Slept in. We were supposed to be camping but it was AMAZING to not be camping.
Tidied the house, a lot. It's up for valuations, and viewings. Of course it is. It has to be SPOTLESS. Nothing I've ever owned is SPOTLESS. I'm a bit skanky around the edges but that's only because my priorities are different.
I like this house, but it won't fit the four babies in A wants to have at some point soon. I've negotiated it well; one dog per child. I get dog broody, see. I want a greyhound. Or four of them. A flock of greyhounds? She's agreed, it's fine, relationships are all about compromise.
WAS rehearsal was both lovely and tense today. Tense because I couldn't see our illustrious leader such was set-up; the piano was lost and the timings were all over the place. But lovely because everyone applauds me regularly which is great for my ego and it's amazing to hang out with Josie, who is one of those people that you just need to hang out with when you've got 8 million projects on the go and want somebody to tell you, "that's because you're awesome." She does that, convincingly, and I'm looking forward to a piss-up with her next week.
Evening A and myself had to a 'marriage course' which is a Catholic thing, Basically an hour and a half of a woman telling us how we 'must' be ready for this, as I discretely refreshed Facebook on my phone.
Sunday, 29 September 2019
Saturday 28th September 2019
Spent most of yesterday praying for a bad weather forecast and today it turned out there was weather warnings so we couldn't go camping! Amazing stuff, maybe I will give this whole religion thing a go someday (I'm aware that I'm marrying into a deeply religious family).
All three of my private lessons today worked. I was late for all of them but nobody seemed to mind, Cambridge is horrible for getting anywhere quickly.
We've put an offer in for the house. The 4 bedroom house. 2 years ago I was struggling to pay the rent on my room in a shared place. 2 years later I'm part of a fucking mortgage (with a critically acclaimed show, a booming teaching business, a collaboration with a singer-songwriter I've worshipped for years, a feature film being made next April that has already been accepted by Netflix, a West End offer for the show version, a radio sitcom being made by the BBC Radio and Theatre Group...) and it all feels a bit too grown-up. A has done that, she's really quite brilliant for me. I just needed a girl to get me on the right tracks.
The festival tonight was tiny and, not being arrogant, we were probably above this a couple of years ago, but the industry changes quickly and we've probably dipped down the pecking order a bit. Either way, in front of a rammed audience we totally blitzed it. FH are on fire!
All three of my private lessons today worked. I was late for all of them but nobody seemed to mind, Cambridge is horrible for getting anywhere quickly.
We've put an offer in for the house. The 4 bedroom house. 2 years ago I was struggling to pay the rent on my room in a shared place. 2 years later I'm part of a fucking mortgage (with a critically acclaimed show, a booming teaching business, a collaboration with a singer-songwriter I've worshipped for years, a feature film being made next April that has already been accepted by Netflix, a West End offer for the show version, a radio sitcom being made by the BBC Radio and Theatre Group...) and it all feels a bit too grown-up. A has done that, she's really quite brilliant for me. I just needed a girl to get me on the right tracks.
The festival tonight was tiny and, not being arrogant, we were probably above this a couple of years ago, but the industry changes quickly and we've probably dipped down the pecking order a bit. Either way, in front of a rammed audience we totally blitzed it. FH are on fire!
Friday 27th September 2019
The show I'm writing for Emma is probably the best thing I've ever written. Just putting that out there now...due to my schedule, I mostly start writing at midnight, for 2 hours, aided by Jack Daniels. You can just feel that in the script...it's dark stuff, it deals with cancer, it deals with knowing you won't live forever, but it also deals with why disco is such an underrated genre of music. Basically, death and disco.
It'll be a few months before I send this to Emma, but she's waited a year for it already, another few months won't hurt. She's read the first two pages outloud (at the fringe, in a bar) and was totally 'Jenny' already, so we're onto a good thing here.
Didn't have to start till 1pm today, now I've shoved the other school over to Thursday afternoons. Great lie-in, and then paid in some wages in town before getting a burger. It's a fine life, really.
The school was great today, all 6 students understanding it, and then both private lessons felt really productive. I'm on form, as a teacher, I can feel that.
Evening A and I met up with my friend Mike and his partner to see Fleabag at the cinema, it was totally amazing.
It'll be a few months before I send this to Emma, but she's waited a year for it already, another few months won't hurt. She's read the first two pages outloud (at the fringe, in a bar) and was totally 'Jenny' already, so we're onto a good thing here.
Didn't have to start till 1pm today, now I've shoved the other school over to Thursday afternoons. Great lie-in, and then paid in some wages in town before getting a burger. It's a fine life, really.
The school was great today, all 6 students understanding it, and then both private lessons felt really productive. I'm on form, as a teacher, I can feel that.
Evening A and I met up with my friend Mike and his partner to see Fleabag at the cinema, it was totally amazing.
Thursday 26th September 2019
The 'other' school was lovely today. I've really worked out how to deal with them all ('them' being the students) and it was a fun few hours. Then dashed over to the school that used to be on Friday mornings but I've moved them to Thursdays now to save on fuel and I just about got away with it. Just four students there, three of which are really into it.
Just the one private lesson after as Z, my regular Thursday student, was ill. The lesson was fine, even if we were just going over old stuff to boost the kids' confidence.
A and myself then looked at a new house. A bigger house. It's scary adult stuff, this. We looked at a 4-bedroom place, miles out of town and an absolute pigstye, but with so much potential. In the early 80s it was a recording studio and one of the downstairs rooms (the extension behind the garage) is still totally soundproofed...basically means I'll have my own drum studio. The house needs a LOT of work, like, totally, all of it. The current owner is a disabled widow who hasn't cleaned it for years. But with a bit of elbow grease (not a strong point of mine) it could be the perfect family home. A is a bit broodier than I'd like, but I guess that's adulting for you.
Evening gig with FH was amazing. We've worked out the issues, which I raised after Saturday's 'musically fine but performance quite poor' debut of the new line-up and we totally nailed. We're back, we're buzzing, it's a lovely thing.
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
Wednesday 25th September 2019
Now that my schedule is in place, I can actually have a lie-in on a Wednesday. I don't start at the school until 11, it's a little out of town but I don't have to leave the house until a comfortable 10am. But still, I woke up at 8am, tried to book a tour and then had a revelationary thought: why? Why am I doing this? I've been touring plays for the last 9 years and have got nowhere. Is a commissioner going to spot me in Wales, or Bournemouth? No. Of course not.
I've realised it's because I really, really like staying in hotels. Maybe I should just go on holiday more.
I can't risk the HG 'brand' - the reviews are great as they stand, but the more I tour it, the more chances there are for people to dislike it/not get it. At the moment it's a 'hit' show, but all we need is another tough night in Yorkshire, or North Shields (I still have nightmares about that night, it was only in February this year) and it could ruin my positive Google search results.
I've decided to put the grand I put aside for 'tour loss' into the West End run, which doesn't quite cover it, but nearly does. I'll take on more students, it's fine.
The school was great today, then I took mum shopping, and then the college was really brilliant. For my private lesson there, the kid was intense - I like teaching him, we were working on putting sixteenths on the hi-hat for 'Happy' and he wasn't getting it, but kept saying, "again, again", repeating the song until he got it right. He nearly got it right, he will do next week, he's so fired up for this. Drum Club afterwards was a joy, only 4 turned up but we played games, everyone bought into my 'philosophy' and I felt like everything I was trying, as a teacher, was totally working. I love it, really.
Two private lessons followed, both strong (I guess it's all about the students sometimes, they were both great) and then long WAS rehearsal which felt really nice. Andrea is a genius and Steve the new bassist (my regular gig chum) is SUCH a nice man to be in a rhythm section with.
Fuck all writing time this week, though.
I've realised it's because I really, really like staying in hotels. Maybe I should just go on holiday more.
I can't risk the HG 'brand' - the reviews are great as they stand, but the more I tour it, the more chances there are for people to dislike it/not get it. At the moment it's a 'hit' show, but all we need is another tough night in Yorkshire, or North Shields (I still have nightmares about that night, it was only in February this year) and it could ruin my positive Google search results.
I've decided to put the grand I put aside for 'tour loss' into the West End run, which doesn't quite cover it, but nearly does. I'll take on more students, it's fine.
The school was great today, then I took mum shopping, and then the college was really brilliant. For my private lesson there, the kid was intense - I like teaching him, we were working on putting sixteenths on the hi-hat for 'Happy' and he wasn't getting it, but kept saying, "again, again", repeating the song until he got it right. He nearly got it right, he will do next week, he's so fired up for this. Drum Club afterwards was a joy, only 4 turned up but we played games, everyone bought into my 'philosophy' and I felt like everything I was trying, as a teacher, was totally working. I love it, really.
Two private lessons followed, both strong (I guess it's all about the students sometimes, they were both great) and then long WAS rehearsal which felt really nice. Andrea is a genius and Steve the new bassist (my regular gig chum) is SUCH a nice man to be in a rhythm section with.
Fuck all writing time this week, though.
Tuesday 24th September 2019
That was better today. I like being a teacher again. At my latest school, which is a brilliant place - the kids, the staff, the building - it's buzzing, and everyone is so friendly. A man just needs to feel liked, sometimes, doesn't he?
Three private lessons followed (first one - this one has been a struggle for a while as the kid is suddenly a stroppy teenager but it was better today, second one - great fun, it's all about the song choices and Mr Blue Sky is ticking all the boxes, third one - awesome) and then off to catch up with Rohan and Chris for dinner and beer, which was lovely. Good friends, good company.
Three private lessons followed (first one - this one has been a struggle for a while as the kid is suddenly a stroppy teenager but it was better today, second one - great fun, it's all about the song choices and Mr Blue Sky is ticking all the boxes, third one - awesome) and then off to catch up with Rohan and Chris for dinner and beer, which was lovely. Good friends, good company.
Monday 23rd September 2019
A bit like Poch at Spurs, I feel like I'm stagnating a little bit. Five lessons today, but mostly with students I've had for a while and, if it wasn't for the incentive of the gig, I'm worried I'm losing their interest a little. That was certainly the case for lessons 1, 2 and 4. Lesson 3 was typically chaotic, but I like it that way (today he played drums with two toy guns instead of sticks) and lesson 5 was great because I've found a way of working with this student and his parents are a total joy.
Or maybe I'm just overthinking it too much. Maybe I'm working too hard? Don't be silly, this is a job, I technically work less than people in 'real' professions.
Evening met up with Greg to discuss the 12 gigs of Christmas idea (and confirm it) and his Folk Cabaret night, which we'll be launching next year.
Or maybe I'm just overthinking it too much. Maybe I'm working too hard? Don't be silly, this is a job, I technically work less than people in 'real' professions.
Evening met up with Greg to discuss the 12 gigs of Christmas idea (and confirm it) and his Folk Cabaret night, which we'll be launching next year.
Sunday 22nd September 2019
My lesson this morning was cancelled as the kid was at a 'sleepover' in London. I haven't seen this student for a while but I was grateful for the lie-in. Met up with some of A's mates for brunch, and then we spent 3 hours arguing over the font for our wedding invites. We should have sent them out by now. I think. I'm not sure. I've never been married before. What's the going rate, time-wise?
Spent a couple of hours tidying up the sitcom script ahead of our first read-throughs at the start of next month (6 episodes, all nice and tight) and had a lovely dinner with A. I have the Belle and Sebastian new album on vinyl, and we put on 'I'll Be Your Pilot' whilst eating - that song is going to be our first dance and every time I hear it I realise that things have worked out bloody brilliantly. I also know that every time we argue, which is quite often but always about trivial things (okay - it's literally ALWAYS about me not doing my share of the housework), I can put that song on and everything will be just fine.
Went for a meeting with Jacqui and Helen about a Christmas single, which will happen, the launch is booked for December 8th. A nice little sideline project that may take off.
Spent a couple of hours tidying up the sitcom script ahead of our first read-throughs at the start of next month (6 episodes, all nice and tight) and had a lovely dinner with A. I have the Belle and Sebastian new album on vinyl, and we put on 'I'll Be Your Pilot' whilst eating - that song is going to be our first dance and every time I hear it I realise that things have worked out bloody brilliantly. I also know that every time we argue, which is quite often but always about trivial things (okay - it's literally ALWAYS about me not doing my share of the housework), I can put that song on and everything will be just fine.
Went for a meeting with Jacqui and Helen about a Christmas single, which will happen, the launch is booked for December 8th. A nice little sideline project that may take off.
Sunday, 22 September 2019
Saturday 21st September 2019
Up so early for my morning student...no lesson should start at 9.30am on a Saturday, but he's a good kid and he's fun to teach.
As was the student afterwards, before I then went home and caught up on sleep in the afternoon.
Evening gig with FH, our first with the 'new' line-up, so we purposely chose a little pub in the absolute arse-end of nowhere (Norfolk) to try out stuff without pressure. P, our newest member, is utterly amazing (and she's so friendly, too - it's like she's been in the band for years) and musically we're fine...the set-list felt a bit misplaced, with too many ballads and some awkward moments in between songs. I do miss the FH energy from last year, but we'll get there again. The new songs are outstanding.
Typical long life chat with V afterwards outside her pad, but still home by midnight which is a rarity.
As was the student afterwards, before I then went home and caught up on sleep in the afternoon.
Evening gig with FH, our first with the 'new' line-up, so we purposely chose a little pub in the absolute arse-end of nowhere (Norfolk) to try out stuff without pressure. P, our newest member, is utterly amazing (and she's so friendly, too - it's like she's been in the band for years) and musically we're fine...the set-list felt a bit misplaced, with too many ballads and some awkward moments in between songs. I do miss the FH energy from last year, but we'll get there again. The new songs are outstanding.
Typical long life chat with V afterwards outside her pad, but still home by midnight which is a rarity.
Friday 20th September 2019
Morning at one of my schools, where I currently only have 4 students (so it's just over an hours' work...we'll have to discuss whether this is worth keeping soon). Paid in a bunch of wages and then off to my regular school for a fun 2 hours, before 2 private lessons (first one: lovely, if with challenging song choices, second one: really fun, first private lesson for a student I'd previously had at a school (but he's now moved on to a secondary school) and it was superb) before over to Ely for final rehearsals ahead of new line-up gig with FH.
Sounding great, as much as I get annoyed that everyone tells me off, constantly, for being too loud. It's all fine, though. It was one of those 'leaving the house at 8am, home by midnight' kinda days - but that was mostly because, as always, V and I spent half an hour chatting in the car, outside her flat at the end. This happens every time I give her a lift and I wouldn't change anything because it's not just about being in a band in a noisy rehearsal room, we're really close friends catching up. Knackered, though.
Sounding great, as much as I get annoyed that everyone tells me off, constantly, for being too loud. It's all fine, though. It was one of those 'leaving the house at 8am, home by midnight' kinda days - but that was mostly because, as always, V and I spent half an hour chatting in the car, outside her flat at the end. This happens every time I give her a lift and I wouldn't change anything because it's not just about being in a band in a noisy rehearsal room, we're really close friends catching up. Knackered, though.
Thursday 19th September 2019
I feel like, this week in particular, I'm getting the work/life balance right. Not always the way.
Fine morning/early afternoon at the 'other' school where the kids were less aggressive this week, and then three private lessons with three of my most enthusiastic students who always make me smile. We have a students gig coming up soon and it's going to be glorious.
Home by 8.30pm, meaning I get to eat with A again (dinner together means a lot to her) and finished episode six of the sitcom I'm working on for Alan H.
Fine morning/early afternoon at the 'other' school where the kids were less aggressive this week, and then three private lessons with three of my most enthusiastic students who always make me smile. We have a students gig coming up soon and it's going to be glorious.
Home by 8.30pm, meaning I get to eat with A again (dinner together means a lot to her) and finished episode six of the sitcom I'm working on for Alan H.
Wednesday 18th September 2019
Morning at my regular school was more than fine, the kids are always up for it there and they're progressing nicely.
Took Mum shopping, and then 2 hours at the college - the first for a private lesson, and then Drum Club, which was nothing short of chaos as we had 22 eager students trying to play the 5 available drums we had. I totally lost the room but they seemed happy anyway. 2 private lessons followed, both really good fun (the second one in particular was great because the kid has previously been reluctant but he's totally into it now) and then choir band rehearsal was cancelled so I was home by 9pm to crack on with this sitcom script.
I need to work out what I'm doing with the West End run.
Took Mum shopping, and then 2 hours at the college - the first for a private lesson, and then Drum Club, which was nothing short of chaos as we had 22 eager students trying to play the 5 available drums we had. I totally lost the room but they seemed happy anyway. 2 private lessons followed, both really good fun (the second one in particular was great because the kid has previously been reluctant but he's totally into it now) and then choir band rehearsal was cancelled so I was home by 9pm to crack on with this sitcom script.
I need to work out what I'm doing with the West End run.
Tuesday 17th September 2019
Lovely morning at the 'new' school, everyone totally gets my style of teaching, especially the receptionist who also has a double lesson at the end after the kids.
Fourth private lessons followed (first one: kid clearly getting bored of this...that's the second one this week and I need to refresh things a bit as much as his parents are super keen for us to continue, second one: excellent, third one: good fun, fourth one: my favourite student, always a joy).
Home to actually see A, had a lovely dinner and then I wrote till 1am.
Fourth private lessons followed (first one: kid clearly getting bored of this...that's the second one this week and I need to refresh things a bit as much as his parents are super keen for us to continue, second one: excellent, third one: good fun, fourth one: my favourite student, always a joy).
Home to actually see A, had a lovely dinner and then I wrote till 1am.
Monday 16th September 2019
Ridiculous day, but all good stuff. Early morning lessons with one of my regulars who I'm struggling to fit in (but somehow we manage to sort something every week), and then off to a local radio station to be a guest/chat about the fringe/plug stuff.
5 private lessons, all an hour, all in different locations (first one: brilliant, second one: kid is clearly getting bored of this and the mum has noticed, third one: rowdy fun, fourth one: excellent, fifth one: good fun) and then over to Ely for a late-night FH rehearsal, my first with our new violinist, who is wonderful, as much as I'm too tired to appreciate it.
Have an offer for the West End run for HG, just need to work out my finances. It can be done, just.
5 private lessons, all an hour, all in different locations (first one: brilliant, second one: kid is clearly getting bored of this and the mum has noticed, third one: rowdy fun, fourth one: excellent, fifth one: good fun) and then over to Ely for a late-night FH rehearsal, my first with our new violinist, who is wonderful, as much as I'm too tired to appreciate it.
Have an offer for the West End run for HG, just need to work out my finances. It can be done, just.
Sunday, 15 September 2019
Sunday 15th September 2019
Another early start (on A SUNDAY), this time to be picked up by Steve the bassist as we headed down to Telford for a festival gig with Greg and band. A corporate festival, so better money than normal, but as always for these events: total background stuff. Mostly ignored, but played well, both times, tried out lots of new stuff. The new stuff worked and onstage Greg, Saul, Gemma, Steve and I were having a great time.
I've never liked doing festivals like these, FH stopped doing them last year, because even though the money is good it feels pointless giving it your all when the audience aren't there for you; they're there for the bar, to shoot things in a field and to go to the dog contest thing.
Got picked up at 8.30am, dropped off at 9pm. Long day, mostly on the road, but in good company - I like this band a lot, I feel like I'm playing well with them.
Lovely dinner with A when I got back, I'm marrying a totally awesome cook who looks after me very well.
I've never liked doing festivals like these, FH stopped doing them last year, because even though the money is good it feels pointless giving it your all when the audience aren't there for you; they're there for the bar, to shoot things in a field and to go to the dog contest thing.
Got picked up at 8.30am, dropped off at 9pm. Long day, mostly on the road, but in good company - I like this band a lot, I feel like I'm playing well with them.
Lovely dinner with A when I got back, I'm marrying a totally awesome cook who looks after me very well.
Saturday 14th September 2019
Double booked for a gig today; nobody told me the FH gig was an early start, meaning I had to let Greg down for his afternoon festival set. That's the second time I've let him down this summer.
Been offered a West End run for HG. At a price. A price I can just about afford...I need time to think about all of this.
Up early for three private lessons in a row, even on a Saturday, all of them were great fun.
The over to Olney for a weird FH gig, in which it felt like our stage time was cut short. Performance felt flat, but the new songs work. Better gigs, please.
Been offered a West End run for HG. At a price. A price I can just about afford...I need time to think about all of this.
Up early for three private lessons in a row, even on a Saturday, all of them were great fun.
The over to Olney for a weird FH gig, in which it felt like our stage time was cut short. Performance felt flat, but the new songs work. Better gigs, please.
Friday 13th September 2019
Really need more writing time; for the show with Emma, for the Christmas project with Jacqui/Helen.
Over to one of my other schools in the morning for an hour or so, nipped into town to pay in some cash and then two hours at my regular school. All fine. Two private lessons later (first one: slow, second one: really awesome) and managed to get out of FH acoustic rehearsal (it's all chords and stuff) and spend the night actually seeing A. Watched an awesome film (Fisherman's Friends) and caught up properly after a busy week.
And then did some writing.
Over to one of my other schools in the morning for an hour or so, nipped into town to pay in some cash and then two hours at my regular school. All fine. Two private lessons later (first one: slow, second one: really awesome) and managed to get out of FH acoustic rehearsal (it's all chords and stuff) and spend the night actually seeing A. Watched an awesome film (Fisherman's Friends) and caught up properly after a busy week.
And then did some writing.
Thursday 12th September 2019
My god the 'other' school is rough. The kids are rude and abusive. The staff are lovely, but I've forgotten how aggressive the kids are there. 10 of them, in a row. Jesus.
Went home and had a nap.
Two private lessons after (both brilliant) and then WAS auditions for a new bassist and a new guitarist ahead of the winter gigs. Steve the bassist, who deps in Greg's band, was my recommendation and instantly clicked with Andrea, he was offered it (and accepted) within the hour. The guitarist who turned up to audition was embarrassingly bad.
Went home and had a nap.
Two private lessons after (both brilliant) and then WAS auditions for a new bassist and a new guitarist ahead of the winter gigs. Steve the bassist, who deps in Greg's band, was my recommendation and instantly clicked with Andrea, he was offered it (and accepted) within the hour. The guitarist who turned up to audition was embarrassingly bad.
Wednesday 11th September 2019
I need more writing time. I have more ideas than time at the moment.
Back at the normal school in the morning, a few scheduling issues (ie; some drum lessons clash with maths, but all sorted now) and then took mum shopping.
Over to the college for Fresher's Day and great to catch up with everyone; I really like the college, it's another place where I feel at 'home' - everyone down to the caretaker to the cleaner is friendly and I chat to them a lot. My private lesson was great afterwards there with one of my returning students.
Nipped over the road for another lesson (good fun) and mad dash to Baldock for the FH gig. First half felt flat, second half was great.
Back at the normal school in the morning, a few scheduling issues (ie; some drum lessons clash with maths, but all sorted now) and then took mum shopping.
Over to the college for Fresher's Day and great to catch up with everyone; I really like the college, it's another place where I feel at 'home' - everyone down to the caretaker to the cleaner is friendly and I chat to them a lot. My private lesson was great afterwards there with one of my returning students.
Nipped over the road for another lesson (good fun) and mad dash to Baldock for the FH gig. First half felt flat, second half was great.
Tuesday 10th September 2019
I'm really starting to like my 'new' school (the one I took on at the end of last term, so not my newest but they haven't started yet...I know, it's confusing). First day back after the summer and I really feel like I belong there; the headmaster helps me carry in my drums, the business director has more schools for me if I want them (it may take a bit of substantial schedule jigging but we'll see) and the kids are really on it. This will be great.
Three private lessons followed (first one: kid is struggling, he's lost interest but parents still keen, second one: awesome, third one: really fun) and then over to A's dad's 80th birthday, which was a right posh affair and I was very glad that I was wearing my new suit. We drank very well and enjoyed good food; a meal which costs in excess of £500. It's a whole different world.
Three private lessons followed (first one: kid is struggling, he's lost interest but parents still keen, second one: awesome, third one: really fun) and then over to A's dad's 80th birthday, which was a right posh affair and I was very glad that I was wearing my new suit. We drank very well and enjoyed good food; a meal which costs in excess of £500. It's a whole different world.
Monday 9th September 2019
The problem with setting myself such tough writing targets is that I feel the quality goes down. I keep writing, and re-writing this show I'm working on for Emma but I feel like I've lost the point I was trying to make with it now.
That was a majority of my morning and early afternoon, anyway.
Just the three private lessons as one was off sick (first one: awesome, second one: kid was so distracted but I get on well with the parents, third one: really strong, and really nice to then spend 20 minutes catching up with Georgina, the pupil's mum, afterwards). Then acoustic FH rehearsal, which I wasn't really needed for but nice to catch up as it's the first time I've seen the guys since late July.
That was a majority of my morning and early afternoon, anyway.
Just the three private lessons as one was off sick (first one: awesome, second one: kid was so distracted but I get on well with the parents, third one: really strong, and really nice to then spend 20 minutes catching up with Georgina, the pupil's mum, afterwards). Then acoustic FH rehearsal, which I wasn't really needed for but nice to catch up as it's the first time I've seen the guys since late July.
Monday, 9 September 2019
Sunday 8th September 2019
Up at 5.30am ('helped' by the cat jumping on my face) and on the road by 6.30am. In Swanage (which, it turns out, is MILES AWAY) to play a gig with Greg and the band. I long way to go for a relatively poorly paid gig, but I'm really enjoying being in a band with him, Gemma and Saul - such nice people, it's just a joy to hang out with them (and Greg's wife, Louise). And we're a good band, too, there's a lot of punch in the songs and you can just see them winning over people, even in the sleepiest of folk festivals on a Sunday at midday.
Four and a half hour drive back, which means I pretty much spent the whole day on the road but it's fine, alongside all of the 'sensible' things I do (teaching), it's nice to remind myself that this is what I really do. I'm a travelling musician.
Got a takeaway with A and then carried on writing till the early hours. I know the plan (according to Jonny the filmmaker) is that I need to just slow down and focus purely on Harvey, but there's no reason why I can't write for other people, is there?
Four and a half hour drive back, which means I pretty much spent the whole day on the road but it's fine, alongside all of the 'sensible' things I do (teaching), it's nice to remind myself that this is what I really do. I'm a travelling musician.
Got a takeaway with A and then carried on writing till the early hours. I know the plan (according to Jonny the filmmaker) is that I need to just slow down and focus purely on Harvey, but there's no reason why I can't write for other people, is there?
Saturday 7th September 2019
As I was supposed to be in Devon for family duties today, but that was obviously cancelled, I found myself with an unexpected day off. Felt great to sleep in, slob out with A (who herself is massively busy with school stuff) and argue about the amount of drum kits I have in the house. We've moved things about a bit now and it's all groovy.
Did a LOT of writing, then went to Josie's housewarming, which was good fun - a chance to jam with good people and moan about how busy we all are and why we don't this often enough.
Did a LOT of writing, then went to Josie's housewarming, which was good fun - a chance to jam with good people and moan about how busy we all are and why we don't this often enough.
Saturday, 7 September 2019
Friday 6th September 2019
As we didn't head to either Devon or Great Yarmouth today, Mum seemed down so I took her shopping, again, instead as I just feel that she's on the edge. Took her to Cambridge and she had a lovely time. I basically spent my only day off this side of Christmas sat on the A14 but it's fine, it was nice to see her happy.
Got back, wrote for 2 hours and then off to the pub to meet up with A and her friends. Lovely evening.
Got back, wrote for 2 hours and then off to the pub to meet up with A and her friends. Lovely evening.
Thursday 5th September 2019
Took Mum shopping, she's fine, if a bit down about the fact that we can't head to Devon tomorrow because the houses she wanted to look at are now sold. Discussed the idea of looking at houses in Great Yarmouth instead but the crime rate is so high so not doing that either.
Three private lessons in a row (first one - great, second one - dragged a little but fine, third one - great) and then I actually got to see A, which is a rarity these days, but needed especially as we're getting married and all that.
Was up till 1am writing.
Three private lessons in a row (first one - great, second one - dragged a little but fine, third one - great) and then I actually got to see A, which is a rarity these days, but needed especially as we're getting married and all that.
Was up till 1am writing.
Wednesday 4th September 2019
Gradually getting back into teaching mode.
Met up with my new school for a meeting, ahead of starting there in two weeks' time (there's a lot of paperwork to sort which takes time, but luckily we only have to do it once and I hope to be there for years). Nice people, outstanding head of music, it'll be fine.
Two private lessons (both good fun with enthusiastic students) and then a cracking meeting with Jacqui about a Christmas album project. Jacqui's one of those people I keep meaning to work with, we're on the same page, see each other about, but remarkably haven't before. She messaged me during the fringe about collaborations and it was great to meet up and shout ideas at her for about an hour in a pub. We've settled on two of them.
Met up with my new school for a meeting, ahead of starting there in two weeks' time (there's a lot of paperwork to sort which takes time, but luckily we only have to do it once and I hope to be there for years). Nice people, outstanding head of music, it'll be fine.
Two private lessons (both good fun with enthusiastic students) and then a cracking meeting with Jacqui about a Christmas album project. Jacqui's one of those people I keep meaning to work with, we're on the same page, see each other about, but remarkably haven't before. She messaged me during the fringe about collaborations and it was great to meet up and shout ideas at her for about an hour in a pub. We've settled on two of them.
Tuesday 3rd September 2019
I'm really excited about the film, but I think I'm just more excited about the fact that somebody has so much faith in my work.
Morning spent writing and catching up with emails, invoice parents etc, ahead of being back at the schools next week, and then a quick lesson with one of my regulars. The new kit is working well.
Then dashed back, dropped off car and off to London for the latest BBC recording of my sitcom, which went on for ages with lots of retakes but that probably suggests they know what they're doing. It's sounding lovely, very lovely.
Nice few beers at the BBC bar with the case, legged it to the train and somehow back home and in bed by 12.30am.
Morning spent writing and catching up with emails, invoice parents etc, ahead of being back at the schools next week, and then a quick lesson with one of my regulars. The new kit is working well.
Then dashed back, dropped off car and off to London for the latest BBC recording of my sitcom, which went on for ages with lots of retakes but that probably suggests they know what they're doing. It's sounding lovely, very lovely.
Nice few beers at the BBC bar with the case, legged it to the train and somehow back home and in bed by 12.30am.
Tuesday, 3 September 2019
Monday 2nd September 2019
Easing my way back into the teaching/real life stuff; the students go back to school later this week and I'm back in next week. I reckon things will get quite intense, then, as I've taken on more than ever with the private students as well as an extra school. And so much drumming stuff.
This week, though, it's just the private students.
The day started brilliantly with a cracking meeting with Jonnie about the HG feature film. He saw a Cambridge preview, loved it and turned to his wife and said, "this is my first feature" - he's been waiting for a while for a project like this to come along and spent most of the meeting convincing me that it's a good idea. I didn't need much convincing. Budget of £25k (which for a feature is nothing, but enough for it to work), a team of three writers (Jonnie, his brother and me) staying as faithful to the original theatre script, Netflix/Amazon Prime release pretty much already in the bag, DVD/Blu-Ray release, cinema premiere. 2-week shoot in May 2020, with me still playing Harvey. Pretty exciting stuff, yeah?
Five private lessons followed (first one: lovely, second one: messy in structure but nice to see them again, third one: wasn't in, they've since apologised and will pay either way, fourth one: really productive, just excellent, fifth one: parents saw the play and spent the whole lesson telling me how much they enjoyed it, even though I was just trying to teach their son).
This week, though, it's just the private students.
The day started brilliantly with a cracking meeting with Jonnie about the HG feature film. He saw a Cambridge preview, loved it and turned to his wife and said, "this is my first feature" - he's been waiting for a while for a project like this to come along and spent most of the meeting convincing me that it's a good idea. I didn't need much convincing. Budget of £25k (which for a feature is nothing, but enough for it to work), a team of three writers (Jonnie, his brother and me) staying as faithful to the original theatre script, Netflix/Amazon Prime release pretty much already in the bag, DVD/Blu-Ray release, cinema premiere. 2-week shoot in May 2020, with me still playing Harvey. Pretty exciting stuff, yeah?
Five private lessons followed (first one: lovely, second one: messy in structure but nice to see them again, third one: wasn't in, they've since apologised and will pay either way, fourth one: really productive, just excellent, fifth one: parents saw the play and spent the whole lesson telling me how much they enjoyed it, even though I was just trying to teach their son).
Sunday, 1 September 2019
Sunday 1st September 2019
A's birthday and I totally got it right. Breakfast in bed (I burnt the bacon, but when hidden in a croissant it's fine), even went to church with her and didn't understand anything that's going on but it felt like the right thing to do, before popping in briefly to see her parents and then a spot of lunch at Gog Magog farm, which is about 5 minutes down the road from us. When we actually get to see each other, we really do have a nice time.
I then needed to do a bit of school admin for a bit, so she read for a couple of hours, and then one of her presents I got her was a massage set, complete with book of instructions (my hands are massive, which helps, and it came with stones that you heat so boiled them...maybe putting on the dolphin/whale music on Spotify was a step too far, though), so I gave it all a go and we enjoyed ourselves for a couple of hours.
Very posh dinner in town (£92, who spends £92 on a couple of steaks?! This mug, glad to be back to teaching tomorrow) but she's happy so I've done well.
Agreed to the new school, meaning I don't have any free time ever from mid-September onwards, so I need to make next week count.
Confirmed the first tour date.
Alan M is getting stroppy about our radio podcast series and he has every reason to. Not only is it taking fucking ages to get going, but Alan H has cast it, whilst we really should have done auditions. I get that everyone he's cast, he likes, and he's amazing so we trust his judgement but still...maybe there's a process here we're missing.
I had a few beers and watched a Dad's Army documentary, which was excellent, and realised what they did was form a team, a team who drank together, and loved working with each other, it was a 'company'. That's what we need to do. It can't just be actors reading a script.
I then needed to do a bit of school admin for a bit, so she read for a couple of hours, and then one of her presents I got her was a massage set, complete with book of instructions (my hands are massive, which helps, and it came with stones that you heat so boiled them...maybe putting on the dolphin/whale music on Spotify was a step too far, though), so I gave it all a go and we enjoyed ourselves for a couple of hours.
Very posh dinner in town (£92, who spends £92 on a couple of steaks?! This mug, glad to be back to teaching tomorrow) but she's happy so I've done well.
Agreed to the new school, meaning I don't have any free time ever from mid-September onwards, so I need to make next week count.
Confirmed the first tour date.
Alan M is getting stroppy about our radio podcast series and he has every reason to. Not only is it taking fucking ages to get going, but Alan H has cast it, whilst we really should have done auditions. I get that everyone he's cast, he likes, and he's amazing so we trust his judgement but still...maybe there's a process here we're missing.
I had a few beers and watched a Dad's Army documentary, which was excellent, and realised what they did was form a team, a team who drank together, and loved working with each other, it was a 'company'. That's what we need to do. It can't just be actors reading a script.
Saturday 31st August 2019
Whilst I was at the fringe, Mum (on the phone) was upset about the fact that she was alone for a month, no real family to spend time with her whilst her friends were out with families at the seaside and all that, so today I surprised her by offering to take her to the seaside. My Saturday lessons resume soon so this was a good time to do so.
And then the A14 was shut and it felt like the hottest day of the year and in the end we didn't go to the seaside, but to a popular park/river about half an hour away but she still had a lovely time. The dog did, too, which helps. I feel like a good son. I know she struggles, a lot, but it was honestly amazing to spend time with her and have my phone off for a bit.
Home in time to go to the cinema with A, we saw 'Yesterday' which was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, even if I won't be rushing to watch it again.
And then the A14 was shut and it felt like the hottest day of the year and in the end we didn't go to the seaside, but to a popular park/river about half an hour away but she still had a lovely time. The dog did, too, which helps. I feel like a good son. I know she struggles, a lot, but it was honestly amazing to spend time with her and have my phone off for a bit.
Home in time to go to the cinema with A, we saw 'Yesterday' which was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, even if I won't be rushing to watch it again.
Friday 30th August 2019
A was back at work today, so I spent a majority of the morning panic-buying her birthday present. I've left it late this year, the fringe has kind of taken over my brain.
I think I got away with it. I've spent far too much. I get that the fringe didn't lose as much as I thought it would do, but it still did make a loss and I should probably get back to work at some point and start earning money again.
Luckily enough, I seem to have a lot more than I can handle coming in for next month, including an extra school who are very keen and all of my existing students returning.
Did lots of domestic things, like mowing the lawn and other such domestic chores and I secretly enjoy all of it these days. I've changed.
In the evening had dinner around A's parents' house, and then went to my mate Vicky's 'leaving Cambridge' drinks. Good fun all round.
I think I got away with it. I've spent far too much. I get that the fringe didn't lose as much as I thought it would do, but it still did make a loss and I should probably get back to work at some point and start earning money again.
Luckily enough, I seem to have a lot more than I can handle coming in for next month, including an extra school who are very keen and all of my existing students returning.
Did lots of domestic things, like mowing the lawn and other such domestic chores and I secretly enjoy all of it these days. I've changed.
In the evening had dinner around A's parents' house, and then went to my mate Vicky's 'leaving Cambridge' drinks. Good fun all round.
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