Frank Joshua

Atomizer - Open Secret - Review for Fatea

2011-10-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Atomizer - Open Secret CD - Review for Fatea

Artist: Atomizer

Album: Open Secret

Label: NagNagNag Records
Tracks: 10
Website: Soundcloud.com/atomizermusic

The sort of music Atomizer make is, right now, uber cool to certain ears whilst at the same time sounding a bit dated to those of us of a certain age. Think Kraftwerk and the 1980s. And in fairness they've been doing this a long time. I have their previous album 'Cult of Europa' (check out Je Suis Lesbien if you get the chance) on a playlist and have come across these guys more than once over the years. The driving force behind legendary club night 'Nag Nag Nag' they know a thing or two about electro.

Open Secret is a rich mix of thumping electro and surprising melody. Melton's vocals seem to sneer and uplift at the same time and you feel there's a taught cheek with a tongue in it quite a lot of the time. My favourites are 'Physico Mathematico' and the plaintive 'Love to Know' when the smoothness of the melody stretches over the electro canvas particularly effectively.

I happen to know Atomizer to be a slightly shocking and very engaging live act and this, their third album, doesn't disappoint.

Fatea Showcase Session place for Frank J

2011-08-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

Very pleased to be part of the Fatea Showcase Sessions Autumn 11. Artists include D.B.G. - The Porch Song Anthology - Frank Joshua - Fran Smith - Blackstone - Fox Pockets - Case Hardin - Wendy Arrowsmith - Paul Liddle - Jo Bywater - The Proposition - Annlaug - Charlie Barker & Harriet Bartlet - Matt Woosey - Hadrian's Union - Me And My Friends - Rebecca Clamp - Trent Miller.

Download if free for three months!

Suckfree Radio is searching for the Greatest Unsigned Band in the World!

2011-07-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

These guys are looking for the "Greatest Unsigned Band in the World!" apparently. Turns out I'm in the mix! You could do me a huge favour and vote for me at http://suckfreeradio.com. They're also a great place to send material for their shows if you're a muso.

Tiny Clocks - The Victorian Noise EP - Review for Fatea

2011-06-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

REVIEW DONE FOR FATEA

Artist: Tiny Clocks

Album: The Victorian Noise EP

Label: Backwater Records

Tracks: 4

Website: http://www.backwaterrecords.com/

"Kooky!" There I said it. I was trying not to but couldn't help myself. "Captain Beefheart" There's another one. "Brian Cant!" That's a bit unfair. "John Otway"'s OK, but when you're first track 'Ventora Ocean' opens with "First door on the right, that's New Zealand" and includes "The Corgi needs new tyres" you can't expect standard references. The next song 'Toys from Switzerland' includes the first line "Oh No! So the Swiss can tell the time..." and by now I'm hooked. The more you listen the more amusing and, dare I say, clever it seems to get.

Tiny Clocks is clearly the product of two unusual minds and a trawl through their quite extensive back catalogue confirms it. 'Jane It's Not December' is just as strange and the arrival of what sounds like an Elizabethan wind piano at the end only adds to the effect. 'Radio Lady' as a final track is much more predictable musically and almost sing-a-long but I'm sure there's something weird going on in the lyrics.

I imagine that there's quite a fan base out there for these guys but I can't imagine they'd notice if there were and quite fittingly, don't appear to have embraced such predicable tools at Twitter and Facebook. They seem to inhabit Suffolk quite comfortably but if they ever venture near me and decide to tell anyone, I'd love to see them live.http://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/TinyClocks.html

Ray Emure ...Of The Heart

2011-06-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

REVIEW DONE FOR FATEA

Artist: Ray Emure

Album: .....Of The Heart

Label: Emray Emure Records

Tracks: 5

Website: http://rayemure.bandcamp.com/

This EP is a mini treat of drumming catchiness, great riffs and catchy melody. This underneath Emure's vocal style and dead pan delivery make the whole thing rather difficult to define. 'Lose Control' opens and is the stand out track but gives way to 'Who Needs This' which starts with a groovy bass riff that put one in mind of Sly & Robbie. What Emure does with his lyrics is more about hinting at his underlying feelings whilst remaining firmly committed to the groove which I suspect is the origin of each song.

'Confessions' is a slower, more melodic turn but still holds onto that sense that the words are driven by the rhythm rather than the other way around, which I rather like. By the time you get to 'Promenade' you feel quite a part of Emure's world and his 80's influence comes out more strongly, Depeche Mode like in more ways than one.

The final track 'Memories' is, as a titles like this suggest, more ethereal and I really liked the Soul II Soul'esque groove and whispy guitars and vocals. All in all a fine EP from a fast developing artist.

Celtica Radio Interview and Session

2011-06-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

So I did this interview and played a couple of songs live. And I have to say, despite my reservations about using Skype to do it, it worked really well. See what you think.
Frank Joshua interview and 2 live tracks for Celtica Radio - 10th June 2011 by Frank Joshua

Sessions over Skype

2011-06-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

Am trying out a new and interesting idea tonight. I'm going to do a radio session for a station in Wales over Skype. Have to admit I was sceptical at first but I did a trial with them on Sat and the MP3 they sent me sounded great. If this works I'm doing a world tour - virtually of course!

OUT TODAY! New Play Volume 1 by Emray Emure Records - Ft Frank Joshua

2011-05-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

DIGITALLY RELEASED ON 29th MAY 2011

Seven acts and 14 songs of the best up & coming music talent from UK, US & Europe.

Pleasure Mob are a London based indie electro-rock band formed in 2009 by Douglas Hall & Nathan Von Boventer. Playing a mix of New Wave & Soulful Indie Electro, Pleasure Mob have had some critical successes with positive reviews & endorsements from blogs and websites including Noise collective, NME and Telegraph.co.uk.

Erin K & Tash is made up of Erin Kleh and Tash ter Braak and their band. Regular headliners at the UK Anti-Folk Festival, they also took the stage at Florence and the Machine's end of tour party and have had songs synced for Google, Walker Books and LG. They were recently picked as Huw Stephens' BBC Introducing tip of the week and have been played on Radio 1's Review Show, BBC 6 with Tom Robinson, and BBC London.

The Analog Affair self-describes itself as “underground indie electro-dramatic pop.” The Analog Affair is the combined musical product of Evan Baker and Cody Moser, two creative individuals who met in Wyoming, USA. Championed by the MusicForMorons blog and gaining strong reviews for their songs on Soundcloud and other online platforms.

Charlie & The Martyrs were formed by BBC Singer/Songwriter of the Year Finalist 2008, Birmingham’s own Charlie Jones and some of Nottingham & Leicester’s most creative musicians. Starring at Leicester’s biggest unsigned event the ‘Summer Sundae Fringe Festival’ and being hand-picked to perform at the prestigious ‘Big Chill’ Festival last year, amazing crowds far and wide with their unique style of Melodic Indie/Pop ‘N’ Roll. Recently supporting Paul Heaton on his tour.

The Barettes are acoustic folk with plenty of retro style. An American duo, The Barettes are just getting their project off the ground in Paris, where they are already receiving a warm welcome. Two girls (Laura 'Lo' Woody and Johannah 'Jo' Cantwell), two guitars and two voices in harmony, they take us through the ups and downs of their lives with touching melodies and self-deprecating humour.

Frank Joshua is the No.1 Folk Artist for London on Reverbnation. Currently on rotation on Suckfree Radio, US New Jazz Radio, Radio Six International & Celtica Radio. Frank Joshua has recently returned to making music after a 20 year hiatus. Once the front man for Kentish & Camden Town favourites ‘Pits’ and later ‘Mr Pits’ way back in the 80s, Frank now makes more considered music more suitable to man of his years.

Michael Schulte has so far achieved a strong loyal following particularly on Youtube: 60,000+ subscribers, over 8 million views and scoring high on the German all time music lists #7 most subscribed musician. Michael was signed up by Weinstein Media and released his debut album “All The Waves” March of this year.

EmRay Emure Records, London

Contact Ray at Ememrecords@rocketmail.com 07830 520594

The Roving Crows EP Review for Fatea

2011-05-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

REVIEW DONE FOR FATEA

Artist: The Roving Crows

Album: The Roving Crows EP

Label: None

Tracks: 6

Website: http://www.rovingcrows.com/

This is the follow up to the Crows highly acclaimed LP release in Jan 2010 which was 2nd runner up for 'Debut Album Of The Year' at the FATEA music awards last year no less! As soon as the first chords strike up the whole thing feels like a lot of fun. They describe their music as "Gutsy Celtic Fusion" and it's hard not to see what they mean. The guitars and violin combo easily lifts the spirits and I particularly like the use of trumpet. The first track "Long Time Dead" sets the tone for the EP and is the stand out track for me. Relentlessly upbeat and up lifting it's a great song to put on when you want your dull dinner guests to either get up and start dancing or go home. "Days in the Sun" is a little darker but still good for a bop. The rest of the EP is more thoughtful and there's plenty of variety in just 6 songs to keep your attention. I can imagine that The Roving Crows make a great live addition to any gathering and if you're ever down in the south west of England you could do much worse than try and catch them live I suspect. Folk is alive and well these days and these guys look like one to watch. And dare I say it, they're quite sexy!

Upcoming Gigs

2011-05-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, we're taking our pride in our hands and doing a few shows. This is a stripped down, super-acoustic, set featuring Richard Lee on Double Bass and Graham Puddifoot on Acoustic Guitar and nothing else! Very bare and very scary. Hope you can make one or more them.

Rain was on Tom Robinson show on BBC 6 Music again last night

2011-05-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

Very please about this! Sadly the first gig Tom referred to (Hobgoblin on 26th May) has now been moved to 5th June. But 27th at AHIR Lorenzo's and 6th June at Vibe Bar still going ahead. And you can indeed get the EP at Bandcamp as he says.

Have a listen to last night's show here. Rain's played from 1:36:08. And you can see the track listing here. It'll be up for 7 days.

Groovy Dad, The Castle, Finchley Road, London NW11 - 7th May 2011

2011-05-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

Groovy Dad

REVIEW DONE FOR FATEA
Band: Groovy Dad
Venue: The Castle, Finchley Road, London NW11
Date: 7th May 2011

The Castle is a good venue for music and not one I'd come across before. With a cardboard cut out of Roy Orbison grooving out at the back of the stage before the band appeared, you felt the evening might provide a spot of fun.

If you've written a book that's now a major Hollywood film, especially one about the music phenomenon that is U2, you might think that that was enough to be getting on with. Well some might. But as part of the build up to the release of Killing Bono in the UK, Neil McCormick (also the Telegraph chief rock music critic) decided that he'd quite like to take part in the reform of old school band Sore Throat and participate in the labour of love that is rock and roll. And and the Groovy Dads were born.

It also turns out that the only composition of McCormick's that the GDs play tonight, 'Harms Way,' was covered by one Mel Gibson. He apparently misinterpreted the lyric as 'Stay Out of Mary's Way' and added it to some quasi religious album. Anecdotes aside GD know how to rock out and performed an admirable set of thrilling, rootsy rock standards, displaying their obvious appreciation of the genre. McCormick has a touch of the Brian Ferry's in his vocal style and the Roxy influence can be heard through throughout. But it is Reid Savage who is the glue that makes the whole thing work. A highly accomplished guitarist who can jump between styles and textures with composite ease.

Even The Ace of Spades, though a bit of a surprise, worked well. These guys know their way round a tune, which is not always true of the bands one comes across away from the mainstream venues. And McCormick also had a neat story about allegedly being offered an illicit substance off Lemmy's long dirty finger nail in a pub toilet back in the day. There were lots of references to the over 50s and prostate issues but there was no mistaking the quality of the vintage here (sorry!)

We were told that this was the second of 2 one off gigs. Grammatical differences aside I suspect there may yet be more. I've yet to see Killing Bono but if it's half as much fun as Groovy Dad it'll be worth the price of admission.

BBC 6 Music Podcast - Rain played at 1:13:15

2011-05-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it - and I guess you might have had better things to do in the very early hours of a Bank Holiday Monday - here's a link to listen to the Podcast from Tom Robinson's show. Skip to 1:13:15 to listen to 'Rain' but you might also like to listen to 'The Imposter' by Snippet at the start of the show. And I particularly liked 'Beasting' by Slides at 0:27:18. BBC 6 Music

The No 26 Bus to Paraguay by Richard Durrant

2011-04-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

REVIEW DONE FOR FATEA

Artist: Richard Durrant

Album: The No26 Bus to Paraguay

Label: LongMan Records Ltd

Tracks: 11

Website: http://www.richard-durrant.com/

The No26 Bus to Paraguay by Richard Durrant Firstly I have to point out that mere-mortal guitar players need only listen to Richard Durrant, or watch a YouTube clip, for a few moments before feelings of inadequacy start to creep in. It goes without saying that what the guy can't do with nylon strings ain't worth doing. And I must confess that solo guitar music, from Paraguay or anywhere else, isn't exactly my go-to music of choice. So I'm starting with two rather large disadvantages. But you take on the task of reviewing the guy's CD and you owe it to him and yourself to move beyond such restrictions. So I tried.

And I'm slightly ashamed to say I found it quite hard. You see deep down I'm a pop tart and in the beginning I think I decided that this stuff was a little too sophisticated for me. I can appreciate the ridiculous level of technical excellence and I wouldn't dream of suggesting that the renditions aren't heart felt, they clearly are. And the description on the rear of the CD explaining how the No26 bus took a young Mr Durrant from his Brighton Council Estate to his guitar lessons, whilst the music of Paraguayan guitarist and composer Augustin Barrios played on his walkman, puts it all wonderfully into context. But I just couldn't quite get into it. Then I stopped trying.

It may be a basic lesson in musical appreciation that everyone else knows but has eluded me all these years. But it wasn't until I stopped listening and accidentally allowed this CD to wash over me whilst I wasn't really concentrating, that it all started to make sense. And there was a moment (in track 8, Gavota al Estilo Antiguo, if you must know) when I stopped breathing and welled up a tiny bit.

I'm still a pop tart and can't say I'm rushing out to buy more solo guitar albums but I think I get it a little bit more now. And Richard Durrant and Agustin Barrios have made it onto my listening device and have been recalled by choice more than once. And I'm not even that intimidated by his super human guitar playing anymore.

Take The High Road by Blind Boys of Alabama

2011-04-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

REVIEW DONE FOR FATEA

Artist: Blind Boys of Alabama

Album: Take The High Road

Label: Proper Records

Tracks: 13

Website: http://www.blindboys.com/

Take The High Road by Blind Boys of Alabama is, I have to confess, not my usual fare. I don't really do God, so I come to this as a bit of an outsider. I've always instinctively liked Gospel but get turned off it as soon as the G or J words come up. And at first listen I found it quite hard to get through the religious references in the lyrics on this CD. I have this weird sense that if I don't keep my guard up I'll suddenly find myself converted and start coming over all 'born again'. ('Stay strong Frank' - Ed)

But then you start to hear the pedigree of these guys, you listen to the quality of the singing and the production. Then you notice names like Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, Jr on the sleeve notes. And before long you’re swaying and chirping along with them. This band was first formed in 1939 for Christ's sake! (No pun intended - or are they getting to me?) They've played for two US Presidents and have won 5 Grammys! And it shows! By the time I'd made it through to 'I Saw The Light' (probably my favourite) I was hooked and wanted to go back to the beginning to re-hear the earlier tracks I'd felt excluded from earlier. And it keeps getting better with each listen.

I had to overcome a tiny prejudice before I could get into this CD (I'm writing this on Good Friday, so maybe that helped too.) but I have to report that it was worth it. Turns out you can do Gospel and not have to do G or J!

FATEA

2011-04-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

Am going to be doing some reviews for these guys in the coming weeks. So really nice to get a review from them before I've even started. Check it out. Sharpening my word-smyth-pen as we speak.

2011-03-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

Angels With Dirty Laces by Rash Records

I hadn't come across these guys before but what a treat! The first track, Get Over Yourself, draws you in and intrigues before the bass and full sound kick in, by which time you’re pretty much hooked. It’s a real feel-good ride and I wanted to put it straight back on again. I particularly liked the contrast between the good vibe of the track and cynical nature of the lyric. Broken People’s a different take on a similar feel. The double tracked vocals and pub piano really make the atmosphere for a lot of the EP and the catchy refrain, on this track in particular, stuck in my head for the rest of the evening. Faith Hope And Charity Case comes in at a slower tempo but is just as attention grabbing as the rest, whilst Wrap You In My Arms puts me in mind of a lot of influences (Fisher Z, Japan, Bowie, Jamiroquai even – but that may just be me!) that shouldn’t work but do. There’s a real personality to this work, a rare thing which deserves to be cherished and spread around. I gather there’s another EP due out soon and I for one can’t wait.

wotyougot.com

2011-03-25T01:58:00.000-07:00

Music blog wotyougot.com got a niece piece on Easy Two http://www.wotyougot.com/24-03-2011/frank-joshua/listen-to-easy-two/

Soundcloud

2011-03-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Really like this site.

Easy Two by Frank Joshua

EP now on Bandcamp

2011-03-22T03:56:00.000-07:00

Lovely review on Amazon.co.uk

2011-03-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

John 'Johnno' Casson did this review on Amazon.co.uk yesterday. http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1526N9VH9B0J8/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

EP artwork

2011-01-29T04:25:00.000-08:00

Paul Sizer has been working on artwork for the EP and here's the first results. I'm really made up with it! Not even really sure why I like it so much but the kind of made-from-bits-lying-around feel seems really appropriate some how. Anyway love to hear what you think.

Mad About You - Video by ManyFeet Productions

2009-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

These guys at Manyfeet just came out of the blue and asked if they could make a video of Mad About You. And a few days later - here it is!!! Youtube

Stuff Happening

2009-12-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

Been a funny couple of weeks. Did a gig at the Edinburgh Cellars Sat before last - you can see a clip of me playing with MikeWhitePresents here (it's the second song about 2.01 mins in) - sadly no clips of our actual set though. Though it wasn't exactly a sell out night we were really pleased with how it went. It was just me and Graham Puddifoot (acoustic guitar) and Richard Lee (double bass) and the room, with it's sofas and tables, really lent itself well to the set of 7 gentle songs.

Then I got approached by two US based hip hop producers in the same week. Not sure what brought it on but it's wonderful to be getting some people from across the world actually finding the stuff, taking the time to listen to it and then getting in touch!!

Kiss - decisive vote

2009-10-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well it was a pretty convincing win for Tony. 18 - 2 in favour of one voice. Amongst the interesting feedback I got through the process was an email from an old muso mate (thanks Matthew) who suggested getting Ginny to track my vocal more closely and to use the parts sparingly in the mix. So tomorrow it's back into the studio to give Ms Clee another shot at it. It feels like an endlessly laborious process for what appears to be such a simple song but I've got this idea that there's a real gem in there that just needs to be properly uncovered. We'll see if I'm right.

2009-10-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

I have a real dilemma on my hands. I have two versions of the song Kiss. One has my solo vocal, the other an additional counter melody line by Ginny Clee. I thought I preferred the 2 voices version but now Tony, my producer, is saying the second vocal detracts from the song and I'm not objective enough to choose. Be really grateful to hear your vote for which one I should go with.

Kiss (One voice)

Kiss (Two voices)

Wet Saturday

2009-10-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I posted and it's raining here in north London. Going into the studio later today. We're putting the finishing touches to Kiss. Now that Ginny's counter melody is working so well we're going to add some string parts and pads to give it bit more dynamic earlier in the track. I'm really please with the way the song works up and beyond the middle 8 and just want to see if we can spread a little of that magic around earlier on. You know how people only really listen to the first half of a song unless they know the artist really well. Think I'm going to enter it into the Stereofame artist of the month competition for Dec, given how that worked out for Oct.

I'm really pleased with the way the reverbnation artist's cross-promotion is working. (Check out the list of artists at the bottom of this blog.) It's such a scream to have these other artists from across the world to chat with and listen to and it's having an impact on all our stats which is at least rewarding to us. Makes a big difference knowing that someone, somewhere is listening - even if only for a minute or two here and there.

Sort of a winner and an interview and a gig

2009-10-02T05:53:00.001-07:00

I was recently up for Artist of the Month over on Stereofame which was actually quite exciting! I'd forgotten I'd entered so when the email came through saying I was in the top ten I was genuinely bowled over! I didn't win and though I'd told myself, and everyone else I knew, that I couldn't possibly do so, I have to confess to feeling a little deflated when I found out someone called Modern Science had been chosen by the 'panel of experts'. Damn those hopes getting themselves up! However the top ten finalists make it onto the download Album of the Month so if you make you're way over there you can see me on the track list with Days Like These. It's actually an earlier version of the song that doesn't have Ginny and Lucy's backing vocals on. You can here the new version here.

Also in the news! The fantastic chaps that are This Window also run this blog System Culture where you can read an interview with yours truly.

And finally; MikeWhitePresents have asked me to do a gig with them in Nov. Details nearer the time.

Artist of the Month finalist

2009-09-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Would you beleive it! I'm a finalist in this month's Artist of the month over on Stereofame. Please swing by and support me if you can! Thank you.

And another new site

2009-07-27T15:34:00.001-07:00

My R&R World Music Profile

Cross Promotion

2009-07-26T14:42:00.001-07:00

Been having a lot of fun working with other artists on ReverbNation. Simply, we're listening to each other's stuff and commenting and adding each other as friends in order to get more profile on the site etc. It's nice to come across other struggling artists and things are pretty friendly. However it now seems that ReverbNation are on to us in some way and some people say their stats are dropping badly and that they think this is no coincidence. The response has been to try and find other sites that do the same thing and start afresh with the same crowd. This is all good stuff apart from the impact on my inbox! I now have about 50 emails a day I have to respond to (so as not to let other artists down) from about ten different sites. Often from the same people!

On a happier note I finally heard the first rough mix of Kiss with Ginny's extra vocal on it today and I love it! Still needs a bit of work but I'm really happy with it.

New stuff with BVs

2009-07-13T11:54:00.001-07:00

Been getting the first results of the work that Ginny and Lucy did on backing vocals and I'm really, really pleased! It's taken a while to edit etc but it's making such a difference. In the past I've always struggled with BVs and generally people, me included, would listen to a mix and say they couldn't hear where BVs would fit. Then came Ginny & Lucy! What Price a Smile, If I, Free and even Cry Blue have all benefited. But the one I'm dying to hear is Kiss. Ginny did a weird counter vocal across the whole track. It might end up sounding too odd, but really hoping it'll add a level of interest and complexity that really works. When we were recording her it sounded like all the 'bruising' within the lyric was brought out.

Another weird thing happened. When Tony was playing around with Ginny's voice he tried tuning it down to my register and it sounded spookily like my voice! Didn't work when we tried tuning my voice up to hers but still pretty interesting.

StereoFame

2009-05-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

Got invited to join this site StereoFame. Not quite sure how it works yet but seems like a good idea, well executed. Will let you know how I get on. Or why not try if your self. The invite came via a Twitter direct message. Another interesting development. If only we had all these tools 20 years ago!!

What Price a Smile (DEMO 2)

2009-04-30T04:21:00.001-07:00

Just posted up latest demo of this track. I have a feeling the finished track needs to be a combination of both demos. Be interested in thoughts.

http://www.reverbnation.com/frankjoshua

Think you need to become a fan to listen to the demos.

Here's my Evolvor.com article in full - The Music Biz Then & Now - Guest Post by Frank Joshua

2009-04-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2009 by Eric Hebert in Branding

Evolvor Article

2009-04-25T15:11:00.003-07:00

Evolvor.com put my article up. You can read it here

Billy Bragg

2009-04-25T15:11:00.001-07:00

It really is quite humbling to see a master at work close up. That was my feeling coming out of the Dublin Castle on Sat night. Billy Bragg was doing what he does best and no else can come close to him doing. One man and his telecaster and some great political tunes delivered with as much humour and feeling as when some of them were written around 30 years ago.

Am going into the studio tomorrow and hope to have some more stuff to put up shortly. But not an easy thing to do when you've just been shown how it can be done without props of any kind.

In praise of Jon Fat Beast

2009-04-25T06:50:00.001-07:00

Back in the day there was a man who appeared to single-handedly lift the excitement levels around new bands coming through Camden Town. His name was, and still is, Jon Fat Beast and without him there would have been much less interest and fun around those of us trying to make it in those days in that part of town. The main residence was the Bull & Gate in Kentish Town and Jon was the Svengali. Having lost touch with him for too many years I've just re-discovered him working the same old magic in Bridlington, Leeds. If you're playing or partying in or near Bridlington, I encourage you to check out whatever has Jon's seal of approval and enjoy. Life needs more Jon's in it and it's very comforting to know he's out there and still at it!

Then and Now

2009-04-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to write something for Evolvor.com on small musical enterprises and the differences between the music biz as it now compared with when I was treading pavements 15-20 years ago.

My first thoughts are that it's as much about how you chose to spend your time now as it was then. In my day we spent so much time making ourselves into a killer live band and trying to get signed. In retrospect I wish we'd spent much more time on creating killer recordings. Today it's clear that you can spend your whole life just social networking and blogging and never actually make a dime. Ironically being a killer live band seems to be the best way to make a living now. And who'd have thought back then how much the power of the major labels would diminish.

Chart update

We seem to have cracked the top 50 and now stand at number 48 in the ReverbNation London Chart. I have a feeling it's completely meaningless but it spurs me on nonetheless. But I'm aware it could be a time consuming distraction. hmmm

52 Today

2009-04-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Keeps going up. No idea why! ReverbNation London Chart

A chart placing!

2009-04-14T03:07:00.000-07:00

For reasons which I confess I don't really understand we seem to be creeping up the ReverbNation London Charts. I first noticed something telling me we were at number 111 last week. Since then we've gone to 95, then 65 and today 57! For all I know there are very few artists eligible and you may not need many, of whatever they're counting to decided placings, to score highly. But it's very heartening to see and thanks to anyone who's done anything to help. And let me know how it works if you find out.

last.fm

2009-04-12T13:56:00.003-07:00

Next stage of this experiment I've put two tracks up on last.fm. Be interesting to see if anyone listens. http://www.last.fm/user/FrankJoshua

Two versions of everything

2009-04-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

Just had a very nice Twitter from someone asking if I've got a CD they could have. (Which is something I should sort - CD Baby any good do people know? Is there a UK equivalent?) This got me thinking. Maybe I could have two versions of each song? One acoustic/melodic and one dance/electro. Stupid and confusing or great idea?

What Price a Smile (DEMO 1)

2009-04-10T00:37:00.000-07:00

So here's the first offering. More dance than electro I feel. Still much work to do. This is only a part of the lyric so more verses etc to come. What you think?

Mad About You (won or too)

2009-04-10T00:15:00.000-07:00

Got two different versions of this song up at the moment. The song will probably be getting the dance/electro treatment soon but before it does I need to make a choice. Views on which you prefer most gratefully received.

Backing Vocals

2009-04-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've always struggled with BVs. Never been good at them myself, no ear for harmony, and never really worked with people good enough to force themselves into the picture before. Then I met Ginny Clee and sister Lucy. Wow! Not only are they great technically and have interesting ideas and voices, they're a joy to work with! And the results are, I think, amazing. They've added a whole new dimension (cliche I know) to the sound as well as some cunning counter melodies. Who knew! http://www.ginnyclee.com/ Examples coming soon.

Reinvention

2009-04-07T00:58:00.000-07:00

I'm finding the process of taking old (in some cases loved) songs of mine and adding Tony's great rhythms to them, more difficult than I imagined I would. I know it's irrational and that I'll get over it but I feel this stupid sense of betrayal. I'm not ever sure what I think I'm betraying! When I'm listening to the process in the studio I get really excited because they sound great. Better than they ever have if I'm honest. But it's weirdly painful to let go. Hope to have some early demos of what I'm talking about to put up soon.

The experiment

2009-04-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Day one. This is going to be a record of my attempts to make some recordings i am proud of

and to see how far I can go with the process.