Nik Hamby

Drifting On The Window Seat released at midnight (Brisbane time)!  This first album encompasses a period of my writing and is a bit like drifting.  There are lots of supposed genre types, though I call my genre singer/songwriter.  There are a variety of songs on the album, from the huge list of singles I have released. The ten songs represent a body of work that I am so happy with. Lots of these songs are forays into different techniques and writing methods.  On 1 December I will be releasing a second ten-track album titled "The Magician" - and then a third on the 15 December, titled "Walk My Way".  I planned to release more singles before the end of the year but I really needed to organise my existing titles so folks had an easier way of accessing all my music.  It's my intention to produce a YouTube video that covers each of my albums and the whys, hows and whos of their creation - as well as what brings them together. These outlines are mostly for my own...

Hi all - just keeping you abreast of what I've been doing.  Two weeks ago I played a few songs in the ASA (Australian Songwriters Association) National ZOOM concert. It was a great event and I really enjoyed it.  Last night I stepped out again and headed to Salisbury Community Sports Club for another Open Mic event. I performed two sets, playing seven songs it total.  (As usual, links for the released songs are below). The first set was a bit rough but I was much more relaxed for the second.  The usual sort of talent was there, with most doing covers. It was a totally different crowd to Banshee's and it was good to get feedback from the different audience. Lots of positive comments from other performers, the organiser - and sound guy too.   There were quite a few people about. Rebecca and I had dinner and a few drinks (not enough to compromise safe driving) - and Rebecca took some photos.   I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

I finished a new song yesterday - No Place to Go.  I was going to play it at Banshee's later in the evening but decided on more practice first. It was a good night out.  I really enjoyed it.  There was a lot of camaraderie between the performers.  It seems they’re getting to know me.   One guy had been listening to my stuff on Spotify, which was great to hear.   Overall there were lots of originals being played - and there were more people also, about 40 when I played.  I stayed till 10:00pm as I had an early start today. I played Goodbye, Drifting on the Window Seat, Breathe Miss Sunshine and The Magician.  I also played The Mountain but don't have a link for that as it is yet to be released.  

I went out to Banshees Bar in Ipswich for their Open Mic night on Wednesday. There were a few people there and I started my set with "Say Goodbye". The response through the song was great and the end saw lots of clapping and cheering.  I then played a newer song, not yet streamed - “The Mountain”. That was also really well received. Next was a song I had only written the day before.  I mucked it up a fair bit but the crowd was still there.  A couple of people were very focussed during "The Key Was on the Hook" - and the rest were keen.  I finished with "The Magician", which is a favourite of the owner. When I got down from the stage one group of performers said "welcome to the group".  Another group said the songs were great and yet another guy commented on my “great voice”! It was a great feel and I really enjoyed the songs that I was familiar with. More practice is needed. Might go again next week.

Banshees Bar and Art Space (in Ipswich, QLD) has an open mic on Wednesday. I'd been a couple of times but took Rebecca and our daughter Dianne along two weeks ago.   I played six songs and was encouraged by a few people, then the next artist invited me to back him, playing drums. I did - and I got a bit carried away by the music.  Apparently a couple of people ran from the bar holding their ears and possibly screaming?!  I didn't hear any of that, I was lost in the sound of the drums. What an awesome night! I went again this week and was the last to play. I played eight songs (two new and six previously released) to a very subdued crowd of about ten. When I finished there was considerable feedback from a few patrons. One guy mentioned a particular song and asked if it was mine. He said it was worth releasing as it was a great chord progression with a great melody. When I said all the songs were mine he was surprised.  A guy who had been sitting one table away si...

The opportunities keep coming!  A couple of days ago I received a message in response to one of my song posts, asking me to submit that track - and any others I wanted to be included on an "indie country playlist rotation"  for Don Valley Country Radio in the UK.   Don Valley is a fully licensed, internet-based radio station described as being "more platter, less chatter"  . I don't actually think any of my releases are particularly country but sent "Where We Will Meet Again" and "A Dog's Sadness" along with my bio and a link to all 31 songs on Spotify.  

I went up to Banshees Bar & Art Space in Ipswich last night, to take part in their Open Mic session.  There were about 10 acts, starting from 7:00pm and running through till almost midnight.   This was my second visit.  I'd been up in early May but felt more confident in my playing last night.  I went on at about 10:00pm and performed four of my songs.  I really enjoyed playing and the larger audience was appreciative also.   Ken, the owner, liked The Magician - and all songs were well received.  I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to go up again but I'd like to attend more regularly. In other news, I've been contacted by a presenter from 88.3 FM, who has asked me to submit songs for airplay!  How good is that?!