Songs nobody asked me for

Today I talk about my theory of why it's hard to be out playing original music in today's environment. We consider historical pressures (the amazing back catalogue available to covers bands, how the way we listen to music has changed,) and the horizontal eco system of original acts, covers bands and tribute acts. It might almost seem that I have some idea of what I'm talking about! #mu...

Today I sit down for a chat with my friend Shaun from Horce Divorse. We talk about dads, magic, playing good at awful gigs, playing awfully at good gigs, songwriting and saving the world with love :). I think Shaun is wonderful. Come and see why... #horcedivorse #musicthecurve #songwriting #originalmusic #guitars #tavistock

Well.... basically the realisation that I'm easily pleased. A good gig, an interested audience and promotion to league two..... #musicthecurve #gig #bbar #originalmusic #songwriting

I figured that if I did a Christmas episode I should do a new year one. I'm left with dodgy time line memories, a journey through New Years past, and hopes for this year. Not a new year resolution in sight!! #newyear #musicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #plymouth

well. It's not George and Andrew... but hey, I made it to Christmas and here we are still going strong. And now a period of pause, working on new songs, blooding new band members and a host of Christmas pasts... And...i wrote you a little Christmas song too :). Humbug I say..... #musicthecurve #christmas #poptarts #special #songsnobodyaskedmefor #originalmusic #songwriting #plymouth

Band members assemble....it's time to do battle, though what the parameters of the battle are might be a bit vague. Time to explore this odd but fun experience, as I shared some of my experiences, pains and pleasures of this titanic struggle between covers and originals... Gaaarrr

New logo! Snazzy huh! Today we look at one of the great joys of playing original material...going to the recording studio! What's it like to record on a shoestring? Ow hard is laying down double vocals?first experience and how do you deal with your drummer using a quarter of your really expensive time to do a reverse symbol crash.. #musicthecurve #recording #studio #originalmusic #songwriting

Why indeed! I felt the need for some more history this week, my different experiences of life and their impact on song elwriting and determination! And yes...I was once a rent collector, and a City boy!

So excited to be interviewing Craig. Fantastic singer songwriter based in Devon. Long history of different bands, trying to 'make it' in London, holiday camp bands, German marching songs and a small moped too! #craigosment #musicthecurve #singersongwriter #originalmusic #rattrap #johnnycash #guitar

In this episode I've finally gone live with the podcast! I'm nervous, I'm excited, I'm technology challenged....and other stuff :). #misicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #podcast

Well. It's all kicking off today. Singers passing out at gigs, did the Plymouth acoustic cafe have canopies or canapé 's on the ceiling? Playing gigs with a drum machine and having to borrow a guitar.... and the dogs are back! .wow. all in one pod :)... #musicthecurve #singersongwriter #originalmusic #sunstroke #songwriting #Plymouth

So in this week's episode I have to won my guilty secret of having been to see a tribute acts and enjoyed it! I know, terrible behaviour for this podcast. But today I'm interested in what it's like to be a tribute acts, what would make me enjoy one, and what I could never see. And a plea for Bruce to contact me for a chat... A man can dream :) #musicthecurve #brucespringsteen #jonimitc...

Finally get to meet with my London collaborator Pav, but no.....the sound is awful, but yes.....I'm putting it out anyway!! Please hang in there. We consider, punk as an influence, drunk drummers, and gigs with Eddie Izzard.... #musicthecurve #eddieizzard #punk #london #original music #gigging

My first 'emergency podcast ' to explain why episode 12's run was interrupted on some platforms. What does it say about getting your stuff out there. Mostly....an apology. Back in the swing again next week!! Xx #streaming #musicthecurve #original music #songwriting #music #richardosman #garbage #shirleymanson

And on we go. Nigel is feeling groovy and glad to be alive. He talks, good gigs, Glastonbury, the multiverse of artists, the ups and downs of song writing and being stopped by the Police (where is sting when you need him! ) #musicthecurve #groovy #originalmusic #songwriting  #scissorsisters #charlixcx #pulp #alanismorissette #biffyclyro #the1975 #lewiscapaldi #Lorde #raye #gracieabrams #lolayoung...

In my second interview I meet with John, my long term collaborator and bass player in The Curve. We discuss how we met via a music shop ad, Polish thrash metal bands, playing covers as a backing band for a choir and what happens when you fall on your guitar. Here is a link to the YouTube video of 'Want': https://youtu.be/N20jPg-6ce4?si=ikyPXg2MIp5AN4Si #musicthecurve #bass #thrashmetal #pl...

today we look at the tricky issues of song lyrics. Like most song writers I'm reluctant to explain what I'm writing about, but today I try...a bit ... Hiding in lyrics, misinterpretation corny lines and the need to rhyme....a minefield best left muddied!! #musicthecurve #lyrics #songwriting #original music #words #jonimitchell #elviscostello #everythingbutthegirl

Why do we seek to find a comparison to match something new with? Gigs with table tennis tables, warm vibes and sore throats, and... Could we play an Eagles cover if we needed to??? #musicthecurve #songwriting #originalmusic #sting #thebeautifulsouth #jamiroqui #pingpong #cheerful

So. The moment of my first interview arrives! Whoop whoop! Meet Brad. Guitarist and all round Essex geezer from The Curve. We are two Essex boys living in Cornwall, and listen to my accent getting broader as I catch up with Brad :). Brad shares his music roots, 'nearly making it' and what it is like to play in both covers and originals bands. #musicthecurve #coversbands #originalsbands #essex #gui...

So. Here we go, I say hello, say a bit about why I'm doing this, moan a bit, whilst smoothly balancing this with some positivity, etc etc!! What four things do you need to succeed a a songwriter....listen and learn :) #songwriting #musicthecurve #beginnings #originalmusic

nurture...nature....nature...nurture. In this episode we delve deeper into what enables the creative spark to grow. Featuring radio 2, prod rock, alcoholic classical guitar tutors and strange children's entertainment groups. Oh and a folksy John Denver audio cassette :) #musicthecurve #classicalguitar #prodrock #johndenver #childhood #nurturenature #letusentertainyou #gretchguitars #elviscostello

First off, I have a bad throat, so forgive the occasional splutter. This is the first of two episodes considering early influences, class struggles and messages, grandparents, what led into all of this and where music was around me as I did my angry young man learning to play bit.....Grrrr. #musicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #youth #youthfulness #essex

time for some positive energy and the best things about playing and writing your own material. And merch! And toe tapping.....come pick up the constructive vibe!! #musicthecurve #happy #creativity #livemusic #songwriting #originalmusic #reasonstobecheerful

what did I do wrong? Maybe what did I do right is a better question. We look at unsuccessful fly posting, cold calls, hiding behind emails and trying to find spaces to 'turn on the charm! :). Was it harder or easier to promote yourself before social media? The blessings of being n bands with lovely people.... #musicthecurve #promotion #songwriting #socialmedia

What makes one musician focus on playing their instrument to perfection, whilst another focuses on what they can write with it? What influences us growing up to effect this? The art of resisting 'knowing your place', and learning chords. And what IS that noise behind me?? #musicthecurve #thebeatles #elviscostello #johnmayer #originalmusic #genesis #ledzeppelin #deeppurple #prince #ericclapton #son...