This year has been hard work. And it has ended WILDLY differently to how it started! Jan: I was down and out, but recieved some good news... I was awarded my first grant! The Arts Council England gave me £5000 to tour my debut album across the UK. Which I did! Feb: I launched my first album! In front of everyone who mattered; my friends, family, people who supported my crowdfunding campaign, the press and the town mayor! Hopping onto two BBC radio stations and getting my picture in several papers. March/April/May: My first tour...everything from crappy pub gigs to enormous concert halls! I collaborated with as many artists as possible and met some wonderful musicians. June/July/August: My first festivals!! Small ones! Firs Field, East Harptree Playing Ground, Sidmouth Folk Festival, Lockleaze Festival, Priston Festival, Lyme Folk Festival. I have not yet been to Glastonbury...either as a performer or attendee... And, I hired my first assistant! The beautiful Lauren Kirkpatrick ([email protected]) to help me out at concerts and with admin here and there. Sept/Oct: My first DONATION based tour! And it worked! No ticket prices, just donations... Nov/Dec: Well, now it's Christmas season, and I've never seen what that does to a retial business before! I've posted out nearly ALL of my remaining Gentle Heart CD's! Ready for recording a second album in 2017! I also played at the Green Note in London for the first time! I had wanted to play there for ages, and finally got a chance thanks to all my new youtube videos :) These last two months saw my online following explode, and bookings in 2017 run all the way till Novemeber (and a few international ones!). I've a feeling 2017 will be my year :) A HUGE thank you to everyone reading this, and everyone who has supported my music from day 1. Y'all know who you are, and I could not be here without you. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
17 Comments
12/23/2016 05:43:17 am
Well done Saskia and best wishes from all at Bmin for 2017. BTW, you forgot to add that you gave such a well received talk on Marketing & Social Media at the Bmin meeting back in the summer :-)
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SASKIA
12/24/2016 03:02:53 am
Thanks Mike! I haven't forgotten XXX
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Robin Tulloch
12/23/2016 06:16:00 am
Congratulations on a successful year. Looking forward to seeing you somewhere sometime soon (new years eve ceilidh in Priddy again? Lift available from Bristol if you want one).
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SASKIA
12/24/2016 03:03:52 am
Thanks Robin! Happy Christmas and Merry New Year to you too ;)
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paul radford
12/23/2016 07:03:47 am
Great to see you ending your year on a high. Have a good Xmas and new year.
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SASKIA
12/24/2016 03:04:42 am
Thank you Paul! Happy Christmas to you too! X
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SASKIA
12/24/2016 03:05:17 am
Thank you Barnaby - it's been hard, but worth it :)
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Christine Laubin
12/23/2016 09:46:02 am
How pleased I would be if I were on the Arts Council Committee. I would be saying..." That was funding well spent...this lass WAS ready!" "not only did she tour, but she then turned her next tour into a donation so any of the public who wished to, could attend. What a womderful year Saskia!
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SASKIA
12/24/2016 03:06:25 am
Thank you Christine!! I'm glad you feel that way! I might try for funding again - I'll be sure to include some donation events! :) Merry Christmas!
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dominique Moins
12/23/2016 09:51:01 am
félicitations Saskia pour cette année tu le mérite je suis sur de nouveaux succès en 2017 et un succès en France je te le promets
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SASKIA
12/24/2016 03:08:17 am
Merci Dominique! Je suis impatient d'y être!
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It's been a pleasure listening and watching your progress over the year, I'm intending to try to get funding for a music related business, but unsure where to look, seeing what you have done, gives me the torch and impetus to move forward with my own aims, happy Xmas, and the "version" of the tune I demoed to you, will be available to all before the new year, where it suits..
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Robert Weil
12/24/2016 07:06:57 am
A Very Happy Xmas and a Successful New Year, Saskia, and prepare to get rewarded for All the Hard Graft. 2017 is going to be Your Year !!! All Love and Blessings, from Robert and Caren XXXX
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