I'm a bit long in the tooth to be starting another chapter of my musical life, but I don't see any reason why I shouldn't. I uprooted myself and moved across the pond to Manchester, UK a couple of years ago and have had it in mind to take the boatload of songs I've written within that time and get some recorded and do some performing...hopefully with others! In my misspent youth I played in bands: The Relay, Echo Blue, Open Secret...writing and performing. I am eager to do it all again...new music to come.
Music is life, love, expression, a thermostat, a guide, a warning, a bridge, a portal. It has been a while since I've performed and recorded, but I am taking the path to re-ignition. Now - more than ever - I need to immerse myself in the best part of my journey. New music will appear soon.
I want to play as much as often as I can - by myself and in collaboration. Since I moved to Manchester I've been looking for the gateway, and now I see the door opening.
My own heart, mind, and soul. When I am at my zenith, others tend to find their best place, too. If we're all looking at what we do have with joy and gratitude - even through the challenges - it tends to keep us from doing harm.
My father and I singing Wild Irish Rose together. I was about 2 years old and he and I would sing all the old-time songs and standards. He loved the Mills Brothers, and we sang those songs too back in the 1950s.
So many wonderful musical artists come to mind when I think of my "favourites". Early on I loved the Everly Brothers - I sang along with their two part harmonies and loved filling in the third part...not realising most of my friends couldn't do that. in 1964 my world turned upside-down in a grand way: The Beatles. I adored the music, the style, the songwriting - I wanted to be like them. I learned piano, so when Elton John appeared on the scene I loved playing his songs, and that found its way into my own style. For songwriting, aside from Lennon-McCartney and Ray and Dave Davies, I think Barry Gibb is absolutely a genius. People don't realise just how many incredible songs he's written - with his brothers - over the years...with incredible melodies, riffs, and those perfect harmonies. I loved Oasis, Blur, The Jam, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, and the wave of great songwriters/performers of the late '70s through the '80s. Right now, I love my son's band, The Coffis Brothers. I really love Chase the Jaguar, The Ghost Twins, Spencer Gibb, Samantha Gibb, Jesse Daniel, Henry Chadwick, and slew of others. Always listening!
Everything inspires me to make music. Everything I experience could be fodder for a new song. No pain or joy occurs without an idea for a song. Also, just for the atmosphere, I love misty or rainy days for that melancholy feeling - that inspires me.
Different messages may be associated with different songs.
If I'm ready, I feel great - I love the interaction with people...you give, but you get more back.
This is a very difficult time to be a performing musician. Pandemic restrictions have gutted so many of my friends' ability to make their living. For those who write, it seems most are not as forthcoming as one might think...but, all scenarios change at some point. When people can, they will resume touring and live performances full-on, but in the meantime writing and perhaps recording may be a way to keep it all alive. Also, the state of music delivery systems - streaming, downloading, etc. has drastically reduced the means to keep producing quality projects...I think people need to know how important it is to support their fave musicians so they can continue!
I don't know yet what I think of Drooble since I just joined. I shall revisit this question later.
My own lack of technical skills...I got stuck in the days of tape/reel to reel/ADAT/4-Track devices and haven't updated my skills yet. I've got some learning to do. Any help is going to be appreciated.
I love my local scene. Until the Manchester lockdown I was attending local gigs and cheering on live music and encouraging others to do the same. I will return to that when it's possible.
Loads of energy is needed to be a musician these days, and strength and patience to see it through.
Artists that should be heard by a wider audience include: The Coffis Brothers, Ben Greenberg, Jesse Daniel, Henry Chadwick, Tony Flynn, The Ghost Twins, Chase The Jaguar, Primo The Alien, Audrey Russell, The Jigsaw Seen, Dennis Davison, Yipes!, Strangers in a Strange Land, Vince Melouney Sect, Kyle Vincent, Koli Kohler, and many more to come. All are great writers and performers.