Last weekend the band and I took a road trip down to my hometown of Brighton to play a gig supporting the excellent Forerunner. Oh how I love road trips! Music, chat, views, excitement, anticipation, post-gig antics, curry, laughter, memories, late nights, and quite a large consumption of petrol (....there's usually some sort of horror like a McDonalds thrown in there too). I love journeys for getting to know people better. There's nothing quite like being stuck in a confined space with some people for three and a half hours for getting to know each other! On this particular journey I was by myself with our two very lovely children, so the conversation wasn't quite the same as for the rest of the convoy, but, nevertheless, we sung some pretty awesome nursery rhymes. It's not only quite fun whizzing round the country, it is also a time where we can appreciate where we come from, where our home is. It's always good to get back home and go to sleep in your own bed....nice.
DEMOITUS
The act of liking and chosing the thing you are exposed to first just for the fact that it was first not because it was better.
E.g - Even though the second demo sounded better, they still chose the first demo song because of demoitus. they simply can't get over what they were exposed to first.
When writing my second album I did things a bit differently to before, and I got really into recording all of my ideas as they came out...not over thinking things. I'd then listen to them a lot and kind of analyse them, adding, taking away and sometimes scrapping them completely. I'd re-record every new thought at the next chance I could. Yes, it was time consuming, and mainly good I think. Then the fun and often challenging bit came later in the studio with the producers when they'd challenge part of a song, or suggest we cut bits out. Now, I thought I was pretty good at not being over precious about the way my demos had come out...but there were definitely a couple of demoitus moments! When you have heard something so much, and become to involved in a song it can be hard to imagine things changing. However, a bit like throwing out a load of unwanted clutter from your house, after the initial stage where you need to force yourself to be ruthless, it feels great after! Making a nice house nicer, making an OK song into a really good one. YES! Feels good. That's why it's great to work with other people. Fresh ears, fresh ideas, an impartial view point. Thank you so much all you folk who spoke into 'The Searching'. I need you people!
Talking of people involved. Do you know Steve Paisley? I've been working with Steve for some years now in music-y stuff and not only is he an excellent musician, he is also hilARious and a complete joker in rehearsals and recording. If you're in a band, you'll know how good it is to have someone around like this when things can sometimes get a bit heavy and serious! (he's also good at getting down to work, which is also a relief!). I have speedily put together a few out-takes of us in the studio to share the amusement with your lovely selves....
I totally love baking! Creating, mixing, making a mess, listening to favourite music (LOUD), thinking, smelling, and of course the tasting. Even though I don't get much time in my current busy stage of life to experiment with different recipes, luckily at times in my life when I did have more time (e.g maternity leave with baby number one, being a student etc etc) I managed to create my two all-time favourite recipes for cookies and brownies. As you're taking an interest in me, my music, and obviously my blog (because you're reading this) I feel it only right to share my recipes with you. If things don't work, or you love them, or even hate them I'd love to know! BUT, overall I just want to wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and why don't you go and have a celebratory bake off........GO ON!
