songwriting
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Audition
I had an audition yesterday. It was for a Brighton-based topical and satirical sketch show, which has been running for 24 years. More on that in a bit. Earlier in the week, I had my first coffee ‘n’ chat with Chris, a musician, writer and songwriter of significant repute. He is beta testing his plan… Read more
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Wake me up before you play a gig in a Grade II listed gothic ex-church
It’s been a breakneck few days since my dad’s funeral, which went about as well as these events can. The turnout was huge, and the wake was full of stories and cheer. Lots of people from Dad’s overlapping lives (work, family, being a geezer) came up to me to say how much they enjoyed the… Read more
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A playlist for Martha
It’s fun making playlists. I made one for Martha, she made one for me, and now our new songs are going to sound like Bruce Springsteen and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci. I wrote some notes about my playlist because I’m that guy. They’re quite personal but I’m sharing them here for completist sake. Ana Ng, They… Read more
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This Machine Kills Wasps with MJ Hibbett, The Highchurches, Jo Burke, Shelf, Selena Mersey, and Mikey Bligh Smith
I arrive early, and the sound guy is already there. Conveniently, his name is Guy. Guy, the sound guy. Sound guy Guy. Guy Guy sound. He is friendly, and Australian. We have a nice chat, and as he sets up the stage, I learn his interest in experimental rock, music theory, and production. This is… Read more
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Losing Your Affection – Future Bible Heroes cover
The Magnetic Fields cover over the weekend sent me tumbling across the meadow and head first into a rabbit hole of other beautiful songs written by Stephin Merritt. Future Bible Heroes – one of the perfect band names – was an electro pop side project of his, of varying quality but leaving us, at least,… Read more
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Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd cover
Yesterday I attempted one of the most covered songs of all time, Wish You Were Here. This is a song beloved by buskers everywhere, who, let’s face it, aren’t about to have a crack at Careful With That Axe Eugene or One Of These Days I’m Going To Cut You Into Little Pieces. Pink Floyd… Read more
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Review: Howlin’ Fling 2023, Isle of Eigg
Hello! I had a lovely time on Eigg, thanks to everyone there, punters and artists alike. This review originally appeared in the Morning Star newspaper. I’ve added some photos; some of the festival, and some of the various fun walks I was able to do while on the island. From the ferry, Eigg comes into… Read more
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The Wheels Are Coming Off
Another demo. Lyrics happily explained to anyone interested. —- Carnard’s a duck without conscience It all acts like a sweet machine The input / output is unruly But has that keen positronic sheen And I’m not sure if this is real yet I hedge my bets oh either way You’re running late, you’re running empty… Read more
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The Ballad of Ms Doris Wu
I’ve written another demo. This one has actual lyrics and everything, which I shall post below to help me remember what they are. As always, I only really have one means of writing lyrics: utter stream of consciousness. Let it all hang out, I say. It’s been a while since I published an album of… Read more
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A Small Interview With Myself
For This Machine Kills Wasps, my new music and comedy night, I have returned to Facebook for the first time since Nick Clegg was popular. This was solely in order to set up an event page, but I have realised that 95% of open mic bookings in this city are still on that dystopian corner… Read more
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