You Animals

As mentioned at the time, a couple of weeks ago I was in the studio with Derby heart-throbs YOU ANIMALS to record their new single.. their Theme you might say

While I'm stuck in the studio finishing off the lead track, the band have put together this amusing video of our time together. Check it out:

Soundtrack to this post: Fever Ray

Honour Before Glory

Last night I played the first gig with new material I've been writing since Forward Russia finished their second album - which is about two years ago

It's taken so long, as I've been determined to thrash out these songs all on my own, not necessarily in a singer-songwriter style, and recently it has been the challenge to arrange simpler songs in a more interesting fashion. More on that later, as 'proper' recordings of songs played by a full band will emmerge shortly

I'm wary of calling this a new band, I'm wary of calling this a solo project. It's something I feel I have to do, and I guess it's somewhere between the two. Over the past year or so, I've moved away from the idea of the songs being presented by one man and his guitar, but an offer I cannot refuse has caused me to rethink this

In late October, I am off to Germany to support Sometree on 8 dates of their forthcoming album tour - just me & a guitar. I am nervous but excited

It's something I barely thought twice about, but having never performed on my own, ever, I'm nervous as hell at the prospect!! I'm hoping to play as many 'warm up' shows as I can before I leave, that I'll hopefully keep here, twitter and a myspace updated of. After the German tour, hopefully the priority will be to get some kind of band together to play the songs that will by then be hopefully recorded

It's called HONOUR BEFORE GLORY

Solo Live Dates

Sept 13 - Leeds UK, Brudenell Social Club w/ Sunset Rubdown

Oct 23 - Berlin DE, Lido w/ Sometree

Oct 25 - München DE, Orangehouse w/ Sometree

Oct 26 - Stuttgart DE, Universum w/ Sometree

Oct 27 - Freiburg DE, Jazzhaus w/ Sometree

Oct 28 - Frankfurt DE, Das Bett w/ Sometree

Oct 29 - Wien AT, B72 w/ Sometree

Oct 30 - Dortmund DE Tbc

Oct 31 - Leipzig DE, Moritzbastei w/ Sometree

Soundtrack to this post: Bon Iver, The XX, The Invisible / Art: Erin Ward

Steve Lamacq

It's been a busy couple of weeks, and the news of Steve Lamacq leaving Radio 1 has been much neglected by myself on blogs and twitter. It's not always good to gush, but if there's ever a time, I guess it's now. Bottom line is the guy has been a massive influence, inspiration and help to me over the few years we've known each other - and I'm sure to many others too

But remember, we still have this treasured possession on our airwaves. When I've chance to listen, the choices of his Radio 2 show thrill me with their alt swerve, and surely his 'drivetime' show on 6 Music is surely the best around. Hopefully through these two outlets he can still help as many people without the culturally defunct Radio 1

I just fear even more for the chance for bands to break through from sending in a demo to more established play on Radio 1. With no discernible outside influence (finding a plugger was part of Steve's influence) ¡Forward, Russia! went from unsolicited demo, to 50 minute live set on Lamacq Live in 2 and a half years by shear determination. The Pigeon Detectives, even more so - though they did have the advantage of tunes that appeal to the mainstream

That's enough for now anyway, as I've no idea how this is coming across. But if you've a few spare minutes, take a look at his blog for some interesting insights:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/stevelamacq/

Soundtrack to this post: Riceboy Sleeps

Recording At House Of Mook

As I've written numerous times on this blog, I've started working with numerous bands in a production capacity over the last few months. Well, I'm now doing that 'full time' out of HOUSE OF MOOK studios in Leeds - a nice base to keep my gear and set up home

House Of Mook is a great little studio in Meanwood that has been serving the people of Leeds in need of rehearsal space and recording for many a year. We’re taking the existing set-up and developing it into something we hope will be very special – alongside an attitude based on getting the project right opposed to filling hours in on a time sheet

I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time in Mook, with the bonuses to everyone of it being close to shops / food emporiums, as well as a base to keep the great Forward Russia guitar rigs – in it’s expanded form!....

We've already had the pleasure of recording some great bands like You Animals and Just Handshakes (We're British) and I hope to write a little about what we've been up to on this blog. Hopefully numerous single releases will be forthcoming from the above mentioned bands and more

But any bands interesting in doing some recording - please get in touch!! The best email contact is whiskas[at]nyevskyprospect.net. There's a bit more information about my recording and the studio at the following locations:

http://www.nyevskyprospect.net
http://www.mookhouse.ndo.co.uk

Soundtrack to this post: les Savy Fav, Oxxxes, Sonic Youth

Let's Get Going....

After my prolific return to form on the blog, I've had a quiet week with not much to report of a musical nature. In truth I've been in the studio a lot, working with Just Handshakes (We're British) - the fruits of which will be ripened soon.

Today also marks a return to work on the much delayed single from The ABC Club. There's been numerous line-up shifts with the band this year, though most of the original line-up is still in place, with Sam the drummer leaving for University in September. Rehearsals with the new drummer are going exceedingly well apparently, and they should be returning to the live arena from late September

I'm still working on a few things 'close' to my chest, that I hope to write about real soon. Till then I am busy working with lots of bands in the studio for the next month. Hopefully I'll get chance to write a bit about it!

Meanwhile, I've been enjoying MON KHMR - check them out

Soundtrack to this post: TV On The Radio, Sonic Youth

O, Josephine!

Much has been professed of my love for Magnolia Electric Co. on this blog over the last year or two. Last September, I was lucky enough to tempt main man Jason Molina to the Brudenell to perform a solo show, and with new album Josephine complete, the whole band are turning up this year - on Friday 4th September

The press continue to fawn over Mr Molina - check out the title cut from the new album, followed by some gushing praise (click to enlarge)

Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine (taken from the album Josephine)

Magnolia Electric Co. - Little Sad Eyes (taken from the album Josephine)

Magnolia Electric Co. at Secretly Canadian

Soundtrack to this post: Yonderboy, Riceboy Sleeps