Worked really hard for the freelance place today, in the four and a bit hours I was in. Feels like proper work, but I still enjoy the flexibility of it - especially considering how crazy November looks, and it's only 20 hours a week. A busy 20 hours, though, all of a sudden.
Then in the late afternoon headed over to the fens to start recording our fifth release with Rohan and Chris. Brilliant studio and, although I sometimes need to convincing when it comes to playing jazz/prog fusion, we recorded some really lovely stuff tonight. It'll make for an awesome soundtrack to whatever film I make next...
Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Sunday, 29 October 2017
Sunday 29th October 2017
Finally feel human again, after about 13 hours sleep.
Caught up on a few emails and slowly made my way down to the studio, mostly just to hang out with my FH mates as we all miss each other already. The third album is coming along brilliantly, they were on the backing vocals today and the plan is to have everything done by Christmas, with a release early next year. Band feels good, and I'm slowly getting my head around my comedy/theatre/film plans for 2018 - and who I want to work with on them.
Lots of ideas, but I just need to get November out the way first - it looks like it could be a chaotic one, and one I haven't put enough thought into yet.
Caught up on a few emails and slowly made my way down to the studio, mostly just to hang out with my FH mates as we all miss each other already. The third album is coming along brilliantly, they were on the backing vocals today and the plan is to have everything done by Christmas, with a release early next year. Band feels good, and I'm slowly getting my head around my comedy/theatre/film plans for 2018 - and who I want to work with on them.
Lots of ideas, but I just need to get November out the way first - it looks like it could be a chaotic one, and one I haven't put enough thought into yet.
Saturday 28th October 2017
Normality is gradually creeping in after the madness of the last few weeks. Today I drove over to Mum's and took her shopping, for example. I was grumpy, though. I need sleep. Lots and lots sleep, please. I apologised later on.
In the evening, quick catch up and rant with Rob, good fun.
My to-do list is daft, but it can wait until I've either had more sleep or caffeine.
In the evening, quick catch up and rant with Rob, good fun.
My to-do list is daft, but it can wait until I've either had more sleep or caffeine.
Friday 27th October 2017
Back in the office for 5 hours, mostly to solidify what my new tasks are. It'll be fine, everything seems okay there. I've got so many emails to reply to, though, about comedy gigs, about murder mystery forthcoming shows (2 left this year), the Christmas tour, the Scandinavia tour, session drum work...yet I'm still so tired.
I mean, not too tired to have drinks with my housemates tonight, of course not. A couple of quiet drinks with Phill and Jordan may have ended up being later than planned, but I like living here and good fun was had.
I mean, not too tired to have drinks with my housemates tonight, of course not. A couple of quiet drinks with Phill and Jordan may have ended up being later than planned, but I like living here and good fun was had.
Thursday 26th October 2017
Slept for about 9 hours but my body clock is still all over the place. Went into the office for a bit - I'm totally a freelancer so I didn't have to go in, but equally, as I'm totally a freelancer I need to go in to make money.
There's a new CEO now and he went straight into the work chat quite heavily which at first was a struggle for my jet-lagged-body to cope with, but by the end of the day my new tasks had been agreed and I think it'll work out just fine.
Then had a stand-up gig in Cambridge at a local college. It was fine, the audience were typically reserved and my performance was typically sloppy, but it went down well enough. I've done better, but I've done a lot worse.
There's a new CEO now and he went straight into the work chat quite heavily which at first was a struggle for my jet-lagged-body to cope with, but by the end of the day my new tasks had been agreed and I think it'll work out just fine.
Then had a stand-up gig in Cambridge at a local college. It was fine, the audience were typically reserved and my performance was typically sloppy, but it went down well enough. I've done better, but I've done a lot worse.
Tuesday 24th October/Wednesday 25th October 2017
Met up with everyone at 11am for brunch, and then all back on the tour bus for the final time - this time for a 4 hour trip to Nanjing aiport. The 20 of us (two bands, 2 translators, various festival officials and also the bus driver) have been through a lot, it feels, over the last week and a bit. There was a lot of tears at the end, it was a great adventure, we could have done it for longer.
Saying our goodbyes to Leo and Catherine at the airport (both of whom was bawling their eyes out), we realised we were so welcome in China, more than we sometimes feel in our own country. We've already discussed it with the tour officials about the possibility of us returning next year to do it all again, as far as I know it's pretty much confirmed already that we'll be back asap. They loved us over there, but equally - we loved them.
Flight to Guangzhou, and then 12 hour flight back to Heathrow. Back in the UK by 6am. The flight home was more comfortable - I didn't have some fat lady behind me moaning about my reclining chair this time, just Griff, so it was fine. I watched the Shaun the Sheep movie and it was bloody awesome.
Back in Cambridge at 10.30am, had a shower, stopped for a moment, had a sleep, unpacked clothes. Popped over to see my mum in the afternoon, gave her the presents I hastily bought her from the airport.
Home early evening, slept. A lot.
Saying our goodbyes to Leo and Catherine at the airport (both of whom was bawling their eyes out), we realised we were so welcome in China, more than we sometimes feel in our own country. We've already discussed it with the tour officials about the possibility of us returning next year to do it all again, as far as I know it's pretty much confirmed already that we'll be back asap. They loved us over there, but equally - we loved them.
Flight to Guangzhou, and then 12 hour flight back to Heathrow. Back in the UK by 6am. The flight home was more comfortable - I didn't have some fat lady behind me moaning about my reclining chair this time, just Griff, so it was fine. I watched the Shaun the Sheep movie and it was bloody awesome.
Back in Cambridge at 10.30am, had a shower, stopped for a moment, had a sleep, unpacked clothes. Popped over to see my mum in the afternoon, gave her the presents I hastily bought her from the airport.
Home early evening, slept. A lot.
Monday 23rd October 2017
Everyone is starting to get a bit ill now, the bus feels like a very snotty place to be. The hot showers in the hotel are amazing, though.
On the bus for 10am, 2 hour trip to the next hotel to check in, have a big lunch, have 2 hours off.
FH, without translators, went for a little walk. Just like how the tour started, we didn't get far without Leo and Catherine, because we don't speak the language. Found a cafe eventually but still, it's almost like we've bookended the tour with confusion.
Back in the hotel briefly and then back on the bus for the final show. Amazing venue and it was decided that we would play Kang Ding with our Belgian tour buddies as a show closer. Rehearsed it in the soundcheck and it was great to have brass and two bassists and strings and extra percussion on it.
Both bands were excellent tonight, they've been consistently great anyway (proper jazz musicians, see) and it was probably the best FH have played all tour. Sold out again, I think. The finale was amazing, it was a party on stage, it was so much joy for everyone, I still can't get my head around it. Amazing stuff, with amazing people.
The final dinner was spectacular and we drank more than ever. We serenaded our hosts with Uptown Funk (FH style) and once again toasted KAMMMPPPPAYYYYY more than you could imagine. We drank till the early hours, played games and I remember it just being me and three of the Belgians left in the bar, working through a case of beer that Frank had bought us. We finished it, eventually. About 3.30am, I think. I really clicked with those guys, great friendships have been made there and we'll catch up again soon.
On the bus for 10am, 2 hour trip to the next hotel to check in, have a big lunch, have 2 hours off.
FH, without translators, went for a little walk. Just like how the tour started, we didn't get far without Leo and Catherine, because we don't speak the language. Found a cafe eventually but still, it's almost like we've bookended the tour with confusion.
Back in the hotel briefly and then back on the bus for the final show. Amazing venue and it was decided that we would play Kang Ding with our Belgian tour buddies as a show closer. Rehearsed it in the soundcheck and it was great to have brass and two bassists and strings and extra percussion on it.
Both bands were excellent tonight, they've been consistently great anyway (proper jazz musicians, see) and it was probably the best FH have played all tour. Sold out again, I think. The finale was amazing, it was a party on stage, it was so much joy for everyone, I still can't get my head around it. Amazing stuff, with amazing people.
The final dinner was spectacular and we drank more than ever. We serenaded our hosts with Uptown Funk (FH style) and once again toasted KAMMMPPPPAYYYYY more than you could imagine. We drank till the early hours, played games and I remember it just being me and three of the Belgians left in the bar, working through a case of beer that Frank had bought us. We finished it, eventually. About 3.30am, I think. I really clicked with those guys, great friendships have been made there and we'll catch up again soon.
Sunday 22nd October 2017
Well, that's 2 hungover bands on a bus! Luckily, not an early start - 11am, as our venue wasn't far away. Still felt early, though. Not sure what time we finished last night.
Typically huge lunch, and then a few hours to rest in the latest hotel. A couple of us (most of FH, plus Leo) went for a walk, found a Starbucks, and then caught one of those bizarre mini-taxi things back which was scarier than any fairground ride I've ever been on.
Sold out show tonight, 700-capacity venue. This is crazy.
Sound onstage was terrible (apparently quite good in the audience, though) and both brothers were suffering with heavy colds, but we were mega tight tonight. Had 28 CDs left, sold them all tonight and had to turn many away. We've sold a lot of CDs on this tour.
Back to the hotel, lovely dinner and a few light beers.
Spent the rest of the night, till the early hours, with Lachlan, V, Catherine and Leo, working on ways to get our music released in China.
Typically huge lunch, and then a few hours to rest in the latest hotel. A couple of us (most of FH, plus Leo) went for a walk, found a Starbucks, and then caught one of those bizarre mini-taxi things back which was scarier than any fairground ride I've ever been on.
Sold out show tonight, 700-capacity venue. This is crazy.
Sound onstage was terrible (apparently quite good in the audience, though) and both brothers were suffering with heavy colds, but we were mega tight tonight. Had 28 CDs left, sold them all tonight and had to turn many away. We've sold a lot of CDs on this tour.
Back to the hotel, lovely dinner and a few light beers.
Spent the rest of the night, till the early hours, with Lachlan, V, Catherine and Leo, working on ways to get our music released in China.
Saturday 21st October 2017
A long day. Such a long day. Up so early, and everyone is a bit grumpy on the bus. I'm happy because I've just discovered tea. Tea is amazing. Herbal tea...can't get enough of the stuff. I'm 36, how has it taken this long?
2 shows today, the first one took just over 5 hours to get to. At the services, I got tea instead of Red Bull. Richards is fucking growing up!
First gig in the afternoon in Xiangshui, a college (they don't have days off at college in China, apparently... but then again, neither do touring musicians). Biggest room of the tour I think, must be over a thousand capacity, and there was barely an empty seat. No soundguy, though, so collectively between us, both bands did the sound for each other and it was fun... the equipment was there at least, as were people trying to help. Musically probably the weakest we've played on this tour and the drum kit kept sliding - we had a carpet below it, but that slid too. We're tired, it's showing. Still, they couldn't get enough of us! Biggest audience response yet to the extent it was almost uncomfortable, Leo and Mr Dong had to usher us away at the end because we were in danger of missing our next gig.
Quick (if typically excessive) lunch and then 1 hour trip to the next venue. Massive billboards of our faces outside! Bit weird, but my ego is exploding. Huge venue, stressful soundchecks, you could just feel the tension in the dressing room. Both bands are tired. Our set (apart from one show, we've been the closing band on this tour) was more than fine - much tighter than earlier, but lacking the buzz of the shows from the start of the tour. Sold a record amount of CDs afterwards; feels like we can't do a thing wrong over here. Even back in the hotel a fan wanted a selfie in a lift, there's no break from these enthusiastic people!
After two gigs, a lot of miles and a long day, the evening was...well, long. In a great, great way. It was our chance to wind down and our hosts ordered us to, "drink as much as you can," so we did. Oh boy, we did. At the meal we drank countless (I stopped counting at 11) shots of the 42% rice wine, and lots and lots and lots of beer. I remember drinking wine from a jug, and I remember us all shouting "kampayyyyy" and toasting everything possible. Lots of singing, lots of banging on the table vaguely in time to those songs. Lots of hugs, lots of selfies but this time between us, the two bands and our hosts, not 'fans'.
The evening ended in a karaoke, and a few people being sick. My stomach remained strong, as did my vocals chords for a frankly heroic version of 'Like a Virgin', that I imagine a few people will still be talking about.
2 shows today, the first one took just over 5 hours to get to. At the services, I got tea instead of Red Bull. Richards is fucking growing up!
First gig in the afternoon in Xiangshui, a college (they don't have days off at college in China, apparently... but then again, neither do touring musicians). Biggest room of the tour I think, must be over a thousand capacity, and there was barely an empty seat. No soundguy, though, so collectively between us, both bands did the sound for each other and it was fun... the equipment was there at least, as were people trying to help. Musically probably the weakest we've played on this tour and the drum kit kept sliding - we had a carpet below it, but that slid too. We're tired, it's showing. Still, they couldn't get enough of us! Biggest audience response yet to the extent it was almost uncomfortable, Leo and Mr Dong had to usher us away at the end because we were in danger of missing our next gig.
Quick (if typically excessive) lunch and then 1 hour trip to the next venue. Massive billboards of our faces outside! Bit weird, but my ego is exploding. Huge venue, stressful soundchecks, you could just feel the tension in the dressing room. Both bands are tired. Our set (apart from one show, we've been the closing band on this tour) was more than fine - much tighter than earlier, but lacking the buzz of the shows from the start of the tour. Sold a record amount of CDs afterwards; feels like we can't do a thing wrong over here. Even back in the hotel a fan wanted a selfie in a lift, there's no break from these enthusiastic people!
After two gigs, a lot of miles and a long day, the evening was...well, long. In a great, great way. It was our chance to wind down and our hosts ordered us to, "drink as much as you can," so we did. Oh boy, we did. At the meal we drank countless (I stopped counting at 11) shots of the 42% rice wine, and lots and lots and lots of beer. I remember drinking wine from a jug, and I remember us all shouting "kampayyyyy" and toasting everything possible. Lots of singing, lots of banging on the table vaguely in time to those songs. Lots of hugs, lots of selfies but this time between us, the two bands and our hosts, not 'fans'.
The evening ended in a karaoke, and a few people being sick. My stomach remained strong, as did my vocals chords for a frankly heroic version of 'Like a Virgin', that I imagine a few people will still be talking about.
Friday 20th October 2017
On the tour bus by 8.30am. In what is a bizarre experience for us all, I quite like the routine of being on the bus - we all sit in the same place every day, I've made a little pile of snacks, it feels weirdly homely.
The tour bus is really starting to smell, now. It smells of sweaty musicians, and it's really hot today which isn't at all helping.
4 hour trip to Suzhou. Checked in to our poshest hotel yet...in England we often stay in a travel lodge, usually somewhere near Swindon. As you can imagine, all of this luxury is a bit of a treat, not that we're ever in them to enjoy the facilities. Had a nice lunch there and the 2 hours rest, which was needed.
Venue itself was just down the road, about 10 minutes on the bus, and we were on the bill tonight - a band from Germany. They had their own soundguy and it all got very stressful very quickly, to the extent it was actually laughable at times and many of hired Chinese help walked out.
Another huge venue, another pretty much sold out audience. I thought collectively as a band we were tired and sloppy tonight, and I had discovered 'Red Bull: Extra' - which is, at the title suggests, extra strong Red Bull. My frantic playing alongside the tiredness of the guys made for a slightly weaker FH tonight, but wow...the amount of CDs we sold afterwards...crazy. The audience clearly loved it, which was baffling.
The tour bus is really starting to smell, now. It smells of sweaty musicians, and it's really hot today which isn't at all helping.
4 hour trip to Suzhou. Checked in to our poshest hotel yet...in England we often stay in a travel lodge, usually somewhere near Swindon. As you can imagine, all of this luxury is a bit of a treat, not that we're ever in them to enjoy the facilities. Had a nice lunch there and the 2 hours rest, which was needed.
Venue itself was just down the road, about 10 minutes on the bus, and we were on the bill tonight - a band from Germany. They had their own soundguy and it all got very stressful very quickly, to the extent it was actually laughable at times and many of hired Chinese help walked out.
Another huge venue, another pretty much sold out audience. I thought collectively as a band we were tired and sloppy tonight, and I had discovered 'Red Bull: Extra' - which is, at the title suggests, extra strong Red Bull. My frantic playing alongside the tiredness of the guys made for a slightly weaker FH tonight, but wow...the amount of CDs we sold afterwards...crazy. The audience clearly loved it, which was baffling.
Thursday 19th October 2017
Up so early. Missed breakfast. 3 hour trip to what we were told is a really "under-developed" bit of China but let's be honest...there's still so much money here, it's more developed than most of the places I toured in earlier this year.
Lovely steak for lunch, everyone in good spirits.
Calling home is costing me loads, I am dreading my next phone bill.
Another cracking theatre venue, I'd say about 600-700 capacity, in Yanchen. The sound was the best we've had on this tour. Outside the venue, less nice. Gaf went out to buy some bananas and was nearly arrested, saved by Mr Dong, our wonderful tour manager, who had evidence of our visas on his phone.
Gig itself was an absolute cracker - liveliest audience yet, V spent a lot of one song in with them. We were fast, sharp and almost anarchic at times, totally at our best.
Back to the dinner for more dinner and more (many more) drinks. All of this amazing food and booze is something we'd normally crave, but I'm wondering if my stomach can take much more of this excess.
Lovely steak for lunch, everyone in good spirits.
Calling home is costing me loads, I am dreading my next phone bill.
Another cracking theatre venue, I'd say about 600-700 capacity, in Yanchen. The sound was the best we've had on this tour. Outside the venue, less nice. Gaf went out to buy some bananas and was nearly arrested, saved by Mr Dong, our wonderful tour manager, who had evidence of our visas on his phone.
Gig itself was an absolute cracker - liveliest audience yet, V spent a lot of one song in with them. We were fast, sharp and almost anarchic at times, totally at our best.
Back to the dinner for more dinner and more (many more) drinks. All of this amazing food and booze is something we'd normally crave, but I'm wondering if my stomach can take much more of this excess.
Wednesday 18th October 2017
I had a hangover, but it was nothing compared to those who went to the club last night. Missed breakfast (woke up too late), back on the bus and off to the next city. We're travelling a LOT of miles this week.
Lunch was posh but gave me an upset stomach, and then checked in to the latest swanky hotel. Slept for a couple of hours and then back on the bus.
Our venue for tonight, in Kunshan, was stunning. A nice big arts theatre. Soundchecks were long but the dressing rooms were mega fancy.
Performance felt flat tonight and the (sold out) audience were very polite and reserved, but afterwards we were mobbed and swamped by loads of people wanting autographs, merchandise and a lot of selfies...honestly had a bit of a Beatlemania vibe to it.
Back to the hotel for a lovely meal and we had special visitors from the arts world with us - all super important. It turned into a rowdy one, really rowdy. We were drinking traditional Chinese wine which was 42%...I stopped counting at 9 shots.
The Chinese people keep saying I look like Mr Bean.
More drinks with Leo, Catherine and V as the rest of the band went for a massage.
Lunch was posh but gave me an upset stomach, and then checked in to the latest swanky hotel. Slept for a couple of hours and then back on the bus.
Our venue for tonight, in Kunshan, was stunning. A nice big arts theatre. Soundchecks were long but the dressing rooms were mega fancy.
Performance felt flat tonight and the (sold out) audience were very polite and reserved, but afterwards we were mobbed and swamped by loads of people wanting autographs, merchandise and a lot of selfies...honestly had a bit of a Beatlemania vibe to it.
Back to the hotel for a lovely meal and we had special visitors from the arts world with us - all super important. It turned into a rowdy one, really rowdy. We were drinking traditional Chinese wine which was 42%...I stopped counting at 9 shots.
The Chinese people keep saying I look like Mr Bean.
More drinks with Leo, Catherine and V as the rest of the band went for a massage.
Tuesday 17th October 2017
It says a lot about this tour when 9am is considered to be a lie-in. There's a real 'work hard/play hard' ethic here...I missed breakfast and went straight onto the tour bus, dumping my luggage and we had lunch at midday. Had some fish which clearly disagreed with my stomach and regretted it later. Back on the road, checked in to the latest hotel, quick rest and back on the bus again. Just the one gig today.
Lovely, huge theatre tonight. Soundchecks were difficult and there was a sense that we never really got it right. Our Belgian chums also had the same problems.
Typically excessive, fancy dinner and then back to the venue. Show was fine in the end; sound wasn't great in the audience (so I'm told) but we were really, really tight tonight and the audience loved it. An audience member called me a "psychopath" at the end. Lovely stuff.
Got back, no bar in the hotel so us and the Belgians tried to find a quiet bar in town but after walking for ages all we found was a really a horrible club. So bad. Everyone went for it, apart from V, Catherine, Leo and myself - we're not clubbing types. We bought a load of beer and snacks from a nearby store and sat in V's room, chatting and drinking till 3am. It was honestly one of my favourite nights of the tour.
Lovely, huge theatre tonight. Soundchecks were difficult and there was a sense that we never really got it right. Our Belgian chums also had the same problems.
Typically excessive, fancy dinner and then back to the venue. Show was fine in the end; sound wasn't great in the audience (so I'm told) but we were really, really tight tonight and the audience loved it. An audience member called me a "psychopath" at the end. Lovely stuff.
Got back, no bar in the hotel so us and the Belgians tried to find a quiet bar in town but after walking for ages all we found was a really a horrible club. So bad. Everyone went for it, apart from V, Catherine, Leo and myself - we're not clubbing types. We bought a load of beer and snacks from a nearby store and sat in V's room, chatting and drinking till 3am. It was honestly one of my favourite nights of the tour.
Monday 16th October 2017
Up early, just made it for breakfast at the hotel ahead of getting on the tour bus at 7am. And then we found out we were moving hotels - as the tour now transfers to different cities so we would be in a different hotel every night. This was news to us, a little miscommunication, but no harm done. For the next week we're on tour with our friends from Belgium - makes sense as we're quite similar and it's lovely that we're all friends already.
2 hours sleep last night.
2 gigs today.
First gig of the day was in a college in Wujiang; lovely venue - huge, so big. Sold out, couldn't do a thing wrong, sold lots of CDs and posed for lots of photos.
Back on the tour bus, slept a bit, and then woke up at the next venue. Effectively a shopping centre in Wuxi, but with a big theatre space erected and great stage. The locals lapped it up, totally, playing to another really big crowd. I nearly got arrested in the toilet and I'm still not sure why, the whole thing freaked me out a bit.
Got given lots of cakes, and then taken to a fancy restaurant afterwards and ate well with our Belgian chums.
Checked into the new hotel, popped out for a quick pint and suddenly it was 1.30am...
2 hours sleep last night.
2 gigs today.
First gig of the day was in a college in Wujiang; lovely venue - huge, so big. Sold out, couldn't do a thing wrong, sold lots of CDs and posed for lots of photos.
Back on the tour bus, slept a bit, and then woke up at the next venue. Effectively a shopping centre in Wuxi, but with a big theatre space erected and great stage. The locals lapped it up, totally, playing to another really big crowd. I nearly got arrested in the toilet and I'm still not sure why, the whole thing freaked me out a bit.
Got given lots of cakes, and then taken to a fancy restaurant afterwards and ate well with our Belgian chums.
Checked into the new hotel, popped out for a quick pint and suddenly it was 1.30am...
Sunday 15th October 2017
Up early for breakfast, then at 8pm on the tour bus to a theatre about 2 hours away in Gaochun. Sharing the bill today with an American jazz band who were fun to travel with. Great venue - a small arts centre, nice kit.
After soundchecks we were taken to a five star hotel and had an amazing lunch. I'm not normally into Chinese food but this was impossible to not enjoy.
Back to the venue, our American/Canadian friends opened the show and then we totally nailed it. Busy room, incredibly enthusiastic audience and a very tight FH. We took about 30-odd CDs with us to that performance just in case and they sold out straight away and I've never had so many people wanting selfies with me... we were good today, but we're often very good in England and never get this sort of response.
On a high, back on the bus, back to the hotel, quick shower, and then off to the next gig. Playing a jazz bar that was also an Indian restaurant, the house equipment was alarming. The food was amazing and the staff lovely, but with the lack of hi-hats I had to rest a ride cymbal on the hi-hat stand and make do. The bass amp was terrible and L's guitar didn't work so he played G's acoustic and G himself just sang and camped it up. And we only had 2 mics, even though we had 3 singers. The gig felt fast and angry but the audience couldn't get enough of it and demanded an encore before swarming us enthusiastically afterwards. China punters are great.
After soundchecks we were taken to a five star hotel and had an amazing lunch. I'm not normally into Chinese food but this was impossible to not enjoy.
Back to the venue, our American/Canadian friends opened the show and then we totally nailed it. Busy room, incredibly enthusiastic audience and a very tight FH. We took about 30-odd CDs with us to that performance just in case and they sold out straight away and I've never had so many people wanting selfies with me... we were good today, but we're often very good in England and never get this sort of response.
On a high, back on the bus, back to the hotel, quick shower, and then off to the next gig. Playing a jazz bar that was also an Indian restaurant, the house equipment was alarming. The food was amazing and the staff lovely, but with the lack of hi-hats I had to rest a ride cymbal on the hi-hat stand and make do. The bass amp was terrible and L's guitar didn't work so he played G's acoustic and G himself just sang and camped it up. And we only had 2 mics, even though we had 3 singers. The gig felt fast and angry but the audience couldn't get enough of it and demanded an encore before swarming us enthusiastically afterwards. China punters are great.
Saturday 14th October 2017
Our second final day off before the tour starts properly. Catherine and Leo took us out to explore Nanjing properly and I'm very grateful for their local knowledge or else it would have just been us walking around being confused again. Lots of sight-seeing and generally being baffled as to how cheap everything is...a one-way trip on the subway came to the equivalent of 25p! Had a day of adventures, starting in a restaurant where I accidentally ate ducks blood, then a long walk around the town, generally trying to take in how bright everything is, how fast the people are why the food is so complicated. It's all crazy, yet so friendly.
They had no regard for health and safety over there, people just weld stuff in the streets, not caring about the pedestrians.
Tried some 'traditional' drinks and the guys struggled with the 'cold milk tea', which had odd, tough, bubbles in it. There's points on this trip where we were really struggling; that mostly involves toilet times - there is never any loo roll anyway so you have to carry your own around everywhere and the toilets aren't westernised... meaning you have to do the dreaded 'squat'. L, in particular, had the shits, so this wasn't ideal.
Looked around a lovely book store and enjoyed cake, then walked up a wall thingy where we were surrounded by people who wanted to have their picture taken with us. It was all a bit bizarre, but great for the ego at least. Had a nice dinner in a popular local restaurant and made it back to the hotel for a couple of drinks. Tomorrow the tour starts properly.
They had no regard for health and safety over there, people just weld stuff in the streets, not caring about the pedestrians.
Tried some 'traditional' drinks and the guys struggled with the 'cold milk tea', which had odd, tough, bubbles in it. There's points on this trip where we were really struggling; that mostly involves toilet times - there is never any loo roll anyway so you have to carry your own around everywhere and the toilets aren't westernised... meaning you have to do the dreaded 'squat'. L, in particular, had the shits, so this wasn't ideal.
Looked around a lovely book store and enjoyed cake, then walked up a wall thingy where we were surrounded by people who wanted to have their picture taken with us. It was all a bit bizarre, but great for the ego at least. Had a nice dinner in a popular local restaurant and made it back to the hotel for a couple of drinks. Tomorrow the tour starts properly.
Friday 13th October 2017
Up so early (6.45am, which for a musician is a total no-no) and had an excessive breakfast at the hotel. Met up with the other tour bands at the hotel and then we were driven to the venue for the opening ceremony. It had a bit of a school trip vibe to it, we were all a bit excited about playing such a massive, cultural event, yet we're all in our thirties.
The venue itself is a huge concert hall, bordering on being a stadium. Met Leo and Catherine, our translators/help for the whole run. Both 20 years old, both learning English very well, both became two of my favourite people ever - I loved their sense of humour, their willingness to help and the fact they were always there to help us. Soundchecks were long and mostly in Chinese, dressing rooms busy and the house drum kit was surprisingly okay.
The food was giving some of the band stomach problems; I barely touched it at all. The dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony was epic, frantic, dramatic and a huge, huge production. Our 2 songs (plus the finale) were such a tiny part of a ridiculously large event...I should have been flattered to be involved in something so epic, but was too tired to take it all in.
After struggling with two Chinese box meals, Leo took us out to Starbucks for a bit - I appreciated the normality of it all and had a lovely cake. Nanjing itself is a crazy, fast, sometimes frightening place (because the traffic laws are different) to walk around.
Back for the gig, I convinced a girl I was 8'2" and both Vix and Lachy were interviewed for Chinese national television.
The show itself was jaw-dropping; venue packed out, audience revelling in everything. Our two original songs stormed it, and then joining us for the finale were a jazz band from America. And lots of dancers. So much pressure - we're just a little folk/pop band from Cambridge, closing a national event in China, broadcast everywhere, in front of the biggest audience we've ever had, with an arrangement we weren't comfortable with. Not being arrogant, or anything, but we were totally cool with it - such composure, just got on with the job as all the chaos surrounded us. Biggest moment of my career? Yep, absolutely, totally.
Got driven back to the hotel and had drinks with a Belgian band for a bit, who were lovely and we all tried to take in exactly what had just happened.
The venue itself is a huge concert hall, bordering on being a stadium. Met Leo and Catherine, our translators/help for the whole run. Both 20 years old, both learning English very well, both became two of my favourite people ever - I loved their sense of humour, their willingness to help and the fact they were always there to help us. Soundchecks were long and mostly in Chinese, dressing rooms busy and the house drum kit was surprisingly okay.
The food was giving some of the band stomach problems; I barely touched it at all. The dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony was epic, frantic, dramatic and a huge, huge production. Our 2 songs (plus the finale) were such a tiny part of a ridiculously large event...I should have been flattered to be involved in something so epic, but was too tired to take it all in.
After struggling with two Chinese box meals, Leo took us out to Starbucks for a bit - I appreciated the normality of it all and had a lovely cake. Nanjing itself is a crazy, fast, sometimes frightening place (because the traffic laws are different) to walk around.
Back for the gig, I convinced a girl I was 8'2" and both Vix and Lachy were interviewed for Chinese national television.
The show itself was jaw-dropping; venue packed out, audience revelling in everything. Our two original songs stormed it, and then joining us for the finale were a jazz band from America. And lots of dancers. So much pressure - we're just a little folk/pop band from Cambridge, closing a national event in China, broadcast everywhere, in front of the biggest audience we've ever had, with an arrangement we weren't comfortable with. Not being arrogant, or anything, but we were totally cool with it - such composure, just got on with the job as all the chaos surrounded us. Biggest moment of my career? Yep, absolutely, totally.
Got driven back to the hotel and had drinks with a Belgian band for a bit, who were lovely and we all tried to take in exactly what had just happened.
Thursday 12th October 2017
Having trouble calling home, so have just accepted I'll just have to pay £1.50 a minute and hope my mum doesn't chat too much.
Our first 'rest day' in China, and one of only 2 days off on the whole tour. Supposed to be a rest day, but when you have a bassist like ours, you don't rest as he's so active and wants everyone else to be up at the same time as him. We tried to be tourists or a bit, but not speaking any of the language, we didn't get too far - about a mile from the hotel, where it was pissing it down. Got confused by the subway system and went to a cafe where I bought this amazing thing which was basically a cake and a sausage at the same time...seriously, mind blown.
The others went and played table tennis in the hotel, I dozed off instead and caught up on sleep.
Met up with everyone again for dinner with Caroline, one of the festival organisers, and enjoyed a nice buffet meal. Went over the tour schedule with her and ate very well. Had a beer was asleep by 11pm; tomorrow is going to be a very long day.
Our first 'rest day' in China, and one of only 2 days off on the whole tour. Supposed to be a rest day, but when you have a bassist like ours, you don't rest as he's so active and wants everyone else to be up at the same time as him. We tried to be tourists or a bit, but not speaking any of the language, we didn't get too far - about a mile from the hotel, where it was pissing it down. Got confused by the subway system and went to a cafe where I bought this amazing thing which was basically a cake and a sausage at the same time...seriously, mind blown.
The others went and played table tennis in the hotel, I dozed off instead and caught up on sleep.
Met up with everyone again for dinner with Caroline, one of the festival organisers, and enjoyed a nice buffet meal. Went over the tour schedule with her and ate very well. Had a beer was asleep by 11pm; tomorrow is going to be a very long day.
Tuesday 10th/Wednesday 11th October 2017
Woke up, re-packed everything just in case (lots of pants, that's all a man really needs, yeah?), accidentally dropped my keys in the recycling bin near the house. Got them back, drove to Gaf's (he has the band vehicle) and then off to pick up V, L and Bedford for G.
As like last night, excitement and nerves were kicking in all around, but there was a sense that we're all in this together. A general sense of "this could all be a con" (backed up the worrying lack of communication from our hosts by email) were surpassed by "we're going to China, this is potentially life changing!".
Being the naive, inexperienced travellers we are, we arrived at Heathrow 4 hours earlier than we should have done. They offered us an early flight to Paris - the idea was appealing all round: they get to fill 5 seats on a quieter plane (and sell our later seats, which were more in-demand) and we get to spent 4 hours in lovely Paris rather than grim Heathrow. We accepted, then were was a massive rush to get our guitars through and the whole thing got very stressful. They ended up practically delaying the flight for us, and we had to run (V without her shoes on) through the airport to make the flight...and everyone looked at us if it was *our* fault when we finally flopped onto the jet, sweaty and out of breath. The flight wasn't long, luckily, and then we had many hours to kill in France where there was bugger all to do and we all got a bit grumpy that the USB ports didn't work so we couldn't charge our phones.
At 11.20pm we started the long flight to Guangzhou; 11 hours and with my reclining chair not...well, reclining as the lady behind me had THE BIGGEST LEGS IN THE WORLD and I couldn't even get the seat back, it was painfully uncomfortable. Tried to sleep, failed, ended up watching old episodes of Dragon's Den. The guy in front of me moved his seat back, leaving me crushed for what was basically half a day. Lovely. I think I got about 3 hours sleep in eventually as my body just gave up trying to be angry.
Arrived in China, groggy and then the expected interrogation at the airport - they're a strict bunch (and rightly so, they're protecting their country), my chirpy, if tired, British mannerisms didn't cut any slack as I was frisked.
Grabbed some food and then the final flight of a physically gruelling day - over to Nanjing (via 2 busses). 2 hours and 20 minutes later we arrived at the airport and waited nervously, and were then relieved to see all of our instruments had arrived in the country safely. Even more relieved to meet Frank - one of our Chinese festival helpers, at the terminal and he got us into a van and over to our hotel. Lovely hotel, slept so incredibly well.
As like last night, excitement and nerves were kicking in all around, but there was a sense that we're all in this together. A general sense of "this could all be a con" (backed up the worrying lack of communication from our hosts by email) were surpassed by "we're going to China, this is potentially life changing!".
Being the naive, inexperienced travellers we are, we arrived at Heathrow 4 hours earlier than we should have done. They offered us an early flight to Paris - the idea was appealing all round: they get to fill 5 seats on a quieter plane (and sell our later seats, which were more in-demand) and we get to spent 4 hours in lovely Paris rather than grim Heathrow. We accepted, then were was a massive rush to get our guitars through and the whole thing got very stressful. They ended up practically delaying the flight for us, and we had to run (V without her shoes on) through the airport to make the flight...and everyone looked at us if it was *our* fault when we finally flopped onto the jet, sweaty and out of breath. The flight wasn't long, luckily, and then we had many hours to kill in France where there was bugger all to do and we all got a bit grumpy that the USB ports didn't work so we couldn't charge our phones.
At 11.20pm we started the long flight to Guangzhou; 11 hours and with my reclining chair not...well, reclining as the lady behind me had THE BIGGEST LEGS IN THE WORLD and I couldn't even get the seat back, it was painfully uncomfortable. Tried to sleep, failed, ended up watching old episodes of Dragon's Den. The guy in front of me moved his seat back, leaving me crushed for what was basically half a day. Lovely. I think I got about 3 hours sleep in eventually as my body just gave up trying to be angry.
Arrived in China, groggy and then the expected interrogation at the airport - they're a strict bunch (and rightly so, they're protecting their country), my chirpy, if tired, British mannerisms didn't cut any slack as I was frisked.
Grabbed some food and then the final flight of a physically gruelling day - over to Nanjing (via 2 busses). 2 hours and 20 minutes later we arrived at the airport and waited nervously, and were then relieved to see all of our instruments had arrived in the country safely. Even more relieved to meet Frank - one of our Chinese festival helpers, at the terminal and he got us into a van and over to our hotel. Lovely hotel, slept so incredibly well.
Monday 9th October 2017
Final day in the UK for a bit before the adventures begin tomorrow.
Did 5 hours freelancing stuff in the office, before popping over to see Mum. It felt weirdly emotional; as a family we never travelled much, happy in our small-town, comfortable ways, and I could see that Mum was worried about what was going to happen. That made me worried, too, I've never been outside of Europe before. Still, there's no way of getting out of this now - I can't let the band down...
Got home, packed, sprayed my clothes in mosquito stuff and went to sleep feeling both excited and nervous.
Did 5 hours freelancing stuff in the office, before popping over to see Mum. It felt weirdly emotional; as a family we never travelled much, happy in our small-town, comfortable ways, and I could see that Mum was worried about what was going to happen. That made me worried, too, I've never been outside of Europe before. Still, there's no way of getting out of this now - I can't let the band down...
Got home, packed, sprayed my clothes in mosquito stuff and went to sleep feeling both excited and nervous.
Sunday, 8 October 2017
Sunday 8th October 2017
Bit hungover today, wasn't too late yesterday (1am?) but a lot of beer was slowly consumed during the day.
Woke up in the...well, afternoon, and then walked 45 minutes to pick up my car and then gave Friz a lift back to Lincoln. 4 hour round trip. Back, had an idea for a show, started writing that.
China next week. Anything can happen.
Woke up in the...well, afternoon, and then walked 45 minutes to pick up my car and then gave Friz a lift back to Lincoln. 4 hour round trip. Back, had an idea for a show, started writing that.
China next week. Anything can happen.
Saturday 7th October 2017
A long, long day. The day of our all-day comedy festival in Cambridge to raise money for charity.
Phill opened it and his debut show was superb and a huge step-up from the previews, then Steve did his Nixon play which was awesome. Andy O's show was super sharp and he's a much better comic than I've ever given him credit for, my clown show was fine - it dipped in places and sneezing whilst wearing a mask is never nice, then Andy Q's rap show was great...I mean, I've seen it four times already, but I still enjoy it. Zahra tried out a new 45 minutes which really worked, Scott was a proper comedian, old school and even though he overran he really had the audience onside, Friz was as great as always (although he got a bit too angry by the end), Obonjo stormed it and then we finished the day with our History of Pop show which was rowdy, shambolic, drunken and enormous fun.
But we (Phill, my co-organiser and housemate) did spent the whole day bitter about the lack of audiences, all of the acts today were top, top notch and it was such a shame that they were doing shows to...well, sometimes just five people. Paul M is amazing, he watched all 10 shows and did the sound for us and it was great to see Beth, Michelle, Nessie and Inge there, but where was everyone else? If you can't pop down for even an hour during the day to watch an amazing show and give a fiver to Macmillan then the chances are we probably aren't actually friends, really. We worked so hard today to make this happen.
Phill opened it and his debut show was superb and a huge step-up from the previews, then Steve did his Nixon play which was awesome. Andy O's show was super sharp and he's a much better comic than I've ever given him credit for, my clown show was fine - it dipped in places and sneezing whilst wearing a mask is never nice, then Andy Q's rap show was great...I mean, I've seen it four times already, but I still enjoy it. Zahra tried out a new 45 minutes which really worked, Scott was a proper comedian, old school and even though he overran he really had the audience onside, Friz was as great as always (although he got a bit too angry by the end), Obonjo stormed it and then we finished the day with our History of Pop show which was rowdy, shambolic, drunken and enormous fun.
But we (Phill, my co-organiser and housemate) did spent the whole day bitter about the lack of audiences, all of the acts today were top, top notch and it was such a shame that they were doing shows to...well, sometimes just five people. Paul M is amazing, he watched all 10 shows and did the sound for us and it was great to see Beth, Michelle, Nessie and Inge there, but where was everyone else? If you can't pop down for even an hour during the day to watch an amazing show and give a fiver to Macmillan then the chances are we probably aren't actually friends, really. We worked so hard today to make this happen.
Friday 6th October 2017
Yesterday got to me a bit more than it should, I think. I barely knew the man, but he gave me work when I really needed it and I really appreciate that. He seemed to really appreciate what I'm trying to do with my life with the music and the comedy and made things very easy for me to do everything. The chap now in charge knows me, and nothing will change in that regard, but it was Paul who set the president for how things should be and I'm very grateful.
Did a few hours freelancing then, got back and just felt frazzled by everything. Finished a little side project thingy (a new book I'm working on) and then treated myself to a lovely takeaway and actually just stopped, for an evening.
Did a few hours freelancing then, got back and just felt frazzled by everything. Finished a little side project thingy (a new book I'm working on) and then treated myself to a lovely takeaway and actually just stopped, for an evening.
Thursday 5th October 2017
Well, I didn't expect the meeting at the freelance office to be like that. We're all holding onto our positions and selfishly nothing will change for me (I still chose my hours etc) but death is horrible, isn't it? I just wish people would stop dying for a bit, please. Just a year off from it or something?
As a result of the news, I felt the need to spend the whole day in the office and mourn the loss of my boss, who was a good man.
Evening met up with the Dowsing band we started rehearsing Christmas songs, which made me happy.
As a result of the news, I felt the need to spend the whole day in the office and mourn the loss of my boss, who was a good man.
Evening met up with the Dowsing band we started rehearsing Christmas songs, which made me happy.
Thursday, 5 October 2017
Wednesday 4th October 2017
Pretty sure the freelance job will be going soon...tomorrow, even? We're all (all four of us) being called in for a meeting then.
In the meantime, I popped in for a bit anyway and was the only one in, again. Worked on a blog post for them, whilst plugging Saturday's show, a lot.
Then off to teach drums at the college. Turns out all of my students were away at some festival this week, but the school wanted to make use of me so got me playing drums for the school band for a bit, which was probably the easiest money I've ever made.
Got back and then it was another house performance of Norman. Much better this time, not saying a word really helps. Still needs tweaking, but will be fine by Saturday. As will Phill's show, which is looking much sharper. Saturday is starting to excite me a bit now!
In the meantime, I popped in for a bit anyway and was the only one in, again. Worked on a blog post for them, whilst plugging Saturday's show, a lot.
Then off to teach drums at the college. Turns out all of my students were away at some festival this week, but the school wanted to make use of me so got me playing drums for the school band for a bit, which was probably the easiest money I've ever made.
Got back and then it was another house performance of Norman. Much better this time, not saying a word really helps. Still needs tweaking, but will be fine by Saturday. As will Phill's show, which is looking much sharper. Saturday is starting to excite me a bit now!
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
Tuesday 3rd October 2017
Tuesday, so took mum shopping. Had the best idea ever for a film. Probably don't have time to make it.
Got back, replied to a load of emails about shows for next year and then out to FH final rehearsal before China. Recorded a tribute to Tom Petty and went through loads of band admin ahead of our tour, which starts next week. It's all both scary and exciting. I think we'll be okay.
Got back, replied to a load of emails about shows for next year and then out to FH final rehearsal before China. Recorded a tribute to Tom Petty and went through loads of band admin ahead of our tour, which starts next week. It's all both scary and exciting. I think we'll be okay.
Monday 2nd October 2017
I'd really like Saturday's festival to sell out, but I'm really worried about the earlier performances - the evening shows will be fine as my lot come out then, but equally my friends aren't really morning/afternoon people.
Went into the office for a bit, and then off onto BBC Radio to give it all a big plug. They seem to like me at the BBC, I think I'm a very easy guest.
Then got back and just wrote and wrote new stuff, for about 7 hours. That felt good.
Went into the office for a bit, and then off onto BBC Radio to give it all a big plug. They seem to like me at the BBC, I think I'm a very easy guest.
Then got back and just wrote and wrote new stuff, for about 7 hours. That felt good.
Sunday, 1 October 2017
Sunday 1st October 2017
I had far too much sleep. Seriously, about 12 hours.
I then spent quite a lot of time thinking about where my creative career is going, getting quite excited and grumpy about it all at the same time. I roughly feel the same around this time every year where I get back from the fringe, have a little time off, and then try to work out what direction to go in next. I'll be fine.
Rewrote the Norman show, I now don't say a single word in it. We have another lounge show on Wednesday and I reckon it'll rock big style then.
Evening had a BBC session with the band which was incredibly enjoyable, we played the Chinese song and were on top form tonight.
I then spent quite a lot of time thinking about where my creative career is going, getting quite excited and grumpy about it all at the same time. I roughly feel the same around this time every year where I get back from the fringe, have a little time off, and then try to work out what direction to go in next. I'll be fine.
Rewrote the Norman show, I now don't say a single word in it. We have another lounge show on Wednesday and I reckon it'll rock big style then.
Evening had a BBC session with the band which was incredibly enjoyable, we played the Chinese song and were on top form tonight.
Saturday 30th September 2017
My mum's sister (aka my auntie) is very poorly in Brighton, so for a second weekend running I dropped everything and drove my mum and sister down there. It was the right thing to do.
Got back late, drank beer.
Got back late, drank beer.
Friday 29th September 2017
Thing is, I actually quite like going into the office, now I live in Cambridge, even if I don't have to. It's a nice walk, the bakery around the corner is awesome. Anyway, didn't today because of other stuff - was a guest on a local radio station in the morning, plugging our forthcoming charity comedy festival.
Got back, did a bit of life admin, and then off again for a quick catch-up with comedy comedy chum, Nessie, for a bit of a chat about everything. She's booked me for some shows and it was great to rant a bit.
Back home, few more email bits, and then off to see the amazing Nick Helm in Cambridge. A dark, angry show but totally amazing - a real inspiration.
Got back, did a bit of life admin, and then off again for a quick catch-up with comedy comedy chum, Nessie, for a bit of a chat about everything. She's booked me for some shows and it was great to rant a bit.
Back home, few more email bits, and then off to see the amazing Nick Helm in Cambridge. A dark, angry show but totally amazing - a real inspiration.
Thursday 28th September 2017
Felt so rough this morning, probably because, you know, I drink too much beer and eat too many burgers. I do know these things.
Did some work on a few creative projects for next year, which may or may or not work out but it's good to play with a few script ideas.
Popped into the office for a couple hours, mostly, if anything, to double check about what my task actually is. Turns out I've been getting it right, that's a relief.
Then off into town to get my jabs done for China. Griff had the appointment after me so we ended up going in together, which was both weird but comforting. The lady doing the jabs was a FH fan, which was even weirder, but she seemed excited by our forthcoming tour. Didn't hurt, I feel protected and all that.
Got back and did a bit more writing.
Did some work on a few creative projects for next year, which may or may or not work out but it's good to play with a few script ideas.
Popped into the office for a couple hours, mostly, if anything, to double check about what my task actually is. Turns out I've been getting it right, that's a relief.
Then off into town to get my jabs done for China. Griff had the appointment after me so we ended up going in together, which was both weird but comforting. The lady doing the jabs was a FH fan, which was even weirder, but she seemed excited by our forthcoming tour. Didn't hurt, I feel protected and all that.
Got back and did a bit more writing.
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