And now things calm down for a bit after a busy few days of teaching, as it's Easter and all that. Cracking writing session with Phill in the morning/afternoon - there's something strange about writing a sitcom with your housemate about housemates, but this has a nice angle to it and we're quietly confident we're onto a total masterpiece here.
Felt good to be properly writing again.
Just the one lesson today, with one of my new-ish regulars (his third lesson) which was great, often feeling quite social. I seem to be getting on really well with my adult students, which makes life a lot easier.
Got back, made notes on my 'Straight to Cosy' idea which has been brewing a while and chilled evening with the lady. I think if it wasn't for her, I would have collapsed by now with the amount of stuff I'm trying to do...she forces me to relax, drink beer and watch seemingly endless episodes of The Vicar of Dibley. It's all working out okay, you know.
Friday, 30 March 2018
Wednesday 28th March 2018
Spent the last few evenings (admittedly late evenings) working on a new 'secret' idea, the results of which will be live by the end of the year. It's very different, but could be amazing.
Up early, over to St Ives to start teaching at 8.30am. That one is working out really well for me, I fit in well there despite the early start. Popped in to see Mum, dashed back to teach Tom (brilliant progress every week), then a cracking lesson with my Chinese students at the college. A world music drumming lesson with one of my regulars was followed by an hour with my new regular student.
Started teaching at 8.30am, finished at 9pm. This will be worthwhile when it comes to paying for the fringe, though.
Tuesday 27th March 2018
Another day, another assembly in a random school...this was an odd one today, a very new and very small school but seemed very responsive to my lesson.
Then over to sign another contract with the college I met last week, and back home to work on 'The Second' for a bit, whilst trying to get my diary in shape - there's two big projects (one theatre, one music) that I've got that I don't have the rehearsal dates for and it's getting a bit frustrating.
A second lesson with one of my new private students, a lesson with one of my regulars and then a couple of hours with A, who kindly let me moan about how busy I am, even if this is totally own fault.
Then over to sign another contract with the college I met last week, and back home to work on 'The Second' for a bit, whilst trying to get my diary in shape - there's two big projects (one theatre, one music) that I've got that I don't have the rehearsal dates for and it's getting a bit frustrating.
A second lesson with one of my new private students, a lesson with one of my regulars and then a couple of hours with A, who kindly let me moan about how busy I am, even if this is totally own fault.
Monday, 26 March 2018
Monday 26th March 2018
That was a busy weekend. Today I could sleep in till 9am, though, as it's the only day this week I'm not teaching.
Drove over to Mum's and the A14 was buggered, meaning the 25 minute journey took an hour and a half. Still, she seems happy. I'm happy that I caught up (kind of) on emails and general life admin, whilst writing more bits for 'The Second'.
A show I'm doing with Bim is now confirmed for the fringe so we met up for a quick pint to discuss the offer, accepted it and worked out a few logistics. I like my comedy pals, this will be a fun show.
Suddenly it's nearly midnight and the rest of the week looks a bit frantic, which is both great and a shame as I'd like more writing time, please.
Drove over to Mum's and the A14 was buggered, meaning the 25 minute journey took an hour and a half. Still, she seems happy. I'm happy that I caught up (kind of) on emails and general life admin, whilst writing more bits for 'The Second'.
A show I'm doing with Bim is now confirmed for the fringe so we met up for a quick pint to discuss the offer, accepted it and worked out a few logistics. I like my comedy pals, this will be a fun show.
Suddenly it's nearly midnight and the rest of the week looks a bit frantic, which is both great and a shame as I'd like more writing time, please.
Sunday 25th March 2018
Bad day to put the clocks forward...I was knackered after a late night last night as it was, the last thing I needed was an hour's less sleep. Up very early, left A's, dumped my car at mine, walk over to the Union Bar place for today's filming of the promo video for the new FH single.
It's a totally glorious thing, huge set, Reeta is an incredible director, the whole thing was just amazing and seems to have reconnected the band a bit, having all been a bit distant recently. A long, very long, day but in great company.
Got back, showered, shaved and then off to meet A's parents. I'm not sure who was more nervous - me or them, but it's because we all know this is an important...situation, here. It's all good.
It's a totally glorious thing, huge set, Reeta is an incredible director, the whole thing was just amazing and seems to have reconnected the band a bit, having all been a bit distant recently. A long, very long, day but in great company.
Got back, showered, shaved and then off to meet A's parents. I'm not sure who was more nervous - me or them, but it's because we all know this is an important...situation, here. It's all good.
Saturday 24th March 2018
As much as I worry about teaching too much, the Saturday lessons are always my favourites - two of my 'original' students, I experiment a bit and try new stuff with them and it's always great fun. Well, usually, but today the first one was ill and cancelled but it meant I got a lie-in, which was nice.
The lesson with Stu's kid was amazing, though. She's 5. I've got her playing a Michael Jackson song, Beat It, beat for beat, perfectly. It's four minutes long and she's nailing it...in January she'd never even picked up a pair of drumsticks. Yeah, okay, I admit, this is all really rewarding. I get it, now.
Popped in to see how the FH setting up was going ahead of the filming tomorrow, and then album launch gig with Gav. I felt for him a bit, I mean - it was fine, we played well, the support acts were great, but it wasn't a huge turnout. This is the album he's been talking about for over a year, that he's put so much into, yet the launch itself felt modest and almost just whimpered out at the end. I like people who try, he's certainly one of those, he deserved better tonight.
The lesson with Stu's kid was amazing, though. She's 5. I've got her playing a Michael Jackson song, Beat It, beat for beat, perfectly. It's four minutes long and she's nailing it...in January she'd never even picked up a pair of drumsticks. Yeah, okay, I admit, this is all really rewarding. I get it, now.
Popped in to see how the FH setting up was going ahead of the filming tomorrow, and then album launch gig with Gav. I felt for him a bit, I mean - it was fine, we played well, the support acts were great, but it wasn't a huge turnout. This is the album he's been talking about for over a year, that he's put so much into, yet the launch itself felt modest and almost just whimpered out at the end. I like people who try, he's certainly one of those, he deserved better tonight.
Friday 23rd March 2018
Okay, this is going too far now. What's happened to the old Paul who used to spend his days writing and touring and getting into scrapes? Yeah, he was skint and anxious and single and a total mess, but I miss him, in a strange sort of way. Somehow, my little plan of teaching the odd drum lesson to pay the bills has gone too far - I'm totally grateful but the work/creative balance seems a bit lost at the moment. Yet, I remember November, when I was so very skint, I would have dreamed of these days then...that's when I became Santa in desperation for cash.
Things are good now; I'm freelancing as a teacher and earning more than I think anyone should for showing people how to drum, I've got the best girlfriend in the world, I like where I live... I just need to sort my schedule out a bit to give myself some writing time. And some sleep
Anyway, taught 5 lessons in one school today, and then 7 in another. It was good fun, though. I think that's the fear: I'm better at this than I am at the things I want to succeed at.
Lovely evening with A, we went over for dinner at Edd and Emily's (the house I lived in for 3 years), great fun.
Things are good now; I'm freelancing as a teacher and earning more than I think anyone should for showing people how to drum, I've got the best girlfriend in the world, I like where I live... I just need to sort my schedule out a bit to give myself some writing time. And some sleep
Anyway, taught 5 lessons in one school today, and then 7 in another. It was good fun, though. I think that's the fear: I'm better at this than I am at the things I want to succeed at.
Lovely evening with A, we went over for dinner at Edd and Emily's (the house I lived in for 3 years), great fun.
Thursday 22nd March 2018
Took Mum shopping in the morning, wrist writing down lyrics for The Little Git (a musical I'm working on) into my notepad...could this finally be the year that one comes to life?
And then 4 drum lessons in a row, in 4 different locations. All with lovely people, but I'm knackered.
Rehearsal after that with Gav and band, sounding tight.
And then 4 drum lessons in a row, in 4 different locations. All with lovely people, but I'm knackered.
Rehearsal after that with Gav and band, sounding tight.
Wednesday 21st March 2018
Up early, first lesson of the day was 8.30am over in St Ives, and taught there till midday.
Back home, taught Tom for an hour who is really getting a buzz out of this, and then over to my regular hour at the international college. They've just offered me extra hours because one of the students requested my teaching skills for longer, which is great for both my ego and bank balance, but not my already pretty tight schedule. Said yes, anyway.
Another lesson with one of my regulars, and then a first lesson with a new chap who was late (as we'd changed rehearsal room about three times) but really got into it.
Back home, taught Tom for an hour who is really getting a buzz out of this, and then over to my regular hour at the international college. They've just offered me extra hours because one of the students requested my teaching skills for longer, which is great for both my ego and bank balance, but not my already pretty tight schedule. Said yes, anyway.
Another lesson with one of my regulars, and then a first lesson with a new chap who was late (as we'd changed rehearsal room about three times) but really got into it.
Tuesday 20th March 2018
Up early, over to a school in the fens for a quick meeting. Went well, agreed to teach for them - not drums as such, but helping children with music for 2 days a week. Really nice meeting, this feels like a good fit and just about works with my schedule.
Drum lessons with two of my regulars, both great fun, and then our latest Bants night. Edd was ill so couldn't be in the houseband, and Geoff wanted to watch, rather than be in the show for a change, allowing David, one of the acts, to be the house 'band' himself...he was amazing, I want to do more shows with him, so, so good! A cracking evening, with the headliner later posting on Instagram that it was the best show he's ever done. I think I've created a lovely thing here; it's a cosy evening, where audiences are tolerant to storytelling/wordy comedy - the last two Bants nights have just been glorious, hence why the venue have extended our run.
Drum lessons with two of my regulars, both great fun, and then our latest Bants night. Edd was ill so couldn't be in the houseband, and Geoff wanted to watch, rather than be in the show for a change, allowing David, one of the acts, to be the house 'band' himself...he was amazing, I want to do more shows with him, so, so good! A cracking evening, with the headliner later posting on Instagram that it was the best show he's ever done. I think I've created a lovely thing here; it's a cosy evening, where audiences are tolerant to storytelling/wordy comedy - the last two Bants nights have just been glorious, hence why the venue have extended our run.
Monday 19th March 2018
I'm teaching so much this week, but today is the 'quiet' day which means I get to write. As always, it's mostly in notepads and something has to come out of this at some point, but I have an exciting feeling that will be about 4 books and 3 shows in one blast or something...there's certainly plenty of content, at least. I've got a friend who keeps saying she's dreaming of being an actress and has done a bunch of short films recently - I've never seen her act but have found myself writing for her (she doesn't know this) in the hope that she is as good as she wants to be. We'll see.
Confirmed a bunch of new dates for our regular 'Bants' show and chatted to Alan about a radio sitcom, which he'll kindly be recording for me.
Rewrote last year's (mostly failed) Edinburgh show about Britpop music - the one I told people not to come and see as it doesn't work as a show. As a book, though, it's quite nice - a fine collection of poetry and short stories that ties in nicely. Spent about 4 hours today rewriting that for book form, and now A has it to proofread...going out with a teacher certainly has it's advantages, especially one who actually enjoys my work, and finding the mistakes in it...it's a bit like a game, I think. She really is awesome, I didn't think it would be possible for someone to be that cool.
Evening had a double lesson with Alison's kids, very different song choices to learn but both enjoyable, they're progressing well.
Confirmed a bunch of new dates for our regular 'Bants' show and chatted to Alan about a radio sitcom, which he'll kindly be recording for me.
Rewrote last year's (mostly failed) Edinburgh show about Britpop music - the one I told people not to come and see as it doesn't work as a show. As a book, though, it's quite nice - a fine collection of poetry and short stories that ties in nicely. Spent about 4 hours today rewriting that for book form, and now A has it to proofread...going out with a teacher certainly has it's advantages, especially one who actually enjoys my work, and finding the mistakes in it...it's a bit like a game, I think. She really is awesome, I didn't think it would be possible for someone to be that cool.
Evening had a double lesson with Alison's kids, very different song choices to learn but both enjoyable, they're progressing well.
Monday, 19 March 2018
Sunday 18th March 2018
So incredibly hungover - remind me not to drink spirits (and 4 beers, and a whole bottle of wine) again. We were all as bad, though.
Slow day. Eventually made it back to mine, tried to write for a bit, fell asleep.
Evening gig with Claudia was outstanding - lovely audience, long show but just what I needed.
Slow day. Eventually made it back to mine, tried to write for a bit, fell asleep.
Evening gig with Claudia was outstanding - lovely audience, long show but just what I needed.
Saturday 17th March 2018
Feel relaxed, despite moaning about how potentially boring we were last night. It was probably what I needed.
Saturday lessons are always my favourite - 3 very different students, but the three I've had for the longest and it's as much of a social as it is teaching.
That was comfortably done by 4pm, and then back to write for a few hours. We hosted a St Paddy's night party in the evening, with A, Lauren (her lodger) and myself forming a makeshift band for the evening. Good fun, far too much wine.
Saturday lessons are always my favourite - 3 very different students, but the three I've had for the longest and it's as much of a social as it is teaching.
That was comfortably done by 4pm, and then back to write for a few hours. We hosted a St Paddy's night party in the evening, with A, Lauren (her lodger) and myself forming a makeshift band for the evening. Good fun, far too much wine.
Friday 16th March 2018
Long day of 'proper' work - up early to teach for 3 hours in St Neots, and then dashed over to St Ives to teach for another 4. My drum lessons have proved to be very popular...we anticipated 3 paying students, have somehow ended up with 12, which has really buggered up the schedule of both myself and the school. In a good way, obviously.
Those kids have so much energy, though, it's a little draining. In the evening, A and myself wanted to be young and crazy, but we were both exhausted so got a pizza and fell asleep on the sofa instead. Contentment, it certainly is, but she's only 30, I'm 36 - we shouldn't spend our Friday evenings doing a food shop in Tesco followed by a bit of channel hopping, even if we did just end up watching Taskmaster. I'm secretly quite happy, though.
Those kids have so much energy, though, it's a little draining. In the evening, A and myself wanted to be young and crazy, but we were both exhausted so got a pizza and fell asleep on the sofa instead. Contentment, it certainly is, but she's only 30, I'm 36 - we shouldn't spend our Friday evenings doing a food shop in Tesco followed by a bit of channel hopping, even if we did just end up watching Taskmaster. I'm secretly quite happy, though.
Thursday 15th March 2018
Took mum shopping in the morning and spent far too long on the A14, before dashing back into Cambridge to teach one of my regular students.
Then had the first lesson with a new student (who has now booked me for weekly sessions), before watching the utterly sublime Ed Aczel perform a his brilliant show.
Got the BEST IDEA EVER for a film. Must write it, now.
Then had the first lesson with a new student (who has now booked me for weekly sessions), before watching the utterly sublime Ed Aczel perform a his brilliant show.
Got the BEST IDEA EVER for a film. Must write it, now.
Wednesday 14th March 2018
Glad that I'm finally getting some writing time in, you know, proper writing time. That was most of today (mostly plotting a film), and then casually made my way over to the college to do a spot of teaching.
After that, taught African percussion to one of my regular students and hung out with A for a bit. It's all working out okay.
After that, taught African percussion to one of my regular students and hung out with A for a bit. It's all working out okay.
Wednesday, 14 March 2018
Tuesday 13th March 2018
A really productive morning, especially after last night's grumpiness.
Started booking shows for James and I (covers stuff, acoustic) and also my JJ show tour - which will only be in record stores. 3 vinyl retailers have said yes already, which is amazing.
Still not sure what to do about all these drum lessons I can't actually fit in at the moment. Who would have thought this would end up being so popular?
Long drive up to Southampton, but to my favourite venue where I perform roughly twice a year.
Packed, busy audience, totally nailed it tonight. First half was 35 minutes of old stuff (but without any of the Grace/Tracy material, but still quite song-based), the 'silent comedy' routine is fast becoming the most popular thing I do now. After the break I ran through the Marvellous show and it's the best this has looked so far - I've found more intricacies in the work, more callbacks, the balloon deflating scene where Jessica 'dies' nearly made an audience member cry...like proper theatre! Following that with the cowbell/doorbell line really works, I can feel myself messing with the audience's emotions and I'm loving it.
It worked tonight for 2 reasons: 1) I've worked hard at getting this show in shape, even if there is still an evident dip in tempo at about 40 minutes 2) I had such a lovely (sold-out) audience who were willing to embrace the oddity of this piece. I was so relaxed tonight, I spent the first five minutes of the show explaining why I have Red Bull in my left sock...I always felt like they were on my side.
I won't get this everywhere, but the 7-hour round-trip was totally worthwhile.
Started booking shows for James and I (covers stuff, acoustic) and also my JJ show tour - which will only be in record stores. 3 vinyl retailers have said yes already, which is amazing.
Still not sure what to do about all these drum lessons I can't actually fit in at the moment. Who would have thought this would end up being so popular?
Long drive up to Southampton, but to my favourite venue where I perform roughly twice a year.
Packed, busy audience, totally nailed it tonight. First half was 35 minutes of old stuff (but without any of the Grace/Tracy material, but still quite song-based), the 'silent comedy' routine is fast becoming the most popular thing I do now. After the break I ran through the Marvellous show and it's the best this has looked so far - I've found more intricacies in the work, more callbacks, the balloon deflating scene where Jessica 'dies' nearly made an audience member cry...like proper theatre! Following that with the cowbell/doorbell line really works, I can feel myself messing with the audience's emotions and I'm loving it.
It worked tonight for 2 reasons: 1) I've worked hard at getting this show in shape, even if there is still an evident dip in tempo at about 40 minutes 2) I had such a lovely (sold-out) audience who were willing to embrace the oddity of this piece. I was so relaxed tonight, I spent the first five minutes of the show explaining why I have Red Bull in my left sock...I always felt like they were on my side.
I won't get this everywhere, but the 7-hour round-trip was totally worthwhile.
Monday 12th March 2018
Totally blitzing my to-do list, which mostly involves finally confirming the full cast for the show (Kate is in, hurrah!), replying to about 40 emails about show stuff and trying to find extra time that suits both myself and a school I'm teaching at because we only have time for 3 students yet 7 lots of parents have just paid me (somewhat excessively) for lessons...it'll happen, somehow, we can find the time.
Did a little work on the JJ show, and then off to London for tonight's performance of Marvellous. Nice little cafe basement space, easy enough to get there. When moving a table for my props, the table collapsed and as I dived down to stop my phone smashing on the floor, I got my finger trapped in the hinge...sliced it a bit, blood everywhere!
And then no audience, not a single audience member. Went home feeling grumpy, on a train surrounded by screaming children. What's the point?
Did a little work on the JJ show, and then off to London for tonight's performance of Marvellous. Nice little cafe basement space, easy enough to get there. When moving a table for my props, the table collapsed and as I dived down to stop my phone smashing on the floor, I got my finger trapped in the hinge...sliced it a bit, blood everywhere!
And then no audience, not a single audience member. Went home feeling grumpy, on a train surrounded by screaming children. What's the point?
Sunday, 11 March 2018
Sunday 11th March 2018
More than a bit hungover this morning. Mother's Day so took Mum to the seaside, 4-hour round trip but it rained a lot and we stayed for less than an hour.
Got back, spent some valuable time with A (because I'm back on tour next week) and then discussed brilliant sitcom ideas with my housemate Phill that I'm very keen to get working on as soon as possible - it's a total winner!
Saturday 10th March 2018
Needed sleep after last night - 2 hours on stage solo is a lot, followed by a long-ish drive.
Taught 2 lessons today (including a total newcomer, which went well and is now a regular booking) and then had a fringe photoshoot with Matt.
Evening watched the WAS gig with A, odd not being onstage with them (it's a choir-only show) but was beautiful to watch. A and myself then drank excessively back at hers, exchanging secrets and plotting our future together. I'm enjoying every second with this special one.
Taught 2 lessons today (including a total newcomer, which went well and is now a regular booking) and then had a fringe photoshoot with Matt.
Evening watched the WAS gig with A, odd not being onstage with them (it's a choir-only show) but was beautiful to watch. A and myself then drank excessively back at hers, exchanging secrets and plotting our future together. I'm enjoying every second with this special one.
Friday 9th March 2018
Such a long day, mostly because of the early start. Over to St Neots for week 2 of my teaching there, which was great fun - easy students to teach.
And then over to St Ives to run some trial lessons, which went well.
From that I drove up to Birmingham for another performance of 'Short Plays...' and an hour or so of old stuff. Small venue but totally sold out tonight, I walked in and just knew straight away it would be fine. Such a lovely audience, always onside from the off. Made plenty of tweaks to the new show and it worked a treat. Cracking evening, even with the 6-hour round trip.
And then over to St Ives to run some trial lessons, which went well.
From that I drove up to Birmingham for another performance of 'Short Plays...' and an hour or so of old stuff. Small venue but totally sold out tonight, I walked in and just knew straight away it would be fine. Such a lovely audience, always onside from the off. Made plenty of tweaks to the new show and it worked a treat. Cracking evening, even with the 6-hour round trip.
Thursday 8th March 2018
Mum's shopping day, everyone in the town seems excited about the new Morrisons opening. Glad I'm not like that.
Back into Cambridge for 2 drum lessons in a row, my new-ish regulars who both live on the same road which is handy.
Evening gave the 'Short Plays...' show an airing in Cambridge. 4 people turned up...I know it's tough to get people out around here, but seriously...4 people. Why do I bother? The show felt flat - I really like this script, but it's all very new, and missing something. It'll get better.
Back into Cambridge for 2 drum lessons in a row, my new-ish regulars who both live on the same road which is handy.
Evening gave the 'Short Plays...' show an airing in Cambridge. 4 people turned up...I know it's tough to get people out around here, but seriously...4 people. Why do I bother? The show felt flat - I really like this script, but it's all very new, and missing something. It'll get better.
Wednesday 7th March 2018
Morning lesson with Tom was as fun as ever; you can just see his confidence building, and we're adding quite a few tracks to his percussional repertoire.
A couple hours of writing 'The Second' (still not sure what's happening with this show) and then off to my usual drum workshop at the college in Cambridge, followed by teaching young Dylan shortly afterwards.
Dinner at Jane's in the evening was very nice, got back and caught up on more emails.
A couple hours of writing 'The Second' (still not sure what's happening with this show) and then off to my usual drum workshop at the college in Cambridge, followed by teaching young Dylan shortly afterwards.
Dinner at Jane's in the evening was very nice, got back and caught up on more emails.
Tuesday 6th March 2018
A busy morning of writing and gradually working my way through my to-do list, which mostly involves filling in gaps in my tour schedule.
Three drum lessons in a row, in three different locations with three very different students (including Charlie, a complete first-timer but she was great).
Then dashed across town to play a little 'secret' gig with Gav, which was fine - I mean, first live outing for the this line-up, but we're tight enough.
Three drum lessons in a row, in three different locations with three very different students (including Charlie, a complete first-timer but she was great).
Then dashed across town to play a little 'secret' gig with Gav, which was fine - I mean, first live outing for the this line-up, but we're tight enough.
Tuesday, 6 March 2018
Monday 5th March 2018
Monday is very much admin day, so paid yet another parking fine, organised photoshoots for the Edinburgh show, updated my site and the various bits that go with that, sourced a venue for my Easter drum workshops, did the usual round of drum lesson adverts everywhere, plugged the new show, invoiced a college, spoke to two parents about the progress of their children (rhythmically) and started booking more tour dates.
Then off to teach a lovely double lesson, before late rehearsal with Gav and band. Got back, started re-rehearsing the Marvellous show, ahead of the performances this week and crashed out at 2am after watching the superb This Country.
Then off to teach a lovely double lesson, before late rehearsal with Gav and band. Got back, started re-rehearsing the Marvellous show, ahead of the performances this week and crashed out at 2am after watching the superb This Country.
Monday, 5 March 2018
Sunday 4th March 2018
Up early to watch A sing in church, and then over to Soham for Edd's surprise 40th birthday party in which many new musical projects were discussed...
Back to do some more writing, and plotting the week - I get a feeling it's going to be a busy one, too many things have been left to slip recently. Including rehearsing the show which re-opens on Thursday.
Back to do some more writing, and plotting the week - I get a feeling it's going to be a busy one, too many things have been left to slip recently. Including rehearsing the show which re-opens on Thursday.
Saturday 3rd March 2018
Woke up with the predictable hangover but both of my lessons today were lovely. Saturday lessons are always my favourites when I'm teaching these guys.
Spent the day/night at A's, the afternoon writing the Joe Jackson show and then, as the FH gig was pulled, a pizza and beer night. I'm getting comfy.
Spent the day/night at A's, the afternoon writing the Joe Jackson show and then, as the FH gig was pulled, a pizza and beer night. I'm getting comfy.
Friday 2nd March 2018
Up really early (far too early for a musician) to start my new Friday teaching role over near St Neots. A good three hours teaching drums, nice students, they're a nervy bunch but I can build their confidence.
Next up, a meeting with Gav to discuss the China offer, lots of ideas shared...certainly an interesting offer.
Cracking evening with A as we went over to Marcus and Leigh's place for dinner. Been to a few dinner parties really, like a proper grown up.
Next up, a meeting with Gav to discuss the China offer, lots of ideas shared...certainly an interesting offer.
Cracking evening with A as we went over to Marcus and Leigh's place for dinner. Been to a few dinner parties really, like a proper grown up.
Thursday 1st March 2018
The whole country is going crazy because of the snow...it's just a bit of snow, dudes, calm down!
Early start, over to my old primary school to host an assembly for them - was very surreal but awesome at the same time. It hasn't changed a bit, even the teachers! Very successful morning.
As I was in the area, I used this as mum's shopping day, so spent a typical few hours with my notepads in various car parks.
Then over to Cambridge for the FH gig. The weather seemed to have scared off a lot of the audience so it was a quite one, but we played a fun set, mostly of new material.
After heavy venue negotiations, confirmed the venue for Little Sparks, which was a relief.
Early start, over to my old primary school to host an assembly for them - was very surreal but awesome at the same time. It hasn't changed a bit, even the teachers! Very successful morning.
As I was in the area, I used this as mum's shopping day, so spent a typical few hours with my notepads in various car parks.
Then over to Cambridge for the FH gig. The weather seemed to have scared off a lot of the audience so it was a quite one, but we played a fun set, mostly of new material.
After heavy venue negotiations, confirmed the venue for Little Sparks, which was a relief.
Wednesday 28th February 2018
I feel like I'm getting the 'normal' aspects of my life right - a teaching business which is starting to work, a lovely girlfriend etc, but the creative side of things is being restricted to notepads. Many, many notepads. I either need to take some proper time out to write all this up, or start getting up earlier. Both seem unlikely.
Great drum lesson with Tom this morning, that one just really worked.
The snow was so heavy today, making it dangerous to travel. Regardless, I set on my way to my first meeting of the day - at a college in Ely, only to get a call saying we can have the meeting by phone instead, and then my college commitment was cancelled too. Still, it gave me a little time to write, which I did - worked on the JJ show which is confirmed for Edinburgh. Then a long scary drive over to James' place to pick up a cable, long and scary because I couldn't quite tell what was the road and what was the river...
Great drum lesson with Tom this morning, that one just really worked.
The snow was so heavy today, making it dangerous to travel. Regardless, I set on my way to my first meeting of the day - at a college in Ely, only to get a call saying we can have the meeting by phone instead, and then my college commitment was cancelled too. Still, it gave me a little time to write, which I did - worked on the JJ show which is confirmed for Edinburgh. Then a long scary drive over to James' place to pick up a cable, long and scary because I couldn't quite tell what was the road and what was the river...
Tuesday 27th February 2018
Morning spent working on the shows. Still not sure if 'The Second...' will see the light of day this year, I have people who are keen but finding a venue seems to be an issue this year - I'm lucky to have what I have for the existing projects, I guess. Really proud of the twist that ties this whole thing together.
Great drum lesson with one of my regulars, great phone chat with a fringe venue and lovely dinner with the lovely lady later on.
Got back late, started rehearsing the show that starts touring next week...
Great drum lesson with one of my regulars, great phone chat with a fringe venue and lovely dinner with the lovely lady later on.
Got back late, started rehearsing the show that starts touring next week...
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