Diary: November 2002

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Wednesday 20th November

   Ooopsie, nearly a month since last diary entry.

   So, what's been going on, you eagerly ask?

   Well, the gig at the Transmission Cabaret (Wagon & Horses, Digbeth, Birmingham, monthly) was really, really good.   Definitely one I'll be playing again.   It's kinda sad to say this, but the truth is it's a rare joy to find a venue where people come to see live music because they genuinely enjoy it - I'm not including tribute bands here, folks.   (Although I'm not dissing that whole thing either, 'cos it brings people joy, and earns musicians money.   So fair 'nuff.   Even if it encourages people to be lazy and not risk seeing new and struggling artists.   But would those people who go to see the Dead Hot Chilli Peppers be interested in exploring new music anyway?   Probably not, on the whole.)

   But yes, the Transmission Cabaret is one such place - it's always great to play somewhere where the audience will actually listen to what you're doing, even if they haven't come to see you specifically, and it's getting rarer and rarer.   Are audiences becoming more lazy?   Ach, I dunno, I'm not even going to think about it.

   And of course, The Old Railway (also Digbeth, Birmingham) where I played last night, is another such place.   I was on first, but even so, the room went from being empty when I started to being mostly full by the third song, because all the people who were waiting in the bar next door came in when they heard the gig had started, rather than waiting till their mates were on like some "audiences" I could mention.   Thank you, all of you, whoever you were.   It' s people like you who'll keep live music alive, if only in a rather pale and weak state for now, but you bring hope for the future!

   Brought me hope, I can tell you.   And the fact that my set was well-received was, of course, a bonus.   In these days of doubt and weariness (erm , okay, so I feel like that nearly all the time!   But it's partick'ler cold grey and wet of late, so especially now), it's a necessary reminder that it is worthwhile pursuing my chosen vocation (I didn't choose it, by the way, it was chosen for me.   Only a fool or a masochist chooses a career  in the music business).

   Especially a big thank you to the smashing audience member who bought my EP.   Good man.   May it bring you many hours of pleasure.

   Another gig down the Old Railway on December 10th, looks promising too - it's a special songwriters' night, looking forward to it very much.

   Right, better get on with some other stuff too - I'm recording some demos right now for my next wave (cooeee!) which will be some more electric stuff - like before, retaining the melodic emphasis (well, it's a lot of the same songs I play acoustically, innit!) but adding noise and heaviness!!   Oooh, I like that!!

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