It is Monday, Monday's are kind of shit sometimes, particularly if you have had a brilliant weekend. I think ours was pretty fantastic. We were back to the studio, it was bass day, and the start of guitar day. It was a long day. I got up at 5am to run her indoors to work (starting at 6), and then went, walked the dogs around the forest for an hour before heading down to Newry for the session.
Not exactly bright eyed and bushy tailed (I had been up since 5), and had been gigging the night before (cover stuff, gotta pay those bills), getting asked to play wonderwall and galway girl until the idea of self-harm or mass murder became strangely appealing.
Anyway, hammering through the tunes, we take a break for lunch and we go to the pub for a quick pint just down the road. Now, this is in the countryside of Newry, a place that is not exactly Metropolitan, to say the least. However, it is 2019, not 1975, we are good right? wrong. 2 minutes in, and we have a very well dressed man, approaching 60, come smiling up to us, asking us if we were from around these parts. That would be a hard no from us, but we are only in for 1 pint, so what is the harm. However, realising the dB shift since we first opened the door, we decide to finish the pints off and head back. As I get into my (English reg) car, I notice a couple of the locals have followed us out and are taking a photo of the car as it leaves. In the words of one of Ireland's most recognisable faces, 'We haven't gone away you know'
Christ the f-ing night.
(Side note: if any of our international readership want the hilarity of this explained in detail, hit me up)
Anyway, here is a really short clip from the studio. We are really trying to push out what Chase the River is and has been about, but keeping the melody front and centre. I have to give a massive shout out the Declan, Pat and Aisling at Take six studios, it is an absolute belter of a studio, and the vibe and the way they make you feel comfortable and at home is a real real credit to them.
OK, soppy shit done with.
What the actual f**k is going on with people these days? My experiences of local music has hit a bit of a low point. So, you know we have a show in Holywood in March? well I was speaking to a couple of guys in the bar we have the show on. And bottom line it is sinking my happiness a bit. Tickets are £15 including a buffet, so not 'cheap' but certainly within reason.
The conversation with the gentleman went along the line of 'why would I pay £15.... blah blah, we have heard it all before'
Fair enough. So here are some economics. This man, and many of the holywood massive, regularly pay £30 round trip taxi to belfast, to hear a cover band and pay £100 in drink. If they eat it is a LOT more. So, realistically, I am a cheaper option. And you are supporting some amazing music.Not just me, but next week I can name 4 shows I would love to get out to see, for a fraction of the cost of 'established' acts. And they are as talented, and you get to know them after, no backstage passes here.
Bottom line, stop being ass holes, support local music, it beats hearing the same tired shit day after day after pint after day after pint.
Insider tip, next week, MAC theatre Belfast, Rebekah Fitch and Reevah, just do it, don't ask questions. Just go, buy tickets.