Morning replying to emails (more risk assessments...look, it's a risk-free show, just deal with it) and then off to the 'other' school which was genuinely lovely today. Maybe it's because half-term is looming, but all of the kids, normally so aggressive and difficult, were really attentive.
The head of music then popped in, first time I've met her (despite working there for just over a year) and booked me for a bunch of assemblies and stuff. I'm in favour and it's very lovely.
Four private lessons followed (first one - kid is clearly too tired after school to drum and I predict I'll lose him at some point, second one was great - kid was totally on it so we did some La La Land soundtrack stuff, third one was with Z who is a wonderful psychopath of man and one of my favourite people to teach (he calls me a "wanker" regularly for making him do Blondie songs, I in return stop the music and sigh "fucks sake" everytime he gets the tempo switch one...lessons shouldn't be this fun) and the fourth lesson was awesome).
It's all teaching, though, isn't it? I got back at 9pm, not late at all, but was too tired to write. Need to re-set the balance, a little.
Thursday, 23 May 2019
Wednesday 22nd May 2019
So many ideas for books I want to write. No fucking time.
Yet another school wants me to chat to them about teaching. I reckon, somewhere locally, a drum teacher has retired and my reputation is good, or something like that, so I'm being offered these meetings.
Morning at the regular school was fine, everyone on good form, and then blazing row with Mum about the fact that she missed her sister's funeral last year and it was all my fault because I was at the Edinburgh Fringe. The usual. She calmed down later and tried to give me a tenner for some reason, not sure why. She's a concern, but she's my mum and I'll do anything to try and help her.
Private tutoring at the college was lovely because the student is so challenging and won't give in, despite getting the intro to an OK Go song wrong for half an hour. I enjoy tenacity. The college felt weird, somehow. I'd forgotten (okay, lost, but don't tell them this) my pass and the new person on reception initially refused to let me in, and then another teacher wouldn't let me out of the building. I get security, and all that, but if it wasn't for Liam the English teacher, I'd probably still be there now.
Private lesson after was good fun, another student who is developing quicker than my lesson plan had predicted, so we ended up playing jazzy stuff. The first song from La La Land saves me a lot on these occasions.
Then off to the beer festival where it took me half an hour to walk from the station, then queued for twenty minutes to get in, then another 15 minutes to get a glass, so by the time I got in I didn't have that much drinking time. Went straight for the 9% beer and had a lovely time in good company/got a bit drunk and mentioned the fact that A's engagement ring cost more than my car FAR TOO MANY TIMES.
Yet another school wants me to chat to them about teaching. I reckon, somewhere locally, a drum teacher has retired and my reputation is good, or something like that, so I'm being offered these meetings.
Morning at the regular school was fine, everyone on good form, and then blazing row with Mum about the fact that she missed her sister's funeral last year and it was all my fault because I was at the Edinburgh Fringe. The usual. She calmed down later and tried to give me a tenner for some reason, not sure why. She's a concern, but she's my mum and I'll do anything to try and help her.
Private tutoring at the college was lovely because the student is so challenging and won't give in, despite getting the intro to an OK Go song wrong for half an hour. I enjoy tenacity. The college felt weird, somehow. I'd forgotten (okay, lost, but don't tell them this) my pass and the new person on reception initially refused to let me in, and then another teacher wouldn't let me out of the building. I get security, and all that, but if it wasn't for Liam the English teacher, I'd probably still be there now.
Private lesson after was good fun, another student who is developing quicker than my lesson plan had predicted, so we ended up playing jazzy stuff. The first song from La La Land saves me a lot on these occasions.
Then off to the beer festival where it took me half an hour to walk from the station, then queued for twenty minutes to get in, then another 15 minutes to get a glass, so by the time I got in I didn't have that much drinking time. Went straight for the 9% beer and had a lovely time in good company/got a bit drunk and mentioned the fact that A's engagement ring cost more than my car FAR TOO MANY TIMES.
Tuesday 21st May 2019
Up so early. Like, 7am. Haven't done that in YEARS. It's because the carpet man was coming around to fit a new carpet on the stairs/hallway...I'm so grown up these days.
In a bizarre few days of emails, I seem to have another three schools wanting me to teach drums for them. Including the sporadic Saturday college, that would take me up to 8 schools a week. Too much? Weddings are expensive, I'm up for chatting to them.
Really enjoying writing my new novel.
Three private lessons (first one was great, second one was great, third one was cancelled but I'd already turned up which was annoying) and then meal with A to celebrate the fact that the jewellers had resized the engagement ring and she could now wear it and share it to the world...
I then confirmed my best man. Nice to get this stuff sorted early on.
In a bizarre few days of emails, I seem to have another three schools wanting me to teach drums for them. Including the sporadic Saturday college, that would take me up to 8 schools a week. Too much? Weddings are expensive, I'm up for chatting to them.
Really enjoying writing my new novel.
Three private lessons (first one was great, second one was great, third one was cancelled but I'd already turned up which was annoying) and then meal with A to celebrate the fact that the jewellers had resized the engagement ring and she could now wear it and share it to the world...
I then confirmed my best man. Nice to get this stuff sorted early on.
Monday 20th May 2019
Bashing through my to-do list in what was technically my morning off. I've got a nice run of HG shows coming up soon but they're all in proper theatres that require risk assessments, tech plans, that sort of thing. The sort of thing that this show doesn't really require, but spent a good four hours sorting everything for the run, as well as replying to a sea of emails that have come in.
Four private lessons (first one great, second one stressful, third one lazy, fourth one great) and then tasty FH rehearsal in which we're clearly starting to find our sound as a band. Feels like we've wasted five months of this year training up somebody who wasn't suitable, but we're making up for lost time now. The rehearsal was late, as all good band rehearsals should be.
Four private lessons (first one great, second one stressful, third one lazy, fourth one great) and then tasty FH rehearsal in which we're clearly starting to find our sound as a band. Feels like we've wasted five months of this year training up somebody who wasn't suitable, but we're making up for lost time now. The rehearsal was late, as all good band rehearsals should be.
Sunday 19th May 2019
Feels weird being engaged. Never thought I'd be the settling type (let's be honest, many years back I was with my then girlfriend for 6 years and never even considered it) but it feels good. A is certainly very happy, even if I did get the wrong ring size.
Decent drum lesson with one of my regulars who has missed a few recently due to exams, so is now a Sunday student rather than weekday. I only allow this for certain students who I like/believe will improve, but she's one of them and we had a great time battling through an Arctic Monkeys track.
Then over to be a steward at a huge concert hall, where my fiancee (feels weird saying that) was playing with her orchestra. I couldn't get a ticket as it was long sold out, but stewarding was fun...I mean, I'm terrible at it (it was my job to help people find their seats, but I was a bit confused by it all - I mean, why have no row A, and why do you practically have to leave the building to get to the balcony?) but had a fun time. The show was narrated by Tony Robinson, who seems like a lovely man.
Home, continued writing my novel.
Decent drum lesson with one of my regulars who has missed a few recently due to exams, so is now a Sunday student rather than weekday. I only allow this for certain students who I like/believe will improve, but she's one of them and we had a great time battling through an Arctic Monkeys track.
Then over to be a steward at a huge concert hall, where my fiancee (feels weird saying that) was playing with her orchestra. I couldn't get a ticket as it was long sold out, but stewarding was fun...I mean, I'm terrible at it (it was my job to help people find their seats, but I was a bit confused by it all - I mean, why have no row A, and why do you practically have to leave the building to get to the balcony?) but had a fun time. The show was narrated by Tony Robinson, who seems like a lovely man.
Home, continued writing my novel.
Saturday, 18 May 2019
Saturday 18th May 2019
It's been a bizarre, but wonderful week. I had great pleasure in telling my Saturday students the whole story during our 2-hour lesson. It was fun today, as it always is with those guys - mostly debating the time signature of a Blondie track.
Got back, had a cat nap that totally threw me, and then off with the band for early soundchecks in the middle of nowhere but turns out it's quite near Bedford.
Things with FH feel weird; we're a 4-piece now and destined to be as we don't like bringing other people into the band, and musically this totally works...but everyone seems so nervous about it. We've lost our swagger, our edge. We'll get it back, I think. I hope. The gig was fine, not a classic, but fine.
Got back, had a cat nap that totally threw me, and then off with the band for early soundchecks in the middle of nowhere but turns out it's quite near Bedford.
Things with FH feel weird; we're a 4-piece now and destined to be as we don't like bringing other people into the band, and musically this totally works...but everyone seems so nervous about it. We've lost our swagger, our edge. We'll get it back, I think. I hope. The gig was fine, not a classic, but fine.
Friday 17th May 2019
First school was fine, easy enough, the second school - well, the kids were knackered from their exams so we just went over some old stuff and went easy on it all.
Popped in to see Mum, who has decided she now wants to move to the Isle of Wight. Whatever. I've stopped listening, I'm trying to be happy with my engagement and all that.
Three private lessons in a row and then off to V's house for a private performance of the HG show. A and myself announced our engagement on FB (now that all our closest friends know) and everyone has been so lovely to us. HG show was fine, if a reminder that I can't leave this show for a week and bring it back again just like that as I'm so terribly, physically, out of shape.
Popped in to see Mum, who has decided she now wants to move to the Isle of Wight. Whatever. I've stopped listening, I'm trying to be happy with my engagement and all that.
Three private lessons in a row and then off to V's house for a private performance of the HG show. A and myself announced our engagement on FB (now that all our closest friends know) and everyone has been so lovely to us. HG show was fine, if a reminder that I can't leave this show for a week and bring it back again just like that as I'm so terribly, physically, out of shape.
Thursday 16th May 2019
We're both still trying to work out exactly what happened last night, but ultimately it did happen: I proposed to my lovely girl and she seems to be the happiest person I've ever met. It's all rather amazing.
I was gonna do it on a boat, but actually glad I did it this way. It felt very 'us', somehow.
Took Mum shopping (she's thrilled that I've finally settled down, and she likes A), and then 3 hours at the 'other' school where I tried to tell them why I'm so happy but they didn't give a shit.
Private lesson with a new student who seems cool, looks like we're going straight to the jazz stuff as he's totally on it.
Two more private lessons, both awesome, and then rehearsal with Greg and the bassist which was hugely productive. A lot of drums today.
I was gonna do it on a boat, but actually glad I did it this way. It felt very 'us', somehow.
Took Mum shopping (she's thrilled that I've finally settled down, and she likes A), and then 3 hours at the 'other' school where I tried to tell them why I'm so happy but they didn't give a shit.
Private lesson with a new student who seems cool, looks like we're going straight to the jazz stuff as he's totally on it.
Two more private lessons, both awesome, and then rehearsal with Greg and the bassist which was hugely productive. A lot of drums today.
Wednesday 15th May 2019
A really wonderful, if bizarre day.
Woke up to be told that I wasn't needed at the school due to the SATS exams taking place, and drum lessons would get in the way. Drums are noisy, so I'm told.
Now, I was planning on proposing to A later this month, on our little 2-day trip to Dorset, but time was running out to ask her parents permission, because I'm totally old school and all that. I know they work, but I knew her dad would be in today so I drove over and plucked up the courage to ask him if I could marry his daughter. He was so happy, it was lovely, and he then called her mum, who was also thrilled...I knew they'd struggle to keep this a secret.
Next stop: buying a ring. Looking at my schedule, I knew I had to move quickly and, with the lack of school stuff today, I realised today could be my last chance. I called V and she came with me to talk me through it all because I know nothing about these things. V had a lovely time, she's amazing (as we've all known for years) and was such a great friend today; we visited various jewellers and she helped me considerably. Eventually, we found 'the' perfect ring (it cost A THOUSAND POUNDS. A THOUSAND. A THOUSAND POUNDS. MORE THAN MY CAR.) I bought it, but didn't know where to hide it because it cost A THOUSAND POUNDS so I didn't want it out of my sight, merely keeping it my pocket.
Taught a lesson at the college and then two lovely private lessons.
Dinner with A outside in the garden, talking through our days and...well, the ring was just in my pocket, I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I proposed, there and then. It totally shocked her, it shocked me a bit too. She said "yes" before I even finished my sentence. It wasn't as romantic as planned; we were eating burgers and Coco the cat was having an asthma attack, but it was romantic because it's this lovely little world that we've built together. This girl means the world to me, this is the first time I've ever proposed to anyone and I'm pretty sure my last. I called my closest friends, and text the next few of my closest friends, as she did the same.
Unexpected, but probably the happiest day of my life?
Woke up to be told that I wasn't needed at the school due to the SATS exams taking place, and drum lessons would get in the way. Drums are noisy, so I'm told.
Now, I was planning on proposing to A later this month, on our little 2-day trip to Dorset, but time was running out to ask her parents permission, because I'm totally old school and all that. I know they work, but I knew her dad would be in today so I drove over and plucked up the courage to ask him if I could marry his daughter. He was so happy, it was lovely, and he then called her mum, who was also thrilled...I knew they'd struggle to keep this a secret.
Next stop: buying a ring. Looking at my schedule, I knew I had to move quickly and, with the lack of school stuff today, I realised today could be my last chance. I called V and she came with me to talk me through it all because I know nothing about these things. V had a lovely time, she's amazing (as we've all known for years) and was such a great friend today; we visited various jewellers and she helped me considerably. Eventually, we found 'the' perfect ring (it cost A THOUSAND POUNDS. A THOUSAND. A THOUSAND POUNDS. MORE THAN MY CAR.) I bought it, but didn't know where to hide it because it cost A THOUSAND POUNDS so I didn't want it out of my sight, merely keeping it my pocket.
Taught a lesson at the college and then two lovely private lessons.
Dinner with A outside in the garden, talking through our days and...well, the ring was just in my pocket, I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I proposed, there and then. It totally shocked her, it shocked me a bit too. She said "yes" before I even finished my sentence. It wasn't as romantic as planned; we were eating burgers and Coco the cat was having an asthma attack, but it was romantic because it's this lovely little world that we've built together. This girl means the world to me, this is the first time I've ever proposed to anyone and I'm pretty sure my last. I called my closest friends, and text the next few of my closest friends, as she did the same.
Unexpected, but probably the happiest day of my life?
Tuesday 14th May 2019
I've been a bit of a rubbish partner when it comes to house chores recently; I've been too focussed on writing/teaching/drumming/performing and haven't hoovered up or done my share of the cleaning for weeks...so spent about an hour doing that. An hour is enough, isn't it?
I then, finally, started looking through the many notepads I have full of detailed notes for future novels and started writing one of them. I totally got in the zone, more than I have been for a while, and I spent about 5 hours writing 9,000 words. Some of them quite good. I need more writing time in the future, I reckon I can get this book done before Edinburgh.
Had an early-evening show cancellation today but that's fine, I'm doing enough already as it is. Taught a lovely little private lesson and then over to the village for our monthly comedy night. Not a single person turned up. Not one. Why do we bother? The venue had plugged it a lot, everyone's trying really hard, but clearly this one isn't working. Is it because it's in a village? Is it because it's on a Tuesday night? An awkward evening.
I then, finally, started looking through the many notepads I have full of detailed notes for future novels and started writing one of them. I totally got in the zone, more than I have been for a while, and I spent about 5 hours writing 9,000 words. Some of them quite good. I need more writing time in the future, I reckon I can get this book done before Edinburgh.
Had an early-evening show cancellation today but that's fine, I'm doing enough already as it is. Taught a lovely little private lesson and then over to the village for our monthly comedy night. Not a single person turned up. Not one. Why do we bother? The venue had plugged it a lot, everyone's trying really hard, but clearly this one isn't working. Is it because it's in a village? Is it because it's on a Tuesday night? An awkward evening.
Tuesday, 14 May 2019
Monday 13th May 2019
Brighton was fine, you know, I may felt negative about the accommodation/amount of money lost/boredom between shows, but I mustn't forget I was actually there to do the show and both days it went well.
I think I'm going to have a frustrating week...I like my weeks to be busy, and my schedule looked packed beyond comprehension, but so much has been cancelled for the next few days. It's all stuff that obviously can't be helped - mostly my students having SATS and GCSE's so they need to revise, and everything will resume as normal next week, but it's a little frustrating losing this much work. I have a waiting list of new students and I'll never be short of work, but I can't put the new students in because my regulars will be back soon. Joys of being a freelancer, I guess?
Was so bored today I tidied the house. De-cluttered my car, did a bit more work on my office space, set myself up nicely.
Four private lessons today, all surprisingly great, if tiring as it's been a while for most of them (half-term, my show in Guildford and 2 bank holidays have got in the way of Monday lessons). After that over to FH rehearsal, now as a 4-piece. Basically, 3 hours of L telling me to play quieter. I get, without G, who liked to rock out, we have to scale back a bit, but it feels very restricting. I've always said I'd only do this if it was fun, and it's not fun at the moment, it hasn't been all year. We'll see, I had a chat to V on the way back about how I feel the energy needs to go up. Because if it's not exciting, what's the point?
I think I'm going to have a frustrating week...I like my weeks to be busy, and my schedule looked packed beyond comprehension, but so much has been cancelled for the next few days. It's all stuff that obviously can't be helped - mostly my students having SATS and GCSE's so they need to revise, and everything will resume as normal next week, but it's a little frustrating losing this much work. I have a waiting list of new students and I'll never be short of work, but I can't put the new students in because my regulars will be back soon. Joys of being a freelancer, I guess?
Was so bored today I tidied the house. De-cluttered my car, did a bit more work on my office space, set myself up nicely.
Four private lessons today, all surprisingly great, if tiring as it's been a while for most of them (half-term, my show in Guildford and 2 bank holidays have got in the way of Monday lessons). After that over to FH rehearsal, now as a 4-piece. Basically, 3 hours of L telling me to play quieter. I get, without G, who liked to rock out, we have to scale back a bit, but it feels very restricting. I've always said I'd only do this if it was fun, and it's not fun at the moment, it hasn't been all year. We'll see, I had a chat to V on the way back about how I feel the energy needs to go up. Because if it's not exciting, what's the point?
Sunday, 12 May 2019
Sunday 12th May 2019
I'll be honest, I don't really get the appeal of Brighton. Or maybe just not the bit I was in. Okay, so it's actually quite beautiful, but from what I could see it was all homelessness and hen parties, with an underlying hint of aggression.
Or maybe I was just bored so I picked up on these things?
Out of my hotel room by 11am, went and enjoyed a nice fry up in a local cafe. Then still had 3 hours to kill, so walked along the seafront again and then just sat in my car, replying to emails, for about 2 hours. All teaching stuff, everything has been replied to now. The car park where I left my car overnight stank of piss and I'm amazed the car was fine. As I was sat, in my car, killing time and playing with my phone, a woman (I'd say early-thirties) walked over to the corner of the car park and had a piss on the ground. There MUST be toilets, surely?
Over to my venue for a 4pm performance, my audience were 7 pensioners. They took a while to get into it, infact...for the first ten minutes I was honestly thinking this is the worst show ever, they didn't laugh at all and were clearly trying to work me out. But then it all settled. By the end, the climax to the show, I could feel they were all gripped and the applause at the end was huge. I really like doing this show.
I have mixed feelings about these two days; I've spent a lot of time by myself overthinking things and I've lost quite a bit of money doing this. I REALLY love performing this one, it's the best thing I've ever done and 12 performances in, I know it would do well in bigger rooms. But how do I get there? I'm nearly 38, I've just lost £200 (hotel, fuel and venue hire) to perform this piece, all to 15 people over two days. I should have got further by now.
Yet, it's a treat of a show. I guess, all I can do, is keeping running it. I don't know. I just feel it's the first thing I've ever done that deserves a bit more.
Traffic was horrible, but home by 8pm. A had dinner ready for me, I missed her and she really missed me, which is a good sign.
Or maybe I was just bored so I picked up on these things?
Out of my hotel room by 11am, went and enjoyed a nice fry up in a local cafe. Then still had 3 hours to kill, so walked along the seafront again and then just sat in my car, replying to emails, for about 2 hours. All teaching stuff, everything has been replied to now. The car park where I left my car overnight stank of piss and I'm amazed the car was fine. As I was sat, in my car, killing time and playing with my phone, a woman (I'd say early-thirties) walked over to the corner of the car park and had a piss on the ground. There MUST be toilets, surely?
Over to my venue for a 4pm performance, my audience were 7 pensioners. They took a while to get into it, infact...for the first ten minutes I was honestly thinking this is the worst show ever, they didn't laugh at all and were clearly trying to work me out. But then it all settled. By the end, the climax to the show, I could feel they were all gripped and the applause at the end was huge. I really like doing this show.
I have mixed feelings about these two days; I've spent a lot of time by myself overthinking things and I've lost quite a bit of money doing this. I REALLY love performing this one, it's the best thing I've ever done and 12 performances in, I know it would do well in bigger rooms. But how do I get there? I'm nearly 38, I've just lost £200 (hotel, fuel and venue hire) to perform this piece, all to 15 people over two days. I should have got further by now.
Yet, it's a treat of a show. I guess, all I can do, is keeping running it. I don't know. I just feel it's the first thing I've ever done that deserves a bit more.
Traffic was horrible, but home by 8pm. A had dinner ready for me, I missed her and she really missed me, which is a good sign.
Saturday 11th May 2019
Up early to pack my bags for later, tried and failed to quit the jazz band (I have too much on) as they're insisting I just "turn up whenever I can" - which might be never, then.
Taught a private lesson (always a joy) and then off to Brighton for the first of two HG performances there.
The drive to Brighton itself was fine, until I actually got into Brighton. Told by my hotel, via email beforehand, where the nearest car park was, I got caught up in a one-way system and missed the turning four times, eventually making it after half an hour of confusion.
Hotel was overpriced and tiny; my bathroom in the ensuite didn't even have a door, just a doorway. Thankfully this is a solo show and just me staying there.
My venue was amazing - a tiny, 18-capacity theatre below a cafe. A proper theatre, with curtains and lights and everything. Just absolutely glorious and run by a very nice lady who kindly introduced me to the stage. 7 people turned up for the opening performance, which in an 18-capacity room felt fine. Great to see Mel, who I actually see a lot as she does the HOP shows with us, but still - it was a pleasant surprise that she kindly came down from London to catch the show.
Performance was technically not the best it's been, some of the timing was out, but it felt great - the audience really onboard, it was a goodun. This show is yet to let me down.
The show was 7pm-8pm, and I didn't know what to do with myself afterwards. I don't know anyone in the area, Mel went back to London, I just...plodded around the seafront by myself for a bit before picking up a couple of beers, a pasta/salad dish and a newspaper and went back to my hotel room. Quite depressing, being a touring performer, isn't it? Read my paper and dozed off.
Taught a private lesson (always a joy) and then off to Brighton for the first of two HG performances there.
The drive to Brighton itself was fine, until I actually got into Brighton. Told by my hotel, via email beforehand, where the nearest car park was, I got caught up in a one-way system and missed the turning four times, eventually making it after half an hour of confusion.
Hotel was overpriced and tiny; my bathroom in the ensuite didn't even have a door, just a doorway. Thankfully this is a solo show and just me staying there.
My venue was amazing - a tiny, 18-capacity theatre below a cafe. A proper theatre, with curtains and lights and everything. Just absolutely glorious and run by a very nice lady who kindly introduced me to the stage. 7 people turned up for the opening performance, which in an 18-capacity room felt fine. Great to see Mel, who I actually see a lot as she does the HOP shows with us, but still - it was a pleasant surprise that she kindly came down from London to catch the show.
Performance was technically not the best it's been, some of the timing was out, but it felt great - the audience really onboard, it was a goodun. This show is yet to let me down.
The show was 7pm-8pm, and I didn't know what to do with myself afterwards. I don't know anyone in the area, Mel went back to London, I just...plodded around the seafront by myself for a bit before picking up a couple of beers, a pasta/salad dish and a newspaper and went back to my hotel room. Quite depressing, being a touring performer, isn't it? Read my paper and dozed off.
Friday 10th May 2019
Woke up late but just about made it to the first school in time, the lessons were fine and the kids there were as enthusiastic as ever.
The next school was pretty much the same, they're all learning so quickly so I'm having to think on my feet a little more than I would normally, but you can't really be annoyed with confident students who have clearly got the drumming bug.
Popped in to see Mum, and then taught a private lesson down the road.
Dashed up to Cambridge to watch A's school concert (she's a teacher). It was totally exceptional - the kids in that private school are just outstanding. Seriously, a bunch of 5-7 year-olds but it looked like a West End show. Money does count for a lot sometimes, doesn't it? The parents have paid for that level of education. Having West Road as a venue for it says a lot, too.
Then, as a complete contrast, I legged it down to a small rowdy comedy club, where I was booked to perform. Dan, the organiser and good friend, told me it was "a bit of a tricky one" tonight when I walked in and I could see why...the audience were drunk, and getting more drunk. My job was to open the second half and my shouty, box-hitting ways went down a storm, mostly because I kept the audience totally involved throughout. I'm starting to learn: if in doubt, make it about them. The other acts struggled, but I think that was mostly because the audience were getting, well, drunker.
Either way, I came back thinking...I bloody love stand-up. And so the love/hate process begins. One good gig, that's all it was.
The next school was pretty much the same, they're all learning so quickly so I'm having to think on my feet a little more than I would normally, but you can't really be annoyed with confident students who have clearly got the drumming bug.
Popped in to see Mum, and then taught a private lesson down the road.
Dashed up to Cambridge to watch A's school concert (she's a teacher). It was totally exceptional - the kids in that private school are just outstanding. Seriously, a bunch of 5-7 year-olds but it looked like a West End show. Money does count for a lot sometimes, doesn't it? The parents have paid for that level of education. Having West Road as a venue for it says a lot, too.
Then, as a complete contrast, I legged it down to a small rowdy comedy club, where I was booked to perform. Dan, the organiser and good friend, told me it was "a bit of a tricky one" tonight when I walked in and I could see why...the audience were drunk, and getting more drunk. My job was to open the second half and my shouty, box-hitting ways went down a storm, mostly because I kept the audience totally involved throughout. I'm starting to learn: if in doubt, make it about them. The other acts struggled, but I think that was mostly because the audience were getting, well, drunker.
Either way, I came back thinking...I bloody love stand-up. And so the love/hate process begins. One good gig, that's all it was.
Thursday, 9 May 2019
Thursday 9th May 2019
I can't work out why the whole house smells of Dettol.
The 'other' school was typically brash, but we all got through it. 7 students, all with anger issues, bless 'em.
Three private lessons in the row, first one (kid was exhausted, struggled to get through the hour), second one (kid was constantly distracted and wasn't taking it all in) and third one (amazing).
FH rehearsal, our first with our new 'confirmed' four-piece line-up, with no S. V seems emotional, but we'll be fine. It'll just take slightly more rehearsals than we actually have before the gigs, though. We wasted a lot of time trying (and failing) to get S up to speed, in retrospect.
The 'other' school was typically brash, but we all got through it. 7 students, all with anger issues, bless 'em.
Three private lessons in the row, first one (kid was exhausted, struggled to get through the hour), second one (kid was constantly distracted and wasn't taking it all in) and third one (amazing).
FH rehearsal, our first with our new 'confirmed' four-piece line-up, with no S. V seems emotional, but we'll be fine. It'll just take slightly more rehearsals than we actually have before the gigs, though. We wasted a lot of time trying (and failing) to get S up to speed, in retrospect.
Wednesday 8th May 2019
I've never been a fan of early starts. I mean, the school is great, but teaching drums at 8.30am? Crazy. It was all fine, mostly because the lesson is well-planned so there's plenty of content, but still...I'm not a morning person.
Took Mum shopping (she was fine today, it changes every time - I figure the way to her heart is playing with the dog, if the dog is happy, so is she) and then off to the college where my private student didn't turn up (again) and then nobody turned up to Drum Club (again). I get paid either way but still...it's draining, isn't it?
Private lesson after was great, which gave me much-needed boost.
Private performance of the HG show around my mate Mike's house, in front of him and his mum, which could have been awkward but was actually really good fun. The show works, nine performances in, I'm really happy with it.
Got back to see that Spurs have qualified for the Champions League final - amazing! Drank beer to celebrate, and then went through my stash of notepads...I've got extensive notes for 14 different novels and two stage shows, all of which I want to write this year. I need more time. I get teaching is paying really well, but I need to be creative again.
Took Mum shopping (she was fine today, it changes every time - I figure the way to her heart is playing with the dog, if the dog is happy, so is she) and then off to the college where my private student didn't turn up (again) and then nobody turned up to Drum Club (again). I get paid either way but still...it's draining, isn't it?
Private lesson after was great, which gave me much-needed boost.
Private performance of the HG show around my mate Mike's house, in front of him and his mum, which could have been awkward but was actually really good fun. The show works, nine performances in, I'm really happy with it.
Got back to see that Spurs have qualified for the Champions League final - amazing! Drank beer to celebrate, and then went through my stash of notepads...I've got extensive notes for 14 different novels and two stage shows, all of which I want to write this year. I need more time. I get teaching is paying really well, but I need to be creative again.
Tuesday, 7 May 2019
Tuesday 7th May 2019
Spent the morning having an admin session, which is basically going through my double-bookings for the week and apologising to parents, all of whom are lovely. I assumed by now I'd lose students, but if anything I keep getting more...hence the problem.
Still, I should be grateful, I am aware of that.
Three private lessons in a row, first two felt great, the third one the kid was clearly exhausted.
Evening stand-up gig felt a bit strange. I haven't done 'proper' stand-up for a while, as much as I've been performing a comedy play somewhat intensively over the last month, which I'm really, really enjoying and getting a great buzz out of. This gig was a send-off for my old comedy pal, Joe, who heads off to the US (for good) later this month so all of the usual local comedians were out. Joe is wonderful, a close friend who I'll miss. The other comedians are mostly all mates, too. The thing that struck me is how much they gig, and how much I don't, and how much they hate the circuit and all the many miles travelled to do 10 minutes to 4 people, and I don't do it anymore. Yet, they still do, hoping for some sort of magical moment where an industry person spots them. They all work so much harder than me, and travel further than me, yet I still have better press than any of them.
My performance was haphazard but the audience seemed to welcome a man shouting and hitting a box at them as a slight detour from the many pun-based acts. Such a nice bunch, though, all the same, but it feels like I need to decide if I actually still want to be a comedian or not. Am I...growing out of this?
Still, I should be grateful, I am aware of that.
Three private lessons in a row, first two felt great, the third one the kid was clearly exhausted.
Evening stand-up gig felt a bit strange. I haven't done 'proper' stand-up for a while, as much as I've been performing a comedy play somewhat intensively over the last month, which I'm really, really enjoying and getting a great buzz out of. This gig was a send-off for my old comedy pal, Joe, who heads off to the US (for good) later this month so all of the usual local comedians were out. Joe is wonderful, a close friend who I'll miss. The other comedians are mostly all mates, too. The thing that struck me is how much they gig, and how much I don't, and how much they hate the circuit and all the many miles travelled to do 10 minutes to 4 people, and I don't do it anymore. Yet, they still do, hoping for some sort of magical moment where an industry person spots them. They all work so much harder than me, and travel further than me, yet I still have better press than any of them.
My performance was haphazard but the audience seemed to welcome a man shouting and hitting a box at them as a slight detour from the many pun-based acts. Such a nice bunch, though, all the same, but it feels like I need to decide if I actually still want to be a comedian or not. Am I...growing out of this?
Monday 6th May 2019
Felt a bit strange yesterday playing festivals with a band that isn't FH, but that's where we're at, at the moment...I'm a drummer, I need to be gigging.
Things are kicking off a bit in FH, having sacked S for not being reliable enough. She took it badly. Which means that V took it personally. It's all on the edge. I can't wait till we get back to playing music again rather than all this politics.
I, on the other hand, had a nice day with A. Nice to just to be in the house for a change, slobbing out, mowing the lawn, that sort thing. Taught two private lessons (both fine) and then house show around an old friend's house. HG felt a bit flat tonight, just my performance felt a little tired, but the audience were very kind and seemed to enjoy it.
Things are kicking off a bit in FH, having sacked S for not being reliable enough. She took it badly. Which means that V took it personally. It's all on the edge. I can't wait till we get back to playing music again rather than all this politics.
I, on the other hand, had a nice day with A. Nice to just to be in the house for a change, slobbing out, mowing the lawn, that sort thing. Taught two private lessons (both fine) and then house show around an old friend's house. HG felt a bit flat tonight, just my performance felt a little tired, but the audience were very kind and seemed to enjoy it.
Sunday 5th May 2019
Back to Baldock, this time to pick up the pianist. Remarkably easy drive to Kent for the first show, until we got close to the festival itself where they naturally closed every road possible to make it safer (given thousands attend) which made it tricky for musicians with drum kits etc.
Eventually got close enough and a bunch of stewards helped us carry our gear onto site. They didn't bother at the end of the gig, which is often the case with small festivals - when you've done your bit they certainly don't care as much.
The gig was lovely, though, really tight, good sound, appreciative audience and felt like a good festival vibe to it all with no cock-ups.
From that, over to the next bit of Kent for the next gig (we had to do two in a day to make it worthwhile financially). This one was a beer festival and was as rowdy as fuck. In a little marque at the back of a pub, totally rammed, Greg rightly dropped the 7-minute romantic ballad, replacing it with an unrehearsed cover of Sit Down by James instead, which they loved. We totally stormed it, I mean - we weren't as tight, but the energy was great and we ticked a box nicely whilst thinking on our feet.
Home before midnight, which considering the distance and the various warning lights on my car, was a bloody miracle.
Eventually got close enough and a bunch of stewards helped us carry our gear onto site. They didn't bother at the end of the gig, which is often the case with small festivals - when you've done your bit they certainly don't care as much.
The gig was lovely, though, really tight, good sound, appreciative audience and felt like a good festival vibe to it all with no cock-ups.
From that, over to the next bit of Kent for the next gig (we had to do two in a day to make it worthwhile financially). This one was a beer festival and was as rowdy as fuck. In a little marque at the back of a pub, totally rammed, Greg rightly dropped the 7-minute romantic ballad, replacing it with an unrehearsed cover of Sit Down by James instead, which they loved. We totally stormed it, I mean - we weren't as tight, but the energy was great and we ticked a box nicely whilst thinking on our feet.
Home before midnight, which considering the distance and the various warning lights on my car, was a bloody miracle.
Saturday 4th May 2019
Bit hungover, but the 2 hour morning lesson, complete with complexities (they're learning some really tricky stuff) worked well.
Over to Baldock for long rehearsal with Greg and band ahead of the two shows tomorrow. Lots of re-arrangements to get my head around but you can feel it all gelling nicely.
Home, showered and then back out again to perform a house show for a choir member I've barely met. Just her, her husband and her son, but they all loved the HG show - it's dark, layered, but they all laughed in the right places. So happy with this one.
Back at 10pm to finally see A, for a nice steak dinner. She puts up a lot with me. And by that I mean...she puts up a lot because I'm never actually about.
Over to Baldock for long rehearsal with Greg and band ahead of the two shows tomorrow. Lots of re-arrangements to get my head around but you can feel it all gelling nicely.
Home, showered and then back out again to perform a house show for a choir member I've barely met. Just her, her husband and her son, but they all loved the HG show - it's dark, layered, but they all laughed in the right places. So happy with this one.
Back at 10pm to finally see A, for a nice steak dinner. She puts up a lot with me. And by that I mean...she puts up a lot because I'm never actually about.
Friday 3rd May 2019
Both primary schools were fine today; everyone is a bit excited about the idea of a Bank Holiday weekend and it was just a case of getting through it, which we did, comfortably.
Three private lessons after - first one felt weird (the student started getting emotional half-way through it), the second one was awesome and the third one dragged a little because it was such a hot room.
After that, over to Joe's leaving do; a top comedian and good friend who is sadly heading back to the US. We got royally drunk in his honour.
Three private lessons after - first one felt weird (the student started getting emotional half-way through it), the second one was awesome and the third one dragged a little because it was such a hot room.
After that, over to Joe's leaving do; a top comedian and good friend who is sadly heading back to the US. We got royally drunk in his honour.
Thursday, 2 May 2019
Thursday 2nd May 2019
I like Thursdays because I get to sleep in a little - my first teaching commitment isn't until midday at the 'other' school. I woke up early though because I'm worried about Mum, and the fact she probably needs professional help at some point.
I called her and she was totally fine, totally happy, today and not at all fussed about me driving her to Devon again - that can apparently wait until September once I've got Edinburgh/Finland out of the way. The ups and downs are all part of it, I guess (it being grief), but I'm grateful when she's up.
The 'other' school was a little frustrating because they need to decide how many students I actually have, it changes every week. It went up by 2 today. You can't expect a kid to be a good drummer if he has three weeks off from his 20-minute lessons, we're starting again, every time.
Three private lessons after were all glorious.
Quick band meeting with FH in the evening, in which we've formally decided to let S go and carry on as a four-piece. Odd situation, but she barely ever turned up to rehearsals or responded to messages. Little drink at a funk jam afterwards which was nice.
BBC people still like my radio sitcom, having not mentioned it for 2 months, and have more readings of the new draft next week. So many things happening, not enough me to cope with it all. In a good way.
I called her and she was totally fine, totally happy, today and not at all fussed about me driving her to Devon again - that can apparently wait until September once I've got Edinburgh/Finland out of the way. The ups and downs are all part of it, I guess (it being grief), but I'm grateful when she's up.
The 'other' school was a little frustrating because they need to decide how many students I actually have, it changes every week. It went up by 2 today. You can't expect a kid to be a good drummer if he has three weeks off from his 20-minute lessons, we're starting again, every time.
Three private lessons after were all glorious.
Quick band meeting with FH in the evening, in which we've formally decided to let S go and carry on as a four-piece. Odd situation, but she barely ever turned up to rehearsals or responded to messages. Little drink at a funk jam afterwards which was nice.
BBC people still like my radio sitcom, having not mentioned it for 2 months, and have more readings of the new draft next week. So many things happening, not enough me to cope with it all. In a good way.
Wednesday, 1 May 2019
Wednesday 1st May 2019
Having had three great, but very different, shows over the last three nights, there's something quite nice about going back to the school and teaching as normal. I don't like the 7am alarm, though.
The kids were all attentive, as they are there, and are progressing nicely.
Took Mum shopping but that typically ended in an argument. I do a lot for the family (being the only one who can drive, etc) but there's a point where I have to say no. That point is the demand that I drive Mum and pyscho dog back to Devon and back in one day (17 hour round trip) later this month, to look at houses she'll never buy. The fact that my car has had a 'oil filtration' warning light on for the last week doesn't seem important. I walked out and drove off, not cool.
A lot is going right in my life at the moment, trust family to be the stumbling block.
At the college to teach but my private student never turned up, then nobody turned up to drum club. I still get paid either way, and I had to wait there for the duration so just spent 90 minutes getting paid to play with the drums. Got some practice in, played some Latin grooves in 7/8 and it was fun.
Three private lessons in a row after that, all with students who need to be told what to do (not always the case - often, with the experienced ones, I just point them in the right direction) and taught properly, which made it tiring but really worthwhile. My ideas really seem to be working.
Got back, 58 unread messages in the FH (four of us) group chat, chatting about member number 5, our newest recruit who has pulled out of YET ANOTHER rehearsal. We're having a meeting tomorrow to, you know, nip things in the bud.
The kids were all attentive, as they are there, and are progressing nicely.
Took Mum shopping but that typically ended in an argument. I do a lot for the family (being the only one who can drive, etc) but there's a point where I have to say no. That point is the demand that I drive Mum and pyscho dog back to Devon and back in one day (17 hour round trip) later this month, to look at houses she'll never buy. The fact that my car has had a 'oil filtration' warning light on for the last week doesn't seem important. I walked out and drove off, not cool.
A lot is going right in my life at the moment, trust family to be the stumbling block.
At the college to teach but my private student never turned up, then nobody turned up to drum club. I still get paid either way, and I had to wait there for the duration so just spent 90 minutes getting paid to play with the drums. Got some practice in, played some Latin grooves in 7/8 and it was fun.
Three private lessons in a row after that, all with students who need to be told what to do (not always the case - often, with the experienced ones, I just point them in the right direction) and taught properly, which made it tiring but really worthwhile. My ideas really seem to be working.
Got back, 58 unread messages in the FH (four of us) group chat, chatting about member number 5, our newest recruit who has pulled out of YET ANOTHER rehearsal. We're having a meeting tomorrow to, you know, nip things in the bud.
Tuesday 30th April 2019
Spent the morning confirming more house shows for HG, sleeping because last night ended up being much later than planned and learning Greg's songs ahead of tonight's gig.
Taught two private lessons to two of my regulars, both of which had slow starts but were really strong by the end. Need to stop treating my lessons like shows. They certainly get their money's worth, though.
Fuck, I'm knackered.
First show with Greg and band in the evening, back at my regular village venue. Despite a few soundcheck teething problems, we absolutely nailed it tonight - it was tight (amazingly, considering there's never been a rehearsal that we could all make), energetic, full of passion...everything a gig should be. The locals were a bit surprised by it all, as far as first gigs go it wasn't the shaky mess it had every right to be.
And here lies the problem. The 'arrangement' when I signed up for this project is that I step in for big festival gigs to help boost their sound (which usually doesn't need drums) and the odd extra 'bigger' show, but generally as a band they're happy to be a duo or trio. But everyone was buzzing after feeling what these songs sound like as a six-piece so, you know, why not do more like this? Suddenly, the singer is ordering a bass drum head with the band logo on it for me, suddenly I've accidentally joined another band.
It is a problem because I can't cope with my schedule as it is, but it's a cracking project. They're all cracking projects at the moment. I'm grateful, really.
Taught two private lessons to two of my regulars, both of which had slow starts but were really strong by the end. Need to stop treating my lessons like shows. They certainly get their money's worth, though.
Fuck, I'm knackered.
First show with Greg and band in the evening, back at my regular village venue. Despite a few soundcheck teething problems, we absolutely nailed it tonight - it was tight (amazingly, considering there's never been a rehearsal that we could all make), energetic, full of passion...everything a gig should be. The locals were a bit surprised by it all, as far as first gigs go it wasn't the shaky mess it had every right to be.
And here lies the problem. The 'arrangement' when I signed up for this project is that I step in for big festival gigs to help boost their sound (which usually doesn't need drums) and the odd extra 'bigger' show, but generally as a band they're happy to be a duo or trio. But everyone was buzzing after feeling what these songs sound like as a six-piece so, you know, why not do more like this? Suddenly, the singer is ordering a bass drum head with the band logo on it for me, suddenly I've accidentally joined another band.
It is a problem because I can't cope with my schedule as it is, but it's a cracking project. They're all cracking projects at the moment. I'm grateful, really.
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