These past 18months have been really difficult. Like all musicians, the pandemic has affected me and my creative output. Gigs were cancelled; creativity and motivation at an all time low. I also had COVID about a month ago, which wasn’t devastating. But wasn’t pleasant either. In fact, as I write this post, my lingering cough and course voice won’t seem to go away… Further from above, I am also currently extremely time poor. I’m working a full time (demanding) job with a young family but my musical and creative needs yearn to be satisfied. These issues are snowballing alongside a deep-down longing to do something different, innovative – at least as far as my own creative processes go.
I’m currently shaping a songwriting process. One that is more reliant on the DAW, which seeks to use it as an instrument, as a tool. To support this process, I’ve also worked some magic in Excel and created a random parameter generator. Here’s a screenshot:
I’ll go into more depth about this process and attach a copy of this file in case anyone is keen to use it in their own songwriting with a post later on. For now, I just had to get the ball rolling… Had to get some of these thoughts out into the open.
Are blogs still a thing? I want them to be a thing…. But my last post was a long, long time ago. Pre-global-pandemic long. Regardless of this, I’ve been busy. I mean… most people are busy. But I feel like I actively seek it out. It’s a symbiotic face-hugging alien sort of busy. Lately, it’s also been a productive sort of busy, filled with growth, learning, musical experimentation and now ‘Burning Bridges’.
In between full-time classroom Music Teaching work,trying (not always succeeding) to be the best Dad and Partner that my time and energy can afford and working to ensure that those hungry demons of creativity are sufficiently and regularly fed, I’ve also been striving towards increased musical output and additional skills as part of a fully-featured DIY Musician. Note: All album Artwork (besides graphic design) for the first 3 tracks are by the incredibly talented Caroline Cooke. Click for her instagram.
My new Home Studio setup … still a work in progress.
Consistency in this industry as a completely independent musician is really hard work. It has taken me far too long to figure out how much I should be doing to give myself the best chance of breaking through to new listeners, music-lovers and audiences. And there often isn’t much in the way of returns – financial or appreciative. Still, you’ve gotta keep keepin’ on. From my experience, most creatives don’t pursue their craft with returns as a goal. It’s a need. An insatiable, endless search for creative release, fuelled by curiosity, dopamine and ego. Maybe there’s more… Leave me a comment if you disagree?
Like many musicians who were prevented from performing live gigs and encouraged to think outside of the box in 2020, I finally took the advice offered by various friends over the years and spent a hard-earned tax-return (plus savings) on some quality studio gear. I would still have to outsource musicians to record certain instruments that required larger setups but I could now record studio-quality foundations (guitar, bass, voice etc) at home. My new gear also enabled me to start experimenting with production through mixing, editing and arrangement.
Track One – Merry Christmas
The first track to come out of this new phase in my musical journey was titled ‘Merry Christmas‘ and released in mid-December 2020, just in time for the aforementioned holiday. Melbourne’s Lachlan Bryan offered some advice for this track, played piano, and was originally going to jump on board for more songs. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, as he got caught up with his own projects.
Track Two – Ground Me
The second song, Ground Me, was released in early February. I don’t know how much more to say about this track besides expressing my love for the spacious production and spooky instrumentation, contributed by my mate Jolyon. Oh, and before I forget… Bec Ursino – if you’re reading this… Thanks! Bec was part of a very early stage with these songs, where I wanted to experiment with a higher pitched female vocal tone blending with my own. First three songs from this new batch feature Bec.
Upcoming Release – Burning Bridges
Now… this brings me to the new song coming out this Friday! Burning Bridges is another ripened fruit picked from my 100 Songs in 100 Days experiment/exercise conducted a few years ago. I love the track. I think that this might be the happiest, radio-friendly song that I’ve ever released. It’s upbeat without sounding lame or cheesy (at least I think so). This is also my first time performing and recording banjo for myself!
Before I sign off on this long, long overdue blog post, I should also mention a kick-ass kick coming up on Wednesday April 21st in Newtown at The Midnight Special. 2x shows, 26 tickets per show. Buy online now before it sells out. Tickets only $15.
I love House Concerts. They are intimate, personal and musically fulfilling. These are often the gigs where people feel comfortable enough to have a big chat before or after the show. They are the gigs where you can get adequately deep on lyric backstory or the songwriting process. House Concerts make it easier to authentically connect through the power of music. For me, this is what writing and performing is all about. In an effort to more actively pursue the kind of shows that I love playing, I’ve created a new page on my website where anyone can easily book me to perform at their house. No matter the location. Click on my menu now to have a look.
“Lullaby in the Key of Relief” at the spectacular Red Dog Studio Sessions. One of my favourite House Concert setups in Sydney.
I want to reach new fans and develop a network of a long-lasting, real connections with other music-lovers. I want to share music in a way that regularly leaves an impact.
While organisations such as PARLOUR (there are a bunch more) are doing really good things for the Music Industry in Australia, these setups still require the use of a ‘middle-man’. As a completely self-funded, self-motivated and self-sufficient independent artist with a relatively small fanbase, I feel like this is a pursuit that I could find greater success in when fans can book me directly (here).
I have now recorded and released 3 full-length records, including an EP, and toured nationally. My social media game isn’t too bad, as you can see from this (out-of-the-blue) blog post. I write often and I am happy with the songs that I create. Still, I am yet to find satisfaction in all of the shows that I perform. I understand that most musicians accept this as the norm. I don’t want to have to be picky about venues and dates, I want to play more.
On this page, you’ll find an FAQ with all necessary information and a form to complete. If you’re more of a Facebook person, feel free to also drop me a line via the contact button on my facebook page.
