last week. I was in China Town for my lunch break and spotted a man on the corner disassembling the lanterns that had adorned the streets the previous two weeks for Chinese New Year. I now just have to find homes for them.

I sent a draft of the backing track for Besureis‘ “Selling Dreams” and have the thumbs up for it. I have still some orchestration to do, and of course some guitar to play on it, before I get some vocals recorded. It’s a fantastic song and I had goosebumps when I heard Besureis sing over the backing track when I met them last night for dinner (Thank you Duke, it was super!), a natter, some work and some business. Cheers guys and girl, you rock!

I’ve also decided to turn my cupboard into a singing booth to facilitate cleaner vocal takes (less ambient noise).

I also need to buy some studio monitors and am thinking of either getting the KRK RP6 or the KRK RP5. I can’t decide as the RP6 has better low end response, but it also is quite size-ably larger!

I also need to buy a controller keyboard and am in the process of investigation.

I am hungry. I think I might have some of my mum’s Christmas fruit cake!

Well, actually, the real instigation for this post is this pic that I discovered online googling my name. Yes, I do that on occasion to see what turns up…….

I kinda like this pic cos’ I look like a hard nut! LOL! It was taken from the gig I did in Malaysia last November for “Moonshine” @ The Laundry Bar.

I’ve a draft of the backing track for Besureis and just need to finalize the arrangement and get the right sounds for it. It’s a track that called for some electric guitar and it’s been a while since I picked up that instrument to record. More than 5 years…..

I will be playing more electric from now on. I got a friend, Gerald from Starseed to purchase for me a Blackstar HT Dual (as he has an endorsement deal with them) exactly for that purpose as it has a speaker emulation output that allows me to get the sound of a mic’ed up wall of Marshall 4 x 12’s. That is brilliant as I don’t have to lug said lumps around to achieve that sound and that is the sound I like when I play live with the electric guitar. I like a BIG GEETAR sound!

I’m getting to know Logic Studio better and have bought a software synth called “Zebra 2. I’m thinking of getting Refx Nexus 2 but wonder if I’ll end sounding like everybody else as everybody else has it!

I’m currently putting together the backing track for “Selling Dreams” by Besureis (www.besureis.com) and I’m loving it!

Kong Xi Fa Cai everyone!

Not that I’m not venturing out today. I have things to do in the center of London. Then I shall return in the afternoon to sit by my computer and do some experimenting with some remixes. A couple to be specific. “It’s Not Your Fate” and “*T Baby*“.

The last 3 weeks has been an intense learning period for me and I’m getting to know “Logic Audio” better. My ears are being trained to be more discerning, more aware, of equalisation, the quality of audio, the subtle but significant differences in types of compressors, reverb et cetera. I am loving it.

It has meant that I have not been gigging or singing much. I tried a week or so ago and found my throat unable to hit the notes that my mind and soul were singing. Yup, the spirit and intention were true, but the flesh was weak. Lol!

I don’t feel compelled to perform at the moment but will do so when I have a brace of fresh new songs under my belt. I’ve also an EP to finish….. errr…… ok…. an EP to start!

Slaterz!

I haven’t gigged in a while but I feel good about taking a break. Yes, I am diligently get to grips with Logic Studio 9. I’m also downloading loads of drum samples and investigating other synth sounds for EXS24.

I leave you with a favourite….. the one and only Tommy Emmanuelle… a living legend!

I am currently getting to know Logic Audio Studio 9. It’s a fantastic program and I’m enjoying the learning.

I have some writing, programming, recording and mixing work ahead. Not my own venture, but an exciting collaboration with “Besureis“.

Yes, I have a deadline for my EP too. April 1st. A bit later that I would have liked but better late than never.

Cheers!

This year has a lot in store for me. It is good to be able to have this time, this life to experience this journey.

Whatever your journey, I wish you the very best. ‘Today’ is the time that counts. May this day and every ‘today’ be the very best to you.

I love it.

I have no family to visit this Christmas. Usually I do, but this year some relatives are chilling and others in faraway lands where the mighty sun bids a steamy Christmas.

So instead, I am going to celebrate Christmas with some fellow homeless bodies. Bodies with nowhere to go as families are in lands yonder, some asunder.

Lunch looks fantastic. Here’s the menu:

Starters 2:00
Canapes
Hot spicy punch
(alcohol free)

LUNCH 2:30
Cucumber Soup
Warmed Breads

Bon-Bon Snaps & Party Hats

MAIN COURSE 3:00
Roasted Crown of Turkey
Slow Roasted Lamb
Sage & Onion Stuffing
Roast Potatoes
Creamed Parsnips with Nutmeg
Carrot and Swede Mash
Steamed Green French Beans & Asparagus
Bread Sauce
Cranberry Sauce
Gravy a la Razzle

PUDDING
Untraditional Christmas Pudding Von Tex!
(this comes with a warning… LOOK OUT!)
Brandy Butter
Double Whipped Cream
Vanilla Bean Ice-Cream
Mince Pies
Stollen
Oranges Fruit Bowl

PREZZIE SWAP
(see below for deets)

Cheese & Crackers
Arabica Café
(+ Tea, Diet 7-Up, Punch etc)

Sparkling Mineral Water
&
Dark Chocolate Pralines

Well, my Christmas present to myself came early. I went to the Apple Store on 18th December and purchased a 15″ MacBook Pro and Logic Audio Studio. It’s a luxury and a work tool. A luxury to work on, and my studio for writing, producing, recording, and my office. My poor iMac is giving up the ghost. It is complaining, misfiring and generally tired and slow.

So there, that’s me for now. I bid you all a FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS!

is cold. The first of snow has fallen in the swirling of gusty winds. A forecast of sub-zero temperatures for the next 48 hours. Winter has arrived.

I played a gig tonight. It was for the homeless at St. Mungo’s in Covent Garden. It was fantastic. I really enjoyed it. The audience very receptive and appreciative. I declared my love for my mum and dedicated a song to her; “The Queen of Everything” of course!

The Dash kicked up a storm too. As did a favorite of mine, Charlie of “The Coolness“.

The bubble of water in my eye has not receded and I will visit the Western Eye Hospital again tomorrow morning, weather permitting, for a second opinion. I’ve been there before and in reality, this is the fourth diagnosis I am seeking as first I had was in Malaysia, then another from my GP when I arrived back in London, then the Western Eye Hospital. I have tried to research this online and feel it might be some diagnosis other than “water retention”.

Some other things on my list for tomorrow is a visit to the Levi’s store in Regent Street. I seem to have grown out of my desire to have my jeans hanging on my hips that give an illusion of a longer body, to having it slightly higher. I have been wearing this new pair of high waisted jeans this for the last 3 weeks (yes, I have washed them every week) as I can’t bring myself to don my old 507’s.

Another thing on my list is a visit to the Apple Store also in Regent Street to configure my laptop and possibly bring it home tomorrow. I was a bit hesitant as it will cost me around £1500, software included. I do however feel the urge to start remixing, recording, producing, writing and generally being artistically creative.

Today has been a good day. I am grateful.

I must profess my love for “The Cardigans“!