So Sunday we leave for New York. I'm very excited. I'm in need for a trip OS and New York is my favourite city. Not that I've seen that many but come on it's the good and the bad, the creepy and the beautiful.
Anyway, I can't wait to get to CMJ. So many bands to see. I'm definitely keen to check out the Temper Trap and of course one of my treasured bands, The Midnight Juggernauts.
Yes, I'll have to engage in the business side of things and network, sell myself etc. I'd really like to strengthen our connections in the US.
The holiday part is going to be ACE! Shopping and eating. Yum New York dim sum, pizza, cup cakes from Magnolia, AZTEC hot chocolate, urban outfitters, camper....too many places to frequent. I'm on the look out for some guitar pedals and maybe a true blood tee. Consuming....
Well, speaking of True Blood it's time to continue Season 2. Sookie, Bill....
Oct 12, 2009
Oct 10, 2009
The Weekend is Over
We played two shows this weekend, both supporting Jen Cloher. She's one of my favourite Australian female solo artists. Big fan!
The Troubdour show on Friday had a solid turn out and I met some really lovely music fans too who hadn't seen Jen or me play. It's great to see people going out to discover music rather than just seeing what they know etc.
Saturday night we played in Toowoomba. I really enjoyed the set. Played some solo songs and band numbers. I love getting away for shows. It's exciting being away from home even if it's only an hour away. Got to catch up with old friends and just chill out.
This Friday we'll be playing the Sands Tavern for a SEA FM special show.
I'm so tired today. I couldn't sleep at all last night. The hotel we stayed in had some mother of an airconditioning unit that did nothing but make noise. So tired. I've been watching True Blood episodes all day. About to commence season 2.
The Troubdour show on Friday had a solid turn out and I met some really lovely music fans too who hadn't seen Jen or me play. It's great to see people going out to discover music rather than just seeing what they know etc.
Saturday night we played in Toowoomba. I really enjoyed the set. Played some solo songs and band numbers. I love getting away for shows. It's exciting being away from home even if it's only an hour away. Got to catch up with old friends and just chill out.
This Friday we'll be playing the Sands Tavern for a SEA FM special show.
I'm so tired today. I couldn't sleep at all last night. The hotel we stayed in had some mother of an airconditioning unit that did nothing but make noise. So tired. I've been watching True Blood episodes all day. About to commence season 2.
Sep 28, 2009
WHY I WRITE ABOUT SPIDERS
My friends ask me what's with the spider references in my songs. Well, I like to write about fear and all that jazz and have had a number of recurring spider dreams throughout my life. I have I guess a fascination and deep fear. I like looking at spiders. There's something very cute about them. They try to go about their day but sometimes we get in the way, which is what I did last Thursday.
I have a day job given that I'm a true blooded indie artist. Not to say I wouldn't sign to someone who'd pay for my record and PR. Oh no I definitely would because being an indie is about self power but it's also about crucifying yourself financially. Hmmm!
Anyway, I was at my day job. I've had a great deal of meetings lately. So many that the would meeting almost makes me physically sick. So, here I was at a meeting. I felt this little creepy crawly thing run down my skin underneath my top. It really wasn't sassy or interesting. Discretely, I tried to brush the creature away. Anyway, I then went to another meeting. I was facilitating it. I felt pretty sick during it and noticed I was sweating. Thinking "hmm I hope I'm not coming down with something". I noticed my leg was burning a bit.
So post all the meetings I left work and headed home. But still felt sick and my leg was burning even more. It was strange. I got home and you know inspected my leg. I had this strange rash. It was more like the capillaries had burst. I was feeling so hot. I had a cold shower. When I got out the rash seemed worse. So I iced it. Anyway, I started feeling pretty sick, dizzy and had a headache.
For the rest of the night I pondered about going to the Doctor. I'm one of those annoying worry warts. You know. Like the first little prickle in my throat I'm suffering. Well, this time I probably had a real reason to worry.
On Saturday we did a show. I still wasn't feeling too good. During the show I nearly passed out. It was horrible. My head the nausea and the dizziness seemed to come back....wow.
Saturday night I found myself getting to know the toilet seat. You know what I mean.
Luckily being a sickly soul I had some Maxolon. Eventually the drug kicked in and I got to sleep.
So Monday still not well. I finally took myself to the doctor. The Dr thinks I might have been bitten by a red back. Apparently, the venom takes some time to work its way through your system. Also, the burning in my leg was an indicator too. The nausea, dizziness, toilet hugging, head aches.
Here I am on my bed. Waiting for it all to exit my body. Freakn black little nasty bum with her red stripe. Avoid them at all cost.
Burning leg, strange rash that appears a little later, nausea, head aches, dizzy spells go straight to the doctor and be very inactive so the venom don't explore you.
xx
I have a day job given that I'm a true blooded indie artist. Not to say I wouldn't sign to someone who'd pay for my record and PR. Oh no I definitely would because being an indie is about self power but it's also about crucifying yourself financially. Hmmm!
Anyway, I was at my day job. I've had a great deal of meetings lately. So many that the would meeting almost makes me physically sick. So, here I was at a meeting. I felt this little creepy crawly thing run down my skin underneath my top. It really wasn't sassy or interesting. Discretely, I tried to brush the creature away. Anyway, I then went to another meeting. I was facilitating it. I felt pretty sick during it and noticed I was sweating. Thinking "hmm I hope I'm not coming down with something". I noticed my leg was burning a bit.
So post all the meetings I left work and headed home. But still felt sick and my leg was burning even more. It was strange. I got home and you know inspected my leg. I had this strange rash. It was more like the capillaries had burst. I was feeling so hot. I had a cold shower. When I got out the rash seemed worse. So I iced it. Anyway, I started feeling pretty sick, dizzy and had a headache.
For the rest of the night I pondered about going to the Doctor. I'm one of those annoying worry warts. You know. Like the first little prickle in my throat I'm suffering. Well, this time I probably had a real reason to worry.
On Saturday we did a show. I still wasn't feeling too good. During the show I nearly passed out. It was horrible. My head the nausea and the dizziness seemed to come back....wow.
Saturday night I found myself getting to know the toilet seat. You know what I mean.
Luckily being a sickly soul I had some Maxolon. Eventually the drug kicked in and I got to sleep.
So Monday still not well. I finally took myself to the doctor. The Dr thinks I might have been bitten by a red back. Apparently, the venom takes some time to work its way through your system. Also, the burning in my leg was an indicator too. The nausea, dizziness, toilet hugging, head aches.
Here I am on my bed. Waiting for it all to exit my body. Freakn black little nasty bum with her red stripe. Avoid them at all cost.
Burning leg, strange rash that appears a little later, nausea, head aches, dizzy spells go straight to the doctor and be very inactive so the venom don't explore you.
xx
Sep 11, 2009
Jun 29, 2009
Changeling
I always liked the song "The Changeling" by the Doors during the phase when I was dangerously obsessed with Jim Morrison.
Lately, I've grown tired of using a solo name, particularly my own.
Every time I hear my name in full it takes me back to those days in highschool when my physical education teacher would always refer to me by my full name. She did that because I was in trouble a lot with her.
Once we were doing javelin which was a sport I was pretty good at. We were being tested and looked like I was going to score an A-. Anyway, after my final throw I walked across the terrace to collect my javelin when another student threw hers. It missed thank the ancestors but I turned and yelled something rather crude. My physical education teacher like always yelled out "Kate Bradley come here". She said I would now fail javelin and forced me to apologise to the girl. I was sorry of course and she said it was her fault but I ended up failing anyway.
So, lately I'm thinking it's time to retire my name and change. I've got two band name ideas.
I've got friends saying yes to one and no to the other and some other friends saying what are you doing changing your name.
I've always been a mixed bag but I just don't want to use a solo name anymore. I play with my band you know. I always have to explain things to people. For example, I'm solo but I have a band but I have my name and then a band name after that.....hmmmm.... come on. That's not catchy or easy to remember.
So, I have two names at the moment.
One my mum has says she likes which of course is "The Goodbye Horses" and the other she says she absolutely loathes and that it sounds like drugs. I feel a little like a teenager because I'm liking the one my mum doesn't particularly like because now I'm thinking that's cool!
Night night.
Lately, I've grown tired of using a solo name, particularly my own.
Every time I hear my name in full it takes me back to those days in highschool when my physical education teacher would always refer to me by my full name. She did that because I was in trouble a lot with her.
Once we were doing javelin which was a sport I was pretty good at. We were being tested and looked like I was going to score an A-. Anyway, after my final throw I walked across the terrace to collect my javelin when another student threw hers. It missed thank the ancestors but I turned and yelled something rather crude. My physical education teacher like always yelled out "Kate Bradley come here". She said I would now fail javelin and forced me to apologise to the girl. I was sorry of course and she said it was her fault but I ended up failing anyway.
So, lately I'm thinking it's time to retire my name and change. I've got two band name ideas.
I've got friends saying yes to one and no to the other and some other friends saying what are you doing changing your name.
I've always been a mixed bag but I just don't want to use a solo name anymore. I play with my band you know. I always have to explain things to people. For example, I'm solo but I have a band but I have my name and then a band name after that.....hmmmm.... come on. That's not catchy or easy to remember.
So, I have two names at the moment.
One my mum has says she likes which of course is "The Goodbye Horses" and the other she says she absolutely loathes and that it sounds like drugs. I feel a little like a teenager because I'm liking the one my mum doesn't particularly like because now I'm thinking that's cool!
Night night.
Jun 7, 2009
Recording - day 2 - 31/05/2009
We finished off "Some Storms Have Names" working on guitars and vocals.
The band were great and stuck around to hear how the song panned out.
This isn't a typical song for me. I don't know but I wrote it pissed off and a little freaked out and I think we've got the mood of the song nailed. There's nothing sing sing about it.
I'm a little nervous because I don't really know what other people will think of the song. All I know is that when we have played it live, people have really paid attention and got right into it.
I think I write best when I'm on edge to be honest. I can't wait to hear what Magoo does with the song. I wish it were mixed and ready now.
Finally I have written a song that needs to be played loud.
I'm always listening to bands like Queens of the Stone Age and thinking "man I wish I could write something crazy and loud". Then I got pissed off with everyone and everything and wrote this number.
Yey!
The band were great and stuck around to hear how the song panned out.
This isn't a typical song for me. I don't know but I wrote it pissed off and a little freaked out and I think we've got the mood of the song nailed. There's nothing sing sing about it.
I'm a little nervous because I don't really know what other people will think of the song. All I know is that when we have played it live, people have really paid attention and got right into it.
I think I write best when I'm on edge to be honest. I can't wait to hear what Magoo does with the song. I wish it were mixed and ready now.
Finally I have written a song that needs to be played loud.
I'm always listening to bands like Queens of the Stone Age and thinking "man I wish I could write something crazy and loud". Then I got pissed off with everyone and everything and wrote this number.
Yey!
May 30, 2009
Recording - day 1 - 30/05/09
"Some storms have names"
My dad is always telling my profound things. I always have this urge to impress him with the knowledge I've gained from my own learnings but he still always manages to win and astonish me with his insight into life. I'm from a family of control freaks. A great family and one that I love. Some artists come from unhappy families well I didn't, thankfully.
Last year my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A cancer that seems to be extremely common these days with the older blokes. Anyway, around that time there was an article in the Sydney Morning Herald that my dad read. The article was about how we try and control our lives and how we strive to be happy. It questioned "happy". It kinda spoke about accepting reality, being a realist and letting go. My dad gave it to me because, well he thought it was an interesting read but also because I have my own demons around control. After we found out about my dad I felt pretty numb, unsure and worried. Worried for him and my mum. I started thinking about losing my dad. Both my parents are now in their 60s. It feels like a fragile period. So I read this article and it really made sense to me.
After visiting my folks I wrote "Some Storms Have Names". It's a personal song and is about my own struggle for control in my life. Struggles with anxiety, the reality of my dad's situation and the small things we worry about like a white spider on the wall and up a notch to a plane ride. I have a fear of flying.
I didn't intend for the lyrics to be a particular way or think about the theme. It just seemed to come out. I think at the time I was quite angry and worried. The situation made me realise that the reality was that my life was changing. Not that things were bad but life in my family had changed.
----
So Day 1
We arrived about 10 am at Blackbox studios. I was very nervous but eager to get started.
The goal for the day was to record the drums and bass for "Some storms have names" and "Take cover and run". It took a while to set up. Drums mainly and tuning. It was all very exciting. I love being with the band. It's a lot of fun but they are great people, great friends and really an amazing support to me.
We recorded takes for "some storms" and had a listen back last night. Magoo is amazing. The songs are already coming together. We've compressed "some storms" to be fairly neat but the feeling is there. The drums sound fantastic. Already i want to get this song out but patience is a virtue I truly need to improve.
Terry's bass lines are always right on the note. He's a classic bass player. Very rare now. I've never worked with anyone as talented as him and he's an absolute gem.
We managed to get the drums and bass for "Take cover and run". This is different from "Some storms". I'll talk more about that one later.
I'm very happy with Magoo. He's very concise and is steering us well I reckon.
My dad is always telling my profound things. I always have this urge to impress him with the knowledge I've gained from my own learnings but he still always manages to win and astonish me with his insight into life. I'm from a family of control freaks. A great family and one that I love. Some artists come from unhappy families well I didn't, thankfully.
Last year my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A cancer that seems to be extremely common these days with the older blokes. Anyway, around that time there was an article in the Sydney Morning Herald that my dad read. The article was about how we try and control our lives and how we strive to be happy. It questioned "happy". It kinda spoke about accepting reality, being a realist and letting go. My dad gave it to me because, well he thought it was an interesting read but also because I have my own demons around control. After we found out about my dad I felt pretty numb, unsure and worried. Worried for him and my mum. I started thinking about losing my dad. Both my parents are now in their 60s. It feels like a fragile period. So I read this article and it really made sense to me.
After visiting my folks I wrote "Some Storms Have Names". It's a personal song and is about my own struggle for control in my life. Struggles with anxiety, the reality of my dad's situation and the small things we worry about like a white spider on the wall and up a notch to a plane ride. I have a fear of flying.
I didn't intend for the lyrics to be a particular way or think about the theme. It just seemed to come out. I think at the time I was quite angry and worried. The situation made me realise that the reality was that my life was changing. Not that things were bad but life in my family had changed.
----
So Day 1
We arrived about 10 am at Blackbox studios. I was very nervous but eager to get started.
The goal for the day was to record the drums and bass for "Some storms have names" and "Take cover and run". It took a while to set up. Drums mainly and tuning. It was all very exciting. I love being with the band. It's a lot of fun but they are great people, great friends and really an amazing support to me.
We recorded takes for "some storms" and had a listen back last night. Magoo is amazing. The songs are already coming together. We've compressed "some storms" to be fairly neat but the feeling is there. The drums sound fantastic. Already i want to get this song out but patience is a virtue I truly need to improve.
Terry's bass lines are always right on the note. He's a classic bass player. Very rare now. I've never worked with anyone as talented as him and he's an absolute gem.
We managed to get the drums and bass for "Take cover and run". This is different from "Some storms". I'll talk more about that one later.
I'm very happy with Magoo. He's very concise and is steering us well I reckon.
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