It has been a while since I last played live and even longer since I have collaborated / played in a band format! However, with the release of Hypnotise, I wanted to try something different and at the moment I have three very different projects on the go... all of which require rehearsal in some form!
Solo performance
The beauty of a solo gig is that I can improvise as much as I like and even change the set list as I am playing! It is easy to load in and sound check as well which saves time. On the negative side, any mistake is down to you and is so much more noticeable than in a band setting. Also, you are limited by the number of arms and throats available! As many of my songs are based around harmony, performing them can be a risk of lose quite a lot of its soul by playing it solo.
My next solo performance is at the Unitarian church in Todmorden on the 25th! At this gig, I will be playing songs from across all four releases/projects and am looking forward to delving into the past! I may even throw in a new song if I feel like it!
Duo / Acoustic
I have a gig coming up at the Fuse on the 27th May as part of a mini festival! Due to the set up of the day and the number of bands involved, I wouldn't be able to play as a full band (and probably wouldn't really fit in anyway!) so I am playing "unplugged".
It's not quite an MTV unplugged performance but I have rearranged several songs and am in the process of finding a way to make sure they work as standalone acoustic songs as well as the full band album versions.
I have also drawn from the past here and have decided to play several songs from my Coming Home ep, which has yet to be released.
I would definitely recommend coming along to this one as it will be quite a day! Tickets are by invitation only as we have limited numbers but if you contact me, I will get you on the list!
Full Band
As the songs on hypnotise vary in style from acoustic and folky pieces to full band songs I have to choose my set list to cater for each style! However, as the songs work so well in the recorded version, I almost owe it to the record to play these live! This is an ongoing project as I still need to recruit members and rehearse some more... however, keep an eye out as I would imagine I will have some announcements soon!
Anyway, holiday is over - back to rehearsals!
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