Thank you Dan for driving all the way from Tipperary to Dublin to sit there and listen to me rehearse on Wednesday night. Your input has really helped.

So , things I've learned or re-learned this week:

• I can get up at a wedding and play a song I've written as a gift to the couple.
• I can't do three-nights-out in-a-row. Oh man I can't.
• There are not enough hours int eh day or days in the week. These days I'm squeezing the toothpaste every which way.
• Using a rehearsal room when preparing a gig with electronics is a must
• Edit! Less is more.
• If the vibe fits wear it

'Be Alright' has a folktronica arrangement which was too heavy but after some editing it's now not over-long and I can remember the arrangement so I don't lose my place with all the bleeps and pings.
'Interference' will work with acoustic but I am seriously thinking about reinstating part of the backing track for the middle 8 where I did an Andy Summers style arpeggio thing in the studio.
'Dive' needed a lot of re-editing but it's there now. This is one of those songs where I think for the recording I'll have to do something in the chorus because it's only 1 word repeated and it feels a little repetitive.
'Break Me' is now being played on guitar. I've decided not to do a keyboard part live because it needed something more. For the gig(s) I'll play acoustic guitar and will let the laptop play my piano part.

All-in-all I'm getting closer to material for the second CD and have an eye (just one eye mind) on a third CD.

Rehearsal tonight was focused. I didn't bother with the acoustic songs because I can practice those at home and I pretty much know them. I took time over each track that uses the laptop.
Next Wednesday (night before the gig) I'll go through the set twice - like a tech rehearsal.

Sitting here watching Glastonbury coverage (Friday night) I wonder 'will I ever?'.


It's hard doing this on your own. I like the control and I like only needing to keep 'me' happy. But promoting a gig alone is hard work. Bloody hell I hope people turn up for this or it's going to be a bit of a pisser.