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.
Friday, 31 October 2014
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.
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