When I started this blog, so many years ago, I'd just quit my office job and was going out into the big scary world as an 'artist'. The intention of the blog was to mark the struggles, and hopefully the achievements, of a man pushing himself a bit. It's certainly done that, and, even though a majority of my living now comes from teaching music, I'm grateful that I forced myself away from the comfort of a 9-5 desk job.
From being the scruffy, panicking, you could say shambles of a man I was when this started, I've enjoyed many adventures - some of the best days of my life, and really some of the worst. Now, I'm running a successful teaching business, I've got a wife on the way, we've just bought a huge house, I've had the acclaim for my shows that I so desperately craved, I even drive a Mercedes (I mean, it's an old one, that clearly has a few problems, but if ever a man needed a status symbol...). This blog has served it's purpose for me; my ambitions are higher than ever but it's no longer about the struggle.
There will be no more posts on here as it was getting a bit dull anyway ("taught four lessons today, went well"). I have new targets, new ambitions in life, all of which can be followed over at my slightly more public blog: https://prettymuch40.blogspot.com
Whoever still reads this, and I've seen the stats...there's plenty of you, thank you and we'll hopefully catch up soon whenever this COVID malarkey blows over. Unless, of course, you're a total weirdo, so let's just keep our contact virtual x
Sunday, 31 May 2020
Monday, 25 May 2020
Sunday 24th May 2020
Birthday. 39 today. How did I get this old? I'm very grateful that things have worked out (career, relative success as a musician and in theatre, house, fiancee, financially very stable) but I still want to push myself further...one final thing to do before I hit 40.
I feel a book coming on...
Lovely day, though, great presents, wonderful cake that A spent all of yesterday making, got a bit merry. All in all, lovely.
Tomorrow: I'll actually be productive again.
Saturday 23rd May 2020
A late morning/early afternoon of teaching, all regulars, all doing well and it's all going nicely to plan.
In the afternoon we had a virtual piss-up for my best man, Matt, which was lovely but afternoon drinking totally throws me and I was a total slob for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon we had a virtual piss-up for my best man, Matt, which was lovely but afternoon drinking totally throws me and I was a total slob for the rest of the day.
Friday 22nd May 2020
Lovely morning teaching a student who I hadn't seen for a long while, he was buzzing to be back and his mum was very enthusiastic about it all in our email chat afterwards. This is working out.
7 lessons in a row today, all surprisingly well structured (got my spreadsheet, see)
In the evening a few of us had a virtual reading of my new play. Many technical problems threatened to derail the whole thing, but when we hit momentum it was great fun. The play really works, it's the only finished bit of writing I've done during this lockdown but it works nicely and we're optimistic about it hitting the stage whenever we're allowed. It was also bloody lovely to see everyone.
7 lessons in a row today, all surprisingly well structured (got my spreadsheet, see)
In the evening a few of us had a virtual reading of my new play. Many technical problems threatened to derail the whole thing, but when we hit momentum it was great fun. The play really works, it's the only finished bit of writing I've done during this lockdown but it works nicely and we're optimistic about it hitting the stage whenever we're allowed. It was also bloody lovely to see everyone.
Thursday 21st May 2020
My weekly trip to drop off essentials at mum's doorstep only really confirms one thing: I should really be starting my car more often. It was very reluctant today. Mum seems happy, though.
Got back, replied to the millions of emails that come through, tidied my teaching spreadsheet and rehearsed ahead of tonight's virtual gig.
Eventually, the tracks came in and I started recording at 10.30pm. Odd set, that, on paper by far the easiest of the lot but I struggled a bit with some of it...I think it was just the space, there's almost too much freedom in the track so it's easy to take your eye off the ball a bit.
Got frustrated, re-recorded from scratch, done by 2am. Not my finest performance.
Got back, replied to the millions of emails that come through, tidied my teaching spreadsheet and rehearsed ahead of tonight's virtual gig.
Eventually, the tracks came in and I started recording at 10.30pm. Odd set, that, on paper by far the easiest of the lot but I struggled a bit with some of it...I think it was just the space, there's almost too much freedom in the track so it's easy to take your eye off the ball a bit.
Got frustrated, re-recorded from scratch, done by 2am. Not my finest performance.
Wednesday 20th May 2020
A quieter day, which gave me more time to work on the Christmas novel, and also to decide what to do with our radio sitcom. They're all recorded and during the lockdown our amazing techie has spent a long time making them sound polished and very professional.
All three lessons were exhaustingly frantic, but they're into it and that's all that matters.
I may have played more Champ Manager until the early hours. This needs to stop.
All three lessons were exhaustingly frantic, but they're into it and that's all that matters.
I may have played more Champ Manager until the early hours. This needs to stop.
Tuesday 19th May 2020
I was very nervous this morning, having to interview a sitcom writer for the book who's work I totally adore. I was put at ease, instantly, by his warmth and friendliness and the phone interview was an absolute cracker.
First lesson of the day was cancelled as the kid is now back in school, but the other three were great.
Gave myself the night off and thoroughly enjoyed an evening of classic Championship Manager. And by evening, I of course mean early morning, too. Dangerously addictive.
First lesson of the day was cancelled as the kid is now back in school, but the other three were great.
Gave myself the night off and thoroughly enjoyed an evening of classic Championship Manager. And by evening, I of course mean early morning, too. Dangerously addictive.
Monday 18th May 2020
I'm quietly enjoying this lockdown. I mean, there's so many terrible things to it, away from the bigger picture which is obviously horrific, such as our wedding and house move plans being scuppered, but working from home is a revelation to me.
Four drum lessons in a row this morning, all worked out well, and then taught the writing course as a double lesson to two very enthusiastic siblings.
Quickly recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students, sent them around and then had another lesson which was smooth.
I feel more organised than ever, this little bit of time has allowed me to create a detailed spreadsheet of my students so I know where they're all at. Yes, I know, I should have done this before, but I never had any time, ever, so I'm glad I've got this done, now.
Four drum lessons in a row this morning, all worked out well, and then taught the writing course as a double lesson to two very enthusiastic siblings.
Quickly recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students, sent them around and then had another lesson which was smooth.
I feel more organised than ever, this little bit of time has allowed me to create a detailed spreadsheet of my students so I know where they're all at. Yes, I know, I should have done this before, but I never had any time, ever, so I'm glad I've got this done, now.
Monday, 18 May 2020
Sunday 17th May 2020
Exhausting day. Plodded around in a very Sunday sort of way for a bit of the morning and then we spent about five hours clearing out the shed, ahead of our move which will be later this month. The amount of cobwebbed-filled junk that has clearly built up over six years is ridiculous. By far the most physical activity I've done in YEARS.
Spent the rest of the day making notes for a new project, but mostly just manning to myself about my poor aching limbs.
Spent the rest of the day making notes for a new project, but mostly just manning to myself about my poor aching limbs.
Saturday 16th May 2020
I enjoyed today - I felt it's one of the rare days during lockdown (and it still is lockdown, despite whatever others may have you believe) where I've got the balance of work and pleasure right.
Just the three hours worth of lessons today, all good fun, refreshing sessions with enthusiastic students.
Caught up on a few emails, exercised for an hour and drummed for a couple of hours.
In the evening, A was on a long video call to her best mate so I just sat and worked on the novel, for about four hours, and made fabulous progress. I like where this one is going.
Just the three hours worth of lessons today, all good fun, refreshing sessions with enthusiastic students.
Caught up on a few emails, exercised for an hour and drummed for a couple of hours.
In the evening, A was on a long video call to her best mate so I just sat and worked on the novel, for about four hours, and made fabulous progress. I like where this one is going.
Saturday, 16 May 2020
Friday 15th May 2020
Woke up to a message from YouTube saying that our gig video can't be used due to copyright issues with two of the songs. They're drum covers, we're not claiming to own the songs, we're making money for charity but still - rules are rules, I guess. Cut those songs from the video and then had to frantically film all of my links again, at 7.30am, high on black coffee, to get it uploaded in time. It was actually all uploaded by 1pm, 6 hours ahead of broadcast, but it was still more stressful than it needed to be.
A year ago today I proposed to A, by far the happiest moment of my life. Who knows what will happen to our wedding? Nobody could have predicted this onslaught of shittyness that has happened this year. We're still really, really keen, even if our dream, lavish wedding, the day we feel we deserve, will be replaced by five people in a deserted church, somewhere. It's all quite upsetting, really.
Five lessons today, all really strong - A, who is a proper teacher by trade, was listening in to one of them and was full of praise, and she doesn't always give it. I know deep down I'm actually quite good at this, not just the teaching of the subject but the versatility to switch the lesson around depending not the confidence levels of the student.
Got sent over Greg's new album, which I drummed on way back in last August, and it's an amazing thing. Possibly a career highlight? It's so good. So, so good. Honoured to be on all 12 tracks, I remember the two sessions being stressful but it's totally worth it.
Evening, we got a takeaway, got drunk and fell asleep. I then woke up and did some more work on my novel.
A year ago today I proposed to A, by far the happiest moment of my life. Who knows what will happen to our wedding? Nobody could have predicted this onslaught of shittyness that has happened this year. We're still really, really keen, even if our dream, lavish wedding, the day we feel we deserve, will be replaced by five people in a deserted church, somewhere. It's all quite upsetting, really.
Five lessons today, all really strong - A, who is a proper teacher by trade, was listening in to one of them and was full of praise, and she doesn't always give it. I know deep down I'm actually quite good at this, not just the teaching of the subject but the versatility to switch the lesson around depending not the confidence levels of the student.
Got sent over Greg's new album, which I drummed on way back in last August, and it's an amazing thing. Possibly a career highlight? It's so good. So, so good. Honoured to be on all 12 tracks, I remember the two sessions being stressful but it's totally worth it.
Evening, we got a takeaway, got drunk and fell asleep. I then woke up and did some more work on my novel.
Thursday 14th May 2020
Having successfully managed to shove the week's teaching commitments to tomorrow, today was another day of intending writing but mostly filled with procrastination.
Took Mum her essentials, it was good to see her from the end of the path and it was good to give the car a bit of a run-out.
Filmed a lovely jazz instruction video for one of my Monday students, he's now working on that and then edited together our footage for tomorrow's online charity gig.
Confirmed a bunch of stuff for next week, filmed another instructional video for one of my Saturday students explaining a song that she's struggling with and did my 12500 steps with ease.
Took Mum her essentials, it was good to see her from the end of the path and it was good to give the car a bit of a run-out.
Filmed a lovely jazz instruction video for one of my Monday students, he's now working on that and then edited together our footage for tomorrow's online charity gig.
Confirmed a bunch of stuff for next week, filmed another instructional video for one of my Saturday students explaining a song that she's struggling with and did my 12500 steps with ease.
Wednesday 13th May 2020
Supposedly a day off to write (having to move all of my lessons to other days this week, cramming them in seems to be good for momentum) but then still ended up teaching one in the morning to a student who particularly needed it. It was productive, she learnt what she was hoping to and I felt very good about it afterwards.
Right; I've finally worked out what I need to do with this Christmas novel. Spent three hours on it today and barely got beyond the second chapter, but what LIFE that have in them. This may be a slow burner but it'll get there.
Did a bit more sitcom work and got confused about how to master my drum tracks for the 'solo' project.
Right; I've finally worked out what I need to do with this Christmas novel. Spent three hours on it today and barely got beyond the second chapter, but what LIFE that have in them. This may be a slow burner but it'll get there.
Did a bit more sitcom work and got confused about how to master my drum tracks for the 'solo' project.
Tuesday 12th May 2020
Mostly teaching today, with a little bit of sitcom book writing in the gap in the middle. First lesson - chaos, second lesson - great, third lesson - kid distracted, fourth lesson - fantastic, fifth lesson - fantastic.
I keep re-starting the writing of my novel, whilst getting frustrated that 12500 steps a day is quite an ambitious target. Made it again today, just.
I keep re-starting the writing of my novel, whilst getting frustrated that 12500 steps a day is quite an ambitious target. Made it again today, just.
Tuesday, 12 May 2020
Monday 11th May 2020
2 more students have signed up to virtual lessons. They're both students I taught in the real world previously, but have now realised that online lessons could work for them.
Despite things looking a bit busier, the lack of travelling time means I only need a 10 minute break in-between each class, rather than 30 minutes driving. I've comfortably managed to cram everything into four days this week, giving myself Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday off for writing.
Talking of which, the novel is starting to take shape. A couple late nights and black coffee and I think I can blitz this into proper progress.
The first two lessons were great today, the third one felt worryingly short and I fear I'm not giving J his money's worth. He's too nice to complain, but I need a few more ideas.
And then back to writing which, if anything, gives me the perfect excuse to listen to Last Christmas on my headphones.
Despite things looking a bit busier, the lack of travelling time means I only need a 10 minute break in-between each class, rather than 30 minutes driving. I've comfortably managed to cram everything into four days this week, giving myself Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday off for writing.
Talking of which, the novel is starting to take shape. A couple late nights and black coffee and I think I can blitz this into proper progress.
The first two lessons were great today, the third one felt worryingly short and I fear I'm not giving J his money's worth. He's too nice to complain, but I need a few more ideas.
And then back to writing which, if anything, gives me the perfect excuse to listen to Last Christmas on my headphones.
Sunday 10th May 2020
I mean, what do any of these announcements from Boris actually mean? Can we move house yet?
Day off today, so mostly writing and getting frustrated. Also, my new steps counter thingy arrived on Thursday, meaning I'm now obsessed with jogging on the spot. 3 days in and I've done over 12,000 steps every day, which is nice. I feel like I'm in good shape.
Sitcom book continues to excite me. Christmas novel continues to elude me.
Day off today, so mostly writing and getting frustrated. Also, my new steps counter thingy arrived on Thursday, meaning I'm now obsessed with jogging on the spot. 3 days in and I've done over 12,000 steps every day, which is nice. I feel like I'm in good shape.
Sitcom book continues to excite me. Christmas novel continues to elude me.
Saturday 9th May 2020
Finished my drum solo album, that actually sounds quite interesting - some of it is really, really good, with lots of variations, some clever stuff in there. A lot of it is also pretentious wank, but it could sell...
All three private lessons were fun and excitable today, I'm happy enough with those.
A bit more drumming and mastering, and then more failed attempts at writing.
Big dinner with A in the evening, so big we both promptly fell asleep in front of the telly shortly afterwards.
All three private lessons were fun and excitable today, I'm happy enough with those.
A bit more drumming and mastering, and then more failed attempts at writing.
Big dinner with A in the evening, so big we both promptly fell asleep in front of the telly shortly afterwards.
Friday 8th May 2020
As another lockdown week tumbles to a close, I'm both in a comfortable routine yet getting slightly agitated. We have a lovely new house waiting for us, it would be amazing to set up there soon.
The lessons, all five of them, were really strong today, everyone is on good form, this works.
Worked on my sitcom book for a bit, and then tried and failed with my Christmas novel. Maybe I'm just trying too hard?
The lessons, all five of them, were really strong today, everyone is on good form, this works.
Worked on my sitcom book for a bit, and then tried and failed with my Christmas novel. Maybe I'm just trying too hard?
Monday, 11 May 2020
Thursday 7th May 2020
I was a bit on edge yesterday, but today felt much better. I typically keep Thursday's free to drop off essential supplies to Mum. Good to give the car a bit of a run out, she seems well (from a distance).
Got back, tidied my website, replied to a bunch of emails and then had a cracking online lesson with one of my regulars. Needed that, I'm back on form!
Evening online beers with my best man, Matt. Great to catch up. Slightly drunk.
Got back, tidied my website, replied to a bunch of emails and then had a cracking online lesson with one of my regulars. Needed that, I'm back on form!
Evening online beers with my best man, Matt. Great to catch up. Slightly drunk.
Wednesday, 6 May 2020
Wednesday 6th May 2020
Three years ago today, I woke up to an horrific email from a venue threatening to sue me, because our murder mystery show the night before was an epic disaster on the biggest of scales. I was a mess; the show didn't work and shouldn't have gone live, it was comfortably the worst experience I've ever had as a performer. I was lucky that it all quickly blew over, thanks to a few legal things on our side, but I was a lost cause - living in my mate Edd's house for next-to-nothing rent, no career plans, temping, mid-30s and a shambles...this was all off the back of an adventurous but, ultimately, disastrous solo tour.
Three years later and, yeah, we're in a lockdown and in the middle of a global crisis, but I appreciate how things have worked out. Teaching career, hit play that's to be made into a film, bigger and better drumming projects, getting married and living a nice life in a nice house, with a new one on the way, with the two cats whom I'm getting quite attached to.
Today, though, I was just a bit rubbish, I think. Everything felt a bit flat (both writing courses and both drum lessons, even had a bit of a disagreement with a parent about the structure of where to put drum fills) (I know I was right) (will probably lose that student). Also getting niggled by parents being slow payers, so slow, they always pay eventually but it's an admin nightmare.
Sitcom book is coming together well and I recorded a nice track, plus made tracks on my Christmas novel, but I wasn't at my best today. Maybe I'm tired, let's blame the lockdown.
Three years later and, yeah, we're in a lockdown and in the middle of a global crisis, but I appreciate how things have worked out. Teaching career, hit play that's to be made into a film, bigger and better drumming projects, getting married and living a nice life in a nice house, with a new one on the way, with the two cats whom I'm getting quite attached to.
Today, though, I was just a bit rubbish, I think. Everything felt a bit flat (both writing courses and both drum lessons, even had a bit of a disagreement with a parent about the structure of where to put drum fills) (I know I was right) (will probably lose that student). Also getting niggled by parents being slow payers, so slow, they always pay eventually but it's an admin nightmare.
Sitcom book is coming together well and I recorded a nice track, plus made tracks on my Christmas novel, but I wasn't at my best today. Maybe I'm tired, let's blame the lockdown.
Tuesday 5th May 2020
A really nice, fun, productive day. Stuff with my sitcom book is still ticking over nicely enough, spent the morning working on that.
Fun drum lesson with somebody who I've only taught once before (and that was a beginners course) which was such fun and her mum has now booked me up again for next week. Then taught two of my regular students, and then a writing course for somebody who has done it already but loved it so wanted to do it again, and then a first lesson with a new student. Intended to be a one-off, but they got so into it, we're now going to be doing this weekly.
It's all working out okay.
Another lesson after that with my weekly Tuesday kid and then A and myself went for a nice walk.
Drummed till 2am, making a masterpiece, obviously.
Fun drum lesson with somebody who I've only taught once before (and that was a beginners course) which was such fun and her mum has now booked me up again for next week. Then taught two of my regular students, and then a writing course for somebody who has done it already but loved it so wanted to do it again, and then a first lesson with a new student. Intended to be a one-off, but they got so into it, we're now going to be doing this weekly.
It's all working out okay.
Another lesson after that with my weekly Tuesday kid and then A and myself went for a nice walk.
Drummed till 2am, making a masterpiece, obviously.
Monday 4th May 2020
I seem to spend my whole day in this conservatory. It's a nice set-up, with Mac, electric kit, notepads everywhere and a posh backdrop for online gigs, but it's starting to smell of me...that weird mix of man sweat and Red Bull.
Busy day today; three lessons in the morning (all slightly chaotic but fun) and then a 2 and a bit hour filming session with Liz and Jonnie. It's a script that Jonnie has written and is very funny, and it's set in isolation, so we could film our parts separately as he directed us over Zoom. As a format it works well, and as Liz and myself are to be playing alongside each other as a bickering couple in the HG movie (now delayed until next March, but with a teaser scene being filmed later this year) it's nice to build that onscreen chemistry.
Then taught another lesson, which was fine, and drummed all night, because I can.
Busy day today; three lessons in the morning (all slightly chaotic but fun) and then a 2 and a bit hour filming session with Liz and Jonnie. It's a script that Jonnie has written and is very funny, and it's set in isolation, so we could film our parts separately as he directed us over Zoom. As a format it works well, and as Liz and myself are to be playing alongside each other as a bickering couple in the HG movie (now delayed until next March, but with a teaser scene being filmed later this year) it's nice to build that onscreen chemistry.
Then taught another lesson, which was fine, and drummed all night, because I can.
Sunday, 3 May 2020
Sunday 3rd May 2020
A is getting very, very broody. Happy to go along with it.
I really miss football.
Went to a shop, sticking to social distancing and all that, and bought all the caffeine I'll need for the week, and as much cat treats to keep them happy, too. Last night, at 2am, Coco bought in a frog as a gift so it's the least I can do.
Did a bit of work on my album, did a bit of work on the book and then we enjoyed a ridiculous amount of chicken.
So sleepy, but it's not like I have to drive anywhere tommorow.
I really miss football.
Went to a shop, sticking to social distancing and all that, and bought all the caffeine I'll need for the week, and as much cat treats to keep them happy, too. Last night, at 2am, Coco bought in a frog as a gift so it's the least I can do.
Did a bit of work on my album, did a bit of work on the book and then we enjoyed a ridiculous amount of chicken.
So sleepy, but it's not like I have to drive anywhere tommorow.
Saturday 2nd May 2020
I had a good 'gig' last night, the recording has been very well received by the MD. The gig goes live on Wednesday, as far as I know.
Given how much I have on next week, I'm trying to keep my weekends free for creative stuff, but taught three very full-on online lessons today, which went well.
Drummed for a few hours, for no reason today, didn't want it for the album, just because I love drumming.
Uploaded a load of extra percussion to my electric kit and then drank brandy with A.
Given how much I have on next week, I'm trying to keep my weekends free for creative stuff, but taught three very full-on online lessons today, which went well.
Drummed for a few hours, for no reason today, didn't want it for the album, just because I love drumming.
Uploaded a load of extra percussion to my electric kit and then drank brandy with A.
Friday 1st May 2020
Full-on day, which is what I like. The sitcom book interviews are all coming in, the drum solo stuff is ticking over and I'm having a lovely time recording it. Won't release it under my name.
Taught four lessons online (first one: fine, second one: really fun, third one: chaos, fourth one: really great), had a nice dinner with A and then the recordings came in for the virtual gig so I spent two hours rehearsing and then one hour 'gigging'.
Done by 11pm. Apologies to the neighbours.
Taught four lessons online (first one: fine, second one: really fun, third one: chaos, fourth one: really great), had a nice dinner with A and then the recordings came in for the virtual gig so I spent two hours rehearsing and then one hour 'gigging'.
Done by 11pm. Apologies to the neighbours.
Friday, 1 May 2020
Thursday 30th April 2020
Really into this 'drums only' album - it's opened up a whole new world of ideas that is probably going to take up more time than it should...
Popped to Mum's to drop off essential supplies and then home to teach a fun double writing session, which was so exhausting I had a nap afterwards.
Pre-recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students and accepted a little acting offer thing that came in out of the blue.
And then back to recording...
Popped to Mum's to drop off essential supplies and then home to teach a fun double writing session, which was so exhausting I had a nap afterwards.
Pre-recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students and accepted a little acting offer thing that came in out of the blue.
And then back to recording...
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