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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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...

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?

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.

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...

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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...

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.

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.