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Apr.25,2012So what’s happening? Quite a lot actually. I enjoyed my support slot with Tom Hingley, the former main man of the Inspiral Carpets, at The Factory, Porth. It was my second solo appearance at The Factory & it is a venue I don’t think I’ll ever tire of…..it’s always a pleasure to play there, the organisers, staff & soundmen are all good people, hope to see them again soon. And the same goes for the people I met afterwards….espacially Mark, Hina & Dai (what a guy! Even gave him a lift home as he was such a top man). Also had the chance to engage with Mr Hingley himself (see photo), and he was as charming as can be.
The following day in Port Talbot we had a first run out as a band with new guitarist Richard Cummings. It was an outdoor gig, in a tent….though was more like an umbrella…..& it was very cold. Our fingers didn’t really work properly, but everyone seemed to enjoy, and Rich being the professional he is, fitted in perfectly.
Next up is a solo slot as support to The Christians, a great band I grew up with in the late 80′s early 90′s. They have great songs & am looking forward to seeing them perform. This will be at a lovely venue in Cardiff called The Globe Theatre on 25th May. Tickets are currently on sale, grab one if you can.
Finally, I have begun recording new material & am very happy with the results so far. After Cadenza’s mellow melancholia I fancied doing something more upbeat……& a bit noisier…..so have started as I mean to go on. Hopefully you’ll get to here something new in the summer.
This will be a very short blog!
I have writen many songs over the last few months, most of which I’d like to knock into shape with the boys in the band as they are that type of song. I have earmarked one as a single I would love to release before the summer washes over us.
Another song I’d like to start recording soon is a duet. So I am on a quest to find a female singer to guest on a track with me. Who do you think would be a good choice to approach? Depends on the song I guess. I know who I have in mind, and no I’m not telling you hehe.
I’m looking forward to some acoustic gigs the next few weeks, hope to catch you there.
Nick
The good people at Music Corner Shop & CETA Radio recently chatted to me about new album Cadenza, my influences, growing up in Wales and lots of other stuff. A full hour of chat & music old and new.
Check it out – HERE
Hope you enjoy some new songs from Cadenza, older songs of mine plus a few of my favourite choices.
Well it’s mid-Feb already, Cadenza has been doing really well, I can’t tell you how chuffed I am with the response. When I started recording last summer I only intended to do an acoustic EP, but I guess I knew deep down that I had too many songs, so I thought what the hell….let’s do an acoustic album. I had been listening to a lot of acoustic stuff around that time…especially Nick Drake, Gillian Welch….Graham Coxon’s Spinning Top album….& also Damon Albarn’s The Good, The Bad & The Queen album, and though you cannot hear it I’m sure they influenced my writing around that time.
Writing can be a curse sometimes, but also cathartic…..so I’ve been writing again (actually I’m always writing!), and have reverted back to the electric guitar and the piano. I’m already excited about the way the new tunes are shaping up….hopefully I can unleash one or two on you at gigs this summer.
Here is another lovely review of Cadenza by a great site called Mojophenia. Check it out here
Tags : cadenza
Cadenza has now been available for 5 days, & I’m bowled over by the response to it. Thank you for all the positive feedback, I can’t tell how how much it means to me.
I guess heartfelt lyrics & melodies are not dead yet, especially in Japan, where it seems to be going down extremely well.
We’re hoping to bring you a new video shortly….in the meantime enjoy Cadenza and I’ll catch you soon.
Nick
So, 5 days before Cadenza is released & I’m getting the usual myriad of feelings about it.
Excitement, nervousness, worry, jealousy, apprehension….& lots more if I’m honest. I wish I could have planned some dates, or a tour, to coincide with the release, but it was not to be. But we’re working on it!
I don’t know if people listen to lyrics any more….actually listen…..but there is a lovely booklet full of the lyrics to these songs that comes with the cd, or digital booklet if download. I am quite proud of them so hope you get the chance to read them while listening.
Cadenza is a very different piece of work to Pink Bay or Outside Looking In….deliberately so. None of my song writing heroes wrote the same album twice…..& neither will I.
Writing & recording it was a joy…..I hope you enjoy listening to it.
Nick
Tags : cadenza
