Friday, January 31, 2025
I'm on a boat!
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
I'm off tomorrow
So you can expect postings on the blog to be somewhat interrupted, I think. I have no idea what the internet policy or cost is, on the boat - but I'm guessing it'll be quite steep.
*Sigh*
but I'll try not to let it stop me. I've become rather accustomed to this little blog, again. Wouldn't like to be seen to be neglecting it, oh no.
Today then, is the last day before I head off across the globe, and I'm currently avoiding anything that looks like comprehensive packing an organisation. Instead, I'm blogging, and learning about Be-Bop Deluxe.
Never you change, Iain.
Time for some sleep - then, early breakfast, pack that case. Check, check again, and recheck all of the band stuff. Jump in a cab at 11. Off to Terminal 3, we leave around 3pm. More tomorrow, If (and only if) I can drag my sorry behind into a lounge)
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
A little more organisation
On the software, for the next two shows.
I run NI Kontakt, and there have been a few minor issues since upgrading recently. Today, it was all about trying to merge instruments (or, .nki files) into a collection of different instruments, grouped together (basically, a set, for the band - this is known as a multi, or a .nkm)
The program wouldn't merge anything together and even kept shutting down. Turns out that the "merge when loading" option had been automatically deselected by the upgrade - I literally would never thought of checking. Anyway, one small tick in the box, and I'm all sorted. Phew!
And, as I prepare to set sail on the seven seas (or, whatever) this photo is bringing me a lot of joy, and a small wrenching of the heart, too. That's Marnie, helping Milo with his homework. Amazing stuff, I wouldn't have believed it, had I not seen it with my own eyes.
I've been through the set and got the shopping done. I need to get a few things done before I'm away - getting clothes sorted is top of the list - and I need to book a cab.
But today, my work here is done. Time to think about the kid's tea.
Monday, January 27, 2025
Time to draw breath
Did some shopping, and some packing. Went into town, and bought a new mattress. Sat on the sofa sorting things out, overlooked by this dude. After a week (or so)of being utterly focused on rehearsing new songs, it was a day to exhale.
But it's finally time to think about layering, about organising, about plotting which things I need to throw in that case. Which books will I need on the Kindle, and which audiobooks will I need on the phone? which Spotify playlists to download. I love diving down into the tiny little details of travel, the small things that make outsized differences to your comfort and your enjoyment of time away. It's time to think about those things, for a day or two.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
A palpable victory.
That's what today was. First rehearsal in over a year (!), and we smashed it. I know, a year without rehearsals seems like a long time, and - well, it is. But there's a solid reason for that. We spent most of 2024 (and the tail end of 2023) gigging, constantly. We did Japan, Australia, The US, and the UK. All in all, it worked out at 35 shows - more than at any other time since 1993. So, we knew the set, inside out, we'd lived and breathed the songs, and we'd performed them in all sorts of situations and locations. So, they'd become a part of us. We really didn't need to try and underscore that knowledge, by rehearsing.
But, since the last show of the world tour, and downtime over Xmas, it felt like time to get back in the studio once more. So, here we are.
And damn, it was great. After all of the hard work, and practising the songs at home, it was a relief to hear it all come together.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
outside is always the best side
Thank goodness! Back out on the bike today. Post-storm calm, dazzling blue skies, a crisp feeling of spring in the air. The weather will take a turn for the worse, over the next few days - so it was time to enjoy it whilst I could. Up and over Headley, down Pebble Hill, through Betchworth and Leigh. Deanoak Lane and Ironsbottom, to the Fox Revived. Literally my favourite route in the world, at the moment. I even ambled up Box Hill, which I've not done in absolutely ages.
I was also back on the winter bike- the old Trek Domane. It's been such a faithful companion - and the bike that launched me into cycling properly. I've got a lot to thank it for. But there's no denying that it makes a perfect winter bike - the comfort, the Di2, the bombproof wheels, the second-tier groupset that I don't have to worry about, too much. Possibly the only drawback is rim brakes, but I'll be honest, the roads were wet and miserable today, and rim brakes weren't an issue, at all. I think that's possibly due to the Ksyrium Exalith wheels - the braking surface is as good as it gets, for a rim brake wheelset.
The rest of the day has been an archetypical Saturday: early run to Sainsbury's, cooking, tidying. The Archers, Oatcakes, mushrooms on toast for my lunch. A lovely day.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Breakthrough
Finally feels like I'm getting to grips with the old songs - and here's what it looks like, to distill all of the information about a track, into a framework that makes sense, to me
It's like a map, really; a way to navigate the song, pointing out my movements, along the way.
I can still recall first joining the band, in October 1988. I went along to rehearse for the very first time and made just the same sort of map. A small piece of cardboard, folded in half. On it, instructions for at least six or seven songs. I think I used that bit of cardboard for at least the first couple of dozen shows. Balancing it on the left-hand side of the keyboard, I could subtly glance over, halfway through a song, and make sure I knew what was coming next.
I'm fairly sure that I'm a better musician and performer than I was, back then, but it's faintly reassuring to realise that my internal mapping process hasn't changed at all. I still have exactly the same approach, as I did. Very comforting.
With that breakthrough out of the way, it's also allowed me to open the window into personal logistics for the Cruise, next week. Up until now, I've just been preoccupied with the songs. That was front, and centre. Now I've reached the other side, my brain has shifted slightly, and I'm starting to think about the clothes I'll need. Shall I pack some trunks? Do I need flip-flops? Have I still got any sun cream? Shall I buy more toothpaste? All of the small, everyday things that seem like a grind, but in fact - hold the magic of travel. Bring it on. Time to plot.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
The noise in my head
Has been there for most of my life. It's me, and I've come to terms with it and learned to live with it, to ignore it, to block it out, and occasionally, to let it out. Most notably, it tends to emerge when I'm on stage. I've been lucky enough to have almost four decades, where I can stand on a stage, and regulate my emotions and my internal dialogue. It's a safety valve, I suppose, and I'm very thankful to have the privilege to be able to control what's inside.
sometime back in the 1980's, I also realised that it's the sort of force which can be harnessed to music: that's obvious, for something which I do onstage - but it's also apparent in my off-stage life too. I can put something like this, on - and be instantly aware that I'm channelling, and martialling my fears and anxieties.
And the Husker Du link has grown, over the years, to the point where listening to their records feels like being on stage, for me. And conversely, when I'm onstage, that's always the sort of thing which plays on my internal jukebox.
I'm off on the cruise in exactly a week, and I'll be sure to have the entire discography ready, and to hand at all times.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Not the world's greatest musician
Really, I'm not.
And today, that's all come into focus, as I've been attempting to work out the parts for some of the old songs we're putting back into the set. The main problem for me is that I do almost everything on feel - on instinct. I rely on muscle memory and have to almost forget where I am, and what I'm doing before I can truly play properly.
It's never held me back before, and I always manage to get there in the end - but it's a frustrating and tiring slog, to get through it all.
Just been looking at ticket sales for the Bedford show, in March (come and see us!) and then also plotting what we'll be doing, later in the year. It's been. busy few days, but I do feel somewhat energised, which is a profound relief. The whole of Xmas and New Year was one long stressful journey into anxiety. I'm glad to see the back of that.
Tonight, there's still a lot to do - dinner for everyone (and Marnie is off doing Swimming Training, so the schedule is a bit fragmented) and maybe listening to the Archers, If I get the time.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Despite Strummer doing his best to disrupt me
It's actually been a day of real progress. I do think that part of that has been working at my desk. Normally, I just sort of... trundle around the house, laptop in tow, like a digital nomad, confined to barracks. but, I won't lie to you, it felt good to be moored to a proper surface. I've made videos, mailed contacts, sorted things out, and been on calls. I've done some updates for the socials, and I've got a to-do list that's now completely, well, done.
I'm rather pleased with myself, as you can probably tell. So I'm off downstairs to listen to the rest of that Nada Surf album and make a curry for the kids.
Faking a policy on deepfakes.
Here's a story from the BBC, about how Facebook intended to crack down on celebrity ad scams. You'll know the sort of thing if you've spent any time on social media recently - oh, here's Joe Rogan, or Elon Musk, filmed in what looks like a podcast interview, talking about how they can make fortunes playing some sort of hokey app, or whatever. It's an AI voice-changing scam.
Well, I saw the same ads you did, knew it was all BS, and just thought I'd ignore it, as I was able to discern right, from wrong. But after a few weeks, I then thought - well, why the hell not? And decided to report some of them. It's not the sort of thing I normally do, because - who's got time for that, eh?
But - let's try.
I reported half a dozen instances. Same ad, the one with Joe Rogan, and Elon Musk. Very recognisable fake, 100% a scam. Reported it as a scam. "Celebrity impersonation". ticked all the boxes, as far as Facebook's complaint procedure goes. So far, so good. I sit back and wait. And today, I got half a dozen messages back from Facebook. They didn't remove the ads.
If something so blatant, so egregious won't even pass their censors, you have to ask yourself, if this is not a simple case of their automated scam protection systems failing - is it something more egregious? Because, to me, it looks like they know what's happening, and they'll make a show of pretending as if they care, but they don't. they don't give a shit about you, or me, or anything.
I'm starting to think that we're facing the death spiral of social media. Despite its huge influence (and initially, its massive potential), this wave of misinformation, distortion, lies and bullshit just can't continue. We need to return to a sense of our own independence, online. Our own domains, our own blogs, our own voices. We need to regain our personal digital sovereignty, and we need to do it before SM can wreak any more havoc.
Monday, January 20, 2025
Actually
Let's have a proper little life update, as opposed to me wallowing in my mild depression, shall we? I did manage to do a lot of rehearsing today, which was great. some of the new/old songs are quite complex, in their arrangement, as regards samples - plus, there's no muscle memory, as yet.
Muscle memory is perhaps the most important thing, with regard to what I do, when I'm on stage. I can let go, I can forget about almost everything else, and let the world drift over me and through me, But first, I need to have those songs almost fall out of my fingers, without a second thought. That doesn't just take time, it takes the ability to close the gap between the firing of the synapses. You have to be able to think about not thinking, to watch your muscles twitch and contract, as they dance across the keys. That's what I need to tap into, and it'll take a little more time.
Today has also been notable for the beginning of a new, regular Breakfast routine (something that regular readers of this blog will have come to recognise, is a crucial component of my day)
For the longest time, it was Soba noodles, then overnight oats. Now, I've gone even more simplistic. I've now taken to Oatcakes. four of them, with a quick smear of Marmite on each. Savoury, filling, quick and easy.
Today
I do what's in front of me now. that seems like. a plan, doesn't it?
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Raving and misbehaving.
Well, that's what it used to be like. But now, it's just raving. Probably just as well.
This was today's Big Fish Little Fish - me and Dylan, at the Dorking Halls. such an amazing gig - literally one of the best we've ever done, and we've been playing together for a decade! there was just something about the vibe today - I'm not entirely sure what it was. The first half hour contained a portion where I performed some of the best mixes it's ever been my pleasure to put together. like I said - just amazing.Apart from that, it's been a cold, dank sort of a day. A January day that makes me long for April. Right now, that month feels like a long, long way in the distance.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Ah, the 1980's.
I've been thinking about that decade, today.
Don't get me wrong, I love the 80s as much as the next person, but it does feel like people misunderstand all of the undercurrents of that long, weird decade. It's - well, all the usual suspects: Cocaine, glitz, vapid vacuity, greed and conspicuous consumption. It's jackets with huge shoulder pads - and that's the one that always sticks out (sic) for me: it's an abnormal silhouette of a decade.
But amongst all of the things we accept, and probably take for granted, I've spent the ensuing years marvelling at what was just under the surface. A sense that the world was fraying, spinning slightly off its axis. I know that I've referenced Philip Glass's "Koyaanisquatsi", and that's particularly apposite - "life out of balance", and the 80s really feel as though that internal gyroscope begins to teeter and sway.
One of the albums that has accompanied me, as 2025 gets underway is "Graceland" - how's that for a sign of the times, then? - and the frustrations and confusions contained in "The Boy In The Bubble" feel like they still call out, even as the days have turned into forty years. Sonically, the song has aged, but lyrically, it's right on point, for the crazy times we live in, now.
Rehearsing
And it's meant I need a new keyboard. the old one (visible in the back of this photo) was really on its last legs. I'm trying to recall how long I've had it - was it ten years? Or maybe even longer. I know I was using the newer "main" stage keyboard seven years ago, so it's a long way back from that.
Anyway - let's assume the old one has done fifteen years. And I've replaced it, like-for-like, with another keyboard, to act as my backup, or spare. The good news: it's so cheap, to do this. A replacement is about £40, which seems like an absolute bargain.
Also, apologies for the room being in a state, I'll tidy it soon, I promise.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Thank goodness.
Managed to get back out on my bike, yesterday. For the first time in what felt like forever. A quick pootle over Headley, then dropping down Pebble Hill, to the lanes around Leigh, Norwood Hill and Brockham. If If I'm honest, this is absolutely my favourite part of the county, to ride: so quiet, wonderful views, great roads.
And here's a quick image, to show you that I'm not kidding about the views. Just a lovely view down the valley which falls away from Punchbowl Lane, to the south of Pixham. In the distance you can see the North Downs - Box Hill, where I would be cycling to. I love viewpoints like this, where the sky seems to weigh down on me, where the fields roll away, and the county stretches out so gracefully. I'm lucky to be where I am, to be able to do what I do. Views like this always make me grateful, for everything.
Monday, January 13, 2025
One more thing
I do feel as though I should share this information - I've been listening to The Archers, recently. I love it. Doesn't just remind me of my youth - it reminds me of my time in the countryside, too. Win-win. But it feels a little strange committing time to a soap opera, that really hasn't happened for decades, in my life.
I am currently trying to devise a strategy where I can still listen to it, even if I can't get reliable internet on the boat (each episode is only about 30meg - they can almost be emailed!
A day of drift
But, tantalisingly, it does feel as though the weather will be good enough, tomorrow, to head out on the bike. At long last! It does feel as though this winter has gone on forever - both in a temporal sense, as well as a psychological one.
I'm the rat, emerging from the maze. Or something.
So today felt like things were going to happen. But not quite yet.
Walked around Ashtead again, this time up and around Shepherd's Walk (via Gray's Lane), and back along Rookery Hill, past the City Of London's Freemen's School. Lovely old building - and, Joe Strummer's alma mater, which never fails to make my spirit soar. I've also been busy with logistics and management stuff today: couple of potential festival nibbles, in the US, and offers for UK shows too. All of that and I'll be on a Cruise Ship in two weeks! I'll never stop being grateful for the band, and the opportunities it brings.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
More Walking
And another amazing day - so cold, but so clear. I strolled up part of Stane Street - the Ermyn Way, through Ashtead, and towards Cherkley Court. Pretty amazing to think that this part of Stane Street would have been in use almost a couple of thousand years ago.
Came across the remains of this burned out car - I'm fairly sure it's an Astra GTI, a hot hatch, that's been nicked, and then set on fire. I don't think it was burned here, but it appears to have been moved. I'm also fascinated as to how the little scrotes who took it managed to get it up to Stane Street in the first place - this is just a track, and there aren't any points of access, for vehicles, at all. I'm going to hazard a guess and say they drove it via the car park at Green Lane, and then over open fields. that would have killed the suspension, and possibly the engine too. After that, it was only ever going to end one way: in flames, sadly.Saturday, January 11, 2025
Shoes
A beautifully clear and crisp day. A morning walk, in the mist and sunshine, with the frost under my feet. So periodically, I looked down at my feet, crunching over icy ground, only to have my spirits lifted by the sight of my Doc Martens. I've got a pair of cherry red "Made In England" ten-hole boots, just a wonderful pair of shoes to walk around in, as you'd expect. but the reason I still have a pair is less to do with the efficacy of the shoes, and more about the heady rush of nostalgia that surrounds DM's.
At my school, literally, everyone wore them. I'd guess that around 75% of the boys had DMs. Cherry Red was a particular favourite - normally polished with black boot polish, so that, eventually, they'd end up the colour of a livid bruise. Proper 1970's hooligan style. I think I had a black pair, but what I do remember, is being obsessed with the look and the style of them, plus the way that a simple pair of boots afforded you entry to a wider group of your peers. Wear a pair, and belong.
I'll always recall seeing the outline of the boots, as I walked to and from school, the curve of the toe-piece, the geometric lines along the sides of the sole. The network of creases that formed, as they aged.
I can look down now, and I'm transported. It's a wonderful feeling.
Thursday, January 09, 2025
How I wish the weather would improve.
Right now, there's only one thing I need to do - and it's get outside, on this. For my sanity, my mental health, my actual health.
I suspect I'll actually be out on the winter bike, or possibly the do-it-all Tarmac SL6 (it's disc brake, so a bit more friendly for those muddy, wet Surrey lanes) but this is the real joy of my life, when it comes to bikes. It's the absolute pinnacle of Rim Brake technology, and was built from the frame up, to be just that.
It's a 2023 Giant TCR Advanced SL0 frameset (the very last of their flagship rim brake frames) with full Dura-Ace 9100 (mechanical, natch), Roval CLX 50 wheels, Turbo Cotton 28mm tyres, and Fizik Cyrano R0 bars. It's got a Giant Carbon stem, plus a weight-weenie Selle San Marco Mantra saddle. Without pedals, it's a shade under 6.2kg, which is just insane. The damn thing actively wants to hammer up those hills, whether you want to, or not.
Wednesday, January 08, 2025
I'm not sure quite how it happened
But I seem to have been listening to a lot of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, this week.
Truly, they were always a step too far, into the land of Prog, for me. But, I do really appreciate those rapid, and inexplicable swings in my taste, which lead me to delve into areas I've not previously anticipated. And overall - you know what? It's been a pleasant journey. Those "Works" collections seem completely self-indulgent, but the first few albums are great.
But yeah - what's next, Camel? Gentle Giant?This is where my head is at.
Absolutely incredible article about the way that Social media is corroding our society. In essence, SM is bad for trust in Governments, Media, Institutions and people in general. So, if you have people who lose faith in governments, they lose trust in what that Government is saying. As we've always hoped, it's the Government's job to give us the normal, boring facts about everyday life . Jobs numbers, statistics, reports. And now, social media has made an entire generation distrust all of those facts. They just want to "do their own research". Facts are dull, and conspiracy is way more exciting. There's a visceral thrill to the sort of whacked-out nonsense that SM gives us. So, that's what people want. I thought Trump was a bug, but he's a feature, of the oncoming wave of idiocy, that'll wash over us all. As we sit and preen, with our performative social posts, about our favourite fabric conditioner, how we're working with brands, and how we can monetise AI to give us a side hustle.
That performative aspect of SM has been gnawing away at me, over the last few months. I've obviously been deep in SM, as the band has worked its hardest, throughout 2024. Honestly, I think that corrosive effect has been eating me alive. You end up in thrall to the cold, dead voice of social media, enslaved by the audience, working to stay afloat and alive.
What I always loved about a blog was its authentic voice. This is MY voice. the blog is me. I can watch as the letters I type coalesce into recognisable words and phrases. There's no gap, between thought and expression (thanks, Lou). I'm not a performing seal, I'm not attempting anything other than to make my way through my own life. I'm free of any outside pressure, other than my own shitty impulses.
At the moment, I'm contemplating changing, a little. Perhaps throttle back from Facebook, a bit. Save the more integrated posts about myself (longer ruminations on what I've been doing, the music I love, and so on) for here. Otherwise, I'm just harvesting likes and clout. I'm a performing monkey in a Zoo. And, on current evidence, it would seem that the Zoo is overrun with feral creatures, hellbent on eating each other alive. I'm determined to stop feeding the frenzy.
Tuesday, January 07, 2025
And this was how my New Year began
Main Street, Tobermory. Watching the birds wheel down, above the harbour. Sun fighting to break free of those clouds. Cold, crisp, quiet. A warm coat, a scarf and a waxed cap. Fists balled in pockets. The children dawdling, on the footpath to the Lighthouse, directly behind me. the first time I'd walked that route, since 2019. So much had changed, and yet this view remained resolute, similar. Hell yeah, Isle of Mull.
Well, another year.
And a rather difficult one, if I'm truly honest. I don't mind telling you there were times when I felt unglued, unmoored, and totally lost. I do think I'm still struggling, in the wake of Dad's death. Plus *points down* that post down there? About the tyranny of expectation? That's been my biggest enemy. I've been singularly unable to vanquish that foe, and it's killing me.
Oh well.
But, back to the present. With an incoming Trump administration, and a couple of other things like the looming death of decent social media (Twitter is gone, Facebook is on life support, after Zuck got rid of Fact-checkers today) it's dark times, it really is. And it's got me thinking: should I just have a blog, as my outlet, for this urge to document things? After all, blogs are absolutely wonderful, in that regard. So, I could even go back to how this place once was - giving you a bit of a blow-by-blow on what I've been doing.
Would anyone care, or know, or respond? I have no answers.
But - here goes. I've been busy with new songs, today. Well, old songs, I should say. We're doing motion, Chemical, Tongue Tied and Righ Decision? Bloody hell, how's that for a blast from the past? They're subtly different, and that difference is still kicking my arse, a little. New things, to learn. I'll keep you posted on my progress.