Interviewed for BBC Project, New Music Column and Video

feb 2016 column

It’s only February but already there has been lots going on! Here’s some words from my latest music column for the Evening News. Last week I was interviewed for a great upcoming music project. BBC4 will soon be broadcasting the People’s History of Pop, a four-part interactive series where music fans share their special memories of favourite artists and venues and in particular their treasured pop and rock memorabilia. All BBC Local Radio stations are also broadcasting their own tie-in programmes and I chatted to BBC Radio Norfolk about my own collection of memorabilia and the memories associated with them.

The programme will be broadcast on BBC Radio Norfolk on Sunday 7th of February at 12 midday. After that it will be available on the iPlayer for 30 days after transmission.

There’s also a BBC website about the project here:

As many of you know I’ve been a big fan of Americana music for a long time, artists such as Ryan Adams, Wilco, Lucinda Williams and many more have inspired my own sound and albums and I’ve shared the stage with many respected artists in the genre. My upcoming acoustic release also very much embraces it with a rootsy sound and lots of dobro, ukulele and harmonies. New live video:

‘Music and the Mountains’ Live at OPEN

Americana music incorporates elements of various American styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass and blues and its been flourishing in recent years here in the UK. Now, excitingly it is to have its own official chart. BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who is also hosting his very own festival this May, the Under the Apple Tree Roots festival which will showcase and celebrate a number of Americana artists, said of the new chart: “I am so pleased to see the founding of a new Americana chart. It is important and appropriate that the popularity of this wonderful, vibrant and creative genre is acknowledged in this way.” The Official Americana Albums Chart will feature the top 40 best selling Americana albums of the previous week. It will be published weekly on OfficialCharts.com, Fridays, 5.45pm, and will appear on the AMA UK site at 6pm each Friday. The AMA UK also hosted their own conference, showcases and awards show this week in London.

I’ve previously mentioned my incredibly talented award winning vocal student Breeze and she has just recorded one of my original songs ‘Courage’. I’m really enjoying writing songs for others and it’s really heartfelt and anthemic with a universal theme. It was recorded at The Mill Studio near Diss who are responsible for producing releases by many local bands as well as international signed recording artists. Jonny Cole, who runs the studio, has done a great job working on the song and it will be available online soon. Breeze is also preparing to represent Great Britain at an international singing contest, travelling to Long Beach, California to take part in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCPA) which attracts contestants from 60 countries. If you want to support her on this amazing journey and opportunity, please read more here

 

Festival Season – Playing DATH Festival

On bus

Festival season is now in full swing and thankfully we’ve mostly had some beautiful summer weather to accompany it.

Last Saturday I played at Dubs in the Hall Festival. Aimed predominately at owners and lovers of Volkswagen Campers, it has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and the sultry weather we had certainly contributed to a really relaxing feel. The festival is located in the beautiful setting of Holt Hall in North Norfolk and with an eclectic mix of live music, from reggae, rockabilly, rock, indie, folk and acoustic plus DJ sets, there was something for everyone.

dubs beetle

Here’s a little video I’ve put together from my fun and very warm day there:

Sunday was another great event with a visit to the Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre. Now in its 11th year, the fayre is bigger than before and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular day in the city’s arts calendar. Huge crowds soaked up the buzzing atmosphere and there was an array of lovely vintage and craft stalls, street food, live music, art, DJ’s, performances and fairground attractions along the various areas of the historic busy streets.

The Summer Fayre really showcases the vibrant arts scene here in the city and my friend, local film maker and photographer Claudia Taveira has captured some lovely shots of the day as shown here. Check out her WordPress Photography blog Claudia Taveira Photography Blog

Lisa Outside

Also this past month I’ve been in the studio. I really love the process of recording and have recorded a lot of material in the area including my first album ‘Slipstream’. I’ve also recorded and collaborated with some amazing musicians in New York City and Nashville which is always inspiring and really broadened my musical horizons. This time I was recording the guitar part to create an instrumental to one of my acoustic songs ‘Here Alone’ as one of my incredibly talented vocal students Breeze Redwine wanted to record a version. The biggest thrill as a songwriter is when an artist covers one of your songs and Breeze has done a beautiful soulful version.

studio mill

I recorded in The Mill Studio (photo above) which is based near Diss. Established for over 10 years, it’s responsible for producing releases by local bands and international signed recording artists. The setting is really lovely and peaceful, away from the city and owner Johnny Cole says the studio’s goal is to provide a relaxed and enjoyable approach to recording, whilst aiming to achieve the best results. Check out the studio here at The Mill Studio

Lately I’ve recorded and performed songs by Mumford and Sons, James Bay and Years and Years. Acoustic versions and free downloads are on my SoundCloud

Performing James Bay’s lovely song ‘Let It Go’ in the garden on a sunny day: