The Weekly... Volume 26

Hello Blogees... I am assuming that's what you call the reader of a blog. Not a blogger, but a blogee. But I assume a lot of things. And you know what they say about assumptions, so I wouldn't be using that in your next thesis.

Friday night's show at Bar Me was a great night - probably the most I have enjoyed playing in a few months to be honest. Big thanks to Edoardo and Megan as well. It was my first show there in about a year, and it's great to see the venue back in familiar hands again. I really think it's an important room for the local songwriter scene. It's certainly got the opportunity to push different styles of music, and encourage a different type of audience to go and see live shows. One of the few places in the city that is promoting a music in a cultural sense, rather than a fashion sense. Works for me, because I always seem to be years behind the fashion trends anyway. Did I mention I found a great truckers hat the other day?

This is the part where I'd like to tell you how well the recording is going, and when it is due to be released. But unfortunately it is proving to be a difficult beast to conquer. I am learning to remove the obstructions, but it is taking time. When I decided to self-produce my album, I had no real comprehension of the challenges it would create. The concept of self-producing is beautiful to me, because it is the opportunity to create something that is truly your own. But acquiring the necessary amount of "Creative bravery" is proving difficult. I am not sure if this blog is the correct forum to be spitting out this type of stuff, but I always try to be positive so I figure it can't hurt once in a while to give you all a snapshot into the other side of the artistic process. The darker side. The "I can't do this" side. I wish it was easier to cast aside the doubt, but then I suppose that's what makes the light at the end of the tunnel so much more inspiring when you get there.

On a more positive note, i did manage to write a song the other day. It's the first one I have written on the piano for about 2 years. Hard to believe it's been that long when so much of my early music was driven by the keyboard stuff. Anyway I kind of like it. Feels good to be back on the horse.

I hope you find somebody's hand
To guide you to that sacred promised land.
Where the hour glass is chocked full up of sand.
And it won't run out.

Who's coming to Tamworth? Go on. You'll love it.

See you soon,

Renny

The Weekly... Volume 25

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So it's 2009 - Two thousand and Divine I have heard some people say. We'll wait and see about that.

Just got back from a few days at the Peats Ridge Festival. It was great to see so many local artists doing so well. As a festival, it's as good as any going round. Maybe I'm showing my age, but it's nice to be able to walk around and enjoy yourself rather than having to edge your way through 5000 wasted teenagers so you might, if your lucky, be able to catch a glimpse of a band you wanted to see. There is always a front row seat at Peats Ridge - that's the best part. And the music was world class. A big thank you to Kent Eastwood who joined me on stage for my set on New Years Eve - mate it is always a pleasure. Not to forget the Mischief of course on the Kazoos, and Richie Cuthbert deserves a mention for adding a touch of Choas to proceedings. What a good laugh.

Before Peats Ridge, we had time for a mad dash to Tathra on the South Coast of NSW. What a beautiful spot. Untouched when compared to travelling a similar distance north. If only I was able to stay down there a bit longer. The show was great fun, and once again thanks to Mort and Sue for your support, and helping us get down there to play from time to time.

So this one is a short one - I am about to pack my bags and head off to the studio. Plenty to be done.

Wishing you all every success in 2009.

Much love from me