I've been visiting the local scene, here are some pictures of recent gigs & folk clubs! Thanking Nina, Anne Darby, Owly Dave, Martyn Hillstead, The Cornelius's, Folk on the Moor, Teignmouth Folk Club, Teignmouth Blues & Folk Club, Teign House Inn & Kevin Tarbox (bottom right). It's been absolutely wonderful meeting & playing with you all, and it's not over yet! I hope to see you all & more when I come back to Devon on tour next year!
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Have you ever spent three solid weeks in a production facility? Knowing that there is at least another 3 to go?!
Apart from slight cabin fever setting in, we are working harder than ever, and having a jolly good time! Among bottomless coffee refills and the occasional whisky for my producer, we now have the bones for 9 tracks out of 10! Grappling with technology, my 'intermediate' guitar skills, and finding out about song arrangement, this is a highly creative time, and a steep learning curve for everyone. I am moved by Roberts (my producers) dedication to quality and consistency, even if that means redoing things we thought we had done already, or trying out new things only to discard them again. It is so important that he is my biggest supporter during this time, and sensitive enough to find ways to convey the meaning and feeling of my songs through instruments I wouldn't have thought of and don't know how to play myself. It is taking shape, and from this point I can already see the basic features of this album - simple, pure, original, unaltered and beautiful. Full of heart. Now our task is details! Reviewing what needs to be added in where, before we focus on the final task of tidying, polishing and giving the levels a final balance. Thank you everyone who is in touch with me during this period, giving me advice, support, and helping me to break out of the studio into the local folk scene (Owly Dave!). These are the lovely people who are working harder than ever to make my debut album 'Gentle Heart'. We are something of a dream team, and so far have recorded the basics for four tracks over the last week (despite the donkey fiasco!). Caren is a talented artist, craftsmaker and caring wife of Robert whose touch makes this house and studio a happy one. There are very few people I trust with music, but Robert is one of them. One of the first things he said to me was "No metronome. Full takes.", and I was on board... and I haven't looked back, despite his sense of humour. So amid artwork, coffee, and more jokes than I can count, 'Gentle Heart' is taking shape.
Today I wrestled with a donkey. No euphemism. I didn't exactly win, but I did get away safely-ish and protect the little foal it was attacking. All while getting stuck into recording, which is really my purpose for being here. In my charge are four donkeys (one of which thinks I'm its mother), a horse, numerous birds, a guinea pig, a guinea fowl, ducks, and a lizard. What I really mean to say is that while I am very excited about spending the next weeks(/months) almost entirely in the studio with a wonderful producer getting my Gentle Heart album ready for launch in Feb, it would be easier if I wasn't farm-sitting at the same time. And better if the donkeys were as stupid as they are supposed to be and didn't figure out ways to escape their pens. The lesson here is that Donkeys & Recordings don't mix. Don't try this at home. But look out for more blog posts from me!
'Regional Debut for Rising Folk Singer', or so they said... my first time in Norfolk at these lovely theatre venues. The pictures speak for themselves. Did I mention the gig at the Fisher Theatre completely sold out? With special thanks to Terry Reeve, town reeve of Bungay, who invited me over for the shows. I have been bowled over by all the support that has come my way while fundraising for my debut album 'Gentle Heart'.
If you haven't already seen and backed my kickstarter project, here are 5 great reasons to do so: 1) The music exchange. Musicians dedicate themselves to bringing us beauty, humour, emotion, joy & community. In return they are supported by the people who like what they bring. 2) You can get involved in my whole project. By backing me you become party to everything related to the Gentle Heart Album & Tour including exclusive pics, shows invites, behind the scenes stories & videos as well as whichever reward you have chosen. 3) It's nice to help someone. Knowing their project is worthwhile and that your support makes a big difference. 4) My rewards are amazing. As I said before, this isn't charity, so pick a reward - from having a copy of the CD when it's done, to having a session filmed at your house and many more! 5) This is your only chance. The kickstarter campaign finishes in 1 week from today so now is the only chance you have to; get involved, help me out, pre order the album or choose any of the other rewards. Remember, this is a community project - it only goes ahead if the total goal is reached by Sunday 18th Oct, so it needs a little help from everyone! I haven't got a penny to my name, and I don't have a wealthy family behind me to get me into the business, I rely 100% on people who like my music. I am thrilled that the Stroud News & Journal decided to feature my bid to raise £2,500 in just over 3 weeks. here is their article! I am currently at £1,053, and have two weeks left. Hopefully the article will help boost the 'backers'. See my Campaign below, and check out what the lovely press have to say!
Kookaburra
The painting is inspired by a native Alaskan ghost story and is called "Listening". About DannyDanny has gone through many creative media including ambient composition, painting and wood sculpture. His current creative outlet is designing mindfulness strength-training programs as a personal trainer in Swindon. He was a mature student at Brockwood Park School where he could frequently be seen driving past classrooms on a tractor.
I know Danny through a mutual friend Adam Black, and he is yet another creative Brockwood connection. I love this painting, and although he has more, he hasn't got a website yet. He can be found on facebook, and contacted there or, you can email him at daniilbach@yahoo.com. |
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December 2022
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