In a crazy rush today so gonna have to be quick!

Bit of a disjointed day, but certainly not an unsuccessful one. Freddie Laid The Smack Down grooves along really nicely – that song’s been a bit of a surprise to be honest and I’m really pleased with it. Also tackled Inside My Mind – a bit slower than before and pretty intense. Calum in particular was excellent yesterday – his guitar tone on Freddie was just magical, and he was using a high-strung guitar on Inside My Mind to make sounds I’m not used to acoustic guitars making. Beautiful.

Evening was a touch more tricky – we’ve been having an ongoing battle with what to do with Ferris Wheel. It’s always such a live favourite, but what should a studio version sound like? With a band some of the guitar percussion just makes it messy – so do you … Read the rest

YES! Another excellent day. Not only are we speeding along at a great rate, we’re not compromising in the least with what we’re getting. It’s sounding absolutely lush.

Feet Don’t Fail Me Now to kick off the day, and we had to track instruments individually but it all slotted together really well. These first sessions are just to get down the core of the tracks with vocals and other overdubs to be done later in the month, so it’s all about getting the instrumental heart of the track perfect. FDFMN is absolutely pounding along.

Pondering On  A Scenario In Which I Am The Hero was my highlight of the day I think. Just some glorious sounds from everyone. This band all compliments each other so beautifully.

Lastly we pretty much finished I Saw Something which sounds like a whole new song now.

If you’re wondering why I’m re-recording these when … Read the rest

It’s so important with these things to get off  to a good start. If you have a bad first day it can set you back for the rest of your schedule. That really puts you under unnecessary pressure which isn’t always a good mental space to be in to record music.

Luckily we got off to a great start despite a little issue with separating the drum sound. Our target is 2-3 tracks per day and we managed to set up all the equipment, wire everything up, deal with the drum issue and get two fantastic sounding tracks down so I’m thrilled. All & Forever just thumps along and has a real nice mix of grooves – part hillbilly rock, part ska, part something else. Reeling was sounding gorgeous – this band have an uncanny ability to get an instinctive feel for a track.

Roll on day two….… Read the rest

So this month is named after Janus, the two-headed Roman god of beginnings and endings. What’s beginning or ending with you? I really like the idea of perpetual beginning, I keep meaning to write a song about it.

My goals for 2010 are to wear nice cosy jumpers where appropriate, be more like the character ‘Mac’ from Green Wing, be less self-centered, worry less about money, and be more open with people. Oh and I want to use fewer suggestive sexual images to get people’s attention. Sorry Sam.

Plus I want to make a record that’s really smokin’. We start tomorrow – I’ll keep you posted.

x… Read the rest

Keith Richards:

“There was a knock on our dressing room door. Our manager shouted “Keith! Ron! The Police are here.” Oh, man, we panicked, flushed everything down the toilet. Then the door opened and it was Sting and Stewart Copeland.”

I now seem to have about 11 books to read and no real time to read them, apart from The Wit And Wisdom of Keith Richards which took all of 5 minutes to read. Plus I’ve still got a runny nose after inhaling too much wood dust from the chess sets I made for my brothers.

Lounging around time is over now though – we’ve got an album to record so I’m locked in my attic again practising my chops, making sure I’m ready. Think it’s going to be epic.

First sessions start on Jan 2nd 2010. Wish me luck x… Read the rest

I’m delighted to report that phenomenal double bass talent genius extraordinaire John Parker will be behind his big double bass for much of the new album.

John deserves your unconditional love and respect for many reasons, not least because he is one half of Nizlopi, who have made some quite brilliant music.

I’m really delighted to have him involved. Top bloke too.… Read the rest

Haha – you wait three weeks for a post and then three come at once!

Sorry for such poor blogging – I promise to try harder in future….

x… Read the rest

Just thought I’d share the only scene I’ve witnessed this week. Having got back from the tour I’ve been pretty much chained to my desk demoing up new songs to take to the album team (producer/engineer/musicians). We even got a new front door that I didn’t use for three days.

It’s going really well though. Likely album opener ‘The Light’ is sounding beautiful. ‘City Sideline’ is just about done and work I’ve done on the lyrics has really paid off. ‘All and Forever’ is leaping out of the speakers as a potential single.

Also wrote a new one on the road – working title ‘Many Fish To Fry’ – which will close the album in some style I hope. That’s the start and end sorted – just got to do the middle now! x… Read the rest

What goes on tour stays on tour remember! Sadly I can’t say there were too many nights of high debauchery, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this brief tour with Luke Haines promoting his new album. My highlight would have to be Newcastle where the atmosphere was just incredible.

Luke’s fans maybe couldn’t fill the o2, but they really care about him and his music. They were respectful and appreciative, and consistent in every city we played in. Just a shame it wasn’t my tour! Still… we’ll get that sorted for when the album comes out.

x… Read the rest

I though I’d published this post but turns out I hadn’t! Ah well – here it is anyway. From 31st October….

I’m off on tour with Luke Haines tomorrow – just session work playing bass and driving round the country. If you’re around any of these places come down and say hi (bit late now). Dates are as follows:

Sun 1 Nov Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Mon 2  Nov Manchester Deaf Institute
Thu 5  Nov Glasgow Captains Rest
Fri 6   Nov Newcastle The Cluny
Sat 7 Nov Bristol The Thekla
Wed 11 Nov Brighton Hanbury Club
Wed 25 Nov London The Luminaire… Read the rest