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Diary Welcome to the all new diary page with recent entries added at the top.Scroll down for diary archives... Wednesday 30th April 2008 An evening with Aunty Beeb... Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who tuned in to the live radio session last week. I know there were lots of Humdrum parties planned so I'm sure there were plenty of fizzy drinks and chipsticks consumed around the globe during transmission time. Apologies for not posting this sooner but I haven't been feeling too well since dining at the BBC canteen! I won't be going there again, the cold stuff was warmer than the hot stuff. I was accompanied by top stencil artist Dom Dunlea* (moral support and guitar carrying duties) and a most enjoyable night followed. The show itself seemed to flow really well and the post performance celebrations were even better! Work has finally started on what will be the next Humdrum single due for release in the Autumn. Hopefully there'll be a few festival appearances before then... Ian aka Paz aka The Humdrum Express x *To view some of Dom's art visit PS Totally unrelated but something I've got to get off my chest... Bear Grylls is a prick.
Saturday 14th July 2007 Back to Humdrum Heights... Following the recent festival appearances and hometown bash,I've decided to retreat to the studio. I've hit upon the idea of releasing a free single in October.Yeah,I know what you're thinking... "You don't get anything for free these days" Well,I'm about to buck the trend.That'll hit home in the corridors of musical power,I tell thee.One in the eye for some of the careerist bands knocking about at the moment too.Have faith! Obviously,more details to follow as I only came up with the idea yesterday. So, Humdrum Heights awaits... A world of guitars,drums,dusty equipment,tangled leads and deerstalker hats (don't ask!) To be continued..
Tuesday 26th June 2007 Glasto '07 -Just got back! This washing's going to take forever... Who cares about a bit of mud and,anyway,it wasn't as bad as last time... Arrived on the Wednesday night and less than 24 hours later I was playing my first Glastonbury set in the Banyan Tree Cafe. Fuelled by nerves and pear cider,the songs were performed at breakneck speed. Chillin' out's for wimps! A good warm up for Swisstival. Oh yeah,some other bands played too... Highlights included Reverend And The Makers,Babyshambles,Paul Weller,The Wombats,Good Shoes,Jamie T,Get Cape Wear Cape Fly,The Enemy and The Young Knives. Nods of approval go to The Coral,Dirty Pretty Things,The Rumble Strips, Modest Mouse,Maccabees,The Twang,Mumm-Ra and The Holloways. It's not all about music though. Top drink awards go to Hot Rum Punch,the previously mentioned Pear Cider and my own concoction....Vodka and Dandelion and Burdoch(!) Top food awards for the Veggie Oggies and top purchase was my new military jacket for a tenner,"where practicality meets style"! The only downside with the mud is the time it takes you to move around.Still,you can't see it all. A top weekend ,as ever. I'm off to empty out my wellies and catch up on a bit of sleep....
Wednesday 28th June '06 A quick thanks is required for everyone who came along to the gig last week at The Academy in Brum.A top night i think..! Special thanks to fellow performers Bob Mould and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly. Work continues on the new album which I can now reveal will be called "Little Victories". I've also been asked to submit a track for a new Lemonheads tribute album. I'm doing a version a version of The Outdoor Type. More details to follow... Wednesday 26th April '06 Hi fans.Really sorry that I haven't done much to the site lately...It's all Myspace these days!Don't be offended,I haven't forgotten my original followers - right here on the OFFICIAL site! Work continues on the second album and a new song "Yesterday's Man" is beginning to take shape (no,I haven't got a clue who it's about). Still on course for a November release with a few gigs and a launch party. Back soon! Wednesday 1st March '06 Been a bit busy lately,so not had chance to mention last weeks NME awards.Had a great time mixing with my new showbiz pals - Kele from Bloc Party,Keisha from The Sugababes and TV's Thermoman! Look forward to returning next year and hopefully picking up an award or two. Recording will start in the next couple of weeks for the new album - working title - A Bunch Of Gripes.... (Don't worry,It'll be changed before release!) Album certs include My Town, It's Nearly Time (To Ditch My Old Friends) and Better Days. Wednesday 15th February '06 Starting to come down after the high of Sunday night's gig. Thanks again to everyone that came along. I think there'll be a few more throughout the year. All Aboard has now been deleted (although I do have literally a couple of copies left if anyone wants one!)Future plans include the recording of the follow up album which I hope to release before the end of the year. Thursday 9th February '06 The Shuttle article was excellent although they seem to have spurned my idea of including a centre page pin up.....Can't sleep at the moment due to nerves/excitement. I'm starting to remember why I don't play live more often! The NME gig last night was brilliant with Maximo Park pipping Arctic Monkeys for band of the night. Tuesday 7th February '06 Pre-gig nerves are really starting to kick in.Not sure what's worse....the thought of getting up on stage or the prospect of re-appearing in this weeks Kiddy Shuttle! Off to see the NME tour tomorrow night,should take my mind off things. Sunday 22nd January '06 Hello and a much delayed Happy New Year to you all.There's been a slight mix up regarding the date of the Tap House gig.It will now take place on Sunday 12th Feb.This is good news for anyone struggling to contain their excitement,but bad news for me as I've now got less time to work on my R Kelly cover! Monday 14th November '05 Finally moved house and settling in nicely.The new home includes an attic studio so work will soon begin on the follow up to the mighty All Aboard. I can also confirm that I'm coming out of gigging retirement to play at The Tap House,Kidderminster on Sunday 19th February.Obviously,more details nearer the time. Some of you may have noticed the rather public spat in the tabloids involving myself and a certain James Blunt.I'd like to put an end to this here and now by saying all he's good for is rhyming slang. Tara for a bit. Monday 31st October '05 Just a quick note to say thanks for the very encouraging download sales so far. Well,last weeks newspaper articles weren't too bad although the 'photo in The Chronicle looked a bit frightening (it was the way they cropped and reversed it you see..) A special hello to all newcomers to the site as a result of the meet and greets at the recent Kaiser Chiefs and Ordinary Boys gigs at The Academy in Brum.When I say meet and greet I mean yes,it was me handing out the flyers on the door.It's not all glamour you know. I'm moving house this week so pretty busy.Don't forget the single is still available for the next seven weeks...go on,treat yourself!
Monday 24th October '05 Hi fans.The big day has arrived...Out With The In Crowd is now officially released!Thanks to everyone who's already bought it and gentle persuasion (please!) to everyone thinking about it.I'm being featured in both this weeks Kidderminster Chronicle and The Shuttle.Must say I'm pretty nervous about it......last time I was in The Shuttle they described me as a "Jarvis Cocker lookalike". Tuesday 3rd October '05 Following today's tragic news,the release of Out With The In Crowd on 24th October will now be dedicated to the memory of Ronnie Barker. Sunday 11th September '05 Just got back from a week on the sun-kissed island of Kos. Had received a hot tip before I left on how to look good on the beach. "Stick a potato down your speedos" I was told. It was day 5 before one of the locals informed me that I should have put it down the front.... To think I'd thought people were laughing at my cravat. Anyway,enough of that.What you really need to know is that I've returned with a headful of Mediterranean rhythms and endless melodies all played on high pitched string instruments.This could be the new direction I've been looking for... Thursday 14th July '05 Hi,sorry for the lack of recent entries but I'm still feeling a bit miffed at not being invited to perform at Live 8. Midge seemed interested when I last spoke to him although he did go a little quiet when I told him of my alternative "fund raiser". I reckoned he should get Coldplay,Keane and Snow Patrol to play a "Battle Of The Blands". A donation would be paid to get in and then a prize awarded to anyone who can tell them apart!Alternatively,everyone gets a mug of Ovaltine on entry and the last one awake wins a James Blunt CD. Wednesday 29th June '05 Just sent off a donation to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).The donation was raised from the sales of the All Aboard CD,so thank you to everyone that's bought a copy so far. Tuesday 28th June '05 Hi diary fans,loads to report.Firstly,a fantastic Smedley reunion.Obviously,the location had to be kept hush-hush prior to the event,but I can now confirm the return of the early nineties indie heroes took place in the village of Metheringham,Lincs.Thanks go out to the owner of The Metheringham Music Factory,Jeanius,a lady who loves the smell of a man's sweat.Thanks also the sweaty owner of The Star & Garter pub who looked after us for the weekend.If only Cilla had been there!Biggest thanks of all to fellow "Smeds" Nad,Pete and Bulbs.Still sounding just like we did all those years ago. Then there's the small matter of Glastonbury!Although "The Humdrum" weren't officially on the bill,I thought it was an ideal opportunity to prepare for 2007.Had the crowd mesmerised as I busked to the masses waiting for the toilets.There were unbelievable scenes when I started handing out my flyers....everybody wanted two or three!One chap at the front of the queue went beserk,hopping about from one foot to the other before grabbing about eight flyers from my hand.If this is what fame's going to be like I'd better prepare myself. Monday 6th June '05 The legendary Kidderminster humour was certainly evident on Saturday. I thought I'd turn up for an unannounced and unplanned "meet and greet" in the town centre as a 'Thank You' for the encouraging CD sales.Cleverly, I decided to position myself under the All Aboard album poster outside WH Smiths (pretending not to notice it was there of course). Hats off to everyone who not only managed to keep a straight face and avoid eye contact,but also ignore my outstretched hand. Brilliant! Must admit it took me quite a while (95 mins approx) to realise I was obviously the victim of a "Beadle" type prank.Those hidden cameras really are hard to spot these days.Deciding it would be as good for my career as an article in The Shuttle,I casually sprinted home. Tuesday 17th May '05 Ventured out last night with a top-rank fly posting team to spread the Humdrum message.Probably best if I keep their identities secret,but I'd like to offer sincere thanks and appreciation to "Lance" and "Champ".There's something exhilarating about creeping out after dark,armed with some information and a bucket of paste.As the sun rises it's all there,ready to be absorbed or ignored.The lifeblood of every town. The excitement is now starting to build in anticipation of the release of the eagerly awaited All Aboard CD.Friday 20th is the big day and advance orders seem set to fire the album into the charts at number 492 (could rise higher if I can flog a few extra one's down The Tap House). |
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