Christmas is no time for an anal eco-warrior

As Christmas fast approaches, and with it the realisation that another year has almost passed by, I always find it hard to focus on the present. Which reminds me, I still haven't done any Christmas shopping...

I'm a very date-obsesed individual (a bit like Noel Edmonds) and I'm always stimulated by the thought of a new year, fresh start etc... It has been known for me to get more done in January than the rest of the year put together, some years I book in too much and spend the rest of the year recovering (like last year). I keep saying I'll learn from my mistake there and not try and cram too much in, but I've never been very good at learning from my mistakes....

So, at the moment, it looks as though January will revolve around playing as many gigs as possible (I'm working out the schedule right now), releasing and promoting the EP, finishing the second album, rehearsing the new band, and commencing work on another studio album. February and March will be set aside for Vernal depression and a nervous breakdown. Still, soon be Christmas.

To explain a little further, the EP 'Get The Drinks In' is pretty much finished. The front cover is designed and ready, only the last few details need to be completed. Most artists would want something released before Christmas, but it really makes more sense for me to hold it back until January. Firstly, it's already a little late, secondlt, I've still got 'Lost In Love Town' just getting its momentum. Incidentally, don't forget the latter is still available for just $12.97 with a 30% discount if you get more than one.

January should give me a better chance at promoting it, especially live. I don't think it will be available on cdbaby, but may well appear on other sites, especially as a download. If you are especially curious, you can listen to two of the tracks already. 'Old Wishing Well' has been number one on the mixposure soft rock chart and is getting some brilliant reviews. Thanks for those! 'Drinking My Way Down' has likewise made a strong impression on 'the mix', and can also be downloaded here.


Album #2:
Work has been progressing with Jon Strong on the 2nd album, which is gaining momentum now. I think the final result will be very pleasing. The other studio album I mentioned, is going to contain more songs from around the same batch. I guess it will be album #3 but I suppose could be considered #2B. I have that many songs!

Live this week:
Just the one show again this week, a very pleasing set at Dr Wu's. I played 5 songs on a fairly quiet night, but felt the intamacy probably enabled the set to go down much better. So all in all a really good evening. Songs played were 'These Eyes Of Mine', 'Your Shadow', 'Gods And Angels', 'Old Wishing Well' and 'Rocket Man'. Numbers 2 and 4 there were live debutants. The former went especially well and is a track I think we'll be hearing more about very soon. It's on the new album whilst 'Old Wishing Well' is of course from the EP. And, oh yes, you notice one of those is not a cover, but a song I get requested in certain venues.... it was Gallo's fault this time!!

Live next week: I'm definetly going to be at The Grove on Wednesday the 13th and possibly Wu's on Tuesday the 12th. Can't wait to be back at the former, where a unique atmosphere is guaranteed!

I finally made it to The Primrose!!

Thursday this week took me to a new (for me) Leeds venue, The Primrose. It's a far cry from the city centre when you get to Meanwood, but despite this I had a really good time. The pub itself is straight out of the pub-rock world. It's small, basic but with an atmosphere. It's quite a contrast to the folk who run the night, who are very polite and well-to-do, a bit out of context really! But I'm not complaining about that.

I played 3 songs, 'These Eyes Of Mine', 'Whiskey Coloured World' and 'Life'. There is a strong chance of returning to play a 30 minute support slot there in January, if the promoter's reaction is anything to go by. So not a bad night, and another venue to add to the list. Strangely enough, almost 6 years ago exactly, my old band Dolly were due to play there. It unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the small problem of the band splitting up. So I finally made it 6 years later, amazing progress!

This week, I'm going to be at Dr Wu's on Tuesday (the 5th), with some more previously unheard songs.

The EP looks like becoming the christmas release, with one more track to mix, and of course the album is still available on cdbaby.

On a final note, why won't the Official International Queen fan club accept requests from bands on myspace? Music for the people I suppose...