New EP-details announced

So many songs, so little time.....

With a single and an album out in the last 3 months you'd think that was enough. But, no, such is the rate of productivity (or nothing better to do) that a new EP is not far off release.

EPs are a forgotten art these days. In the 60's groups used them as interim releases between records and some even included tracks which were surplus to the album. The Beatles famously released their 'Long Tall Sally' EP in 1964 containing all 4 tracks not available on 'A Hard Day's Night'. Often EPs had tracks which perhaps weren't as strong as those on the album, but hopefully this won't be the case, as it covers some interesting angles.....

There is a even a theme for the release: drink.

The EP is called 'Get The Drinks In' and will be billed as Paul Jeffery and Friends. Yes, you heard it here first, Paul Jeffery actually has some friends-and not all of them were paid!

Track 1 is a familiar song, 'Whiskey Coloured World'. This will be the Anglestar Remix taking the song in a more contemporary direction.

Track 2 is the acoustic 'Get The Drinks In' featuring special guest lead vocals by Sally Rivers.
Sal(as I now feel I can call her) sang harmony vocals on many of the tracks on the album and has a stunning new album out in collaboration with Alan Whittaker. 'Inside Out' is a brilliant CD and you can find out all about it here.


Track 3 will be back to my voice, for 'The Old Wishing Well'. This is one of my favourite of Sarah Thurlow's lyrics, taking a quizical look at the modern-day pub. As a keen pub-goer myself, I think it's a very accurate assesement of one particular type of watering hole. For the first time in a long time, we've got real drums, bashed out by renowned session drummer Steve Williams.

Track 4 is a song I've been wanting to record since it was written nearly 4 years ago. 'Drinking My Way Down' is a superb piece of girly angst written by Cath Goldsbrough. I've been waiting to find a suitable vocalist and now have the right one. Beth Wheatley from the famous yorkshire band Morris And The Minors will doing the song justice. Steve Williams is again on drums.

So there you have it. An EP hopefully with enough interest and variety to mean it's far more than just the reject takes from the album!

More exciting news soon!

Mixposure Update

Well it's certainly been worthwhile joining the mixposure site. Within just over 2 weeks I've had airplay, a podcast planned, and more reviews and page 'hits' than most of the other sites put together.

Cold Cold Day has really taken hold, even thought it's not the first song listed on the page. It's been #1 for both score and plays on the weekly charts for Soft Rock and also placed as high as #6 in the overall top 100. In addition I'm ranked as number 1 artist for my genre this month.

'It Will Pass' has been added and gone very well straight away-in at #2 on it's first day.

News on the 2nd album and a bonus EP to follow.

Stay cool.

From Canada to Elland

Mixposure is beginning to look like the best site I've come across so far. For promoting your music it outstrips rivals in terms of it's community spirit. People on there are very friendly and supportive and I for one can't fault it.

In only 10 days since registering I've had lots of plays and reviews of my 2 tracks on there. Cold Cold Day has already been number 1 in Soft Rock (as mentioned last week)and has been as high as #6 in the overall top 100. It also was broadcast on Trent Radio in Canada on the Friday evening show. My thanks to Darren and Bri-an for their support there.

CHANNEL 4 LAUNCH:

Whilst things have gone pretty well on mixposure I've finally got my page uploaded on the channel 4 website. Click here for the link.

Tomorrow night (Tues 18th) I'm playing a gig at the local Barge & Barrel in Elland. It promises to be rather hot by the looks of things!

My first number 1!

It may only be of academic interest, but then again it's still a nice feeling....

Remember I told you about putting a page on mixposure, well it's been a great idea, arguably the best site I've come across so far.

In addition to receiving some fantastic reviews and comments the 2 songs I have on there have both made quite an imopression on the charts. 'Cold Cold Day' is number one in the Soft Rock genre based on 'plays' and number 4 on 'score' (points are accumulated on reviews etc..). 'Whiskey Coloured World' is at #5 on 'score' too. You can view these amazing feats here.

This translates very well in the overall 'hot 100' charts for all genres. 'Cold Cold Day' is at #23 based on plays and #53 based on score.

Of course, this is all of academic interest. The most important aspect has been the reviews the songs have received, and the networking opportunities brought about by linking in with other writers/performers.


CHANNEL 4 SITE ONLINE:

Despite only finding out by accident(!) my page on the popular channel 4 website is now viewable here.

Mixposure

A friend of mine recommended I join the mixposure site.

Please follow the links above to my page on there. The site differs from other upload communities in that the emphasis is placed on reviews. This means you get feedback on songs much quicker. OK, so part of the deal is that you have to review tracks in order to add more tunes, but already I get the feeling the site is more friendly for it.

At this point in time, it's always better to get feedback from people rather than the odd cd buyer here and there. Judging by people's comments, things are going the right way!

Anyway, come and join in the fun on the site, it's great!

gig and huddersfield examiner

The gig on Monday night went really well. It was very hot but a lot busier than expected considering the switch in nights. I was well pleased with the response to the original songs (especially Whiskey Coloured World). Cd sales are picking up too!

There was also an article in the Huddersfield paper-(the local equivalent of the New York Times) which read as follows:

JEFFREY's LONE DEBUT AT ZEPHYR

Paul Jeffery will be showcasing songs from his new album at Zephyr Bar tonight. The 12-track album, called Lost In Lovetown, is Paul's first as a solo artist and has been recorded and produced by him at his home studio at Rastrick over the past seven months.

Although this is his solo debut, 27-year-old Paul is a full-time musician and plays in several 'function' bands including local acts Morris And The Minors and One Night Stand.

He said he is looking forward to seeing the reaction of his Huddersfield fans.

He said: "It's my first outing by myself. I've had a good reaction at gigs in Leeds but I haven't been in Huddersfield for a while so I am really looking forward to it.

"The internet has been helping too, taking my music all over the world and given me a fan base."

The album can be downloaded from www.soundclick.com/pauljeffery or hard copies can be ordered from www.pauljeffery.com

So there you have it folks. Just for the record One Night Stand is no more... Thanks to Katie for the article.

New Album Available as Download-Part 2

As promised a few weeks ago, the rest of the new album 'Lost In Love Town' is now available to download. This means that all 12 tracks can now be obtained from the soundclick page, 4 of which are for free, the rest for just 0.75 cents each.

The full track list complete with it's relevant link to listen/download is as follows:

1.Cold Cold Day
2.Young, Lost And Hopeful

3.Hell Freezes Over

4.Whiskey Coloured World

5.Lost In Love Town

6.I Can't Believe The News

7.It Will Pass

8.Take It Back

9.Chains Around My Heart

10.Your Masquerade

11.I'm Coming Out

12.There You Are

Also still available are the 2 tracks from the single. Cold Cold Day (Catt Mix) and Life.

You may also notice that I've customised my soundclick page and become a VIP member, so now I can access the full stats and find out who's been listening. You have been warned!

The next gig is at Zephyr Bar in Huddersfield. Monday the 3rd of July. I'll be playing a full 90 min set with originals and some of my favourite covers. There will also be CDs available of the album and single.

You can also find me linked to the following pages too:

MySpace
dmusic
Pure Volume

Take care folks.

New upload site, new venue and new wingmirror

The net widens as I hatch my devious plans......

In an attempt to spend even longer each day on a computer (who said msn messenger??) I've added myself to another upload site. The one in question this time is dmusic which is looking like a very tidy site. There's just 4 songs on at the moment. If you're already familiar with my soundclick and myspace pages then it's covering fairly similar ground. The main reason for going on to another site is to introduce my music to another sector of potential listeners. Everyone has their favourite music websites and so the more exposure I can get the better. Trouble is, there's hundreds...will I draw the line at a sensible number?? Of course not.

New Song!!

The one major addition on dmusic is the addition of 'I Can't Believe The News' from the album. This is the first time this track has been posted on any site. At the moment it's streaming only, but remember 4 tracks can be downloaded for nowt by going to the soundclick page.

It won't be long before all 12 songs are available in some shape or form on the net, as well as the much heralded real-life CD, which is now available for just £8.

I played at Carpe Diem in Leeds for the first time last night. It went well despite a rather thin, studentless, over-footballed crowd. I sold a few cd singles of Cold Cold Day (which is still available-just 9 vinyl-finish copies left!!) and was even given a free drink by the barman on account of what he'd heard-thanks mate! Just as well really as I suffered a dislocated wingmirror (serves me right for parking outside a pub!) and a broken key on the keyboard. All part of suffering for one's art I guess.

Gig review/album progress

I was at Dr Wu's on Tuesday again, the 4th time since the 'new era' began. It was a good night as they all have been really. It looks as though they might be breaking off over the summer so I will keep you posted about other gigs, as I'll be playing at other venues very soon. (possibly this Monday, we shall see!).

The album has done very well on Soundclick in the first 10 days. I've had lots of plays and hits and favourable comment. 'I'm Coming Out' has been up to #33 under Classic Rock and is becoming the flagship song. 'It Will Pass' has had a lot of plays too.

Please don't forget that the real Cds are available including the 16-page booklet and all the artwork. I won't be offended if you want to buy one for just £8....please email me at pauljeffery212@yahoo.co.uk

I've also put together a page on the channel 4 website which will be uploaded 'within the next 14 days' as they say-so I'll let you know about that and more album promotion very soon.

Links update

The front page of my site now has the Soundclick and Myspace pages as 'Key Links' on the left hand side of the screen.

Obviously I'm promoting these pages, particularly the soundclick one, regarding the new album.

I'll be doing Dr Wu's again this Tueday coming, as next week there's an England match. I probably will watch it, although the main reason for changing it is that it's totally abortive to want to play at the same time as a big game! I'm all for people enjoying themselves but it's often a bad atmosphere for musicians. 4 years ago, when matches were being played early morning BST and pubs were open all day, my band had a narrow escpae. Just as we were about to load in, a handful of people came out covered in blood accompanied by the shrill sound of rough women. The police were called, it looked like a war zone. Luckily, we didn't have to play otherwise who knows what would have happened. The irony was England had won!

Far be it from me to be anti-World Cup, especially at a time like this!

Billy Preston RIP

I was saddened to hear of the death of Billy Preston this week. There aren't many true heroes for us keyboard players but he was certainly one. I enjoyed a peaceful moment yesterday evening listening to his playing on The Beatles' 'Get Back'. I think my favourite moment is his impromptu dance across the stage at George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh!

For organ, rhodes and piano playing there were few better.

Album Chart News

2 blogs in 2 days, he must have too much time on his hands....

Just wanted to update everyone concerning the new album songs and their charts progress. I'm using soundclick as a base site for the download side of things. Songs are given chart positions in their respective genres based on plays, ratings and downloads.

It was a fantastic day yesterday (well, if you're an anorak like me)with I'm Coming Out leading the way. It's become my first ever top 40 rating by reaching number 36 in the classic rock charts.

'It Will Pass' is also going well at #51 in rock unplugged.

I also had some lovely comments from folk which means more to me than a chart position, so thanks to everyone for that.

In general, yesterday (the 6th) was the best day in terms of page 'hits' I've had on there, so I'm very pleased with how 'phase 1' of the album promo has gone.

I was also at Dr Wu's in Leeds last night on the gig trail, performing a few songs from the album. Look out for more gig news very soon.

New Album available as download -part 1

Well finally we have it, it's official, the new album is now available.

'Lost In Love Town' has 12 tracks and also in cd-format comes with a 16 page booklet with artwork and lyrics.

Track listing, complete with links to the songs you can hear/download for FREE now!

1.Cold Cold Day
2.Young,Lost and Hopeful
3.Hell Freezes Over
4.Whiskey Coloured World
5.Lost In Love Town
6.I Can't Believe The News
7.It will Pass
8.Take It Back
9.Chains Around My Heart
10.Your Masquerade
11.I'm Coming Out
12.There You Are


Songs 4,7,8 and 11 can be downloaded for free by following the links above.
Songs 1 and 2 can be listened to for free by following the links above.

Soon the remaining tracks will be available as download too.

Of course, you may prefer to own a reallife cd (of course you would!). These are priced at £8 and at the moment can be purchased by contacting me at pauljeffery212@yahoo.co.uk
In due course the Cds will be available on sites such as cdbaby.


Album promotion begins tonight!!

I will be playing at Dr Wu's again in Leeds tonight(June 6th) starting at approx 9pm. I was there 2 weeks ago on the 23rd of May playing tracks from the album, in addition to the now obligatory request for 'Rocket Man'. Maybe one day it'll be a request for one of my songs, or maybe they think I am actually Elton himself....what are they putting in the josticks??


More exciting and complex album news to follow. I'm pushing the internet/download side of things at the moment before giving the actual CDs more attention.

Album news

The album inlays are well on their way, and after careful thought I can hereby announce they will be available for just £8. The standard price for a 'cottage industry' cd has been £10 for years now, this coming from a time when high-street cds were touching £16. Now that the supermarkets have lowered that average by far, I feel as a new artist it's only fair to come down a little on the price. After all, the main aim is to promote the songs, as they all say...

After weeks and months in front of a computer screen I finally managed to find my way to the piano this week and work on some new songs. Mr Over-productive will be releasing an EP or two over the coming months featuring new tracks! More details to follow.... I also found time to mix a beautiful song of Peter's called 'How Do You Sleep'. It was written way back in 1998 in the Desire days, but was never played by that band. I'm yet to decide where the song will feature, possibly on the EPs or straight out as a download only. The highlight of the track for me is the mini moog lead in the middle, what a gorgeous sound!

I'll be going back to Dr Wu's this Tuesday, where the single 'Cold Cold Day' will be available, as I work through the limited edition vinyl versions- there's still a few left! I'll also be playing some songs of course.

That's all for now, let's hope it warms up a bit this week. It was so cold last Saturday that a Danish bloke complained to me about it! True, but sad.

The album, china and Dr Wu's

Hello,

Firstly, the long-awaited, often-delayed, first solo album is almost ready. The songs are mixed and mastered and the artwork is ready to print. The CD is called 'Lost In Love Town' feauring 12 songs. First track is Cold Cold Day in it's original mix, not the Catt Mix you can obtain as a single(see previous blogs). Most of the songs are in the singer-songwriter mould, a bit of a US vibe with influences such as Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, Jackson Browne and Crowded House.

The inlay is a 16 page booklet, with a lyric sheet and picture to go with each track. You can listen to 4 of the tracks on my soundclick page. Two are available for free download so you can ponder over purchasing the real thing.

It's been a great experience putting the album together, more news to follow on the promotion front-but I'm really happy with it.

Other news:
I played at Dr Wu's in Leeds last Tuesday, which was kind of the first gig to promote this project. Cd single sales were made, and I performed both tracks from it. Like the musical whore I am, Rocket Man was played, although I had the urge to play Lola by the Kinks very strongly... Interesting crowd they get down there!

Also just received the page statistics for this site. Fascinating to anoraks like me. So a big hello to all my fans in the United Arab Emirates and the one person in China-only another 900 000 000 or so to go....

More exciting gig reviews and album news to follow.

Single and latest news

Hope everyone had a good mayday weekend, morris dancing and dancing around the maypole-yes it really does go on! I was too busy playing gigs to participate in these ancient customs, and I wouldn't have been much use anyway-as I overcame the shock of paying £5 for a pint of cola in a well-known Manchester City Centre hotel!! I wouldn't have minded but it was flat, black soda-water rather than an actual soft drink. I don't know, you never got those prices in a Working Men's Club....

Back in the world of original music, I'd like to thank everyone who has so far hit my soundclick page. The single 'Cold Cold Day' (Catt Mix) has been as high as #60 in the Acoustic Rock charts and seems to be maintaining a steady flow of plays. To all the mystery 'hitters' out there, I appreciate it!

Don't neglect the B-side 'Life' either which is posted in the Acoustic General charts.

Finally got the hardware printed copies complete with the artwork ready to go. These will be available for £2 and on sale at upcoming gigs, soon to be announced here.....

The album is almost ready, and after a brief test-period will be ready to run very shortly. Other happenings in the pipe-line include another single and themed Eps, all featuring new tracks. Well I warned you I wrote a lot of songs and, by 'eck, I want everyone to hear them!

TTFN

Paul

New Single Out Now!!

Hello everybody, if you are English hope you enjoyed the St Georges Day weekend, drinking Bombardier and slaying dragons...

Okay so Monday was a little optimistic but........THE NEW SINGLE IS OUT!!!

For full details see the previous blog below.

The two tracks are 'Cold Cold Day' (Catt Mix) and 'Life'. At the moment both are available on my soundclick site.

They can be downloaded (seperately or together) for just 75 cents via paypal. So if you are into e-bay you'll know all about paypal. Hard copies featuring the artwork and limited-edition vinyl cd cost £2. Please contact me for details. You can of course merely enjoy the songs at your leisure by playing them on the soundclick page. Don't forget to rate them though! Anyone purchasing a copy can have a day off work on Monday :)

As mentioned free copies are also available. The first ten people to purchase the download can have a copy with the artwork free AND a free cd of the new album 'Lost In Love Town' which is nearly ready. I mixed the title track last week which is sounding superb, more on that later.....


I've also set up a myspace page, amongst the umpteen-thousand others! The address is
Don't go to .../pauljeffery as you will find an Australian teenager's page there!

Had some more plays on cygnusradio recently, I will be mailing out a full schedule as they have offered to help promote the single.

That's all for now folks.

New Single Release Preview

Hope everyone had a good Easter!

I had a good time, think it's the first time in years I didn't play any gigs at all over the long weekend. This left time to indulge another of my passions:getting covered in shale watching Stock Cars!! I won't bore you with all that though as you'll think I'm quite sad.....or am I too late?

*The new single is ready to go anyday now:I'll be brave and say this Monday the 24th-watch this space! It features a new version of 'Cold Cold Day' and the b-side 'Life'. 'Cold, Cold Day' has been remixed by Ian Catt, producer and bassist for Saint Etienne amongst many more things. Please visit his website at http://freespace.virgin.net/ian.catt/

The B-side is an acoustic song, musically a dedication to the late Tim Rose. Tim was an extremely influential songwriter/performer born in America but perhaps more recognised in Europe. His most famous work was his arrangement of 'Hey Joe' which was later recorded by Jimi Hendrix. I was lucky enough to see Tim perform live in Leeds only 5 months before his death in 2002. He played the whole set on a 12-string acoustic guitar and his delivery of 'Hey Joe' will always live with me. www.timrose.net/
I've tried to capture some of that atmosphere in the track. Paul Flieshman played the guitar part with all strings detuned a semitone(in case you were wondering!) and I think, being a Hendrix fan, he got the vibe spot-on. You may also hear a quick flash of 'Hey Joe' in the song somewhere! Thanks also to Cath Goldsbrough for providing a moving, evocative lyric.

There's even some fantastic artwork to go with the record.
This is Encaustic Art by Anna Moore. I know absolutely nothing about art but I think this type of work is beautiful. It basically involves the use of wax melted by an iron. However it is done this pic is perfect for the song and so much better than a photo of me I'm sure you'll agree!

The single will be available in a number of guises:-

• As limited edition CD, featuring all the artwork and nifty vinyl-finish cds! Copies obtainable by contacting me and a number of web-based distributors (details to follow shortly).
• As mp3 download. You will be able to purchase both tracks individually from www.soundclick.com/pauljeffery and also other similar music community sites to be announced.
• For free! I will be giving away some copies, further info to follow!

'Cold, Cold Day' is taken from the forthcoming album (as they say!). It will feature 12 tracks and is nearly ready.

That's all for now, I'm off to wash the remaining shale out of my ears :)

Paul Jeffery The Internet Cult

....or at least I think that's what they said.

In addition to all the recent activity mentioned in the 1st blog, I've posted a page on Soundclick, one of the world's largest music community pages. I'm on there as an artist in my own rite and the page is www.soundclick.com/pauljeffery

There's 4 new songs on there, one you can download for free. This little collection of songs is from my forthcoming singer/songwriter album. You can post comments on the message board, already had some nice feedback, and rate the songs ('hot' of course!!). You can also post in the forums (I come under Acoustic), and become a rock journalist instantaneously.

The site is similar to myspace.com in that it's a great way of networking and getting material some exposure. I was always quite cynical of this approach, but have to admit I'm now totally sold on the DIY method of music promotion.... and it's totally free to register and join in! I've already noticed 2 fellow artists who've joined since I first set my page up, so it looks like we're all onto a good thing!

• Also had my first broadcast on Internet Radio today. This has come about directly from the above page. You can tune into http://www.cygnusradio.com/index.php which is a US station. I've been featured on Carol Lowery's Sister Moon Radio show (see schedule for details of broadcast times). There is a live chatroom where the DJs can interact with listeners.

Also please check out Carol's own site at http://www.carollowerystyles.com/


That's all for now, more news to follow on the singer/songwriter project very soon.

Paul Jeffery Launches Blog on 9 April, 2006

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Paul Jeffery's Latest News...

Brand New track "All I Want From Love" is posted on Paul's website. Click to hear!

Paul has recently formed a Dance Music top-line and songwriting company with lyricist Chris Breen and dance record producer Decibelle/Sharon Sullivan. The company is called Sundance Songs and we specialise in extremely radio-friendly, accessible dance music, writing songs for artists to re-record as covers or, alternatively, using session vocalists and offering tracks as masters for licensing.


The first track to come out of Sundance Songs, Summer Love, has already gained a huge amount of interest with several offers coming in. Paul, Chris and Sharon have now agreed to proceed with a licensing deal for the track... watch this space!
Click here to hear the track!

If you are a Dance Producer, Record label or Recording Artist/Singer working in the field of dance and need top-quality songs and/or top-line melodies & lyrics writing for you, then Paul, Chris and Sharon would like to hear from you now via Sundance Contacts. We are keen to find ambitious - and reliable! - producers in the dance field to work with, so if you really want to give you material that commercial cutting edge, then please get in touch. Also, do check out the website!

Paul is working on a variety of top-line writing projects with lyricist Chris Breen. This versatile writing partnership has recently penned a variety of tracks including...

• A mid-tempo Jazz track Little Lost with Saint Etienne bassist, Ian Catt

• A couple of really commercial RnB tracks with writer/producer Andy McNeil

Paul and Chris are also building a catalogue of commercial pop, dance, soul and rock songs and are happy to hear from Artists, Songwriters, Producers, Management Companies and Record Labels looking for material and wanting tracks or top-lines commissioned.

Check out Lyricist Chris Breen's website, www.lyrico.co.uk, to hear a variety of material the team are able to work on.