Whats happened
To line breaks?
Ah, found them :-)
Monday, 18 February 2013
Any light at end of tunnel.
Struggling at the moment.
Lots to be happy about, but you know me, always look on the dark side.
A new year has not made much difference, despite me trying to be more positive. I'm just generally cheesed off that the music side of things has ground to a halt a bit. My band are trying to record a new record at the moment and I'm working on it. I'm just not sure what we are going to do with it once its done. No one will care, even if its as good as Revolver!
I'm starting to have the feeling that the ship has sailed, as far as a musical career is concerned. How long should you keep banging your head against a brick wall? I dont want to end up being one of those saddos in their 50's still playing around crappy pubs. And its not as if we're being offered stacks of gigs. The last one was at a lovely venue that we've really enjoyed playiong at before. But this time, it was noisey and ours appears to be the only show that the venue havent put pictures of, on their website. Yet another example of the lack of respect we face. I just dont get it, I really dont.
I am going to go down to working 3 days a week soon, so I'm hoping in vain that will bring a little light and let me work on my music and ride my bike a bit more. On that latter subject, I am getting a new bike this coming weekend, a new Cotic. Lets hope I get time to ride it.
I've been worrying all the time about getting the dreaded sick bug too. What a knob.
And since the week before Christmas, my back has been driving me mad. So today, I have been to the Osteopaths and I'm hoping it helps. The guy also does NLP and he seems confident that he can help me psycologically! He started asking me loads of questions which made me realise how unhelpful some people close to me, have been threoughout my growing up. Its left me feeling a bit odd today if I'm honest and its a bit strange opeing up to a complete stranger. But if it helps.....
Lots to be happy about, but you know me, always look on the dark side.
A new year has not made much difference, despite me trying to be more positive. I'm just generally cheesed off that the music side of things has ground to a halt a bit. My band are trying to record a new record at the moment and I'm working on it. I'm just not sure what we are going to do with it once its done. No one will care, even if its as good as Revolver!
I'm starting to have the feeling that the ship has sailed, as far as a musical career is concerned. How long should you keep banging your head against a brick wall? I dont want to end up being one of those saddos in their 50's still playing around crappy pubs. And its not as if we're being offered stacks of gigs. The last one was at a lovely venue that we've really enjoyed playiong at before. But this time, it was noisey and ours appears to be the only show that the venue havent put pictures of, on their website. Yet another example of the lack of respect we face. I just dont get it, I really dont.
I am going to go down to working 3 days a week soon, so I'm hoping in vain that will bring a little light and let me work on my music and ride my bike a bit more. On that latter subject, I am getting a new bike this coming weekend, a new Cotic. Lets hope I get time to ride it.
I've been worrying all the time about getting the dreaded sick bug too. What a knob.
And since the week before Christmas, my back has been driving me mad. So today, I have been to the Osteopaths and I'm hoping it helps. The guy also does NLP and he seems confident that he can help me psycologically! He started asking me loads of questions which made me realise how unhelpful some people close to me, have been threoughout my growing up. Its left me feeling a bit odd today if I'm honest and its a bit strange opeing up to a complete stranger. But if it helps.....
Monday, 26 November 2012
Monday, 13 August 2012
Hello
Its been a while since I updated this thing. Real life you know.....
The Nightwires have done a few shows including last weekend at the Y Not Festival. It was not as good for us a the first time we played in 2009 but it went ok. Pity the couple of hundred people in the teant we were playing in, buggered off to the main stage before we started but, hey ho, their loss. Well not really it was my loss, but I have to put a brave face on it.
We've just been confirmed to be playign at the wirksworth festival in derbyshire in September so that should be good.
It does really fuck me off that Russell and I have got nowhere with all this. I guess I'm jealous of much lesser acts who "make it" or get the recognition O/we deserve. I mean we get loads of people coming upto us after shows saying how good we are, friends and family genuinely think we're very good, but, alas no one who can help us onto the next level seems to agree. Maybe the right people havent heard us but, how long does it fucking take? We've been playing for 10 years and we're still playing the same shitty venues we've been playing from the start. How much longer can you keep doing that before you say, no more? I dont know but I'm starting to feel that point will come soon.
We need to freshen things up so we're going to start recording in the next few weeks, if we can find time! That doesnt get any easier either.
All I want is some public recognition that we're bloody good. and not let myself be wound up when I see shit bands getting better gigs than us. They're, in realtiy getting noweher just as we are.
I need to change things and hopefully big changes are coming that will massively improve my quality of life. Fingers and everything else are crossed. But you know my luck........
Friday, 16 March 2012
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Christmas been and gone....
...where did it go. New Year:
New MacBook Pro and Apogee duet 2
New songs, both electric and accoustic
New outlook and positivity??
New MacBook Pro and Apogee duet 2
New songs, both electric and accoustic
New outlook and positivity??
Monday, 28 November 2011
Been busy!!
Not posted for a while. Russ and I have been gigging loads so I've not managed much riding. However, I have obtained the following:
Hope R4 riding light. Not used it yet so report to follow
Iphone 4s. Not actually got it yet so should be picking it up tomorrow. Looking forward to finally getting on the Iphone train. All appled up now: iphone, iPad, Ipod and Macbook Pro!
Now the gigs have finished, I'm hoping to get lots of riding in. I need to clear my head. I love playing with the Nightwires but I'm really not sure if I can go on anymore with it. For the effort, we're getting nowhere. We played in Derby last week and it was a nice venue but so much talking, I found it really offputting. Cant people shut up for 5 fucking minutes!!
I'll try and keep this thing updated. It helps me.
Hope R4 riding light. Not used it yet so report to follow
Iphone 4s. Not actually got it yet so should be picking it up tomorrow. Looking forward to finally getting on the Iphone train. All appled up now: iphone, iPad, Ipod and Macbook Pro!
Now the gigs have finished, I'm hoping to get lots of riding in. I need to clear my head. I love playing with the Nightwires but I'm really not sure if I can go on anymore with it. For the effort, we're getting nowhere. We played in Derby last week and it was a nice venue but so much talking, I found it really offputting. Cant people shut up for 5 fucking minutes!!
I'll try and keep this thing updated. It helps me.
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Knackered
Did a 15 mile ride yesterday, even though I was really knackered after The Nightwire show on Friday.
That was a lot of fun and we played very well. The sound was excellent too but it's a good job the people I had asked to watch us had turned up. So even though the gig was great, I was left feeling a it disheartened as there were so few people there. I'm starting to get pissed off at playing empty rooms, we're too good for that. Those there enjoyed it but we deserve so much better.
I look around at other acts who are getting recognition and they are nowhere near as good as us. They don't have the songs, the singer or even the backing vocals for that matter or the stage craft. But they know which is the right arse to lick or they are getting the luck that we aren't. To be honest, I don't know how much longer I can go on without getting up to the next level. The only thing that keeps me going is the fact that we are still writing such great songs. The bullshit that I hear on the gigging scene is really starting to become a drag and I can't bear it for much longer. having to say to bands you were great when it's so far from the truth, is just fucking stupid. Why can't I say "your so fucking shit and I want to be playing with better bands"
And the lack of common courtesy within the gigging scene is astounding. I lend people bits of gear and get no thanks whatsoever. Or we thank a band from the stage and they can't bring themselve to extend the same thanks to us. Well you know what, fuck em, I can't be arsed to even speak to people like that anymore. If that makes them think I arrogant the so be it. I haven't got time or the energy to deal with people like that any longer.
And it's some of the established artists who are the worst for having no manners whatsoever. We supported a singer who was in a good band and is now playing acoustic (think about the size of bovine animals and singing with a comedy double act) who ignored us basically when we tried to chat with him and couldn't be arsed to watch us or even thank us for playing. Ignorant bastard. Or the Seattle band we supported who couldn't be bothered to watch us because "3 bands is too much music for us to listen to" they were idols of ours, but you should never meet your idols!
We've met a few great people during our time, Friday night being a case in point with the ever supportive Ted and Andie and the lovely Ann Duggan who we supported. But it's always the wankers who stick in my mind and bug me. Thats probably just my problem and I should forget about them, but as you get older, that gets more difficult.
Just take a deep breath.........
That was a lot of fun and we played very well. The sound was excellent too but it's a good job the people I had asked to watch us had turned up. So even though the gig was great, I was left feeling a it disheartened as there were so few people there. I'm starting to get pissed off at playing empty rooms, we're too good for that. Those there enjoyed it but we deserve so much better.
I look around at other acts who are getting recognition and they are nowhere near as good as us. They don't have the songs, the singer or even the backing vocals for that matter or the stage craft. But they know which is the right arse to lick or they are getting the luck that we aren't. To be honest, I don't know how much longer I can go on without getting up to the next level. The only thing that keeps me going is the fact that we are still writing such great songs. The bullshit that I hear on the gigging scene is really starting to become a drag and I can't bear it for much longer. having to say to bands you were great when it's so far from the truth, is just fucking stupid. Why can't I say "your so fucking shit and I want to be playing with better bands"
And the lack of common courtesy within the gigging scene is astounding. I lend people bits of gear and get no thanks whatsoever. Or we thank a band from the stage and they can't bring themselve to extend the same thanks to us. Well you know what, fuck em, I can't be arsed to even speak to people like that anymore. If that makes them think I arrogant the so be it. I haven't got time or the energy to deal with people like that any longer.
And it's some of the established artists who are the worst for having no manners whatsoever. We supported a singer who was in a good band and is now playing acoustic (think about the size of bovine animals and singing with a comedy double act) who ignored us basically when we tried to chat with him and couldn't be arsed to watch us or even thank us for playing. Ignorant bastard. Or the Seattle band we supported who couldn't be bothered to watch us because "3 bands is too much music for us to listen to" they were idols of ours, but you should never meet your idols!
We've met a few great people during our time, Friday night being a case in point with the ever supportive Ted and Andie and the lovely Ann Duggan who we supported. But it's always the wankers who stick in my mind and bug me. Thats probably just my problem and I should forget about them, but as you get older, that gets more difficult.
Just take a deep breath.........
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
No fucking time
No fucking time to do anything really*
No bike riding, hardly used the new camera, no recording going on. Mainly because work is really fucking hard at the moment.
The Nightwires have quite a few gigs booked which is great, but my energy levels are low so its hard trying to sort rehearsals for these shows. I'm sure we will be great but I feel I'm getting worn down.
*Sorry for the swearing
No bike riding, hardly used the new camera, no recording going on. Mainly because work is really fucking hard at the moment.
The Nightwires have quite a few gigs booked which is great, but my energy levels are low so its hard trying to sort rehearsals for these shows. I'm sure we will be great but I feel I'm getting worn down.
*Sorry for the swearing
Thursday, 8 September 2011
A morning mind clearer
17.99 miles 10.1mph avaerage. Not bad saying first ride for a fortnight. Mad dogs and kamakarzee (sp) squirells.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Post work ride
Got out yesterday after work. 16.87 miles 11mph average. Getting better and my knees dont hurt so much this morning!
Bombed it on the way back as I overtook a couple of people and didn't want to get caught by them again. Stupid idiot.
Bombed it on the way back as I overtook a couple of people and didn't want to get caught by them again. Stupid idiot.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Nikon D7000 - rather good!
The newly purchased Nikon d7000 is rather good! First "shoot" at Carsington Water last weekend proved it is very easy to use and quite logical (neither of those things apply to me!)No thats not a beach, it is a resevoir! Full report to follow.
Monday, 15 August 2011
New tyres, better ride
Did my second ride post holiday yesterday. The first was a disaster and left me yearning gears again in my usual kneejerk way.
Yesterday felt alot better however and I managed 19.4 miles at 10.7mph average. This was the second outing for my new Maxxis tyres. A Crossmark on the rear and Advatage on the front. The Crossmark is a pure race tyre with very low profile tread so reading the reviews, I thought I'd better go for something grippier on the front, hence the Advantage. This is the grippiest tyre I've had for a while but I think the rolling resistance is decent and the Crossmark on the rear certainly helps with that. Got a double puncture in teh crossmark near home though!!
Still trying to think of ways to make the bike lighter as well but theres not alot of room left for that. Tubeless? not sure. Maybe lighter pedals woulf help but I like the platform on my Times. Carbon bars? I love the Ragley Carnegies I have but stepping up to the carbon version is a £95 expense I could spend elsewhere at the mo. I do still thing silver Thomson seatpost and stem would look rather good however!
I have splashed out on another camera too! a Nikon d7000 dslr and 35mm lense. More on that to come!
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Made it to the water tower
Well, after years of working out where it was and how to get there, I made it to the water tower. This is in Babbington Village near Strelley but could be called Kimberley. When I got there, I wondered if I had been there before some time ago.
Nice ride and good to go somewhere new but my legs were like lead weights and energy levels were very low. I've been out alot recently for me and my back is starting to give me some real gip.
Anyway, hols soon to relax and hopefully my back will get better. And I've got my eye on a Nikon d7000 or d5100. and a new bike, I quite like the look of the Ragley Piglet complete x9 bike. We'll see.
Thursday, 16 June 2011
How Interesting
Done a couple of 20 mile rides recently. However, been hit by tiredness, lack of time, an attack of vertigo and then a bloody cold! Therefore, riding time has been seriously curtailed. Now I seem to be getting a bit better, I'll try and get out over the weekend but the weather looks shit. Now the weather is supposedly going to be summer-ish, I need to get mote riding in.
I have been spending again though! I've bought myself a new camera, a Panasonic LX5. Its a great bit of kit, allowing point and shoot as well as much more advanced controls than I'm used to. I have been shotting in aperture priority mode alot which is a first for me. The results have been quite pleasing but I need to get the hang of focusing on moving subjects i.e. Posey!
The pictures are very sharp and vibrant and the prints I've done for display look very good. I've added a filter tube and a UV filter for protection and to reduce haze and I may add the viewfinder but that is rather expensive. What I will be buying is Billingham bag, more on that soon. I can see myself really getting into photogreaphy again. Some years ago I had a Canon 500n SLR that I loved but unfortunately had to sell. I may upgrade again soon ;-)
Done a couple of gigs with the Nightwires that went well and we keep getting great feedback. Pity no one will give us a record deal but then again who is getting those apart from arse licking scenesters. I am struggling to get gigs which is the most frustratiing thing. I'm giving it until the end of the year and then will assess things. I still want to do some session work as a route to doing music full time but I haven't got time to do that and the Nightwires. We shall see.
All the usual frustrations then!
I have been spending again though! I've bought myself a new camera, a Panasonic LX5. Its a great bit of kit, allowing point and shoot as well as much more advanced controls than I'm used to. I have been shotting in aperture priority mode alot which is a first for me. The results have been quite pleasing but I need to get the hang of focusing on moving subjects i.e. Posey!
The pictures are very sharp and vibrant and the prints I've done for display look very good. I've added a filter tube and a UV filter for protection and to reduce haze and I may add the viewfinder but that is rather expensive. What I will be buying is Billingham bag, more on that soon. I can see myself really getting into photogreaphy again. Some years ago I had a Canon 500n SLR that I loved but unfortunately had to sell. I may upgrade again soon ;-)
Done a couple of gigs with the Nightwires that went well and we keep getting great feedback. Pity no one will give us a record deal but then again who is getting those apart from arse licking scenesters. I am struggling to get gigs which is the most frustratiing thing. I'm giving it until the end of the year and then will assess things. I still want to do some session work as a route to doing music full time but I haven't got time to do that and the Nightwires. We shall see.
All the usual frustrations then!
Thursday, 14 April 2011
A windy ride and no punctures
Went out Tuesday just gone. 18.84 miles 10.9 average mph
Felt reasonably good again even though I'd been up with Posey since 4.15am that morning! After I'd dropped her off I got home at 8.40am so thought fuck it, and work, I'm going for a ride as it would probably be the last chance before I go away for Easter.
It was quite windy but not too bad and the trails were quite dry. I did both my "fall off" hill at Strelley and the desent down to Cossall from Cossall. Neither was that muddy which was nice. I'd not been that way for a while so it was nice to ride somewhere slightly different. And no punctures!!!!
Felt reasonably good again even though I'd been up with Posey since 4.15am that morning! After I'd dropped her off I got home at 8.40am so thought fuck it, and work, I'm going for a ride as it would probably be the last chance before I go away for Easter.
It was quite windy but not too bad and the trails were quite dry. I did both my "fall off" hill at Strelley and the desent down to Cossall from Cossall. Neither was that muddy which was nice. I'd not been that way for a while so it was nice to ride somewhere slightly different. And no punctures!!!!
Friday, 8 April 2011
What a puncture!
Ride commenced today with a slow puncture but I was hopeful it would seal, given the wheel has a self sealing inner tube.
It was warm, dry and I felt good. And then I heard a clattering noise and I got the mother of all punctures. a 4" nail through the tread and out through the sidewall! No way that the tube would seal that and the tyre is fooked!
Was looking for a reason to buy some new summer tyres and now I have one.
13.8 miles 11.1 mph average.
It was warm, dry and I felt good. And then I heard a clattering noise and I got the mother of all punctures. a 4" nail through the tread and out through the sidewall! No way that the tube would seal that and the tyre is fooked!
Was looking for a reason to buy some new summer tyres and now I have one.
13.8 miles 11.1 mph average.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Another ride
Not weekend just gone but the one before (26th March) 17.63 miles.
Use Endomondo on my Blackberry which tracks me by GPS. Got a route map and stats so worked well.
Put the 16t sprocket back on and it was fine. In fact I felt really good until my stomach cramped half way round the route. Then had 2 days off work with a bug!
Didn't get out this weekend due to getting over that and my wife being ill. Also trying to get The Nightwires new cd finished. But once thats done, I'll be riding alot more often.
Use Endomondo on my Blackberry which tracks me by GPS. Got a route map and stats so worked well.
Put the 16t sprocket back on and it was fine. In fact I felt really good until my stomach cramped half way round the route. Then had 2 days off work with a bug!
Didn't get out this weekend due to getting over that and my wife being ill. Also trying to get The Nightwires new cd finished. But once thats done, I'll be riding alot more often.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Blimey, a bike ride took place!!
Finally got out for a ride at the weekend. 15.93 miles SS.
This was the first ride for exactly 2 months and I felt terrible afterwards!
I have put a 17 tooth Surly cog on the back and its amazing what difference one tooth makes. Better on some loose and hilly bits but what a pain on flat tarmac. It helped my legs as they had very little in them about half way round, but the 16 tooth will go back on after a few rides, once my strength has come back a bit.
Reasonably dry but the fucking horses have made my favourite bits in Cossall, unrideable.
This was the first ride for exactly 2 months and I felt terrible afterwards!
I have put a 17 tooth Surly cog on the back and its amazing what difference one tooth makes. Better on some loose and hilly bits but what a pain on flat tarmac. It helped my legs as they had very little in them about half way round, but the 16 tooth will go back on after a few rides, once my strength has come back a bit.
Reasonably dry but the fucking horses have made my favourite bits in Cossall, unrideable.
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