Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Tuesday 30th December 2014
Day spent doing family stuff. Would be weird to go into details here, but in short; the results of the scans were in and my dad will be living a bit (or lot) longer than we had thought. Amazing day, emotionally draining. Went to pub with friends to celebrate but was tired and slightly grumpy company. Tomorrow I shall achieve great things.
Monday 29th December 2014
Emailed a couple musician friends about working on a function band with Grace, need to get that one up and running asap. Rehearsals for the rockabilly project start next week.
Confirmed a couple more lounge shows; they're quite soon, you know, I need to get writing this one.
Spent a couple hours filming some poetry with a cajon, did two pieces: 830 Friends Can't Be Wrong, and Bins. I'm really happy with the way they've turned out.
Evening rehearsal for the Neil Young tribute project. Horrid electronic kit aside, not bad - we'll be fine for those two shows next week.
Confirmed a couple more lounge shows; they're quite soon, you know, I need to get writing this one.
Spent a couple hours filming some poetry with a cajon, did two pieces: 830 Friends Can't Be Wrong, and Bins. I'm really happy with the way they've turned out.
Evening rehearsal for the Neil Young tribute project. Horrid electronic kit aside, not bad - we'll be fine for those two shows next week.
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Sunday 28th December 2014
Productive Sunday. Up early to and film a nice scene for the '50 Ways...' movie - today's sacking was from Derecho, who were a sporting and friendly bunch, good scene.
Then picked up my old mucker Rob and we made a short film. It's about a gambler, who has found a jar of loose change, and decides to spend it all on scratchcards. Basically, I have a jar of coppers that I can't get rid of, so we used those. Rob was brilliant, we bought 28 scatchcards from various different garages/shops, and he paid in very small change the whole time. A lot of shopkeepers were annoyed, but the footage is great. This, when I've written and added a narrative, will be part of my new online series, Paul Richards: Voices, alongside a couple of other pieces I've already worked on.
Confirmed 3 lounge shows for the new solo piece.
Then picked up my old mucker Rob and we made a short film. It's about a gambler, who has found a jar of loose change, and decides to spend it all on scratchcards. Basically, I have a jar of coppers that I can't get rid of, so we used those. Rob was brilliant, we bought 28 scatchcards from various different garages/shops, and he paid in very small change the whole time. A lot of shopkeepers were annoyed, but the footage is great. This, when I've written and added a narrative, will be part of my new online series, Paul Richards: Voices, alongside a couple of other pieces I've already worked on.
Confirmed 3 lounge shows for the new solo piece.
Saturday 27th December 2014
I took a few days out for Christmas (whilst still uploading the advent calendar series). Christmas at the family home is so sleepy, probably good for me - and lovely to drink lots of beer with good friends, but equally; it's nice to crack on.
Put the feelers out for lounge shows for January, seems to be quite a lot of interest already.
Evening met up with Edd and Esther to work out an action plan for the rockabilly project. Got drunk and didn't achieve too much, apart from book up the first rehearsal.
Put the feelers out for lounge shows for January, seems to be quite a lot of interest already.
Evening met up with Edd and Esther to work out an action plan for the rockabilly project. Got drunk and didn't achieve too much, apart from book up the first rehearsal.
Monday, 22 December 2014
Monday 22nd December 2014
I've pretty much switched off for Christmas now, although I have made some decent notes for next year's Christmas show.
Attempted to do my Christmas shopping in an hour, failed - of course I did, it's crazy out there. Got it done in 4.
Evening met up with Grace and we discussed the idea of forming a band. We're both keen, we'll be gigging in no time.
Attempted to do my Christmas shopping in an hour, failed - of course I did, it's crazy out there. Got it done in 4.
Evening met up with Grace and we discussed the idea of forming a band. We're both keen, we'll be gigging in no time.
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Sunday 21st December 2014
So we may have ended up drinking in Bristol town centre till the early hours last night following the show. As a result, I overslept, and as a result of that, got a parking ticket. £50!
Slow trip back, seemingly accidents everywhere.
Not a day for my own creative stuff, but in the evening went to watch some experimental dance/theatre with Erin (from Dowsing), experimental dance is not normally my bag but I enjoyed it very much. The show was called Ockham's Razor, by the way, worth checking out.
Slow trip back, seemingly accidents everywhere.
Not a day for my own creative stuff, but in the evening went to watch some experimental dance/theatre with Erin (from Dowsing), experimental dance is not normally my bag but I enjoyed it very much. The show was called Ockham's Razor, by the way, worth checking out.
Saturday 20th December 2014
Up early for family stuff, then met friends for Christmas catch up/coffee.
Relatively hassle-free drive to Bristol, where I was performing the solo festive show for a final time. A house show, around my mate Matt's pad - I always feel welcome here. Performance a little slow, possibly because of my stinking cold, but audience into it and there was a nice happy feeling in the room. A quiet, but decent end to a show which was disliked by some, loved by others.
Relatively hassle-free drive to Bristol, where I was performing the solo festive show for a final time. A house show, around my mate Matt's pad - I always feel welcome here. Performance a little slow, possibly because of my stinking cold, but audience into it and there was a nice happy feeling in the room. A quiet, but decent end to a show which was disliked by some, loved by others.
Friday, 19 December 2014
Friday 19th December 2014
Woke up feeling a little bit ill, which is not surprising considering everyone else around me has a bug at the moment. But when you're self-employed you can't pull a sickie, so I just carried on regardless anyway. Spent most of the day trying to book tour dates for the new (as yet unwritten) solo show for June, and also emailing magazines to see if they fancied a bit of Richards short story action. Also spoke very briefly to potential management for next year, and had an idea for yet another Christmas story.
Evening gig with Fred's House; my 100th gig of the year. Wasn't keen at first as it's at a folk club and full drums really shouldn't be allowed in these situations, and they gave me a drum riser so I was elevated above everyone else. But it was a cracker, and I certainly didn't feel ill during it, as much as I feel a bit rough now writing this. Good gig; it's nice being in a popular band, feels like we've come along way. Set list: Face in the Water, Hold On, We Don't Talk Anymore, Grown Up a Little, Wrong Time, Bonnie & Clyde, Standing Next To Me, Old Man (cover) <and then there was a raffle> Shut Up and Dance, Fire, Christmas at Home, Fine Life, Ghost Town, Beautiful You. Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Evening gig with Fred's House; my 100th gig of the year. Wasn't keen at first as it's at a folk club and full drums really shouldn't be allowed in these situations, and they gave me a drum riser so I was elevated above everyone else. But it was a cracker, and I certainly didn't feel ill during it, as much as I feel a bit rough now writing this. Good gig; it's nice being in a popular band, feels like we've come along way. Set list: Face in the Water, Hold On, We Don't Talk Anymore, Grown Up a Little, Wrong Time, Bonnie & Clyde, Standing Next To Me, Old Man (cover) <and then there was a raffle> Shut Up and Dance, Fire, Christmas at Home, Fine Life, Ghost Town, Beautiful You. Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Thursday, 18 December 2014
Thursday 18th December 2014
Enjoyed those shows last night, and financially made £20 more than my 'going rate' as as a performer. Tonight I made £40 less than my fee, so I guess it evens itself out a bit.
Spent a chunk of the day working out tax stuff, just updating my notepad detailing every expense and any dosh that has come in. Also rehearsed the panto, solo, by prancing around the dining room shouting my lines, as you do, and promoted it - to receive my standard flurry of apologies. I don't mind if people don't turn up, I get that people have lives, it's all okay, dudes.
The second night of performances of Funky Panto. Both were very sparsely attended but those who were there enjoyed it. Performances themselves were remarkably consistent - it's almost like we knew what we were doing. The first one was being filmed but there was also children in the audience so I had to be careful with my language, with the second one (5 people in attendance) I could let go a bit.
In a modest kind of way, this really was a little victory, this show. It was pieced together in a rush as I was focussing on the solo show but we all dug in and made it happen with smiles on our faces; full credit to Izzy as I gave her the tricky lines, and the band - Claudia, Edd and Marcel, are the loveliest and most talented bunch you could ever wish to work for, they really, really enjoyed themselves.
I've just been watching back on the video footage that my mate Antony filmed tonight. It looks great, and, not wishing to sound arrogant or anything, but we look strong as performers. It's very clear that I now know what to do with an audience - I just need to find one. As this and the recent solo show confirmed, that isn't in Cambridge. But next year I'll find them, and we'll have a big party or something.
Spent a chunk of the day working out tax stuff, just updating my notepad detailing every expense and any dosh that has come in. Also rehearsed the panto, solo, by prancing around the dining room shouting my lines, as you do, and promoted it - to receive my standard flurry of apologies. I don't mind if people don't turn up, I get that people have lives, it's all okay, dudes.
The second night of performances of Funky Panto. Both were very sparsely attended but those who were there enjoyed it. Performances themselves were remarkably consistent - it's almost like we knew what we were doing. The first one was being filmed but there was also children in the audience so I had to be careful with my language, with the second one (5 people in attendance) I could let go a bit.
In a modest kind of way, this really was a little victory, this show. It was pieced together in a rush as I was focussing on the solo show but we all dug in and made it happen with smiles on our faces; full credit to Izzy as I gave her the tricky lines, and the band - Claudia, Edd and Marcel, are the loveliest and most talented bunch you could ever wish to work for, they really, really enjoyed themselves.
I've just been watching back on the video footage that my mate Antony filmed tonight. It looks great, and, not wishing to sound arrogant or anything, but we look strong as performers. It's very clear that I now know what to do with an audience - I just need to find one. As this and the recent solo show confirmed, that isn't in Cambridge. But next year I'll find them, and we'll have a big party or something.
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
Wednesday 17th December 2014
I'm racing through my checklist this week, which probably means I'm not doing things properly, not sure.
One of the the things I should have done earlier, perhaps, was sort the props out. Leaving it till the day of the show is never a good idea, especially when Tesco doesn't sell wigs. Couldn't find a suitable dress for Cinderella, either, so had to make do with a Disney onesie, but it got a cheap laugh.
Spent a ridiculous amount of the day making the props. Although the lamp - which was made out of 2 cans of Carlsberg and a Red Bull tin was frowned upon by those who were in the show it did get some chuckles.
The first 2 performances were tonight and weren't half as bad as we thought they would be. True, so they were messy, but with no major cock-ups. Izzy, although nervous beforehand, nailed it, I stumbled my way through it. The band - Claudia, Marcel and Edd stole the show. I'm happy for them to. The audiences - about half full for both performances, were very kind. Same again tomorrow.
One of the the things I should have done earlier, perhaps, was sort the props out. Leaving it till the day of the show is never a good idea, especially when Tesco doesn't sell wigs. Couldn't find a suitable dress for Cinderella, either, so had to make do with a Disney onesie, but it got a cheap laugh.
Spent a ridiculous amount of the day making the props. Although the lamp - which was made out of 2 cans of Carlsberg and a Red Bull tin was frowned upon by those who were in the show it did get some chuckles.
The first 2 performances were tonight and weren't half as bad as we thought they would be. True, so they were messy, but with no major cock-ups. Izzy, although nervous beforehand, nailed it, I stumbled my way through it. The band - Claudia, Marcel and Edd stole the show. I'm happy for them to. The audiences - about half full for both performances, were very kind. Same again tomorrow.
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Tuesday 16th December 2014
Spoke to a jazz singer who is keen on my drum services, updated websites with additional Fred's House tour dates for next year.
Started arranging rehearsal dates for the new project with Esther, Adam and Edd.
Ran the panto 4 times. I think I know it, but not sure. We'll soon find out tomorrow, I guess.
Evening, lovely gig with Dowsing Sound Collective at The Maltings, Ely, as part of Boo Hewerdine's Christmas show. Stripped down and with only a handful of singers but it really worked still, and got to see/meet legendary comedian Arthur Smith.
Set: Awake My Soul, Mama Told Me Not to Come, It's Christmas and I Hate You, Det Hev Ein Rose Sprunge, Baby It's Cold Outside, Winter, Brightest Lights, Fairytale of New York.
Started arranging rehearsal dates for the new project with Esther, Adam and Edd.
Ran the panto 4 times. I think I know it, but not sure. We'll soon find out tomorrow, I guess.
Evening, lovely gig with Dowsing Sound Collective at The Maltings, Ely, as part of Boo Hewerdine's Christmas show. Stripped down and with only a handful of singers but it really worked still, and got to see/meet legendary comedian Arthur Smith.
Set: Awake My Soul, Mama Told Me Not to Come, It's Christmas and I Hate You, Det Hev Ein Rose Sprunge, Baby It's Cold Outside, Winter, Brightest Lights, Fairytale of New York.
Monday 15th December 2014
Such a great night, last night. Woke up a bit earlier than I had planned as a result but it was worthwhile.
Did some more of what I like to call 'life admin' stuff and then wrote the final 6 pieces of the advent calendar series.
Went to Izzy's, filmed the final batch and then rehearsed the panto. It opens on Wednesday; we're certainly cutting things very fine.
Got back and edited those videos until 2am. All done with the advent calendar series now, apart from remembering to set one live every day.
Did some more of what I like to call 'life admin' stuff and then wrote the final 6 pieces of the advent calendar series.
Went to Izzy's, filmed the final batch and then rehearsed the panto. It opens on Wednesday; we're certainly cutting things very fine.
Got back and edited those videos until 2am. All done with the advent calendar series now, apart from remembering to set one live every day.
Monday, 15 December 2014
Sunday 14th December 2014
Up early for Dowsing Sound Collective soundchecks.
Long day but what a day! I've never enjoyed playing the Corn Exchange because the sound is always an issue, but this time around it worked, it really worked. All of the little glitches that had been bugging us in the rehearsal came together at the last minute. It's such a beast of a project - over a hundred singers, brass, strings, piano, bass, guitar, banjo, eigenharp...to try and glue this with drums isn't at all easy and sometimes it doesn't work, but this one did. Audience even started doing the conga. Haven't felt this festive in years...a truly remarkable show, performed by remarkable people.
Set list: Awake My Soul, Mama Told Me Not To Come, Santa Baby, I and Love and You, Det Hev Ein Rose Sprunge, Silent Night, Little L, Black Christmas, Mary's Boy Child, Holding Onto Heaven, Stone Cold Sober, Eskimo, I Believe in Father Christmas, Winter, In Dulce Jubilo, Counting Stars, Hoppipolla, The Parting Glass, I Want a Little Doggie, The 12 Days of Christmas, Baby It's Cold Outside, Lovin' Machine, Brightest Lights, I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), Fairytale of New York.
Went to the after show party, and then the after-after show party, before eventually dragging my feet out at 3am. I spent the evening surrounded by people who completely get what I'm about, life is a wonderful thing.
Long day but what a day! I've never enjoyed playing the Corn Exchange because the sound is always an issue, but this time around it worked, it really worked. All of the little glitches that had been bugging us in the rehearsal came together at the last minute. It's such a beast of a project - over a hundred singers, brass, strings, piano, bass, guitar, banjo, eigenharp...to try and glue this with drums isn't at all easy and sometimes it doesn't work, but this one did. Audience even started doing the conga. Haven't felt this festive in years...a truly remarkable show, performed by remarkable people.
Set list: Awake My Soul, Mama Told Me Not To Come, Santa Baby, I and Love and You, Det Hev Ein Rose Sprunge, Silent Night, Little L, Black Christmas, Mary's Boy Child, Holding Onto Heaven, Stone Cold Sober, Eskimo, I Believe in Father Christmas, Winter, In Dulce Jubilo, Counting Stars, Hoppipolla, The Parting Glass, I Want a Little Doggie, The 12 Days of Christmas, Baby It's Cold Outside, Lovin' Machine, Brightest Lights, I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), Fairytale of New York.
Went to the after show party, and then the after-after show party, before eventually dragging my feet out at 3am. I spent the evening surrounded by people who completely get what I'm about, life is a wonderful thing.
Saturday 13th December 2014
Was more than little hungover today. Feels like a bit of a wasted day. Put up the Christmas decorations with my landlord/housemate and got an idea for an eerie short festive film, which I'll film next week.
Evening watched my landlord's band play, felt good to watch rather than play for a change.
Got offered a load of stand-up gigs, have told them my availability.
Evening watched my landlord's band play, felt good to watch rather than play for a change.
Got offered a load of stand-up gigs, have told them my availability.
Friday 12th December 2014
Promoted panto, continued to try and learn lines for it.
Was on family duty today so typically spent a lot of time waiting around in a car park as the dog bites me. Managed to write 2 more pieces for 'Hospital' - the project I'm working on with Anna.
Got back and recorded a little video demo of storytelling/cajon stuff.
Evening got drunk for a mate's birthday.
Was on family duty today so typically spent a lot of time waiting around in a car park as the dog bites me. Managed to write 2 more pieces for 'Hospital' - the project I'm working on with Anna.
Got back and recorded a little video demo of storytelling/cajon stuff.
Evening got drunk for a mate's birthday.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Thursday 11th December 2014
Family plans cancelled (due to a machine in the hospital not working, always a worry) so I was at a slight loose end. Was up till 3am last night though uploading the advent calendar stuff so an extra hour in bed was nice. A company emailed me about a job but it was full-time hours so I politely declined...I'm convinced there is enough money in theatre/comedy/drums, even if I'm not sure where that is just yet.
Put another batch of adverts up advertising my drum services - not being arrogant or anything but my drum CV is bloody impressive.
Got frustrated writing stand-up so drove to Ely and paced around a supermarket a bit. It worked; got back and wrote some nice stuff.
Plugged next week's panto like crazy.
Tried and failed to record an 'hilarious' cajon/storytelling thing because it wasn't hilarious. Just watched the footage back. Christ, it's bad.
Dowsing dress rehearsal; I still get told off a lot but that's part of it. I think it's known as 'direction' actually. Amazing musicians, you know, Andrea really has picked a winning team here. From the drum seat this one will be different to other Dowsing gigs; technically easier, physically more exhausting. From the audience point of view it will be sensational.
Put another batch of adverts up advertising my drum services - not being arrogant or anything but my drum CV is bloody impressive.
Got frustrated writing stand-up so drove to Ely and paced around a supermarket a bit. It worked; got back and wrote some nice stuff.
Plugged next week's panto like crazy.
Tried and failed to record an 'hilarious' cajon/storytelling thing because it wasn't hilarious. Just watched the footage back. Christ, it's bad.
Dowsing dress rehearsal; I still get told off a lot but that's part of it. I think it's known as 'direction' actually. Amazing musicians, you know, Andrea really has picked a winning team here. From the drum seat this one will be different to other Dowsing gigs; technically easier, physically more exhausting. From the audience point of view it will be sensational.
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Wednesday 10th December 2014
Up early, printed scripts and then drove to Izzy's for 5 hours; initially recording 8 more different instalments for the advent calendar series, and then rehearsing the panto. The panto opens next week; we'll be okay with this, I think, it feels simple, very digestible. And I've written it so that Izzy has all the tricky bits...
Filmed my Christmas message for BBC radio as requested.
Then over to Gaf's for Fred's House acoustic rehearsal ahead of the show next Friday, learnt a few festive numbers for that which may or may not make the gig.
Evening spent editing the calendar videos, and making notes for what will be my 'stand up' (as much as I'll be sat down, playing a cajon) routine for next year.
Filmed my Christmas message for BBC radio as requested.
Then over to Gaf's for Fred's House acoustic rehearsal ahead of the show next Friday, learnt a few festive numbers for that which may or may not make the gig.
Evening spent editing the calendar videos, and making notes for what will be my 'stand up' (as much as I'll be sat down, playing a cajon) routine for next year.
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Tuesday 9th December 2014
Really, really enjoyed last night. Woke up a little later than planned, did a little emailing (trying to get freelance/temping work, turns out there is none out there....uh oh!), and then spent a majority of the day writing more episodes for the advent calendar series. Wrote 9 of them today, not bad going, some of them quite good.
Evening; 2 more performances of the Christmas show. I was really looking forward to these. The first one, in front of a big-ish audience, was quite messy. Yesterday, knowing it was the opening night, I'd rehearsed all day and nailed it. Tonight I took my foot off the gas and the first performance was a little all over the place...I know that's the act anyway, but it was pushing a bit. The audience, all lovely, laughed a lot and I got away with it.
Psyched up, I really wanted the second performance of the evening to be a stormer. Slightly smaller audience, I knew everyone in the room which is always weird. I ran on, dressed as a snowman, and the vibe wasn't there in the room - you could just feel it, odd and flat. I did my joke 'fall' but as I was trying so hard I landed quite badly and really hurt my knee...blood, lots of blood. Kept it from the audience and pretended everything was okay. "Are you feeling festive?" I asked them at the start, a woman in the front row said, loudly, "No." This was going to be a tough hour. Performance-wise I thought it was the best I've done it, it felt a little slow at times though, as I said yesterday - it's a show where those in the room need to be with you, and they weren't always, whilst still quietly enjoying it.
That show is done until the 20th now, tomorrow we need to start learning those panto lines.
Evening; 2 more performances of the Christmas show. I was really looking forward to these. The first one, in front of a big-ish audience, was quite messy. Yesterday, knowing it was the opening night, I'd rehearsed all day and nailed it. Tonight I took my foot off the gas and the first performance was a little all over the place...I know that's the act anyway, but it was pushing a bit. The audience, all lovely, laughed a lot and I got away with it.
Psyched up, I really wanted the second performance of the evening to be a stormer. Slightly smaller audience, I knew everyone in the room which is always weird. I ran on, dressed as a snowman, and the vibe wasn't there in the room - you could just feel it, odd and flat. I did my joke 'fall' but as I was trying so hard I landed quite badly and really hurt my knee...blood, lots of blood. Kept it from the audience and pretended everything was okay. "Are you feeling festive?" I asked them at the start, a woman in the front row said, loudly, "No." This was going to be a tough hour. Performance-wise I thought it was the best I've done it, it felt a little slow at times though, as I said yesterday - it's a show where those in the room need to be with you, and they weren't always, whilst still quietly enjoying it.
That show is done until the 20th now, tomorrow we need to start learning those panto lines.
Monday, 8 December 2014
Monday 8th December 2014
It's sometimes difficult to be disciplined when you're freelance/whatever it is I am, but today I was because it was finally the day that Paul Richards Will Make You Festive opened. I was a little panicky today, even though I feel like I know this show pretty well. After spending the first couple hours of the day emailing for drum/session work and then updating my various sites (still too many), I spent the rest of the morning and then the afternoon rehearsing.
Audience numbers weren't great - 6 in the first performance, 11 or 12 for the second, but sometimes that doesn't matter if they're up for it. Which they were. This is a very different kind of show; they have to buy into it quite early on, it's not stand-up but it's certainly the furthest thing away from theatre that I've ever written. But it works - I could feel it would do after the preview last week (as much as it needed a lot of tweaking), it really works. This could well be the sort of thing I'll end up doing in Edinburgh next year. Happy Paul.
Grabbed a quick drink with my mate Esther after the show and we formed a rockabilly wedding covers band, as you do.
Audience numbers weren't great - 6 in the first performance, 11 or 12 for the second, but sometimes that doesn't matter if they're up for it. Which they were. This is a very different kind of show; they have to buy into it quite early on, it's not stand-up but it's certainly the furthest thing away from theatre that I've ever written. But it works - I could feel it would do after the preview last week (as much as it needed a lot of tweaking), it really works. This could well be the sort of thing I'll end up doing in Edinburgh next year. Happy Paul.
Grabbed a quick drink with my mate Esther after the show and we formed a rockabilly wedding covers band, as you do.
Sunday, 7 December 2014
Sunday 7th December 2014
I needed a rest; that sounds a bit pathetic, yeah? But it's been a draining few days, and a big week is coming up - the Christmas show tomorrow finally, properly, opens, and then the Dowsing Sound Collective gig. At some point, I should really think about earning some money, probably temping work or freelance stuff, not sure.
Slept in till 11am today, which felt amazing, and then went off to a lovely little party around Gaf's where we played Christmas games. Get the sense I wasn't the chattiest today, but I'm sure in the scale of the year I've done enough chatting already.
Got back and found that my 'Comedy CV' has been uploaded and looks good (http://comedycv.co.uk/paulrichards/index.html) - time to try and market the comedy drummer act, I think.
Emailed a couple people I'd like to form a function band with and uploaded some more of the Christmas advent calendar films.
I'd like next week to be great, please.
Slept in till 11am today, which felt amazing, and then went off to a lovely little party around Gaf's where we played Christmas games. Get the sense I wasn't the chattiest today, but I'm sure in the scale of the year I've done enough chatting already.
Got back and found that my 'Comedy CV' has been uploaded and looks good (http://comedycv.co.uk/paulrichards/index.html) - time to try and market the comedy drummer act, I think.
Emailed a couple people I'd like to form a function band with and uploaded some more of the Christmas advent calendar films.
I'd like next week to be great, please.
Saturday 6th December 2014
Up early, drove home from Leeds.
Dowsing session was amazing - strings, brass, over a hundred singers...whilst I may have started the day in a foul mood, it changed very quickly thanks to the magic that was being created. The gig is next Sunday and there's still loads to do but it's going to be spectacular, and challenging, and joyous.
Evening had a quick run-through of Funky Panto with our brilliant house band, then had dinner/drinks with Claudia and Marcel to chat about all things music. Lovely.
Friday, 5 December 2014
Friday 5th December 2014
Sunday's performance in Devon has been cancelled, also due to poor ticket sales. The venue tried really hard, but clearly a Christmas show at Christmas just doesn't sell.
I can't get angry about this; I mean - the shows aren't even selling in my hometown, ticket sales for the first performance currently stand at 1. What is the point in this? Very close to cancelling the Cambridge performances too, thus pretty much just cancelling the whole run. Paul Richards Will Make You Festive was a nice idea, but one that just didn't work out. I'll put it down to be an expensive mistake and try a new direction; one that doesn't involve me spending days and days writing and rehearsing a show only for nobody to want to see it.
I would say releasing things online is a safer option but the advent calendar series is only getting 5 hits a day. Even the film, the film which we were so proud of, didn't hit 50 views. We can't even give this stuff away. There's no point. No point at at all to any of this.
Had a bit of a rant on Facebook about it all, because that's what we do in this day and age. Lots of people telling to 'keep going' which is very sweet of them to care, but at the same time I'm not sure which direction I'm supposed to be going in. I've been looking up stand-up venues around the UK but they just look terrifying; full of people actually expecting jokes and puns and things that are in your face. Not storytelling comedy, which is very different. Yet, what I do clearly doesn't fit in to the theatre scene either as tickets just don't sell. I don't actually think this is about marketing; I think it's about the project. Do I change my act?
Or, of course, I could just get a proper job.
Recorded the Christmas novella; all 65 minutes of it, and am putting it on Bandcamp now. Not sure if anybody will be interested in the audio book version but to be honest, I'm losing my mind a bit and it was just something to fill a couple hours of the day with.
I can't get angry about this; I mean - the shows aren't even selling in my hometown, ticket sales for the first performance currently stand at 1. What is the point in this? Very close to cancelling the Cambridge performances too, thus pretty much just cancelling the whole run. Paul Richards Will Make You Festive was a nice idea, but one that just didn't work out. I'll put it down to be an expensive mistake and try a new direction; one that doesn't involve me spending days and days writing and rehearsing a show only for nobody to want to see it.
I would say releasing things online is a safer option but the advent calendar series is only getting 5 hits a day. Even the film, the film which we were so proud of, didn't hit 50 views. We can't even give this stuff away. There's no point. No point at at all to any of this.
Had a bit of a rant on Facebook about it all, because that's what we do in this day and age. Lots of people telling to 'keep going' which is very sweet of them to care, but at the same time I'm not sure which direction I'm supposed to be going in. I've been looking up stand-up venues around the UK but they just look terrifying; full of people actually expecting jokes and puns and things that are in your face. Not storytelling comedy, which is very different. Yet, what I do clearly doesn't fit in to the theatre scene either as tickets just don't sell. I don't actually think this is about marketing; I think it's about the project. Do I change my act?
Or, of course, I could just get a proper job.
Recorded the Christmas novella; all 65 minutes of it, and am putting it on Bandcamp now. Not sure if anybody will be interested in the audio book version but to be honest, I'm losing my mind a bit and it was just something to fill a couple hours of the day with.
Thursday, 4 December 2014
Thursday 4th December 2014
Show in Lancaster cancelled due to "lack of interest". I don't have a problem at all with the venue - we've spoken a lot over the last couple of days and they're really nice people, with an offer for a re-booking for next year (March or April) in which we'll plug it a bit better. But still, does feel like EVERYTHING IS GOING WRONG AT THE MOMENT.
Saying that, it did give me a chance to rehearse a bit more.
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire interview about the Cambridge performances of the show; pretty good I thought, Sue is a joy to talk to, it was all very easy.
Got back and made a YouTube promo for the Christmas show and sent it around, and emailed 57 friends to try to get them to come to the shows. I was determined not to rely on my friends to be the audience for this one. They probably won't be, to be honest. 1 ticket sold from the email and that was to our bassist.
Made a comedy CV and sent it to the site to be uploaded. I think it might be time to attempt 'proper' stand up.
Saying that, it did give me a chance to rehearse a bit more.
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire interview about the Cambridge performances of the show; pretty good I thought, Sue is a joy to talk to, it was all very easy.
Got back and made a YouTube promo for the Christmas show and sent it around, and emailed 57 friends to try to get them to come to the shows. I was determined not to rely on my friends to be the audience for this one. They probably won't be, to be honest. 1 ticket sold from the email and that was to our bassist.
Made a comedy CV and sent it to the site to be uploaded. I think it might be time to attempt 'proper' stand up.
Wednesday 3rd December 2014
Majority day doing family/hospital stuff, which stressed me out big style. The dog biting me didn't help.
Radio interview with Cambridge 105 was awesome, I'm getting quite good at this now...
Rehearsal with Dowsing (with band) was fantastic - great to have the brass involved.
Bit worried about tomorrow's opening performance of the Christmas show.
Radio interview with Cambridge 105 was awesome, I'm getting quite good at this now...
Rehearsal with Dowsing (with band) was fantastic - great to have the brass involved.
Bit worried about tomorrow's opening performance of the Christmas show.
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Tuesday 2nd December 2014
Last night was good for me; I should really preview shows a lot more than once though.
Spent the morning catching up on emails and booked in yet more radio stuff.
Then after lunch I nailed the rest of the panto script, and wrote 4 more episodes for the calendar series. Second episode of that went live today, it's been pointed out to me that I've been spelling calendar wrong. One of Izzy's friends, a dickhead called Chris, was particularly rude about it on Facebook because he clearly didn't have anything better to do with his time. I've corrected them all now (it was just one letter, one simple letter), but that wasn't to impress 'Chris', if that's what he calls himself.
I'm tired.
Decided to call next year's Edinburgh Fringe show: Paul Richards: Inadequate Man.
Ran through panto stuff with Izzy, and filmed 5 more CALENDAR episodes.
Need to learn my lines for Thursday. And calm down a bit.
Spent the morning catching up on emails and booked in yet more radio stuff.
Then after lunch I nailed the rest of the panto script, and wrote 4 more episodes for the calendar series. Second episode of that went live today, it's been pointed out to me that I've been spelling calendar wrong. One of Izzy's friends, a dickhead called Chris, was particularly rude about it on Facebook because he clearly didn't have anything better to do with his time. I've corrected them all now (it was just one letter, one simple letter), but that wasn't to impress 'Chris', if that's what he calls himself.
I'm tired.
Decided to call next year's Edinburgh Fringe show: Paul Richards: Inadequate Man.
Ran through panto stuff with Izzy, and filmed 5 more CALENDAR episodes.
Need to learn my lines for Thursday. And calm down a bit.
Monday 1st December 2014
One of those dates where everything is released; basically - it's Christmas now.
Released the Christmas film, dipped massively under the radar as I feared. But still, it's out there now - forever, people might start watching it at some point. I'm really proud of it at least.
Then launched the first of the advent calendar series online, which seemed to get more hits. Considering we put a lot less effort into that, I'm quite annoyed.
Spent a lot of the day building my set for the Christmas show. And yes, actually building things; it's quite something. But spent so long on it I didn't get a chance to rehearse.
Dashed over to the piano studios in Milton to go through the Funky Panto stuff with Claudia, Marcel and Edd; our brilliant house band. They have lots of ideas, happy for them to do what they like with it.
Then over to Phill's house to preview the Christmas show. His housemates are lovely, I lost them a bit during it but had them by the end. Did most of it with a script in my hand, which is worrying considering it opens properly on Thursday. Most of it works, and the bits that didn't well...it's overrunning anyway, this show may take a few performances to get good, but it will do.
Released the Christmas film, dipped massively under the radar as I feared. But still, it's out there now - forever, people might start watching it at some point. I'm really proud of it at least.
Then launched the first of the advent calendar series online, which seemed to get more hits. Considering we put a lot less effort into that, I'm quite annoyed.
Spent a lot of the day building my set for the Christmas show. And yes, actually building things; it's quite something. But spent so long on it I didn't get a chance to rehearse.
Dashed over to the piano studios in Milton to go through the Funky Panto stuff with Claudia, Marcel and Edd; our brilliant house band. They have lots of ideas, happy for them to do what they like with it.
Then over to Phill's house to preview the Christmas show. His housemates are lovely, I lost them a bit during it but had them by the end. Did most of it with a script in my hand, which is worrying considering it opens properly on Thursday. Most of it works, and the bits that didn't well...it's overrunning anyway, this show may take a few performances to get good, but it will do.
Sunday, 30 November 2014
Sunday 30th November 2014
Long time in the studio with Fred's House. 'Another Universe' took what felt like a lifetime to nail, it was a groove that just didn't settle. Got there in the end. 'Fire' was done in one take, probably because we've played it live a lot.
Then dashed off to Essex (via a quick trip home for a shower and to get into my suit) for the final ever performance of Getting Lost in My Hometown - performance number 59, a show which has been quite good to me. Equally, quite happy to move on. Was really strong tonight though, the audience didn't need much winning over. Stunning venue, was treated so well with nice dressing room area and friendly people going out of their way to get me Red Bull. On the bill with folk singer Kelly Oliver (it was a comedy and music night), she was great, ended up playing percussion for her on one song. A winning night, that one.
Then dashed off to Essex (via a quick trip home for a shower and to get into my suit) for the final ever performance of Getting Lost in My Hometown - performance number 59, a show which has been quite good to me. Equally, quite happy to move on. Was really strong tonight though, the audience didn't need much winning over. Stunning venue, was treated so well with nice dressing room area and friendly people going out of their way to get me Red Bull. On the bill with folk singer Kelly Oliver (it was a comedy and music night), she was great, ended up playing percussion for her on one song. A winning night, that one.
Saturday 29th November 2014
Hangover from last night. Up early, went to Dowsing band rehearsal. Intense, but excellent.
Evening we had the premiere for Christmas with Emily & Michael; just a modest event in the house I've recently moved to, but a lovely evening all the same full of nice people who laughed at the right times. The film goes live online on Monday, feel weird just giving it away now but I'm just glad it's out there.
Evening we had the premiere for Christmas with Emily & Michael; just a modest event in the house I've recently moved to, but a lovely evening all the same full of nice people who laughed at the right times. The film goes live online on Monday, feel weird just giving it away now but I'm just glad it's out there.
Friday 28th November 2014
A good day, that one. Spent the morning doing more show admin stuff and managed to sort some more BBC coverage for the forthcoming Christmas show. An Essex newspaper described me as being an "artistic enigma" which was nice of them.
Ran the Christmas show 6 times today in the dining room, it clicked - I know what was missing, it's all making sense now. This is gonna be one hell of a show, if I learn it in time.
Released the Christmas novella, Have Yourself a Ridiculous Little Christmas. Last time I checked it was peaking at around 16,000 in the UK charts.
Evening drinking with an old school friend, we've taken very different paths (he's gone all grown up, I quit my job to be a writer) but still nice enough.
Ran the Christmas show 6 times today in the dining room, it clicked - I know what was missing, it's all making sense now. This is gonna be one hell of a show, if I learn it in time.
Released the Christmas novella, Have Yourself a Ridiculous Little Christmas. Last time I checked it was peaking at around 16,000 in the UK charts.
Evening drinking with an old school friend, we've taken very different paths (he's gone all grown up, I quit my job to be a writer) but still nice enough.
Thursday, 27 November 2014
Thursday 27th November 2014
Long day. Recorded the Christmas solo show so I can start listening to it on repeat to learn it. It's still an ambitiously dark concept; it could go either way but it opens on Monday so I'm stuck with it.
Drove to Chelmsford for BBC Essex radio interview, and performed a bit of 'Getting Lost...' - so weird performing a snippet of comedy live on air, but really happy with the way it went. This was proper stand-up stuff, nailed it, aided by a great vibe at the station.
Then made the lengthy trip from Chelmsford to Banbury to perform the show. Bit strange performing it in a restaurant, especially as people are coming and going, but did well tonight; had the audience from the off, they were very lovely and just wanted to like me. Great show tonight, actually, it's how it should be every time but that was a real good professional performance of performer delighting audience. Left, got halfway home, realised I haven't been paid, or even agreed a fee with the venue. I am basically a 'how not to make a living from this' guide.
Drove to Chelmsford for BBC Essex radio interview, and performed a bit of 'Getting Lost...' - so weird performing a snippet of comedy live on air, but really happy with the way it went. This was proper stand-up stuff, nailed it, aided by a great vibe at the station.
Then made the lengthy trip from Chelmsford to Banbury to perform the show. Bit strange performing it in a restaurant, especially as people are coming and going, but did well tonight; had the audience from the off, they were very lovely and just wanted to like me. Great show tonight, actually, it's how it should be every time but that was a real good professional performance of performer delighting audience. Left, got halfway home, realised I haven't been paid, or even agreed a fee with the venue. I am basically a 'how not to make a living from this' guide.
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Wednesday 26th November 2014
Day started fairly normally; up early, sent posters to all the venues for the shows. Somebody in Canada bought the rights to my play, 'Bed'.
Recording session with David Mitchell-Jones was an absolute cracker. Exceptional musicians, brilliant time signatures. I like being a jazz drummer, especially in such good company.
Got out of the sessions to a load of voicemails from mum, the first saying how poorly dad is and how it's getting really, really bad now, and then one - from 4 hours later, saying that the hospital have given him antibiotics. The family thing still leaves me on edge, all of the time.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Cambridge supporting Chris T-T. We just weren't really on it tonight, to be honest, me especially. Just one of those nights. Chris T-T and his band were awesome, by the way, so, so good. Our set was: Take a Ride, Shut Up & Dance, Hold On, Fire, Ghost Town, Marathon Man.
Recording session with David Mitchell-Jones was an absolute cracker. Exceptional musicians, brilliant time signatures. I like being a jazz drummer, especially in such good company.
Got out of the sessions to a load of voicemails from mum, the first saying how poorly dad is and how it's getting really, really bad now, and then one - from 4 hours later, saying that the hospital have given him antibiotics. The family thing still leaves me on edge, all of the time.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Cambridge supporting Chris T-T. We just weren't really on it tonight, to be honest, me especially. Just one of those nights. Chris T-T and his band were awesome, by the way, so, so good. Our set was: Take a Ride, Shut Up & Dance, Hold On, Fire, Ghost Town, Marathon Man.
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Tuesday 25th November 2014
Up early, tightened the script bits I've done so far for the panto, and for the advent calendar online series.
Got annoyed by the A14 and it took me an hour and a half to get to Izzy's, rather than the 25 minutes it should. She recorded the female audio parts for my solo Christmas show, and we read through and started rehearsing the panto stuff - all surprisingly good, but will probably run over. Then we filmed the first 5 instalments of the advent calendar series, whilst being aware December starts next week so need to do more at some point.
Home, internet is fixed which was a relief, edited and uploaded the videos (and set to private) from earlier, sent an email to a select few about this weekend's Emily & Michael Christmas movie premiere. Updated photo on Universal Extras, recorded my audio bits for the solo show. Promoted Thursday's performance in Oxford.
Spent quite a long time sorting the soundtrack to the Christmas show.
Got annoyed by the A14 and it took me an hour and a half to get to Izzy's, rather than the 25 minutes it should. She recorded the female audio parts for my solo Christmas show, and we read through and started rehearsing the panto stuff - all surprisingly good, but will probably run over. Then we filmed the first 5 instalments of the advent calendar series, whilst being aware December starts next week so need to do more at some point.
Home, internet is fixed which was a relief, edited and uploaded the videos (and set to private) from earlier, sent an email to a select few about this weekend's Emily & Michael Christmas movie premiere. Updated photo on Universal Extras, recorded my audio bits for the solo show. Promoted Thursday's performance in Oxford.
Spent quite a long time sorting the soundtrack to the Christmas show.
Monday 24th November 2014
Family stuff took up a lot my day; dad is so poorly. I'm constantly being reminded (by myself) of perspective, and the reasons why I do what I do.
Got back at 4pm and worked hard on the panto, I had made notes whilst around the family home. Wrote for a good 5 hours solid, wrote half of it and emailed the musicians who are backing it with anything urgent they need to learn for it. Also wrote a couple more bits for the advent calendar series I'm filming with Izzy tomorrow.
Got back at 4pm and worked hard on the panto, I had made notes whilst around the family home. Wrote for a good 5 hours solid, wrote half of it and emailed the musicians who are backing it with anything urgent they need to learn for it. Also wrote a couple more bits for the advent calendar series I'm filming with Izzy tomorrow.
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Sunday 23rd November 2014
I dwelled too much on last night's show, I didn't sleep well. I need to not accept 'pub' gigs, unless I change my act, considerably. The next couple of shows look nice enough, so I need to let that one go. I still got paid, very well, to do it.
Today got frustrated by the A14, made it to Dowsing rehearsals (with choir), sounding beautiful. I play better when I'm tired, I've realised that - it's just more controlled.
Then off to Haslingfield to be in the Fred's House Christmas single promo video, which made me feel incredibly festive.
Been offered some dep work for a function band, which is nice.
Need to have written the panto by Tuesday. The solo Christmas show opens a week tomorrow. I need to be on it, big style.
Today got frustrated by the A14, made it to Dowsing rehearsals (with choir), sounding beautiful. I play better when I'm tired, I've realised that - it's just more controlled.
Then off to Haslingfield to be in the Fred's House Christmas single promo video, which made me feel incredibly festive.
Been offered some dep work for a function band, which is nice.
Need to have written the panto by Tuesday. The solo Christmas show opens a week tomorrow. I need to be on it, big style.
Saturday 22nd November 2014
Up early, drove into town for meeting with Phill about websites/branding. Lots of useful advice from a very clever man, and it's quite clear - I have too many websites, I need to simplify things, focus on the projects that make me money. We also decided to form a function band.
Got back, did a bit of admin, printed posters for venues etc.
Evening solo show in remote village near Colchester. Horrible show, so horrible. Why book me if you don't want me there? Gentle storytelling comedy is NOT stand-up, yet I was constantly being billed as 'tonight's comedian'. It was just me, in a pub, with a PA, in front of a bunch of frankly thick people who wanted knob gags. For AN HOUR. They hated me, I disliked them, I was quite happy to get out alive. Fucking hell.
Got back, did a bit of admin, printed posters for venues etc.
Evening solo show in remote village near Colchester. Horrible show, so horrible. Why book me if you don't want me there? Gentle storytelling comedy is NOT stand-up, yet I was constantly being billed as 'tonight's comedian'. It was just me, in a pub, with a PA, in front of a bunch of frankly thick people who wanted knob gags. For AN HOUR. They hated me, I disliked them, I was quite happy to get out alive. Fucking hell.
Friday, 21 November 2014
Friday 21st November 2014
Really annoyed that both of my websites seem to be down - it's kind of my market place, but Word Press just hasn't been working for 3 days now.
Was up till late last night looking at the script, and woke up in the middle of the night with ideas for it. Had another rehearsal today, pacing around the dining room, and realised the problem was in the middle chunk; the start is great, the punchline is brilliant, it goes flat in the middle.
Went back and re-wrote a lot of it in my bedroom, and added a snowman intro, which has made me happy. I think this one is good to go now; got about 8 days to learn it.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Ipswich. Loud gig, loud venue. Set: Take a Ride, Hold On, Shut Up & Dance, Fire, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Standing Next to Me, Beautiful You, Somebody to Love (cover)
Was up till late last night looking at the script, and woke up in the middle of the night with ideas for it. Had another rehearsal today, pacing around the dining room, and realised the problem was in the middle chunk; the start is great, the punchline is brilliant, it goes flat in the middle.
Went back and re-wrote a lot of it in my bedroom, and added a snowman intro, which has made me happy. I think this one is good to go now; got about 8 days to learn it.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Ipswich. Loud gig, loud venue. Set: Take a Ride, Hold On, Shut Up & Dance, Fire, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Standing Next to Me, Beautiful You, Somebody to Love (cover)
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Thursday 20th November 2014
Wrote solidly for 11 hours today. This is what it's all about.
The Christmas show opens in less than two weeks and I'm still fucking writing the thing. It's a solo show, which buys me a little time, but still - how did I get myself into this mess?
Ticket sales are going quite well, by the way.
Nailed what I assumed to be was a first draft. Had a read through later on, it times around the 35-minute mark. Which is 25 minutes shorter than it needs to be. It works, it has a nice story ark to it, and there's plenty at stake for the character, so I'm not keen on just padding it out for the sake of it.
I'm not entirely sure how to get away with this, to be honest. I'll go to sleep a grumpy man.
The Christmas show opens in less than two weeks and I'm still fucking writing the thing. It's a solo show, which buys me a little time, but still - how did I get myself into this mess?
Ticket sales are going quite well, by the way.
Nailed what I assumed to be was a first draft. Had a read through later on, it times around the 35-minute mark. Which is 25 minutes shorter than it needs to be. It works, it has a nice story ark to it, and there's plenty at stake for the character, so I'm not keen on just padding it out for the sake of it.
I'm not entirely sure how to get away with this, to be honest. I'll go to sleep a grumpy man.
Wednesday 19th November 2014
Long day doing family duties. In those gaps, worked on the Christmas show, writing on my mobile is clearly the way to go.
Evening rehearsal with the Dowsing band was awesome.
Evening rehearsal with the Dowsing band was awesome.
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Tuesday 18th November 2014
Spent the morning in hospital for dad; quite productive actually - made lots of notes for new shows.
Got back and took a 'selfie' Christmas picture and then designed a poster for the show. First time I've ever designed it myself, it's very indie, but for this show it does the trick - nice and simplistic.
Finally uploaded the novella to the publisher site, should be out by the first week of December.
Got back and took a 'selfie' Christmas picture and then designed a poster for the show. First time I've ever designed it myself, it's very indie, but for this show it does the trick - nice and simplistic.
Finally uploaded the novella to the publisher site, should be out by the first week of December.
Monday, 17 November 2014
Monday 17th November 2014
Uuggh. So many emails to reply to.
Agreed to some covers gig work, and some jazz recording with Dave next week.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Norwich; absolutely cracking show supporting Ward Thomas and The Shires. Big venue, big audience. Short set but worthwhile. Set: Fine Life, Hold On, Bonnie & Clyde, Standing, Beautiful You.
Agreed to some covers gig work, and some jazz recording with Dave next week.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Norwich; absolutely cracking show supporting Ward Thomas and The Shires. Big venue, big audience. Short set but worthwhile. Set: Fine Life, Hold On, Bonnie & Clyde, Standing, Beautiful You.
Sunday 16th November 2014
Awesome Sunday morning rehearsal with Dowsing; the jazzy stuff appeals to me greatly.
Random trip with Phoebe to Thetford Forest, felt inspired.
Evening gig with Flaming June at The Liberated Feast. Difficult sound, but worthy event. Set: Stop the Ride, The Devilling Kind, Little Love in a Cruel World, Freedom's Fairytale for Girls, Under My Skin, The Boy I Knew Before I Met You, Nerves of Steel, Dopamine Oxytocin, Wednesdays & Weekends, In Pursuit of Happiness.
Have decided that my new show should be storytelling with drums. It could be the winning combo.
Random trip with Phoebe to Thetford Forest, felt inspired.
Evening gig with Flaming June at The Liberated Feast. Difficult sound, but worthy event. Set: Stop the Ride, The Devilling Kind, Little Love in a Cruel World, Freedom's Fairytale for Girls, Under My Skin, The Boy I Knew Before I Met You, Nerves of Steel, Dopamine Oxytocin, Wednesdays & Weekends, In Pursuit of Happiness.
Have decided that my new show should be storytelling with drums. It could be the winning combo.
Saturday 15th November 2014
A much needed day off from everything today.
Having performed Layby in front of Phoebe yesterday, I realised it should be scrapped. It's just not exciting - I don't excite myself with this show. Back to the drawing board.
Getting stressed because two of my projects are clashing badly and nobody is willing to budge.
Having performed Layby in front of Phoebe yesterday, I realised it should be scrapped. It's just not exciting - I don't excite myself with this show. Back to the drawing board.
Getting stressed because two of my projects are clashing badly and nobody is willing to budge.
Friday 14th November 2014
Phoebe's back for a couple days so we went to Ely to try and sell the solo show - I still have a couple of gaps left in my festive schedule so the plan was to try and find alternative venues (shops etc) to see if they want an afternoon performance. Gave out lots and lots of leaflets, not convinced it'll lead to any offers, though. The woman in the knitting shop was terrifying.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Finedon. Headline slot and on late, we all seemed so tired beforehand but as soon as the gig started it all kicked into life and it was a goodun. Set: Hold On, Face in the Water, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Karma Chameleon (cover), Shut Up & Dance, Fire, Fine Life, Beautiful You, Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Evening gig with Fred's House in Finedon. Headline slot and on late, we all seemed so tired beforehand but as soon as the gig started it all kicked into life and it was a goodun. Set: Hold On, Face in the Water, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Karma Chameleon (cover), Shut Up & Dance, Fire, Fine Life, Beautiful You, Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Thursday 13th November 2014
Was up late last night, trying to write more of the Oscar show but eventually realised it was rubbish - it's not progression, it was just safe and pointless.
Spent the morning writing more bits of the advent calendar series. Afternoon pre-recording stuff for Layby.
Evening performed Layby (solo) and advent calendar stuff (with Izzy) at the new material night. The advent calendar stuff works a treat - such fun, audience really enjoyed it. It's clear that Layby isn't as good as I thought it was, though. Got lots of laughs, but there was a clear feeling that it's more of a collection of ideas rather than a structured piece. Went home and felt quite down about it all.
Spent the morning writing more bits of the advent calendar series. Afternoon pre-recording stuff for Layby.
Evening performed Layby (solo) and advent calendar stuff (with Izzy) at the new material night. The advent calendar stuff works a treat - such fun, audience really enjoyed it. It's clear that Layby isn't as good as I thought it was, though. Got lots of laughs, but there was a clear feeling that it's more of a collection of ideas rather than a structured piece. Went home and felt quite down about it all.
Wednesday 12th November 2014
Took dad to hospital, and then got back and nailed the first draft of Layby. It's a bit short, but as a working idea, I think I could be onto something with this one.
Started working on a new play; The Unsurprising Death of Oscar Pike.
Started jotting down ideas for an advent calendar YouTube series.
Evening performed the solo show in Castle Acre. They decided to move the show from the function room to the main bar. So, basically me in the corner performing comedy as a pub continues to function normally around me. Tough start, didn't really have them on my side, but by the time I got to the 'Grace' song they were with me. It's always weird, that, it's such a cheap joke but it saves the show EVERY time. They demanded a drum solo for an encore and I left feeling like a hero. Odd, odd night.
Started working on a new play; The Unsurprising Death of Oscar Pike.
Started jotting down ideas for an advent calendar YouTube series.
Evening performed the solo show in Castle Acre. They decided to move the show from the function room to the main bar. So, basically me in the corner performing comedy as a pub continues to function normally around me. Tough start, didn't really have them on my side, but by the time I got to the 'Grace' song they were with me. It's always weird, that, it's such a cheap joke but it saves the show EVERY time. They demanded a drum solo for an encore and I left feeling like a hero. Odd, odd night.
Tuesday 11th November 2014
Finally got the last of my stuff from the old house, this can feel like home now.
My life feels a bit taken over by the amount of emails I always have to reply to.
Spent most of the day writing Layby - scarily close to having a first draft nailed already and this is supposed to be next year's Edinburgh show.
My life feels a bit taken over by the amount of emails I always have to reply to.
Spent most of the day writing Layby - scarily close to having a first draft nailed already and this is supposed to be next year's Edinburgh show.
Monday, 10 November 2014
Monday 10th November 2014
Moving house takes up so much time, doesn't it? Time in which I could be earning actual money, I need to do that at some point.
Spent a long time sorting out my new room, making it feel like a home. It does now - it's very nice, comfy and I can write some good stuff here, but I literally have lost a whole day doing this.
Replied to a couple more enquiries about shows, watched the Emily & Michael Christmas film again - this time on a really big screen, to make sure it looks okay, which is does.
Started promoting Thursday's new material nights; haven't written them yet.
Got offered some good paid work dep drumming for a Neil Young tribute act, that'll be in January.
Started working on the new material for Thursday. Too many ideas, not enough time.
Spent a long time sorting out my new room, making it feel like a home. It does now - it's very nice, comfy and I can write some good stuff here, but I literally have lost a whole day doing this.
Replied to a couple more enquiries about shows, watched the Emily & Michael Christmas film again - this time on a really big screen, to make sure it looks okay, which is does.
Started promoting Thursday's new material nights; haven't written them yet.
Got offered some good paid work dep drumming for a Neil Young tribute act, that'll be in January.
Started working on the new material for Thursday. Too many ideas, not enough time.
Sunday 9th November 2014
Woke up in Bristol with a hangover. Drove home, moved house. Feels weird moving so soon but financially had to be done - must keep my overheads low. I like it here already, my landlord/housemate Edd is a good friend, it's a nice room, close enough to the A14.
Saturday 8th November 2014
Up early to drive to London. Remarkably no incidents at all, no crashes or near scrapes.
Supposed to be doing an afternoon show at the Lewisham Fringe. Nobody turned up, nobody at all. Literally, nobody. Obviously, didn't do the show. What's the point?
Got grumpy so drove to Bristol to moan at people at Anna's 30th.
Supposed to be doing an afternoon show at the Lewisham Fringe. Nobody turned up, nobody at all. Literally, nobody. Obviously, didn't do the show. What's the point?
Got grumpy so drove to Bristol to moan at people at Anna's 30th.
Friday, 7 November 2014
Friday 7th November 2014
Read over the Christmas novella, it's rather good actually, if I may say so myself. It's very 'nice', but festive, really lovely ending. It's now with Phoebe to proofread.
Evening solo show in Bury St Edmunds. Sold out, which was a great thing (financially). Felt like a difficult crowd; they were just so very reserved, I really went for it at the start but lost my way a bit in the middle. Warm applause at the end, they were nice people. I just don't think I was particularly funny tonight.
Evening solo show in Bury St Edmunds. Sold out, which was a great thing (financially). Felt like a difficult crowd; they were just so very reserved, I really went for it at the start but lost my way a bit in the middle. Warm applause at the end, they were nice people. I just don't think I was particularly funny tonight.
Thursday, 6 November 2014
Thursday 6th November 2014
Finished writing the Christmas novella, and then spent well over an hour working out a title. Settled with Have Yourself a Ridiculous Little Christmas.
Won't dare read back on it until tomorrow.
Won't dare read back on it until tomorrow.
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
Wednesday 5th November 2014
According to my housemate I was still typing till 3am, but I can't remember that as such - I just write until I fall asleep.
Woke up in good time to put a couple more hours into the Christmas novella, including restructuring some of the early bits.
Dad in hospital so I naturally spent a fair while in the hospital car park looking after the dog. Continued to write bits for 'Hospital' - the collaboration with Anna, on my phone.
Replied to any urgent correspondence about shows.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Balham, London. Lovely venue, bit empty as it's fireworks night, but those who were there enjoyed it. It's a 'Later with Jools...' style show, so we only had 4 songs, with bands rotating around doing 2 at a time and it was broadcast live online - we seemed to have a lot of people watching us. Set: Hold On, Shut Up & Dance, Bonnie & Clyde, Fire.
Woke up in good time to put a couple more hours into the Christmas novella, including restructuring some of the early bits.
Dad in hospital so I naturally spent a fair while in the hospital car park looking after the dog. Continued to write bits for 'Hospital' - the collaboration with Anna, on my phone.
Replied to any urgent correspondence about shows.
Evening gig with Fred's House in Balham, London. Lovely venue, bit empty as it's fireworks night, but those who were there enjoyed it. It's a 'Later with Jools...' style show, so we only had 4 songs, with bands rotating around doing 2 at a time and it was broadcast live online - we seemed to have a lot of people watching us. Set: Hold On, Shut Up & Dance, Bonnie & Clyde, Fire.
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
Tuesday 4th November 2014
Up early to have a quick chat about temping work with recruitment agency, just in case this doesn't pay.
The novella really is coming together nicely now, over 10,000 words written.
Dinner with Adam and Vanessa was lovely. I tried to list all of my projects to them but it just felt exhausting.
The novella really is coming together nicely now, over 10,000 words written.
Dinner with Adam and Vanessa was lovely. I tried to list all of my projects to them but it just felt exhausting.
Monday 3rd November 2014
Productive today, took a while to get going. My first weekday as a professional and, keen to be disciplined, I got up really early to work on the Christmas novella.
This house is so cold. Went out and bought a heater.
Wrote about another 6000 words of the novella, it's really coming together now.
Sent out my monthly newsletter to my loyal subscribers.
Met up with Griff and Vix and we wrote the press release for the forthcoming Christmas single.
This house is so cold. Went out and bought a heater.
Wrote about another 6000 words of the novella, it's really coming together now.
Sent out my monthly newsletter to my loyal subscribers.
Met up with Griff and Vix and we wrote the press release for the forthcoming Christmas single.
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Sunday 2nd November 2014
Up early to busk with Guilliuame but it rained a lot so we just met for a coffee and discussed the idea of taking a musical to the Edinburgh Fringe next year.
Lunch with Izzy - who is an accountant (and friend) and Anna - who is self-employed (and friend) to discuss how this self-employed thing works with tax etc.
Photoshoot with Oliver Cross, taking pictures for my new show, Layby.
Started work on Christmas novella, which doesn't have a title yet. Wrote about 2000 words.
Lunch with Izzy - who is an accountant (and friend) and Anna - who is self-employed (and friend) to discuss how this self-employed thing works with tax etc.
Photoshoot with Oliver Cross, taking pictures for my new show, Layby.
Started work on Christmas novella, which doesn't have a title yet. Wrote about 2000 words.
Saturday 1st November 2014
Shit just got real. First day as a full-time writer/performer/drummer...whatever it is I do.
Lounge (well, yurt) show in Kings Lynn. Lovely afternoon performance of 'Getting Lost...' today, a small but jolly audience made me feel very welcome and it was a comfortable, well-paced show. Happy with that.
Then a 2 hour drive Market Harborough to play with Fred's House. Another really long show, half originals, half covers. Energy dipped a bit in the middle but not a bad show, audience certainly into it. Set: First half - Hold On, Face in the Water, Karma Chameleon (cover), Bonnie & Clyde, Wrong Time, I'm Not Saying, Ho Hey (cover), Norwegian Wood (cover), Another Universe, We Don't Talk Anymore, I'm Yours (cover), Take a Ride, Mrs Robinson (cover). Second half - The Way You Make Me Feel (cover), Shut Up and Dance, Fire, Old Man (cover), Rolling in the Deep (cover), Beautiful You, This Little Boy, Price Tag (cover), Standing, Ghost Town, Perfect, Looking Glass, Stuck in the Middle (cover), Fine Life (encore 1), Somebody to Love (encore 2, cover)
Lounge (well, yurt) show in Kings Lynn. Lovely afternoon performance of 'Getting Lost...' today, a small but jolly audience made me feel very welcome and it was a comfortable, well-paced show. Happy with that.
Then a 2 hour drive Market Harborough to play with Fred's House. Another really long show, half originals, half covers. Energy dipped a bit in the middle but not a bad show, audience certainly into it. Set: First half - Hold On, Face in the Water, Karma Chameleon (cover), Bonnie & Clyde, Wrong Time, I'm Not Saying, Ho Hey (cover), Norwegian Wood (cover), Another Universe, We Don't Talk Anymore, I'm Yours (cover), Take a Ride, Mrs Robinson (cover). Second half - The Way You Make Me Feel (cover), Shut Up and Dance, Fire, Old Man (cover), Rolling in the Deep (cover), Beautiful You, This Little Boy, Price Tag (cover), Standing, Ghost Town, Perfect, Looking Glass, Stuck in the Middle (cover), Fine Life (encore 1), Somebody to Love (encore 2, cover)
Friday, 31 October 2014
Friday 31st October 2014
Final day of 'proper work', this is both exciting but worrying now.
Feels like I've exhausted sending emails to venues; I've run out of venues to email now, the UK is quite small and I must have emailed every café or small hotel within a 400 mile radius. Just need to learn the art of patience and wait for any replies.
Messaged Anna further details of our collaboration, Hospital. I've nearly finished writing that now.
Plotted the Christmas story which I'll be working on from Sunday onwards.
Long message to Alister about a project idea called 'House Band.' I think it could go somewhere, it's probably one for January I reckon.
Made a project list, in order of priority. I've got a lot of writing to do...starting tomorrow.
Generic leaving card. Normally they have a whip round and buy whoever is leaving the present. They just gave me the cash, saying I'd "probably need it." Charming.
Evening gig in Waterbeach with Fred's House. Long Halloween gig whilst wearing a mask, very sweaty. Good gig, lively, very enthusiastic audience.
Feels like I've exhausted sending emails to venues; I've run out of venues to email now, the UK is quite small and I must have emailed every café or small hotel within a 400 mile radius. Just need to learn the art of patience and wait for any replies.
Messaged Anna further details of our collaboration, Hospital. I've nearly finished writing that now.
Plotted the Christmas story which I'll be working on from Sunday onwards.
Long message to Alister about a project idea called 'House Band.' I think it could go somewhere, it's probably one for January I reckon.
Made a project list, in order of priority. I've got a lot of writing to do...starting tomorrow.
Generic leaving card. Normally they have a whip round and buy whoever is leaving the present. They just gave me the cash, saying I'd "probably need it." Charming.
Evening gig in Waterbeach with Fred's House. Long Halloween gig whilst wearing a mask, very sweaty. Good gig, lively, very enthusiastic audience.
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Thursday 30th October 2014
Penultimate day in the 'proper' job. Uh oh!
Emailed 37 venues about Christmas tour dates. Worried at how many projects I have going on in December, and how little of them actually pay.
Uploaded both of my films, Emily & Michael and Oscar Pike with ISO file thingys, we'll see.
Sent updated blurbs to venues about Christmas shows, and set up ticket links for the solo Christmas show and the panto. Takes ages to set up those ticket links normally so great to have them done now.
Sent an excitable email to a couple of creative and close friends about launching a magazine, a proper, good, magazine. A couple of them have replied positively already. I like the idea of being a playwright, drummer, percussionist, actor, filmmaker, record label partner, theatre producer, novelist, magazine editor.
Evening gig with Fred's House at CB2, the second of our two sold-out shows there. Same set as last time (although we dropped Take a Ride), less humid so felt better tonight, despite hitting my bollocks during the staccato bit of Beautiful You. Set: Hold On, Skin & Bone, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Wrong Time, Grown Up a Little, Karma (cover), Fire, Another Universe, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up and Dance, Ghost Town, Beautiful You, Marathon Man, Somebody to Love (cover, encore)
Emailed 37 venues about Christmas tour dates. Worried at how many projects I have going on in December, and how little of them actually pay.
Uploaded both of my films, Emily & Michael and Oscar Pike with ISO file thingys, we'll see.
Sent updated blurbs to venues about Christmas shows, and set up ticket links for the solo Christmas show and the panto. Takes ages to set up those ticket links normally so great to have them done now.
Sent an excitable email to a couple of creative and close friends about launching a magazine, a proper, good, magazine. A couple of them have replied positively already. I like the idea of being a playwright, drummer, percussionist, actor, filmmaker, record label partner, theatre producer, novelist, magazine editor.
Evening gig with Fred's House at CB2, the second of our two sold-out shows there. Same set as last time (although we dropped Take a Ride), less humid so felt better tonight, despite hitting my bollocks during the staccato bit of Beautiful You. Set: Hold On, Skin & Bone, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Wrong Time, Grown Up a Little, Karma (cover), Fire, Another Universe, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up and Dance, Ghost Town, Beautiful You, Marathon Man, Somebody to Love (cover, encore)
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
Wednesday 29th October 2014
Last night, in the midst of all my ISO confusion, I also re-edited Skanky Lad into a 4 minute version so it's eligible for a competition I've spotted.
Formatted My Car Doesn't Do Hills and submitted to the publishers, who have accepted the release and it'll be out as an e-book in mid-November as intended.
Submitted Skanky Lad to the competition, just made the deadline!
Wrote an awesome blurb for the forthcoming Christmas show.
Accepted a performance in Essex.
Advertised the Christmas show on Gumtree as an available production.
Decided not to bother with the ISO thing after all, realising it's better to give the film away on YouTube and get a bigger audience that way instead. Then got sent a link to a free ISO thing, and uploaded the films anyway. If I have them ready to be on sale but also give away at least I have options when it comes to the release date. I'm a confused mess, and I've spent too much time on this when I could be writing.
Dowsing Sound Collective band rehearsal was awesome.
Formatted My Car Doesn't Do Hills and submitted to the publishers, who have accepted the release and it'll be out as an e-book in mid-November as intended.
Submitted Skanky Lad to the competition, just made the deadline!
Wrote an awesome blurb for the forthcoming Christmas show.
Accepted a performance in Essex.
Advertised the Christmas show on Gumtree as an available production.
Decided not to bother with the ISO thing after all, realising it's better to give the film away on YouTube and get a bigger audience that way instead. Then got sent a link to a free ISO thing, and uploaded the films anyway. If I have them ready to be on sale but also give away at least I have options when it comes to the release date. I'm a confused mess, and I've spent too much time on this when I could be writing.
Dowsing Sound Collective band rehearsal was awesome.
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Tuesday 28th October 2014
My final four days in the office. Was late today - overslept for the first time in my 'career' and they probably thought it was intentional. It wasn't, I'm just dozy.
Got the full setlist for the Dowsing gig; I've got some learning to do! But it's festive learning, which is always fun.
Uploaded The Tragic Tales of Skanky Lad to YouTube and it's now live.
Trying to set up Christmas with Emily & Michael for retail but getting incredibly confused by ISO files and coding.
2 Devon shows cancelled due to poor ticket sales; if these shows were more local to me I would have done them but the cost of petrol/accommodation means I would have actually made a loss doing them. Hate shows being cancelled though, I really do take it personally.
The final cover for the new book is amazing, Matt is a genius.
Got booked to do a show in Oxford.
Spent the evening trying to work out how to convert the film into an ISO file. Thought I had it, but the programme I downloaded and used left an awful watermark on the WHOLE FILM. And also left my PC with a virus, which I thought I got rid of, but random videos keep appearing on my screen. Marvellous. That's an evening I won't get back.
Got the full setlist for the Dowsing gig; I've got some learning to do! But it's festive learning, which is always fun.
Uploaded The Tragic Tales of Skanky Lad to YouTube and it's now live.
Trying to set up Christmas with Emily & Michael for retail but getting incredibly confused by ISO files and coding.
2 Devon shows cancelled due to poor ticket sales; if these shows were more local to me I would have done them but the cost of petrol/accommodation means I would have actually made a loss doing them. Hate shows being cancelled though, I really do take it personally.
The final cover for the new book is amazing, Matt is a genius.
Got booked to do a show in Oxford.
Spent the evening trying to work out how to convert the film into an ISO file. Thought I had it, but the programme I downloaded and used left an awful watermark on the WHOLE FILM. And also left my PC with a virus, which I thought I got rid of, but random videos keep appearing on my screen. Marvellous. That's an evening I won't get back.
Monday, 27 October 2014
Monday 27th October 2014
Drove home from Leeds, straight into filming; filmed all of my scenes for Skanky Lad. Edited it, realised it worked better without the final scene. It's a really nice 12 minute film, that one.
Then spent hours re-editing the Christmas film, but I think it's just about there now. My little laptop is really struggling with all this film stuff, in the same way that my little car is struggling with all the out-of-town shows I'm doing.
Just realised been at my screen for so long I've not actually left my bedroom for 6 hours, and I've forgotten to eat dinner. It's 11pm, I'll have it now.
Then spent hours re-editing the Christmas film, but I think it's just about there now. My little laptop is really struggling with all this film stuff, in the same way that my little car is struggling with all the out-of-town shows I'm doing.
Just realised been at my screen for so long I've not actually left my bedroom for 6 hours, and I've forgotten to eat dinner. It's 11pm, I'll have it now.
Sunday 26th October 2014
Staying with Phoebe for a couple nights in Leeds, a chance to get cultured-up. We went to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and then a Mozart concert. Both of which I enjoyed very much indeed.
Filmed the external scenes for Skanky Lad.
Filmed the external scenes for Skanky Lad.
Saturday 25th October 2014
Drove to Leeds to perform the solo show up there. Nice venue, if a little unconventional, but they made me feel welcome. Tiny audience; 7 people I think. Really difficult to get a buzz going in the room. Performance was better than Tuesday, much better, it was performed with confidence and the intro was much better. Don't get me wrong, the audience were nice enough, but it still felt a little flat.
Great to catch up with old mate Stephen after the show, and he, alongside his partner, joined Phoebe and myself for dinner and drinks in a local bar and it was good to relax for a moment.
Great to catch up with old mate Stephen after the show, and he, alongside his partner, joined Phoebe and myself for dinner and drinks in a local bar and it was good to relax for a moment.
Friday, 24 October 2014
Friday 24th October 2014
Sent out a final batch of emails to potential venues. Less confident about these. The 'offers to email' ratio isn't great, but I'd still like to believe live work is where it's at.
The artwork for my new book is great - Matt Corrall is an incredible designer. The proofread version of the book is great - Phoebe Taylor is an incredible proof-reader.
Getting frustrated at all the admin, I then spent 5 hours working in a fun 10-minute comedy script, The Tragic Tales of Skanky Lad. Will get it filmed soon.
Got offered more session work as a drummer, and also a worryingly high fee to be in an advert as a comedy actor. Those were a good couple of emails to pick up.
Evening gig with Fred's House. Sold out show at CB2, Cambridge. Hot and sweaty, tight performance. Set: Hold On, Take a Ride, Skin & Bone, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Wrong Time, Grown Up a Little, Karma (cover), Fire, Another Universe, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up and Dance, Ghost Town, Beautiful You, Marathon Man, Somebody to Love (cover, encore)
The artwork for my new book is great - Matt Corrall is an incredible designer. The proofread version of the book is great - Phoebe Taylor is an incredible proof-reader.
Getting frustrated at all the admin, I then spent 5 hours working in a fun 10-minute comedy script, The Tragic Tales of Skanky Lad. Will get it filmed soon.
Got offered more session work as a drummer, and also a worryingly high fee to be in an advert as a comedy actor. Those were a good couple of emails to pick up.
Evening gig with Fred's House. Sold out show at CB2, Cambridge. Hot and sweaty, tight performance. Set: Hold On, Take a Ride, Skin & Bone, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Wrong Time, Grown Up a Little, Karma (cover), Fire, Another Universe, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up and Dance, Ghost Town, Beautiful You, Marathon Man, Somebody to Love (cover, encore)
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Thursday 23rd October 2014
Agreed to a nice show in a really nice venue for next month.
Nailed another short story for the audio book collection, Hospital, that I'll be recording with Anna at some point next year.
I'm pretty sure I'm the only person, anywhere, that can't get work as an extra.
Started booking tour dates for next June.
Got offered some session work for a local singer-songwriter.
Made notes for new online comedy.
Nailed another short story for the audio book collection, Hospital, that I'll be recording with Anna at some point next year.
I'm pretty sure I'm the only person, anywhere, that can't get work as an extra.
Started booking tour dates for next June.
Got offered some session work for a local singer-songwriter.
Made notes for new online comedy.
Wednesday 22nd October 2014
A couple more offers for the show creeping in. Looked at the script from last night and worked out which bits need tightening before the performance on Saturday in Leeds.
Advertised the show as a 'show for hire' on Gumtree.
Worked on some press coverage ahead of the forthcoming Somerset performance at their literary festival.
Met up with piano genius Ali to discuss various projects; a function band, a theatrical project (The Make or Break Mix Tape - this will definitely happen), decided against the idea of Ronnie Rosenthal: The Musical.
Advertised the show as a 'show for hire' on Gumtree.
Worked on some press coverage ahead of the forthcoming Somerset performance at their literary festival.
Met up with piano genius Ali to discuss various projects; a function band, a theatrical project (The Make or Break Mix Tape - this will definitely happen), decided against the idea of Ronnie Rosenthal: The Musical.
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Tuesday 21st October 2014
Sent out another 101 emails to potential venues. 3 more offers from these emails.
A spoken word album I recorded with my harmonica pal, Matt, is now available for pre-order everywhere. It's called, Paul Richards Reading Some Short Stories Whilst a Man Called Matthew Plays Harmonica Gently in the Background.
Evening performance of Getting Lost in My Hometown - lounge show around Phill's house. Nice audience, very friendly. First time I've performed it since the Edinburgh Fringe. Shaky start, by about 10 minutes in I found my feet again and the pacing felt better, by the end of the hour I was in complete control of the show. I should really be in control from the start, though.
A spoken word album I recorded with my harmonica pal, Matt, is now available for pre-order everywhere. It's called, Paul Richards Reading Some Short Stories Whilst a Man Called Matthew Plays Harmonica Gently in the Background.
Evening performance of Getting Lost in My Hometown - lounge show around Phill's house. Nice audience, very friendly. First time I've performed it since the Edinburgh Fringe. Shaky start, by about 10 minutes in I found my feet again and the pacing felt better, by the end of the hour I was in complete control of the show. I should really be in control from the start, though.
Monday 20th October 2014
Sent out 81 emails to venues today offering the fringe show and/or the Christmas show.
2 show offers.
Excellent rehearsal with Fred's House ahead of the sold-out show this week, new stuff sounding really strong.
2 show offers.
Excellent rehearsal with Fred's House ahead of the sold-out show this week, new stuff sounding really strong.
Sunday 19th October 2014
Lost the keys to the garage where my drums are stored. Went to the studio to collect spare set from bandmate, got back to the garage, unloaded kit, and then drove to wrong rehearsal room. This is what happens when I relax; I just struggle to get going again.
Eventually made it to Dowsing Sound Collective rehearsals, with full choir. Utterly awesome, this session felt easier than normal. Choir in remarkable voice, band playing well.
Then went to Izzy's house to watch the final cut of Christmas with Emily & Michael before we set it up for release. She spotted a couple things that need tweaking, which was annoying but she's completely right. I'll fix them next week.
Eventually made it to Dowsing Sound Collective rehearsals, with full choir. Utterly awesome, this session felt easier than normal. Choir in remarkable voice, band playing well.
Then went to Izzy's house to watch the final cut of Christmas with Emily & Michael before we set it up for release. She spotted a couple things that need tweaking, which was annoying but she's completely right. I'll fix them next week.
Saturday 18th October 2014
Hungover, predictably.
Decided to re-brand myself for the forthcoming shows. Got a haircut, bought some new shoes and shirts. Shirts that clearly give the impression that I'm a confident performer.
Watched our Christmas film, Christmas with Emily & Michael, again, and made more edits.
Decided to re-brand myself for the forthcoming shows. Got a haircut, bought some new shoes and shirts. Shirts that clearly give the impression that I'm a confident performer.
Watched our Christmas film, Christmas with Emily & Michael, again, and made more edits.
Friday 17th October 2014
On Monday 8th September 2014 I quit the day job. Felt brilliant. I'm alive! I'm doing this! But this adventure feels like it begins on 17th October. 2 weeks to go in the day job as I'm working out my lengthy notice, and it occurred to me just how much I have to do before I'm flung out of the corporate doors and left to fend for myself. Felt like a stark wake-up call, I've talked too much about ambitions and how brilliant it is to make something of my life, but the practicalities of it look a little harsh.
Wrote an action plan.
Evening, NMG Awards with Fred's House. We got drunk, like all proper bands should at these things. On chatting to a contact/friend at the awards, I agreed to a guest slot in his Edinburgh Fringe show for next August, alongside the 2 shows I've already got planned for my run there.
Wrote an action plan.
Evening, NMG Awards with Fred's House. We got drunk, like all proper bands should at these things. On chatting to a contact/friend at the awards, I agreed to a guest slot in his Edinburgh Fringe show for next August, alongside the 2 shows I've already got planned for my run there.
Here he is, ol' Jonny-two-blogs
Well, for starters, my name isn't Jonny. It's Paul, and I'm happy enough with that thanks. But two blogs? Oh come on, surely that's a bit egotistical?
Yes.
Well. Thing is; the other blog is my place to ramble about things that have happened and things that I want to happen. Achievements and moaning, basically. I put more effort into that and generally treat it as a proper bit of writing. It's a better read, to be honest.
This blog is more for me to keep track of what I've done, to remind myself where I'm going. It's effectively a diary, without all the personal stuff about relationships, or that cat that keeps attacking me, or the fact that I still can't grow a proper beard. A professional diary about the many projects I'm attempting to juggle as I bid to make a living from this...being a drummer, writer, comedy performer.
I'll close this site on 22nd October 2016. If I've got somewhere - you know, I'm really achieving great things, I'll get a book about my journey out there. If I haven't, this blog will be just depressing so will have to close anyway. In short; I give it two years.
Yes.
Well. Thing is; the other blog is my place to ramble about things that have happened and things that I want to happen. Achievements and moaning, basically. I put more effort into that and generally treat it as a proper bit of writing. It's a better read, to be honest.
This blog is more for me to keep track of what I've done, to remind myself where I'm going. It's effectively a diary, without all the personal stuff about relationships, or that cat that keeps attacking me, or the fact that I still can't grow a proper beard. A professional diary about the many projects I'm attempting to juggle as I bid to make a living from this...being a drummer, writer, comedy performer.
I'll close this site on 22nd October 2016. If I've got somewhere - you know, I'm really achieving great things, I'll get a book about my journey out there. If I haven't, this blog will be just depressing so will have to close anyway. In short; I give it two years.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)