying soundtrack for the story.
All of this will of course be explored and developed in my new notebook.
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