BLAKE
File under: 'Eclectic'
news
26th January 2012
Gigging this Sunday at The Beehive, 55 Prospect Hill, Swindon. Kick off 3pm. Playing with full band and supported by the multi-talented Reuben Tyghe from the amazing Port Erin. Then got another show at The Croft, 117-119 Stoke's Croft, Bristol on Wednesday 8th February at 8pm.
I added a final track to 'The First Snow' recently called 'Awakening', which is available as a free download so people who've already bought the album don't end up paying twice! All my previous albums are also now up on Bandcamp for free download for a limited time. I'm finishing mixing on 'Stay Human' with Andy Rowland tonight so should have release date soon!
24th December 2011
My latest album, 'The First Snow', is now available to download at Bandcamp. All mailing list members have been emailed a download code to get the album for free. If you're not yet a member of the mailing list, click here to sign up and a code will be emailed to you. The album comprises of thirteen tracks I recorded at home this year, including cover versions of Fleetwood Mac's 'Dragonfly' and Ryan Adams' 'When The Stars Go Blue' and, as it's Christmas, my take on 'The Coventry Carol'.
Four of my earlier albums are also available to download from Bandcamp - and all for free for a limited period: 'Solomon's Tump', 'What You Do Comes Back To You', 'Final Whistle' and 'Carruthers Gets Bashed'. All in your choice of high quality format. 'By The Banks Of The A350' will be available on the site soon, and 'Antheology', 'Latest Pop Sounds', 'A Taste of Blake', 'The Parousia' and 'Stay Human' will all follow in 2012. All albums come with bonus material: demos and rare tracks, sleeve notes, pics and original artwork. Click here to view.
On 4th December I was interviewed on Radio Swindon 105.5FM and performed songs from 'Stay Human'. You can download the podcast here: http://soundcloud.com/blake-1-2/podcast-blake-on-the-late-gig
As soon as I have a release date for 'Stay Human' on 208 Records I'll let you know.
Happy Christmas!
Blake
1st November 2011
Well, a lot has happened since I last updated the News section of the site! Firstly, it looks likely that Stay Human will be getting a UK release via 208 Records which I am absolutely delighted about. Rob Dady, the label owner, is a really nice guy and really gets my stuff, I feel. Strangely, our paths crossed before a few years back when the band he used to play in, Roundabout, received a mention on the same blog as me, and our musical similarities were highlighted by the blogger. You can read it here. (Hilarious that, even then, on the release of Solomon's Tump, I was referring to it as my last shot!!)
Furthermore, musician and music journalist Simon Wells, who is currently on tour promoting his album 'Sometimes In The Morning', also on 208, has very kindly offered to write the sleeve notes! Simon has just published his book about The Rolling Stones drugs bust in 1967, 'Butterfly On A Wheel'. I am half way through reading it and enjoying it immenseley - I heartily recommend it to anyone remotely interested in the sixties! You can order it via Amazon here.
I did my first electric gig for a while at the St James Wine Vaults in Bath on the 4th November. It was really good fun. Thanks to everyone who came. Here's the set list:
A Better Way
Such A Shame
Stay Human #1
Shooting Star
Kiss of Judas
Anyhow
Mr Dawkins
Fire Fire
Youve Got To Give It Up, Baby
I Wanna See You Again
Can't wait to do more. Maybe one at The Croft in Bristol in soon. Playing The Beehive in Swindon on Sunday 29th January, 2pm.
I've also finished writing the songs for another album of original material likely to be called The First Snow. I've recorded eight out of twelve tracks so far at home. Obviously, the release date for this one will be sometime later in 2012. I have no idea at the moment when Stay Human will surface but watch this space for details. You can listen to some provisional mixes of the new material at Soundcloud.
On Tuesday 13th December I will be performing with The Bearfield Commune at Holt Acoustic Club - a monthly event that myself and Helen and Richard from The Commune organise at the Old Ham Tree pub in the village. Entry is free and Jessica Vincent and Killing No Murder are also on the bill. From 8pm.
23rd August 2011
The Stay Human CDs arrived at my door this morning! I will be uploading the release to the PledgeMusic site later today so all you kind people who made this project happen can download it. Thanks so much. Oh and yesterday I uploaded a free live E.P. for pledgers too featuring four tracks from the recent Bearfield Commune concert.
15th August 2011
Well I finished recording Stay Human this evening - hurray! Now just needs to be mixed and mastered in time for its release at Greenbelt on the 26th! Bless him, Andy Rowland is doing an amazing job. He hasn't quite had a nervous breakdown yet. He told me that he's never recorded an album so quickly in his life though. I'm really indebted to him. It sounds fantastic - a million times better than anything I've recorded before. Thanks to everyone who came into the studio to lay down parts for free - I owe drinks to a lot of people:
Chris Scrivens - drums
Jon Godfrey - drums and percussion
Helen Bousfield - bass, concertina and flute
Richard Bousfield - lead guitar
Amy Evans - vocals and keyboards
Paul Kench - lead guitar
Joe Brown - vocals, bass and mandolin
Eddie Giddings - mandolin and acoustic guitar
Claire Horton, Jill Perrett and Liz Weldon - vocals
Richard Kilbey - banjo, mandolin and slide guitar
16th July 2011
Hi. Just thought Id update you that my Stay Human project on PledgeMusic.com has reached its 100% target! In fact, thanks to you it currently stands at 129% which means weve raised nearly 300 for Greenbelt, so well done to everybody who made a pledge its very much appreciated! If you havent already, theres still time. Just visit http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/blake Ill be starting recording at Gatehouse Studios, Swindon, with producer Andy Rowland on Saturday 23rd July. I will be posting regular updates on the pledgemusic site, so if youve made a pledge you can expect to receive more free goodies such as rough mixes, video diary etc
Also wanted to mention that Stay Human T-shirts designed by Richard Kilbey are now available exclusively from Spreadshirt.co.uk Check them out! Richards fantastic prints are also available to purchase from the pledgemusic site. Click here to browse the gallery of photographs.
Hope to see some of you at my gig with The Bearfield Commune later. Ill be performing six songs from Stay Human plus some other Blake originals and an eclectic selection of covers. Were being backed in the second set by vocal group Harmony. Details below (entry for 20th June).
Cheers
Blake
2nd July 2011
My talented artist friend Richard Kilbey has made some of his beautiful artwork available exclusively to pledgers to my Stay Human album project. Richard will frame and sign A4 prints of your choice of any one of 71 of his photographs. Click here to view the collection. The prints cost 35 including postage and packing (UK only, I'm afraid) and you will also receive the digital download of Stay Human plus all the free tracks I have made available exclusively to pledgers. If you have already pledged, you can add a print to your order and you won't be charged twice for the download of the album. Once you have added the item to your basket on the PledgeMusic site, please email me at blake@thisisblake.com with the print number you would like plus your name and unique pledge reference number.
20th June 2011
Ace news - I've been offered a last minute acoustic slot at this year's Greenbelt Festival! I'm still not sure which stage I'm going to be performing on but watch this space! Also, need to let you know about the next Bearfield Commune gig which will be on Saturday 16th July at Christ Church, Shaw, near Melksham, Wiltshire. Starts at 7pm. 5 for adults and 3 for children. Tickets on the door although they can be reserved by telephoning Liz Weldon on 01225 793892. Possibly premiering the final track on Stay Human, 'That Day Will Come', featuring the Christ Church singers. Pledges up to 57% - thanks! - with 32 days to go. We can do this!!!
14th June 2011
Hosting the inaugural Holt Acoustic Club tonight with The Bearfield Commune and special guests The Medusa Seducers at The Old Ham Tree, Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire, BA14 6PY 01225 782581 info@oldhamtree.co.uk. I'll be playing some of the songs from 'Stay Human' with my friend Eddie Giddings. 8.30pm 'til late. Admission free!
11th June 2011
Up to 30% now with 41 days left to go to reach my target. If you haven't already pledged, and you'd like to, here's what you do.
23rd May 2011
Just launched my 'Stay Human' campaign! Please follow this link to pledge your support. Thanks!
20th May 2011
Exciting news! I've teamed up with the brilliant PledgeMusic.com website to help me fund the recording of my new album, 'Stay Human'. More details will follow shortly, but the basic premise is that people pledge support to my album campaign (and receive lots of exclusive goodies) and all the profits go to Greenbelt.org.uk. Greenbelt is an arts and music festival that I was lucky enough to perform at last year. It describes itself as "world-affirming, politically and culturally engaged...a family-friendly celebration, inclusive and accepting of all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, background or belief." I have been attending the festival every year from 2003 and to me it's like heaven on earth. But as a charity it relies on public donations to survive. I am delighted to be able to give something back to it, as it has given me so much.
I will be recording ten songs at Andy Rowland's Gatehouse Studios in Swindon - where I recorded the new version of 'A Better Way' last year. The album is inspired by the life of Vittorio Arrigoni, an Italian peace activist who was murdered in the Gaza Strip in April. The shocking news of his brutal execution at the hands of extremists moved me to write two songs in his memory and to readhis book, also called 'Stay Human', that he published in 2010 about his experiences in Palestine. The report of his death in The Guardian carried the following quote: "despite everything there must always be humanity within us. We have to bring it to others." He worked tirelessly for thegood of the Palestinian people yet met his death in a way that demonstrates what happens when we lose our humanity.
30th April 2011
My first album Solomon's Tump is now available for download in remastered form at Bandcamp.com. The first 500 downloads are free (or you can choose to name your price - if you wish to pay something for it I won't complain!) if you sign up to my mailing list. I've included five bonus tracks (including the original versions of thethree songs I re-made for its initial release)and the artwork, including the orginal album artwork,is available in PDF form. I will be remasteringall my albums (and also remixing some tracks) over the coming year and releasing them with bonus material on Bandcamp. It's a really fantastic site and even major artists like Sufjan Stevens use it as a way of releasing new material. I hope to have a new album out sometime later in the year. I have already written the songs but I don't think I can face recording them at home this time. There's not really the space or time to do it. I'd like to go back into the studio with the boys from All You Need Is The Beatles and record it all properly. The trouble is the expense. It will work out at between 100 to 200 a track and that's just not realistic at the moment. Still, I'm going on another cruise performing with 'TheBeatles' on Monday so I will begin to save up. Any money I receive from this release will go into the fund, too - so if you'd like to hear a new Blake album, see what you can find under the sofa and buy Solomon's Tump for a couple of quid! Cheers. Blake
18th March 2011
Had a great time last weekend in Liverpool. Thanks to everyone who came to support me at The Cavern - it wasthe most enjoyable gig I've ever played.Special thanks to Richie O'Square for documenting the event on film and for taking the grooviest photos!Check out Richie'sYouTube channel for his films of the gig, and click here to view hisPics.
7th March 2011
Thanks to everyone who came to the Wine Vaults gig on Friday. Thanks to Dean and Reuben for organising the night and inviting me to play. Your sets were awesome, as usual, but too short! Cavern gig this Friday - can hardly wait!
Been working on a Remastered version of Solomon's Tump which will be released via Bandcamp.com very shortly.It will feature five bonus tracks, as well as some new mixes, in high quality format and all for a fiver! Can't be bad. I'll eventually get round to re-releasing all my albums (in chronological sequence) in this manner, i.e. remastered (with some re-mixing) and with bonus tracks included.
Just uploaded a couple of new tracks to mymyspace page if you wanna check them out. 'Servant's Blues' features my newly purchased (_th birthday present!) Philips Philicorda, while 'Mumbai Express' was crafted from a sitar loop created and generously donated by Mr Pete Wain.
18th February 2011
I've been invited to perform an acoustic setat the St James Wine Vaults, Bath on Friday 4th March by the inestimable Dean Murphyof OffBeatPromotions. Mr Murphy will be performing himself aswill Reuben Tyghe from the magnificentPort Erinwho will be doing a solo slot. These guys are amazing - come along! 8pm start: http://www.stjameswinevaults.co.uk/ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4443875316
28th January 2011
I'm performing at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on Friday 11th March (fab!). Tickets can be bought from this site for 6 (+ 50p P & P) - click here. Onstage at 10pm. Other acts yet to be announced. Just added some more unreleasedsongs to theFree mp3s page.
30th December 2010
Hope you've had a nice Christmas. I seem to have put on 6 1/2 pounds in under a week! Must try and do some exercise in 2011. Performing with All You Need Is The Beatles on New Year's Eve at The Swan in Southrop, near Lechlade if you fancy it? Just added two more tracks to theFree mp3s page: a demo version of 'When You Come My Way' I recorded at home in 2004 and an acousticversion of 'Now You're Gone' recorded live this summer on Swindon 105.5FM. Enjoy!
15th December 2010
Just discovered a review of my 'Best Of' album A Taste Of Blake on theCross Rhythms website- thank you Paul Keeble, much appreciated.Also found out it is available for download from Tesco onlinefor just 6.97! Click here.
2nd December 2010
The Coventry Carolavailable for download now on iTunes. Go on - get into the festive spirit!
Thanks to everyone who came to seeThe Bearfield Commune perform last night. Just added a YouTube clip of our performance of Mr Dawkins. Check out the acts we supported, folks:Port Erin and The Medusa Seducers. Both excellent (though very different) bands, and really lovely people.
27th November 2010
Releasing a Christmas single this year! 'The Coventry Carol' is onYouTube now if you'd care to listen. Will be on iTunes shortly. Fellow Commune member Helen Bousfield contributes flute and concertina. Come and see us on the 1st December in Frome!
17th November 2010
First gig coming up with my new outfit The Bearfield Commune (we finallycame across a name we all liked!) at The Olive Tree, Frome on Wednesday 1st December supportingPort Erin and The Medusa Seducers.We'll be playing a mixture of my songs and covers. Gonna be interesting!
Oh yeah, check out the finished version of 'Spread The Word' that I've just added to thefree mp3s page. Download at your leisure!
31st October 2010
Been a busy month: moved house,played on a cruise ship in the Med forten dayswith my Beatles tribute band All You Need Is The Beatlesbut managed to find some time fora radio interview onCross Rhythms with Mike Rimmer. You can listen to it again by following the link and hitting Rimmerama Tue 26th Oct. I'm also delighted to be able to point you towards a favourable review of my LP By The Banks Of The A350 on the fantasticTerrascope Online website by revered music critic Phil McMullen. Thank you Phil - dream come true!
25th September 2010
Performed with my new band for the first time last night - we were billed as The Fertile Fourbut we haven't come up with a satisfactory name yet. Played the following songs: Blues Run The Game by Jackson C. Frank, When The Stars Go Blue by Ryan Adams, Wall Of Death by Richard Thompson and Van Morrison's Moondance. Will post on here when we have a full show booked.
10th September 2010
Gavin Owen wrote a very complimentary review of my set at Greenbelt for Cross Rhythms. Thanks Gavin!
BLAKE - Underground - 1:30pm
Blake is the artist name of Julian Pugsley whose previous band Karmatruffle played at Greenbelt in 2004 (which I sadly missed). I wandered into the Underground venue having read up about Blake in the programme and when they took to the stage they apologised that they aren't "four men in suits singing Jerusalem" (referring to the popular classical vocal quartet of the same name). This set up the band's between-song banter nicely as they set about entertaining the crowd with their brand of '60s influenced indie rock. Amongst the guitar musicianship some of the songs tackled a range of issues such as lost love in "Falling" to the betrayal of Jesus, "Kiss Of Judas", to judgements within the Church in "I Believe In Jesus (Not You)". There was a great mix of up tempo rockers and mid tempo arm-swayers in the set. The standout song for me was "Mr Dawkins", which is a quirky look at the works and statements of author Richard Dawkins, spawning the chorus "Mr Dawkins when you die/When you wave this world goodbye/Will you ask the question why/Mr Dawkins when you sit at the bottom of the pit/Will you still claim this is it?" "Goodbye Cruel Pop World", another cracking number, tells the tale of a struggling musician trying to make it in the music industry, with Blake singing "Goodbye cruel pop world I'm leaving today/You won't miss me at all I'membarrassed to say." Part of the charm of watching Blake is the honesty that comes through the songs which really does give you an insight into not just the artist but the man behind the art which is a rare quality found these days.
Gavin Owen
31st August 2010
A really big thank you to everyone who came to support me at my Greenbelt shows this weekend. It was fab that you were all there - it wasthe best time ever! Thanks to all the brilliant people at Greenbelt - to Matt Stone for inviting me to play, to the lovely people in the G-music tent and the fantastic sound engineers in the Underground. Thank you also to Tim, John, Dave, Christine and Jonathan of Modern Church for inviting me to perform as part ofyour roadshow in the G-Source tent.You made quite an impact on a number of my friends! I hope to see you all again soon. If you haven't been to Greenbelt before try it out next year (August bank holiday weekend) - it's a Christian festival but it's not weird! Become my friend onFacebook to check out some pics and videos.
19th August 2010
My new 'Greatest Non-Hits' record A Taste Of Blake is to be released on Friday 27th August to coincide with the start of Greenbelt. It will be available to buy from the G-Music store on site and on iTunes. Remember, I'm playing the Underground stage on Sunday at 1.30pm. I'm also performingan acoustic version of my song 'I Believe In Jesus (Not You)'in the G-Source tent as part of the Modern Church (MCU) roadshow on Monday at 2.30pm.
29th July 2010
Thanks to everybody who came to the launch gig in London on Tuesday, it was much appreciated. Pics on myFacebook page. Cheers Amanda! Below are the links to my new single and album on iTunes:
Hope you like 'em!
18th July 2010
Come toThe Parousia launch gig at the Dublin Castle on the 27th July, sign up to the mailing list and receive your free copy of my new double album! Also released on that date my new single, a re-recorded version of 'A Better Way', which will be available to download from iTunes.
2nd July 2010
New album 'The Parousia' to be released on27th July, the date of my gig at Camden's Dublin Castle (ticket info below). Probably my most eclectic set of songs yet (infused with a strong Christian mysticism vibe - as you do). Help yourself toa free download of one of the tracks from it, Vinyl Junkie.
23rd June 2010
Just added a live recording of My T Rex to themp3s page - free download!
21st June 2010
Been quite busy recording this month. Will be releasing a new album in July comprising tracks from my previous two EPs 'When The Angels Fall From The Sky' and 'Will The Real Blake Please Stand Up?' and five new tracks I had originally planned to release as a third EP. It seemed easier just to release the lot on an LP. It will include a new re-recorded version of 'A Better Way'. Further details to follow soon.
I will be performing at the Dublin Castle, Camden, London on Tuesday 27th July with my band. Come along! http://www.facebook.com/thedublincastle
Tickets: www.ents24.com/web/event/2020301/Blake_2.html
I can confirm my appearance at Greenbelt Festival will be at 2.30pm on the Underground stage Sunday 29th August. Tickets: http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/festival/tickets
24th May 2010
Latest Pop Sounds is now available to buy fromCD Baby in the USA. Buy the disc or download.
30th April 2010
Delighted to report that I've been offered a gig at this year's fantastic Greenbelt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday 29th August. The full line-up has yet to be announced but last year's headliner's included Royksopp and Athlete.Clickhere for currently announced acts and tickets.
24th April 2010
My new EP is now available to buyexclusively from 7 Digital's indiestore. I replaced 'See The Light' with a new track called 'Where We Can Be Free'. However, you can download the former for free from themp3s page. A 'Best Of' compilation album is coming out in the summer. Exciting news of a festival gig in August will follow shortly....
23rd March 2010
It's been a while since my last update as I haven't had anyinternet access for about a monthas my computer died- a frustrating experience in more ways than one! I haven't been slack in the interim, however; I have a new four trackEP coming out on April 23rd: Will The Real Blake Please Stand Up? It contains three tracks from the early days of Karmatruffle when we were still a 3-piece (me on guitar and vocals, Magda McCaffrey on bass and vocals and Amanda Ranson on Mo Tucker-style drums): 'Panic Attack', 'When He Comes' and 'Never Get To Heaven'. The other track, 'See The Light', is from 2002, pre-dating the others by about a year, and I suppose owes a debt to George Harrison's Eastern period and Kula Shaker - a band I am not embarrassed to say that I love with a passion. I caught them on tour last year at Bristol University actually and they were still amazing, although the crowd were a bunch of wankers. I've never seen so many fights at a gig.A lot of people seemed to miss the point that Crispian was singing about the oneness of all things and love being the basic reality of the universe. Ah well, can't win 'em all.
15th February 2010
My podcast series The World of Blake is available to download from iTunes now. On it I preview tracks from my albums and talk nonsense with my mate Dean, as well as interviewing a host of famous celebrities! It's free! Click here.
14th February 2010
When The Angels Fall From The Sky is released today on iTunes. Clickhere to buy. Happy Valentine's Day!
4th February 2010
Just published the second podcast in the World of Blake series. In this episode, Dean and I discuss apple crumble with celebrity guests including Roger Moore, Leonard Rossiter, John Lennon and Mick Jagger, and introduce tracks from When The Angels Fall From The Sky. Clickhere for link to download page.
29th January 2010
EmuBands will be distributing my new EP'When The Angels Fall From The Sky'-outin early March. It contains four tracks that I couldn't find room for on 'Latest Pop Sounds'. All mailing list members will be receiving the title trackmp3 free so if you're not on the list visit theContact &links page now and sign up!
Thanks to everyone who downloaded 'Ordinary Person', especially those of you who were just feeling sorry for me! Unfortunately, I didn't manage to become one of the few truly independent artists to crack the charts. However, I was contacted by a chap who was listening to thesong in a cafe in a small town in northern Spain who liked it so much he made the effort to ask the waitress who it was, google me and email me to tell me so! So thank you Richard, you have made me feel like the wholeproject was worthwhile.
Also, help yourself to two previously unreleased tracks on thefree mp3s page! 'Sink Or Swim' and 'She's My Baby' are both outtakes from the By The Banks Of The A350 sessions. They will only beavailable for downloadfor a short while though.
12th January 2010
Happy New Year! Have you downloaded the single yet? Here's the links:
Thanks to everyone who came to the album launch party on Saturday. Special thanks to Razored Cone for the excellent sound engineering, to Chris, Paul and Joe for being Blake's 7 and taking the time to learn my songs, to Chief for the door, to Pete for helping with the cash tin and to She-Notes for being brilliant! An excerpt from the performance of 'Now You're Gone' is up on YouTube.
29th December 2009
A review of 'Latest Pop Sounds' has just been published on the Overplay website. Clickhere to check it out!
24th December
The wife and I were in a festive mood last night and decided to record a version of O Come O Come Emmanuel. You can download it for free on theMP3 page. Happy Christmas everybody! Rejoice!
22nd December 2009
Check out my new podcast series, 'The World of Blake'. In volume one I preview tracks from Latest Pop Sounds and, unbelievably, interview Ronnie Corbett!It's free!
17th December2009
Those smashing people at Overplay have kindly reviewed my track 'You've Got To Give It Up, Baby': "A thwacking drum intro gives way to a cool Kinksy vocal and relentlessly perky Monkees arrangements as Cheltenham groovologist Blake adds some smart 60s textures to this catchy indie popper. Ramshackle, but really rather cool with it." All spot-on of course, apart from I don't live in Cheltenham!
12th December 2009
You can now order exclusive Blake T shirts from my newly launched merchandise store - free entry to the launch party for anyone wearing one!
9th December 2009
'Latest pop Sounds' album launch party at theSt James Wine Vaults in Bath on Saturday 9th January at 8pm. I'll be performing a full band set with with Paul, George and Ringo from All You Need Is The Beatles. My favourite band 'She-Notes' (formerly Bottlebag) are special guests. 3 on the door. Rare sixties sounds from DJ Aftermath.
23rd November
OK, you can noworder 'Ordinary Person' on pre-release from theDitto Music download storeand 7 Digital. It's just 79p!
Toorder straight from your mobile, text 'Track BLAKE' to 83262 in the UK or 'Music BLAKE' to 57501 for Republic of Ireland (cost 1). To download straight to your phone text 'Track BLAKE M' to 83262 (UK only).
17th November
'The Latest Pop Sounds from Blake' will be released on Monday 11th January 2009 on Eden Records and available forpre-order download from iTunes & Amazonfrom December. If 750 peopledownload a copy of lead single 'Ordinary Person' I'm guaranteed a hit in the official UK charts! Go on, be a love. Link will follow to stores as soon as available.
26th October 2009
I've finished recording the album, now titled 'Latest Pop Sounds'. I'm pretty pleased with it and for the first time will be releasing one of my solo albums on a 'proper' label (not my own)! Watch this space for further details.
27th September 2009
New album nowcalled 'John Hooper, Martyr' - you know, after the well-known 16th Century Bishop of Gloucester burned at the stake by Bloody Mary. Yes, that one.Finished four tracks but it's been slow going as I don't have much time to work on it what with the job getting in the way, not to mention thewife and child. Paul, Joe and Chris from the Beatles band are going to be playing on it. That way it will be easier to get out on the road afterwards to promote it. Also, probably sound better! I'll be posting tracks on myOverplay page as and when they're finished. I tend to re-mix a lot, so there will probably be versions on there which will be superseded. I'm revisiting quite a few songs that I wrote when I was with The Dandelions and Karmatruffle. It's going Ok. There's one track in particular that I'm quite excited about. It's an older song that I've messed about with, adding a new bridge and chorus. The dream scenario is selling it to someone big!
8th June 2009
Thanks to everyone who came to the gigand especially to Port Erin, Richard, Joe and Chris. I've just finished mixing the first track from my new album, 'Marjo Fashions'. It's called 'Ordinary Person' and you can listen to it for free on the mp3s page.
11th April 2009
Slight change of plan - the venue for the gig has changed to The Rachel Fowler Centre, Chapel Court, Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6EX. I'll be onstage at 8pm sharp (Joe has to dash off to a gig with his band after!) 3 on the door.
14th March 2009
First gig in almost a yearbooked for Saturday 18th April at Holt Village Hall, Wilts, supporting the mighty Port Erin at their album launch party. Will be a 3 piece with Joeand Chris from The Bargain Beatles on bass and drums. I'll be playing some songs I've never performed live before including 'Solomon's Tump'. Should be a good night. Tickets on door. 8pm start.
7th January 2009
Happy new year everyone! I'm still building up investment on slicethepie - the idea is that if you get enough investment you can actually get to 'properly' release and distribute a record. Click here for a link to my page on the site:Blake@slicethepie
I thought I'd publish a nice review I received from thosesmashing people at Overplay.com for my song 'When You Come My Way'. I'd entered it in their Play & Rate competition. Big thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for it - yes,you will get that drink, I promise! I didn't win, obviously, but I'll take a comparison with The Dave Clark Five any day of the week:
Blake - When You Come My Way
"Get ready to shake that fringe because this is a big punchy pop swagger that suggests the Dave Clark Five have spent the last 40 years in sub-zero rejuvenation tanks, only to emerge as pointy-booted 21st century pop warriors. Very catchy, very good."
Hope you have a good month and don't forget to wrap up warm. Hey, here's an idea. Let's pray for peace in the middle east.
1st November 2008
Welcome to the new look website! Those lovely people at Yahoo have made my naff looking site look incredibly professional! Brilliant. I will endeavour to keep you updated with what's going on - if anything happens, that is.
I started work as a scout onSlicethepie.com today. It's a great site where you earn money by reviewing other artists' songs. If you register, why not thank me for the tip by saying something nice about mine and get paid for the priviledge!
Still rehearsing with Paul and Joe for tour in the new year. Watch this space for gig dates.
