Home, jetlagged and confused by the time.
Did a bit of work on my new 'office' space - which is our spare room - picked up my drums from V as she was looking after them for me and started plotting exciting things for the future. The holiday clearly did me some good.
Sunday, 28 October 2018
Saturday 27th October 2018
Back at San Francisco airport to drop off the hire car and have a degrading moment in customs where the security guard felt my massive balls and thought I was a drug dealer. It took a little explaining, which was basically me saying, "I just have massive nuts" lots of times before they eventually let me through. Scary stuff, those US customs guys don't mess around.
5 hour flight to Toronto, 6 hour wait at the airport in which I caught up on emails, before 6 hour flight home.
5 hour flight to Toronto, 6 hour wait at the airport in which I caught up on emails, before 6 hour flight home.
Friday 26th October 2018
Due to the extensive travel home, this was pretty much our last day as tourists so we went on a 4-hour whale watching trip. I can't swim so the idea of being taking out in a little boat (really little), 9 miles away from land, where there are 'killer whales' didn't appeal but I'm a real man so went along with it.
Was actually refreshing and really exciting - I get the buzz of the sea, now. And killer whales? Yeah, but they're not interested in humans. Spotted lots of dolphins, whales and otters, all remarkably close to this flimsy box with a motor they called a boat. Quite scary at times, even if I seemed to be the only one with concerns.
Either way, an exciting four hours.
Back to the hotel - early night, up at 3am tomorrow.
Was actually refreshing and really exciting - I get the buzz of the sea, now. And killer whales? Yeah, but they're not interested in humans. Spotted lots of dolphins, whales and otters, all remarkably close to this flimsy box with a motor they called a boat. Quite scary at times, even if I seemed to be the only one with concerns.
Either way, an exciting four hours.
Back to the hotel - early night, up at 3am tomorrow.
Thursday 25th October 2018
Up early to spend pretty much a whole day in the aquarium. It's a world famous one, thanks to it's African penguins (see, I can do cultured) (I have a very cultured girlfriend).
A fascinating day being at one with nature and feeling totally switched off from the outside world. Also ate the biggest hot dog ever and got excited by a MASSIVE sweet shop. Cultured, see?
I spent nearly half an hour in the sweet shop. What does A see in me?
Overpriced meal by the stunning harbour and then a few drinks back at the hotel. I got ID'd! I'm 37! One of the best days ever!
A fascinating day being at one with nature and feeling totally switched off from the outside world. Also ate the biggest hot dog ever and got excited by a MASSIVE sweet shop. Cultured, see?
I spent nearly half an hour in the sweet shop. What does A see in me?
Overpriced meal by the stunning harbour and then a few drinks back at the hotel. I got ID'd! I'm 37! One of the best days ever!
Wednesday 24th October 2018
Done with San Francisco, we then head off to Monterey Bay. It's been a hectic holiday so far, so we slowed it down today - simply stopping off at every beach en route, taking photos, having a paddle, enjoying the warm beauty of it all, before checking in to our nice little hotel.
Fancy dinner in town followed by a real ale bar, where I managed to find a lager. Perfection.
Fancy dinner in town followed by a real ale bar, where I managed to find a lager. Perfection.
Tuesday 23rd October 2018
Having arrived in San Fran in the early hours of the morning, we picked up our hire car and then argued about directions for a while. The 20 minute journey took well over an hour, but at least we got to our Air B+B accommodation eventually. On the way I popped into a little backstreet off licence to pick up some beer and the bloke behind the till made a joke about shooting me because I was English. I didn't find this particularly funny.
Having slept very well, we caught a bus into town where a strange man kept glaring at me and then talking under his arm about killing me. I'm glad we got off at the next stop.
Went to Alcatraz which absolutely, totally blew my mind and inspired me in more ways then I could possibly put into words...I'm not one for history, but the audio tour as you're walking around these eerie, cold prison cells really woke me up. I've since ordered four books about it and have become a bit obsessed - it'll probably also be next year's Edinburgh show.
Then over to another part of town, where I had a stand-up gig. An open spot (so 5 minutes) in a gay bar that looked so worryingly outrageous on it's website but in reality was just like a typical English dingy bar with added posters of cocks on the walls.
Jim, one of the acts and also one of the nicest people I've ever met, said, "welcome to the worst gig of your career" - but he meant that not because of any hostility, but because it's a Tuesday night and nobody ever turns up to this show. A bit like every other open mic in Cambridge, then.
In reality it was better, because there was 15 acts on the bill which instantly felt like an audience, and about 6 or 7 genuine punters who were onside. I was the second act on and a bit of a frantic mess; they didn't understand my Red Bull material but got on board with some road rage stuff. I've watched it back; the content was pretty poor but my bumbling Englishman mannerisms worked a treat. Lots of little laughs throughout, 'nice Paul' rather than anything more exciting.
Having slept very well, we caught a bus into town where a strange man kept glaring at me and then talking under his arm about killing me. I'm glad we got off at the next stop.
Went to Alcatraz which absolutely, totally blew my mind and inspired me in more ways then I could possibly put into words...I'm not one for history, but the audio tour as you're walking around these eerie, cold prison cells really woke me up. I've since ordered four books about it and have become a bit obsessed - it'll probably also be next year's Edinburgh show.
Then over to another part of town, where I had a stand-up gig. An open spot (so 5 minutes) in a gay bar that looked so worryingly outrageous on it's website but in reality was just like a typical English dingy bar with added posters of cocks on the walls.
Jim, one of the acts and also one of the nicest people I've ever met, said, "welcome to the worst gig of your career" - but he meant that not because of any hostility, but because it's a Tuesday night and nobody ever turns up to this show. A bit like every other open mic in Cambridge, then.
In reality it was better, because there was 15 acts on the bill which instantly felt like an audience, and about 6 or 7 genuine punters who were onside. I was the second act on and a bit of a frantic mess; they didn't understand my Red Bull material but got on board with some road rage stuff. I've watched it back; the content was pretty poor but my bumbling Englishman mannerisms worked a treat. Lots of little laughs throughout, 'nice Paul' rather than anything more exciting.
Monday 22nd October 2018
Arrived in Canada, where we are for 22 hours before heading over to California tomorrow. There's a reason why these flights were so cheap...that 22 hour gap is a bit inconvenient, but we used it wisely and behaved like proper tourists. Checked in to a lovely airport hotel late last night and caught the remarkably cheap and very clean train to to the centre of town.
Bought tickets to go up the remarkable CN tower, was great fun, and then had a fancy dinner by the river. Could easily have spent the whole week in Toronto...just so much, well, space. It's all a bit calm, all a bit easier than the UK.
Caught a late plane to San Francisco.
Bought tickets to go up the remarkable CN tower, was great fun, and then had a fancy dinner by the river. Could easily have spent the whole week in Toronto...just so much, well, space. It's all a bit calm, all a bit easier than the UK.
Caught a late plane to San Francisco.
Sunday 21st October 2018
Up early to grab breakfast in the hotel, attempt to shake off the hangovers with a quick coastal walk and then Lachy kindly drove me to Heathrow, where, after arriving fashionably 5 hours early (I'm not an experienced traveller, I have no idea what the going rate time-wise is for these things), A and I hopped on a plane and started our little adventure.
Spent the rest of the day in the air, getting confused by time zones. Long, mostly uncomfortable flight.
Spent the rest of the day in the air, getting confused by time zones. Long, mostly uncomfortable flight.
Saturday 20th October 2018
Feeling guilty that I'm missing Mum's birthday next week as I'll be on holiday, we took her out for a fancy breakfast this morning at a nice little farm I discovered recently that serves good food and, more importantly, allows dogs. She had a great time, as did the dog, who pulled me over and I fell flat on my face into the mud. Everyone else enjoyed that moment, at least.
Dashed back and then met up with dep bassist Bobby and we set off on the long drive to Devon to do a gig none of us really wanted to do. Already without Gaf, we were then hit another blow when G fell sick and pulled out of the gig at 6 hours notice. We called the venue, explaining that we were 2 men down, and we really are going to struggle to play a 90 minute show like this, but they explained they had already sold out at 100 tickets with another 20 on reserve and we have to do it, somehow.
And that's what we did. The long drive with Bobby was great, by the way, we'd only met once before and that was in a rehearsal, but we spoke solidly for 5 hours about music and it was great fun, we'll stay in touch and work together again soon.
The first set felt awkward, V trying to sing songs that G normally sings, Lachy, myself and Bobby trying to hold it all together and, to be honest, too many ballads - you could just feel the audience getting restless. The second half though we totally stormed it... not sure what happened, but they were into it more and so were we and we ended up having a standing ovation and an encore. The best thing was...we sounded pretty awesome, too, the confidence grew, we were all improvising a lot but somehow we made it work.
The four of us then went out and got drunk in Exmouth, which, it seems, is pretty fucking rough on a Saturday night. We deserved those shots, though.
Dashed back and then met up with dep bassist Bobby and we set off on the long drive to Devon to do a gig none of us really wanted to do. Already without Gaf, we were then hit another blow when G fell sick and pulled out of the gig at 6 hours notice. We called the venue, explaining that we were 2 men down, and we really are going to struggle to play a 90 minute show like this, but they explained they had already sold out at 100 tickets with another 20 on reserve and we have to do it, somehow.
And that's what we did. The long drive with Bobby was great, by the way, we'd only met once before and that was in a rehearsal, but we spoke solidly for 5 hours about music and it was great fun, we'll stay in touch and work together again soon.
The first set felt awkward, V trying to sing songs that G normally sings, Lachy, myself and Bobby trying to hold it all together and, to be honest, too many ballads - you could just feel the audience getting restless. The second half though we totally stormed it... not sure what happened, but they were into it more and so were we and we ended up having a standing ovation and an encore. The best thing was...we sounded pretty awesome, too, the confidence grew, we were all improvising a lot but somehow we made it work.
The four of us then went out and got drunk in Exmouth, which, it seems, is pretty fucking rough on a Saturday night. We deserved those shots, though.
Friday, 19 October 2018
Friday 19th October 2018
My regular frantic Friday: 3 schools, 19 students, quite a load of road rage getting to each one. Still, it's all fine, I know what I'm doing and everyone seems onside with my "chaotic" style of teaching.
Got my hours for Santa through, confirmed some more April tour dates, confirmed rehearsals with GM who I am excited to be drumming for, confirmed some more jazz gigs, got excited about a show idea I had and got excited by the fact that now I don't have to do the TA stuff I actually have time to write again.
After the next week, of course, because tomorrow I'm gigging in Devon and then on Sunday I'm flying off to San Francisco with the lady for a holiday...which naturally includes a gig over there on Tuesday night.
Spent the rest of the day, after teaching a private lesson, packing, planning and generally being rather happy with life.
Got my hours for Santa through, confirmed some more April tour dates, confirmed rehearsals with GM who I am excited to be drumming for, confirmed some more jazz gigs, got excited about a show idea I had and got excited by the fact that now I don't have to do the TA stuff I actually have time to write again.
After the next week, of course, because tomorrow I'm gigging in Devon and then on Sunday I'm flying off to San Francisco with the lady for a holiday...which naturally includes a gig over there on Tuesday night.
Spent the rest of the day, after teaching a private lesson, packing, planning and generally being rather happy with life.
Thursday 18th October 2018
My final day as a TA, would have felt emotional but almost as revenge for leaving (because they had asked me to stay several times) they put me with the idiot racist kid all day, who was an idiot racist throughout. Still, one of the kids who I've been looking after gave me a keyring as a 'thank you for understanding' which was very sweet, and the boss gave me a fancy bottle of wine and an epic cake. I'm glad I did that job...I learnt a lot and have got notes for a novel out of it. The kids aren't bad, really (apart from the idiot racist), they're just a bit lost with the world.
Equally: I'm thrilled to be out.
My drum teaching 'business' is doing well enough at the moment, even if I taught just the one lesson today - to one of my regulars, which was fun.
Then a 2 hour drive up to Leicester to perform an hour in front of 7 people. Lovely venue and nice dressing room, but the whole thing felt a bit flat in places. Afterwards they all shook my hand and told me how much they enjoyed it. They could have fucking laughed.
Still, home by 11pm, which is my earliest 'get in' this week.
Equally: I'm thrilled to be out.
My drum teaching 'business' is doing well enough at the moment, even if I taught just the one lesson today - to one of my regulars, which was fun.
Then a 2 hour drive up to Leicester to perform an hour in front of 7 people. Lovely venue and nice dressing room, but the whole thing felt a bit flat in places. Afterwards they all shook my hand and told me how much they enjoyed it. They could have fucking laughed.
Still, home by 11pm, which is my earliest 'get in' this week.
Thursday, 18 October 2018
Wednesday 17th October 2018
I'm pretty sure I am a salesman's dream...popped in to get a new phone, a (long) hour later I have the mobile I didn't mean to get and a matching tablet. Still, the difficulties of using them may help with my social media addiction.
Apart from that, enjoyed teaching at the primary school and then got angry with traffic...it shouldn't take 2 hours to get from St Ives to Cambridge for a lesson.
After that, over to Josie's to run my show. It's my third show at hers this year and it's always great...she's a close friend (even if we only met last year) but also really popular so gets in a good, drunk crowd who make things easy for me. Performed for what felt like all night...brilliant fun in awesome company.
Apart from that, enjoyed teaching at the primary school and then got angry with traffic...it shouldn't take 2 hours to get from St Ives to Cambridge for a lesson.
After that, over to Josie's to run my show. It's my third show at hers this year and it's always great...she's a close friend (even if we only met last year) but also really popular so gets in a good, drunk crowd who make things easy for me. Performed for what felt like all night...brilliant fun in awesome company.
Tuesday, 16 October 2018
Tuesday 16th October 2018
TA stuff is drawing ever closer...lost a child today but found him eventually. They've said several times how much they'll miss me when I go; I guess I'll miss it, too.
Three great private lessons followed, all attentive students, all easy enough.
GM, the songwriter I think is awesome, has booked me up for some sessions, Alan is excited about our projects, Andrea is happy I'm back drumming for the choir, the grotto dudes are excited about me being Santa again, another school wants me to be their drum teacher...I'm really in demand at the moment and it's lovely but I just need to stop, for a moment. Please.
FH rehearsal with the dep bassist for Saturday's gig which is logistically causing me a lot of problems. This is all getting a bit messy, now, and it feels pointless doing this one.
Three great private lessons followed, all attentive students, all easy enough.
GM, the songwriter I think is awesome, has booked me up for some sessions, Alan is excited about our projects, Andrea is happy I'm back drumming for the choir, the grotto dudes are excited about me being Santa again, another school wants me to be their drum teacher...I'm really in demand at the moment and it's lovely but I just need to stop, for a moment. Please.
FH rehearsal with the dep bassist for Saturday's gig which is logistically causing me a lot of problems. This is all getting a bit messy, now, and it feels pointless doing this one.
Monday 15th October 2018
Final week as a TA...today was fine. Kids played up, I pretended not to care, the usual.
5 private drum lessons after, making Monday my busiest day of the week, probably - all good fun, all quite close, all keeps the bills paid.
Then met up for a late-ish drink with Alan H to discuss new projects. So many new projects, it's a bit daft, but he's a top, top actor and I can't wait to write more stuff for him. Lovely evening.
5 private drum lessons after, making Monday my busiest day of the week, probably - all good fun, all quite close, all keeps the bills paid.
Then met up for a late-ish drink with Alan H to discuss new projects. So many new projects, it's a bit daft, but he's a top, top actor and I can't wait to write more stuff for him. Lovely evening.
Sunday 14th October 2018
A manic day, but all good stuff; afternoon gig with my new jazz chums was messy but well received. You can get away with a lot when it comes to jazz...
Then frantic dash over to Milton Keynes for a sold out FH show - a lot of pressure on this sold-out gigs but we're getting used to it now. Not quite the buzz of last night, but a professional performance, all the same. Home by 2am. These late nights are exhausting me.
Then frantic dash over to Milton Keynes for a sold out FH show - a lot of pressure on this sold-out gigs but we're getting used to it now. Not quite the buzz of last night, but a professional performance, all the same. Home by 2am. These late nights are exhausting me.
Saturday 13th October 2018
Bit hungover, but a cracking double lesson in the morning, followed by a chilled percussion lesson after that. It may be a Saturday, but getting a few hours in helps pay for America.
Met up with the band and over to Oxfordshire. Having just announced that G is leaving, our ticket sales went through the roof for the rest of the tour. V is struggling emotionally. Gig was an absolute stormer in a big room - why would anyone leave this? It's baffling.
Met up with the band and over to Oxfordshire. Having just announced that G is leaving, our ticket sales went through the roof for the rest of the tour. V is struggling emotionally. Gig was an absolute stormer in a big room - why would anyone leave this? It's baffling.
Friday 12th October 2018
Ridiculous teaching stuff today - I get it's lovely to have a good reputation so the students just build and build BUT 6 students in one school, 6 in the next and 7 in the final one, followed by a private lesson. This is going too far?
Still, managed to find a train station in the village, which was a bonus, so got the train into town to meet A for dinner. We wanted a big night out because we're never in at the same time, but we're both so knackered by, you know, life and all that at the moment. Still, America soon, that will make all this working worthwhile.
Still, managed to find a train station in the village, which was a bonus, so got the train into town to meet A for dinner. We wanted a big night out because we're never in at the same time, but we're both so knackered by, you know, life and all that at the moment. Still, America soon, that will make all this working worthwhile.
Thursday 11th October 2018
I think it says a lot when getting in at 9pm feels like a 'night off' but that's the way things are at the moment....part of me likes being so busy, but the rest of me (my body) is burning out and I can still feel the shingles lingering.
The TA stuff was frustrating today, mostly because the kids have found my YouTube channel. That can't end well.
Three excellent private lessons with three of my regulars and then a chance to catch up with A...before working on the tour schedule again, which is building nicely. A lot of the dates seem to up north, though, and traditionally nobody likes me up there.
The TA stuff was frustrating today, mostly because the kids have found my YouTube channel. That can't end well.
Three excellent private lessons with three of my regulars and then a chance to catch up with A...before working on the tour schedule again, which is building nicely. A lot of the dates seem to up north, though, and traditionally nobody likes me up there.
Wednesday 10th October 2018
I thought my lessons were really good today - just sayin'. At the primary school in the morning, and then with the international students in the afternoon. I keep finding more games to play and more songs to work on with them, if anything it's quite easy.
Had a private lesson after that and managed to get in some proper writing time, before rehearsing with the jazz band. We were much better tonight...almost tight at times, we'll be fine for the gig on Sunday.
Tuesday, 9 October 2018
Tuesday 9th October 2018
Didn't sleep well last night because the cat kept jumping on my face. I'm slightly worried this is going to be a struggle. Only slightly, no need to raise the alarm bells just yet.
Long day of TA stuff, managed to stop a fight, the usual legendary stuff.
During my lunchbreak (and, ahem, during a couple of the lessons) I continued work on my Respectable Street script, which I'm writing for an actor called Jonathan who I met at the fringe this year - it's a challenging piece but one I'm really excited about.
Sales of my Christmas monologues book from ages ago are still creeping in...need to get the new one finished and out there asap.
Long phone meeting with a venue about History of Pop, all confirmed for more performances now.
Three private lessons, all with terrible traffic slowing me down but all went well - good students, easy to teach. I tried out a few new things and it all worked a treat.
Over to Shepreth for our monthly comedy night. Not one single person from Shepreth there. In fact, we only had 4 proper audiences members in. The whole thing felt quite depressing. I was the headliner but it was totally pointless. Died on my arse.
Long day of TA stuff, managed to stop a fight, the usual legendary stuff.
During my lunchbreak (and, ahem, during a couple of the lessons) I continued work on my Respectable Street script, which I'm writing for an actor called Jonathan who I met at the fringe this year - it's a challenging piece but one I'm really excited about.
Sales of my Christmas monologues book from ages ago are still creeping in...need to get the new one finished and out there asap.
Long phone meeting with a venue about History of Pop, all confirmed for more performances now.
Three private lessons, all with terrible traffic slowing me down but all went well - good students, easy to teach. I tried out a few new things and it all worked a treat.
Over to Shepreth for our monthly comedy night. Not one single person from Shepreth there. In fact, we only had 4 proper audiences members in. The whole thing felt quite depressing. I was the headliner but it was totally pointless. Died on my arse.
Monday, 8 October 2018
Monday 8th October 2018
The new Costello album excites me a lot. Basically, if I can be the playwright equivalent to Elvis Costello, that would be amazing. That's the plan. It's just the energy, the intensity in which he writes, the depth of his work. I've only heard three tracks from it that the label have released as a taster but I know it's going to be one of the 'really good' ones.
I'm working too hard, I know that. I now only have 5 days left as a TA, which is a relief, but I was up till late last night working on The Winter Monologues project and during my lunchbreak today I fell asleep in my car.
After that I taught five private drum lessons in a row - the one with Zoltan was a total joy because it feels like I'm teaching a mate if anything else and we had a great laugh, the others were good but it was very much proper tutoring. I'm good at this, I know I am - I'm still not sure how I got here, but I'm finding it quite easy. Still, a 13 hour working day - this week it's pretty much like that every day.
When the TA stuff goes at least I get to rest a little as the shingles is still kinda lingering. Or, I can get time to write. My head is excited by these opportunities that are being presented to me...I just need to actually do them.
I'm working too hard, I know that. I now only have 5 days left as a TA, which is a relief, but I was up till late last night working on The Winter Monologues project and during my lunchbreak today I fell asleep in my car.
After that I taught five private drum lessons in a row - the one with Zoltan was a total joy because it feels like I'm teaching a mate if anything else and we had a great laugh, the others were good but it was very much proper tutoring. I'm good at this, I know I am - I'm still not sure how I got here, but I'm finding it quite easy. Still, a 13 hour working day - this week it's pretty much like that every day.
When the TA stuff goes at least I get to rest a little as the shingles is still kinda lingering. Or, I can get time to write. My head is excited by these opportunities that are being presented to me...I just need to actually do them.
Sunday, 7 October 2018
Sunday 7th October 2018
So hungover. 3 hours sleep, back in the car. I'm glad Gaf drove. Nice hearty breakfast at a service station and back home by 2pm.
Taught three lessons today, on a Sunday...this is how my schedule is these days. Madness. One of them in particular left me feeling good - a new student, can already drum a bit, but really lovely attitude. I showed her how to play One Day Like This by Elbow, and it turns out it's her parents' song that they had as their first dance. They're instantly onside and I really enjoyed their company; I don't have room for more students, really, but I can make room for these guys.
Back for a proper catch up with A, and then we sorted out my visas for America, which is exciting.
Taught three lessons today, on a Sunday...this is how my schedule is these days. Madness. One of them in particular left me feeling good - a new student, can already drum a bit, but really lovely attitude. I showed her how to play One Day Like This by Elbow, and it turns out it's her parents' song that they had as their first dance. They're instantly onside and I really enjoyed their company; I don't have room for more students, really, but I can make room for these guys.
Back for a proper catch up with A, and then we sorted out my visas for America, which is exciting.
Saturday 6th October 2018
Up early to teach my regular Saturday student, and then met up with FH for the long drive to the deepest north.
An arts centre gig, the sort of gig I always love playing, but, having had our problems on Wednesday, I wasn't looking forward to this one - it feels like I am merely working out my notice. But it all changed tonight, because we pretty much sold out, we ate well, we're getting paid for it, and we were absolutely outstanding - the buzz is totally back. Standing ovation at the end, the full works, we upped our game and this was the best we've played live in years. Absolutely brilliant.
I know I've had that other offer, but I can do both, yeah? Of course I can. I can't let this go...my feelings of negativity earlier in the week is because I'm sad this could be going, but if we have more great nights like this then there's no way G can leave us, surely?
The evening was great after the show, too, lots of boozing in our B+B, lots of chat, just like the old days. My roommate for this show was V, we stayed up till nearly 4am, drinking gin and putting the world to rights. Whatever happens with the band, I'll always be her drummer.
An arts centre gig, the sort of gig I always love playing, but, having had our problems on Wednesday, I wasn't looking forward to this one - it feels like I am merely working out my notice. But it all changed tonight, because we pretty much sold out, we ate well, we're getting paid for it, and we were absolutely outstanding - the buzz is totally back. Standing ovation at the end, the full works, we upped our game and this was the best we've played live in years. Absolutely brilliant.
I know I've had that other offer, but I can do both, yeah? Of course I can. I can't let this go...my feelings of negativity earlier in the week is because I'm sad this could be going, but if we have more great nights like this then there's no way G can leave us, surely?
The evening was great after the show, too, lots of boozing in our B+B, lots of chat, just like the old days. My roommate for this show was V, we stayed up till nearly 4am, drinking gin and putting the world to rights. Whatever happens with the band, I'll always be her drummer.
Friday 5th October 2018
The traffic was particularly bad today - took me over 2 hours to make the 45 minute trip over to the primary school, buggering up my schedule a bit.
All came together eventually - my standard '3 school Friday', all have students of various quality, it felt more like a 'job' today than pleasure, though, mostly because I'm fucking knackered. It is a job, though, I mean - it pays, really quite well.
Cracking private lesson with the Spanish family, I just really like them as people and it is a genuine pleasure to teach their kid drums, the whole family are just so warm. Then over to teach my first ever student, who needed some time out recently because there was a sense that he was losing interest a bit...which is fine, he's only 8 after all, but his parents are keen for him to keep on playing. The lesson tonight was great, though - totally back on form and everyone seems happy again.
Rehearsal with the jazz/teacher band in the evening. I was the only one not drinking and it all felt sloppy and a bit too loose for my liking. We have a gig soon, we need a bit of improvement.
All came together eventually - my standard '3 school Friday', all have students of various quality, it felt more like a 'job' today than pleasure, though, mostly because I'm fucking knackered. It is a job, though, I mean - it pays, really quite well.
Cracking private lesson with the Spanish family, I just really like them as people and it is a genuine pleasure to teach their kid drums, the whole family are just so warm. Then over to teach my first ever student, who needed some time out recently because there was a sense that he was losing interest a bit...which is fine, he's only 8 after all, but his parents are keen for him to keep on playing. The lesson tonight was great, though - totally back on form and everyone seems happy again.
Rehearsal with the jazz/teacher band in the evening. I was the only one not drinking and it all felt sloppy and a bit too loose for my liking. We have a gig soon, we need a bit of improvement.
Thursday 4th October 2018
Back TA-ing, I did okay, I think - as usual, though, I turn up bright and breezy and then eventually the day wears me down.
Three private lessons in a row, all good fun, and then eventually a chance to see A, who, despite living with her, we barely see each other at all as we're both working so hard at the moment.
Confirmed a gig in San Francisco. Pretty cool.
Three private lessons in a row, all good fun, and then eventually a chance to see A, who, despite living with her, we barely see each other at all as we're both working so hard at the moment.
Confirmed a gig in San Francisco. Pretty cool.
Wednesday 3rd October 2018
A frantic day, starting with my regular lessons at the primary school, and then my phone broke so I drove to the nearest town to get a new one (I'm due an upgrade anyway so if anything the timing was perfect) but then it started working again as I was driving there so came back and took Mum shopping instead.
Over to the college to run my weekly drum workshop there, an absolute total joy - such an awesome bunch of students. As I said before, I'd be happy to drop a few private students if I can get more hours there, it's just a vibe that suits me.
Off over to Baldock for FH gig, in which the feeling was tense. I've come to the conclusion that maybe we'll never replace G, and that this is becoming a bit of a slog. The atmosphere is mostly negative and it's no longer something I look forward to doing...I miss the good old days when we were a happier band. I had expressed my thoughts to the guys today by email, so as you can imagine it didn't feel great at the gig tonight. I'm not definitely going, I just wanted to say that I'm not happy and maybe it's time for a fresh start. We spoke about it, then played a 90 minute gig to a packed room but it didn't feel like a particularly good performance.
None of this has anything to do with the 'big' offer I had yesterday as a drummer. No. Well, maybe. I don't know.
Over to the college to run my weekly drum workshop there, an absolute total joy - such an awesome bunch of students. As I said before, I'd be happy to drop a few private students if I can get more hours there, it's just a vibe that suits me.
Off over to Baldock for FH gig, in which the feeling was tense. I've come to the conclusion that maybe we'll never replace G, and that this is becoming a bit of a slog. The atmosphere is mostly negative and it's no longer something I look forward to doing...I miss the good old days when we were a happier band. I had expressed my thoughts to the guys today by email, so as you can imagine it didn't feel great at the gig tonight. I'm not definitely going, I just wanted to say that I'm not happy and maybe it's time for a fresh start. We spoke about it, then played a 90 minute gig to a packed room but it didn't feel like a particularly good performance.
None of this has anything to do with the 'big' offer I had yesterday as a drummer. No. Well, maybe. I don't know.
Tuesday 2nd October 2018
The TA stuff was fine, if anything a bit slow in places.
My Christmas show ideas are maybe going too far now, but if I can find a little time, I'm sure I can make it work.
Quick drum lesson with one of my regulars and then back in the studio with Rohan and Chris. A nice vibe, again, less productive this time around but some decent ideas floating about and the studio is incredible. I've enjoyed catching up with these guys over the last couple of days, looking forward to our yearly reunion around next October...
My Christmas show ideas are maybe going too far now, but if I can find a little time, I'm sure I can make it work.
Quick drum lesson with one of my regulars and then back in the studio with Rohan and Chris. A nice vibe, again, less productive this time around but some decent ideas floating about and the studio is incredible. I've enjoyed catching up with these guys over the last couple of days, looking forward to our yearly reunion around next October...
Monday, 1 October 2018
Monday 1st October 2018
So much I want to do this week, mostly involving the Christmas projects, but time is never on my side, it feels. The TA stuff just ticked over nicely - some kids were abusive, one fell asleep for the whole lesson, one cried because I'm leaving soon before starting a fight in a rugby match. It's been a nice learning curve but I'm happy to be off soon.
Quick private lesson with one of my regulars, who totally nailed an Ian Dury song, before recording with Rohan and Chris. Great studio, the songs are self-indulgent and wonderful to play, but not sure if the listener would enjoy them as much as we do.
Quick private lesson with one of my regulars, who totally nailed an Ian Dury song, before recording with Rohan and Chris. Great studio, the songs are self-indulgent and wonderful to play, but not sure if the listener would enjoy them as much as we do.
Sunday 30th September 2018
Living with A does have it's pro's and cons. Pro's: bacon at breakfast. Cons: She told me turn off the Christmas music last night.
Still, a nice lazy-ish Sunday. Taught a percussion lesson in the morning to Laura, who is now going to be fortnightly student - it was her first lesson and she really got into it.
Lunch at A's parents, and then dinner with Chris, Rohan and their partners in Grantchester. Lovely evening in great company. I have some cracking friends.
Still, a nice lazy-ish Sunday. Taught a percussion lesson in the morning to Laura, who is now going to be fortnightly student - it was her first lesson and she really got into it.
Lunch at A's parents, and then dinner with Chris, Rohan and their partners in Grantchester. Lovely evening in great company. I have some cracking friends.
Saturday 29th October 2018
I fear the shingles are returning, or I'm just itchy. Either way, I need to slow down a bit - that was always the doctor's orders and I never stick to it. Things are piling up a bit...not just my stuff, which is all in boxes, but the teaching work (I keep saying yes to more clients), the writing work (I've agreed to write solo shows for three different actors), the band work (FH and the jazz band both want me for the same time, all of the time). I need to work out what I can and can't actually do here.
Still, great double drum lesson with one of my regulars, and then finished the house move. Living with my girlfriend. If you had told me this a year ago, I would have laughed at you. But it works, it totally works. Because she's so incredibly tolerant to my many 'ways', and I am to hers, too. Plus we're both so INCREDIBLY busy we barely see each other, anyway. It's a nice house, we can look after each other here from any scary things the real world throws at us.
Evening I supported Aidan at his Cambridge performance. He's a great comedian and becoming a good friend, too...we enjoyed a good hour or chat before the audience got there and we're totally on the same page. He's basically an older, better, more successful version of me. The show was really good tonight, both of us on good form. I like Cambridge again, now.
Still, great double drum lesson with one of my regulars, and then finished the house move. Living with my girlfriend. If you had told me this a year ago, I would have laughed at you. But it works, it totally works. Because she's so incredibly tolerant to my many 'ways', and I am to hers, too. Plus we're both so INCREDIBLY busy we barely see each other, anyway. It's a nice house, we can look after each other here from any scary things the real world throws at us.
Evening I supported Aidan at his Cambridge performance. He's a great comedian and becoming a good friend, too...we enjoyed a good hour or chat before the audience got there and we're totally on the same page. He's basically an older, better, more successful version of me. The show was really good tonight, both of us on good form. I like Cambridge again, now.
Friday 28th September 2018
Bit annoyed about last night's show but it did remind me that I can't take this one for granted. 80% of the time it works a treat, but it does need someone to lead the choir for me - ideally Rachel, or Dan, as it often was in Edinburgh. Luckily, for the forthcoming West End performance, Rachel is doing just that, in return for a billing on the poster.
Friday is just crazy for me, this so more than normal. 5 students at one school, mad dash to the next one, 5 students there, mad dash to the final one, 6 students there, and then a lengthy private lesson.
And then the house move. Gaf is amazing, that's four times he's helped me now.
Got the majority of it done, will finish the move tomorrow - Friday was getting a bit late. Why do I always end up moving house on a Friday night?
Friday is just crazy for me, this so more than normal. 5 students at one school, mad dash to the next one, 5 students there, mad dash to the final one, 6 students there, and then a lengthy private lesson.
And then the house move. Gaf is amazing, that's four times he's helped me now.
Got the majority of it done, will finish the move tomorrow - Friday was getting a bit late. Why do I always end up moving house on a Friday night?
Thursday 27th September 2018
I move house, like, tomorrow. I should be better prepared by now - I've de-cluttered a bit, but not as much as I should do. I have a LOT of stuff. It's quite an exciting 'life' move, though.
The TA stuff was a bit mad today, which ended up with me defending a child who I don't even like. A big smashed light later, in which it was a miracle nobody was hurt, and I realise the politics of that place is something I'm happy to be leaving soon.
Cracking private lesson with one of my new students.
Evening performance of two of my Edinburgh shows for charity - Comedians Drumming and HOP. Comedians Drumming went down a storm tonight, weirdly, HOP didn't - which is a rarity as it's a show that rarely fails me. The 'choir' were nervy and the audience never settled, it just felt a bit like we'd crossed the line from 'charmingly shambolic' to just 'shambolic' and I'm amazed only two people walked out. Still, the charity were grateful.
The TA stuff was a bit mad today, which ended up with me defending a child who I don't even like. A big smashed light later, in which it was a miracle nobody was hurt, and I realise the politics of that place is something I'm happy to be leaving soon.
Cracking private lesson with one of my new students.
Evening performance of two of my Edinburgh shows for charity - Comedians Drumming and HOP. Comedians Drumming went down a storm tonight, weirdly, HOP didn't - which is a rarity as it's a show that rarely fails me. The 'choir' were nervy and the audience never settled, it just felt a bit like we'd crossed the line from 'charmingly shambolic' to just 'shambolic' and I'm amazed only two people walked out. Still, the charity were grateful.
Wednesday 26th September 2018
A busy little day of drum stuff; in the primary school in the morning, followed by the college later on and then a rehearsal with the college jazz band after that into the later hours. The songs are really nice for that, a total joy to play and I'm liking flexing my jazz muscles.
In between all of that I had a nice little chat about becoming Santa again at the garden centre...which is most probably going to happen. I don't really need the work, but I guess I secretly enjoyed it all because I am a total Christmas weirdo.
In between all of that I had a nice little chat about becoming Santa again at the garden centre...which is most probably going to happen. I don't really need the work, but I guess I secretly enjoyed it all because I am a total Christmas weirdo.
Tuesday 25th September 2018
The TA stuff was fine, I can't claim to be into it but it pays for the holiday, yeah? And takes up a lot of time that could be spent writing my newly confirmed Christmas show.
Was supposed to have three private lessons tonight but only had one of them because of Cambridge traffic being dicks...seriously, how can it take 45 minutes to do a trip that's less than 2 miles? Everything started to overrun and I basically lost £50 thanks to roadworks. They'll get rescheduled but this city is a pain in the arse, sometimes.
The one lesson I did have was great, though.
Then off to audition another new singer for FH, who I liked but the others less so, so I'll guess we'll keep on looking.
Was supposed to have three private lessons tonight but only had one of them because of Cambridge traffic being dicks...seriously, how can it take 45 minutes to do a trip that's less than 2 miles? Everything started to overrun and I basically lost £50 thanks to roadworks. They'll get rescheduled but this city is a pain in the arse, sometimes.
The one lesson I did have was great, though.
Then off to audition another new singer for FH, who I liked but the others less so, so I'll guess we'll keep on looking.
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