GOOD GIG!

Not much has been going on lately! I have just been preoccupied with pumping out CVs and going to interviews, and some shifts at work.

We've had the pleasure of a string of Charlene Soraia shows, and she was back again last week.

I finally made a couple of my own videos, though all taken from my post at the door (hence they aren't very good!).

Look out for a song called "Animal" by Miss Soraia, someone else shot her playing it last month before she finished it, so to give you an idea... have a listen!

(My not so fantastic recording)

Charlene was supporting James Apollo, who was also fun to listen to! The Cadbury Sisters were sandwiched in between the acts and treated us to lovely harmonies accompanying acoustic guitar. They didn't play this Dusty Springfield cover, but I dig it!

Here's a little James Apollo for you! I missed what I considered the best song he played, but you get the idea.

More ear treats!

Sorry for the absence once again! Life seems to whiz by me in a blur and before I realize, it has been months!

Last night we had a particularly great show at the Lamb. A miss Charlene Soraia graced the stage for the second time in the past two weeks and pretty much blew the audience (along with myself) out of the water. Not only is she an absolutely incredible guitarist and vocalist, but she's extremely kind and hilarious to boot!

Have a listen.



Another performer that I really enjoyed was Sam Airey. He's a lovely fellow with a voice reminiscent of a classic English singer.
Go listen to more.

MUSIC DOODLES!

OKAY friends. I am terrible sorry for the long pause in posting. I have accomplished a move, accumulating a part-time job (and as of Friday, two), a two-week internship, as well as a design job (website). That's my brief update. I have been working for the gig promotion company Pull Up The Roots/Electroacoustic Club, doing box office/gig rep work. I absolutely love it.

I have a method that I employ to gauge whether the artist/band is good. If I feel compelled/inspired to doodle whilst listening, then I can affirm they're awesome. I've begun collecting the doodles and now have a bit of a shrine in my new flat.

The "Friendship is free" sign I can't take credit for. It was on display with Otis Gibbs' merchandise. That man is hilarious.







And while I'm on the subject of work, here are a few samples of some of the people that I've enjoyed. I really need to start recording these...

I also love this film/music by the guy who also does box office stuff at Pull Up The Roots.



The fellow also happens to be one of the friendliest (and charming) blokes I've encountered at work.

WEB DESIGNS

Working on some site designs for a music promoter at the moment. Here are the 3 contenders... although he has pretty much already chosen one!

Work in Rough Trade!

The posters I designed for 5000, promoting upcoming shows are up in Rough Trade East! Go see them! Or alternatively, amazing Andy has posted photos of them here!

Until then, here are a few of the designs...

CHOSEN FLYER DESIGN

CHOSEN POSTER DESIGN

PRELIMINARY DESIGNS

EAR FOOD

I am quite enjoying this song at the moment.

THE DIVINE DEATH CAB (but not so courteous fans)

I fulfilled my teenage dream this past Thursday and finally saw Death Cab for Cutie at Brixton Academy here in London. I have raved to anybody who will listen about the new album Codes and Keys, but was pleased as punch that they played some old favourites, ahem Transatlanticism, fantastic closer. Those boys still have marvelous stage energy, though banter was quite minimal. The sound was a bit sketchy in the beginning and it was difficult to hear Ben Gibbard. He has a pretty soft voice. To my delight the opening band (The Head and The Heart) were quite good. They had a bit of a struggle with feedback during the performance, but they kept hammering on, grinning.

I was pretty astonished to find a sound lady, which must be rare! I couldn't help but deem her awesome.

It was a superb show. I left there with a moderate twinkling but not awe-struck (though I have had 'I Will Possess Your Heart' in my head ever since). Although this may have been more to do with the insolent audience. Perhaps with age and accumulating gig experience, my sensitivity to the environment has increased immeasurably. Regardless, there are a few things you just don't do. Emilia and I discussed writing GIG COMMANDMENTS because any sense of etiquette in this setting simply does not exist.

We had several groups of people plow through us. First two rather large screaming girls who kept thrusting their arms in peoples faces whilst making heart shapes out of their hands. Lame, and disrespectful to the bands. Next, big beefy dudes trampled on our feet and tossed us like weeds as they bouldered their way to the front. Not cool friends. Midway through the DCFC set a man elbowed me out of the way and shoved his girlfriend with a red wooly hat in front of me. I could no longer be passive and asked her firmly (but politely) to move. I think she was caught off guard and retreated to the other side of her boyfriend, who also seemed stunned. I believe most audience members accept these actions as the nature of the beast and aren't brazen enough to speak up.

I did manage to take a few snaps on the Ricoh. I have a few videos posted below as well!
Looking forward to My Morning Jacket on the 17th!

VIDEOS