WITH such a big gap since the last blog, here's a quick round-up of recent news:

GIG STUFF
I've been out and about playing solo sets every week.  I've been out in Leeds mainly but also have done a couple in Wakefield and one in Todmorden.  This is easily the busiest I've been with this type of gig for a good few years and, as previously mentioned, I'm loving every minute of it.  I get to play what I want to, when I want to and I get to practice properly and then go out and play what I've practiced.  It's a big learning curve too.  Despite having done hundreds of these nights before I still seem to be finding plenty to learn from.  Even though some of these are aspects I should have maybe nailed before I think it's good that there's still much to improve on as it keeps me focussed and it shows the system is working.  And it continues to fascinate me how certain songs are received by the audience in different venues and on different nights.  The voyage of discovery continues....

The only bit I don't enjoy is the game I'm forced to play on the way home.  It's called 'guess which part of the M62 will be closed tonight' and it's a game many other drivers are playing too.  It's made for some interesting and highly varied routes home from gigs!


STUDIO STUFF
I'm in the process of recording a new EP which will soon be available at the gigs, and I dare say online too.  Largely for the purpose of promoting my music to live audiences, I'm recording 6 of my favourite original songs 'stripped back' as they are at the gigs, that is, just keyboard and vocals, nothing else.  So far I've done all the piano parts and half of the vocals.  It shouldn't take too much longer to finish as I'm doing the vocals in as few takes as possible and with there only being 2 parts to each song, mixing them is a fairly simple task (for once!).  I'm also making a point of only using mixing tools that are generally found at gigs, so a bit of EQing and reverb added, and that will really be the limit of added effects.  I'm really looking forward to hearing the finished songs so I'll update you once more has happened.


LISTENING TO STUFF
I've heard a whole myriad of recorded music over the past month or so.  My trip down to Cornwall (which was wet but fun) gave me plenty of time to catch up on all manner of artists including U2, Van Morrison, The Killers, Muse, Mumford and Sons and Cyndi Lauper.  The new Muse album has really impressed me, and given my 'normal' taste in music that may surprise some of you.  But given the very obvious Queen influence in their new record I think it's only logical that as a big fan of Freddie & Co I've also really taken to Muse.
The Killers new album too has given me some hope that writing songs with a strong 80s influence is not necessarily a bad thing (guilty as charged on that one many times over!).
I'm currently listening to Ellie Goulding's new release called 'Halcyon.'  My feeling so far on this one: it's shit.  Although no doubt it'll shift more copies than my next EP, though one never knows :)

Take care everyone
Paul