The final batch of Bonnie & Clyde promo dates found us heading south again, firstly with a show at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Long drive, that one, not helped by the Bank Holiday traffic, as soon as we got there we were straight into soundchecks and then onstage shortly after. Decent show; good audience including lots of tourists, nice big stage so we could stretch out a bit, great sound onstage (and off it, we hope, obviously), I like it when we can be fully loud and electric. Fantastic to catch up with my old mate Tracy before/after the gig too, been far too long. A quick drive through the valleys and we found ourselves in Ebbw Vale, where we stayed with Griff and Gaf's parents - we ate well and the banter was rich, lovely evening.
Following a substantial breakfast we made our way to Swindon to hang out a bit/kill some time (note to self: don't bother trying to kill time in Swindon in the future, there's nothing to do in Swindon apart from a generic shopping centre). My car momentarily had a few troubles - an odd noise, a little steam, but after a couple minutes it drove beautifully (well, it drove) as normal. I don't understand cars, but happy that this little banger is still just about getting me to places. Bracknell that evening; nice arts centre and we were performing in the cellar where many great comedians had previously graced (notably Tim Vine) but also serves perfectly well as a folk venue. I was a bit worried how loud my drums would be in what was quite an intimate space but it was a nice controlled set in front of a very enthusiastic audience. At a majority of our shows we play we have people we know in the audience - we're building a nice little following around the country - but for Bracknell it was a completely neutral crowd so it was especially satisfying to win them over so comfortably.
The Cambridge launch show was always going to be a bit special. Having dashed around the country a bit this year it was finally a chance to play in front of our very loyal following. The result was a completely sold-out, sweaty show (it looked uncomfortably busy in that audience) and a storming gig - it felt bigger and louder than normal but we were all the better for it. Homecoming shows are always a tricky beast because expectations are just a little bit higher, but we more than got away with it.
The final show of the tour found us in Market Harborough yesterday afternoon. A slightly surreal early show (that lasted more than 2 hours) in an unconventional space, we played to another busy room and left feeling jolly. I like Market Harborough very much - it's not very often you turn up to a venue to be given a full cooked breakfast, and they also gave us beer to take home with us. All in all, an easy but perfect way to end the tour.
Although the tour itself is over things never seem to stop with this band - we have another BBC session tomorrow night, and then I'm buggering off for a few days to do the solo show properly for the first time (first run of shows in Halesworth, Liverpool, Leeds, Norfolk, Godmanchester) before band stuff kicks in again...no rest then, but where's the fun in resting?
Monday, 28 April 2014
Monday, 14 April 2014
Leicester, Thriplow, Bishop's Stortford, Finedon, Milton Keynes, BBC
I was so tired yesterday afternoon I fell asleep in the studio. Dribble and everything. But it was a positive tiredness, the tiredness of achievement. Gigging/recording is quite easy you know - being on stage is a thrill, being on stage with some of your favourite people/musicians is the easiest thing in the world. The tiredness seems to be coming from the endless waiting around...sometimes it can be four hours between soundchecks and stage times (a situation that can be rectified by board games, because we're so incredibly rock 'n' roll). And touring whilst having day jobs, of course, and the excessive amount of driving (shouldn't always be excessive but my sat-nav is somewhat indecisive).
Leicester was a tough one. An audience shouldn't always make the gig, but it helps. We played to virtually nobody, after a run of shows playing to good-sized crowds this felt difficult. On the plus side the sound was outstanding, and my chicken burger beforehand was exquisite. Next stop, a day later, was an appearance at a small festival in Thriplow. Effectively busking, and without Gaf, the rest of us (Vix, Griff, Lachy, me) played for an hour or so in front of really friendly people in what was a very friendly little event. I'd played there the day before, guesting with my girlfriend's band, and it's such a jolly festival it was easy to lose any cynicism I confess I may have been feeling prior to the event.
In complete contrast to Leicester, our next indoor show, in Bishop's Stortford, was a sell-out; absolutely rammed. It was so busy we couldn't even watch the other acts ourselves, we had to wait in another room, but that's cool because I had downloaded Football Chairman for my phone which can kill many an hour. The gig felt rowdy, which is always a good thing, it was a late one but a fun one. A day later we were in Finedon for another acoustic show. Acoustic shows are great because they show off the harmonies of the band (and they're bloody good at it) but they kill my hands, especially if I'm not convinced by the way my cajon has been mic'd up so I naturally hit it a bit harder. I felt a bit bruised after the Finedon gig but it was a good show - another sell-out, perhaps a little tired but we went down a storm.
A day later three of the band (Vix, Grif, Lachy) played acoustically for LoveSongwriting and then in the evening all five of us were in Milton Keynes. Best show of the tour, I didn't think the Bedford show could be beaten, but this actually topped it for me. Electric set, it was our show, with an interval, a seated (and nearly sold-out) audience, outstanding soundman, we were treated so well by the venue and we played relaxed, confidently, just one of those nights of genuine connection. The kind of show you wish you recorded for a live album, wonderful evening.
Back late, but up early yesterday morning for a day in the studio. The project is a one-off side-project, but with all of the band involved...sounds confusing? Yep. But it's one of those ideas that develops on long car journeys and eventually ends up in the studio. It was a lengthy day, but it sounds great, the chances are - if our usual PR machine kicks in - you won't be able to avoid it in a couple weeks' time when it's ready.
Last night the evening ended with a BBC Radio Cambridgeshire session on the always lovely Sue Marchant's show. Such a nice hour - their playlist is perfect, Sue knows the band well and the whole thing just felt remarkably easy.
The last few months have been a bit on the busy side, but this nothing compared to what May has to offer. Alongside a few more gigs with the band I'm touring the solo show, including at the end of the run a huge performance in a huge venue which is causing a little concern - after all, my show is very personal, not sure how this will work in front of 400 people but the only way around this is to just shout a little louder and hope for the best. I mean, what's the worst that can happen? I could die on stage but as we all know, dying on stage isn't the same as actually, well, dying, it's just a little knock that will get forgotten about by the next show. It could be the making of me. Perhaps. And I'm also recording a 6 episode cabaret-based comedy with Izzy, it's the kind of show I've been wanting to do for years and I'm happy that she's mad enough to get involved. We've worked together a lot, she knows what she's dealing with here. And then at the end of May there's the big Magpas gig I've organised with Peter, Trev and Kat, that will have magicians, and stand-up, and balloon tricks, and live music and everything.
But that's May, let's get April out of the way first. Remaining gigs for the month are in Cardiff, Bracknell, Cambridge and Market Harborough. By the end of those shows I predict we'll have many stories to tell, the need for a night or two off, and the burning desire to do it all again as soon as possible...
Leicester was a tough one. An audience shouldn't always make the gig, but it helps. We played to virtually nobody, after a run of shows playing to good-sized crowds this felt difficult. On the plus side the sound was outstanding, and my chicken burger beforehand was exquisite. Next stop, a day later, was an appearance at a small festival in Thriplow. Effectively busking, and without Gaf, the rest of us (Vix, Griff, Lachy, me) played for an hour or so in front of really friendly people in what was a very friendly little event. I'd played there the day before, guesting with my girlfriend's band, and it's such a jolly festival it was easy to lose any cynicism I confess I may have been feeling prior to the event.
In complete contrast to Leicester, our next indoor show, in Bishop's Stortford, was a sell-out; absolutely rammed. It was so busy we couldn't even watch the other acts ourselves, we had to wait in another room, but that's cool because I had downloaded Football Chairman for my phone which can kill many an hour. The gig felt rowdy, which is always a good thing, it was a late one but a fun one. A day later we were in Finedon for another acoustic show. Acoustic shows are great because they show off the harmonies of the band (and they're bloody good at it) but they kill my hands, especially if I'm not convinced by the way my cajon has been mic'd up so I naturally hit it a bit harder. I felt a bit bruised after the Finedon gig but it was a good show - another sell-out, perhaps a little tired but we went down a storm.
A day later three of the band (Vix, Grif, Lachy) played acoustically for LoveSongwriting and then in the evening all five of us were in Milton Keynes. Best show of the tour, I didn't think the Bedford show could be beaten, but this actually topped it for me. Electric set, it was our show, with an interval, a seated (and nearly sold-out) audience, outstanding soundman, we were treated so well by the venue and we played relaxed, confidently, just one of those nights of genuine connection. The kind of show you wish you recorded for a live album, wonderful evening.
Back late, but up early yesterday morning for a day in the studio. The project is a one-off side-project, but with all of the band involved...sounds confusing? Yep. But it's one of those ideas that develops on long car journeys and eventually ends up in the studio. It was a lengthy day, but it sounds great, the chances are - if our usual PR machine kicks in - you won't be able to avoid it in a couple weeks' time when it's ready.
Last night the evening ended with a BBC Radio Cambridgeshire session on the always lovely Sue Marchant's show. Such a nice hour - their playlist is perfect, Sue knows the band well and the whole thing just felt remarkably easy.
The last few months have been a bit on the busy side, but this nothing compared to what May has to offer. Alongside a few more gigs with the band I'm touring the solo show, including at the end of the run a huge performance in a huge venue which is causing a little concern - after all, my show is very personal, not sure how this will work in front of 400 people but the only way around this is to just shout a little louder and hope for the best. I mean, what's the worst that can happen? I could die on stage but as we all know, dying on stage isn't the same as actually, well, dying, it's just a little knock that will get forgotten about by the next show. It could be the making of me. Perhaps. And I'm also recording a 6 episode cabaret-based comedy with Izzy, it's the kind of show I've been wanting to do for years and I'm happy that she's mad enough to get involved. We've worked together a lot, she knows what she's dealing with here. And then at the end of May there's the big Magpas gig I've organised with Peter, Trev and Kat, that will have magicians, and stand-up, and balloon tricks, and live music and everything.
But that's May, let's get April out of the way first. Remaining gigs for the month are in Cardiff, Bracknell, Cambridge and Market Harborough. By the end of those shows I predict we'll have many stories to tell, the need for a night or two off, and the burning desire to do it all again as soon as possible...
Friday, 4 April 2014
Rugby, Cheltenham, Stroud, Bristol, Norwich, London
Being on tour whilst still doing the whole day job thing; rushed journeys from work, late nights, early mornings, cheap supermarket energy drinks. Road closures, everywhere. I get that it's better to repair the roads in the early hours of the morning as there's less traffic, but this really buggers up the travels of gigging musicians. The feeling of camaraderie when you've played a cracking show where you really, really connect with the audience. The tense silence in the car when perhaps things haven't quite gone to plan. 5 fully-grown adults, in a small car/minibus, sharing the same hopes, ambitions...all with individual insecurities, but all on the same team. Some of my best friends in the world, we can relax around each other, we accept each others' quirks (although Gaf singing 90s power ballads early on a Sunday morning is pushing it a bit).
Leg two of the tour found is in a small village just outside of Rugby on Friday night. We played there twice last year, including a the best New Years Eve ever, and it was a nice gig - an easy gig because the people are so friendly, we felt comfortable, we worked hard because it's a long gig, but in such surroundings we couldn't help but enjoy ourselves. Stayed in the same magical house we stayed in on NYE, drank whiskey and played songs till the early hours. Woke up on a farm, feeling strangely content, and then off to Cheltenham. An hours busking in the town centre - which we really had fun with because the locals were so supportive (and they purchased copies of our albums), and then off to Stroud. Packed venue, nice home cooking, actor Keith Allen in the audience. Professional set, we played admirably I feel, didn't always spark like it has done but you can't make a spark happen, sometimes things just feel 'nice'. We left the show having gone down well but feeling tired and slightly demoralised. A few drinks and banter later and we were fine.
The next morning were off to Bristol. A Sunday, sunny afternoon gig isn't always easy when it comes to generating an atmosphere, it was all very gentle. A few technical issues, a slightly quiet performance, but a really attentive audience to perform to, can't really argue too much. Next gig was Norwich; sell-out show, back to the acoustic set-up (drums cast aside in favour of a cajon and conga), actual genuine buzz in the air. Great gig, that one, unexpected encore, outstanding support acts, happy band. Last night we were in London. I generally hate London gigs; there's just something about them, it never works. They're just so difficult...you can never park anywhere near the venue, you're always made to feel grateful for the opportunity to play. But you have to do them, don't you? Soundcheck was dreadful, the house kit shaky, issues with the guitar/bass sound and the free beer was warm, but the gig wasn't bad...an audience can totally make a show and we had a full one last night, even though it was a struggle with the sound at times it was a joy to play in front of people who are so into it. A lot of them have seen us before but keep coming back, we're building something here, it's working.
We're only 9 gigs in, we're not quite half way, there are many more adventures ahead over the next few weeks. 4 days after the band tour ends I'm on a solo tour, performing Getting Lost In My Hometown - I now have 47 performances of that booked up (having just added 5 dates in Reading). Today my collection of short stories, The Stationery Seller, is released here. It's worth buying for Matt's outstanding artwork alone, and Abi's editing/proofing means there's actually a bit of quality control which is refreshing. Tonight we have a rare night off; it's also the night of the cast/partners premiere of my feature film, The Many Struggles Of Oscar Pike. 2014; you're really, proper, happening.
Leg two of the tour found is in a small village just outside of Rugby on Friday night. We played there twice last year, including a the best New Years Eve ever, and it was a nice gig - an easy gig because the people are so friendly, we felt comfortable, we worked hard because it's a long gig, but in such surroundings we couldn't help but enjoy ourselves. Stayed in the same magical house we stayed in on NYE, drank whiskey and played songs till the early hours. Woke up on a farm, feeling strangely content, and then off to Cheltenham. An hours busking in the town centre - which we really had fun with because the locals were so supportive (and they purchased copies of our albums), and then off to Stroud. Packed venue, nice home cooking, actor Keith Allen in the audience. Professional set, we played admirably I feel, didn't always spark like it has done but you can't make a spark happen, sometimes things just feel 'nice'. We left the show having gone down well but feeling tired and slightly demoralised. A few drinks and banter later and we were fine.
The next morning were off to Bristol. A Sunday, sunny afternoon gig isn't always easy when it comes to generating an atmosphere, it was all very gentle. A few technical issues, a slightly quiet performance, but a really attentive audience to perform to, can't really argue too much. Next gig was Norwich; sell-out show, back to the acoustic set-up (drums cast aside in favour of a cajon and conga), actual genuine buzz in the air. Great gig, that one, unexpected encore, outstanding support acts, happy band. Last night we were in London. I generally hate London gigs; there's just something about them, it never works. They're just so difficult...you can never park anywhere near the venue, you're always made to feel grateful for the opportunity to play. But you have to do them, don't you? Soundcheck was dreadful, the house kit shaky, issues with the guitar/bass sound and the free beer was warm, but the gig wasn't bad...an audience can totally make a show and we had a full one last night, even though it was a struggle with the sound at times it was a joy to play in front of people who are so into it. A lot of them have seen us before but keep coming back, we're building something here, it's working.
We're only 9 gigs in, we're not quite half way, there are many more adventures ahead over the next few weeks. 4 days after the band tour ends I'm on a solo tour, performing Getting Lost In My Hometown - I now have 47 performances of that booked up (having just added 5 dates in Reading). Today my collection of short stories, The Stationery Seller, is released here. It's worth buying for Matt's outstanding artwork alone, and Abi's editing/proofing means there's actually a bit of quality control which is refreshing. Tonight we have a rare night off; it's also the night of the cast/partners premiere of my feature film, The Many Struggles Of Oscar Pike. 2014; you're really, proper, happening.
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