Slept till 11am as the weekend was strangely exhausting, yet my to-do list is somewhat bulging. Dangerously close to confirming 'the' act that would utterly make the film, but haven't quite got it over the finishing line just yet. Started writing a new piece called 'Happy' which wasn't on my to do list, but at the same time when you've got an idea it's kinda wrong not to, isn't it?
Accepted a part-time job, only to realise it's for the St Ives in Cornwall, not Cambridgeshire. Funny, but now when that's the second time this has happened. Got a little bit stressed about the lack of money I'll be making this week, even if the last 2 weeks have been very good to me financially.
Dad starts chemo again next Tuesday; this is all hitting home, in a big way. We're struggling with this.
Huge dress rehearsal with Dowsing. Issues with the sound; choir getting stressed about how loud the drums are and being quite vocal about it. It's a fucking drum kit. As with all dress rehearsals, it was stressful - I get that's the way these things always are, but I just struggled to get in the zone. Apologised to both Andrea (MD) and Gav (bassist) afterwards, both of whom are lovely. I need a little time to myself, I think.
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Monday, 30 March 2015
Sunday 29th March 2015
We somehow ended up going to bed at 5am last night. We probably needed all the beer though after that gig.
After another lovely Gaf breakfast, we packed up our things and made the trip down to Staffordshire for the late afternoon gig there. Amazing Sunday roast provided for us, was lovely. Venue so small, we got a bit stressed about how we would all fit in there...somehow, we did though. Didn't look like it was going to be but it was a cracking gig, that one - and much needed. Venue rammed, we couldn't really do a thing wrong. I fancied a girl in the audience and did my hair mid-song, which was most unprofessional of me.
Home before midnight, which felt like a victory. We had to do those gigs this weekend, so whilst they weren't really up to the level that we've been playing this year, they were a worthwhile venture as we expand our fanbase. I need sleep.
After another lovely Gaf breakfast, we packed up our things and made the trip down to Staffordshire for the late afternoon gig there. Amazing Sunday roast provided for us, was lovely. Venue so small, we got a bit stressed about how we would all fit in there...somehow, we did though. Didn't look like it was going to be but it was a cracking gig, that one - and much needed. Venue rammed, we couldn't really do a thing wrong. I fancied a girl in the audience and did my hair mid-song, which was most unprofessional of me.
Home before midnight, which felt like a victory. We had to do those gigs this weekend, so whilst they weren't really up to the level that we've been playing this year, they were a worthwhile venture as we expand our fanbase. I need sleep.
Saturday 28th March 2015
Hungover from last night's shenanigans, predictably. Apart from Gaf; he doesn't do hangovers, he gets up at a reasonable hour and makes everyone breakfast, like a legend.
Slobbed around the cottage for a bit, and then eventually went for a walk around the town. Found a lovely little cafe, had lunch, went back to the cottage and the others fell asleep as I watched Dad's Army and drank supermarket energy drinks whilst replying to emails. Confirmed the first night of my Christmas tour.
Evening gig was literally just down the road as it was also in Derbyshire. Another pub gig, this one had much more space for us. Some drunks in the audience really made it uncomfortable for us, the odd chair got thrown. Not in our direction but still, it was a little rough and ready. We didn't really enjoy that one.
Slobbed around the cottage for a bit, and then eventually went for a walk around the town. Found a lovely little cafe, had lunch, went back to the cottage and the others fell asleep as I watched Dad's Army and drank supermarket energy drinks whilst replying to emails. Confirmed the first night of my Christmas tour.
Evening gig was literally just down the road as it was also in Derbyshire. Another pub gig, this one had much more space for us. Some drunks in the audience really made it uncomfortable for us, the odd chair got thrown. Not in our direction but still, it was a little rough and ready. We didn't really enjoy that one.
Friday 27th March 2015
I sent a lot of emails today; having been working the last few days it was a real chance to catch up with everything. Emailed two different acts about the possibility of me writing a musical around their tunes - both have agreed so can get cracking on those. Had an idea for a new quiz-based podcast, partially based on just how fast I was talking last night, and emailed a venue about that - we're discussing dates for it now. Started booking Christmas tour dates and confirmed a couple more celebrities for the film.
Then over to Histon to jump into the band van and head off for 3 days away for the northern leg of the tour. We haven't really done north before, so whilst it feels like we're really starting to get a name for ourselves elsewhere in the country this was very much uncharted territory. All 3 shows this weekend will be pub gigs, a chance to try and win some fans by playing in their local. The first show, in Derby, felt very 'local' at first; a tiny pub and as a full band it looked like it wouldn't work. It did though - by the end we had them in the palm of our hands, and our first gig without a lead guitarist worked quite well in the end.
Then we all got drunk in a cottage and chatted till 5am. I love this band.
Then over to Histon to jump into the band van and head off for 3 days away for the northern leg of the tour. We haven't really done north before, so whilst it feels like we're really starting to get a name for ourselves elsewhere in the country this was very much uncharted territory. All 3 shows this weekend will be pub gigs, a chance to try and win some fans by playing in their local. The first show, in Derby, felt very 'local' at first; a tiny pub and as a full band it looked like it wouldn't work. It did though - by the end we had them in the palm of our hands, and our first gig without a lead guitarist worked quite well in the end.
Then we all got drunk in a cottage and chatted till 5am. I love this band.
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Thursday 26th March 2015
Another exhausting day of 'labouring'. Today I was sanding the floor, cleaning and painting. I was terrible at all of these things, but it pays the bills.
Evening hosted the quiz night, as booked ages ago. I wrote the questions last night, left it late assuming it would be cancelled, and it wasn't. In the end it wasn't bad; I mean - I'm an awkward host, let's not deny that, certainly unconventional, but those taking part seemed to embrace it and get into the way I work. 75 questions, bashed out really quickly. I don't think I'll do this as a regular thing, but it wasn't as rubbish as it could have been.
Evening hosted the quiz night, as booked ages ago. I wrote the questions last night, left it late assuming it would be cancelled, and it wasn't. In the end it wasn't bad; I mean - I'm an awkward host, let's not deny that, certainly unconventional, but those taking part seemed to embrace it and get into the way I work. 75 questions, bashed out really quickly. I don't think I'll do this as a regular thing, but it wasn't as rubbish as it could have been.
Wednesday 25th March 2015
Long day doing actual proper work; back at Rohan's pad, helping him sort out the house (as a friend, and for very good money). Lots of climbing in and out of the loft, lots of heavy lifting. exhausting but manly enough.
Got home, washed, drove to Shepreth for the solo show. Traffic was terrible (accident on the A14), nearly late, got flustered. That probably harmed the first half of the show to be honest, it wasn't the best. The second half was great though - the feminism stuff didn't cut it, but I won them back easily enough. Audience of 14, lovely, lovely venue.
Got home, washed, drove to Shepreth for the solo show. Traffic was terrible (accident on the A14), nearly late, got flustered. That probably harmed the first half of the show to be honest, it wasn't the best. The second half was great though - the feminism stuff didn't cut it, but I won them back easily enough. Audience of 14, lovely, lovely venue.
Tuesday 24th March 2015
Tough day with family stuff; this blog isn't a place to go into details, but a long day in hospital. Things aren't great, a difficult time ahead, which was completely unexpected.
Evening met up with Esther, Izzy, Edd and Matt to read through 'the' script, The Return Journey - the script I've been agonising over for the last few weeks, the script I intend to send to the big producer who is interested in my work. Fortunately, it appears it's an absolute winner; the structure is sound, the characters are very defined, you can see how it can last for a series given the situation and, most importantly, there are plenty of laughs. We read through it twice tonight, some minor tweaking needed, but it feels like a bright and original script. Considering some of the shit I've written this year, this is all a bit of a relief.
Evening met up with Esther, Izzy, Edd and Matt to read through 'the' script, The Return Journey - the script I've been agonising over for the last few weeks, the script I intend to send to the big producer who is interested in my work. Fortunately, it appears it's an absolute winner; the structure is sound, the characters are very defined, you can see how it can last for a series given the situation and, most importantly, there are plenty of laughs. We read through it twice tonight, some minor tweaking needed, but it feels like a bright and original script. Considering some of the shit I've written this year, this is all a bit of a relief.
Monday, 23 March 2015
Monday 23rd March 2015
Updated my many sites with new shows and new gigs, replied to as many emails/messages as possible before realising the morning had nearly gone. Popped into town to pay in the cash from last week's shows, that'll keep the bank manager happy (not that it's actually the bank manager, of course, they just say it is in films) and failed to win on a scratch card. One day, though I will. I buy one a week, on a Monday because, deep down, I probably do like having a routine after all.
Into Cambridge for a lovely sacking with my mate Bryan, aka The Prisoner of Mars. He was proper weird today with this one, in a good way, it's a treat of a sacking - my first psychedelic one, he's a really good actor. We then had a beer and it was nice to catch up, haven't seen Bryan for a while.
Then, following a nice spot of dinner in town with my landlord who was also killing time in between appointments, I was fired by Gig-L, who are an all-girl band. The joke being I have to wear a wig to see if I can fit in. It's a cheap joke, but adds to the feel-good nature of this movie and worked well, and they were all so lovely to me.
Got back and invited the whole world to my quiz night, which is this Thursday. Just the two of us attending at this stage, could be awkward, especially as I'm hosting.
And then spent 3 hours emailing more bands for the '50 Ways...' film. I've even asked Stephen Fry, you never know. Had a very interesting reply from the manager of the saxophonist of one of my favourite bands ever who was interested as the sax player does solo stuff, we ended up speaking for about an hour (in the early hours of the morning, but that's rock n roll admin for you) and they reckon they could actually get me the whole band. That's all I can say at this stage, but they are one of the biggest bands of all time. If I get this, I will explode with joy.
Into Cambridge for a lovely sacking with my mate Bryan, aka The Prisoner of Mars. He was proper weird today with this one, in a good way, it's a treat of a sacking - my first psychedelic one, he's a really good actor. We then had a beer and it was nice to catch up, haven't seen Bryan for a while.
Then, following a nice spot of dinner in town with my landlord who was also killing time in between appointments, I was fired by Gig-L, who are an all-girl band. The joke being I have to wear a wig to see if I can fit in. It's a cheap joke, but adds to the feel-good nature of this movie and worked well, and they were all so lovely to me.
Got back and invited the whole world to my quiz night, which is this Thursday. Just the two of us attending at this stage, could be awkward, especially as I'm hosting.
And then spent 3 hours emailing more bands for the '50 Ways...' film. I've even asked Stephen Fry, you never know. Had a very interesting reply from the manager of the saxophonist of one of my favourite bands ever who was interested as the sax player does solo stuff, we ended up speaking for about an hour (in the early hours of the morning, but that's rock n roll admin for you) and they reckon they could actually get me the whole band. That's all I can say at this stage, but they are one of the biggest bands of all time. If I get this, I will explode with joy.
Sunday, 22 March 2015
Sunday 22nd March 2015
Could really do with some sleep. No chance; up early as dad wanted to see the Ian Anderson footage so I had to drive over to St Ives to show him. After spending a couple hours doing family stuff, I then drove over to Barton for band rehearsals - sessions with Adam, who is depping with us as we're now without Lachy. Adam's great, we'll be fine. Whole band feels knackered, but we're excited about some touring we're doing next week.
Then dashed back, showered and headed over to Maldon for tonight's 'Inadequate Man' performance. My landlord Edd also joined me, adding double bass to the show - it worked. The whole thing was just lovely tonight, really nailed the performance, Nikki and Barrie who run the night are amazing hosts - lovely dressing room, snacks/drinks rider, they promote their events well. The audience were really nice, up for it, I tried out some new lines and they worked a treat. Best performance of it yet by some distance. Stunning building. I would just like to do shows there every night, please.
Then dashed back, showered and headed over to Maldon for tonight's 'Inadequate Man' performance. My landlord Edd also joined me, adding double bass to the show - it worked. The whole thing was just lovely tonight, really nailed the performance, Nikki and Barrie who run the night are amazing hosts - lovely dressing room, snacks/drinks rider, they promote their events well. The audience were really nice, up for it, I tried out some new lines and they worked a treat. Best performance of it yet by some distance. Stunning building. I would just like to do shows there every night, please.
Saturday 21st March 2015
Yesterday was amazing but it was a lot of driving. Long day today too; started by recording with Dowsing at the beautiful (if logistically tricky) Jesus college. Feel privileged to be recording in such a stunning location - I'm doing a lot of nice things at the moment, you know. Was a brilliant recording session. Like most, I look up to Andrea a lot because her creative brain is on a different level to everyone else, and today we really got her seal of approval. Both choir and band on cracking form, strings sound beautiful...just one of those days when you almost forget to play because the choir are so damn wonderful.
Then pegged it over to Bedford to play with the band, another sell-out show in front of a room full of actual 'fans'. Sound was great tonight. Lachy's last show with the band, we all got a bit emotional, especially in McDonalds at 2am after the gig. Stomping gig; he will be missed a lot more than we'll ever admit. Lots of covers tonight as it was technically a private function. Set - first half: Face in the Water, I'm Not Saying, Wrong Time, Norwegian Wood (cover), Too Late to go Home, Bonnie & Clyde, We Don't Talk Anymore, Another Universe, Shut Up & Dance. Set - second half: Hold On, Fine Life, Fire, Take a Ride, Beautiful You, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, This Little Boy, Stuck in the Middle (cover), Perfect (cover), Rolling in the Deep (cover), Mrs Robinson (cover), Stand By Me (cover), Twist and Shout (cover), Tutti Fruity (cover), Somebody to Love (cover), Shut Up & Dance (encore).
Then pegged it over to Bedford to play with the band, another sell-out show in front of a room full of actual 'fans'. Sound was great tonight. Lachy's last show with the band, we all got a bit emotional, especially in McDonalds at 2am after the gig. Stomping gig; he will be missed a lot more than we'll ever admit. Lots of covers tonight as it was technically a private function. Set - first half: Face in the Water, I'm Not Saying, Wrong Time, Norwegian Wood (cover), Too Late to go Home, Bonnie & Clyde, We Don't Talk Anymore, Another Universe, Shut Up & Dance. Set - second half: Hold On, Fine Life, Fire, Take a Ride, Beautiful You, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, This Little Boy, Stuck in the Middle (cover), Perfect (cover), Rolling in the Deep (cover), Mrs Robinson (cover), Stand By Me (cover), Twist and Shout (cover), Tutti Fruity (cover), Somebody to Love (cover), Shut Up & Dance (encore).
Friday 20th March 2015
I think the reason why I was so rubbish last night was because I was worried about today. This was pretty much one of those days where you realise it's all gone a bit too far, where this little joke idea of a film suddenly turns into one with major names. Today was the day in which Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull would sack me as his drummer for the film. He's sold over 60 million records and we were about to go to his house to film a scene on my mobile.
Up very early; Wiltshire isn't that far but we couldn't afford to mess this up. 'We' being myself and my mate Rohan, who joined me for the day not only to be the cameraman but also because he's a huge fan of the band so it's nice to give him the chance to meet his heroes. We got there ludicrously early; his estate his breathtaking, we were asked to come back in an hour. We assumed that was a polite rejection (despite being agreed on email) but an hour later we found the fabulous Mr Anderson and his wonderful band on fine form, willing to help us and giving up the best part of 20 minutes from their busy schedule to sack me in glorious fashion. Their enthusiasm and acting ability was a joy, they just bought into the idea. I had to play 'Aqualung' - one of the biggest rock songs ever written, intentionally badly, with the guy who wrote it. A ridiculously surreal day, seriously...my life is going a little weird. I'm enjoying it.
Spent the afternoon with Rohan, just reliving the moment, watching back the footage, smiling at how wonderful it all was. This film...this film could be the making of me. Don't fuck it up, Richards.
Then made the short drive up to Newbury for gig with the band. Near sell-out show in a big venue, I didn't like the fact the drums weren't mic'd up at all; it's a small little jazz kit which is beautiful but should have gone for the bigger one. Still, great to catch up with Matt who came up from Bristol, and the food was amazing. Not a bad show. Set: Hold On, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Fine Lift, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Beautiful You, Take a Ride, Old Man (cover), Another Universe, She Says, Fire, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Shut Up & Dance, Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Up very early; Wiltshire isn't that far but we couldn't afford to mess this up. 'We' being myself and my mate Rohan, who joined me for the day not only to be the cameraman but also because he's a huge fan of the band so it's nice to give him the chance to meet his heroes. We got there ludicrously early; his estate his breathtaking, we were asked to come back in an hour. We assumed that was a polite rejection (despite being agreed on email) but an hour later we found the fabulous Mr Anderson and his wonderful band on fine form, willing to help us and giving up the best part of 20 minutes from their busy schedule to sack me in glorious fashion. Their enthusiasm and acting ability was a joy, they just bought into the idea. I had to play 'Aqualung' - one of the biggest rock songs ever written, intentionally badly, with the guy who wrote it. A ridiculously surreal day, seriously...my life is going a little weird. I'm enjoying it.
Spent the afternoon with Rohan, just reliving the moment, watching back the footage, smiling at how wonderful it all was. This film...this film could be the making of me. Don't fuck it up, Richards.
Then made the short drive up to Newbury for gig with the band. Near sell-out show in a big venue, I didn't like the fact the drums weren't mic'd up at all; it's a small little jazz kit which is beautiful but should have gone for the bigger one. Still, great to catch up with Matt who came up from Bristol, and the food was amazing. Not a bad show. Set: Hold On, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Fine Lift, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Beautiful You, Take a Ride, Old Man (cover), Another Universe, She Says, Fire, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Shut Up & Dance, Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Friday, 20 March 2015
Thursday 19th March 2015
The intermittent internet here is really pissing me off.
Remembered I'm supposed to be hosting that quiz next week,
Got a second Edinburgh show confirmed; this one is a joint thing with Izzy and Matt. Should be good fun.
Evening solo show in Beccles. I was rubbish tonight, with both last year's show and then the new one. Odd space, basically me in a pub but such a wonderful and respectful audience...I made quite a bit tonight out of this. Didn't deserve it. This is a really nice show, I can do it so much better.
Remembered I'm supposed to be hosting that quiz next week,
Got a second Edinburgh show confirmed; this one is a joint thing with Izzy and Matt. Should be good fun.
Evening solo show in Beccles. I was rubbish tonight, with both last year's show and then the new one. Odd space, basically me in a pub but such a wonderful and respectful audience...I made quite a bit tonight out of this. Didn't deserve it. This is a really nice show, I can do it so much better.
Thursday, 19 March 2015
Wednesday 18th March 2015
Scheduling crisis diverted because Andrea is a genius (I've said that quite a lot of times over the years) and managed instead to double up tonight's rehearsal.
Finished writing 'The Return Trip' and started work on a murder mystery script.
Emailed about another 20 or so artists about the film.
Dowsing rehearsal was, as I'm no longer free tomorrow night, absolutely epic - we nailed everything tonight, it was gruelling but successful.
Got back and read over 'The Return Trip' - it's mostly gold, this one. The ending feels unfulfilled, but the rest of it is something I'm rather proud of.
Finished writing 'The Return Trip' and started work on a murder mystery script.
Emailed about another 20 or so artists about the film.
Dowsing rehearsal was, as I'm no longer free tomorrow night, absolutely epic - we nailed everything tonight, it was gruelling but successful.
Got back and read over 'The Return Trip' - it's mostly gold, this one. The ending feels unfulfilled, but the rest of it is something I'm rather proud of.
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Tuesday 17th March 2015
I'm an idiot. Seriously; how hard can it be to put things in a diary, and then not agree to do other things on the same day? Bloody hard, so it seems. I've got a real dilemma for Thursday night; a very well-paid show verses a project I'm loyal to and can't let down? Seriously, get a grip, Richards.
Morning getting frustrated by intermittent internet connection, but still managed to send out a bunch of emails about the film and try/fail to get a part-time job.
Afternoon spent working on 'The Return Journey' - the script I've been writing for the last week or so. There was a point this afternoon when I just stopped and thought, "I'm onto something really special with this one." I really believe that; it intentionally doesn't go anywhere, but it's the entrapment of the characters, the claustrophobia, that really makes it work. It won't be to everyone's taste, but hopefully the producer who has asked to see one of my scripts will like it.
Evening spent in Newmarket (so close to me, but equally it's so hard to find anything in Newmarket - it's a bastard of a place), helping out the 4th Labyrinth guys as they had to rock out to test the PA system for a rock festival. Ending up playing a few of their songs and enjoyed myself very much with them, knowing Claudia and Marcel from the band made things a bit easier. And then they sacked me for the film, in a really fun way.
Morning getting frustrated by intermittent internet connection, but still managed to send out a bunch of emails about the film and try/fail to get a part-time job.
Afternoon spent working on 'The Return Journey' - the script I've been writing for the last week or so. There was a point this afternoon when I just stopped and thought, "I'm onto something really special with this one." I really believe that; it intentionally doesn't go anywhere, but it's the entrapment of the characters, the claustrophobia, that really makes it work. It won't be to everyone's taste, but hopefully the producer who has asked to see one of my scripts will like it.
Evening spent in Newmarket (so close to me, but equally it's so hard to find anything in Newmarket - it's a bastard of a place), helping out the 4th Labyrinth guys as they had to rock out to test the PA system for a rock festival. Ending up playing a few of their songs and enjoyed myself very much with them, knowing Claudia and Marcel from the band made things a bit easier. And then they sacked me for the film, in a really fun way.
Monday, 16 March 2015
Monday 16th March 2015
Up early to message more artists I like about the film, including my favourite drummer of all time, who weirdly I've found on Facebook. He hasn't replied yet, but I can see he's read it. Does that make me a stalker weirdo? It just says when the message has been read, that's all.
Afternoon spent in hospital with dad, routine stuff. Did a lot of reading, really enjoying, 'Wordwatching' by Alex Horne.
Evening did a lounge show around Lee/Kim's house, with Lee's son, plus Marcel, Claudia and Edd in the audience. Lovely food and generous tips at the end. Performance of 'Getting Lost...' was a stormer, 'Inadequate' felt a little rough around the edges still but the audience laughed at all the right times. I need to tour this, properly, to hit my stride - my proper tour isn't until the first week of May, though. And then Kim (Katrina & the Waves) sacked me for the film. Lovely evening,
Sunday, 15 March 2015
Sunday 15th March 2015
Confirmed an 80s pop star and also a very established comedian for the film, with another to confirm shortly too, amazing stuff.
Long day in the Fez Club with the band as we filmed the promo video for the Shut Up and Dance single. A great team effort - in Sam and Marta we have a brilliant production team, and lots of our friends/'fans' turned up to be extras; they danced a lot. I danced terribly. My role was to be the barman in this film, but also I have to get dragged onto the dance floor by a very pretty lady and dance a with her...it's a tough life, sometimes, isn't it?!
Had a meal with my parents for mother's day, and then back to plotting what will be a silly busy week.
Long day in the Fez Club with the band as we filmed the promo video for the Shut Up and Dance single. A great team effort - in Sam and Marta we have a brilliant production team, and lots of our friends/'fans' turned up to be extras; they danced a lot. I danced terribly. My role was to be the barman in this film, but also I have to get dragged onto the dance floor by a very pretty lady and dance a with her...it's a tough life, sometimes, isn't it?!
Had a meal with my parents for mother's day, and then back to plotting what will be a silly busy week.
Saturday 14th March 2015
Hungover, woke up on Vix and Griff's couch. I like this band a lot, even when we're not gigging we still socialise together.
Got home, emailed more acts about the film.
Spent the afternoon in the studio with the band working on stuff with our dep guitarist, Adam, who is a little genius and will be joining us soon for some of the bigger tour dates.
Then we all drove to Dunton, where we played a headline show in a huge church. A chance for me to put the new kit through it's paces (it's wonderful, so wonderful). Show was close to being a sellout, how come we are suddenly a band that costs £12 to see? It's happened a few times recently, we're suddenly in an expensive ticket bracket...it's all good. The gig was fun - because we played so loud we woke up some bats who flew around the church, and an old lady was sick into a cup. Performance-wise we were totally spot-on, we're getting really good at this, you know, it's a proper show now. 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, Beautiful You. Second Half: Skin and Bone, Standing Next to Me, Face in the Water, Take A Ride, Old Man (cover), Fire, She Says, Another Universe, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Shut Up and Dance, Somebody to Love (encore, cover).
Got home, emailed more acts about the film.
Spent the afternoon in the studio with the band working on stuff with our dep guitarist, Adam, who is a little genius and will be joining us soon for some of the bigger tour dates.
Then we all drove to Dunton, where we played a headline show in a huge church. A chance for me to put the new kit through it's paces (it's wonderful, so wonderful). Show was close to being a sellout, how come we are suddenly a band that costs £12 to see? It's happened a few times recently, we're suddenly in an expensive ticket bracket...it's all good. The gig was fun - because we played so loud we woke up some bats who flew around the church, and an old lady was sick into a cup. Performance-wise we were totally spot-on, we're getting really good at this, you know, it's a proper show now. 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, Beautiful You. Second Half: Skin and Bone, Standing Next to Me, Face in the Water, Take A Ride, Old Man (cover), Fire, She Says, Another Universe, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Shut Up and Dance, Somebody to Love (encore, cover).
Friday 13th March 2015
Caught up on emails from yesterday, confirmed a couple more performances of the solo show and dealt with a few more enquiries. Updated my many websites. Emailed a handful of 'famous' bands and a couple 'proper' comedians about the film.
Afternoon finally got around to working on 'the' script - it's a radio piece, the characters are so defined but then again that's because it's a true story. It sounds like a cliché, but it does feel like it's writing itself. A fair way to go, and that's even for a half an hour episode, but five hours of writing in and it feels like it's slowly developing into something lovely.
Evening it was Lachy's leaving party - he still has 3 (2 public) gigs to go with us, but this was the only chance for us all to give him a proper send-off. Nice evening, lovely dinner and drinks. Crashed out at Vix and Griff's place and we talked till the early hours about the band and how we can really build on this glorious thing we have.
Afternoon finally got around to working on 'the' script - it's a radio piece, the characters are so defined but then again that's because it's a true story. It sounds like a cliché, but it does feel like it's writing itself. A fair way to go, and that's even for a half an hour episode, but five hours of writing in and it feels like it's slowly developing into something lovely.
Evening it was Lachy's leaving party - he still has 3 (2 public) gigs to go with us, but this was the only chance for us all to give him a proper send-off. Nice evening, lovely dinner and drinks. Crashed out at Vix and Griff's place and we talked till the early hours about the band and how we can really build on this glorious thing we have.
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Thursday 12th March 2015
Up early to head into London, meeting up with my mate Jack along the way. After getting a bit lost (a bit of a theme for this week/my life) we eventually found the studio in London where the legendary Graham Parker was to meet us to sack me for the '50 Ways...' film. It was just one of those half an hours; half an hour of unrivalled joy. I'm a huge fan of Graham's and to even meet him was a real privilege, for him to put so much thought and effort into my film was just amazing. Alongside being one of the nicest people I've ever met, he just seems to love the idea of it so much - his comic timing and the manner of the sackings (we did two - this was worthy of two different sackings) is going to be a highlight of the film. It does once again put pressure on this film to really be something, but that can't be a bad thing. The footage is amazing - absolutely amazing, that was just all amazing. Both Jack and I spent the rest of the day quoting bits of it, this is probably going to be the highlight of my year.
I'm doing the right thing with my life.
After killing many hours in a bar, mostly talking about how great that sacking was, we headed over to Kentish Town, where I was performing stand-up. Just a five minute slot. Nice, warm atmosphere, but I enjoyed it less this time. I was the opening act, I played it VERY safe, too safe? I think I was nice opening act material, did all the bits that I know work (Chelmsford/Marvellous During Sex/Road Rage/Grace) and everyone laughed at the right times. I can do this - I can quite comfortably do stand-up, but I'm just not really feeling it, to be honest. I like doing my own shows, where I have the chance to build a connection with the audience, not a 5-minute skit which barely feels worthwhile. This was just a conveyor-belt of acts, all trying to be wacky, desperate for you to laugh, it's just rather depressing.
My phone has been buzzing all day with all manner of gig and theatre offers, haven't had a chance to read or respond yet but it looks like a few more things are about to be added to the schedule.
I'm doing the right thing with my life.
After killing many hours in a bar, mostly talking about how great that sacking was, we headed over to Kentish Town, where I was performing stand-up. Just a five minute slot. Nice, warm atmosphere, but I enjoyed it less this time. I was the opening act, I played it VERY safe, too safe? I think I was nice opening act material, did all the bits that I know work (Chelmsford/Marvellous During Sex/Road Rage/Grace) and everyone laughed at the right times. I can do this - I can quite comfortably do stand-up, but I'm just not really feeling it, to be honest. I like doing my own shows, where I have the chance to build a connection with the audience, not a 5-minute skit which barely feels worthwhile. This was just a conveyor-belt of acts, all trying to be wacky, desperate for you to laugh, it's just rather depressing.
My phone has been buzzing all day with all manner of gig and theatre offers, haven't had a chance to read or respond yet but it looks like a few more things are about to be added to the schedule.
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Wednesday 11th March 2015
Productive day, that one. Found a bunch of festivals that somehow had passed me by before and applied for those, chased up invoices and actually got paid today for those shows, which is a massive relief. Had the BEST SITCOM IDEA EVER and will write it on Friday. All of it. Looked at my script for a little acting job I had for the afternoon.
Then it was the afternoon, and I was on my little acting job - being in the show-reel for (brilliant and very lovely, if with the ability to be very scary) actress Lydia Dawson-Wilde. I was cast by my old mate, Kate, who was directing the piece. I was cast as 'young man' but they quickly changed that to just 'man', oh how we chuckled! It was a role I could do well, all 8 lines of it, it involved me being flustered and awkward whilst wearing a suit...nailed it, oddly enough. I was only there for a couple of hours but I felt a really warm rapport with everyone around me, lots of fun and banter. If this is what 'proper' acting is about, then I could happily be a proper actor.
Then met up with my old pal, Al, at the Boathouse to discuss comedy. He has lots of useful career ideas for me and lots of encouragement, he's an old work colleague who generally talks more sense than most people I know, it was both a joy and very productive. Then played what I thought was a really poor gig with Steve - I get the charm and challenge of being under rehearsed, or sometimes you can get away with it by not rehearsing at all, but that was taking it too far tonight. My new drums sound lovely, at least.
Then it was the afternoon, and I was on my little acting job - being in the show-reel for (brilliant and very lovely, if with the ability to be very scary) actress Lydia Dawson-Wilde. I was cast by my old mate, Kate, who was directing the piece. I was cast as 'young man' but they quickly changed that to just 'man', oh how we chuckled! It was a role I could do well, all 8 lines of it, it involved me being flustered and awkward whilst wearing a suit...nailed it, oddly enough. I was only there for a couple of hours but I felt a really warm rapport with everyone around me, lots of fun and banter. If this is what 'proper' acting is about, then I could happily be a proper actor.
Then met up with my old pal, Al, at the Boathouse to discuss comedy. He has lots of useful career ideas for me and lots of encouragement, he's an old work colleague who generally talks more sense than most people I know, it was both a joy and very productive. Then played what I thought was a really poor gig with Steve - I get the charm and challenge of being under rehearsed, or sometimes you can get away with it by not rehearsing at all, but that was taking it too far tonight. My new drums sound lovely, at least.
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
Tuesday 10th March 2015
So tired after all that driving yesterday.
Confirmed Edinburgh Fringe run for Inadequate Man - in a lovely venue that has made me feel a little bit excited.
Replied to all emails, that took about half a day. Confirmed 3 more gigs and 1 solo show.
Played with new jazz drums for a bit and realised that actually, drums are better than women.
Stand-up gig tonight cancelled by the venue. I wasn't too bothered, I have another one in London this week anyway and it's nice to have a night off.
God, I need to get a part-time job soon. Not purely for the money (as much as that is becoming a growing concern) but because I'm going mad during the day. I've written and learnt my tour show and booked all the dates for it, I'm in danger of just plodding around and losing days. I kind of miss talking to people.
Confirmed Edinburgh Fringe run for Inadequate Man - in a lovely venue that has made me feel a little bit excited.
Replied to all emails, that took about half a day. Confirmed 3 more gigs and 1 solo show.
Played with new jazz drums for a bit and realised that actually, drums are better than women.
Stand-up gig tonight cancelled by the venue. I wasn't too bothered, I have another one in London this week anyway and it's nice to have a night off.
God, I need to get a part-time job soon. Not purely for the money (as much as that is becoming a growing concern) but because I'm going mad during the day. I've written and learnt my tour show and booked all the dates for it, I'm in danger of just plodding around and losing days. I kind of miss talking to people.
Monday 9th March 2015
Left the house at 7am to make what should have been the 7 hours and 40 minute journey up to Ayr to pick up my lovely new Gretsch jazz kit. I know it's a long way to go, but sometimes a kit is that nice, and was such a good deal on Ebay, that you just have to put the hours in. 9 hours later I eventually met up with the very friendly Trevor in a garden centre car park to pick up the kit. Shouldn't have been 9 hours, but for some reason by pathetic sat nav took me on a diversion through Glasgow.
Then sped down to Darlington to make my stand-up début. Was really tight for time, having ended up back in Glasgow (fucks sake) during rush hour, made it with 20 minutes to spare. My first foray into proper stand-up was an eye-opening affair; I turned up, exchanged pleasantries with fellow comics, all of us waiting at the back of the small, sweaty, rammed room, nervously. I've performed comedy in much bigger rooms before, but there's something about the tag 'stand-up' that completely changes expectations - and the fact that you have a tiny raised stage, and a microphone, and a spotlight. I watched the act before me, making proper jokes, and decided to change tact completely. Everyone seems to have a sense of urgency - the host says a few jokes, larks with the audience, the acts then come on and latch onto to the mic and launch into it. I scrapped what I'd rehearsed/written last week and decided to be the token 'odd guy' on the bill. I walked on, still wearing my coat, in no great rush, eventually turning to the audience and told them to, "give me a sec." I even took a shoe off to prove how comfortable I was in their company. I rambled a bit, very much and hit my cajon quite a lot - 'sang' two songs, 'I Shouted Marvellous During Sex' and 'Grace', both of which were the highlight of the 10 minutes. Half of the audience were baffled, the other half crying with laughter. I can milk the oddness, you know - of my gangly looks, of my natural awkwardness. It was far from polished, but I'm quite looking forward to doing it all again.
And then a long drive home. I drove nearly 900 miles, and for 16 hours on Monday. I listened to a Stevie Wonder live album 3 times and the time just flew by. Got in just before 1am.
Sunday 8th March 2015
Replied to a bunch of emails and quickly rehearsed stand-up set.
Met up with the lovely Fiona for a coffee and catch up, and then off to a Japanese restaurant for Esther's birthday, where I didn't enjoy the food. Panicked when I realised I had 15 hours of driving to do tomorrow.
Met up with the lovely Fiona for a coffee and catch up, and then off to a Japanese restaurant for Esther's birthday, where I didn't enjoy the food. Panicked when I realised I had 15 hours of driving to do tomorrow.
Saturday 7th March 2015
As we were in deepest Devon all day yesterday, starting with a very early train journey and ending with a very late drive home, I treated myself to bit of a lie-in today.
Then worked a bit more on 'Bits of Me Hurt' before emailing more venues for tour dates.
Then off to Market Harborough for the gig. Plenty of good things happening with the band, with the new single being premiered by BBC radio that evening. Good gig, really nice food - very well looked after. Met somebody in the audience who was in a band that covers one of our songs, that was weird. Set: 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, Beautiful You, Skin and Bone, Standing Next To Me, 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 (encore, cover)
Then worked a bit more on 'Bits of Me Hurt' before emailing more venues for tour dates.
Then off to Market Harborough for the gig. Plenty of good things happening with the band, with the new single being premiered by BBC radio that evening. Good gig, really nice food - very well looked after. Met somebody in the audience who was in a band that covers one of our songs, that was weird. Set: 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, Beautiful You, Skin and Bone, Standing Next To Me, 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 (encore, cover)
Saturday, 7 March 2015
Friday 6th March 2015
Gran's funeral in Devon. Long day of trains and car trips, up early, back late. Sad day, obviously, but also a celebration of a wonderful life very well lived.
Thursday 5th March 2015
Kind of lost most of the day to my MOT. Dropped it off in St Ives, waited a bit, waited a bit more, walked around the town quite a lot, walked out of the town and back in quite a lot, got a fry-up. With the exception of some lights (2 side, 1 brake) my car passed...a miracle. I don't look after it at all, I do thousands and thousands of miles. Relief is an understatement.
Evening Dowsing band rehearsal was very awesome indeed, such nice vibes, such great musicians.
Evening Dowsing band rehearsal was very awesome indeed, such nice vibes, such great musicians.
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
Wednesday 4th March 2015
Was up till 2am writing the first episode of 'Bits of Me Hurt.' See, I've had this producer asking for a sitcom script ages ago, I've got publishers wanting a novel...and the thing I write? A dark, if joyously tender, little script that nobody really wants but it's just something I feel the need to do. The draft, on reading it this morning, isn't as good as I thought it was last night but the idea is still potentially really exciting. It needs work, but I'll pilot the first episode first with an actress before developing the characters and writing more episodes.
Spent a little time on that today, and then cleared all the Red Bull cans from my car ahead of it's MOT tomorrow. It's never going to pass, but I need it to, desperately, as I have to drive to a funeral on Friday in Devon. People are relying on me. All fingers crossed.
Got my proper stand-up début on Monday, spent a couple hours putting together the material for that - I'll play it safe and go dark...
Dowsing rehearsal was both long and tiring, but still a joyous thing. Got several ideas for shows/musicals that I'll never get around to writing.
Spent a little time on that today, and then cleared all the Red Bull cans from my car ahead of it's MOT tomorrow. It's never going to pass, but I need it to, desperately, as I have to drive to a funeral on Friday in Devon. People are relying on me. All fingers crossed.
Got my proper stand-up début on Monday, spent a couple hours putting together the material for that - I'll play it safe and go dark...
Dowsing rehearsal was both long and tiring, but still a joyous thing. Got several ideas for shows/musicals that I'll never get around to writing.
Tuesday, 3 March 2015
Tuesday 3rd March 2015
God, manual labour is hard work, isn't it? You know that episode of the IT crowd where they try to talk football with the lads down the pub? I was a bit like that with the plasterers today, they could tell I was faking. Loft stuff was fine; took me 20 minutes to work out how to open the ladder, then I had issues getting out of B&Q car park (it's a minefield!), but when I eventually got into the loft I didn't crash through the floorboards or anything crazy like that. No, I did a good job, I think. I mean, it took a lot longer than it should have done and it's all a bit lumpy, but they wanted it insulated and it certainly was that.
Got back and felt exhausted from it all. Do people really do this sort of thing for a living?
Watched a documentary on sitcom, Porridge, which is inspiring. Confirmed a few shows, 2 with the band, 1 solo comedy thingy. Continued to work on Bits of Me Hurt.
Got back and felt exhausted from it all. Do people really do this sort of thing for a living?
Watched a documentary on sitcom, Porridge, which is inspiring. Confirmed a few shows, 2 with the band, 1 solo comedy thingy. Continued to work on Bits of Me Hurt.
Monday, 2 March 2015
Monday 2nd March 2015
Was up till quite late plotting new sitcom, 'Bits of Me Hurt' which I really want to film and get online soon. Maybe even start filming this weekend if I can get a team together for it, it's a bit dark, though.
Woken up by a message saying the part-time job I'd accepted (16 hours a week, nice and non-taxing for my creative brain) in Colne, near where I live, was actually for Colne in Lancashire. Then the bank called to make sure I was still alive because I'd barely touched my account since going full time - I wanted to explain everything I earn (and the rent I pay) is in cash (I log it all for tax stuff) but I had just woken up and wasn't really in the mood to explain all of this to them. Still, it made me check my bank balance for the first time since Christmas. Fuck. Fuckety fuck. Okay, need to get a job. A proper job. I got paid £24 for the show in Southampton the other night. I lost lots of money on Guildford and London, I made about a tenner out of the Bristol performance. The Norwich show did me proud but still, that's one show, how could I ever possibly think I was doing okay? I'm working 14 hours a day on tour dates, PR, getting sackings for the film, I keep forgetting that I'm not actually getting paid for this, I'm just working towards something that might do at some point.
Sent an email to friends to mostly rant, but also see if anyone knows of any part-time work going because clearly at some point I need to get some cash in. My friends are brilliant, you know. I know I've said this before but I do get a lot of backing. Grace, Edd, Vicky, Rohan, Izzy, Marcel, Claudia...I can't promise I'll get anywhere but if I do, I'll remember your efforts today.
One of the acts I emailed for the film about sacking me is actually dead. She has been for 7 years. How is she on the new Jools Holland album then? I'm very confused.
Polite decline for the film from Gregory Porter. Still no reply from Lionel Richie.
Agreed to do some 'hardcore manual labour' tomorrow - a one-off thing, insulating a friend's loft. Paul Richards, the Inadequate Man, in a loft. What could possibly go wrong? I'll let you know tomorrow.
Woken up by a message saying the part-time job I'd accepted (16 hours a week, nice and non-taxing for my creative brain) in Colne, near where I live, was actually for Colne in Lancashire. Then the bank called to make sure I was still alive because I'd barely touched my account since going full time - I wanted to explain everything I earn (and the rent I pay) is in cash (I log it all for tax stuff) but I had just woken up and wasn't really in the mood to explain all of this to them. Still, it made me check my bank balance for the first time since Christmas. Fuck. Fuckety fuck. Okay, need to get a job. A proper job. I got paid £24 for the show in Southampton the other night. I lost lots of money on Guildford and London, I made about a tenner out of the Bristol performance. The Norwich show did me proud but still, that's one show, how could I ever possibly think I was doing okay? I'm working 14 hours a day on tour dates, PR, getting sackings for the film, I keep forgetting that I'm not actually getting paid for this, I'm just working towards something that might do at some point.
Sent an email to friends to mostly rant, but also see if anyone knows of any part-time work going because clearly at some point I need to get some cash in. My friends are brilliant, you know. I know I've said this before but I do get a lot of backing. Grace, Edd, Vicky, Rohan, Izzy, Marcel, Claudia...I can't promise I'll get anywhere but if I do, I'll remember your efforts today.
One of the acts I emailed for the film about sacking me is actually dead. She has been for 7 years. How is she on the new Jools Holland album then? I'm very confused.
Polite decline for the film from Gregory Porter. Still no reply from Lionel Richie.
Agreed to do some 'hardcore manual labour' tomorrow - a one-off thing, insulating a friend's loft. Paul Richards, the Inadequate Man, in a loft. What could possibly go wrong? I'll let you know tomorrow.
Sunday 1st March 2015
It's March already! Still haven't done that much with this year, in theory, need to up my game.
Knackered from all that driving yesterday. Dowsing rehearsal, with full choir, was much fun - we covered a lot of ground today.
Evening gig with the band in Bury St Edmunds, a folk club show. Very busy, played well, a hot, sweaty gig if quite short - was more of an appearance than a full show. Set: Hold On, She Says, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up and Dance, Beautiful You, Old Man (cover, encore)
Knackered from all that driving yesterday. Dowsing rehearsal, with full choir, was much fun - we covered a lot of ground today.
Evening gig with the band in Bury St Edmunds, a folk club show. Very busy, played well, a hot, sweaty gig if quite short - was more of an appearance than a full show. Set: Hold On, She Says, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Standing Next to Me, Shut Up and Dance, Beautiful You, Old Man (cover, encore)
Sunday, 1 March 2015
Saturday 28th February 2015
We successfully managed to 'win' the jazz drum kit I wanted on Ebay - really excited about playing it, I think it will change my style a little but will make life a lot easier on the road because my current set-up isn't practical for the folk club shows. The kit though is in deepest Scotland and I have to collect it...will try and tie it in with a northern show.
Caught up on yet more admin and then the long-ish drive to Southampton. Not even that long to find the city, but took bloody ages to find the venue itself, and even then I accidentally parked in a bus stop for a bit.
Small audience, about 12 of them, but absolutely lovely. My faith in this project and this understanding of where I'm going with it seems to be growing stronger all of the time - financially I get it's not working out, yet, but it's evenings like that which confirm I'm doing the right thing with my life. It's only money, isn't it? I'm quite happy to be in a little bit of debt if it means I'm progressing as a person, I can always go and work in a supermarket and earn some cash if need be. Really strong show - I was on stage for an hour and a half and I made a bunch of strangers laugh for all of it. The second half was perhaps a little messy in the performance but they didn't mind, they were with me all the way. Long drive home, I'm happy enough.
Caught up on yet more admin and then the long-ish drive to Southampton. Not even that long to find the city, but took bloody ages to find the venue itself, and even then I accidentally parked in a bus stop for a bit.
Small audience, about 12 of them, but absolutely lovely. My faith in this project and this understanding of where I'm going with it seems to be growing stronger all of the time - financially I get it's not working out, yet, but it's evenings like that which confirm I'm doing the right thing with my life. It's only money, isn't it? I'm quite happy to be in a little bit of debt if it means I'm progressing as a person, I can always go and work in a supermarket and earn some cash if need be. Really strong show - I was on stage for an hour and a half and I made a bunch of strangers laugh for all of it. The second half was perhaps a little messy in the performance but they didn't mind, they were with me all the way. Long drive home, I'm happy enough.
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