Well, I got it done.
LESSON: Set an outrageously ambitious deadline that forces action…
(I missed the original deadline, but I still finished the EP – something that probably wouldn’t have happened without the deadline)
The approach breeds plenty of imperfections, but such things garnish many of my favourite records – and the best things in the real world.
The EP is OUT NOW!!!
You can listen, download or buy a CD via my Bandcamp page – HERE
It’s also available on good streaming platforms (which means I have chosen NOT to upload on Spotify, which is shit for artists & others in lots of ways).
I recorded & self-produced the EP spare moments and bedrooms in Gippsland, Victoria (Gunaikurnai Country), where I have lived and played music for many years, as well as in Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country).
Some of it was literally squashed between furniture & walls in hushed bedroom corners, and squeezed into rare minutes of peace in shared suburban spaces.
If you listen carefully you may still hear some lawnmowers, 3-year-old playful squeals through thin walls, and reverberations off random unfortunately un-movable furniture.
You may even be able to tell that some of the percussion involved an old snare drum sitting on my bed, and my bare foot on a (still operational) kitchen chopping board.
I recorded the mostly improvised ‘tinkle-string-section’ in ‘Tether’ (Track 6) on an old stratocaster at the kitchen table after bedtime.
The record is a somewhat random smattering of my music – some old, some new – that you may have heard at gigs of mine over the years.
It has wandering instrumental pieces, songs sung of longing and protest, and a lullaby for my dear (late) mum, Chris, to whom I dedicate this record.
It’s been so special to hear how the music has meant something to people – from friends who have heard the songs for years, to young’uns telling me of their favourite song (geeze it love it when they love the political ones!), and random champs who have downloaded the EP or ordered CDs from literally the other side of the planet.
I owe some massive “Thank You”s to folk who helped make this rushed bedroom project possible.
First, to my beloved housemates Gin & Cal for being patient & rejuvenating hosts (& occasional collaborators) for my home-made music.
To longtime jam-buddy Beau Atkinson for kindly providing spare rooms to record some tracks in, and for playing some simmering guitar with me on track 4 (The Orphan / Morrison’s Jig).
To old bandmates Jimmy James & Dan Greig for reuniting to play guitar & banjo, and sing on track 3 (Chimneys) along with Gin.
To the wonderful Greg Field for putting some lovely supporting strings together on track 5 (Fall For You).
To good mate Alex Bowrick for expertly and generously mixing these tracks into something more than just bedroom sessions. (Alex has engineered some of my musical heroes, including legends like Martin Hayes, and I’m so chuffed he brought his expert ears and attention to this one).
To Adam Dempsey mastering for deftly applying the final polish.
To Bethany Young (& James Birrell) for kindly meeting me in a flowing storm drain to create the album photos & beautiful art.
To all the comrades, friends & family who have supported me and my music over many years, including the legends who fundraised & donated when all my instruments were stolen.
And to my dear, much missed mum, Chris. Who told Santa to bring my first guitar. She still inspires me, and I miss her every day. But I know she’d be chuffed about this.
TOURING & SHARING!
Making the record was pretty fun (albeit in imperfect spaces with insufficient time), but even more fun has been having an excuse (a record) to gig & tour with!
It was a real treat to officially launch the EP in a full room of beautiful folks at one of my old & favourite haunts, The Wesley Anne bandroom.
Since then I’ve taken the record to pubs, folk festivals, halls, churches, fundraisers and house concerts around VIC, NSW & ACT (including an interstate tour via train!).
The real joy & privilege has been connecting with wonderful folk and sharing music & stages with exceptional & inspiring artists – including Loz Irwin-Ray, Lucy Wise, Van Walker & Gareth Skinner, Jhana Allan, Bec Taylor, Isobel Knight, Steel City Sue, Mandy Connell, Low Commitment Stringband, James Fahy.
And over half the tracks on the record have been spun on community radio – including on some of my favourite shows: Down by the River, Radio City & Global Village on PBSfm.
I’m still gigging the EP around – check out when I might be near you on my Tour Page – or reach out and let me know where I should come and play!
It’s not perfect. But it’s something. And I’m glad it’s done.
And I’ll soon be embarking on the next record – this time with some more time and expert assistance. Very excited. Stay tuned.
