tag:chasetheriver.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=2Latest News2020-07-06T09:01:13+01:00Chase The Riverfalsetag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/63771752020-07-06T09:01:13+01:002020-07-06T09:02:43+01:00Finally here! & the 1st review<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/b679bb16807f4811795f06b7f4498e6a4ad6af88/original/self-cover.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Let's keep this one short. I am super happy to be able to release the new EP TODAY!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here is the link for that....</p>
<p><a contents="NEW EP CLICK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4O5PdlF4QqYaNOCjov35kt?si=hboLt2qoQHauDXvlMn3Syg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/4O5PdlF4QqYaNOCjov35kt?si=hboLt2qoQHauDXvlMn3Syg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you want to read about it before you listen to it... because reasons, then here is the first review from "The other side reviews"</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.theothersidereviews.com/chase-the-river-we-were-giants-2020/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theothersidereviews.com/chase-the-river-we-were-giants-2020/" target="_blank">https://www.theothersidereviews.com/chase-the-river-we-were-giants-2020/</a></p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/63293152020-05-25T13:05:17+01:002020-05-26T14:22:15+01:00We were Giants - the new ctr EP<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/b679bb16807f4811795f06b7f4498e6a4ad6af88/original/self-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_" />It is finally here, but in no single way the way I imagined it...<br><br>We were giants is a new, 5 track EP, that, for the first time in my musical career, is fully self recorded, self produced, and self mastered. It has been a learning curve unlike any other I have faced.<br><br>And the REALLY strange thing about this? We have 5 more songs absolutely ready to release which we recorded down at Take 6 studios.<br>Don't worry, those songs are going to come out pretty soon, but looking back, I have to stop and wonder what the hell I was thinking.<br><br>I think in part, that there has been a relatively significant absence on my part, both in terms of releasing music, and generally interacting with the world, which is on me.<br><br>So, coming back from the cold, I wanted to make something absolutely personal, and absolutely challenging. I cannot think of a better representation of this than sitting behind the desk and in front of it simultaneously.I questioned every decision 5,000,000 more times than I would if I was working with a producer. Every guitar tone, every decision in the mix, everything was scrutinised. <br>One of the songs, 'magic in a world of infinite sadness', went through 27 mixes before i settled on the one you will hear. (For the record, everything from mix 5 onwards was about the same, these were micro adjustments).<br><br>So, what do we have now? Well it is already up online with the gods of the internet, pre-orders will start soon, and I am just really looking forward to sharing it all with you, there are 5 songs so incredibly personal. The first song, 'Just a show', I wrote over 10 years ago, and it never got played, it lived with me in the basement of my mind, and suddenly, in the moments of piecing this together, it just fit perfectly to what I was trying to say.<br><br>At the last minute I decided to add an acoustic b-side called 'brother', as really this EP marks a return after almost 2 years away, and for the first time, I am releasing music without my good friend who passed away. This song, was written shortly after that, and I felt it was incredibly important to finish this EP with my thoughts with him.<br><br>So stick around, enjoy the EP when it comes out, if it means this much to me, I hope it will mean just a little to you.<br> </p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/56586042019-02-26T10:17:42+00:002019-02-26T10:20:44+00:00What the actual f**k is going on here?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/68d6aa8815b33b4824c27d56d2c4a8736a718e3d/original/untitled-design-35.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/68d6aa8815b33b4824c27d56d2c4a8736a718e3d/original/untitled-design-35.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" />I mean, seriously, I know I should have a word with myself on a regular basis, because you know, and I know, the issues are getting diagnoseable at this point. But this picture comes with a tale.</p>
<p>Funnily, I have had this, and a few other masks, sitting around for a while now, but they have never seen the light of day. They are for a new series of music videos which we are gonna be getting stuck into making very soon. The reason these are only coming out to play now, is all down to a man called Chris Molloy.</p>
<p>For the uninitiated, Chris Molloy is the frontman of Chris Molloy and the Zang, who are very very worth checking out. (Seriously, remember yesterday I went bickies for not supporting local, independent music, here is your chance).</p>
<p>Anyway, I was in the Spaniard in Belfast, catching the Ciaran Lavery set at output. I got introduced to Chris through a mutual friend and we got to talking. It was clear he didn't know me from Adam, until my friend mentioned I played in Chase the River. Instantly he remembered the front of Infinite worlds, you know, the whole murder vibe we had going on. Now, like I said, these masks have been kicking around for a while, but honestly, my self confidence has never allowed me to go full metal jacket on some of the things I have wanted to do, living in a safe space, writing and playing music I think people want to hear.</p>
<p>But, seemingly, the first time I ever ventured out into the abyss of my own creation and ambition as an artist, is the one time it stuck securely in the memory.</p>
<p>So, I sunk the better part of a bottle of rum, found these and got creative.</p>
<p>The irony is now is the prefect time, they were designed for other tunes, but what we are doing now, is the perfect backdrop to the new theme we are going to be running with, and running hard.</p>
<p>Please, if you see me going back to being my introverted, safe self, kick me.</p>
<p>Also, a reminder from yesterday, support local music, Today's lesson is Chris Molloy and the Zang.</p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/56584072019-02-25T15:17:40+00:002019-02-25T15:17:40+00:00A sneak peak from the studio, and a rant about supporting local music, and drinking in a provo bar..<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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'</p>
<p>Christ the f-ing night.</p>
<p>(Side note: if any of our international readership want the hilarity of this explained in detail, hit me up)</p>
<p>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.<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="JFjRUXuK-R4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/JFjRUXuK-R4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JFjRUXuK-R4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>OK, soppy shit done with.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The conversation with the gentleman went along the line of 'why would I pay £15.... blah blah, we have heard it all before'</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Insider tip, next week, MAC theatre Belfast, Rebekah Fitch and Reevah, just do it, don't ask questions. Just go, buy tickets.</p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/56514382019-02-20T10:31:00+00:002019-02-20T10:50:02+00:002019 - Busy and Breaking<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/9e02b1a1d8a233bdf79f4b02eeb2982d54439ccb/original/breaking.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />It is the end of February nearly... How the actual f**k did that happen?</p>
<p>I mean, I have known for a long time that my grasp on time is, at best, at times, pretty shit, but this is ridiculous. So what has been going on? Well, in truth, I can feel myself losing a little bit of grip on things. Now, I am not actually sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. There is a load of writing, gigging, just generally being busy as hell. I have moved house, I quit/got fired from the part-time job I was doing (not sure what happened there, the guy was an asshat, but I will fill you all in on that at another time), so yeah, a LOT of shit has been up in the air.</p>
<p>Now, before you all get worried that Stuart is in need of an intervention, there has been some absolute awesomeness.</p>
<p>So, after the barge gig, we realised we had tried something really different, the songs were bigger, there were riffs, there was a lot of noise, and honestly, we had a blast, and more importantly, so did everyone who came to the gig.</p>
<p>But there was a problem, we don't have a huge amount of music that is like this for you to listen to. So, Stuart picked up the phone to Declan Legge, a man I have not been in a room with in a long time. Declan has been off doing awesome things with Jealous of the Birds and co. But shit needed doing, shit gets done.</p>
<p>So we have hit up the practice room, writing, practicing and recording. Now, I have read 'the secret', and for the record, I think it is to the power of positive thinking, what '50 shades of grey' is to erotic novels. In truth, it's shit, just dumb enough to sell millions of copies (looking at you Justin Beiber). But yes, work hard, focus, and good things happen, cue International songwriting competition, where Chase the River made the Semifinal, maybe the final (let's wait and see). But yeah, and we are hitting up the gigs again soon, 1st off in March at Alexanders in Holywood. Between now and then, we are gonna be back in the studio, making new, big tunes for your delectation.</p>
<p>But for now, here is a picture of me, looking kinda fucked up. Because the wider world is kinda fucked up, the matrix is breaking and we just need good tunes and good news, so keep that in mind.</p>
<p> </p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/55422072018-12-06T13:33:45+00:002018-12-06T13:33:45+00:00Which Way named 'Track of the week' on Pure M<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://issuu.com/puremzine/docs/puremzinenov16" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/6f4b59141f2620bcfbf44f68e97de790b7d79ac4/original/img-20181116-130059-196.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></a>Which way was named track of the week, and got a rather tasty review which you can read below. Or, click the picture to read the magazine for loads of goings on in the music scene.</p>
<p>Fronted by Northern Irish artist Stuart Lunn, Belfast-based folk rock act Chase the River has been bouncing around the scene for the better part of half a decade now and in that time has succeeded in spawning a sizable assortment of acclaimed material as well as putting on a plethora of well-received shows on both sides of the Atlantic and winning a nomination for “Best Irish Act” at our very own Pure M Awards in 2015. </p>
<p>Most recently though, Lunn unveiled an enlivening new single that’s said to deal with the existentialism of life in the 21st century and the absurdities witnessed in modern society. Recorded at Snug Records recording studio in North Carolina and titled “Which Way”, it commences with a captivatingly cool riff which establishes a stirring atmosphere ahead of the hushed but haunting harmony of the mellow introductory verse. </p>
<p>The music and melody grow considerably more vigorous going into the grippingly energetic first chorus, after which the torch is passed to another alluringly light stanza. The ambience remains affecting moving forward from here as the whole thing trots thoughtfully towards an enticingly pleasant yet powerful instrumental exhibition that starts at the end of third minute and goes on to guide the proceedings to a suitably introspective stopping point. </p>
<p>The result is a remarkably moving and amiable folk rock offering from Chase the River that’s full of feeling and fervour. Its accessible combination of cordial yet impactful instrumentation and engrossingly slick and spirited vocals is likely to seduce a large listenership</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can find the song on spotify by clicking the picture below:</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6bOc21vXwiIMX82exDkW6K" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/6d752a6bcaab0b2c6382544bd568c4e457e58274/original/ctr-profil-pic-august-18.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>4:02Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/55210992018-11-20T12:59:32+00:002018-11-20T12:59:32+00:00Chase the River at the Barge - New Video<p>Saturday the 17th November, We played the Belfast Barge in Belfast. It was our very first time in the venue, but by god, it will not be the last. we wheeled out a whole bunch of new Chase the River songs, trying to give you gives as much of an insight into what 2019 is going to sound like with us as we can. Robb Murphy did an as ever fantastic job (he is just off a European tour so he was tight that a ducks a**. But special mention needs to go to one Mssr Daryl McCabe who was having his first ever original gig. And what a show it was, you would swear he had been doing it for years.</p>
<p>Thanks to Stuart McChesney for shooting one of our latest tunes, a wee song called split, have a listen to it here and let us know what you think in the comments. And big thanks to all you guys for coming, we just had room for a bit of dancing by the end of this, so that made us feel all warm and fuzzy that the Chase the River family is growing. Until next time.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="yLQCXqBRbFw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/yLQCXqBRbFw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yLQCXqBRbFw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/50777952018-02-13T23:31:41+00:002018-02-13T23:32:30+00:00Infinite Worlds Launch Party confirmed!<p>So yeah, I am pretty shit at updating this blog thing, I just realised in 2017 I did not post once! well, that was awful of me, especially considering how many quite frankly awesome things have happened to me, and Chase the River as a whole.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/ea4ad5932e5b5e1928e349a378ff5059ea41cf02/medium/ctr-profile-pic.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>In any case, I am back now with quite a big bit of news! So I went to America (No biggie, but plenty of stories to tell you, because it is a fucking big thing in my career). There I was supporting Bassh (who are awesome, go look them up, I will tell you tales later) and doing a bit of recording. I met my brother from another mother out there, the one, the only Leonardo Solis. We got to work and we managed some rather spectacular stuff, some of which I am releasing this April for you to wrap your ears around.</p>
<p>Forgive my bragging but it is sounding awesome, seriously fucking awesome, I could not be physically happier if I wanted a pony and one of those little bastards was sitting under a Christmas tree for me with a little bow on it. </p>
<p>When we were out there we played with some music gear that I have only ever actually seen in pictures, retro moog, wurlitzers, rickenbackers, you name it, i got to play with it (google omnichords, and be amazed). But the fun bit was, this stuff is not 'chase the river' stuff, it is electronic, it is synth, it is different. And what we did in America was very different. Anyway I am going to be launching this in Belfast at the Black Box on the 6th of April. This is being released in conjunction with my good friends over at Pop Up, who are massive supporters of the local music scene, you can check them out<a contents=" here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.popuporiginal.com" target="_blank"> here.</a></p>
<p>I am being supported at the Launch by Wanderers and Brash Isaac who blow me away every time I see them, so it is sure to be a good night all together. You can buy tickets directly from me by <a contents="clicking here" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows">clicking here</a>, and I would be obliged if you would. We are GIVING AWAY the single for every single one of you who arrives, plus £2 from every single sale goes to charity. So in summary, fucking awesome music, for charity and you get your music sent to you for free..... awesome.</p>
<p>Anyways enough of my bullshit for now, I will return presently with some tales from the road, For I have many. Until then, don't kill anyone.</p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/44657172016-11-14T16:32:26+00:002016-11-14T16:32:26+00:00Help Musicians Launch & the Belfast TakeoverWhat a positive thing this world can be!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/2f395b1db4aef6b82bfbe5cf43c66b8b64d84f94/medium/15032245-1110621995717646-1002972616667449085-n.jpg?1479141025" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br><br>Northern Ireland I always view as a bit of an enigma, well probably all of Ireland of I am honest. Per head of capita I have no doubt we are one of the most talented little congregations on the planet. We built the Delorean, in Dunmurry, which is tiny. We have amazing film studios, responsible for Game of Thrones and loads of Blockbuster films, STAR WARS for god's sake! We have leading IT companies, it is everything really, and there is barely anybody here. <br><br>Music is the same, the sheer volume of (serious f-ing) talent on this island is unreal. But venues have always been lacking. Going back in the day, there were loads, and it was too prominent. Stiff little fingers, Snow patrol, Foy Vance, Silences, Jealous of the birds, SOAK, Bap Kennedy (R.I.P). It is unreal but the fight to be heard has been real.<br><br>Then my good friend Declan Legge made an announcement. Help Musicians were coming to town to set up shop. And they have just finished their 9 day launch. They help fund musicians, they chair panels addressing the real issues in the music industry, from venues, to protecting your hearing, offering support and advice on (basically) everything that a musician could need help with. They have a large focus as well on mental health, which I am over the moon about. As you know I have explained my real struggles with this and it's need for musicians to address this problem, which is part of life for so many artist types, just <a contents="read the articles around this here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/metal-science/over-60-of-musicians-suffer-from-mental-health-issues-according-to-one-study" target="_blank">read the articles around this here</a> So during the launch I was fortunate enough to get along to couple of the panels, the gigs and be involved in the #hmnitakeover where stages were set up across the city to expose people in a BIG way to the fact that we are legion, for we are many in this city. I set up in Castlecourt shopping centre with a 360 degree PA and an ever growing crowd. It was great as well to get some of the songs off the yet to be released album out and sound boarded again. I want to thank all the staff at Help musicians for investing in our wee country, for all the volunteers, all the photographers, sound guys, everyone. It is great to see local music making its long overdue return to the centre stage in the hearts and minds of the Northern Irish, outside of our yearly culture night.<br><br>Go to help musicians website as well to see how you can get involved in a most worthwhile of causes. <a contents="You can find them here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk" target="_blank">You can find them here</a>, but until the next time, you guys just keep doing EXACTLY what you have been doing.Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/44122322016-10-10T16:15:00+01:002017-01-13T01:38:45+00:00Inside "Recycle your regrets"With the recording for the new LP, 'Recycle your regrets' kicking off, I thought it was a good time to tell you a little bit more about the record.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/b75a733da296bebc0ed17e33a0ef28aa2e7f8d78/original/recycle.png?1476112433" class="size_l justify_left border_" />Many of you I know have read through my recent post about how I have lived with depression and anxiety these last few years and probably have a good understanding of how my head works from time to time. This new record is something very close to home and I think that is going to come through.<br><br>As I have said many many times in the past I never give out the specifics of what exactly each song I write is about, I am a firm believer that a person can take something entirely different awn from a song and I would hate to jeopardise this, I do like people to know where I have been during the <em>process</em> of writing it. <br><br>I am just out of a reasonably long relationship, it happens, things go wrong. Now this is always a time of heightened emotions, you can fill your day thinking about what you did right, what you did wrong. There can be an almost constant cycle of playing things out over and over again and it can almost be fun to fantasise about how things would have been different.... If only.....<br><br>But again, I have always been reluctant to get into specifics of a relationship in a song. It is not fair to anyone. Imagine I start naming and shaming bad dates, lies told, I think as a song writer you have a vicious power to hurt people and I never EVER want to do that. That being said these songs are a collection, and they are (bar one on the LP) almost unanimously using this (now broken) relationship as a grounding. Of course I have not written them all during the break-come-breakup and some of them have been put together whilst we were together, and I really think this will give a great arch of a relationship, from middle to end anyway.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/a1780272ca12934ddea9e9191391cbeebe21a347/medium/recycleyourregrets.png?1474538793" class="size_m justify_right border_" /> If you want the 'start' I would strongly suggest you listen to the very FIRST EP, particularly 4am, where distance and time were keeping us apart.<br><br><br>I would stress by the way that this is not a vengeful work I am looking at producing, I want to show just how some of my emotions flared, how late nights turned into all night writing, and how regret can mar otherwise happy memories.<br><br><br>In recording it, Declan and I have had some really good chats about where we want this to go. We don't want 'basic' and this is certainly going to be the biggest Chase the River product since the project began (there will be cellos, fiddles, real old pianos, a double bass, and then some more) but we also want vintage. We want this to be an LP that people can reminisce over, can take and hear and have it resonate within them. We are getting some seriously vintage pics, instruments, and making it as warm as we can and I am truly the most excited I have ever been to get this ready for you.<br><br><br>There will be loads of updates and photos and everything as the journey progresses but in the meantime, take care and we will speak before long.Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/44121332016-10-10T14:12:30+01:002019-05-22T08:25:02+01:00Opening up about Mental health<p>Ok so a little bit off the normal theme of the page. <br>I have been seeing a lot of posts recently regarding mental health in people these days, in particular around handling depression and anxiety and I have decided now is a tip-top time to share a wee bit about me. </p>
<p>Over the past 5 years I have been diagnosed and treated for depression and ridiculous amount of anxiety, from panic attacks upwards and I wanted to share a little bit about what that actually has been like to live with, and dealing with it on a day to day basis as I thin it is an incredibly unknown issue amongst young people today, and a growing issue, if my experience or thoughts on the subject help one person than this has been a worthwhile thing to have done. </p>
<p>Firstly I want to talk about what people ‘view’ depression as being. There is this Hollywood picture of it as being ‘withdrawn’ and unable to socialise normally, and crying whilst looking out a window watching the rainfall on a lonely night. Now I am not saying that these things do NOT happen, but that is not the reality that the majority of people I know, or I, have faced whilst dealing with our own depression. Some people call what I have as ‘highly functional depression’ or ‘normalised anxiety’ and I think this is something a lot of people deal with. </p>
<p>For starters I rarely cry…. When I was diagnosed I had been fighting for years with a lot of issues, the death of my father, difficult relationships at home, a divorce, but I was also doing my day job, every day, without fail. Many of my friends view me as the joker in the room, the real energy that could lighten up a room, and I loved that… But it was not strictly true. </p>
<p>My highly functional anxiety took the form of a little voice, we all have them (hopefully not just me) who forms your internal dialogue… Mine was, and is still, a vicious little bastard who gets in the way of everything I tried to do. </p>
<p>It is a constant dialogue in your head, circling round and round telling you that “You are worthless, you are not good enough, you are a bad friend, why would anybody love you?, you are pathetic, whatever you do will be terrible, so why try….” The list is fairly endless, and the above is some of the nicer ones… </p>
<p>Now you have to understand what this dialogue does to your day to day life… Simple things, like really basic, easy things, become impossible. You keep yourself eternally busy to not have to deal with things and in the end get nothing done. You fill your day with anything, running, training, writing, showering, tv, you lie to yourself and tell yourself it is for fun, it is for productivity, it is what you want. The saddest reality is that it is nothing more than an itinerary designed out of desperation to distract your brain from the noise in your head, the 200mph never ending noise. </p>
<p>And on the outside, I am calm, nobody else hears it. </p>
<p>These are 24 hour panic attacks, hidden so well behind smiles. Anyone close to me who you spoke to would describe me as busy, so busy working towards my dreams. And yes, to a point that is true, but a lot of it is merely misdirection. </p>
<p>Whilst I am busy I also avoid so much, so many basic things. Emails, easy friendly ones, can take weeks, and to this day I do not know why, I just sometimes can’t deal with them. I rarely answer my phone, very rarely actually, even if I am sitting on the sofa, don’t get me wrong, I will phone you back, but when I am ready, 30 minutes later. I will let things pile up rather than reach out for help. </p>
<p>Part of it is a fear to say the wrong thing, and I do occasionally, I think we all do. The problem is when I do, it wrecks my head for days, weeks, years. Now my father died 12 years ago this year, and I can still vividly recall arguments, things I said etc which still feel as raw as when he had only passed 6 months before. When I am in conflict with something, work, a friend, family member, I play out the worst case scenario over and over and over again until I can feel my heart pounding in my chest…. It is relentless. </p>
<p>So how do I deal with this? </p>
<p>I don’t all the time. </p>
<p>Sometimes, like whilst I am writing this, it is hell, a genuine hell. The difference is that I sought the help required to help me deal with it. I have control mechanisms in place to help me through things and if anything, I have learned to channel it and retieve a sense of normality in my life. </p>
<p>For those of you who are not ready seek ‘professional’ help or don’t think it would help in any case, let me break down a few of the lessons I have learned, hopefully it will help. </p>
<p>You need to admit, if only to yourself what you have depression or anxiety, call it out for what it is, there is absolutely no shame in it, none, nada, you will find out soo many more people you know have struggled with it, or indeed are stuggling with it. It is the validation of your feelings that will prove to be a massive help. You may not feel you are enough, or will ever be enough, admitting you need help doesn’t confirm the inner voices opinion of you, if anything it strengthens you to shout back at them that YOU ARE worth it. </p>
<p>I know that one of my biggest struggles is social media. Everywhere I look, everyone has it together, doing brilliantly, better than me anyway, their shit is locked up tight and I know I am a blubbering mess… I want you to realise though that is the futility of Facebook, of Social media. Everything we read is a projected persona of a reality we want to convey. Instagram filters hide the spots, holiday photos and inspiring quotes are not peoples deepest, darkest secrets, it is not the voices. God knows I do it all the time, because ‘why the hell would anyone else want to hear about how I feel today’. </p>
<p>We can get out and talk about this, and speak to friends, family, and you will be amazed how far you can come out of this. </p>
<p>Depression and Anxiety are silent killers, they ruin lives. The “bad” news is that it is rarely a fight you are ever ‘done’ with, anxiety is not the flu, it takes willpower, it takes daily fighting, however when you give it it’s real name, and find a place for it in your existence, and stop letting it ride rough shot over your life, it can get awesome… </p>
<p>I do hope that this is relatable to at least one person, please leave a comment or share it for other people to read, you just never know who you might help by doing it.Thanks for reading. Feel free to message me here and I will be happy to have a chat.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/c6408b6571cb3609789ce112da6fbf4d16ff6eaa/large/nobody-realisesthat-some-peopleexpend-a-huge-amountof-energy.png?1476105099" class="size_xl justify_left border_" /></p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/43846342016-09-22T11:19:46+01:002017-01-13T01:38:45+00:00#recycleyourregrets <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/a1780272ca12934ddea9e9191391cbeebe21a347/medium/recycleyourregrets.png?1474538793" class="size_m justify_left border_" />So what has been happening? Well I am really getting very excited! Not just by this news but just generally in life. The last few months have seen things really start to go well, I have been blessed to meet some amazing new people, people who have given me both perspective and drive and focus. As such I have assembled the best songs I have written over the last year or so and am incredible excited to announce that I will be back in the studio recording a new LP called "Recycle your regrets. It has been a difficult decision what to focus on with this record. But I will do my best to explain, without naming names to those who would not appreciate it.<br><br>This album is focusing a lot on some of my biggest regrets, failed relationships and broken plans. Also touches on some family stuff and the difficult situations I have found myself in. To summarise for those of you not in the loop I have managed to totally f**k up a lot of good things in my life, a marriage, some long term relationships, some more recently than I care to talk about. And I have decided rather than to closet these things away to harness these experiences, the good bits and the bad bits, and come to a point of introspection. Now before you think this is gonna be some kind of absolutely depressing piece of 'Oh my God have you ever smiled' sort of release I promise it isn't. I am just using the experience to give what is going to be probably the most honest collection of songs I have ever done. In every album or EP I have ever put out there has always been a certain song or songs that have held a really deep meaning to me, but in this case it is start, middle and ending. <p> </p>Excited to be back in the studio with Declan Legge at Big space studios, but there is also going to be a change to the style of how we record and indeed the players. First off I have a collection of some of the finest musicians in Northern Ireland on this, with Keith Conway on Drums, Aran Glover doing Keys, with Cello, Double bass and fiddle all making an appearance. It is going to be a big, organic, natural sound and something I am already too excited about.<br><br>We got the guide tracks down on Tuesday night which is where we got this little shot taken. It is the first time I have heard these tracks 'together' and I can already see too many places I want to take this record. Now it is going to be released (pencil the date) in around April/May 2017 and there are going to be loads of updates to follow as we all go through this journey, together.<br><br>For now though I would like to share the (provisional) cover with you, I think it is a fair summary of how this is going to sound, in the form of a picture... of a teddy bear.<br><br>Speak soon guys<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/8df54534a83b1a0deab94763c687f6ff97352edc/large/floarine-14.png?1474538858" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/43603802016-09-07T12:01:59+01:002017-01-13T01:38:45+00:00The Copenhagen Songwriters AdventureSo a few months ago I was asked to perform at the Copenhagen Songwriters festival, a great privilege and one of these things that filled me with a certain amount of dread. I did the usual thing, looked<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/74122b14c5c321358c91264caf81bc64ee3c0ded/small/20160831-184112-hdr-2.jpg?1473245851" class="size_s justify_left border_" /> through the guys playing, the artists etc and quickly realised I was playing with the big boys now.<br><br>Anyway I travelled down to Dublin to fly out the day before the gig, and meet my host for the 2 nights I was staying, Jon. What a lovely guy, a greenpeace activist and we really hit it off. Had a few of the local delicacies (beers)<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/6918d61ec44256b8c02f1d112530e1cd9d5da2fd/small/20160901-170700-hdr-2.jpg?1473245851" class="size_s justify_right border_" /> and a meal before calling it an early night. During the day of the festival my strong wanderlust kicked in as I adventured, map free, around Copenhagen for 4-5 hours to clear my head. Firstly what a beautiful city, too many places could have stolen my attention for hours but as I walked around, taking in the sights of the city, it was something else that came over me.<br><br>That thing was a massive wave of gratitude and happiness at the world. I have not had the easiest couple of years, months, or even weeks leading up to the festival, with a lot of personal things in absolute turmoil, the failing of a relationship, arguments with friends, long <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/f173968b2b8b0599bacd441b802c74dbdb4a82db/medium/20160902-143657-hdr-2.jpg?1473245872" class="size_m justify_left border_" />hours and late nights, I travelled in one of the worst moods and places emotionally I had been in a long time. But looking around I realised just how blessed I truly was. I write songs, plain and simple, and I LOVE doing that.... and in doing that, I get to see new parts of the world and do my thing, Chase the River is that thing and it humbles me the experiences my life has had through that, and the experiences I have gotten to share with people on my travels.<br><br>Anyway, lost in the Botanical gardens I finally make my way back to the festival, ready to setup and perform. Before the show I get a beer and sit down and am instantly approached by the Norwegian band Myrull, and what an absolutely class bunch of people they were, so open, warm and friendly. We were <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/502aa6157b7b4217ee4c32f6c3dc8cec26ce8131/small/20160903-104827-2.jpg?1473245876" class="size_s justify_left border_" />joined by Elona Planmann who was playing after me on the same stage. Elona has been on tour for 3 years and the stories and general laughter we had was just really uplifting.<br><br>As I went onto the stage I have this mental idea to change the whole set list, to really throw some of the newer tunes in here and there, no risk, no reward right? The crowd were awesome, so appreciative of the music I was playing and I had an absolute blast. Afterwards I got speaking to loads of people who really were so kind and generous with their comments.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/e471bfce6e9eef9e3fe8d9993240f35403ef858c/medium/img-20160902-wa0008.jpeg?1473245881" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br><br>Afterwards, Myrull, Jon, Elona and I sat and had a few beers, listened to LOADS of class sets before calling it a night.<br><br>The next morning I travelled back to Dublin, whilst agreeing to take a gig that night whilst in Copenhagen Airport, made it with 10 minutes to spare, hungover, tired, but ready to have a blast.<br><br>The whole trip was really such a blessing. I have made new friends and will see them again as I really have the hunger now to go out and get more of the world seen on the back of playing a guitar and singing. Now we are back in the 'real' world there are loads of exciting projects about to kick off and the gigs are coming in thick and fast, gonna be a class 2016, gonna make sure of it.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/ac34bb96c597e746eb18cb98dbe1ab8e26f49a6f/large/20160903-222749-2.jpg?1473245831" class="size_xl justify_right border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/abab15743bd459b4d6281462f92ffc269d6ebcd1/large/20160902-140111-hdr.jpg?1473245854" class="size_xl justify_left border_" />Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/43094752016-08-04T14:23:21+01:002016-08-04T14:23:21+01:00SPG TVStrange thing the internet.....<br><br>A few months ago I got a present in the form of a Nessie USB Mic from Blue. Being the eternal tinkerer that I am I decided to have some fun with it and record a slightly offbeat cover. Fast forward and Joe.ie pick up on it and share it out, 5,000 views later and I get an email from the Student Pocket Guide, a fairly large YouTube Channel. They asked me to perform on their show 2 songs, a cover and an original.<br><br>So off I trot to Big Space Studios, a favourite hideout of mine, to get the takes done.<br><br>And so here the cover is. the original is going through video editing as we speak and will be up soon, so keep checking back on that.<br><br>And enjoy!<br> <p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zAXnjTWPT3s" width="560"></iframe></p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/40077292016-01-26T11:29:53+00:002016-01-26T11:29:53+00:00#Save the sunflower awareness nightSo on the 23rd of January (last Saturday) we were delighted to be involved in the awareness night for saving the sunflower.<br><br>The night kicked off with the wonderful David McCann. David normally is to be found with the Sandrunners but donned his acoustic hat and gave us a lovely show, with the audience standing up and taking notice.<br><br>Robb Murphy continued with his band in support and again, just awesome. Then ourselves and Tony Villiers rounded out the night. We have a good crowd and more people signing the petition to keep this bar alive. It is one of the cultural hubs within belfast for music and it would be a disgrace to see it disappear.<br><br>One of our lovely fans sent us through this video from the night which we thought we would share with you in case you were not through the doors.<br> <p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfTOWqPlt9Y&feature=youtu.be</p>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/39676122015-12-25T14:35:25+00:002015-12-25T14:35:25+00:00Merry Christmas everyoneSo here we are! Christmas 2015, and what a year it has been. This is gonna be really short and sweet, just a quick Merry Christmas and thank you to you all for your support, your kind wishes and wishing you and yours a great Christmas and 2016!<br><br>Have a good one<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZnLe6p-uCb0" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ZnLe6p-uCb0/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZnLe6p-uCb0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/39629582015-12-14T10:29:10+00:002017-01-13T01:38:45+00:00A quick Break, now back to workChristmas is looming..... I think it is ok to say that now, with only a couple of weeks to go....<br><br>So what have we been doing? Not a lot is the short answer. Stuart has had a few gigs in bars as this is the season for work dos and parties.<br><br>Besides, the week before in the studio really was a tiring time and it was a good time to take stock and reflect. This has become a most welcome practice for us and something, watching the world, we could all learn a thing or two from. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/bb03a09c745e38310dfe509226e688ac3d48b500/large/12243556-856924071087441-4769773454820120237-n.jpg?1450088895" class="size_l justify_right border_medium" alt="Sometimes Chase the River just need to Chill out" />In this modern day in age, you can keep yourself so busy that you can quickly burn out. This is a grossly overuse phrase, normally referring to when you go out for a night out with work the next day. Yeah ok, you will be tired, but this is something deeper, and a lot harder to shake.<br><br>As working musicians the struggle is real. Both Lizzie and Stuart work during the day and gig, practice and write, record, everything, during their spare time. So quickly you have no spare time.... ever.....<br><br>Stuart in particular took 5 days off this week to spend time with his partner who was graduating, and her family over from Holland. Coming into this break he worked EVERY DAY for over a month, between gigs, the studio, writing, editing, and his day job. Now he is back, and things are going to ramp straight back up to busy. We have got the tracks back from the studio, ready for the final day, so planning out the new tracking to be done and putting the final touches to the whole thing, ready for the release in March.<br><br>And of course, loads more gigs, a few parties before Christmas and enjoying this time of year.<br><br>Remember in the meantime we are giving away tunes for free in the lead in to all this so why not grab a copy and start getting excited for the new tunes coming very VERY soon.Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/39549302015-12-08T11:15:40+00:002017-01-13T01:38:45+00:00The Day of the Big Fish, Little Fish, Cardboard Box<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/218bc2705b90041b3cf7db1de086432602fa885f/large/12311112-912278148826893-8526310233605346287-n.jpg?1449572433" class="size_l justify_left border_none" alt="Its a small room, and a small Lizzie" />So Sunday.... That happened really REALLY quickly. We were back in the wonderful <a contents="Big Space Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bigspacestudios.co.uk" target="_blank">Big Space Studios</a> with Declan getting to work on the vocal tracks for the new Album '<a contents="Listen to your inner duck'" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/888267781241469/" target="_blank">Listen to your inner duck'</a> and it was a session to remember.<br><br>Both Stuart and Lizzie had spent the week revising lyrics, editing, reformatting and generally polishing the songs in anticipation for the day, adding that to gigs and all other amount of things that generally happen in the world it was one hell of a week, with far less sleep than you would hope for.<br><br>But anyhow, we got there at 10am and began working through the 9 songs on the album, sometimes getting a song done in quick order, and then on a few of them (Broke & Good words in particular) we actually started hearing new ideas as we were recording and went about exploring those.<br><br>And that is the joy of recording, in particular with someone like Declan. Recording is not a structured thing, it is a creative space and it was great that everyone down there was committed to that ideal, giving space to ideas as they popped into our heads and working through until we had a really good set of recordings we are happy to sign off on. Over the 8 1/2 hours we were in that vocal booth (excluding coffee breaks, and a LOT of them) we went through nearly every emotion it is possible to go through. That is part of the album though, there is a huge range of sounds in the new record, really melancholic numbers offset by faster, larger happier anthems, something for everyone. Like the first EP though that can be difficult to capture, slower, sadder songs need to draw something out of the performance, a humanity that you don't always get with bigger, more thumping songs, it is mixing the light with the dark, the warm with the cold and we are really proud of what we have achieved.<br><br>So now we have that done we are just waiting until the 28th December, when everyone else is working on digesting their Christmas dinners and spending time with family, to put the finishing touches on the album, little bits of sparkle to bring the rest of the songs out in the best possible light. A few strings, a bit of bass, maybe even a few percussion pieces. For this we will be enlisting the help of great friend, Keith Conway who has been a huge supporter of the band and it is a genuine pleasure to be working with him. Stuart has gigged with him many times before at festivals and bars and there is no one better placed to add a new dimension to these recordings.<br><br>Massive thanks has to go to Declan, a one of a kind producer who allows us all the space to be as mental as we want to be, whilst getting the work out of us, pushing us in the high points and helping us through the ineviteable lags that happen with big recording days, providing caffeine, throat sweets, anything we needed to make us happy again.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/6ba047443292a4a6001c4b1b386c4ae7b565670e/large/12346581-912277402160301-681299437949244591-n.jpg?1449572423" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="The wizard himself, Mr Declan LEgge" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/581396a7343b568bc783dfa9e06b7e219e2325d2/large/12301478-912277395493635-6047315751796699663-n.jpg?1449572455" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Stu having a moment" /><br> Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/39474472015-12-03T16:54:32+00:002017-01-13T01:38:45+00:00Chase the River Support Tony VilliersOn the 27th November Chase the River were privileged to support to wonderful Tony Villiers, there was a wonderful live review by the people over at Chordblossom. Have a wee read of the night <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.chordblossom.com/livereviews/tony-villiers-and-the-villains-27th-november-2015">here</a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/94da8ff5b513177901eae7f0e84604960104bf9b/large/duck-2.jpg?1449154494" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br> Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/39473822015-12-03T16:23:08+00:002015-12-03T16:23:08+00:00By God things move fast in this gameHi and welcome everybody!<br><br>Just wanted to give you an update on the new Album 'Listen to your inner duck'. We are going to be doing loads of little uploads and demos of the songs for you ahead of the launch, we are both incredibly excited about this. Not only will this be the first outing for Lizzie but it is the best collection of songs I (Stuart) has ever written. <br><br>Really catchy little numbers, you will be dancing.<br><br>We are back to Big Space Studios for a full 8 hour vocal session on Sunday (Halls soothers are already on the shopping list), but it will be worth it, so very much so.Chase The Rivertag:chasetheriver.com,2005:Post/34463632014-12-31T11:11:41+00:002017-01-13T01:38:45+00:00The Saints SessionOver Christmas we had an idea. Quite a good one if we do say so ourselves.<br><br>While we have been working on our new Ep we have been aware that people wanted a live experience of our music - a 'preview' if you will. So we decided to go to one of the most lovely an quaint little cafes in the world to record a live show. Saints café in Saintfield was the setting of our private gig last night for some of our friends and family and some of our keenest Facebook supporters.<br><br>It was a truly beautiful night and we are soo thankful for the support we received. We have some great footage for you which we will be posting on our Youtube channel . In addition we will be recording a chat with both of us so you can find out a bit more about the band and the songs we write. In the meantime there have been lots of video footage taken by the crowd , you can have a sneak peak at this on our Facebook page. <br><br>A great big thank you to Kevin from Saints Cafe for accommodating us and to Stuart McChesney of SMc photography who has been working very closely with us in videoing all our lovely songs so that you can all hear our new ventures. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/0a2fcf13f5f6daaa54f66ecbbca66f002ff655a0/original/1920599-690728047707045-2312833967420534676-n.jpg?1420222943" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/157093/1e42ae6a34cb139abb8c62417e61671aebad0f9f/medium/531908-492540927468262-141324084-n.jpg?1420024261" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span>Chase The River