Apologies for the lack of posts recently - been busy working on a new website. Hands up who wants to know where the new blog is..? Sam knows it, as pictured here at the Hip Wiggler Invitational in a fine water shot by Dave Muir. Well, from hereon in, the new blog will be located on my new website - here
Undoubtedly the finest new piece of music I've heard in a while. See - not always a throwback chump, although I am feeling the Terry Callier vibe here, yesss-suh. Some mighty fine songwriting and production; check out his 2 EP's, Tell Me A Tale and I'm Getting Ready. Think I missed the boat picking up the first 7", but the latter is available on vinyl Sept 18th.
A nice short film from Dean Chalkley is up on the 125 magazine website. The above is a short trailer, but be sure to check the full length short here. Bit of a Northern Soul revival going on it would seem - definitely a good thing. All I seem to be playing at the moment is old R&B and Northern Soul. Just need a vintage ride to compliment the threads and 45s..! An exhibition of prints from the shoot is at the YOUTH CLUB gallery, 2-3 Kingley Court, London, W1B 9PW.
Got a little snappy happy with all the vintage surfboard logos basking in the sun at the surf meet the other day, so here's a little selection. There was a great turnout, and the waves even turned on too. Thanks to Al and Sean for organising the event, and also Gavin for screenprinting the poster. Looking forward to the next one already..!
September is the first edition in a series of books about the places we surf. Writers, photographers and artists are invited to spend some time in one place during the month of September and document their experiences there. A book is made out of the resulting creativity. I am very proud to be a part of the first edition (above) based in Ireland, having submitted some illustrations for the book. The time there also inspired the track of the same name on the album (see Chris Mannell's beautiful video, using footage from our time there, a few posts back)...
Hot off the press, KooK (issue deux) from Dan and Alex is an independent surfing newspaper with almost 90 global contributors, including a few amigos from the UK. Look out for my illustration accompanying an extract from Sam Bleakley's book, Jimmy Bodean's shots from our Hebrides trip, Myles's quiver, and 'Rad Nickford' holding a fine Empire shape. Get yours (KooK that is) here
Seem to have been doing a lot of flyers recently - here's another one, this time for an event organised by Al. Expect possibly the largest collection of vintage surfboards amassed in one place in the UK ever..!
I shall be guesting with The Ambassadors of Sorrow this weekend for the launch of their new LP, There Is No Ending (artwork by yours truly) and playing a few sides to warm up the show. Please come along if you can make it...
The official music video by Chris Mannell for September (from the debut album, Colours). The tune was written a few years ago while in Ireland for The September Project, a book documenting our experiences there. I've always considered myself very lucky to be surrounded by such talented and inspiring friends, many of whom put a lot of energy into the book, and some of whom I met there for the first time. A BIG thank you to Chris, one such talent, whose film captures perfectly the feel of the place, the time of year, the friendships forged and the music itself.
Bit of a random one, but The Frootful Art Ensemble were invited to play at the Homebase Cornish Memories Garden during the celebrity packed Chelsea Flower Show press day. We didn't make it onto any BBC coverage, but I did catch HRH The Queen saying this. Don't say she didn't, if you click on the image above, you can quite clearly see she did. Our audience included Ringo Starr and Bill Bailey, among other celebrity types.
I did this tee design for Ubiquity Records in California, purveyors of the finest vinyl releases and clothing their side of the pond. Rather than accept the usual fee, I opted for store credit instead, and look what the postman delivered the other day. Definitely a good way to do business..!
I was interviewed by Portugese radio show, Magia Negra recently; talking about the making of the album and future plans. Thanks to João for the call! Check out the show here, and download the mix I did for them here
