July ...

-

I've been digging up older songs and putting them into my repertoire to play when busking or up at Banshees. I've continued to go busking once a week and am always encouraged by those that sit down to listen, clap, cheer etc.

I was driving home from visiting family early in the month when I was offered a gig in Ipswich for the IPSARI event: “The Rusty Underground” - where several speakers responded to the question: What makes great art? 

It was a fantastic night.  I played original songs and did some guitar improvistions.  There were great comments from lots of artists.  I was feeling good and buzzing afterwards.

IPSARI was founded in 2023 with the goal of advocating for and strengthening the arts in Ipswich.  The members are all practicing artists, many of whom have exhibited extensively in local and regional galleries, and facilitated workshops and events that engage and inspire the wider community.

Who knows what August will bring.  One step at a time ...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2025 Australian Songwriting Contest

-
Image
I was on annual leave for several weeks in May, holiday-ing at home for the most part.  It was a chance to relax, re-set and catch up on a few missions. One mission was to enter six songs in the 2025 Australian Songwriting Contest.  It's my fifth time entering and I wanted to put in a cross-section of my work, so chose songs that fit six different categories.   I chose to enter my latest three songs - "Till It's Gone" (Ballad), "What Am I Worth" (Spiritual) and "Beat Of The Clock" (Folk).  These three songs are all different in the way they sound, their structure and subject matter.   I also entered two earlier songs. "Mona" is a good fit for Comedy/Novelty and "Going Home" went into the Australian category.  I still like my older songs.  I produce and perform newer songs but when listening to my older stuff, I feel they remain relevant.   "Breathe, Miss Sunshine" made it to the Top 30 list previously, when I first ent...
Read more

July - I Heart Songwriting Club Retreat!

-
Image
Photo Credit:   I Heart Songwriting Club (used with permission) July began just like many other months but a change was coming. I did a couple of open mics at Banshees, where there was an easy feel through my songs and a new level of encouragement. Highlight of the month was being accepted to attend the I Heart Songwriting Club / Wild Mountain Songs Retreat, held on the edge of the Border Ranges National Park .  What an amazing experience!  I was one of nine songwriters in attendance.  During the weekend I collaborated with six of those other attendees, writing five different full songs.  I threw myself into the projects - supporting the other writers with music and lyrics.  We created some awesome songs together.  It was a special way to celebrate another birthday and such a beautiful space to spend time.  There was a koala outside my window one night, glow worms beside the road each evening ... and I saw a mini glider.  All the food ...
Read more

What Am I Worth?

-
Image
February was another busy month, which kicked off with a studio photo shoot down in Lake Macquarie.  Awesome images created while having so much fun - thanks, Naomi! Music for World Peace released "What am I Worth".  I performed guitar and vocals, then Taylor Sappe produced the track. It's a song about the refugee experience from an Australian perspective.  Check it out via the Spotify link above. I did a half hour performance for Giving Gigs, which was scheduled for a Friday night slot (in USA and Canada's time zone).  The recording has close to 400 views, so far.  How good is that?! What else happened?  I was up at Banshee's for two open mic nights this month.  Always a great enviroment to be part of and nice to catch up with nice people. Stevie T continues to play my songs on his Monday night Songwriters Showcase.  Tune in to 101FM Radio Logan between 10.15 and 10.45 pm (AEST) for a listen. Thanks, Steve! COMING UP! Highlight your calendars!...
Read more