Was originally going to spend 9 days at the family home, but it was established quite early on that 6 would be more than enough. Mostly because families are stressful, aren't they? But also because of the sleeping arrangements; with my sister taking the spare room I had two options 1) kip on the couch 2) sleep in my old room, which is where my father died a year ago. That room still feels eerie to me so I don't think I would have slept well in there, so took the sofa option. Apart from the fact I'm 6'3" which means my legs were hanging off the side, the other main issue with this was the dog, who at about 6am everyday would jump on me wanting to 'play'. Often crushing my bollocks in the process.
Christmas wasn't bad, though, really. I mean, it could have been a lot worse. We got through it. The three of us bickered quite a lot, but somehow we always come out of it stronger. I drank too much, ate too much and was generally quite unimpressed by everything we watched on the TV so I went out quite a bit, too. On Christmas Eve I met up with Marcus T, Matt and Champs, Boxing Day it was Chris, the day after I had several drinks with Fiona (who still gets it, and me, more than most) and last night had quite a heavy one with my old landlord, Marcus H. Good friends, good times and that's what Christmas is all about, yeah?
Also, I got bored on Christmas Day and started writing a new novel. Wrote it all in a notepad, because Mum has banned the internet from the house. Will look to do more with that soon.
6 days was enough, now back home, slowly catching up on emails and working out which way to take 2017. I also need to get my head around this new show of mine; previews start (on Alex's boat) on 27th January which is a bit closer than I thought, with it opening properly at the Leicester Comedy Festival on 9th February and that's a biggie for me. I've had my rest, it's now time to make things happen.
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Thursday 22nd December 2016
Did a final bit of work from home for a while (the year?) and waited impatiently for the post to arrive. It did, luckily, complete with the last of the Christmas shopping.
Confirmed two new shows for next year, and signed up for 3 more gigs with the choir for next year. It's all looking quite healthy.
Claudia and Marcel came over, presents exchanged, lovely festive evening. We can't help but talk 'business', but that's always the way.
I think everything is done now for Christmas, tours planned, shows coming together. Next question: can I actually stop, for a few days?
Confirmed two new shows for next year, and signed up for 3 more gigs with the choir for next year. It's all looking quite healthy.
Claudia and Marcel came over, presents exchanged, lovely festive evening. We can't help but talk 'business', but that's always the way.
I think everything is done now for Christmas, tours planned, shows coming together. Next question: can I actually stop, for a few days?
Wednesday 21st December 2016
Final day in the office before Christmas, nice to catch up with the boss. Looks like I'll be staying there a bit longer yet, even though my contract is up soon - we're both mutually keen to keep me there and I appreciate the flexibility.
So happy with the musical last night. So many plans for next year but my diary already has 60-odd shows in it for 2017 and more stuff is coming in.
Finished my Christmas shopping, then went to a nice party next door. I've lived here for a while now (over 2 years) and I've barely spoken to the neighbours so it was nice to finally, you know, learn their names and stuff.
Then finished the 'Rosie' movie - the movie of my mum's dog. It's a masterpiece. Annoyingly, because it's not something I can release publicly.
So happy with the musical last night. So many plans for next year but my diary already has 60-odd shows in it for 2017 and more stuff is coming in.
Finished my Christmas shopping, then went to a nice party next door. I've lived here for a while now (over 2 years) and I've barely spoken to the neighbours so it was nice to finally, you know, learn their names and stuff.
Then finished the 'Rosie' movie - the movie of my mum's dog. It's a masterpiece. Annoyingly, because it's not something I can release publicly.
Tuesday 20th December 2016
Christmas shopping in the morning, got annoyed by people in general so left it for another day. Got back and put together the footage of Sunday's action and shared it around.
Musical tech from 1pm, nervous but brilliant cast. Amazing venue, run by good people - I know the manager well, but the whole set up is just lovely. They rehearsed hard today.
Technically a sellout, but a few of the locals who bought ticket didn't turn up; still, the money goes to charity.
The musical itself was just brilliant to watch (and tech). Four actors and a brilliant (seriously brilliant) director working so hard on a script I had written, singing songs I'd written the words for...it's just, well, flattering. The love they put into the characters, I'm almost moved by it. The performance was great; messy, yes of course it was, but messy in character and with so much fun with the audience at the same time it was half musical/half party at times. 90 minutes of joy, that was. I like this cast a lot, and they like this script a lot. The whole thing was filmed and the footage is top-notch, so will bash together a 5 minute trailer and we can tour this next year - we're all keen this one grows and grows.
That's next year's Christmas show sorted, then.
Musical tech from 1pm, nervous but brilliant cast. Amazing venue, run by good people - I know the manager well, but the whole set up is just lovely. They rehearsed hard today.
Technically a sellout, but a few of the locals who bought ticket didn't turn up; still, the money goes to charity.
The musical itself was just brilliant to watch (and tech). Four actors and a brilliant (seriously brilliant) director working so hard on a script I had written, singing songs I'd written the words for...it's just, well, flattering. The love they put into the characters, I'm almost moved by it. The performance was great; messy, yes of course it was, but messy in character and with so much fun with the audience at the same time it was half musical/half party at times. 90 minutes of joy, that was. I like this cast a lot, and they like this script a lot. The whole thing was filmed and the footage is top-notch, so will bash together a 5 minute trailer and we can tour this next year - we're all keen this one grows and grows.
That's next year's Christmas show sorted, then.
Monday 19th December 2016
Hands still hurting a little from yesterday but went into the office anyway so make up some time ahead of Christmas. Nobody else was in, which was a good thing because I could get a load of work done without having to smile or anything. Yep, so tired my face wasn't working properly. We achieved something amazing yesterday, though.
Aberdeen confirmed for the tour! Finally!
Long rehearsal with FH was lovely, slow start but we got back into pretty quickly. We're a great band, you know, I just hope the occasional moments of tension don't destroy everything we've built.
Aberdeen confirmed for the tour! Finally!
Long rehearsal with FH was lovely, slow start but we got back into pretty quickly. We're a great band, you know, I just hope the occasional moments of tension don't destroy everything we've built.
Monday, 19 December 2016
Sunday 18th December 2016
Big, long day. Our challenge was simple; 12 gigs in 1 day to raise money for charity. Booked ages ago, lots of excitement about this. Claudia, Marcel, Edd and myself, one car, 25 minutes in each venue, 12 gigs. Almost impossible on paper...
Gig 1: venue forgot we were turning up. Awkward start, clearly in the way of the busy cafe customers, but a good few quid made. Performance was a bit loose on the new stuff.
Gig 2: venue were ready for us, which was nice. Hardly anyone there but the staff were so lovely, performance of the new stuff a little sharper.
Gig 3: proper music venue, who were quite excited about this project. Bugger all people there, literally - about 4 people, but they were generous and I got free beer. Performance was great.
Gig 4: got attacked by a dog. Most enthusiastic landlady ever. Small crowd that grew during the performance. Played really well.
Gig 5: one of our favourite venues. Rammed, didn't realise a friend of mine actually ran the place! Staff donated their tips for the day to the cause; what an amazing thing to do. Lovely. Performances starting to settle now.
Gig 6: Crazy. A frantic, loud venue that clearly doesn't have live music normally but loved the idea of it. Felt very loved here, as much as the audience were right in our faces. This felt like a special moment for the venue, it was nice to be part of it.
Gig 7: Running behind. Venue had no idea we were turning up and I didn't like their attitude at first but they warmed to us. Upstairs, which is a nightmare for this amount of equipment. 3 people there but 3 lovely, pretty people who supported us generously.
Gig 8: Regular venue. Sparse, but great staff who encouraged us and treated us well. Always nice to do there.
Gig 9: A real surprise. The sort of pub where you go to die, it's a bit grim. But the locals really got into it, possibly my favourite gig of the whole lot. Hands hurting.
Gig 10: Didn't like this one. As much as the staff at the venue did their best it was full of students who talk over the music and gave fuck all.
Gig 11: Just lovely - back at my favourite venue, The Red Bull, where everyone is just so nice, so warm and although we were clearly struggling we had a brilliant time.
Gig 12: Final gig! Well attended, great friends there. In a lot of pain, all of us, as it's been a day of physical endurance but what a finale!
What we achieved today was very, very special indeed. Making loads for charity in the process, I'm so very proud. This'll hurt in the morning.
Gig 1: venue forgot we were turning up. Awkward start, clearly in the way of the busy cafe customers, but a good few quid made. Performance was a bit loose on the new stuff.
Gig 2: venue were ready for us, which was nice. Hardly anyone there but the staff were so lovely, performance of the new stuff a little sharper.
Gig 3: proper music venue, who were quite excited about this project. Bugger all people there, literally - about 4 people, but they were generous and I got free beer. Performance was great.
Gig 4: got attacked by a dog. Most enthusiastic landlady ever. Small crowd that grew during the performance. Played really well.
Gig 5: one of our favourite venues. Rammed, didn't realise a friend of mine actually ran the place! Staff donated their tips for the day to the cause; what an amazing thing to do. Lovely. Performances starting to settle now.
Gig 6: Crazy. A frantic, loud venue that clearly doesn't have live music normally but loved the idea of it. Felt very loved here, as much as the audience were right in our faces. This felt like a special moment for the venue, it was nice to be part of it.
Gig 7: Running behind. Venue had no idea we were turning up and I didn't like their attitude at first but they warmed to us. Upstairs, which is a nightmare for this amount of equipment. 3 people there but 3 lovely, pretty people who supported us generously.
Gig 8: Regular venue. Sparse, but great staff who encouraged us and treated us well. Always nice to do there.
Gig 9: A real surprise. The sort of pub where you go to die, it's a bit grim. But the locals really got into it, possibly my favourite gig of the whole lot. Hands hurting.
Gig 10: Didn't like this one. As much as the staff at the venue did their best it was full of students who talk over the music and gave fuck all.
Gig 11: Just lovely - back at my favourite venue, The Red Bull, where everyone is just so nice, so warm and although we were clearly struggling we had a brilliant time.
Gig 12: Final gig! Well attended, great friends there. In a lot of pain, all of us, as it's been a day of physical endurance but what a finale!
What we achieved today was very, very special indeed. Making loads for charity in the process, I'm so very proud. This'll hurt in the morning.
Saturday 17th December 2016
Tried and failed to reply to the many gig offers that have come through, 2017 looks brilliant/daft.
Took Mum for her pre-Christmas-Christmas shop and then did some slightly last-minute Christmas shopping myself. All good, I think.
Premiere of Ranataclaus in the evening was a slight disaster as most of the cast pulled out (due to fog...seriously, man up) and I got a bit grumpy about it all. Evening itself was lovely, it's a really nice film, I'm not gonna release it for a while because of the sound issues but those who could make it really seemed to enjoy themselves.
It's not working, though, is it? All of these projects? Book launch - 3 people turned up, Christmas tour - quiet and messy, film premiere - half of the cast couldn't be arsed to make it over.
Next year will be a bit different; more solo stuff (I'm done with people), nothing in Cambridge. Just the one show (One Man and a Box), one musical (The Little Git), one film (whatever I feel works best out of the 7 scripts I've been putting together). It'll be awesome.
Took Mum for her pre-Christmas-Christmas shop and then did some slightly last-minute Christmas shopping myself. All good, I think.
Premiere of Ranataclaus in the evening was a slight disaster as most of the cast pulled out (due to fog...seriously, man up) and I got a bit grumpy about it all. Evening itself was lovely, it's a really nice film, I'm not gonna release it for a while because of the sound issues but those who could make it really seemed to enjoy themselves.
It's not working, though, is it? All of these projects? Book launch - 3 people turned up, Christmas tour - quiet and messy, film premiere - half of the cast couldn't be arsed to make it over.
Next year will be a bit different; more solo stuff (I'm done with people), nothing in Cambridge. Just the one show (One Man and a Box), one musical (The Little Git), one film (whatever I feel works best out of the 7 scripts I've been putting together). It'll be awesome.
Friday 16th December 2016
It's amazing what setting up a new email account can do, isn't it? Set up a new account, emailed 526 venues that didn't reply earlier in the year about my solo show and I've suddenly got lots of offers. More than I can handle, to be honest, but that just makes 2017 really exciting. I'll worry about diary clashes with band stuff later, it's a decision to make another day...
Did a spot of freelancing from home and felt quite festive, and got excited by the idea of a European tour next year.
Nice evening catching up with my old mate Rob, he's a good person to be a sounding board for ideas - mostly because he's as eccentric as I am.
Did a spot of freelancing from home and felt quite festive, and got excited by the idea of a European tour next year.
Nice evening catching up with my old mate Rob, he's a good person to be a sounding board for ideas - mostly because he's as eccentric as I am.
Friday, 16 December 2016
Thursday 15th December 2016
Popped into the office for 4 hours to say hello and try in vein to find us some new contacts. It's all gone a bit dry there, running out of potential clients.
Then over to Stamford for an early evening drink with the amazing Emma who has a knack of calming me down without really trying. I can feel pieces of life jigsaw falling beautifully into shape.
Got back and am determined to make next year the best year ever. This one hasn't been bad, but it feels a bit 'transitional' - understandably. Lots of things have worked, but lots haven't. The 'One Man and a Box' show has to be a show that I'd still be happy touring in 2018, this is it - I'm getting older, I can't be doing this when I'm 40, there needs to be progression. Scheduled 528 emails to go out tomorrow, time to make this happen.
Then over to Stamford for an early evening drink with the amazing Emma who has a knack of calming me down without really trying. I can feel pieces of life jigsaw falling beautifully into shape.
Got back and am determined to make next year the best year ever. This one hasn't been bad, but it feels a bit 'transitional' - understandably. Lots of things have worked, but lots haven't. The 'One Man and a Box' show has to be a show that I'd still be happy touring in 2018, this is it - I'm getting older, I can't be doing this when I'm 40, there needs to be progression. Scheduled 528 emails to go out tomorrow, time to make this happen.
Wednesday 14th December 2016
Worked from home for a bit and managed to finish my Christmas shopping, all online, in good-ish time. It's handy when people like my sister just send me Amazon links, I appreciate it probably takes away all of the joy from festive shopping but for the modern man in a rush it's ideal...
Turned down a couple of stand-up festivals, one in Preston, one in Liverpool, both run by a promoter contact I know quite well. Mostly because I have other gigs around that time and logistically it could get messy but also because both festivals have really outpriced themselves and I'd rather spend the cash on established events.
Finally got the details for the musical tech rehearsal on Monday, that's a relief for all concerned.
Evening gig with FJ at the Apex in Bury. Really struggled to find the venue and then an old man called David (must have been in his 70s) could tell I was lost, driving around the car park, so got in my car and navigated me to a different car park and then even carried my equipment to the venue for me. What a nice man, thank you, David, whoever you are. Big venue, first time I've played with Lou and Alex in ages but we were great tonight, possibly the best this band have ever been. Amazing what good sound can do, isn't it? That was a big gig tonight supporting the legendary Big Country. I like playing big gigs.
Turned down a couple of stand-up festivals, one in Preston, one in Liverpool, both run by a promoter contact I know quite well. Mostly because I have other gigs around that time and logistically it could get messy but also because both festivals have really outpriced themselves and I'd rather spend the cash on established events.
Finally got the details for the musical tech rehearsal on Monday, that's a relief for all concerned.
Evening gig with FJ at the Apex in Bury. Really struggled to find the venue and then an old man called David (must have been in his 70s) could tell I was lost, driving around the car park, so got in my car and navigated me to a different car park and then even carried my equipment to the venue for me. What a nice man, thank you, David, whoever you are. Big venue, first time I've played with Lou and Alex in ages but we were great tonight, possibly the best this band have ever been. Amazing what good sound can do, isn't it? That was a big gig tonight supporting the legendary Big Country. I like playing big gigs.
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
Tuesday 13th December 2016
In the office for the first time in a while. Nobody talked as always, but we got through it. Football seems to be the only thing we have in common. Still, got 6 hours in, pays for a couple presents.
Evening gig in Milton Keynes - the final one of my Christmas tour, was cancelled due to lack of ticket sales (0), and it was mutually agreed it probably wasn't worth risking the 165-mile round trip. Turns out a couple people (including my mate Tom) turned up to the show, but by then I couldn't possibly get there in time. Bugger it. The Christmas tour has been a bit of a disaster - I mean, only three of the seven shows actually happened and one of them was really shit, but most of this has been out of my control.
Spent most of the evening working on next February's tour, which is a proper tour. It had better work out, I'm putting a lot work into this one.
Evening gig in Milton Keynes - the final one of my Christmas tour, was cancelled due to lack of ticket sales (0), and it was mutually agreed it probably wasn't worth risking the 165-mile round trip. Turns out a couple people (including my mate Tom) turned up to the show, but by then I couldn't possibly get there in time. Bugger it. The Christmas tour has been a bit of a disaster - I mean, only three of the seven shows actually happened and one of them was really shit, but most of this has been out of my control.
Spent most of the evening working on next February's tour, which is a proper tour. It had better work out, I'm putting a lot work into this one.
Monday 12th December 2016
Took Mum shopping (she does a lot of shopping these days, which is slightly worrying) whilst replying to various emails etc. Also continued making 'Rosie the Movie' about my mum's dog, which will be part of her Christmas present, but could also go viral...I mean, everyone loves watching a lanky man getting assaulted by a fat staffie, yeah? Lots of times.
Then over to catch the first bit of the musical rehearsals. Having lost our rehearsal space at the last minute I'm very grateful to Kim (he wrote Walking on Sunshine, what a guy!) and Lee for the use of their living room, what lovely friends they are to me. That show seems a little tense because, well, it's being performed next week, but the cast all have a great attitude and I can't praise Claire enough as a director. Yeah, she's a bit more full-on than I was expecting, but she gets stuff done.
Then over to do a stand-up set in Cambridge. Let's be honest, none of us went down well tonight. All 8 of us on the bill. I went down marginally better than some of the others but there was very little Christmas cheer in the room that night - just a (packed) audience staring at us, stony faced. For 2 hours. A promoter was there, though and liked what I do enough to offer me a bunch of gigs, which is nice. Also great to catch up with a few comedians that I've been on the bill with a few times recently, there's a nice camaraderie there, laughing about the failure of it all.
Then over to catch the first bit of the musical rehearsals. Having lost our rehearsal space at the last minute I'm very grateful to Kim (he wrote Walking on Sunshine, what a guy!) and Lee for the use of their living room, what lovely friends they are to me. That show seems a little tense because, well, it's being performed next week, but the cast all have a great attitude and I can't praise Claire enough as a director. Yeah, she's a bit more full-on than I was expecting, but she gets stuff done.
Then over to do a stand-up set in Cambridge. Let's be honest, none of us went down well tonight. All 8 of us on the bill. I went down marginally better than some of the others but there was very little Christmas cheer in the room that night - just a (packed) audience staring at us, stony faced. For 2 hours. A promoter was there, though and liked what I do enough to offer me a bunch of gigs, which is nice. Also great to catch up with a few comedians that I've been on the bill with a few times recently, there's a nice camaraderie there, laughing about the failure of it all.
Sunday, 11 December 2016
Sunday 11th December 2016
Last night was so good. So, so, brilliantly good. Was so tired I didn't even drink the beer I bought myself.
Had a nice sleep, and then a Sunday roast with my housemate, it's all good.
Caught up on emails (I currently have 3 accounts: general, drummer and comedian, all of which are filling up - I caught up on 'general' today, the other two can wait till tomorrow), made enough room in the dining room for the second Christmas tree to be installed and then over to town for the Cambridge leg of my 'tour'.
Was rubbish tonight. Audience - it was about half full - were kind enough, a few people who didn't know me (why were they at my show?) were totally baffled by it. I just felt flat and a bit bored of Paul Richards being Paul Richards. I've done a lot recently, some of it really good, that one tonight...less so.
Had a nice sleep, and then a Sunday roast with my housemate, it's all good.
Caught up on emails (I currently have 3 accounts: general, drummer and comedian, all of which are filling up - I caught up on 'general' today, the other two can wait till tomorrow), made enough room in the dining room for the second Christmas tree to be installed and then over to town for the Cambridge leg of my 'tour'.
Was rubbish tonight. Audience - it was about half full - were kind enough, a few people who didn't know me (why were they at my show?) were totally baffled by it. I just felt flat and a bit bored of Paul Richards being Paul Richards. I've done a lot recently, some of it really good, that one tonight...less so.
Saturday 10th December 2016
The big day, the cup final of all gigs.
Load in for the drums was just after 11am at the Corn Exchange, the staging was epic and I was right at the very top of it, which was lovely for my ego.
6/7 hours of soundchecking with over a hundred singers, brass, strings, various instruments guesting alongside us rhythm people - me on drums, two bassists and the brilliant Ryan on guitar. So much work went into getting the sound right, the sound team must have been dead afterwards because they worked so hard getting every single thing specifically perfect. Daytime rehearsals weren't as tense as I feared they could be.
Gig itself was pretty much a blur...a long, complex show, about a thousand people in the audience, standing ovation at the end, tears in the eyes of many on stage. I'm still quite speechless about it all, sometimes these things just shouldn't work but it did; it all came together at the last minute, we all, collectively, stole the show. A magical, magical night.
Got back at 1am, drained but quietly happy: my book is doing well, my new show has gone down surprisingly brilliantly, the Freewheeler Project was a LIFE highlight, film coming out soon, huge projects like last nights event...I'm getting this right, I think.
Load in for the drums was just after 11am at the Corn Exchange, the staging was epic and I was right at the very top of it, which was lovely for my ego.
6/7 hours of soundchecking with over a hundred singers, brass, strings, various instruments guesting alongside us rhythm people - me on drums, two bassists and the brilliant Ryan on guitar. So much work went into getting the sound right, the sound team must have been dead afterwards because they worked so hard getting every single thing specifically perfect. Daytime rehearsals weren't as tense as I feared they could be.
Gig itself was pretty much a blur...a long, complex show, about a thousand people in the audience, standing ovation at the end, tears in the eyes of many on stage. I'm still quite speechless about it all, sometimes these things just shouldn't work but it did; it all came together at the last minute, we all, collectively, stole the show. A magical, magical night.
Got back at 1am, drained but quietly happy: my book is doing well, my new show has gone down surprisingly brilliantly, the Freewheeler Project was a LIFE highlight, film coming out soon, huge projects like last nights event...I'm getting this right, I think.
Friday 9th December 2016
With tomorrow looking excessive, and everything else roughly in shape, the plan was to have a little downtime but then I got overexcited by plans and stuff and ended up doing loads.
I'm really aware that the cast of the musical are feeling the pressure of the show a little - the music mostly, because I've still not been able to get the backing tracks sorted in time, or at the very least get the chords over to the director because suddenly, despite their initial keenness, all of the songwriters involved in this project have drifted out of contact. I woke with this amazing idea...what if the actors mime the songs? And we'd get good comic value out of the fact it's not their voices etc.
Called Claire our director to discuss this, and whilst she didn't entirely disapprove, she wasn't keen. Mostly because she had just started rewriting the songs anyway from my lyrics. She sent me over a 'sample' five tracks and they're brilliant...and much more suited to the voices that we have available than the songs my songwriters had written originally. So now she has rewritten all of the songs from the show and suddenly it feels like a 'proper' musical - my book/lyrics, her music and it just fits so well. Now just need the cast to learn them, but suddenly I'm a lot more confident about this show. Also, I think a new creative partnership has just been born there for future musicals...
Did my 2 hours of freelancing that needed doing, and tried to fill that elusive Dundee-shape in my touring schedule for next February.
Continued work on new show.
Evening rehearsal with Claudia and band was enormous fun, as usual.
I'm really aware that the cast of the musical are feeling the pressure of the show a little - the music mostly, because I've still not been able to get the backing tracks sorted in time, or at the very least get the chords over to the director because suddenly, despite their initial keenness, all of the songwriters involved in this project have drifted out of contact. I woke with this amazing idea...what if the actors mime the songs? And we'd get good comic value out of the fact it's not their voices etc.
Called Claire our director to discuss this, and whilst she didn't entirely disapprove, she wasn't keen. Mostly because she had just started rewriting the songs anyway from my lyrics. She sent me over a 'sample' five tracks and they're brilliant...and much more suited to the voices that we have available than the songs my songwriters had written originally. So now she has rewritten all of the songs from the show and suddenly it feels like a 'proper' musical - my book/lyrics, her music and it just fits so well. Now just need the cast to learn them, but suddenly I'm a lot more confident about this show. Also, I think a new creative partnership has just been born there for future musicals...
Did my 2 hours of freelancing that needed doing, and tried to fill that elusive Dundee-shape in my touring schedule for next February.
Continued work on new show.
Evening rehearsal with Claudia and band was enormous fun, as usual.
Friday, 9 December 2016
Thursday 8th December 2016
Put in the rest of my freelance hours in the office, basically worked so many because I'd like to have Friday free or tour planning and drum tuning.
Long day. So long, but just need to work one more hour tomorrow then that's my 20 hour weekly contract with them fulfilled for the week.
Evening dress rehearsal with the choir. Stressful, as you can imagine for these things, but not half as stressful as our previous dress rehearsals. We'll be fine. There's moments of magic there, and moments when clearly nobody knows what they're doing, but enough to work with and after another run through at the venue on Saturday before the gig I'm sure we can get this right.
Long day. So long, but just need to work one more hour tomorrow then that's my 20 hour weekly contract with them fulfilled for the week.
Evening dress rehearsal with the choir. Stressful, as you can imagine for these things, but not half as stressful as our previous dress rehearsals. We'll be fine. There's moments of magic there, and moments when clearly nobody knows what they're doing, but enough to work with and after another run through at the venue on Saturday before the gig I'm sure we can get this right.
Wednesday 7th December 2016
Worked a few hours from home, and then spent a hefty amount of time putting together ideas for next year's fringe/tour show. At the moment the plan is to have it as a 90 minute show for the tour, a mix of new stuff and material which I know works. That'll get me through the February run, and by the time it tours again in May it will then be a 60 minute show, all of it new, and by the fringe in August that new stuff will feel comfortable. As a show it will be less narrative-based, less reliant on callbacks, and more...well, jokes I guess. This feels like a logical way to go - my first proper solo show was restricted to the story of me moving back to my home town and the 'walk', the second one was tied down to the plot of me not being man enough to ask for my deposit back from a former landlady and this year it was too restricted by the idea that I was obsessed with lists. For next year's show it can have similar content, but it doesn't need to be structured in such a way.
In the evening I went to watch my musical be rehearsed. They're all great and Claire is a magnificent director with a real 'roll your sleeves up and crack on with it' kind of attitude. It's really, really close to the performance of it, but if they can get this right then we can do a lot more with this next year.
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Tuesday 6th December 2016
Normally I get annoyed when shows are cancelled, I used to get so agitated...ahh, but this is my life! Etc! But I'm very happy for the Cholderton one to be rescheduled, I feel sorry for the promoter for Friday's gig because he's clearly suffering from a lot of health problems and as for Needham Market...well, I never liked it there anyway so they can do one.
Or maybe I'm just happy because I needed a night in to catch up on admin anyway - which I did do tonight, working on the press/stuff for the 12 gigs in a day event, all the bits and bobs for the musical (they started rehearsing it last night), updating my diary with all the FH gigs that have suddenly come in...and suddenly it is 2am.
Before all of that I was in the office for 6 hours and got through it, but it was a slow day. Treated myself to a copy of the Christmas Radio Times as a reward.
Or maybe I'm just happy because I needed a night in to catch up on admin anyway - which I did do tonight, working on the press/stuff for the 12 gigs in a day event, all the bits and bobs for the musical (they started rehearsing it last night), updating my diary with all the FH gigs that have suddenly come in...and suddenly it is 2am.
Before all of that I was in the office for 6 hours and got through it, but it was a slow day. Treated myself to a copy of the Christmas Radio Times as a reward.
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Monday 5th December 2016
Decided make Monday my day 'off', so after catching up on a little sleep I replied to about five million emails and then did the usual family rounds of taking mum shopping whilst keeping an eye on all correspondence. It's good being self-employed, sometimes.
Next year looks crazy and there already so many diary clashes. As usual I'm thinking I may have to push the comedy more or the band more, but it may be impossible to push both of them this hard all of the time as there simply isn't that many days.
Then simple enough drive over to a small village in Norfolk for the Christmas show. A performance on the top deck of a double-decker bus was never going to be easy considering my excessive height. Locals were eager, the first 25 minutes or so we me just getting used to them as an audience, testing the boundaries a little, doing the Christmas story routine - and mostly playing it safe. The second half, which is basically the main festive show and all new stuff was just frantic. I mean, it's a bus: you try doing this show, with it's four costume changes, a reindeer on an exercise bike and quite a lot of drumming on a bus...it was never going to be easy, especially with the constant interruptions by the bar lady who clearly wanted it to be her show. The result was a flustered, frantic mess but I still managed to force the story out, somehow, and the audience loved it...some of them even hailed it as 'genius' and other such kind words. Maybe they did love it, honestly, or maybe they could just see what I was at least trying to do here.
Either way, got home and drank beer. It was needed. Lots of shows have been cancelled for this tour which is annoying; tomorrow's show has been pulled because the venue has new owners and didn't know anything about it, Wednesday was mutually rearranged because it's miles away and it would fit better with my February tour and Friday is pulled because of illness to the landlord. Still, it's not a show I'm hugely enjoying at the moment so maybe it's not such a bad thing.
Next year looks crazy and there already so many diary clashes. As usual I'm thinking I may have to push the comedy more or the band more, but it may be impossible to push both of them this hard all of the time as there simply isn't that many days.
Then simple enough drive over to a small village in Norfolk for the Christmas show. A performance on the top deck of a double-decker bus was never going to be easy considering my excessive height. Locals were eager, the first 25 minutes or so we me just getting used to them as an audience, testing the boundaries a little, doing the Christmas story routine - and mostly playing it safe. The second half, which is basically the main festive show and all new stuff was just frantic. I mean, it's a bus: you try doing this show, with it's four costume changes, a reindeer on an exercise bike and quite a lot of drumming on a bus...it was never going to be easy, especially with the constant interruptions by the bar lady who clearly wanted it to be her show. The result was a flustered, frantic mess but I still managed to force the story out, somehow, and the audience loved it...some of them even hailed it as 'genius' and other such kind words. Maybe they did love it, honestly, or maybe they could just see what I was at least trying to do here.
Either way, got home and drank beer. It was needed. Lots of shows have been cancelled for this tour which is annoying; tomorrow's show has been pulled because the venue has new owners and didn't know anything about it, Wednesday was mutually rearranged because it's miles away and it would fit better with my February tour and Friday is pulled because of illness to the landlord. Still, it's not a show I'm hugely enjoying at the moment so maybe it's not such a bad thing.
Sunday, 4 December 2016
Sunday 4th December 2016
Drove back from Southampton, unloaded my excessive amount of props and then off to rehearsals with the choir...drumming for them is a complete joy sometimes. Today it was a bit stop-start but everyone seems remarkably relaxed considering we're about to play in front of a thousand people next weekend.
Long rehearsal. This weekend has knackered me out. Back on the road with the Christmas show tomorrow.
Long rehearsal. This weekend has knackered me out. Back on the road with the Christmas show tomorrow.
Saturday 3rd December 2016
A year ago today we lost Dad. It's been an odd year.
Today I did what I always do in these situations; work really hard. Plugged the single like crazy - it came out today from the Freewheeler Project and I'm so flattered by how many friends shared it, and bought it. As I write this, it's 202 in the charts which is pretty amazing.
Then picked up Vicky, who was kindly keeping me company on the first night proper of my Christmas show. Drive to Southampton was fine until I got flustered finding the actual venue, was so close for so long.
Amazing venue, always my favourite, and one seat off being a sellout too. Performance was shoddy beyond belief, I lost my thread so many times and the whole structure of the piece crumbled frequently. Yet, as I got all flustered and panicked my way through the 90 minutes, often dressed as an elf, the audience loved all of it. One woman said afterwards that it was the funniest show she's ever seen. I'm getting better at audience interaction these days and it was needed. On another day, I would have been booed off for that but in that venue I'm treated as some kind of hero.
Friday 2nd December 2016
Drive back from Devon was long and we all got a bit angry with each other.
I'm glad we did this trip, out of respect to Dad, but I can't help but feel we could make things easier for ourselves sometimes.
Cinema with Emma was nice, the distraction from the real world was exactly what I needed.
I'm glad we did this trip, out of respect to Dad, but I can't help but feel we could make things easier for ourselves sometimes.
Cinema with Emma was nice, the distraction from the real world was exactly what I needed.
Thursday 1st December 2016
Families are tough aren't they, sometimes?
Up early to pick up rental car (because my car clearly isn't able to do long trips), then drove mum and sis (and the dog) down to Devon...it's nearing the year anniversary of dad's death, it felt right to be down there. Sad times.
Up early to pick up rental car (because my car clearly isn't able to do long trips), then drove mum and sis (and the dog) down to Devon...it's nearing the year anniversary of dad's death, it felt right to be down there. Sad times.
Wednesday 30th November 2016
Making up as many freelance hours as possible, I spent a long-ish day in the office. I mean, not long like a 9-5 or anything daft like that, but long enough to keep the bills paid.
Also found the time to reply to a bunch of tour emails for next year, confirmed a show in Wales for the show I'm doing with Laura. A venue got stroppy with me for emailing them so many times...clearly my spreadsheet isn't as watertight as I thought it was. I've sent a LOT of emails recently, worrying lack of response.
Evening band session with ...Sound, this time with brass players. It's a bit stressful, this one, but a whole lot of fun with it.
Also found the time to reply to a bunch of tour emails for next year, confirmed a show in Wales for the show I'm doing with Laura. A venue got stroppy with me for emailing them so many times...clearly my spreadsheet isn't as watertight as I thought it was. I've sent a LOT of emails recently, worrying lack of response.
Evening band session with ...Sound, this time with brass players. It's a bit stressful, this one, but a whole lot of fun with it.
Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Tuesday 29th November 2016
Long day in the office, getting as many hours in as I'm in Devon for bits of this week. I think they were largely unimpressed with me today as I'd forgotten to send a bunch of really important emails.
Evening lounge performance around Izzy's - first look at the Christmas show. First half needs beefing up a bit, but the second, more demanding half really works. Yeah, so it's so messy - so incredibly messy, and physically draining, but the clumsy nature of it all certainly counts as entertainment. It needs a little work, but it'll be fine.
That's a relief, then.
Evening lounge performance around Izzy's - first look at the Christmas show. First half needs beefing up a bit, but the second, more demanding half really works. Yeah, so it's so messy - so incredibly messy, and physically draining, but the clumsy nature of it all certainly counts as entertainment. It needs a little work, but it'll be fine.
That's a relief, then.
Monday 28th November 2016
Freelancing, in between learning lines for Christmas show. My one hour on/one hour off routine seemed to do the trick - but the lines still aren't going in. First preview is tomorrow, I've left it very late this year, but on paper it's a decent show.
Popped out to watch the first rehearsal of my Christmas musical (which opens on the 20th Dec, I'm purely the writer for this). Got there, realised I'd got the wrong day, went home again.
Rehearsed some more, and ignored my bulging to-do list.
Popped out to watch the first rehearsal of my Christmas musical (which opens on the 20th Dec, I'm purely the writer for this). Got there, realised I'd got the wrong day, went home again.
Rehearsed some more, and ignored my bulging to-do list.
Sunday 27th November 2016
Quick dash around town picking up a load of family Christmas presents that mum couldn't sort, then dropped them off around hers, Sunday lunch and then over to Cambridge for long rehearsal with the choir in a cold but weirdly sweaty church cafe place.
Dinner with Ryan and Dave from the band and then over to the gig. Spirits high, as was the performance - singers (all hundred of them) in fine voice, band sounding tight. A long day, but a perfect warm-up for the huge show next month.
Dinner with Ryan and Dave from the band and then over to the gig. Spirits high, as was the performance - singers (all hundred of them) in fine voice, band sounding tight. A long day, but a perfect warm-up for the huge show next month.
Monday, 28 November 2016
Saturday 26th November 2016
Seriously, when am I gonna learn this Christmas show?
Anyway, up early to make the props for the Snowbird filming - wrapping presents, basically, any old tat. Then over to Cambridge to film it. Loads of people pulled out, which made things tricky - in fact only Claudia, Gaf and Vix turned up. Got some footage anyway and hoping Emily can work her magic with it.
After a couple hours filming that off to London for the FH gig. Totally rammed, really attractive audience. Smallest stage ever and I took a short while to adjust but the second set was a stormer. We're not as active right as I'd like us to be, but we're still bloody good live with a really strong fanbase. Another standing ovation tonight, it's becoming the norm now.
Anyway, up early to make the props for the Snowbird filming - wrapping presents, basically, any old tat. Then over to Cambridge to film it. Loads of people pulled out, which made things tricky - in fact only Claudia, Gaf and Vix turned up. Got some footage anyway and hoping Emily can work her magic with it.
After a couple hours filming that off to London for the FH gig. Totally rammed, really attractive audience. Smallest stage ever and I took a short while to adjust but the second set was a stormer. We're not as active right as I'd like us to be, but we're still bloody good live with a really strong fanbase. Another standing ovation tonight, it's becoming the norm now.
Friday 25th November 2016
Got the ball rolling with fringe applications. Nice chat to our director for the musical - she's working really hard on this, you know.
Productive day in the office, I've done well for them this week.
Evening stand-up gig in Leighton Buzzard was great, and I'm so happy it was filmed. Still not sure about being a circuit comic, but I enjoy the rapport with fellow comedians backstage and the set-up for this one was great. I just got a sense before the show that I was going to go down well no matter what, such an easy gig as much as some of the others struggle. Home by 11pm as well.
Productive day in the office, I've done well for them this week.
Evening stand-up gig in Leighton Buzzard was great, and I'm so happy it was filmed. Still not sure about being a circuit comic, but I enjoy the rapport with fellow comedians backstage and the set-up for this one was great. I just got a sense before the show that I was going to go down well no matter what, such an easy gig as much as some of the others struggle. Home by 11pm as well.
Thursday 24th November 2016
My to-do list, mostly trying to fill in annoying gaps in tour schedules, is growing quicker than my ability to finish it.
Looks like I'm taking a show to Edinburgh with Laura next year alongside my solo stuff, I think there's time for all of this. We've got some shows together in February and May next year so we'll see if it works as a concept, I guess.
Was in the office for a bit but I was the only one in, that annoys me when that happened as I could have worked from home.
Christmas script, now all finished, is a bit awesome. No idea how I'm going to learn this. Feels like a bit of a mish-mash of too many ideas at times, but it's all got enough charm and Christmassy costume changes to work.
Evening meal at Lachy's for thanksgiving was both lovely and excessive. Great company, and we played a bunch of great tunes as well. We're all growing up but it's fun being an adult sometimes, dinner parties and all that.
Looks like I'm taking a show to Edinburgh with Laura next year alongside my solo stuff, I think there's time for all of this. We've got some shows together in February and May next year so we'll see if it works as a concept, I guess.
Was in the office for a bit but I was the only one in, that annoys me when that happened as I could have worked from home.
Christmas script, now all finished, is a bit awesome. No idea how I'm going to learn this. Feels like a bit of a mish-mash of too many ideas at times, but it's all got enough charm and Christmassy costume changes to work.
Evening meal at Lachy's for thanksgiving was both lovely and excessive. Great company, and we played a bunch of great tunes as well. We're all growing up but it's fun being an adult sometimes, dinner parties and all that.
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Wednesday 23rd November 2016
Worked from home, waiting for my record player to arrive. It did, it's awesome, and there's probably a show I can use it in. Listened to Dad's old record, the one we've just covered, on it - it's a lovely thing. He was a GREAT drummer. So disciplined. Thing is, back then they had to do everything live as they didn't have the technology for overdubs so you just had to be good, you had to be tight.
Nailed the Christmas script. I hope it works. No idea how I'm going to learn this in time.
Evening rehearsal with the choir band was nice, it feels like we're a proper band these days - there's a rapport there that previously wasn't, we're all so comfortable around each other. And I'm drumming really well right now, really, really well and I'm loving finding jazz/soul/Latin grooves in my playing. Let's be honest, FH don't have much in the pipeline right now, I can start a jazz thing in 2017?
Nailed the Christmas script. I hope it works. No idea how I'm going to learn this in time.
Evening rehearsal with the choir band was nice, it feels like we're a proper band these days - there's a rapport there that previously wasn't, we're all so comfortable around each other. And I'm drumming really well right now, really, really well and I'm loving finding jazz/soul/Latin grooves in my playing. Let's be honest, FH don't have much in the pipeline right now, I can start a jazz thing in 2017?
Tuesday 22nd November 2016
My 'day off' so mostly spent taking mum to every shop going in town, whilst checking and replying to as many emails as possible as I'm sat in the car park.
Accepted two really, really nice stand-up comedy gigs. I can easily see myself accidentally becoming a circuit comedian, the offers do come in quicker than I thought they would.
Spent about 7 hours getting confused about music licensing, before finally working it out and setting up the album for an online release.
Nearly nailed the Christmas show.
Accepted two really, really nice stand-up comedy gigs. I can easily see myself accidentally becoming a circuit comedian, the offers do come in quicker than I thought they would.
Spent about 7 hours getting confused about music licensing, before finally working it out and setting up the album for an online release.
Nearly nailed the Christmas show.
Monday 21st November 2016
That was a really nice weekend and today was nice too. Popped into the office for a bit, both the boss and I were on good form - it just felt like a nice day really. Not entirely sure I achieved much for them today but I'm trying.
Set up a private industry link for the charity album...now just need some industry to be as excited by it as I am. It's a wonderful project, this one, it deserves a little more attention.
Bought a record player. It'll arrive by Wednesday. This excites me.
Got home and spent many hours working on the Christmas script. It's getting there, finally.
Set up a private industry link for the charity album...now just need some industry to be as excited by it as I am. It's a wonderful project, this one, it deserves a little more attention.
Bought a record player. It'll arrive by Wednesday. This excites me.
Got home and spent many hours working on the Christmas script. It's getting there, finally.
Sunday, 20 November 2016
Sunday 20th November 2016
Got back very late last night, but up early-ish for a Sunday, this time for a meeting with Emily about the Snowbird video. She's great - so experienced, a wealth of knowledge and answered all of my questions as we brainstormed ideas in Sainsburys cafe.
Bought a new clothes rail and did my weekly food shop, then spent about an hour trying to work out how to assemble that clothes rail.
Caught up on show admin stuff, and then off to a stand-up gig in Ely. It was in a pub; not in a function room of a pub, but the main pub. Shouldn't have worked but mostly did...lots of us on the bill, I chickened out of trying new material. Was solid if unspectacular, this is a safe set that does me well. Woman praised me afterwards for being the only comic on the bill who didn't swear. I usually do, to be honest, but I judged it well tonight I think.
Bought a new clothes rail and did my weekly food shop, then spent about an hour trying to work out how to assemble that clothes rail.
Caught up on show admin stuff, and then off to a stand-up gig in Ely. It was in a pub; not in a function room of a pub, but the main pub. Shouldn't have worked but mostly did...lots of us on the bill, I chickened out of trying new material. Was solid if unspectacular, this is a safe set that does me well. Woman praised me afterwards for being the only comic on the bill who didn't swear. I usually do, to be honest, but I judged it well tonight I think.
Saturday 19th November 2016
I slept well, I slept lots. I needed it. We did something very special last night - this is the first of many steps for this album. First step done, £445 made for the charity in the process. It feels like everyone is backing this now, everyone is on our side.
Long trip to Newbury with FH. Good food. I didn't approve of the lack of bass drum mic, but nice venue. Managed to watch the end of the Spurs game in the dressing room.
Lovely audience, lots and lots of them (not a sell-out but not far off), quiet at first, but the rockier we got, so did they. Played 'Looking Glass' live for the first time in about 3 years and it felt good, we'll probably do that again soon. 2 standing ovations and quite a few obsessive fans, we're still getting this right.
Long trip to Newbury with FH. Good food. I didn't approve of the lack of bass drum mic, but nice venue. Managed to watch the end of the Spurs game in the dressing room.
Lovely audience, lots and lots of them (not a sell-out but not far off), quiet at first, but the rockier we got, so did they. Played 'Looking Glass' live for the first time in about 3 years and it felt good, we'll probably do that again soon. 2 standing ovations and quite a few obsessive fans, we're still getting this right.
Friday 18th November 2016
Spent most of the morning burning the rest of the CDs, whilst keeping an eye on the freelance stuff. Took bloody ages but just got all 100 copies made in time.
Felt very stressed about that gig, emotionally this one was tugging at heart strings I didn't know existed. This is all for Dad, I know he'd be proud. I even wore his shirt and tie.
Soundchecks were messy, frantic and I was generally quite snappy to people around me...musicians got stuck in traffic, a few administrative tasks were forgotten about. But, because people are all totally and utterly awesome, it all came together. Gaf learnt to play the piano part in Everything I Own (because we forgot to reassign that task) despite the fact he's a bassist, not a pianist (WHAT a great musician Gaf is - seriously, that was unreal how quickly he picked that up on an instrument he doesn't know how to play), my chore band of Marcel, Claudia and Adam all nailed it, totally in soundchecks.
The gig itself? Well, as much as this sounds like a cliche, it was a blur. A stressful blur, an emotional, stressful blur. But we stormed it, completely. I didn't expect to have to do a speech at the end, I wasn't in the right frame of mind for it - I mean, I do stand up a LOT, but this was different. This was a gig where we recreated my deceased father's record on stage, in public, words were an issue. Jess didn't allow my first, short speech, there was a demand for more so I gave them a bit longer. It was a rollercoaster. It worked, the whole night worked. I have such amazing friends, pretty much all of my best friends were there, the general public in the audience were totally on side. All of the musicians when on stage added their own characters to the performance, and when they weren't performing they were supporting those who were.
We've created something fucking special here.
That was probably one of the best nights of my life, shame I didn't appreciate it fully at the time because I was so stressed about it.
Felt very stressed about that gig, emotionally this one was tugging at heart strings I didn't know existed. This is all for Dad, I know he'd be proud. I even wore his shirt and tie.
Soundchecks were messy, frantic and I was generally quite snappy to people around me...musicians got stuck in traffic, a few administrative tasks were forgotten about. But, because people are all totally and utterly awesome, it all came together. Gaf learnt to play the piano part in Everything I Own (because we forgot to reassign that task) despite the fact he's a bassist, not a pianist (WHAT a great musician Gaf is - seriously, that was unreal how quickly he picked that up on an instrument he doesn't know how to play), my chore band of Marcel, Claudia and Adam all nailed it, totally in soundchecks.
The gig itself? Well, as much as this sounds like a cliche, it was a blur. A stressful blur, an emotional, stressful blur. But we stormed it, completely. I didn't expect to have to do a speech at the end, I wasn't in the right frame of mind for it - I mean, I do stand up a LOT, but this was different. This was a gig where we recreated my deceased father's record on stage, in public, words were an issue. Jess didn't allow my first, short speech, there was a demand for more so I gave them a bit longer. It was a rollercoaster. It worked, the whole night worked. I have such amazing friends, pretty much all of my best friends were there, the general public in the audience were totally on side. All of the musicians when on stage added their own characters to the performance, and when they weren't performing they were supporting those who were.
We've created something fucking special here.
That was probably one of the best nights of my life, shame I didn't appreciate it fully at the time because I was so stressed about it.
Friday, 18 November 2016
Thursday 17th November 2016
Up early, dashed over to printers in Cambridge and got 100 copies of the artwork printed. Steve called to say he's had the masters back so over to Red Lodge to spent a couple hours there checking and double checking everything - it's the best album ever.
Home to freelance for a bit, whilst burning as many copies of the album as possible ahead of the launch tomorrow whilst cutting out the album covers. It's cutting it fine but we'll get away with it.
Swung by to give my mum a copy of the album - as it's a tribute to dad it only makes sense that she gets the first copy. She loved it and it all felt a bit emotional.
Quick covers gig with G+V, was fine - we're good, those trio covers gigs are purely work, but we entertained the locals nicely enough without barely breaking into a sweat.
Got back at midnight, back on with the CD burning...
Home to freelance for a bit, whilst burning as many copies of the album as possible ahead of the launch tomorrow whilst cutting out the album covers. It's cutting it fine but we'll get away with it.
Swung by to give my mum a copy of the album - as it's a tribute to dad it only makes sense that she gets the first copy. She loved it and it all felt a bit emotional.
Quick covers gig with G+V, was fine - we're good, those trio covers gigs are purely work, but we entertained the locals nicely enough without barely breaking into a sweat.
Got back at midnight, back on with the CD burning...
Wednesday 16th November 2016
Went into the office for a bit but had such a head cold I barely made any sense and left at 3pm.
Guillotine, CDs, clear wallets and stamp arrived. Artwork for the album by Bryan is totally perfect.
Stopped for an hour to have a bath and my emails went crazy. Calm down, world.
Brilliant rehearsal with the choir band tonight, such great musicians - we're creating wonderful sounds here.
Got back and stayed up late, stamping the logo on a 100 blank CDs...
Guillotine, CDs, clear wallets and stamp arrived. Artwork for the album by Bryan is totally perfect.
Stopped for an hour to have a bath and my emails went crazy. Calm down, world.
Brilliant rehearsal with the choir band tonight, such great musicians - we're creating wonderful sounds here.
Got back and stayed up late, stamping the logo on a 100 blank CDs...
Tuesday 15th November 2016
As normal for a Tuesday I took the day out, driving Mum to every shop she wanted to go to and being bitten by the dog. Still managed to find time to reply to a dozen or so tour enquiries for next year.
Lovely coffee with Emma, before meeting up with my old chum Rob for dinner.
Home by 9.30pm to crack on with the Christmas show, whilst keeping an eye on the charity project stuff.
Lovely coffee with Emma, before meeting up with my old chum Rob for dinner.
Home by 9.30pm to crack on with the Christmas show, whilst keeping an eye on the charity project stuff.
Monday 14th November 2016
This feels like an important week.
Office in the morning to make sure the bills get paid etc, and then over to Steve's to approve the final mixes of the album. Spent a good few hours there, listening to everything intensively whilst eating lots of pizza. It sounds incredible, I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Steve for how much work he's done with this album. My dad would have been so proud.
By 6pm, the final mixes had gone over to Andy to master.
Got back, ordered 100 blank CDs, a stamp and a guillotine ready to turn the dining room into a bit of a factory to get the albums ready by Friday's launch.
Stand-up set in Cambridge was fun, a small but polite crowd. I look tired, but bashed out all the usual stuff and they seemed to enjoy it.
Then spent 4 hours editing together a documentary about the making of the album. No wonder I look tired.
Office in the morning to make sure the bills get paid etc, and then over to Steve's to approve the final mixes of the album. Spent a good few hours there, listening to everything intensively whilst eating lots of pizza. It sounds incredible, I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Steve for how much work he's done with this album. My dad would have been so proud.
By 6pm, the final mixes had gone over to Andy to master.
Got back, ordered 100 blank CDs, a stamp and a guillotine ready to turn the dining room into a bit of a factory to get the albums ready by Friday's launch.
Stand-up set in Cambridge was fun, a small but polite crowd. I look tired, but bashed out all the usual stuff and they seemed to enjoy it.
Then spent 4 hours editing together a documentary about the making of the album. No wonder I look tired.
Sunday 13th November 2016
Because I didn't get a chance to get the percussion parts done yesterday I came into the studio early to get that done for Claudia's stuff. I was on 2 hours sleep, but I respect her as a musician and a friend and couldn't let her down. She accepted my apologies for dashing yesterday, as much as I didn't have much choice in the matter. Played really well this morning, much better on percussion with those songs.
Then over to Steve's studio to watch Andrea, Cathy, Esther and Lauren nail their vocals, and then Lauren did her track too. Briefly had a chance to catch up with Matt who had come up from Bristol for harmonica and backing vocal duties but I had to dash to another session.
Then over to rehearse with the choir for four hours - really lovely session, sold 11 books in the interval, the vibe there is just great.
After quickly buying Matt dinner as a thank you for his recording I finally got home and a chance to stop for the first time all weekend.
The charity album is done, kind of. All of the parts are there at least. It's all going to be okay.
Then over to Steve's studio to watch Andrea, Cathy, Esther and Lauren nail their vocals, and then Lauren did her track too. Briefly had a chance to catch up with Matt who had come up from Bristol for harmonica and backing vocal duties but I had to dash to another session.
Then over to rehearse with the choir for four hours - really lovely session, sold 11 books in the interval, the vibe there is just great.
After quickly buying Matt dinner as a thank you for his recording I finally got home and a chance to stop for the first time all weekend.
The charity album is done, kind of. All of the parts are there at least. It's all going to be okay.
Saturday 12th November 2016
I get that it's fun to have lots of projects on the go but Saturday I just felt like I was pushing things a bit far. Claudia had booked me from 10am-6pm for the recording session, but the FH gig was a bit further away than I thought (I thought it was in Milton Keynes, turns out it's basically Bristol) so as a band we needed to head off earlier - about 2pm. But Claudia booked me for this in January. Suddenly I was forced to pick between the two, and friendships were being tested. The result? Me panicking and not playing well, drum takes for 6 tracks down but, whilst in perfect time, you feel the edge in my playing...which is not what Claudia's songs are about. Meanwhile, during the sessions, FH were calling me constantly - in the end they came to the studio to basically take me away to the gig, I was basically kidnapped by the other band! The Claudia recordings will be fine, there's enough technology to fix any flaws in my playing, but I never like to be one of those drummers that relies on the studio to put right any wrong doings.
Long trip to Tewkesbury, good food, nice soundcheck. Gig itself was fine - big headline show, 300 capacity sold out gig. We played well, hardly buzzing at the moment but so tight, the audience were probably oblivious to the ongoing awkwardness in the band right now.
Home very late.
Long trip to Tewkesbury, good food, nice soundcheck. Gig itself was fine - big headline show, 300 capacity sold out gig. We played well, hardly buzzing at the moment but so tight, the audience were probably oblivious to the ongoing awkwardness in the band right now.
Home very late.
Friday 11th November 2016
Did a spot of freelancing, didn't achieve much but not for the want of trying.
Tour for next Feb is still missing a Dundee date. That's the only one I'm missing but nobody in Dundee wants a bit of Richards.
Christmas show is slowly getting there.
Rehearsal with Claudia and band in the evening was tired but good fun. Rearranged drum parts ahead of the session tomorrow, in which I'm now starting early being double booked to buggery.
Tour for next Feb is still missing a Dundee date. That's the only one I'm missing but nobody in Dundee wants a bit of Richards.
Christmas show is slowly getting there.
Rehearsal with Claudia and band in the evening was tired but good fun. Rearranged drum parts ahead of the session tomorrow, in which I'm now starting early being double booked to buggery.
Thursday 10th November 2016
Book launch day!
Did a spot of freelancing in the office, and then over to a local radio station plug the launch...naturally in my brief interview on air with them I ending up plugging other stuff too...so many projects, probably not enough airtime. In my 3 minutes of chatting, though, I plugged 6 different things - which probably confused the listeners somewhat.
Quick catch up with my mate Vicky, and then over to the book launch which was, on all levels, a total disaster. 3 people turned up - the guy from the radio station, my mate Andy and Izzy's dad. Claudia, bless her, still played a storming set and I read a bit from the novel but the whole thing felt thoroughly depressing.
Got home and started reading the novel again just to make sure I'm doing the right thing in promoting it. It's bloody good, you know. I'll plug it properly next year outside of Cambridge.
In the meantime over in the studio the string parts for the charity album were being nailed, so at least that's one project that works.
Did a spot of freelancing in the office, and then over to a local radio station plug the launch...naturally in my brief interview on air with them I ending up plugging other stuff too...so many projects, probably not enough airtime. In my 3 minutes of chatting, though, I plugged 6 different things - which probably confused the listeners somewhat.
Quick catch up with my mate Vicky, and then over to the book launch which was, on all levels, a total disaster. 3 people turned up - the guy from the radio station, my mate Andy and Izzy's dad. Claudia, bless her, still played a storming set and I read a bit from the novel but the whole thing felt thoroughly depressing.
Got home and started reading the novel again just to make sure I'm doing the right thing in promoting it. It's bloody good, you know. I'll plug it properly next year outside of Cambridge.
In the meantime over in the studio the string parts for the charity album were being nailed, so at least that's one project that works.
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Wednesday 9th November 2016
My book looks fucking brilliant, you know. Rich has done an amazing job. Ignore the words in it, the cover and quality of paper alone is worth a fiver of anyone's money.
Up early, back over to the studio. Myke was in today, nailed the sax for two tracks, and the vocals for Ticket to Ride, but struggled on Listen to the Music. Decided to bring in someone else to sing that, but who? And at such short notice? It all feels a bit tense now, this project. Mostly because of the ridiculous deadline I set ages ago for it.
Got back, did 3 hours freelance work, confirmed filming dates for the Snowbird promo single (directing it myself, quite excited about being the director of a music video) and rehearsals for the Christmas musical are all sorted - Claire is doing a great job.
Over to Peterborough for amazing dinner with the amazing Emma.
Life is good.
Up early, back over to the studio. Myke was in today, nailed the sax for two tracks, and the vocals for Ticket to Ride, but struggled on Listen to the Music. Decided to bring in someone else to sing that, but who? And at such short notice? It all feels a bit tense now, this project. Mostly because of the ridiculous deadline I set ages ago for it.
Got back, did 3 hours freelance work, confirmed filming dates for the Snowbird promo single (directing it myself, quite excited about being the director of a music video) and rehearsals for the Christmas musical are all sorted - Claire is doing a great job.
Over to Peterborough for amazing dinner with the amazing Emma.
Life is good.
Tuesday 8th November 2016
Vix is still ill so the planned studio reschedule has been delayed again. Suddenly this album is feeling a bit stressful, especially after losing the string players the other day (now replaced) and various filmmakers for the promo single (I'm doing it myself now because people are rubbish).
Took Mum for her weekly food shop and that was stressful, I got in trouble for being in too much of a rush to leave and as a result I didn't play with the dog enough. There isn't enough of me to go around at the moment.
Dashed over to the studio; Trevor and Jo totally, 100% nailed Proud Mary. Sounds amazing. Such talent.
Then over to pick up my novel, freshly printed by Richard with 2 days to spare. Great to catch up. Then over to drop off a copy of it to unquestionably my biggest fan: Marcus, who had pre-ordered and paid for it before it was even finished. He seemed happy to be the first to get it. Stayed and had a beer with him, was a lovely evening.
Took Mum for her weekly food shop and that was stressful, I got in trouble for being in too much of a rush to leave and as a result I didn't play with the dog enough. There isn't enough of me to go around at the moment.
Dashed over to the studio; Trevor and Jo totally, 100% nailed Proud Mary. Sounds amazing. Such talent.
Then over to pick up my novel, freshly printed by Richard with 2 days to spare. Great to catch up. Then over to drop off a copy of it to unquestionably my biggest fan: Marcus, who had pre-ordered and paid for it before it was even finished. He seemed happy to be the first to get it. Stayed and had a beer with him, was a lovely evening.
Monday 7th November 2016
Full day in the office, haven't seen the boss for ages so nice to catch up. Worked pretty hard, I thought, and nice to have deadlines set as I do have a knack of drifting sometimes...
Long day, but still - got paid and all that, keeps me ticking over.
Vix was ill so no charity album stuff tonight, gave me the opportunity to work on the Christmas script. It's slowly getting there, and it's a total beast.
Long day, but still - got paid and all that, keeps me ticking over.
Vix was ill so no charity album stuff tonight, gave me the opportunity to work on the Christmas script. It's slowly getting there, and it's a total beast.
Sunday 6th November 2016
Did a spot of work on the structure of the Christmas show, and then took out a couple hours to watch Spurs draw with Arsenal on the telly. Their goal was totally offside, by the way.
Caught up on show emails, watched through the Christmas film again and then suddenly it was the evening.
Really fun gig with Claudia and band, perhaps not the tightest but a lot of good vibes both on stage and in the audience. This is why I do this band.
Caught up on show emails, watched through the Christmas film again and then suddenly it was the evening.
Really fun gig with Claudia and band, perhaps not the tightest but a lot of good vibes both on stage and in the audience. This is why I do this band.
Sunday, 6 November 2016
Saturday 5th November 2016
Long day filming with Claudia and band - promo video for 'Happy', filmed by our good chum Matt. A nice day, everyone in good spirits and Marcel's sausages are incredible.
Home for a couple hours to chill out, and then off to watch 2 comedians I really enjoy with Fiona. They struggled with a small and quiet audience but it's interesting to see how 'big' comedians deal with these situations. Not well, to be honest. A nice evening all the same.
Home for a couple hours to chill out, and then off to watch 2 comedians I really enjoy with Fiona. They struggled with a small and quiet audience but it's interesting to see how 'big' comedians deal with these situations. Not well, to be honest. A nice evening all the same.
Friday 4th November 2016
Did some freelancing from home, achieved quite a bit for them in my 3 hours this morning.
Watched back the Christmas film. Didn't like it. Edited it again. I think it's okay now.
Need to write the Christmas show.
Quite a few other things I need to do.
Evening gig with FH in Coventry. Tiny venue but sold out. Awesome chicken beforehand. Great show. we were really on it tonight. A14 closed on the way back and it took us HOURS to get back.
Watched back the Christmas film. Didn't like it. Edited it again. I think it's okay now.
Need to write the Christmas show.
Quite a few other things I need to do.
Evening gig with FH in Coventry. Tiny venue but sold out. Awesome chicken beforehand. Great show. we were really on it tonight. A14 closed on the way back and it took us HOURS to get back.
Thursday 3rd November 2016
In the office for a day of freelancing. Nobody else in, just me all day, which means when I do get to speak to a real person (ie; lady in the bacon roll shop) it's like I've forgotten how to talk.
Still need to confirm a slot in Dundee for next year's tour; that would be awesome and complete the run of 13 shows from Weymouth to Shetland Islands.
Evening somehow spent many, many hours editing the Christmas film. Eventually done by 2am.
Still need to confirm a slot in Dundee for next year's tour; that would be awesome and complete the run of 13 shows from Weymouth to Shetland Islands.
Evening somehow spent many, many hours editing the Christmas film. Eventually done by 2am.
Wednesday 2nd November 2016
Spent the morning replying loads of emails and then, as my one day off proper this week, took Mum shopping and generally seemed concerned for her.
Rich has done me an amazing printing deal for the novel, just in time for the launch, too. There's a lot of projects bubbling under the surface at the moment but they all seem to be roughly running to schedule, apart from the musical which is still a bit of a worry.
Evening rehearsal with the choir band was great, loving the set and there's a real sense that after a tricky year for this project (including a rename) we're firing on all cylinders again.
Rich has done me an amazing printing deal for the novel, just in time for the launch, too. There's a lot of projects bubbling under the surface at the moment but they all seem to be roughly running to schedule, apart from the musical which is still a bit of a worry.
Evening rehearsal with the choir band was great, loving the set and there's a real sense that after a tricky year for this project (including a rename) we're firing on all cylinders again.
Tuesday 1st November 2016
Worked from home most of the day for the freelance stuff, whilst working simultaneously on the Christmas script.
Confirmed a show in Aberdeen for the February tour.
All press releases for the charity album have now gone out.
Started editing the Christmas film. This may take a bit longer than I'd hoped. It needs quite a lot of work...
Evening rehearsal with Claudia felt weirdly stressful, what with the recording sessions coming up this week that we'd not really prepared for.
Monday 31st October 2016
A day of freelancing, typically starting off with a bit of road rage with a taxi driver who was blocking me in. As I soon realised, though, it's really tough to have road rage with someone when you're wearing a Christmas jumper; they just don't take you seriously.
Still, got some stuff done which was cool and also managed to write the blurb for the Christmas show. Basically it's the plot of the show, then, which gives me something to work with.
Confirmed some January house show previews, and tried/failed to fill in the two remaining gaps in my February tour schedule.
In the evening met up with friends to watch a brilliant comedy show, we ate very well beforehand (fancy place, where the comedy was being held) and generally had a lovely time.
Still, got some stuff done which was cool and also managed to write the blurb for the Christmas show. Basically it's the plot of the show, then, which gives me something to work with.
Confirmed some January house show previews, and tried/failed to fill in the two remaining gaps in my February tour schedule.
In the evening met up with friends to watch a brilliant comedy show, we ate very well beforehand (fancy place, where the comedy was being held) and generally had a lovely time.
Monday, 31 October 2016
Sunday 30th October 2016
I just haven't had chance to breathe this weekend...up early (ish) to go and finish the Christmas film. Final scenes finally in the bag, everyone in involved is, like myself, so busy, but I managed to get Izzy, Emma and James in the same room for long enough to get the footage I needed.
Then rehearsed pretty much all day with Izzy for the evening show.
Evening: Side Streets day three, which was theatre night. A very Sunday audience, but nice enough and considering the material was so new I'm quite happy about this. First half we did some of my older stuff, and then after a very brief interval we ran through I'm Calling it a Date. It really, really works, this one. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it; it's not long enough to be a full play (and I don't want to water down the existing content with add-ons), it's not really suitable for the fringe, it's possibly going to end up as a film instead. Either way, it's a really nice piece of work that I can do something with next year.
I really enjoyed those 3 evenings, feels like we've done a lot of good there.
Then rehearsed pretty much all day with Izzy for the evening show.
Evening: Side Streets day three, which was theatre night. A very Sunday audience, but nice enough and considering the material was so new I'm quite happy about this. First half we did some of my older stuff, and then after a very brief interval we ran through I'm Calling it a Date. It really, really works, this one. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it; it's not long enough to be a full play (and I don't want to water down the existing content with add-ons), it's not really suitable for the fringe, it's possibly going to end up as a film instead. Either way, it's a really nice piece of work that I can do something with next year.
I really enjoyed those 3 evenings, feels like we've done a lot of good there.
Saturday 29th October 2016
In the studio with FH as (slightly tense) sessions for album 3 continue. Drum parts down for another two songs, a few bad vibes because I wanted to leave early as I had other plans. It was fine in the end, though, I got all of my parts done in more than good time.
Nice lunch with Emma in town and then back to the Red Bull for the second Side Streets show. This one was music. Nearly a sell out (2 spare seats) so nice and busy, once again it was a joy to host and I also played percussion for Claudia. Really like that venue, especially when it's rammed - just feels like it's a hidden secret. Absolutely buzzing from that one, this is what all gigs should be like.
Nice lunch with Emma in town and then back to the Red Bull for the second Side Streets show. This one was music. Nearly a sell out (2 spare seats) so nice and busy, once again it was a joy to host and I also played percussion for Claudia. Really like that venue, especially when it's rammed - just feels like it's a hidden secret. Absolutely buzzing from that one, this is what all gigs should be like.
Friday 28th October 2016
Back in the studio for the Freewheeler stuff, today we had Griff and Gaf in. Got through Lyin' Eyes, even though it's the longest song in the history of music. Well, it feels like it. It was tight, anyway, we're good and we know what we're doing. As they are both such brilliant vocalists we used them as much as possible, having them as backing singers on loads of other bits. As an album, this is sounding totally amazing. Career-defining, evening.
Picked up the PA, grabbed some dinner and then over to the Red Bull for the first of 3 nights there for Side Streets Festival. It's a festival I've co-organised with my landlord/housemate Edd, to raise money for PHA, which his late wife died from. The first night: stand-up. Brilliant, brilliant evening...sold out, packed audience, 4 amazing acts. A loud, sweaty, perfect comedy gig that it was a joy to be the MC for. Just great.
Thursday, 27 October 2016
Thursday 27th October 2016
Up early, got a load of freelance hours in - did some good stuff today, I thought. I like working from home.
Cheeky burger, and then over to Steve's house for more recording of the charity album. James came down from Yorkshire and absolutely stormed his vocal take of Crocodile Rock. The talent on this album is incredible. It's going to be the best album ever.
Got back, made dinner (kind of) and then designed the poster for the Christmas musical which opens on the 20th December. Replied to various tour emails for next year, thought I was chatting to a venue in London, confirmed the show only to realise it's in Belfast. Still, nice to get away, isn't it?
Okay: charity album - going roughly to plan. Weekend festival: everything sorted. Novel: need to get physical copies made but digital is all in the bag. Next year's tour plans: enough emails (1,300) have been sent - just a waiting game now. Christmas film: filming the final scenes on Sunday. Christmas musical: roughly in shape. Christmas tour show: not written yet...that's next on my list.
It's all going to be okay.
Cheeky burger, and then over to Steve's house for more recording of the charity album. James came down from Yorkshire and absolutely stormed his vocal take of Crocodile Rock. The talent on this album is incredible. It's going to be the best album ever.
Got back, made dinner (kind of) and then designed the poster for the Christmas musical which opens on the 20th December. Replied to various tour emails for next year, thought I was chatting to a venue in London, confirmed the show only to realise it's in Belfast. Still, nice to get away, isn't it?
Okay: charity album - going roughly to plan. Weekend festival: everything sorted. Novel: need to get physical copies made but digital is all in the bag. Next year's tour plans: enough emails (1,300) have been sent - just a waiting game now. Christmas film: filming the final scenes on Sunday. Christmas musical: roughly in shape. Christmas tour show: not written yet...that's next on my list.
It's all going to be okay.
Wednesday 26th October 2016
Took Mum shopping first thing, all in a mega rush but I guess it stops her buying so much.
Went around Dan's house to record Tom's excellent little song that he's been working on - was great to play percussion on that, so nice to be in a chilled studio environment as the stuff for the charity project is great but really quite full on at the moment. Nice tune, was a pleasure to drum on.
Somebody I was on a stand-up bill with last year is on the new series of Live at the Apollo. Easily done, isn't it? Maybe?
Anyway, evening filmed the final 'Johnny and Ellie' scenes with Izzy and Josh for the soap opera. This has been dragging on far too long now so it was nice to get it done. This soap started off as a little idea in January, suddenly it's October and it still feels like there's quite a bit of work to be done with it but I'm all excited about other projects. I'll find time to start editing and working out what needs to be done soon.
We read through my 'I'm Calling it a Date' play afterwards and it's a bit shorter than I thought...30 pages, but nowhere near the hour it needs to be for Sunday's performance. Got back and started re-writing old material to fill the time for Sunday's show.
Went around Dan's house to record Tom's excellent little song that he's been working on - was great to play percussion on that, so nice to be in a chilled studio environment as the stuff for the charity project is great but really quite full on at the moment. Nice tune, was a pleasure to drum on.
Somebody I was on a stand-up bill with last year is on the new series of Live at the Apollo. Easily done, isn't it? Maybe?
Anyway, evening filmed the final 'Johnny and Ellie' scenes with Izzy and Josh for the soap opera. This has been dragging on far too long now so it was nice to get it done. This soap started off as a little idea in January, suddenly it's October and it still feels like there's quite a bit of work to be done with it but I'm all excited about other projects. I'll find time to start editing and working out what needs to be done soon.
We read through my 'I'm Calling it a Date' play afterwards and it's a bit shorter than I thought...30 pages, but nowhere near the hour it needs to be for Sunday's performance. Got back and started re-writing old material to fill the time for Sunday's show.
Tuesday 25th October 2016
Popped into the office for a few hours, nobody in - neither boss, I even had to lock up at the end. During my time there though I got some valuable (because I've got bills coming in everywhere at the moment) hours in.
Left at 3pm, spent a few hours formatting the novel for the Kindle release. It's an easy enough process and it's easy to spot when things are wrong in the preview viewer, but it still takes a long time to get right. I assume I have done. Not sure. Either way, it's now on sale already as a pre-order. It's probably okay. Bit late now either way.
Evening caught up with Claudia and Marcel, popped around for a quick chat about projects, big exciting things for 2017. Suddenly it was 3 and a half hours later...nice to stop for a change, isn't it? Even if we don't ever, really, stop.
Left at 3pm, spent a few hours formatting the novel for the Kindle release. It's an easy enough process and it's easy to spot when things are wrong in the preview viewer, but it still takes a long time to get right. I assume I have done. Not sure. Either way, it's now on sale already as a pre-order. It's probably okay. Bit late now either way.
Evening caught up with Claudia and Marcel, popped around for a quick chat about projects, big exciting things for 2017. Suddenly it was 3 and a half hours later...nice to stop for a change, isn't it? Even if we don't ever, really, stop.
Monday, 24 October 2016
Monday 24th October 2016
Took me a while to get started today, one of those mornings where I knew I had SO much to do but as a result spent the first hour and a bit procrastinating and achieving little apart from buying breakfast from a Co-Op I've only just found that's so near to the house.
Realising that my novel launch is really bloody soon, and that Rich needs a final copy (obviously) for it to go to print, I spent 8 hours or so reading over it. I'm still tweaking it now...will it ever be ready? This might have to be the draft that goes out.
Evening over to the studio for the charity album stuff. Steve's new arrangement his brilliant, and Jess is an INCREDIBLE singer...wow. The loudest voice I've ever heard, she just belts it out like an old soul mama even though she's only in her late twenties. I've not worked with or seen her for about 5 years since our gigging days, it was fantastic to catch up. She is such a talent, and available for projects too which has got me thinking...
Realising that my novel launch is really bloody soon, and that Rich needs a final copy (obviously) for it to go to print, I spent 8 hours or so reading over it. I'm still tweaking it now...will it ever be ready? This might have to be the draft that goes out.
Evening over to the studio for the charity album stuff. Steve's new arrangement his brilliant, and Jess is an INCREDIBLE singer...wow. The loudest voice I've ever heard, she just belts it out like an old soul mama even though she's only in her late twenties. I've not worked with or seen her for about 5 years since our gigging days, it was fantastic to catch up. She is such a talent, and available for projects too which has got me thinking...
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Sunday 23rd October 2016
Up early, set up the Facebook page for the Freewheeler project and then over to Mum's for her birthday. Nice lunch and dinner, whilst keeping an eye on the many emails I haven't replied to.
Got back, replied to those, and then tidied up the I'm Calling it a Date script, which really excites me. Is this play...the one?
Got back, replied to those, and then tidied up the I'm Calling it a Date script, which really excites me. Is this play...the one?
Saturday 22nd October 2016
Our producer is feeling better, but I'd already agreed to go to Claudia's for a rehearsal/pre-record session...so ended up doing both in a manic day of being late for most things. Claudia's stuff was great, and then over to Cambridge to pick up Vix. Got her to the studio where she totally nailed her part for Snowbird...is she the best singer in the...well, world? Feels like it, amazing talent. Just incredible. This has hit all over it. Wow.
Met up with my mate Rob in the evening and it was great to hang out with somebody who totally gets my career/life choices. Appreciated that.
Met up with my mate Rob in the evening and it was great to hang out with somebody who totally gets my career/life choices. Appreciated that.
Friday 21st October 2016
Mum's birthday on Sunday, didn't want to take her to the seaside on a Sunday as it'll be too busy, so took today out to take her, sis and the dog to Brancaster. 4 hour round trip, pissed it down, was there for 45 minutes. A bit of a waste? Possibly, but Mum seemed happy still - I guess she just likes the company. That was pretty much my whole day, though, driving around, being a good son. I could see in the corner of my eye my emails coming through, lots of them. Will worry about it tomorrow.
Evening, as we weren't recording, I met up with my old mate Andy and it was just a reminder that, over many, many beers, we've taken very different directions in life. One of those evenings where I feel myself getting all defensive about the career route I've taken...
Evening, as we weren't recording, I met up with my old mate Andy and it was just a reminder that, over many, many beers, we've taken very different directions in life. One of those evenings where I feel myself getting all defensive about the career route I've taken...
Thursday 20th October 2016
Why is everyone so ill, all of the time? Our producer is ill so has pulled out of the charity recording this weekend, Emma is ill so has pulled out of our date, Izzy was ill last night so couldn't do the Christmas filming (which was actually fine as I was double booked anyway). I'm supposed to be the guy with the terrible diet of pasties and Red Bull but I still crack on with things...the problem is, my schedule is so tight at the moment, so when things get rearranged it's totally buggered.
In the office for freelancing, first time I've seen the boss in ages, nice meeting, it's all good, it's all fine for now, I think.
Got back and with my unexpected free evening totally nailed the I'm Calling it a Date script. As far as a first draft goes, I'm really happy with this one. A possible fringe 2017 show?
Was up till 2am writing it.
In the office for freelancing, first time I've seen the boss in ages, nice meeting, it's all good, it's all fine for now, I think.
Got back and with my unexpected free evening totally nailed the I'm Calling it a Date script. As far as a first draft goes, I'm really happy with this one. A possible fringe 2017 show?
Was up till 2am writing it.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
Wednesday 19th October 2016
Long day for the Freewheeler project.
Drove to studio, nailed the rest of my drum parts. Drove to Cambridge, picked up Bryan, drove him back to the studio for him to record his guitar part brilliantly. Drove Bryan back to Cambridge, drove home, had dinner and a bath, drove to Cambridge, picked up Esther, drove her to the studio, 3 hours there as she nailed Killing Me Softly, drove her home - well, to the pub, where we enjoyed a quick drink and catch up.
Album is sounding great but I'm knackered.
Tuesday 18th October 2016
They requested that I come into the office today, which is never a good sign, but then the boss wasn't in anyway.
Still, got a hefty chuck of my 20 freelance hours done, and it's a nice enough place to hang out - the bacon from the bakery just down the road is worth the trip alone.
FH rehearsal was stressful. Everyone has a lot of personal demons right now, they all seemed to come out at once. G and V were really going for each other, Gaf walked out momentarily, there was even a powercut. We all love each other dearly but seriously: how are we still a band?
Still, got a hefty chuck of my 20 freelance hours done, and it's a nice enough place to hang out - the bacon from the bakery just down the road is worth the trip alone.
FH rehearsal was stressful. Everyone has a lot of personal demons right now, they all seemed to come out at once. G and V were really going for each other, Gaf walked out momentarily, there was even a powercut. We all love each other dearly but seriously: how are we still a band?
Monday 17th October 2016
Productive day in the office, I mean - still no boss, but got a bit done for them in the few hours I was there.
Investigated several theatre festivals for next year, did a bit more work on the I'm Calling it a Date script...there's something really lovely about this show.
Attempted to fill in the gaps in my February tour, just need Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen and then it's a full, 13-night set. Nearly there.
Took over the admin of the charity project album which took several hours, mostly because we're working with 15 or so musicians, and have 9 recording slots, and nobody is available when I want them to be.
At least in the evening a majority of the bass was sorted with Claudia recording her bits. Is she the best bassist in the country right now? Probably. Wow. Just wow.
Investigated several theatre festivals for next year, did a bit more work on the I'm Calling it a Date script...there's something really lovely about this show.
Attempted to fill in the gaps in my February tour, just need Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen and then it's a full, 13-night set. Nearly there.
Took over the admin of the charity project album which took several hours, mostly because we're working with 15 or so musicians, and have 9 recording slots, and nobody is available when I want them to be.
At least in the evening a majority of the bass was sorted with Claudia recording her bits. Is she the best bassist in the country right now? Probably. Wow. Just wow.
Monday, 17 October 2016
Sunday 16th October 2016
Plans to work on the I'm Calling It a Date script in the morning scuppered by the fact that I had a few beers last night and woke up late today.
So much to do, so many projects.
Amazing rehearsal for We Are Sound, complete with full choir...it's sounding great.
Looks like my housemate's girlfriend has finally got her way and I'm being gently nudged out of the house. They've asked me to move all of my drums from the dining room as there's "too many of them." This has never been a problem before, in the two years I've lived here, and I'm a fucking drummer.
I'll add 'find new place to live' to my already extensive to-do list for next week.
Enjoyed watching good friends 4th Lab play tonight with Vix, a nice evening and a chance to vent.
So much to do, so many projects.
Amazing rehearsal for We Are Sound, complete with full choir...it's sounding great.
Looks like my housemate's girlfriend has finally got her way and I'm being gently nudged out of the house. They've asked me to move all of my drums from the dining room as there's "too many of them." This has never been a problem before, in the two years I've lived here, and I'm a fucking drummer.
I'll add 'find new place to live' to my already extensive to-do list for next week.
Enjoyed watching good friends 4th Lab play tonight with Vix, a nice evening and a chance to vent.
Saturday 15th October 2016
Didn't enjoy last night. Only made better by the fact that, collectively, we all didn't enjoy it. We're a good team, team FH.
In the studio with the guys today album 3 is coming along nicely.
Awesome late afternoon show with Claudia for Oxjam, we were really on it today.
Then over to the middle of nowhere for private covers gig with G+V which was surprisingly good fun, helped by the fact that I knew quite a few people there so it was a bit of a social. Enjoyed that.
In the studio with the guys today album 3 is coming along nicely.
Awesome late afternoon show with Claudia for Oxjam, we were really on it today.
Then over to the middle of nowhere for private covers gig with G+V which was surprisingly good fun, helped by the fact that I knew quite a few people there so it was a bit of a social. Enjoyed that.
Friday 14th October 2016
Pretty pointless me going into the office as the boss is never in, but I just like being in Cambridge. It's good being a freelancer, choosing your hours, I feel quite relaxed about it all. Also, I get free parking, which helps.
Left at 4pm for an early soundcheck at the awards ceremony thing we were 'headlining'. Sound was a struggle - big fancy concert hall where the bass and drums just bounced all over the place.
We were technically in contention for 3 awards tonight. Sat through the whole grueling ceremony, didn't win a thing then we still had to play at the end. Kind of felt a bit pointless, the audience didn't really want us there, it's a bit like we were just tagged on to close the evening. Tedious evening, could have been so much better. We felt so old when looking at the other bands.
Went to the pub with the band afterwards and discussed album three. We're really fired up for this one; it's a slightly new direction but it's a record with real meaning. It's make or break time.
Left at 4pm for an early soundcheck at the awards ceremony thing we were 'headlining'. Sound was a struggle - big fancy concert hall where the bass and drums just bounced all over the place.
We were technically in contention for 3 awards tonight. Sat through the whole grueling ceremony, didn't win a thing then we still had to play at the end. Kind of felt a bit pointless, the audience didn't really want us there, it's a bit like we were just tagged on to close the evening. Tedious evening, could have been so much better. We felt so old when looking at the other bands.
Went to the pub with the band afterwards and discussed album three. We're really fired up for this one; it's a slightly new direction but it's a record with real meaning. It's make or break time.
Thursday 13th October 2016
A day of cancellations, but gave me a little breathing space. Our producer for the charity album was ill so I had an unexpected morning off...spent that doing a little freelance work, and a little more work on the I'm Calling It a Date show.
Took Mum shopping, and then FH rehearsal was cancelled due to a double booking at the studio so we all went back to Lachy's and had a meeting instead. Nice evening, positive vibes.
Got back, wrote some rubbish dialogue for I'm Calling It a Date, deleted that dialogue and went to bed feeling grumpy.
Took Mum shopping, and then FH rehearsal was cancelled due to a double booking at the studio so we all went back to Lachy's and had a meeting instead. Nice evening, positive vibes.
Got back, wrote some rubbish dialogue for I'm Calling It a Date, deleted that dialogue and went to bed feeling grumpy.
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Wednesday 12th October 2016
See, I don't think anyone has ever written a play like 'I'm Calling It a Date' before. I don't mean that in an arrogant way, there could be a reason why nobody has done something like this before, but I'm quite proud of it so far. I've written about half of the first draft so far and it's frantic, and structurally bouncing all over the place because it's set in real time. What I'm trying to avoid is the conventional 'beginning/middle/end' structure, because that's boring. No, this is just a manic, flustered hour featuring two people having a bit of a panic an hour before their date. This is real life, this is what it's like...an hour before a date I don't have a beginning, middle and an end, I just pace around for 60 minutes. That's what I want from this play too.
Anyway, I've just spent a bit of time reading over it and I actually feel out of breath just reading it silently, it feels fast. I'm happy enough.
Went into the office to freelance, boss wasn't in. Got stuff done, stayed for a few hours, drove home.
Quickly freshened up and then over to Steve's studio where Adam was recording some guitar parts for the Freewheeler album. It's sounding utterly incredible already...this is going to be something that defies all expectations. I'm in awe of those around me. Our cover of 'Snowbird' deserves to be a Christmas hit. I'm thinking of releasing it as a Christmas single, on December 2nd to mark a year since Dad's death.
Anyway, I've just spent a bit of time reading over it and I actually feel out of breath just reading it silently, it feels fast. I'm happy enough.
Went into the office to freelance, boss wasn't in. Got stuff done, stayed for a few hours, drove home.
Quickly freshened up and then over to Steve's studio where Adam was recording some guitar parts for the Freewheeler album. It's sounding utterly incredible already...this is going to be something that defies all expectations. I'm in awe of those around me. Our cover of 'Snowbird' deserves to be a Christmas hit. I'm thinking of releasing it as a Christmas single, on December 2nd to mark a year since Dad's death.
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
Tuesday 11th October 2016
Long day in the studio working with Steve on the charity album but it sounds great, seriously great, already. He's a great producer (and friend), has a very clear vision and won't stop till it's achieved...as a result there was quite a few takes today of his complex arrangements but what feels like a lot of mutual appreciation of each others' talents in the room at the same time.
It was a lovely, 7 hour session, in which drum parts for 5 songs were nailed successfully. This is going to be a great, and very worthy project, I'm excited about the way it's heading already.
Got back, carried on working on the 'Calling It a Date' script - didn't make as much progress tonight as I was being distracted by the football on the telly...
It was a lovely, 7 hour session, in which drum parts for 5 songs were nailed successfully. This is going to be a great, and very worthy project, I'm excited about the way it's heading already.
Got back, carried on working on the 'Calling It a Date' script - didn't make as much progress tonight as I was being distracted by the football on the telly...
Monday 10th October 2016
Went into the office for a bit of freelancing, got some stuff done. Successfully beat rush hour and then got angry as I couldn't get into the office car park for ages.
A few more enquiries about the murder mystery show for next year, and Emma H has confirmed our filming dates for this November.
The SMW tour is still not filling up as quickly as I'd like, will have another venue hunt later this week.
Got back and spent many hours on the 'I'm Calling It a Date' script, which is coming together very nicely indeed.
A few more enquiries about the murder mystery show for next year, and Emma H has confirmed our filming dates for this November.
The SMW tour is still not filling up as quickly as I'd like, will have another venue hunt later this week.
Got back and spent many hours on the 'I'm Calling It a Date' script, which is coming together very nicely indeed.
Sunday, 9 October 2016
Sunday 9th October 2016
Up at a leisurely hour and then a simple drive over to Birmingham for my show at their comedy festival. Easy drive - I'm becoming quite a stressful driver these days but that was just fine, hassle free despite spending half an hour trying to find a parking space.
Venue is amazing - just the sort of room I love performing in. Proper theatre space, but also really small (48 capacity). The staff were great - in particular Janette who helped me with my technical 'issues' and Karl who gave me biscuits. Packed room today for the '50 Ways...' show, was a joy to perform in front of such a lovely audience who were going to enjoy whatever I did to be honest - it was just one of those cracking nights. I'll go as far as to say it was probably the best night of my comedy career, it felt that good and a review has come out already online which was positive.
Went for a quick half down the road with Janette and Kate (box office girl) afterwards, before heading back. Home by 9.30pm. That was perfection, Birmingham.
I'm doing the right thing with my life.
Venue is amazing - just the sort of room I love performing in. Proper theatre space, but also really small (48 capacity). The staff were great - in particular Janette who helped me with my technical 'issues' and Karl who gave me biscuits. Packed room today for the '50 Ways...' show, was a joy to perform in front of such a lovely audience who were going to enjoy whatever I did to be honest - it was just one of those cracking nights. I'll go as far as to say it was probably the best night of my comedy career, it felt that good and a review has come out already online which was positive.
Went for a quick half down the road with Janette and Kate (box office girl) afterwards, before heading back. Home by 9.30pm. That was perfection, Birmingham.
I'm doing the right thing with my life.
Saturday 8th October 2016
I've been feeling a bit down about dad stuff recently, comes in waves, which is only natural. So went to see Mum...took her shopping (she lives alone, how can she do so much shopping?), played with the dog, it just felt right. Whilst replying to a bunch of emails on my phone, and plotting a brilliant, amazing new idea that will *make me* in 2017 if I can find the time to do it justice.
Early evening catch up with Rich B, who is printing my novel for me. Was great to see him and I regret not staying out for longer.
Then over to Huntingdon to see my mate Rob who has been quite ill recently. It's nice, isn't it, to sit in a quiet bar and chat? I feel old. But happy about it.
Early evening catch up with Rich B, who is printing my novel for me. Was great to see him and I regret not staying out for longer.
Then over to Huntingdon to see my mate Rob who has been quite ill recently. It's nice, isn't it, to sit in a quiet bar and chat? I feel old. But happy about it.
Friday 7th October 2016
The plan for the day: spend a couple hours replying to tour emails and sorting an actress for the 'I'm Calling It a Date' show. And then write the show.
What actually happened? I spent 5 HOURS replying to emails, 5 fucking hours. Which means, you know, I'm getting work and that's great but still...I need a PA or something. I've got 2017 tour dates coming out of my arse right now.
Never got round to writing the show and 2 actresses I asked to be in it both said they weren't available, as much as they were keen.
Met up with some friends in the evening and Izzy kindly agreed to be in the play. She's usually first choice anyway but I thought I'd give the girl a break, still grateful she's up for this one, though.
What actually happened? I spent 5 HOURS replying to emails, 5 fucking hours. Which means, you know, I'm getting work and that's great but still...I need a PA or something. I've got 2017 tour dates coming out of my arse right now.
Never got round to writing the show and 2 actresses I asked to be in it both said they weren't available, as much as they were keen.
Met up with some friends in the evening and Izzy kindly agreed to be in the play. She's usually first choice anyway but I thought I'd give the girl a break, still grateful she's up for this one, though.
Thursday 6th October 2016
Popped into the office for a bit, boss wasn't in but still put a decent shift in there I think. It's clearly struggling, but not for the want of trying.
Left at 3pm and got a swanky new phone upgrade. It's seriously lovely and a cracking deal, plus the camera on it is even better than the last one so this won't be an issue when it comes to making cinema-quality movies. Nor will the ideas, either, I've got so many ideas and so many plans right now but lacking in time to do any of them justice.
Band rehearsal with FH was great, we're on good form. G seems a bit too excited about his solo career, still, but that's understandable given everything that's happened. I can't moan if somebody has plans outside of the band because let's be honest, I've got more than I have time for right now myself.
Left at 3pm and got a swanky new phone upgrade. It's seriously lovely and a cracking deal, plus the camera on it is even better than the last one so this won't be an issue when it comes to making cinema-quality movies. Nor will the ideas, either, I've got so many ideas and so many plans right now but lacking in time to do any of them justice.
Band rehearsal with FH was great, we're on good form. G seems a bit too excited about his solo career, still, but that's understandable given everything that's happened. I can't moan if somebody has plans outside of the band because let's be honest, I've got more than I have time for right now myself.
Wednesday, 5 October 2016
Wednesday 5th October 2016
Last night was great, and how lovely to 'hang out' with somebody who totally gets how busy I am and is cool with it?
Any spring in my step though was soon cut by a slow day in the office in which nobody spoke at all for 7 hours and it just felt tense and slightly weird. I'm glad I'm only a freelancer, who is there willingly (I get paid by the hour) and not actually tied into that. Horrible.
Confirmed 3 more shows for next June, and 1 for February. FH are suddenly booking me up too. Basically, 2017 is going to be crazy.
Still need to write the play that is being performed in 23 days time in Cambridge. And cast it. I'll do that this weekend, hopefully.
Evening rehearsal with We Are Sound was awesome, some lovely Afrobeats going on there.
Any spring in my step though was soon cut by a slow day in the office in which nobody spoke at all for 7 hours and it just felt tense and slightly weird. I'm glad I'm only a freelancer, who is there willingly (I get paid by the hour) and not actually tied into that. Horrible.
Confirmed 3 more shows for next June, and 1 for February. FH are suddenly booking me up too. Basically, 2017 is going to be crazy.
Still need to write the play that is being performed in 23 days time in Cambridge. And cast it. I'll do that this weekend, hopefully.
Evening rehearsal with We Are Sound was awesome, some lovely Afrobeats going on there.
Tuesday 4th October 2016
With Tuesday now being my self-scheduled 'day off', I did what I will always do I guess and drive to St Ives to take Mum shopping (can't do this next week as I'm in a studio all day). The dog was very excited today, which was fun. Basically, me sat in a supermarket car park for many hours replying to many emails on my phone...it is actually possible to run a business by your mobile.
Next life plan: actually have a proper business. A film production company is top of the list, the ideas are big and the way I want to do it feels unique (and keeps my hand in there as a writer/performer too). It'll launch soon, but I'm sure I said that ages ago.
Confirmed a couple more tour dates for next June.
Evening had a date, second date with E, she's very lovely and it all feels a bit awesome. Bits of life jigsaw slowly coming together, maybe?
Next life plan: actually have a proper business. A film production company is top of the list, the ideas are big and the way I want to do it feels unique (and keeps my hand in there as a writer/performer too). It'll launch soon, but I'm sure I said that ages ago.
Confirmed a couple more tour dates for next June.
Evening had a date, second date with E, she's very lovely and it all feels a bit awesome. Bits of life jigsaw slowly coming together, maybe?
Monday, 3 October 2016
Monday 3rd October 2016
Well, that was very Monday, wasn't it? Went into the office for a spot of freelancing then couldn't work the new padlock on the gate to the car park. Got in eventually, worked for 6 hours, didn't achieve much and it just all felt a bit tense and tired.
And then...well, why would you change the code on the padlock without telling those who are parked in there? Half a fucking hour later I got out.
Still, had an hour to kill so on a whim bought a load of new bed linen. Like a grown up. I've got loads of that stuff already, but...it was on offer, I'd just been paid, that's the kind of guy I am.
Confirmed 2017 tour shows in London and Hartlepool.
Hotmail account suspended for 24 hours because I've sent too many emails.
Evening had a cracking time filming Christmas film scenes with Emma and James, both of whom seem surprised how slapdash I make my movies. It's all in the edit, it's all looking great.
Got back and confirmed my recording dates for the Freewheeler album - I'd blocked out a lot more time than needed, so suddenly I have 5 or 6 free days in October which I wasn't expecting. Which is great, because I've got two shows to write and various others to worry about.
And then...well, why would you change the code on the padlock without telling those who are parked in there? Half a fucking hour later I got out.
Still, had an hour to kill so on a whim bought a load of new bed linen. Like a grown up. I've got loads of that stuff already, but...it was on offer, I'd just been paid, that's the kind of guy I am.
Confirmed 2017 tour shows in London and Hartlepool.
Hotmail account suspended for 24 hours because I've sent too many emails.
Evening had a cracking time filming Christmas film scenes with Emma and James, both of whom seem surprised how slapdash I make my movies. It's all in the edit, it's all looking great.
Got back and confirmed my recording dates for the Freewheeler album - I'd blocked out a lot more time than needed, so suddenly I have 5 or 6 free days in October which I wasn't expecting. Which is great, because I've got two shows to write and various others to worry about.
Sunday, 2 October 2016
Sunday 2nd October 2016
Up early, despite watching Dad's Army till late last night (didn't realise there was a series 8. How did I not know this?!), down to the local radio to be a guest on Mark's show and plug my novel. Despite my tired face I did okay, because you can't see my face on the wireless...
Got back, had an hours cat nap, then off out again for an afternoon gig with the band at a village hall in Kettering. Seriously, it was like playing on the set of the Vicar of Dibley. Charity event organised by a promoter who gets us a lot of work, was nice enough - we were too loud for a few of the older people but we had enough FH fans in there for this to work out okay. Played really well today, fired up, positive, fast.
Before the gig we had a heart-to-heart chat about where we're at, where this band is going and the general feeling is that we're all desperate to see how far this can go and work out the differences within certain members. Tour booking has started for March 2017 with a new album to follow.
Got back, back with show admin for my comedy stuff for 2017. Now, if I thought 2016 was busy...
Got back, had an hours cat nap, then off out again for an afternoon gig with the band at a village hall in Kettering. Seriously, it was like playing on the set of the Vicar of Dibley. Charity event organised by a promoter who gets us a lot of work, was nice enough - we were too loud for a few of the older people but we had enough FH fans in there for this to work out okay. Played really well today, fired up, positive, fast.
Before the gig we had a heart-to-heart chat about where we're at, where this band is going and the general feeling is that we're all desperate to see how far this can go and work out the differences within certain members. Tour booking has started for March 2017 with a new album to follow.
Got back, back with show admin for my comedy stuff for 2017. Now, if I thought 2016 was busy...
Saturday 1st October 2016
Treated myself to a lie in, and then from 10am staggered out of bed to work on the 'I'm Calling it a Date' script. It's pretty much mirroring my own life anyway, this script, so it's writing itself.
Early afternoon met up with the band and then off on the long trip down to Surrey for our arts centre gig. As soon as I walked in I knew it was going to be great - you just get the vibe, don't you? I love playing in arts centres, we just treated so well, it's the sort of gig that we deserve to be doing, week in, week out. I just like having a nice dressing room and a seated audience. Maybe I'm getting old. Was hardly rammed tonight but it was enough to make it work, we're well out of town so to even half fill the place is great and those who did make it down were vocal in how much they enjoyed it. We were great tonight, really on it.
Long trip back, but home by 1.30am.
Early afternoon met up with the band and then off on the long trip down to Surrey for our arts centre gig. As soon as I walked in I knew it was going to be great - you just get the vibe, don't you? I love playing in arts centres, we just treated so well, it's the sort of gig that we deserve to be doing, week in, week out. I just like having a nice dressing room and a seated audience. Maybe I'm getting old. Was hardly rammed tonight but it was enough to make it work, we're well out of town so to even half fill the place is great and those who did make it down were vocal in how much they enjoyed it. We were great tonight, really on it.
Long trip back, but home by 1.30am.
Friday 30th September 2016
Worked from home - got 6 hours of good stuff done I think. By good stuff, it was mostly tidying up stuff and ideas I'd had already.
Messaged Deacon Blue to see if they'd be up for me writing a musical based on their songs. They haven't replied yet.
Brilliant, long phone meeting with Claire about the Christmas musical. She loves the script, loves the songs, has plenty of time and experience and is willing to pretty much take this totally off my hands. If this works out we could build a really good working relationship for the future here. Just need to get a cast - got my lead actor confirmed, just need the other 3 now.
February tour is looking pretty good, and signed on the dotted line for my 2 night run at Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival.
Evening was supposed to meet up with an old mate, but having got to the pub I had a call saying that he'd been rushed to hospital with chest pains. Not a heart attack, fortunately, but just a reminder that life is short. I'm very grateful he's okay.
Messaged Deacon Blue to see if they'd be up for me writing a musical based on their songs. They haven't replied yet.
Brilliant, long phone meeting with Claire about the Christmas musical. She loves the script, loves the songs, has plenty of time and experience and is willing to pretty much take this totally off my hands. If this works out we could build a really good working relationship for the future here. Just need to get a cast - got my lead actor confirmed, just need the other 3 now.
February tour is looking pretty good, and signed on the dotted line for my 2 night run at Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival.
Evening was supposed to meet up with an old mate, but having got to the pub I had a call saying that he'd been rushed to hospital with chest pains. Not a heart attack, fortunately, but just a reminder that life is short. I'm very grateful he's okay.
Friday, 30 September 2016
Thursday 29th September 2016
Went into the office to make up some of my freelance hours. Did well today, some of it was spent confused looking at the form I'm supposed to be building (mostly because it's so simple, so I assume I've missed something here...) but felt like a productive enough day.
The SMW tour for early Feb is still lacking in confirmations so spent a little time researching venues for that. My solo tour for later that month is looking healthy.
Next year is looking good, but I just need to write this solo show for Christmas first, and also the play which opens next month in Cambridge...
Evening took Fiona out for a fancy dinner to celebrate her fantastic charity achievements recently, lovely evening.
The SMW tour for early Feb is still lacking in confirmations so spent a little time researching venues for that. My solo tour for later that month is looking healthy.
Next year is looking good, but I just need to write this solo show for Christmas first, and also the play which opens next month in Cambridge...
Evening took Fiona out for a fancy dinner to celebrate her fantastic charity achievements recently, lovely evening.
Wednesday 28th September 2016
The plan was to work from home and get a good few hours freelancing in. What actually happened was that I started writing the other scenes for the Christmas film, the scenes which we start filming next week, and got so excited I kinda lost a day on it. Which I think is a really good thing, it just means I'm into it, yeah?
Evening had our first We Are Sound rehearsal (the re-grouped and re-branded Dowsing) and it sounds great - it's totally brilliant to be back, in a room full of wonderful musicians and great songs. Really looking forward to the Christmas gig.
Then got back and finished the script. It was a good day.
Evening had our first We Are Sound rehearsal (the re-grouped and re-branded Dowsing) and it sounds great - it's totally brilliant to be back, in a room full of wonderful musicians and great songs. Really looking forward to the Christmas gig.
Then got back and finished the script. It was a good day.
Tuesday 27th September 2016
I know the biggest joy of being freelance is the flexibility, but I've realised I do need a little more structure in my life sometimes so I've decided to make Tuesday's my day off. Admittedly, this mostly means going back to St Ives and taking Mum shopping, but I'm trying to stay out of all things tour booking and life admin. Just for one day.
Pretty much achieved that I think, did the usual good son duties and I think Mum could tell that I was a little more switched on in her company, rather than staring at my phone all day. The dog enjoyed my company too, more than you could argue I did hers.
Evening filmed some more of the soap - the Josh/Izzy scenes, which are massively behind schedule because we're all so relaxed about it all, but the scenes look great.
Pretty much achieved that I think, did the usual good son duties and I think Mum could tell that I was a little more switched on in her company, rather than staring at my phone all day. The dog enjoyed my company too, more than you could argue I did hers.
Evening filmed some more of the soap - the Josh/Izzy scenes, which are massively behind schedule because we're all so relaxed about it all, but the scenes look great.
Monday, 26 September 2016
Monday 26th September 2016
Went into the office, nobody around. Did some work anyway. Panicked when I realised they hadn't paid me for last week. Then got an email saying they'd literally just paid me and I think the boss is off ill, so haven't lost the job or anything crazy like that.
Got back and did more tour planning. I'm actually really worried about the tour next February now...it's over 800 miles long, just looking at the map has made me realise I would have just been better off touring Europe.
Filmed the last of Hind's scenes for Rantaclaus, it's all looking great. Apart from my to-do list, that isn't looking great, that just looks excessive and mostly unachievable.
Got back and did more tour planning. I'm actually really worried about the tour next February now...it's over 800 miles long, just looking at the map has made me realise I would have just been better off touring Europe.
Filmed the last of Hind's scenes for Rantaclaus, it's all looking great. Apart from my to-do list, that isn't looking great, that just looks excessive and mostly unachievable.
Sunday 25th September 2016
Up far too early for a Sunday, then got far too lost. Ended up in Dunton. Where the fuck is Dunton?
Anyway, an hour later than planned I made it to the Claudia gig, which was nice enough. In a barn, nice people, good food. The dep bassist, Lee, is superb.
Got back, chilled for about the first time in two weeks, got bored of that and found email addresses for another 150 venues. Next year is going to be so brilliantly awesomely busy.
Anyway, an hour later than planned I made it to the Claudia gig, which was nice enough. In a barn, nice people, good food. The dep bassist, Lee, is superb.
Got back, chilled for about the first time in two weeks, got bored of that and found email addresses for another 150 venues. Next year is going to be so brilliantly awesomely busy.
Sunday, 25 September 2016
Saturday 24th September 2016
Up early to carry on the filming - same team as yesterday, only with added Hind as she came down from London. We did a lot today, some of it may have been a little rushed in places but there's enough quality here for me to edit. It's all gonna be great.
Evening gig with FH was a private function - a 60th birthday party. The sort of gig where the disco is more popular than the band. It was a struggle, but the money was good at least.
Evening gig with FH was a private function - a 60th birthday party. The sort of gig where the disco is more popular than the band. It was a struggle, but the money was good at least.
Friday 23rd September 2016
Worked from home in the morning but got frustrated by the Twitter suspension still so went into town to buy some new trainers but couldn't see any I liked to bought a burger and grumbled to myself a bit.
Re-wrote the Christmas script to reflect the change in actors available (because a couple of them are becoming quite difficult...well, one of them in particular) and got really excited about the amount of offers that are coming in for my February tour. Too many to fit in to the tour actually, so plotting another one for May 2017.
Evening we started filming the Christmas movie and it was just a joy throughout - what a pleasure to work with Rob, Claudia and Paul on this - such talented people, so willing to make themselves look daft for the sake of comedy.
Re-wrote the Christmas script to reflect the change in actors available (because a couple of them are becoming quite difficult...well, one of them in particular) and got really excited about the amount of offers that are coming in for my February tour. Too many to fit in to the tour actually, so plotting another one for May 2017.
Evening we started filming the Christmas movie and it was just a joy throughout - what a pleasure to work with Rob, Claudia and Paul on this - such talented people, so willing to make themselves look daft for the sake of comedy.
Thursday 22nd September 2016
Full day in the office. I'm supposed to be in charge of the Twitter campaign but I've been suspended by Twitter...it was a long and frustrating day. In quite good company, though.
Christmas costumes haven't arrived yet for the filming, which starts tomorrow - that's worrying.
Novel needs to be tweaked before release, Christmas stage show needs writing. Tour admin is taking over though, my life is just all admin right now.
Evening went to watch and catch up with GP, great performer - brilliant night.
Christmas costumes haven't arrived yet for the filming, which starts tomorrow - that's worrying.
Novel needs to be tweaked before release, Christmas stage show needs writing. Tour admin is taking over though, my life is just all admin right now.
Evening went to watch and catch up with GP, great performer - brilliant night.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
The Christmas script is a bloody winner, you know. The film stuff that is, haven't worked on the stage one yet...that's to be written next week. About five million projects before that, though.
Did a spot of freelancing in the morning, a bit more tour admin, and then took Mum shopping for the day.
Basically spent the whole day getting angry about traffic - so slow, just everywhere...I've got stuff to do!
Got back and did lots of stuff, mostly planning ahead of the Christmas filming - it's so rigorously planned I'm incredibly impressed with myself.
Did a spot of freelancing in the morning, a bit more tour admin, and then took Mum shopping for the day.
Basically spent the whole day getting angry about traffic - so slow, just everywhere...I've got stuff to do!
Got back and did lots of stuff, mostly planning ahead of the Christmas filming - it's so rigorously planned I'm incredibly impressed with myself.
Wednesday, 21 September 2016
Tuesday 20th September 2016
Full day in the office and one of those days that, even as a freelancer, you can't help but think: is this going to last? Hope it does, it's a set-up that works well for me.
Found an awesome cafe that serves incredible bacon, that kept me happy.
My tour for next February looks frankly ridiculously complex already...I really can't wait, it's going to be exciting. Have no idea what the content of the show will be, of course, but February is ages away yet. 5 shows confirmed for that one now, out of the 13.
Rehearsal with FH was superb; great new songs. I mean, some of them must be really painful for who of the two singers isn't singing them...so personal ("I threw away the jewelry and engagement cards...") but we could be stronger as a band for it.
Got back and edited the Christmas script again. Really hope the cast like it.
Found an awesome cafe that serves incredible bacon, that kept me happy.
My tour for next February looks frankly ridiculously complex already...I really can't wait, it's going to be exciting. Have no idea what the content of the show will be, of course, but February is ages away yet. 5 shows confirmed for that one now, out of the 13.
Rehearsal with FH was superb; great new songs. I mean, some of them must be really painful for who of the two singers isn't singing them...so personal ("I threw away the jewelry and engagement cards...") but we could be stronger as a band for it.
Got back and edited the Christmas script again. Really hope the cast like it.
Monday 19th September 2016
Turned down that signed band; I still think there's a bit of life in FH yet and I'm going to risk it. Don't let me down, guys! They've been good to me, the least I can do is show a bit of loyalty.
Went into the office to freelance but nobody else was around; still did a bit of work for them anyway ahead of the campaign launch tomorrow.
Things for the Freewheeler project are heating up - musicians all on board, schedules coming together. I forgot about the string section but that's all sorted now.
Got back, had a quick look at the Christmas script and realised how logistically tricky it's going to be as my leading actor lives miles away and is only available for three sessions. Script is pretty good, though, I think.
Rehearsal with Claudia ahead of recording her album in November. Working out drum arrangements, having played percussion on everything for her before. Rehearsal felt tired but productive.
Went into the office to freelance but nobody else was around; still did a bit of work for them anyway ahead of the campaign launch tomorrow.
Things for the Freewheeler project are heating up - musicians all on board, schedules coming together. I forgot about the string section but that's all sorted now.
Got back, had a quick look at the Christmas script and realised how logistically tricky it's going to be as my leading actor lives miles away and is only available for three sessions. Script is pretty good, though, I think.
Rehearsal with Claudia ahead of recording her album in November. Working out drum arrangements, having played percussion on everything for her before. Rehearsal felt tired but productive.
Monday, 19 September 2016
Sunday 18th September 2016
Still feel really rough, head cold stuff but it stops me sleeping.
Up early, back in the studio. We were great today; G's new songs are remarkable and can probably save the band. Why would I leave this? So good, best stuff we've ever done.
Tired, after a long day of recording, off to another private gig. House show, but full band (with Daisy supporting us - she's basically an honorary member of FH now as we all hang out so much). Wasn't in the mood but we were brilliant tonight...fast, fiery, sweaty...that was a joyful 90 minutes. We'll be okay.
Up early, back in the studio. We were great today; G's new songs are remarkable and can probably save the band. Why would I leave this? So good, best stuff we've ever done.
Tired, after a long day of recording, off to another private gig. House show, but full band (with Daisy supporting us - she's basically an honorary member of FH now as we all hang out so much). Wasn't in the mood but we were brilliant tonight...fast, fiery, sweaty...that was a joyful 90 minutes. We'll be okay.
Saturday 17th September 2016
My schedule for the next few months is bulging - mostly because of the existing stuff, but also because of the other projects I've forgotten about (such as the musical in December). Not in control of it at all.
Still, nice to switch off and spend the day in the studio as work begins on FH album 3. How have we got this far? Will we even still be a band by the time this one is finished? Some uncertain moments today, a bit of tension and generally everything felt a bit flat. We recorded stuff well, but it's missing the excitement of previous album sessions. Or maybe I'm just over-anaylsing it as I've had an enquiry from a big signed band, which would change everything if I took it.
Another corporate gig tonight. Gig overran so much, didn't get on stage till 11.30pm, offstage by 1pm. Played okay, audience were really pumped for it.
Home by 3am. Feel quite ill.
Still, nice to switch off and spend the day in the studio as work begins on FH album 3. How have we got this far? Will we even still be a band by the time this one is finished? Some uncertain moments today, a bit of tension and generally everything felt a bit flat. We recorded stuff well, but it's missing the excitement of previous album sessions. Or maybe I'm just over-anaylsing it as I've had an enquiry from a big signed band, which would change everything if I took it.
Another corporate gig tonight. Gig overran so much, didn't get on stage till 11.30pm, offstage by 1pm. Played okay, audience were really pumped for it.
Home by 3am. Feel quite ill.
Friday 16th September 2016
Did a spot of tour admin (all for the Feb 2017 tour) and then off to the office for a bit. Long day of working on a Twitter campaign.
Early evening corporate gig. Standard show for that sort of thing; mostly ignored but the money is good. Rained a bit, nobody listened but home by 10pm which means I had the chance to spend another couple hours writing.
Early evening corporate gig. Standard show for that sort of thing; mostly ignored but the money is good. Rained a bit, nobody listened but home by 10pm which means I had the chance to spend another couple hours writing.
Thursday 15th September 2016
The novel comes out at the start of November yet the person printing the physical copies never showed up to our meeting earlier - that's stressed me a bit. As does the filming schedule for the Christmas movie, which is getting more confusing than it needs to be.
Should have a cast sorted for my 'I'm Calling it a Date' play, which opens at the end of October.
The Freewheeler recording stuff is getting there.
Took the morning out to take Mum shopping. She seemed a bit down so ended up staying most of the day there.
Got back and pretty much nailed the first draft of the Christmas movie script, which is a relief as we start filming next week,.
Should have a cast sorted for my 'I'm Calling it a Date' play, which opens at the end of October.
The Freewheeler recording stuff is getting there.
Took the morning out to take Mum shopping. She seemed a bit down so ended up staying most of the day there.
Got back and pretty much nailed the first draft of the Christmas movie script, which is a relief as we start filming next week,.
Wednesday 14th September 2016
Did a spot of freelancing from home in the morning, a bit of schedule rearranging to accomodate the ridiculous amount of projects I've got coming up before the year is out and then spent the rest of the day writing.
Felt good to lock myself away and just write, for hours and hours on end. I need to do more of this. Less tour admin/more actual writing the shows.
The Christmas film is really nice, you know. Really good. Not finished yet, but not far off.
Felt good to lock myself away and just write, for hours and hours on end. I need to do more of this. Less tour admin/more actual writing the shows.
The Christmas film is really nice, you know. Really good. Not finished yet, but not far off.
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
Tuesday 13th September 2016
In the office this morning for a bit to show my face. They like me there, it's all good.
Then off to the studio at 3pm again to nail the jazz stuff...we did well today/night. It's a nice little record we've created there.
Got back, worked on the Christmas script. It's okay at the moment. Nothing more than that right now. I have time tomorrow and Thursday to work on it.
Then off to the studio at 3pm again to nail the jazz stuff...we did well today/night. It's a nice little record we've created there.
Got back, worked on the Christmas script. It's okay at the moment. Nothing more than that right now. I have time tomorrow and Thursday to work on it.
Monday 12th September 2016
Did a spot of freenlancing in the office, which mostly involved sitting in a very long meeting.
More interest for the Christmas show, which is pretty much full, but I can make ore days, yes?
Things with the Freewheeler project feel exciting.
Left the office at 3pm to go and record with Rohan and Chris for 6 hours. Day 2 of 3, it's sounding okay. This studio is amazing.
More interest for the Christmas show, which is pretty much full, but I can make ore days, yes?
Things with the Freewheeler project feel exciting.
Left the office at 3pm to go and record with Rohan and Chris for 6 hours. Day 2 of 3, it's sounding okay. This studio is amazing.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
Sunday 11th September 2016
FH battle on for another day, but I'm also aware enough to know that I need to have other stuff on the go just in case. As a drummer, obviously. The comedy is working out okay by itself.
Sent out another bunch of emails regarding the tour with SMW, and a few more to try and fill in the existing date I have on my own Christmas tour. Fuck all response at the time of writing.
Then off to record with Rohan and Chris, the first of 3 days/nights in a row of improvised jazz stuff. Amazing studio, sound is great, brilliant producer. We should have rehearsed, really. But maybe we'll get something out of this...2 tracks in the bag so far, in the 6 hour session.
Got back and made great progress on the Christmas film script. Next week looks busy. I need more...well, energy I guess, if I'm to finish the script by then on top of everything else. Which I have to. Uh oh, Richards has taken on too much, again.
Sent out another bunch of emails regarding the tour with SMW, and a few more to try and fill in the existing date I have on my own Christmas tour. Fuck all response at the time of writing.
Then off to record with Rohan and Chris, the first of 3 days/nights in a row of improvised jazz stuff. Amazing studio, sound is great, brilliant producer. We should have rehearsed, really. But maybe we'll get something out of this...2 tracks in the bag so far, in the 6 hour session.
Got back and made great progress on the Christmas film script. Next week looks busy. I need more...well, energy I guess, if I'm to finish the script by then on top of everything else. Which I have to. Uh oh, Richards has taken on too much, again.
Saturday 10th September 2016
Okay, it's only September, let's not worry too much about the Christmas film. Apart from the fact that it's being filmed in 13 DAYS TIME.
Was doing my weekly food shop when I got a text from Claudia reminding me I was supposed to be in a rehearsal with her, so dashed over to the studio and made the last hour and a bit. The dep bassist, Lee, is a bit good, and it all sounds lovely. Claudia and Marcel get me more than most people do, we're already talking about next year's fringe and the show I've got lined up for them. Great musicians who understand the madness of it all, it's a joy.
Got back, wrote for 2 hours, and then off to play a private gig with FH. Some really awkward moments tonight between G and V....so painfully fragile. It can't carry on, surely? Saying that, we were great tonight, for all 2 hours of it.
Was doing my weekly food shop when I got a text from Claudia reminding me I was supposed to be in a rehearsal with her, so dashed over to the studio and made the last hour and a bit. The dep bassist, Lee, is a bit good, and it all sounds lovely. Claudia and Marcel get me more than most people do, we're already talking about next year's fringe and the show I've got lined up for them. Great musicians who understand the madness of it all, it's a joy.
Got back, wrote for 2 hours, and then off to play a private gig with FH. Some really awkward moments tonight between G and V....so painfully fragile. It can't carry on, surely? Saying that, we were great tonight, for all 2 hours of it.
Friday 9th September 2016
I *get* that these Christmas films won't write themselves, but I wish they did...but then I'm glad that they don't because it's really fun listening to festive music in September. It's just an excuse, isn't it? But then also tinged with a bit of sadness (understatement) because Christmas last year was, obviously, for many reasons, the worst ever.
All helps with the writing, I guess.
Took Mum to the seaside, with my sister, and the dog. It was lovely. Loveliest day we've had as a family since Dad's passing. The dog, as much as she bites me and generally causes a lot of problems, does a lot of good too. And Brancaster is awesome, I want to film there, it's just perfect.
Got back, had a shower to get rid of all the sand and then off out for Griff's birthday bash, which was good fun, if weird that V wasn't there. It's all politics, isn't it?
All helps with the writing, I guess.
Took Mum to the seaside, with my sister, and the dog. It was lovely. Loveliest day we've had as a family since Dad's passing. The dog, as much as she bites me and generally causes a lot of problems, does a lot of good too. And Brancaster is awesome, I want to film there, it's just perfect.
Got back, had a shower to get rid of all the sand and then off out for Griff's birthday bash, which was good fun, if weird that V wasn't there. It's all politics, isn't it?
Thursday, 8 September 2016
Thursday 8th September 2016
Mum was supposed to be looking at a house to buy tomorrow in Dorset (and I was supposed to be driving her there) but some git has just bought it so that's that trip cancelled. Took her shopping this morning anyway, like a good son.
Yesterday I got my first ever bit of feedback on YouTube from somebody who doesn't know me. It simply said, "You're a fucking madman."
Can't really argue with that.
Got home from Mum's shopping trip and finished a blog for the freelance place, not sure if my over-friendly style is formal enough for them but we'll soon find out.
Updated my many sites, which is a hassle to do this every time I get a show confirmed. I clearly haven't thought this through.
Spent about three hours working on the tour dates for the run of shows with Laura in February. She has such a great CV, this shouldn't be hard getting us 8 or 9 shows.
Did some more work on the Rantaclaus script, which is still a million miles off being finished but feels good, you know, as a project - it's a strong concept, a lot stronger than the terrible pun in the title suggests.
Yesterday I got my first ever bit of feedback on YouTube from somebody who doesn't know me. It simply said, "You're a fucking madman."
Can't really argue with that.
Got home from Mum's shopping trip and finished a blog for the freelance place, not sure if my over-friendly style is formal enough for them but we'll soon find out.
Updated my many sites, which is a hassle to do this every time I get a show confirmed. I clearly haven't thought this through.
Spent about three hours working on the tour dates for the run of shows with Laura in February. She has such a great CV, this shouldn't be hard getting us 8 or 9 shows.
Did some more work on the Rantaclaus script, which is still a million miles off being finished but feels good, you know, as a project - it's a strong concept, a lot stronger than the terrible pun in the title suggests.
Wednesday 7th September 2016
Third and final day in the office this week (this was all in danger of getting a bit 'real job'), but a productive enough one.
Happy that I've confirmed Emma H to be in my new online series, we'll be filming that in November. I've got a lot of stuff coming up, it's both exciting and tiring in equal measures. The tour with Laura for next February looks great, especially from a career perspective.
Band gig in Letchworth. Was a proper tense one tonight; G +V at each others' throats before the gig began, nearly didn't make it to the stage. This had 'final gig' written all over it. Then we played a stormer and all seems like it might last another day.
Happy that I've confirmed Emma H to be in my new online series, we'll be filming that in November. I've got a lot of stuff coming up, it's both exciting and tiring in equal measures. The tour with Laura for next February looks great, especially from a career perspective.
Band gig in Letchworth. Was a proper tense one tonight; G +V at each others' throats before the gig began, nearly didn't make it to the stage. This had 'final gig' written all over it. Then we played a stormer and all seems like it might last another day.
Tuesday 6th September 2016
A second day in the office, this time to go through the report and stuff. It's all a bit dull. My freelance role has now changed a bit, meaning I have to go in again tomorrow but should all calm down a bit and into a normal routine by next week. The vibe is still nice there, though.
Emails are starting to pile in again about various things; I updated my writing site yesterday and then emailed every am-dram society in the UK offering them my work, for free, as it's just nice to get my name out there, isn't it?
Evening filmed the soap scenes with Izzy and Josh, which felt tired at first and then we all got into it. By the end we were flying at the footage looks great. So much to do with this soap, still. So much to do with every project.
Emails are starting to pile in again about various things; I updated my writing site yesterday and then emailed every am-dram society in the UK offering them my work, for free, as it's just nice to get my name out there, isn't it?
Evening filmed the soap scenes with Izzy and Josh, which felt tired at first and then we all got into it. By the end we were flying at the footage looks great. So much to do with this soap, still. So much to do with every project.
Monday 5th September 2016
Up early to pop down to go on local TV. It was an interview about the fringe, which was fine enough, but won't be broadcast for a while yet. Gave me an excuse to plug the Birmingham performance of '50 Ways...' at least.
Then into the office for a bit to finish writing an (excessively long but frankly rather impressive) report for them. As far as freelance posts go, this is the nicest.
Then a quick catch up with Rob, who is to play Santa in the film, and then off to Sarah's to film her final scenes for the soap opera with Chloe and Emma. They were all on good form tonight, it was a total joy to hang out with them.
Then into the office for a bit to finish writing an (excessively long but frankly rather impressive) report for them. As far as freelance posts go, this is the nicest.
Then a quick catch up with Rob, who is to play Santa in the film, and then off to Sarah's to film her final scenes for the soap opera with Chloe and Emma. They were all on good form tonight, it was a total joy to hang out with them.
Sunday 4th September 2016
As always, I have real issues with sleeping after a gig - even if that one last night was a bit on the 'it's very much a job' level. Anyway, stayed up till late and watched early 90s sitcoms till the early hours.
Once I was up, though, I had a productive enough day - trying to fill the final gaps in my Christmas schedule, I did a little exercise, I continued the rebuild of my various different sites...I think I'm ready to launch now.
Still haven't nailed the scripts for the Christmas films, the filming of which starts later this month. Slightly worrying.
The day did just go really, annoyingly, worryingly, quickly.
Once I was up, though, I had a productive enough day - trying to fill the final gaps in my Christmas schedule, I did a little exercise, I continued the rebuild of my various different sites...I think I'm ready to launch now.
Still haven't nailed the scripts for the Christmas films, the filming of which starts later this month. Slightly worrying.
The day did just go really, annoyingly, worryingly, quickly.
Sunday, 4 September 2016
Saturday 3rd September 2016
Quite a late night last night but up early-ish for a standard Red Bull and scotch egg breakfast before heading over to Claudia's for a remarkably productive rehearsal.
Dashed back, scrubbed up, put on a suit jacket and the off to Rugby with the band for a wedding gig. Things with the band still feel very fragile, but we're fighting through it. In some ways we're stronger than before, everyone's so honest with each other. In other ways it just feels a bit messy still. We played well tonight, and even nailed the first dance despite not rehearsing it at all. Good musicians, this lot, even if we're on auto pilot we're putting on a decent show and people seem to warm to us. Gave V a lift back and we spoke in great depth and I can't stress how furious I am with A and everything he's (nearly) destroyed here.
Weddings are always long gigs. Left at 4pm, home by 2am.
Dashed back, scrubbed up, put on a suit jacket and the off to Rugby with the band for a wedding gig. Things with the band still feel very fragile, but we're fighting through it. In some ways we're stronger than before, everyone's so honest with each other. In other ways it just feels a bit messy still. We played well tonight, and even nailed the first dance despite not rehearsing it at all. Good musicians, this lot, even if we're on auto pilot we're putting on a decent show and people seem to warm to us. Gave V a lift back and we spoke in great depth and I can't stress how furious I am with A and everything he's (nearly) destroyed here.
Weddings are always long gigs. Left at 4pm, home by 2am.
Friday 2nd September 2016
Did a little work from home, but mostly focused on putting all the Christmas stuff together. Basically going quite intensively into the Christmas thing right now with both films and the stage show. I love Christmas; it's all good.
Also did quite a bit of work on the festival I'm launching with Edd. We've put together a cracking line-up, as much as I'm annoyed that my 'not doing things in Cambridge' rule is broken already. I won't bring the Christmas show to Cambridge, at least.
Popped out and took Mum shopping for a few hours, she seems stressed and down about everything and it's all just a bit horrible.
Came back, showered, and then went on a date. Well, I think it was a date. Not sure, I've known her for a while. Either way, it was a lovely evening.
Also did quite a bit of work on the festival I'm launching with Edd. We've put together a cracking line-up, as much as I'm annoyed that my 'not doing things in Cambridge' rule is broken already. I won't bring the Christmas show to Cambridge, at least.
Popped out and took Mum shopping for a few hours, she seems stressed and down about everything and it's all just a bit horrible.
Came back, showered, and then went on a date. Well, I think it was a date. Not sure, I've known her for a while. Either way, it was a lovely evening.
Thursday 1st September
Into the new office for the freelance stuff; it's quite swanky in there and I felt more comfortable than I wanted to be. Any office that has free beer, whenever you want it, well...I'm only supposed to be in once or twice a week but could be tempted to come in more now!
Put in a good shift of report writing, came home and then spent another 4 hours staring at a screen - this time working on all my websites ahead of the great Richards re-brand that will happen...whenever it's all ready. Soon, though.
Put in a good shift of report writing, came home and then spent another 4 hours staring at a screen - this time working on all my websites ahead of the great Richards re-brand that will happen...whenever it's all ready. Soon, though.
Wednesday 31st August 2016
Worked from home today, got quite a lot of the report done I've been asked to do.
Managed to schedule all of the Christmas filming and even start work on the script, whilst learning the first dance for another wedding gig this weekend. First chance I've actually had to unpack and wash clothes since Edinburgh.
Confirmed another tour date for the Christmas show, replied to all emails about shows and generally got a bit confused looking at the filming schedule for the soap opera.
A productive day, but one wasted pretty much all on admin.
Evening I met up with Meg to rant about a few things and bless her, she listened well.
Managed to schedule all of the Christmas filming and even start work on the script, whilst learning the first dance for another wedding gig this weekend. First chance I've actually had to unpack and wash clothes since Edinburgh.
Confirmed another tour date for the Christmas show, replied to all emails about shows and generally got a bit confused looking at the filming schedule for the soap opera.
A productive day, but one wasted pretty much all on admin.
Evening I met up with Meg to rant about a few things and bless her, she listened well.
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
Tuesday 30th August 2016
Back to the slow and slightly comforting reality of freelancing. Nice to be back in an office where nobody talks, after the frantic, in your face 3 weeks of Edinburgh. Working on a long but easy enough report for them...keeps the bills paid, doesn't it?
Evening wedding gig with the band. Who gets married on a Tuesday? It was fine. I don't really like wedding gigs but again...keeps the bills paid, doesn't it?
Evening wedding gig with the band. Who gets married on a Tuesday? It was fine. I don't really like wedding gigs but again...keeps the bills paid, doesn't it?
Monday 29th August 2016
First day properly at home.
Things move quickly, don't they? That wasn't a bad fringe at all this year, probably my only fringe without major crisis. Next year I'll nail it, but this year was more than fine. And the band gig last night was just incredible.
Took Mum shopping, got bitten by the dog lots of times. The usual.
Got home, and stopped for the first time in about a month.
Things move quickly, don't they? That wasn't a bad fringe at all this year, probably my only fringe without major crisis. Next year I'll nail it, but this year was more than fine. And the band gig last night was just incredible.
Took Mum shopping, got bitten by the dog lots of times. The usual.
Got home, and stopped for the first time in about a month.
Sunday 28th August 2016
Had 3 hours sleep, and then Gaf came to pick me up.
So tired, but off to the first of 2 gigs of the day. The first one, in Wokingham, was fine - I was low on energy but the audience were so appreciative and it's so nice to see the band again. It's all been a struggle, but they seem happier at the moment. No idea what the future holds, but right now it's still just about working.
Back in the people carrier and over to Milton Keynes to headline a festival. Got there a bit earlier so I slept in the car for a bit. Festival overran big-style and we didn't get on stage till 11.15pm. But...well, it's the best festival, anywhere. Totally sold out, making over £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in the process, and a huge marquee full of people who totally adore us. We played our arses off, any troubles of the past 3 months seem to be behind us, it was just magical. Utterly, jaw-droppingly, magical.
Incredible night.
So tired, but off to the first of 2 gigs of the day. The first one, in Wokingham, was fine - I was low on energy but the audience were so appreciative and it's so nice to see the band again. It's all been a struggle, but they seem happier at the moment. No idea what the future holds, but right now it's still just about working.
Back in the people carrier and over to Milton Keynes to headline a festival. Got there a bit earlier so I slept in the car for a bit. Festival overran big-style and we didn't get on stage till 11.15pm. But...well, it's the best festival, anywhere. Totally sold out, making over £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in the process, and a huge marquee full of people who totally adore us. We played our arses off, any troubles of the past 3 months seem to be behind us, it was just magical. Utterly, jaw-droppingly, magical.
Incredible night.
Saturday 27th August 2016
Final day of the fringe! Felt quite sad for bits of it...my whole life revolves around the Edinburgh Fringe, when it ends it's just like the end of Christmas. I also feel incredibly knackered - on top of doing the shows I also have to do at least 3 miles of walking every day. And all the drinking, too. It's really taken it out of me.
Did some final flyering, had a final cheeseburger in the lovely little cafe that I go to everyday at the fringe, and did some souvenir shopping.
Watched Jeff's show - he's the show on before me every day so it was nice to catch it.
Least of Your Problems... was lovely today, great to see Emma and her friends, plus some real Richards fans who were excited about it. Final ever performance of this piece but so good today, so cocky. I enjoyed that.
Got a little sleep, and then another guest slot at Adam's showcase. Audience were flat tonight, really flat, it was a struggle.
Final performance of '50 Ways...' was nice, good audience, dedicated and into it. Went on a bit longer than I wanted but a decent finale.
I then dashed back to my car and drove for 7 hours, home. Potentially dangerous, I mean - it's a long drive to start at midnight after performing 69 shows in 22 days, but had to be done. I drove extra carefully. It was a battle, but I was home just after 7am. Ouch.
Did some final flyering, had a final cheeseburger in the lovely little cafe that I go to everyday at the fringe, and did some souvenir shopping.
Watched Jeff's show - he's the show on before me every day so it was nice to catch it.
Least of Your Problems... was lovely today, great to see Emma and her friends, plus some real Richards fans who were excited about it. Final ever performance of this piece but so good today, so cocky. I enjoyed that.
Got a little sleep, and then another guest slot at Adam's showcase. Audience were flat tonight, really flat, it was a struggle.
Final performance of '50 Ways...' was nice, good audience, dedicated and into it. Went on a bit longer than I wanted but a decent finale.
I then dashed back to my car and drove for 7 hours, home. Potentially dangerous, I mean - it's a long drive to start at midnight after performing 69 shows in 22 days, but had to be done. I drove extra carefully. It was a battle, but I was home just after 7am. Ouch.
Friday 26th August 2016
Up earlyish to do a little flyering...the fringe is nearly over for another year. This makes me sad, but also annoyed - always feels like untapped potential here.
Performed at the final Comedy Tapas, was great fun and slightly emotional - this same line-up has been doing this show for quite a few days now and we've all become quite good friends. It was a great show today; we were all on good form.
Least of Your Problems...total no-show, not a single audience member. Gutting, but it's been heading that way for a few days now. Next year it'll be different, next year I'll ram it every day. And ideally not be in a venue that is effectively a curtain separating me from a working men's club.
Yeah, I've enjoyed this fringe but I'm done with it for this year.
Went and watched Jollyboat with Izzy, they are always good fun.
Did my now regular spot at Adam's show which was good fun. For the second night in a row I decided to drum on random pots rather than, well, drums, and it goes down well. Got Jo and Claudia on stage to hold them for me and we called them The Paulettes - my new backing band is accidentally formed...
50 Ways... Typical Friday crowd; the venue is a cinema for the rest if the year so naturally at weekends you get a bunch of people in who don't really know what they're taking on. During the course of the show, mostly thanks to mad eyed staring, I whittled them down to eventually an audience who were there intentionally. Performance was fast and aggressive.
Performed at the final Comedy Tapas, was great fun and slightly emotional - this same line-up has been doing this show for quite a few days now and we've all become quite good friends. It was a great show today; we were all on good form.
Least of Your Problems...total no-show, not a single audience member. Gutting, but it's been heading that way for a few days now. Next year it'll be different, next year I'll ram it every day. And ideally not be in a venue that is effectively a curtain separating me from a working men's club.
Yeah, I've enjoyed this fringe but I'm done with it for this year.
Went and watched Jollyboat with Izzy, they are always good fun.
Did my now regular spot at Adam's show which was good fun. For the second night in a row I decided to drum on random pots rather than, well, drums, and it goes down well. Got Jo and Claudia on stage to hold them for me and we called them The Paulettes - my new backing band is accidentally formed...
50 Ways... Typical Friday crowd; the venue is a cinema for the rest if the year so naturally at weekends you get a bunch of people in who don't really know what they're taking on. During the course of the show, mostly thanks to mad eyed staring, I whittled them down to eventually an audience who were there intentionally. Performance was fast and aggressive.
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