Confirmed a couple more tour dates, emailed a few celebrities to try and get them involved in the film. It can happen, you know, it really can. March looks mental.
Evening gig with the band at the Elgiva Theatre; stunning space, big venue, we were really well looked after. As is always the case for bigger rooms the sound on stage takes a little adjusting to but according to the audience it sounded great out there. Good set tonight, solid performance. Set: Take a Ride, Shut Up and Dance, Fire, Hold On, Bonnie and Clyde, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Beautiful You
Saturday, 28 February 2015
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Thursday 26th February 2015
More fucking emails.
Alarmed at how much I'm spending at the moment, certainly a lot more than I'm earning. But then I got a message confirming JT for the sacking, a proper great, huge superstar, sacking me. You know what - at the moment I may be that guy who sits in Iceland car park, drinking budget energy drinks, eating pre-packed chicken satay and scraping at a scratch card in the hope it'll fund his next tour. That's me, if you see me, disappointed at both the lack of winnings and the quality of chicken, but good things are happening. I won't get a job, I'll just extend my overdraft - this has to work out in the end, somehow.
More tour offers. Was up till 2am sending the initial messages. Rejections for the film from Passenger, Dave Gilmour, Eddi Reader.
Evening rehearsal with Dowsing, our first of the year. Another huge show in the pipeline, 20-odd songs to learn, about 4 rehearsals. Good job we're brilliant...
Alarmed at how much I'm spending at the moment, certainly a lot more than I'm earning. But then I got a message confirming JT for the sacking, a proper great, huge superstar, sacking me. You know what - at the moment I may be that guy who sits in Iceland car park, drinking budget energy drinks, eating pre-packed chicken satay and scraping at a scratch card in the hope it'll fund his next tour. That's me, if you see me, disappointed at both the lack of winnings and the quality of chicken, but good things are happening. I won't get a job, I'll just extend my overdraft - this has to work out in the end, somehow.
More tour offers. Was up till 2am sending the initial messages. Rejections for the film from Passenger, Dave Gilmour, Eddi Reader.
Evening rehearsal with Dowsing, our first of the year. Another huge show in the pipeline, 20-odd songs to learn, about 4 rehearsals. Good job we're brilliant...
Wednesday 25th February 2015
Where did this day go? The plan was to spend the morning sending out emails - just getting a few more 'names' for the film confirmed, tying up a few extra tour dates (because clearly I don't have enough on at the moment), and then being creative in the afternoon - finishing the first draft of 'You Guys Kill Me!' and working on the novel. But I stop for lunch, and every bugger has replied to those emails, so I have to reply and suddenly the day has gone.
Met up with Izzy to discuss how the hell I'm going to make this film into a proper one now there is suddenly so much interest in it, and generally rant a bit.
Got back, and sent more emails...
Met up with Izzy to discuss how the hell I'm going to make this film into a proper one now there is suddenly so much interest in it, and generally rant a bit.
Got back, and sent more emails...
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
Tuesday 24th February 2015
Picked up 2 utterly amazing emails today regarding the film - JT and FT are both involved now...they are both mega huge names. This movie really is going up a gear; as my housemate says - it's good to be pushed. Could this film be the one that makes me?
Got offered, and confirmed a slot, at my mate Kirsty's new cabaret night in London, looks fantastic.
Confirmed 3 more tour dates and got a bit worried about a few clashes. This will happen a lot I think.
Spent the evening out for dad's birthday, got back and sent more emails to famous singers.
Got offered, and confirmed a slot, at my mate Kirsty's new cabaret night in London, looks fantastic.
Confirmed 3 more tour dates and got a bit worried about a few clashes. This will happen a lot I think.
Spent the evening out for dad's birthday, got back and sent more emails to famous singers.
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
Monday 23rd February 2015
One of those days where I completed everything on my to-do list but it still feels like I haven't achieved anything. It's mostly admin-based, to be honest, emailing another bunch of famous bands to see if they want to sack me, trying to fill in some gaps on the tour schedule.
In the evening Jo came over to discuss the new stage show I want her to be in, 'The Awfully Complicated Love Life of Arthur D. Williamson', got performance dates in the diary for that. We then all watched my Oscar Pike film (I didn't make them watch it, I'm hasten to add) that I made last year. I'm still quite proud of it, but it's so incredibly tragic. Need to write happier stuff.
In the evening Jo came over to discuss the new stage show I want her to be in, 'The Awfully Complicated Love Life of Arthur D. Williamson', got performance dates in the diary for that. We then all watched my Oscar Pike film (I didn't make them watch it, I'm hasten to add) that I made last year. I'm still quite proud of it, but it's so incredibly tragic. Need to write happier stuff.
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Sunday 22nd February 2015
Woke up this morning to a voicemail saying my grandmother, 84, has passed on. Deeply saddened by this, as you would expect.
Having spoken to the family, I agreed to carry on and play the gig tonight as scheduled. Great gig, naturally my mood was a little down, but we played really well. Maidenhead is bloody miles away! Well, it felt like it. Lovely arts centre venue, cracking audience. This set feels great; this will probably end up being the standard tour setlist. Set - first half: Wrong Time, Hold On, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Grown Up a Little, I'm Not Saying, Too Late to Go Home, Fine Life, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Beautiful You. Second half: Face in the Water, Take a Ride, Old Man (cover), Another Universe, She Says, Shut Up and Dance, Fire, This Little Boy, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Looking Glass, Somebody to Love (cover, encore)
Having spoken to the family, I agreed to carry on and play the gig tonight as scheduled. Great gig, naturally my mood was a little down, but we played really well. Maidenhead is bloody miles away! Well, it felt like it. Lovely arts centre venue, cracking audience. This set feels great; this will probably end up being the standard tour setlist. Set - first half: Wrong Time, Hold On, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Grown Up a Little, I'm Not Saying, Too Late to Go Home, Fine Life, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Beautiful You. Second half: Face in the Water, Take a Ride, Old Man (cover), Another Universe, She Says, Shut Up and Dance, Fire, This Little Boy, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Looking Glass, Somebody to Love (cover, encore)
Saturday 21st February 2015
Really enjoyed last night, easily the best show I've done in a long time and really nice to stop for a quick drink and chat with the audience afterwards.
Spent the morning getting PR/marketing advice from the amazing Cara, who really knows her stuff - lots of notes made, lots of good ideas. I've been doing so much wrong with my promotion, but with these many words of wisdom I take things up a gear.
Confirmed the legendary C.D. to be in the film - I'm even more excited now.
And then I took the rest of the day off; meeting up with someone very lovely to walk her dogs, have dinner, have a jam, chat, relax on the sofa. Really enjoyed that; shame I really won't have time to do it again any time soon though because I am on tour FOREVER.
Friday, 20 February 2015
Friday 20th February 2015
Lots of venues are showing interest in the solo show, which is obviously going to happen because of the amount of emails I've been sending recently. It's not a show that is really working yet, though. Needed to go and re-learn bits of it today. Cut the stuff that doesn't work...see, I like the Joe Jackson intro, I like the idea of stumbling on, having a bit of a slow start and everyone finding their feet but it doesn't work - it needs to be snappier, straight in there.
Confirmed the legendary GP for filming for the film - amazing stuff. I was a bit too enthusiastic to FD and fear I've lost his appearance already, I need to learn to be cool when talking to BIG NAME ARTISTS I'VE ADMIRED FOR YEARS. I'm out of my depth, but in the most exciting way possible.
Managed to sort the band a dep for the bigger shows of the tour, my chum Adam from Dowsing is stepping in, this is fantastic - he's a proper good musician, it's all great.
Evening show in Norwich. Misjudged the journey - I thought Norwich was further away than what it was. I was 2 and a half hours early. Waited outside the venue for an hour, before realising it wasn't actually the venue - just somebody's house. They seemed freaked out. Found the venue, which was just around the corner.
The show was lovely tonight; the new bits worked, the new intro worked. Nailed it. Lovely audience - a very attractive audience, too. A really nice connection, it was just so easy. Enjoyed a beer with them afterwards. Made lots of money. Every show should be like this.
Confirmed the legendary GP for filming for the film - amazing stuff. I was a bit too enthusiastic to FD and fear I've lost his appearance already, I need to learn to be cool when talking to BIG NAME ARTISTS I'VE ADMIRED FOR YEARS. I'm out of my depth, but in the most exciting way possible.
Managed to sort the band a dep for the bigger shows of the tour, my chum Adam from Dowsing is stepping in, this is fantastic - he's a proper good musician, it's all great.
Evening show in Norwich. Misjudged the journey - I thought Norwich was further away than what it was. I was 2 and a half hours early. Waited outside the venue for an hour, before realising it wasn't actually the venue - just somebody's house. They seemed freaked out. Found the venue, which was just around the corner.
The show was lovely tonight; the new bits worked, the new intro worked. Nailed it. Lovely audience - a very attractive audience, too. A really nice connection, it was just so easy. Enjoyed a beer with them afterwards. Made lots of money. Every show should be like this.
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Thursday 19th February 2015
Sent out another batch of emails for solo tour stuff. Seriously, how am I still finding places?
Confirmed shows in Sheffield and Weymouth, and talked with a few others.
Did more work on booking gigs for the covers band, and tried/failed to get a part-time job.
Sent out another batch of emails to 'famous' bands for the film. One of my musical heroes (can't mention it on here) replied personally saying he's up for it. I'm thrilled - this is beyond utterly amazing. Suddenly this film is growing into something rather brilliant. A lot of pressure on it, though.
Evening rehearsal with the band. We're tired, you can see that. We're good, we didn't need that session tonight.
Confirmed shows in Sheffield and Weymouth, and talked with a few others.
Did more work on booking gigs for the covers band, and tried/failed to get a part-time job.
Sent out another batch of emails to 'famous' bands for the film. One of my musical heroes (can't mention it on here) replied personally saying he's up for it. I'm thrilled - this is beyond utterly amazing. Suddenly this film is growing into something rather brilliant. A lot of pressure on it, though.
Evening rehearsal with the band. We're tired, you can see that. We're good, we didn't need that session tonight.
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
Wednesday 18th February 2015
Spent the morning doing the usual life admin stuff, replying to loads of emails - looks like I'm on for a nice little run of shows in Devon soon.
Wrote the first page of new script, 'Arthur D. Williamson' and a synopsis for the rest of it so I can remember how it goes.
Decided to email lots of established bands/artists to see if any of them fancied sacking me for the film. Got a response later on that amazed me and made me very happy indeed.
Evening gig with the band at Baldock folk club - a sold out, sweaty, rammed show. Performance was solid, audience really into it. It's great being in a popular band, isn't it?
Wrote the first page of new script, 'Arthur D. Williamson' and a synopsis for the rest of it so I can remember how it goes.
Decided to email lots of established bands/artists to see if any of them fancied sacking me for the film. Got a response later on that amazed me and made me very happy indeed.
Evening gig with the band at Baldock folk club - a sold out, sweaty, rammed show. Performance was solid, audience really into it. It's great being in a popular band, isn't it?
Tuesday 17th February 2015
Long, long day in the studio with Steve. It's a tough session; having to play songs that none of us have played (or in my case, heard) before, to a recording standard, whilst being in a completely different room to each other. Felt like a big challenge at first, but by the end we nailed it. 11 tracks in 2 days...this is shit hot stuff, you know. My stock as a drummer seems to be rising all of the time, it's good to be on albums like this that will get plugged extensively and receive plenty of airplay.
Then dashed off for a live filming session with Claudia; basically just a chance to film all of the songs in a nice gig setting, Played well, and got another sacking for a film.
Good day, that was.
Then dashed off for a live filming session with Claudia; basically just a chance to film all of the songs in a nice gig setting, Played well, and got another sacking for a film.
Good day, that was.
Monday, 16 February 2015
Monday 16th February 2015
I've had my record label hat on most of the day, which isn't all that different to my comedy producer hat. Obviously, there are no actual hats here, it's just a different mindset. Although, as I've just explained, not that different. It's just basically me sending lots of emails. Lots and lots of them. I get a feeling that booking shows for a fun acoustic trio who play a set list full of the songs you want to hear is a lot easier than trying to get slots for an awkward dude who isn't quite sure if he's theatre, comedy or storytelling.
Once I'd sent out about 80-odd emails, after re-writing the band biog and making sure everything is tidy, I got back to booking solo shows, and also trying to get some media interest for this Friday's performance in Norwich. I also made sure that every venue on the tour so far has the poster design, and generally got frustrated that certain people haven't got back to me yet to confirm things before realising it's only been a couple days and there was a weekend in the middle and I basically need to calm down a bit.
And then suddenly the day is over, lost in a sea of admin. Can't wait to drum all day tomorrow.
Once I'd sent out about 80-odd emails, after re-writing the band biog and making sure everything is tidy, I got back to booking solo shows, and also trying to get some media interest for this Friday's performance in Norwich. I also made sure that every venue on the tour so far has the poster design, and generally got frustrated that certain people haven't got back to me yet to confirm things before realising it's only been a couple days and there was a weekend in the middle and I basically need to calm down a bit.
And then suddenly the day is over, lost in a sea of admin. Can't wait to drum all day tomorrow.
Sunday, 15 February 2015
Sunday 15th February 2015
Long day in the studio working on Steve's album; 6 tracks today, another 5 on Tuesday. Considering the rehearsals were...concerning, this worked really, really well today. Always tricky being in a studio where the drum booth is completely separate from the rest of the band, especially when you're trying to build a fairly instant rapport with the bassist and to get a groove locked in. Luckily, Lee is one of the most acclaimed and brilliant bassists around (and she's also one of the loveliest) and we did a good job today. A lengthy session, but a good start to the release.
Saturday 14th February 2015
Last night did feel weird; the show needs work, but I really got away with it - people are nice, sometimes, aren't they?
Treated myself to a lengthy lie-in and confirmed a couple more performances of the show.
Meeting with Griff and Vix about how to take the record label up a notch, and to get more trio gigs in, busy times are clearly very much ahead.
Evening we had a full-band gig, bit like last week's event - a private function, village hall, perfect for Al to continue to get comfortable with the set. Fire alarms delayed the set slightly, a couple sound issues, it all found a bit 'wedding' at times, but by the second half we were really on good form.
Treated myself to a lengthy lie-in and confirmed a couple more performances of the show.
Meeting with Griff and Vix about how to take the record label up a notch, and to get more trio gigs in, busy times are clearly very much ahead.
Evening we had a full-band gig, bit like last week's event - a private function, village hall, perfect for Al to continue to get comfortable with the set. Fire alarms delayed the set slightly, a couple sound issues, it all found a bit 'wedding' at times, but by the second half we were really on good form.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Friday 13th February 2015
There's a real problem, you know. Every now and then, like Wednesday, I realise I need to get back into the 'real world'. Problem is, the real world doesn't really want me; there are no jobs out there, even part-time, I just have to make this work, somehow.
Long drive to Winchester; somehow managed to catch the M25 during Friday rush hour, roadworks, the midst of a huge accident and terrible weather. Met a nice woman in a service station and she's booked me to do a show at her venue, very random but that's what you get for being chatty.
5 and a half hours later finally got to the venue, expecting another night like Wednesday. Much to my amazement, it was a complete sell-out. I mean, let's be honest, tiny venue, so let's not get too excited, but still - great for the CV. Lovely audience, very gentle, didn't like swearing. Did both shows to give them their money's worth, 'Getting Lost...' went down a storm, the new piece was liked but god it was rubbish; I was all over the place.
Baffled as to how I could perform so incredibly badly, but still get away with it? This show needs a lot of work, actually.
Long drive home, Friday was a victory, but an unconvincing one.
Long drive to Winchester; somehow managed to catch the M25 during Friday rush hour, roadworks, the midst of a huge accident and terrible weather. Met a nice woman in a service station and she's booked me to do a show at her venue, very random but that's what you get for being chatty.
5 and a half hours later finally got to the venue, expecting another night like Wednesday. Much to my amazement, it was a complete sell-out. I mean, let's be honest, tiny venue, so let's not get too excited, but still - great for the CV. Lovely audience, very gentle, didn't like swearing. Did both shows to give them their money's worth, 'Getting Lost...' went down a storm, the new piece was liked but god it was rubbish; I was all over the place.
Baffled as to how I could perform so incredibly badly, but still get away with it? This show needs a lot of work, actually.
Long drive home, Friday was a victory, but an unconvincing one.
Thursday 12th February 2015
Probably sounded dramatic, all that stuff I said about last night, but it really did hit me bad. Maybe it's been building for a while; it's a tough commitment quitting the job and when the shows don't go to plan (opening night - argument with audience member, second night - 3 audience members in big London venue, third night - a no complete no show despite excessive PR) it's natural to get narky, especially when I care about this show so much.
Anyway, in short I opened up a bit too much on Facebook, and I feel a bit daft about that. I get a lot of love, you know, people want me to succeed. I have a lot of friends, I'm very grateful.
I wanted to quit, I turned down some show offers today. I'm not a quitter though; that's not some macho statement, it's just that I can't stop myself. Maybe the live stuff doesn't work out sometimes, this certainly isn't making me a living at the moment, but after I'd moped around I bit I spent the rest of the day working on a new show that I should be performing soon with Jo, who is a very talented pianist/actress type (we're meeting on Monday to go through it, but she's already agreed to it). See, I just can't stop myself.
Evening played a little covers gig with Griff and Vix; easy money, easy audience. I'm not into covers but there was something satisfying about a happy audience, and hitting that percussion hard, quite therapeutic. And it's always a joy to be on stage with two of my best mates, no matter what the format is.
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Wednesday 11th February 2015
Spent the morning trying, and failing, to get any sort of extra press coverage for the Winchester performance because ticket sales are still at zero.
Confirmed a lovely venue in Darlington, which ties in nicely with my stand-up slot in the area a day later. I may have been sold the idea of performing at that venue because the venue manager sounded so...lovely on the phone, which is always a dangerous reason to book a show. Confirmed a slot in Harwich, the venue manager for that one insisted I call to chat about it but when I did he just offered me the venue without asking any questions at all, it was all a bit odd.
Had a radio interview with the BBC live on air, I guess the difference between my appearance on the Surrey community station yesterday and the BBC one today was just how much time they can allow for you - the BBC thing was less than 2 minutes.
Drove to Guildford, remarkably hassle-free journey, if a little slow due to traffic. Amazing venue - I've performed there before, it just feels nice. Not one single audience member. Now, this was a real test tonight - we've had a respected and very established PR team (as paid for by the venue) working really hard to plug this show, and Helen has been doing great things too, as she always does. I was everywhere - all over the printed press, online, tweets most hours, the Facebook event was shared by many, I did 2 different radio interviews for it. Tickets were cheap, the product looked likeable. Not one single person. Not one. The venue themselves didn't get it - they were so apologetic, they said that for any sort of comedy they usually get a few regulars in, especially at a fiver a ticket. It was horrible; I was there for an hour an half, with my complimentary drink, playing with my phone, hoping that somebody, just one person, would turn up. I quit my job for this - I spend 8 hours a day booking shows, promoting them, I drive for hours and hours, all in the hope, the desperate, pathetic hope that just one person decides to turn up and watch me shout for an hour and a half.
This isn't working, is it? This is supposed to be my living yet I've made a loss out of my last two shows, the first one - in Bristol, just about scraped my petrol costs as we had 11 people in. What I would have done for an audience of 11 tonight. Nobody owes me anything (apart from my former housemate, she owes me £550 still) - people shouldn't feel pressured to watch a new-ish act on stage, but if nobody takes a risk on anything how will anybody ever get anywhere apart from relying on friends and family? I'm not bitter; I'm just frustrated - Inadequate Man is the show that I feel defines me, this is the one. I just want people to see it. Ignoring the lounge shows, which were readings, I've not had a proper good show for ages - the one in Maldon was the last one I think. The Christmas shows were cancelled all over the UK thanks to poor ticket sales and they died on their arse in Cambridge; this show has had one shaky opener in Bristol, a show to 3 people in London and a no-show in Guildford.
6 hour round trip tonight, for the show not to happen. I drove home in silence, reflecting on things. Maybe the idea of working in a 9-5 job isn't so bad, after all? Regular income, regular communication with other people rather than going mad by myself all day, a routine which allows for things such as eating and sleeping, rather than getting back at 1 in the morning and having a 'deserved beer' and where my dinner is a Ginsters slice whilst driving. There was less pressure when I had a job, because when a show makes a loss - which it inevitably will at some point, it's okay because my wages would cover it. Now when a show makes a loss it's actually coming out of my bank account; this is my living. And then suddenly your focus starts diverting away from the most important aspect of it all - the performance, because you're worried about the finances that are attached to each show.
I'm not angry with anybody; I'm just disappointed with myself that this isn't working out and I'm not sure what to do now. I have good friends, who are desperate for me to succeed. Tonight confirmed that Esther is a really good friend, she was properly there for me tonight. Sounds dramatic, but I'm burning myself out. There's only so many times I can pick myself up again, I think this adventure is probably over.
Confirmed a lovely venue in Darlington, which ties in nicely with my stand-up slot in the area a day later. I may have been sold the idea of performing at that venue because the venue manager sounded so...lovely on the phone, which is always a dangerous reason to book a show. Confirmed a slot in Harwich, the venue manager for that one insisted I call to chat about it but when I did he just offered me the venue without asking any questions at all, it was all a bit odd.
Had a radio interview with the BBC live on air, I guess the difference between my appearance on the Surrey community station yesterday and the BBC one today was just how much time they can allow for you - the BBC thing was less than 2 minutes.
Drove to Guildford, remarkably hassle-free journey, if a little slow due to traffic. Amazing venue - I've performed there before, it just feels nice. Not one single audience member. Now, this was a real test tonight - we've had a respected and very established PR team (as paid for by the venue) working really hard to plug this show, and Helen has been doing great things too, as she always does. I was everywhere - all over the printed press, online, tweets most hours, the Facebook event was shared by many, I did 2 different radio interviews for it. Tickets were cheap, the product looked likeable. Not one single person. Not one. The venue themselves didn't get it - they were so apologetic, they said that for any sort of comedy they usually get a few regulars in, especially at a fiver a ticket. It was horrible; I was there for an hour an half, with my complimentary drink, playing with my phone, hoping that somebody, just one person, would turn up. I quit my job for this - I spend 8 hours a day booking shows, promoting them, I drive for hours and hours, all in the hope, the desperate, pathetic hope that just one person decides to turn up and watch me shout for an hour and a half.
This isn't working, is it? This is supposed to be my living yet I've made a loss out of my last two shows, the first one - in Bristol, just about scraped my petrol costs as we had 11 people in. What I would have done for an audience of 11 tonight. Nobody owes me anything (apart from my former housemate, she owes me £550 still) - people shouldn't feel pressured to watch a new-ish act on stage, but if nobody takes a risk on anything how will anybody ever get anywhere apart from relying on friends and family? I'm not bitter; I'm just frustrated - Inadequate Man is the show that I feel defines me, this is the one. I just want people to see it. Ignoring the lounge shows, which were readings, I've not had a proper good show for ages - the one in Maldon was the last one I think. The Christmas shows were cancelled all over the UK thanks to poor ticket sales and they died on their arse in Cambridge; this show has had one shaky opener in Bristol, a show to 3 people in London and a no-show in Guildford.
6 hour round trip tonight, for the show not to happen. I drove home in silence, reflecting on things. Maybe the idea of working in a 9-5 job isn't so bad, after all? Regular income, regular communication with other people rather than going mad by myself all day, a routine which allows for things such as eating and sleeping, rather than getting back at 1 in the morning and having a 'deserved beer' and where my dinner is a Ginsters slice whilst driving. There was less pressure when I had a job, because when a show makes a loss - which it inevitably will at some point, it's okay because my wages would cover it. Now when a show makes a loss it's actually coming out of my bank account; this is my living. And then suddenly your focus starts diverting away from the most important aspect of it all - the performance, because you're worried about the finances that are attached to each show.
I'm not angry with anybody; I'm just disappointed with myself that this isn't working out and I'm not sure what to do now. I have good friends, who are desperate for me to succeed. Tonight confirmed that Esther is a really good friend, she was properly there for me tonight. Sounds dramatic, but I'm burning myself out. There's only so many times I can pick myself up again, I think this adventure is probably over.
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
Tuesday 10th February 2015
One of those days where I just lost in admin; it's basically like having a 'job' again. So many emails about shows, which is obviously a marvellous thing. I confirmed a lounge show, plus public shows in Leicestershire, Newcastle (2 performances) and Wales, with a few more to be confirmed tomorrow.
Nice radio interview with a Surrey-based station - I'm getting better at this I think, that was nice and relaxed today.
Evening rehearsal with the band, fantastic new songs - good times are ahead.
Nice radio interview with a Surrey-based station - I'm getting better at this I think, that was nice and relaxed today.
Evening rehearsal with the band, fantastic new songs - good times are ahead.
Monday 9th February 2015
So many offers for shows, all over the UK, and two more stand-up slots have come in. Lovely stuff.
Knackered from yesterday - the traffic was so bad, the round trip must have been more than 8 hours in the end. I like late night driving, though, I whack on a few good tunes, all is well.
Evening show in London. An audience of 3; which means I lost quite a lot of money on this one, but it was a much better show this time around - better pacing, I was more confident. Great venue, the 3 who made it down really, really got into it. Nice to have a band behind me for the show too, I get this isn't working out financially but it's nights like this I enjoy.
Knackered from yesterday - the traffic was so bad, the round trip must have been more than 8 hours in the end. I like late night driving, though, I whack on a few good tunes, all is well.
Evening show in London. An audience of 3; which means I lost quite a lot of money on this one, but it was a much better show this time around - better pacing, I was more confident. Great venue, the 3 who made it down really, really got into it. Nice to have a band behind me for the show too, I get this isn't working out financially but it's nights like this I enjoy.
Monday, 9 February 2015
Sunday 8th February 2015
Was buzzing from last night's gig so didn't sleep too well. Up early to rehearse with Steve (and his band) ahead of the album sessions next week, and then frustratingly long (due to an accident on the M25) five hour drive to Bristol for the first night proper of the show.
Lovely venue, and nice and small. Got about 11 people in there which felt quite busy considering the size. First half was last year's show, which I did at mega-fast pace but it works that way, then did the new show. Woman in the front row didn't like the fact that I call women girls (which is daft, because you wouldn't call a girlfriend a woman-friend, would you?!). Got a bit hairy, I got a bit angry and nearly lost my flow a little bit. Rest of the show felt tense after that. Thanks for that.
3 and a half hour drive home. Next week I have shows in London (no tickets sold in advance), Guildford (no tickets sold in advance) and Winchester (no tickets sold in advance). I've got a really good PR team and I'm all over the media, maybe I'm just unsellable? I've got a lot of bills coming in. I think I may have to get a proper job for a bit, this isn't working out.
Lovely venue, and nice and small. Got about 11 people in there which felt quite busy considering the size. First half was last year's show, which I did at mega-fast pace but it works that way, then did the new show. Woman in the front row didn't like the fact that I call women girls (which is daft, because you wouldn't call a girlfriend a woman-friend, would you?!). Got a bit hairy, I got a bit angry and nearly lost my flow a little bit. Rest of the show felt tense after that. Thanks for that.
3 and a half hour drive home. Next week I have shows in London (no tickets sold in advance), Guildford (no tickets sold in advance) and Winchester (no tickets sold in advance). I've got a really good PR team and I'm all over the media, maybe I'm just unsellable? I've got a lot of bills coming in. I think I may have to get a proper job for a bit, this isn't working out.
Saturday 7th February 2015
Up early, 6am, for the radio interview which never happened because the station forgot they booked me as a guest. Drank so much caffeine to sound alert on the radio and then couldn't get back to sleep - was fuming about this, I can't deny that.
Drove to St Ives to pick up Al, got him back here and then we ran through the band version of the solo show with Edd ahead of Monday's performance.
Then off to Milton Keynes for the first Fred's House gig of the year, and first as a 6-piece. First half a bit slow, second half was absolutely storming, in front of a sold-out show. Absolutely amazing - why am I doing anything else when I'm in a band this great? Set-list: First half - Face in the Water, I'm Not Saying, Wrong Time, Too Late to go Home, Norweigian Wood, Hold On, Bonnie & Clyde, We Won't Talk Anymore, Fire, The Way You Make Me Feel (cover). Second half: Take a Ride, Another Universe, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up & Dance, Ghost Town, Old Man (cover), Marathon Man, Beautiful You, Somebody to Love (encore, cover).
Drove to St Ives to pick up Al, got him back here and then we ran through the band version of the solo show with Edd ahead of Monday's performance.
Then off to Milton Keynes for the first Fred's House gig of the year, and first as a 6-piece. First half a bit slow, second half was absolutely storming, in front of a sold-out show. Absolutely amazing - why am I doing anything else when I'm in a band this great? Set-list: First half - Face in the Water, I'm Not Saying, Wrong Time, Too Late to go Home, Norweigian Wood, Hold On, Bonnie & Clyde, We Won't Talk Anymore, Fire, The Way You Make Me Feel (cover). Second half: Take a Ride, Another Universe, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up & Dance, Ghost Town, Old Man (cover), Marathon Man, Beautiful You, Somebody to Love (encore, cover).
Friday, 6 February 2015
Friday 6th February 2015
Booked another 'proper' stand-up slot. I'm still not convinced if the whole 'doing 5 minutes of actual jokes' thing is the way to go, but I've booked all three slots for the same week at least so I can build up a little consistency in my performance.
Concerned that my idea of booking coastal tour dates isn't quite going to plan - I've got an opening night in Whitby, and it ends down in Devon for 2 nights, but there's a 3-4 day gap in the middle, so I've started emailing yet more venues. A venue in Brighton has showed some interest.
Set up a Facebook page for '50 Ways...' and was amazed by the amount of interest in it.
Spent a large chunk of the day rehearsing - still finding it weird rehearsing solo, not sure what the neighbours think of me. It's working though, I know this show really well already, and now I've learnt it the pacing is better too and it's a good solid 55 minutes of new material.
Turned down many (two) social offers to stay in tonight, partly to save money, partly because I'm up at 6am to be on a BBC Radio station plugging the Guildford performance. Got pizza, got beer, started booking a tour of Wales.
Concerned that my idea of booking coastal tour dates isn't quite going to plan - I've got an opening night in Whitby, and it ends down in Devon for 2 nights, but there's a 3-4 day gap in the middle, so I've started emailing yet more venues. A venue in Brighton has showed some interest.
Set up a Facebook page for '50 Ways...' and was amazed by the amount of interest in it.
Spent a large chunk of the day rehearsing - still finding it weird rehearsing solo, not sure what the neighbours think of me. It's working though, I know this show really well already, and now I've learnt it the pacing is better too and it's a good solid 55 minutes of new material.
Turned down many (two) social offers to stay in tonight, partly to save money, partly because I'm up at 6am to be on a BBC Radio station plugging the Guildford performance. Got pizza, got beer, started booking a tour of Wales.
Thursday 5th January 2015
Up early to chat to more venues; confirmed the 2-day run in Louth, that's now for May and looks lovely.
Drove over to Melbourn (the one in Royston, not Australia) and filmed a cracking little scene for the '50 Ways...' film with my old chum Martin. Then popped around the corner for a meeting in Shepreth, where they booked me to do a show.
Got back and rehearsed. It's so hard rehearsing solo - talking to yourself in the dining room, I think I'm going slightly mad doing this. But it's working, it's feeling a bit smoother now, I think I'll be okay by the opening night on Sunday.
Rehearsal with Fred's House in the evening was just so brilliant - the new sound works, there's a really good feeling about this, we're moving forwards. The mix of the new single is amazing - could this be the one?
Rishi came down to the rehearsal to sack me for the film, a gloriously surreal sacking it was too.
I got home, cracked open a beer and reflected on how things are; they're quite good you know. I need to focus on these projects that are actually working, rather than starting on new ones...it's great to have ideas, but I can come back to them anytime. I'm in a really great band, I have a really strong tour show, I'm in the process of making a really special film. Yeah, so I could do with earning some more money at some point, and getting a girlfriend, but generally everything is rather wonderful.
Drove over to Melbourn (the one in Royston, not Australia) and filmed a cracking little scene for the '50 Ways...' film with my old chum Martin. Then popped around the corner for a meeting in Shepreth, where they booked me to do a show.
Got back and rehearsed. It's so hard rehearsing solo - talking to yourself in the dining room, I think I'm going slightly mad doing this. But it's working, it's feeling a bit smoother now, I think I'll be okay by the opening night on Sunday.
Rehearsal with Fred's House in the evening was just so brilliant - the new sound works, there's a really good feeling about this, we're moving forwards. The mix of the new single is amazing - could this be the one?
Rishi came down to the rehearsal to sack me for the film, a gloriously surreal sacking it was too.
I got home, cracked open a beer and reflected on how things are; they're quite good you know. I need to focus on these projects that are actually working, rather than starting on new ones...it's great to have ideas, but I can come back to them anytime. I'm in a really great band, I have a really strong tour show, I'm in the process of making a really special film. Yeah, so I could do with earning some more money at some point, and getting a girlfriend, but generally everything is rather wonderful.
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
Wednesday 4th January 2015
I didn't enjoy today so much, just one of those days where things felt a bit frustrating. There was a clash of dates so my 2-night run in Louth has to be rescheduled - they dwelled on getting back to me, I had another offer, I had to let it go. But finding two evenings free in a row has been an issue; I've offered them a couple nights in May.
A much quieter day. Tried and failed to convince London friends to come and see the show in London, but I shouldn't be relying on friends in the first place. I ask too much of people sometimes. The Guildford venue are concerned about lack of ticket sales despite the fact that Helen has done a brilliant job and got me in all the local papers. Really shouldn't have turned down that job yesterday by the sounds of things.
On a plus side, rehearsed the new show and I know my lines...almost a bit too easy, I'm just so comfortable with this show already.
Evening saw the excellent Wave Pictures in Cambridge, proof, if it were ever needed, that if you keep going in this industry you will actually get somewhere.
A much quieter day. Tried and failed to convince London friends to come and see the show in London, but I shouldn't be relying on friends in the first place. I ask too much of people sometimes. The Guildford venue are concerned about lack of ticket sales despite the fact that Helen has done a brilliant job and got me in all the local papers. Really shouldn't have turned down that job yesterday by the sounds of things.
On a plus side, rehearsed the new show and I know my lines...almost a bit too easy, I'm just so comfortable with this show already.
Evening saw the excellent Wave Pictures in Cambridge, proof, if it were ever needed, that if you keep going in this industry you will actually get somewhere.
Tuesday 3rd February 2015
What exactly happened today? Awesomeness, that's what happened. Just one of those days where the offers kept coming in, and press coverage kept coming in - my phone was buzzing. Confirmed six shows today, including one on a nice little island in the middle of nowhere. And everyone seems so friendly too, everyone wants this show in their venue - it's happening, I chose this life, and there's glimmers now that it's starting to work out.
Turned down a really nice day job, a really cool editorial post. Didn't even consider it, it would be like I was cheating on myself if I went all 'normal' now.
Got to the point today where I didn't even have a chance to have a shower until 2pm, everytime I tried to get out of my chair there was a phone call, or a very urgent email. It feels like, after a month of not as much happening as I would have liked, everyone I've emailed have suddenly checked their emails. Beautiful stuff, I want to be busy, I get excited about the idea of being busy.
Evening went to see Mum and Dad, who are still a bit unsure about my career choices, and keep giving me 'supplies' - food, toilet roll, stuff like that, they seem a bit too worried about me.
Turned down a really nice day job, a really cool editorial post. Didn't even consider it, it would be like I was cheating on myself if I went all 'normal' now.
Got to the point today where I didn't even have a chance to have a shower until 2pm, everytime I tried to get out of my chair there was a phone call, or a very urgent email. It feels like, after a month of not as much happening as I would have liked, everyone I've emailed have suddenly checked their emails. Beautiful stuff, I want to be busy, I get excited about the idea of being busy.
Evening went to see Mum and Dad, who are still a bit unsure about my career choices, and keep giving me 'supplies' - food, toilet roll, stuff like that, they seem a bit too worried about me.
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Monday 2nd January 2015
A good day; popped in to town first thing to send off hard copies of various contracts (and the last few copies of my book to those who ordered last week) and then off to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire to be a guest on Sue's lovely little show. That was a good one today, sometimes I'm stumbly and mumbly on air, today though I came across as the confident performer I should be every time.
Had a slightly awkward bit of road rage, in which I actually got out of my car, pointed at the traffic light, and said to a complete (and very angry) stranger, "what bit of the red light can't you see?". I need to calm down.
Realised my car is due for it's MOT in a few weeks time...scary times ahead, it barely starts in the mornings. I really should get a part-time job or something soon. Possibly.
Confirmed 4 new shows today from the emails I sent yesterday - hurrah for this!
Evening band session, complete with Al on piano. We're sounding thrillingly good at the moment, you can just feel the excitement in the room. First gig with this new line-up is on Saturday. As we were in a dark studio for hours we had no idea it was snowing outside. That was nice, as much as I wish everybody would stop posting about it on Facebook. Snow pictures are more annoying than baby pictures. Babies in the snow pictures are pretty much driving me away from social media for a couple of days.
Had a slightly awkward bit of road rage, in which I actually got out of my car, pointed at the traffic light, and said to a complete (and very angry) stranger, "what bit of the red light can't you see?". I need to calm down.
Realised my car is due for it's MOT in a few weeks time...scary times ahead, it barely starts in the mornings. I really should get a part-time job or something soon. Possibly.
Confirmed 4 new shows today from the emails I sent yesterday - hurrah for this!
Evening band session, complete with Al on piano. We're sounding thrillingly good at the moment, you can just feel the excitement in the room. First gig with this new line-up is on Saturday. As we were in a dark studio for hours we had no idea it was snowing outside. That was nice, as much as I wish everybody would stop posting about it on Facebook. Snow pictures are more annoying than baby pictures. Babies in the snow pictures are pretty much driving me away from social media for a couple of days.
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Sunday 1st February 2015
With my plans changing for the filming of three 'sackings' for for my 50 Ways... film cancelled as the bands weren't able to make it, and then the rockabilly rehearsal didn't happen because of confusion with the availability of the musicians, I found myself with some rare time.
I started sending emails to potential tour venues at 2pm today. Suddenly it's gone 11pm and I've just finished...I've sent nearly 400 today. That's how I spend my Sunday...but I'm glad I did, because that frees me up time for the next couple of days to actually rehearse the show.
I started sending emails to potential tour venues at 2pm today. Suddenly it's gone 11pm and I've just finished...I've sent nearly 400 today. That's how I spend my Sunday...but I'm glad I did, because that frees me up time for the next couple of days to actually rehearse the show.
Saturday 31st January 2015
Sketch show filming today; Jon couldn't make it back to Cambridge (from London) as he had a footballing injury. Felt like a bit of a slow start; the material was the stuff we didn't get around to filming for episode one, so as much as we all knew it was of the same quality there was still an underlying feeling that it was the 'b-sides'. Also, it's hard to introduce reoccurring characters without getting bored of the jokes ourselves, you find yourself wanting to put them in extreme situations - which for a second episode whilst the audience are still familiarising themselves with them, just looks like you're trying too hard.
We got some stuff done in the end, and it's amazing how those little moments of magic happen by accident, which they did today. It's nowhere near a second episode, yet, but with another day of filming we should have one done.
Then off to Izzy's to perform the final lounge preview show. That felt like a good one tonight, I got the first laugh in early, which didn't happen last Wednesday, and then everyone relaxes a bit. My friend Paul summed up my show better than I ever could do - he called it a "controlled shambles." He was referring to the fact that often it looks like I'm spiralling out of control with the rambling, but thanks to the ringbinder and CD player on stage as a theatrical device, it's still all very controlled and the audience are confident that they are watching a professional. My landlord, Edd, came to the show for a second time and pointed out how smoother it's looking already. It was a little messy at times, but this show is really starting to come together now. I've got a week to learn it before it goes public.
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