Well Sunday came and went and there was no blog... but I can't tell you how busy I was last weekend. Actually I could tell you, but I won't tell you because it'll probably sound like one of those boring travel emails where your friend goes here and there and wasn't that amazing and wasn't that beautiful and I never realised they did that and this is such an amazing experience I can't tell you... I think you know the ones I am talking about.
Anyway, the only amazing experience I can remember from the weekend was playing a gig on Saturday night (ahem... covers gig.... you didn't hear that...) and from my vast collection of obscure cover songs that no-one would ever know were cover songs because they never really garnered all that much attention from the General Public, i picked one that was more obscure than most - and lo and behold some drunk fella wearing a scarf stood beside the stage and sung along word for word. And anyway I thought that was cool. Perhaps "amazing" is slightly overstating, but cool nonetheless.
Now if you'll allow me to slip into semi-diary-entry mode, I am really looking forward to getting over to Europe! Just 2 weeks to go... It's not that I haven't enjoyed being back home (although I have lost my hard-earned Phuket tan...), but I've got a good feeling about getting over there and playing to some new audiences. The other night I sat up for 6 hours watching the US Open Golf 18-hole playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate.... which has no relevance to independent music tours in Europe, except for the fact that during this time I was sending emails to 500,000 people trying to book more shows for my trip. And wouldn't you know it, I managed to get a couple more - including one in Brighton 2 days after I arrive. So thanks to Mr Woods for that one - couldn't have done it without you mate.
I am keeping the gigs updated as they come in. A fairly time-consuming process, but it keeps ticking away. So keep an eye out - I might be coming to your neck of the woods! (Your neck of the Tiger Woods perhaps... oh dear I am sorry. I could have deleted that, but I wanted you to experience my brilliant sense of the pun...). I will also have with me a limited edition Live Album, which features songs recorded at a few different venues whilst touring over the past 6 months. Nice to have a new product, even if it's not an "official" one... What is official anyway?
Before I go, there is one last show at The Excelsior in Surry Hills - and that's tomorrow night (25th June) with The Falls, Sarah Humphreys and Cookie Baker (SA). May even be the best one of the month, plus it's like the European tour farewell gig, so come on down if you can! Dare I say it, we'll probably have a beer or two afterwards...Check the Gigs on my page for more info...
And on that note, I will bid you farewell. (If you made it this far that is...). Hope you are well, and I might catch you at a show sometime soon.
Cheers for now,
Renny
News and updates from the musical adventures of Renny Field...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 11
And the Weekly returns! I think I am far more excited about this than anyone else would be, but only because it represents a return to some sort of discipline in my life now that I am back home instead of riding round Thailand trying to dodge potholes on my Moped...
Moving on, a big thanks to everyone who has been coming along to The Excelsior. We've been getting some pretty nice turnouts all things considered. (By "All things" I obviously mean the fact that it is FREEZING and wet). Good thing I am going to London soon! Ha. Anyway, we've had a couple of great nights, and we've got two more to go, so if you're in the Sydney area and feel like stopping by then I reckon you could do worse. This week (Wed 18th) is a solo show. I am playing with Fergus Brown, Rubi & Jude and Justine Martin. Tix are $10 at the door. Bonza.
Where did Bonza come from? Someone used to say it on the TV... Peter Russell Clarke? No that was Come and Get it... But maybe he said Bonza as well. Where was I?
Last night was a late notice show at one of the newest venues in town (3 days old in fact!) - The Kings Cross Hotel. You know that old place opposite the Coke sign... scary place... nasty place... Anyway things have changed. Go and check it out - 5 levels, fully refurbished! Get in before the cover charge... You know there'll be a cover charge... that's what happens these days.... Not that I can say for sure of course, but i did see a significant number of blokes standing round in trench-coats eying off clipboards full of guest lists. Who are the people on those guest lists anyway? Certainly not me - good thing I learned how to sing and play guitar....
Today some friends of mine had a Spaghettata. This is an Italian tradition where everyone gathers to eat Pasta for a few hours in the house / back yard. The fact that sleet was falling was no deterrent - it was a famous Spaghettata! (Possibly helped by the fact that one of these aforementioned friends owns an Italian restaurant). Personally I think I'll stick to the old fashioned Aussie BBQ for the time being, but you know one day I might be brave enough to attempt a Spaghettata. I just won't invite anyone I am trying to impress. (Although I do fancy myself in the Bolognaise stakes....).
Did I mention the Excelsior this Wednesday? They serve Spaghetti.
In other music news, more recording to be done this week - including a very special guest on lap steel for the song "Exploring". Can't wait to see how it turns out.
AND... That'll do me for now... The Weekly did return yes, but once again it is being typed after midnight on a Sunday night... Which is not the best time for ideas. At least not this particular Sunday night anyway.
Cheers for now,
Renny
PS - For all the latest European tour dates, check out the GiGS section on my home page.
PPS - A great friend of mine Bridget A'Beckett is playing a show at The Basement in Sydney this Tuesday night (17th June). Well worth a look if you're free - will be a great night. Beautiful voice, beautiful songs. Tix available at www.thebasement.com.au
PPPS - Go the Socceroos!
Moving on, a big thanks to everyone who has been coming along to The Excelsior. We've been getting some pretty nice turnouts all things considered. (By "All things" I obviously mean the fact that it is FREEZING and wet). Good thing I am going to London soon! Ha. Anyway, we've had a couple of great nights, and we've got two more to go, so if you're in the Sydney area and feel like stopping by then I reckon you could do worse. This week (Wed 18th) is a solo show. I am playing with Fergus Brown, Rubi & Jude and Justine Martin. Tix are $10 at the door. Bonza.
Where did Bonza come from? Someone used to say it on the TV... Peter Russell Clarke? No that was Come and Get it... But maybe he said Bonza as well. Where was I?
Last night was a late notice show at one of the newest venues in town (3 days old in fact!) - The Kings Cross Hotel. You know that old place opposite the Coke sign... scary place... nasty place... Anyway things have changed. Go and check it out - 5 levels, fully refurbished! Get in before the cover charge... You know there'll be a cover charge... that's what happens these days.... Not that I can say for sure of course, but i did see a significant number of blokes standing round in trench-coats eying off clipboards full of guest lists. Who are the people on those guest lists anyway? Certainly not me - good thing I learned how to sing and play guitar....
Today some friends of mine had a Spaghettata. This is an Italian tradition where everyone gathers to eat Pasta for a few hours in the house / back yard. The fact that sleet was falling was no deterrent - it was a famous Spaghettata! (Possibly helped by the fact that one of these aforementioned friends owns an Italian restaurant). Personally I think I'll stick to the old fashioned Aussie BBQ for the time being, but you know one day I might be brave enough to attempt a Spaghettata. I just won't invite anyone I am trying to impress. (Although I do fancy myself in the Bolognaise stakes....).
Did I mention the Excelsior this Wednesday? They serve Spaghetti.
In other music news, more recording to be done this week - including a very special guest on lap steel for the song "Exploring". Can't wait to see how it turns out.
AND... That'll do me for now... The Weekly did return yes, but once again it is being typed after midnight on a Sunday night... Which is not the best time for ideas. At least not this particular Sunday night anyway.
Cheers for now,
Renny
PS - For all the latest European tour dates, check out the GiGS section on my home page.
PPS - A great friend of mine Bridget A'Beckett is playing a show at The Basement in Sydney this Tuesday night (17th June). Well worth a look if you're free - will be a great night. Beautiful voice, beautiful songs. Tix available at www.thebasement.com.au
PPPS - Go the Socceroos!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The not-so-Weekly... Volume 10
Well hello again. It seems the "not so weekly" has remained just that, but alas my attempt to write last week's blog on the way home from Thailand was thwarted by an over-zealous hostess who decided that the computer would interfere with the navigational equipment... "Exactly!" I said. "I was hoping we could get lost so I can stay on holiday a bit longer... ".
Hostess - 1
Renny - 0.
And so I have made it home feeling rather refreshed after a month in Thailand. The stomach bug seemed to disappear after a few days (thanks for your concern), and the minor injuries sustained in the moped mishap seem to be fading away (although not as fast as my hard-earned tan...). Overall thoughts? Hey I had a great month, and it was worth it to head over for the experience. It was, after all, an all expenses paid trip to a resort hotel, and they don't come up all that often! And Phuket?, well that was, as Yolanda Thomas might say, a beautiful disaster. If that makes sense...
Would I do it again? Sure, but not on a regular basis. Because as good as it was to have a rest from the "real world" (as I like to refer to Sydney), there is certainly a limit to how many 4 hour gigs you can play to average crowds of around 6-10 people. And when, after having played a song to the best of your ability, you are greeted by a wall of silence, well that can be somewhat disappointing. Fortunately I had figured out a way to remove myself from the gig "experience", and play through the songs in my on little world. A world which needs no acknowledgement and no encouragement. A world which exists only for the duration of the gig before instantly becoming a distant memory. But despite acquiring the skill to find this "world" when I needed it, it is not a place that bodes all that well for a successful career as an independent singer-songwriter. A lucrative career as a covers artist perhaps, but that's not really what I am trying to achieve here... Not yet anyway.
Having made it home safely, I can't tell you how nice it was to be back at The Excelsior last Wednesday night - playing a show to people who wanted to be there, wanted to hear some good music. And it was also a real treat to share the stage with some of my favourite local artists - Kitch, and the guys from Move Trees. Just a great night, and reason enough to be back home. As I have mentioned before, we've got great lineups every Wednesday this month, and I'm looking forward to the rest. Ruby for Lucy, Sarah Bird and The Mules coming up this week (11 June).
The other great thing about being back home is that I can get to work on this album. To be honest, I really underestimated the size of the task - to self-produce, and do the bulk of the tracking at home by myself. It's as much a discipline issue as anything else, because it's all in my hands. Not that I need to be disciplined by other people, but it's been difficult to switch over to that slightly obsessive mindset - which is where I really need to be to get it finished. Fortunately I have moved back up to the northern beaches, which means I don't have motorbikes and garbage trucks waking me up 5 nights out of 7... And whilst I miss the proximity to the "action" (if that's the way to describe city living...), I am enjoying the peace and quiet up here. It's a beautiful part of the world - something I am reminded of whenever I go away and come back. We've got it pretty good here.
And finally - because I feel I should leave you with one more bit of useless information to add to the large quantity of useless information you have just read - I joined Fitness First. No, I can't believe I did it either... No I don't really know why... Yes i know I have signed a pact with the devil, but there was no choice. I knew I would be travelling... Needed to join something I could use in different places... For years, I have taken a stance against such establishments. And now I am just one of the crowd. Is all hope lost?! What have I become?!
Having said all that, listen up all you independent musicians, because there is certainly a benefit, and that benefit is this:
(I borrowed that style of speech from Kevin Rudd)
If you are on tour and you can't be bothered paying for accommodation, then you can crash in your car/van, wake up in the morning, go to fitness first, do a bit of a workout (if you're that way inclined), have a shower and a shave, get changed and VOILA! You are ready to take on the new day. Rejuvenated. Refreshed. No hotel necessary! You see I am full of ideas.
And I am also full of crap.
But I thought the fitness first thing was a good idea... At least till I sell enough CD's to pay for a hotel room... But I have to finish the CD first don't I.
See you next time.
Renny
PS - Did you know you can book tickets to the Hundred Club in London?!
www.wegottickets.com/event/29580
Not long to go now!!!
Hostess - 1
Renny - 0.
And so I have made it home feeling rather refreshed after a month in Thailand. The stomach bug seemed to disappear after a few days (thanks for your concern), and the minor injuries sustained in the moped mishap seem to be fading away (although not as fast as my hard-earned tan...). Overall thoughts? Hey I had a great month, and it was worth it to head over for the experience. It was, after all, an all expenses paid trip to a resort hotel, and they don't come up all that often! And Phuket?, well that was, as Yolanda Thomas might say, a beautiful disaster. If that makes sense...
Would I do it again? Sure, but not on a regular basis. Because as good as it was to have a rest from the "real world" (as I like to refer to Sydney), there is certainly a limit to how many 4 hour gigs you can play to average crowds of around 6-10 people. And when, after having played a song to the best of your ability, you are greeted by a wall of silence, well that can be somewhat disappointing. Fortunately I had figured out a way to remove myself from the gig "experience", and play through the songs in my on little world. A world which needs no acknowledgement and no encouragement. A world which exists only for the duration of the gig before instantly becoming a distant memory. But despite acquiring the skill to find this "world" when I needed it, it is not a place that bodes all that well for a successful career as an independent singer-songwriter. A lucrative career as a covers artist perhaps, but that's not really what I am trying to achieve here... Not yet anyway.
Having made it home safely, I can't tell you how nice it was to be back at The Excelsior last Wednesday night - playing a show to people who wanted to be there, wanted to hear some good music. And it was also a real treat to share the stage with some of my favourite local artists - Kitch, and the guys from Move Trees. Just a great night, and reason enough to be back home. As I have mentioned before, we've got great lineups every Wednesday this month, and I'm looking forward to the rest. Ruby for Lucy, Sarah Bird and The Mules coming up this week (11 June).
The other great thing about being back home is that I can get to work on this album. To be honest, I really underestimated the size of the task - to self-produce, and do the bulk of the tracking at home by myself. It's as much a discipline issue as anything else, because it's all in my hands. Not that I need to be disciplined by other people, but it's been difficult to switch over to that slightly obsessive mindset - which is where I really need to be to get it finished. Fortunately I have moved back up to the northern beaches, which means I don't have motorbikes and garbage trucks waking me up 5 nights out of 7... And whilst I miss the proximity to the "action" (if that's the way to describe city living...), I am enjoying the peace and quiet up here. It's a beautiful part of the world - something I am reminded of whenever I go away and come back. We've got it pretty good here.
And finally - because I feel I should leave you with one more bit of useless information to add to the large quantity of useless information you have just read - I joined Fitness First. No, I can't believe I did it either... No I don't really know why... Yes i know I have signed a pact with the devil, but there was no choice. I knew I would be travelling... Needed to join something I could use in different places... For years, I have taken a stance against such establishments. And now I am just one of the crowd. Is all hope lost?! What have I become?!
Having said all that, listen up all you independent musicians, because there is certainly a benefit, and that benefit is this:
(I borrowed that style of speech from Kevin Rudd)
If you are on tour and you can't be bothered paying for accommodation, then you can crash in your car/van, wake up in the morning, go to fitness first, do a bit of a workout (if you're that way inclined), have a shower and a shave, get changed and VOILA! You are ready to take on the new day. Rejuvenated. Refreshed. No hotel necessary! You see I am full of ideas.
And I am also full of crap.
But I thought the fitness first thing was a good idea... At least till I sell enough CD's to pay for a hotel room... But I have to finish the CD first don't I.
See you next time.
Renny
PS - Did you know you can book tickets to the Hundred Club in London?!
www.wegottickets.com/event/29580
Not long to go now!!!
Monday, May 26, 2008
The not-so-Weekly... Volume 9
Greetings from Thailand, where there is one week left in my solo residency at the Twin Palms Hotel. At least there should have been one week left, but the hotel has decided that with the installation of a new sound system in the Catch Club (the venue where I was playing...), I would no longer be required. Ordinarily this may have been somewhat disappointing, however in this case the hotel has kindly offered to have me stay on for the full duration of my contract - which as far as I can tell means a free week in Phuket! So I suppose it's like a redundancy payment of sorts... works for me....
BEFORE I GO ON, CHECK THIS OUT
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JUNE -
RENNY FIELD BAND RESIDENCY @ THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, SURRY HILLS
Wed 4/6 - With Move Trees and Kitch
Wed 11/6 - With The Mules, Sarah Bird and Ruby for Lucy
Wed 18/6 - Special Acoustic Show With Fergus Brown and Rubi & Jude
Wed 25/6 - With The Falls, Sarah Humphreys and Cookie Baker.
Music from 8pm each week - Tix just $10 at the door. And great food at the pub!
The Excelsior - 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
--------------------------------------
So those of you who noticed the absence of "the weekly" last week will understand when I tell you that my brother was visiting... and a holiday at his pace leaves very little time for blogs on myspace. Talk about hitting it with full steam! Interestingly enough, full steam also included a full-on case of the Delhi Belly, or as we will refer to it in this case - the Pewk-et. Which was a shame for him, but more of a shame for his older brother who must have caught the damn thing just before he left. The last two days here have been far less exciting than the previous week I can tell you. A knock-out punch - haven't been able to move. The typing of this blog is about as active as I can be right now... bugger me! Signs are good for tomorrow though - I can feel a recovery of sorts coming on.
But Blogs are for stories my friends, and the stories of the "Pewk-ets" don't really count. So why don't I tell you about a world famous Ping Pong show which we chanced upon the other night. You see this is the type of thing you do when you have a night off... if you're in Thailand, it's one of the boxes you have to tick - consider it the Thai version of Niagra Falls, or Ayers Rock, or the Eiffel Tower for that matter. And I had been warned about these shows, but it turns out Ping Pong balls are just the tip of the iceberg - we had darts, trumpets, and a live chicken. Yes, a live chicken. I'll leave that one to your imagination, but suffice it to say when you see the woman in question walking round the main street the next day with her one year-old child slung over her shoulder, one wonders what sort of childhood is in store for the little tyke. Hmmm..... Won't be able to get that trumpet solo out of my head for a good while either... Spectacular.
Other highlights in the past week have been a pretty impressive Canoe Trip to Phang-nga, a wild goose chase in the middle of the night which involved a trip down the worst road imaginable to a private beach party which did not exist (long story...), and BARGAINS! Yep - took me a while to get through the incredible amounts of imitation diesel t-shirts, but I've found the hot spots, and I have no idea what I am going to do on the way home because I had already exceeded the excess baggage limit on the way here. Time for the cull!
In other news, the European tour is ticking along nicely - a few shows keep popping up each week, so things are looking good. Looking forward to getting over there!! Won't say much more, just keep an eye on the gigs, and send me an email if you're over there somewhere and you want me to try and stop in.. Cool.
See you next week - where the weekly will once again re-appear as the weekly.
Signing off for now.
Renny
BEFORE I GO ON, CHECK THIS OUT
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JUNE -
RENNY FIELD BAND RESIDENCY @ THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, SURRY HILLS
Wed 4/6 - With Move Trees and Kitch
Wed 11/6 - With The Mules, Sarah Bird and Ruby for Lucy
Wed 18/6 - Special Acoustic Show With Fergus Brown and Rubi & Jude
Wed 25/6 - With The Falls, Sarah Humphreys and Cookie Baker.
Music from 8pm each week - Tix just $10 at the door. And great food at the pub!
The Excelsior - 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
--------------------------------------
So those of you who noticed the absence of "the weekly" last week will understand when I tell you that my brother was visiting... and a holiday at his pace leaves very little time for blogs on myspace. Talk about hitting it with full steam! Interestingly enough, full steam also included a full-on case of the Delhi Belly, or as we will refer to it in this case - the Pewk-et. Which was a shame for him, but more of a shame for his older brother who must have caught the damn thing just before he left. The last two days here have been far less exciting than the previous week I can tell you. A knock-out punch - haven't been able to move. The typing of this blog is about as active as I can be right now... bugger me! Signs are good for tomorrow though - I can feel a recovery of sorts coming on.
But Blogs are for stories my friends, and the stories of the "Pewk-ets" don't really count. So why don't I tell you about a world famous Ping Pong show which we chanced upon the other night. You see this is the type of thing you do when you have a night off... if you're in Thailand, it's one of the boxes you have to tick - consider it the Thai version of Niagra Falls, or Ayers Rock, or the Eiffel Tower for that matter. And I had been warned about these shows, but it turns out Ping Pong balls are just the tip of the iceberg - we had darts, trumpets, and a live chicken. Yes, a live chicken. I'll leave that one to your imagination, but suffice it to say when you see the woman in question walking round the main street the next day with her one year-old child slung over her shoulder, one wonders what sort of childhood is in store for the little tyke. Hmmm..... Won't be able to get that trumpet solo out of my head for a good while either... Spectacular.
Other highlights in the past week have been a pretty impressive Canoe Trip to Phang-nga, a wild goose chase in the middle of the night which involved a trip down the worst road imaginable to a private beach party which did not exist (long story...), and BARGAINS! Yep - took me a while to get through the incredible amounts of imitation diesel t-shirts, but I've found the hot spots, and I have no idea what I am going to do on the way home because I had already exceeded the excess baggage limit on the way here. Time for the cull!
In other news, the European tour is ticking along nicely - a few shows keep popping up each week, so things are looking good. Looking forward to getting over there!! Won't say much more, just keep an eye on the gigs, and send me an email if you're over there somewhere and you want me to try and stop in.. Cool.
See you next week - where the weekly will once again re-appear as the weekly.
Signing off for now.
Renny
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 8
Well as fate would have it, Shane Warne just walked in to bat for the Rajasthan Royals cricket team in the Indian Premier League. Not that this has anything to do with the blog, but you see each night here in Thailand I get home from my gig and put the TV on to see what's happening in the world. And more often than not, there is a cricket match finishing in India. So there you go - a snapshot of my life at the moment... At this very second in fact.... By the time I finish this, the match will be over... I'll let you know who won.
Right now I am about a third of the way through my contract here in Phuket... Starting to get in the groove a bit more now. The 4-hour sets are pretty tough going, but the voice is coping a bit better. In fact, tonight was my last of 6 nights in a row. I get tomorrow off, then back into another 6 straight. I think on average I am playing to around 4-6 people at the bar (Notwithstanding the occasional busy night where there are 30-40). Can be a bit tragic, but I am getting to meet some cool people which is great. I was saying to someone the other day - that is my favourite part about travelling - meeting new people. Especially when you are travelling alone. Because you're forced into a situation where you have to make an effort, and I think we forget to make an effort when we are in our familiar surrounds. Will this change the way I do things when I get home? I hope so...
Phuket itself is an interesting sort of place. My trusty moped (a lot more "trusty" now that I have upgraded to a newer model) has taken me back and forth around the Island. A trip on a Moped around Phuket is not without it's hair-raising moments I might add, but I am cautious you see... very cautious...
I have lost count of the number of times I have seen a balding overweight 65yo man with a giggling 18-yo Thai girl. There is something very wrong with that picture yes. There is something worse about seeing it in real life. But that sort of thing is very normal here. And the 18yo's are not always girls either. Bizarre...
The weather has been a bit suspect, but I am getting used to that. And I think I have discovered a pattern - it only ever rains if I am thinking about going somewhere on the moped, or if I am about to walk down to the beach club for my gig. I can't tell you the number of times I have been 20-30mins away from the hotel and had the heavens open just as I begin to make my way back. If only there was a way of getting some footage on youtube - I really must look stupid heading into the teeth of a howling gale with my hand trying to create some mock visor on the front of my helmet in a pathetic attempt to keep the rain out of my eyes...
In other news, a few more dates being booked in for Europe which is great. It's a slow process, but I'm getting there. I say again, if anyone has any ideas for me, feel free to let me know. I am quickly discovering how difficult it can be to book a tour independently from the other side of the world. But it'll be worth the trouble! Can't wait.
Wouldn't you know it, Shane Warne and his team just won the match.
And I am rambling. Yes this has been a good ramble.
Adios
Right now I am about a third of the way through my contract here in Phuket... Starting to get in the groove a bit more now. The 4-hour sets are pretty tough going, but the voice is coping a bit better. In fact, tonight was my last of 6 nights in a row. I get tomorrow off, then back into another 6 straight. I think on average I am playing to around 4-6 people at the bar (Notwithstanding the occasional busy night where there are 30-40). Can be a bit tragic, but I am getting to meet some cool people which is great. I was saying to someone the other day - that is my favourite part about travelling - meeting new people. Especially when you are travelling alone. Because you're forced into a situation where you have to make an effort, and I think we forget to make an effort when we are in our familiar surrounds. Will this change the way I do things when I get home? I hope so...
Phuket itself is an interesting sort of place. My trusty moped (a lot more "trusty" now that I have upgraded to a newer model) has taken me back and forth around the Island. A trip on a Moped around Phuket is not without it's hair-raising moments I might add, but I am cautious you see... very cautious...
I have lost count of the number of times I have seen a balding overweight 65yo man with a giggling 18-yo Thai girl. There is something very wrong with that picture yes. There is something worse about seeing it in real life. But that sort of thing is very normal here. And the 18yo's are not always girls either. Bizarre...
The weather has been a bit suspect, but I am getting used to that. And I think I have discovered a pattern - it only ever rains if I am thinking about going somewhere on the moped, or if I am about to walk down to the beach club for my gig. I can't tell you the number of times I have been 20-30mins away from the hotel and had the heavens open just as I begin to make my way back. If only there was a way of getting some footage on youtube - I really must look stupid heading into the teeth of a howling gale with my hand trying to create some mock visor on the front of my helmet in a pathetic attempt to keep the rain out of my eyes...
In other news, a few more dates being booked in for Europe which is great. It's a slow process, but I'm getting there. I say again, if anyone has any ideas for me, feel free to let me know. I am quickly discovering how difficult it can be to book a tour independently from the other side of the world. But it'll be worth the trouble! Can't wait.
Wouldn't you know it, Shane Warne and his team just won the match.
And I am rambling. Yes this has been a good ramble.
Adios
Monday, May 05, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 7
The weekly strikes again.... (apologies to those on the email list, I figure the monthly mailout was a good place to start the weekly....if that makes sense....)
Hello from Thailand, where it must be the future. Or it is the present, and we have been misled in Australia.... Because in Thailand you see it is the year 2551. Apparently they are 543 years ahead of the rest of the world. What were we doing for 543 years I wonder whilst these Thai people were building their nation of beaches and mopeds? Evidently, the 543 years head start has not necessarily lent itself to half a millenium's worth of technological advances. Indeed, on my way to the visa office yesterday I stepped over a dying dog at the foot of the staircase. The staircase inside the building that is. And the office itself, well that was an experience. I think I spotted the old IBM I used to own in 1989. Everyone told me to watch out for ladyboys.... One of whom I have not seen yet. Aside from the visa office, where one of the Visa "officials" was an overweight man proudly dressed in a bright pink collared t-shirt, wearing makeup, and donning a hat/bonnet that would make your great grandmother proud (wide bream, straw, decorated with flowers....). Not that there's anything wrong with that.
In other news, I just negotiated the hire of a moped for the entire month - only $100. I have not ventured too far just yet. I figure tomorrow I can spend a day practicing my bail-out techniques for when I am being set upon by an old lorry or bus. That way I will be ready to tackle the road to Phuket town.
For those of you who missed it, I have just begun my month-long residency at the Twin Palms Resort in Phuket (which is about 30mins south of Phuket town itself). That's 4hrs of music, 6 nights a week, and nothing to do all day aside from lie on the beach (and practice bail-out maneuvers on my moped). If you're interested in checking it out, here is the link - www.twinpalms-phuket.com . They have erected a large billboard of me at the front entrance of the hotel. Very funny stuff.
---------------------------
Moving on, those first few paragraphs I wrote just after I arrived... I am a few days in now. With a few more stories to tell...
There are, in fact, several Billboards. Not only the double-sided one at the front entrance, but another equally large sign at the front of the "Catch Club", which is the bar I am playing at. It's all very disconcerting I must say. Bearing in mind it took me 4 years to summon up the courage to put my face on a poster... And now there I am sitting on my old van (Rest in Peace 1984 Tarago...) for all the world to see. Well maybe not all the world, but half of Phuket. Anyway, there you go. (if you didn't get the part about the Van, it's one of the photos on my press photos section of the website - www.rennyfield.com - an old machine I used to own....).
The gig itself is not so bad. The catch club is a "beach club' for the hotel. So where the hotel is set back from the beach, the Catch Club is pretty much on the beach. It's not a typical "show" as is the norm in Sydney. Really I am providing background music more than anything whist people have dinner and drinks. Already I have been asked if it is hard work playing when people aren't really listening. And sure in one sense that is hard work, because I always have imagined my songs being "heard" in that sense. As any songwriter would I suppose. It's also a 4-hour gig - ie 4 x 45min sets. Which isn't a walk in the park, although I am quickly getting used to it...
Having said all that, this trip is as much about having a break as it is about playing shows. And as far as I can see, it's a perfect opportunity to do that. I have learned over time to appreciate these types of gigs for what they are, rather than getting upset because they don't live up to my idea of what the ultimate "setting" is for a performance - some people listen, some people don't. So I am working my way through a whole bunch of songs I rarely get a chance to play any more - both mine and other peoples. And i am enjoying it so far. Watch this space of course, because I am less than a week in... But it's great to be in another part of the world. And without wanting to sound too sentimental about the whole thing, the fact that music has brought me here is a real blessing. In some ways, it gives me faith that music will take me to other places. And I think I lost that for a while.
Now back to that Moped, which has been getting a bit of a workover... Following on from my tentative first trip over the hill and back again, I decided to head a bit further into the yonder the second time around. Little did I know that I was destined for a fall. Not a bad one mind you, but a fall nonetheless... And what do you think caused this fall?? A Chicken! A Chicken! Damn thing was making a beeline for the front of the bike, and as I applied the brakes and swerved in the one fluent motion, so the motion continued until I was off the bike, and the bike was skidding along the ground. And what of the Chicken? Fine of course. In fact I think it went and hid on the other side of the road so it could have some fun with the next dumb tourist that went past.
Ah but the moped stories continue.... because yesterday I was invited to a 4th birthday party. An invitation I might normally politely decline, but being in a foreign land on my ownsome, better to go and meet some new people, even if I did have to listen to the wiggles for 4 hours non stop. Lyrical genius I tell you. The way they intertwine fish, birds, monsters and hokey pokey all in the one song - I was hooked. Anyway, notwithstanding my latest musical inspiration, the time eventually came to say goodbye to the 4 year-olds and the treasure hunts and return to the hotel. Around about 20mins on the moped.
Enter Cyclone Tracey.
OK - slight use of artistic license, but it was RAINING cats, dogs, and everything else the wiggles have ever mentioned. And here was I - stranded in shorts and a t-shirt - attempting to push back into the breeze, face stinging from being pelted by the over-size drops of rain, bike wobbling around every turn... All of this after I was told on good authority (by locals that is...) that the rain would soon pass, and it was only really "heavy" for a few minutes at a time. Hmmmmm.....
You will be pleased to know that I did in fact make it back to the hotel. Straight into my room and under the hot shower for about 30mins. I can't imagine what people must have been thinking watching me ride past in those conditions. Much the same as I was probably thinking about myself - you idiot! And after all that, I don't even think I'll get a song out of it. Unless I make a play for the kids market, but that is for another time...
The hotel itself, I must mention, is quite amazing. It's an interesting transition from my last "tour" in Australia. One which saw me sleeping in the back of my car for several nights to save on expenses. Not that I minded of course, I am cool with stuff like that. But now I have travelled thousands of kilometres - into a different hemisphere in fact - and I find myself sitting in the comfort of a 5-star hotel suite. Free food, drinks, free gym, free everything really. And personal billboards. How bizarre. Better make the most of it, because I'm sure I'll be back in the station wagon before I can say "Ping Pong Balls".
Still yet to see any of those by the way... which I think might be a good thing...
But I am here for a month, and apparently they are hard to avoid....
Signing off - back in a week
Hello from Thailand, where it must be the future. Or it is the present, and we have been misled in Australia.... Because in Thailand you see it is the year 2551. Apparently they are 543 years ahead of the rest of the world. What were we doing for 543 years I wonder whilst these Thai people were building their nation of beaches and mopeds? Evidently, the 543 years head start has not necessarily lent itself to half a millenium's worth of technological advances. Indeed, on my way to the visa office yesterday I stepped over a dying dog at the foot of the staircase. The staircase inside the building that is. And the office itself, well that was an experience. I think I spotted the old IBM I used to own in 1989. Everyone told me to watch out for ladyboys.... One of whom I have not seen yet. Aside from the visa office, where one of the Visa "officials" was an overweight man proudly dressed in a bright pink collared t-shirt, wearing makeup, and donning a hat/bonnet that would make your great grandmother proud (wide bream, straw, decorated with flowers....). Not that there's anything wrong with that.
In other news, I just negotiated the hire of a moped for the entire month - only $100. I have not ventured too far just yet. I figure tomorrow I can spend a day practicing my bail-out techniques for when I am being set upon by an old lorry or bus. That way I will be ready to tackle the road to Phuket town.
For those of you who missed it, I have just begun my month-long residency at the Twin Palms Resort in Phuket (which is about 30mins south of Phuket town itself). That's 4hrs of music, 6 nights a week, and nothing to do all day aside from lie on the beach (and practice bail-out maneuvers on my moped). If you're interested in checking it out, here is the link - www.twinpalms-phuket.com . They have erected a large billboard of me at the front entrance of the hotel. Very funny stuff.
---------------------------
Moving on, those first few paragraphs I wrote just after I arrived... I am a few days in now. With a few more stories to tell...
There are, in fact, several Billboards. Not only the double-sided one at the front entrance, but another equally large sign at the front of the "Catch Club", which is the bar I am playing at. It's all very disconcerting I must say. Bearing in mind it took me 4 years to summon up the courage to put my face on a poster... And now there I am sitting on my old van (Rest in Peace 1984 Tarago...) for all the world to see. Well maybe not all the world, but half of Phuket. Anyway, there you go. (if you didn't get the part about the Van, it's one of the photos on my press photos section of the website - www.rennyfield.com - an old machine I used to own....).
The gig itself is not so bad. The catch club is a "beach club' for the hotel. So where the hotel is set back from the beach, the Catch Club is pretty much on the beach. It's not a typical "show" as is the norm in Sydney. Really I am providing background music more than anything whist people have dinner and drinks. Already I have been asked if it is hard work playing when people aren't really listening. And sure in one sense that is hard work, because I always have imagined my songs being "heard" in that sense. As any songwriter would I suppose. It's also a 4-hour gig - ie 4 x 45min sets. Which isn't a walk in the park, although I am quickly getting used to it...
Having said all that, this trip is as much about having a break as it is about playing shows. And as far as I can see, it's a perfect opportunity to do that. I have learned over time to appreciate these types of gigs for what they are, rather than getting upset because they don't live up to my idea of what the ultimate "setting" is for a performance - some people listen, some people don't. So I am working my way through a whole bunch of songs I rarely get a chance to play any more - both mine and other peoples. And i am enjoying it so far. Watch this space of course, because I am less than a week in... But it's great to be in another part of the world. And without wanting to sound too sentimental about the whole thing, the fact that music has brought me here is a real blessing. In some ways, it gives me faith that music will take me to other places. And I think I lost that for a while.
Now back to that Moped, which has been getting a bit of a workover... Following on from my tentative first trip over the hill and back again, I decided to head a bit further into the yonder the second time around. Little did I know that I was destined for a fall. Not a bad one mind you, but a fall nonetheless... And what do you think caused this fall?? A Chicken! A Chicken! Damn thing was making a beeline for the front of the bike, and as I applied the brakes and swerved in the one fluent motion, so the motion continued until I was off the bike, and the bike was skidding along the ground. And what of the Chicken? Fine of course. In fact I think it went and hid on the other side of the road so it could have some fun with the next dumb tourist that went past.
Ah but the moped stories continue.... because yesterday I was invited to a 4th birthday party. An invitation I might normally politely decline, but being in a foreign land on my ownsome, better to go and meet some new people, even if I did have to listen to the wiggles for 4 hours non stop. Lyrical genius I tell you. The way they intertwine fish, birds, monsters and hokey pokey all in the one song - I was hooked. Anyway, notwithstanding my latest musical inspiration, the time eventually came to say goodbye to the 4 year-olds and the treasure hunts and return to the hotel. Around about 20mins on the moped.
Enter Cyclone Tracey.
OK - slight use of artistic license, but it was RAINING cats, dogs, and everything else the wiggles have ever mentioned. And here was I - stranded in shorts and a t-shirt - attempting to push back into the breeze, face stinging from being pelted by the over-size drops of rain, bike wobbling around every turn... All of this after I was told on good authority (by locals that is...) that the rain would soon pass, and it was only really "heavy" for a few minutes at a time. Hmmmmm.....
You will be pleased to know that I did in fact make it back to the hotel. Straight into my room and under the hot shower for about 30mins. I can't imagine what people must have been thinking watching me ride past in those conditions. Much the same as I was probably thinking about myself - you idiot! And after all that, I don't even think I'll get a song out of it. Unless I make a play for the kids market, but that is for another time...
The hotel itself, I must mention, is quite amazing. It's an interesting transition from my last "tour" in Australia. One which saw me sleeping in the back of my car for several nights to save on expenses. Not that I minded of course, I am cool with stuff like that. But now I have travelled thousands of kilometres - into a different hemisphere in fact - and I find myself sitting in the comfort of a 5-star hotel suite. Free food, drinks, free gym, free everything really. And personal billboards. How bizarre. Better make the most of it, because I'm sure I'll be back in the station wagon before I can say "Ping Pong Balls".
Still yet to see any of those by the way... which I think might be a good thing...
But I am here for a month, and apparently they are hard to avoid....
Signing off - back in a week
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 6
Apologies weekly fans... This has been a hectic few days. Moving house, preparing to go overseas, road trips, camping, gigs. Well you know how it goes. Some things get missed... As I type this, I am still yet to finish packing my things for Phuket (see gigs...), and it is after midnight. Again this comes as no surprise, because although I made a plan some time this afternoon to be in bed before midnight, I kind of knew that I would figure out a way to be up a lot longer than that. That's just the way it's always been. I have learned to live with it.
So...
I haved move out of the city. Yes. And although I will miss the convenience, I certainly won't miss Fitzroy Street a great deal. Not the cars, nor the trucks, nor the buses, nor the tow trucks that used to pull up outside my bedroom window at 5.30 in the morning to move cars from the clearway zone. Ah yes the joys of inner city living. And that's just the traffic. Make no mention of the neighbour who asks for garbage bags in the middle of the night dressed only in a pair of Y-fronts. Not something anybody needs to experience let me tell you.
Anyway there is a point to this. That is to say farewell!! This time in 2 days I will be belting out a few of the classics in Thailand. Either that or I will be lying on the beach somewhere... Depending on what time of day it is... So if you're in the area, why don't you stop by www.twinpalms-phuket.com and say hi. And if you're not in the area, why don't you drop me a line and say hi anyway. I'll be by myself you see. So chances are I'll get back to you. Because in between gigs I'll be on the computer - trying to plan the assault on Europe. But that's another story altogether.
Don't forget - Wednesdays in June we'll be at The Excelsior Hotel in Surry Hills. Every week in fact! Check out the gig list for full details. And speaking of the Excelsior, why don't you check this out why you're at it:
WED 30TH APRIL - Excelsior Hotel Surry Hills
LONG LIVE THE GIRLS..
Sara Storer
Sarah Humphreys
Bec Willis.
Music from 8PM. Tix $15 on the door.
I've been a few times... It's great! And I have it on good authority that there might be a few guest appearances from people who would not normally be playing the Excelsior... That's all I'll say.
OK then, I'll be signing off. Next week you get Thailand stories - assuming I get there in one piece, and I remain in one piece for long enough to make it to the next weekly. Which happens to be a lot less than a week away....
Cheers for now.
Renny
PS - I can't think of a PS. I like them is all. But I just don't have one right now. Next time you get a PS and a PPS.
PPS - I got one - I just booked a gig in Cork! Cool.
PPPS - Ooooh now I am on a roll. Last night I saw Lior at The Basement. Such a great show. Great singer. Great songs. Great band. All the ingredients. And all independent! Gotta love it. You go man.
www.lior.com.au
So...
I haved move out of the city. Yes. And although I will miss the convenience, I certainly won't miss Fitzroy Street a great deal. Not the cars, nor the trucks, nor the buses, nor the tow trucks that used to pull up outside my bedroom window at 5.30 in the morning to move cars from the clearway zone. Ah yes the joys of inner city living. And that's just the traffic. Make no mention of the neighbour who asks for garbage bags in the middle of the night dressed only in a pair of Y-fronts. Not something anybody needs to experience let me tell you.
Anyway there is a point to this. That is to say farewell!! This time in 2 days I will be belting out a few of the classics in Thailand. Either that or I will be lying on the beach somewhere... Depending on what time of day it is... So if you're in the area, why don't you stop by www.twinpalms-phuket.com and say hi. And if you're not in the area, why don't you drop me a line and say hi anyway. I'll be by myself you see. So chances are I'll get back to you. Because in between gigs I'll be on the computer - trying to plan the assault on Europe. But that's another story altogether.
Don't forget - Wednesdays in June we'll be at The Excelsior Hotel in Surry Hills. Every week in fact! Check out the gig list for full details. And speaking of the Excelsior, why don't you check this out why you're at it:
WED 30TH APRIL - Excelsior Hotel Surry Hills
LONG LIVE THE GIRLS..
Sara Storer
Sarah Humphreys
Bec Willis.
Music from 8PM. Tix $15 on the door.
I've been a few times... It's great! And I have it on good authority that there might be a few guest appearances from people who would not normally be playing the Excelsior... That's all I'll say.
OK then, I'll be signing off. Next week you get Thailand stories - assuming I get there in one piece, and I remain in one piece for long enough to make it to the next weekly. Which happens to be a lot less than a week away....
Cheers for now.
Renny
PS - I can't think of a PS. I like them is all. But I just don't have one right now. Next time you get a PS and a PPS.
PPS - I got one - I just booked a gig in Cork! Cool.
PPPS - Ooooh now I am on a roll. Last night I saw Lior at The Basement. Such a great show. Great singer. Great songs. Great band. All the ingredients. And all independent! Gotta love it. You go man.
www.lior.com.au
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 5
Welcome back here to the Bee-ELle-Oh-Gee...
(That's what Richie Benaud would say. One day I will make it happen... A video blog maybe... Hmmm).
Well last night at the Brass Monkey kind of restored my faith in music. Not that it needed a great deal of restoring, but faith can always use the occasional "top-up" (for want of a better term), and last night topped it up quite nicely. Just 9 paying customers, but that's all it took. And if you don't understand, well neither do I really, it was just great. So thanks Brass Monkey - you did it again. And thanks to the band - Matt, Pat, Sarah and Andrew.
And if you've never been there, then PLEASE go. (Not for me - for yourselves!)
www.brassmonkey.com.au
(Diesel personally recommended the Hummus - I am serious!)
The rest of the week - well there was a show in Wollongong, a Banana Cake, and discussions with sounding boards (these are important).
And now it's just 9 days till I take off for Thailand. They have beaches you know... If you want to come visit, I'll be here:
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
And and and...
The lineups are now posted for the June residency at the Excelsior. Big one to Start with Move Trees and Kitch - look out! Wed June 4 - Gideeup.
Finally - more shows being added to the Europe Tour - cool.
Cheers for now,
Renny (Still in search of a new punctuation mark in between a full stop and the exclamation mark).
!
My road trip to Hurstville. 17/04/08
Hurstville, I have decided, it like a Microcosm of our fine city of Sydney. It's a nice enough place - got most of the things you'd ever need in fact. But you see there's this thing that's happened. They've built a town before they really thought about the town planning. So the streets loop round and back in and over the top of themselves, and there isn't really a system, and some of them are one way (usually the ones you need to go the other way on...), and there are traffic lights in odd places, and random pedestrian crossings, and a train somewhere in the middle of it all - which is probably running late for somewhere. Sound familiar?
And I could have accepted all that until it became obvious that the parking police had also adopted other general rest-of-Sydney-like characteristics. Unlike the distinct lack of planning involved in the street configuration, there is actually quite a lot of planning that goes into the training of a perfect "ticket dispensing prick". By that I mean the man in the bright yellow vest (Why do they make them wear those things...?) who managed to nail me by all of about 5mins. This despite me reaching him before he had finished writing the ticket. And despite me standing about 10m away from my car talking to some friends as he was writing the ticket (I noticed the yellow vest mid-conversation, but apparently didn't make it across to him in time). Would he listen to reason? No Chance. Did he have a conscience? Negative.
So you see I am not bitter, but I don't think I'll head back out to Hurstville again too soon. Not that it's a bad place, it's just that I can get all those things right here in Surry Hills, and it's a lot closer to the beach.
Adios.
(That's what Richie Benaud would say. One day I will make it happen... A video blog maybe... Hmmm).
Well last night at the Brass Monkey kind of restored my faith in music. Not that it needed a great deal of restoring, but faith can always use the occasional "top-up" (for want of a better term), and last night topped it up quite nicely. Just 9 paying customers, but that's all it took. And if you don't understand, well neither do I really, it was just great. So thanks Brass Monkey - you did it again. And thanks to the band - Matt, Pat, Sarah and Andrew.
And if you've never been there, then PLEASE go. (Not for me - for yourselves!)
www.brassmonkey.com.au
(Diesel personally recommended the Hummus - I am serious!)
The rest of the week - well there was a show in Wollongong, a Banana Cake, and discussions with sounding boards (these are important).
And now it's just 9 days till I take off for Thailand. They have beaches you know... If you want to come visit, I'll be here:
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
And and and...
The lineups are now posted for the June residency at the Excelsior. Big one to Start with Move Trees and Kitch - look out! Wed June 4 - Gideeup.
Finally - more shows being added to the Europe Tour - cool.
Cheers for now,
Renny (Still in search of a new punctuation mark in between a full stop and the exclamation mark).
!
My road trip to Hurstville. 17/04/08
Hurstville, I have decided, it like a Microcosm of our fine city of Sydney. It's a nice enough place - got most of the things you'd ever need in fact. But you see there's this thing that's happened. They've built a town before they really thought about the town planning. So the streets loop round and back in and over the top of themselves, and there isn't really a system, and some of them are one way (usually the ones you need to go the other way on...), and there are traffic lights in odd places, and random pedestrian crossings, and a train somewhere in the middle of it all - which is probably running late for somewhere. Sound familiar?
And I could have accepted all that until it became obvious that the parking police had also adopted other general rest-of-Sydney-like characteristics. Unlike the distinct lack of planning involved in the street configuration, there is actually quite a lot of planning that goes into the training of a perfect "ticket dispensing prick". By that I mean the man in the bright yellow vest (Why do they make them wear those things...?) who managed to nail me by all of about 5mins. This despite me reaching him before he had finished writing the ticket. And despite me standing about 10m away from my car talking to some friends as he was writing the ticket (I noticed the yellow vest mid-conversation, but apparently didn't make it across to him in time). Would he listen to reason? No Chance. Did he have a conscience? Negative.
So you see I am not bitter, but I don't think I'll head back out to Hurstville again too soon. Not that it's a bad place, it's just that I can get all those things right here in Surry Hills, and it's a lot closer to the beach.
Adios.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 4
True to my word, you're always going to get something... even if it is late on a Sunday night yet again. But not too much tonight, as it's the final round of the Masters in the morning. And I am a Masters tragic - ever since I used to get up and watch Greg Norman - so many emotions - much like the North Sydney Bears rugby league team... But that's another story.
Poem this week:
"Most of the time
We just tow the line
Walking in Circles
With the end nowhere in sight
Girl of the wine
So sweet and divine
One day with you
And everything's just fine
Don't get me wrong
This here ain't a love poem
I just got something in my veins
You came along
and I finally found my happy song
It came from you and your simple ways"
This is an unfinished song you see - and one day I will finish it - hence making it a finished song. But until then, you'll have to put up with this...
TUES 15 APRIL
Solo show @ Wollongong Uni
Music from 4pm at the Uni Bar.
And maybe this...
SUN 20 APRIL
Full Band Show @ The Brass Monkey
Supported by Jak Housden (The Whiltlams)
and Kitch (Kitch)
Bookings on 9544 3844
www.brassmonkey.com.au
(This one will be a good one!)
And finally a few observations from the week that was:
Monday:
Nothing significant to report.
Tuesday:
Same as monday.
Wednesday:
Went to Adelaide for a show - it was great! They call it Radelaide down there... or the "Big A". I actually really like the place. Thanks to the Grace Emily once again, and to all you folks (Jaan, Alice, Eli et al...) to happened to wander down for the gig. Unlike the last trip, it was just my own show this time round, so I got to play through a fair bit of material - including a few old songs that I rarely get the chance to play any more. Based on the way I played them, I think I should probably practice playing them a bit more often, but there you go - lesson learned. How cool is the Grace Emily?! It's very cool. Almost didn't get to the show however, courtesy of my making the check-in time by about 2 seconds... In fact, I was so late that my bag had the "Last Bag" tag on it when I collected it at Adelaide Airport. And as late as I have been in the past, I don't think I have ever had the honour of being the "Last Bag". This is not something I will be trying to replicate...
Thursday:
Ikea for breakfast!
No, we didn't try to eat the store, although I'm sure you could probably eat parts of it if you really wanted to.... In fact, a friend of mine took me to Ikea to get a cooked breakfast for $1.95. No sh... $1.95!! This includes Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Brown, Baked Beans, Tomatoes and Toast. Also, you can get bottomless Coffee for $2.00. Now this is not a cooked breakfast to write home about, but it fills the hole pretty well, and I did manage to circumnavigate the entire Ikea store.... nearly twice in fact... without buying a single thing! An Ikea store is both fascinating and terrifying all at the same time... Also, when you've finished walking round the store, you can buy a hot dog and bottomless Pepsi for $2.
And on the subject of meals, the Exeter Pub in Adelaide does a great Curry on Wednesday nights.... And the Grace Emily (where I ended up again - to watch a gig) serves a great Pint of Coopers Pale. (Pint in South Australia being a Schooner in New South Wales of course.... I never get that... there must have been someone who did it first... and then did they change the name each time they started a new state? Surely there are more effective ways to give a new state it's own drinking identity....).
Now I did at some point on Thursday afternoon manage to do an interview and a couple of live songs at Radio Adelaide with a lovely girl by the name of Lisa - who happens to be traveling to Nepal in a few weeks time to make a documentary on women in the media. I suggested that if she wanted to do a documentary about women in the media, there were probably easier ways to go about it than catching a bus 10hrs north of Kathmandu - but hey what an experience! As for the interview, I think it well, but I may have sounded like a tosser.... In which case I am fortunate that it is being aired in another state, and I most likely will never have to hear my incessant rambling. Which sounds like this blog would sound if you read it out aloud, only much worse I am sure...
(Did anyone actually try reading the blog out aloud there? I hope not....)
Friday:
Home sweet home.
Thanks Cookie for your spare bed.
There is a good fish burger shop in Surry Hills.
Saturday:
Much of life is about swallowing ones pride. If you want a really good mouthful, I suggest playing a covers gig to a room full of drunk people and coming to terms with the fact that the applause you get for a bad version of "Brown Eyed Girl" could potentially exceed anything you are ever likely to receive for your own music...
Sunday:
Manu Vatuvai scored two tries for the Warriors.
Until next time, stay well peoples.
Renny
Poem this week:
"Most of the time
We just tow the line
Walking in Circles
With the end nowhere in sight
Girl of the wine
So sweet and divine
One day with you
And everything's just fine
Don't get me wrong
This here ain't a love poem
I just got something in my veins
You came along
and I finally found my happy song
It came from you and your simple ways"
This is an unfinished song you see - and one day I will finish it - hence making it a finished song. But until then, you'll have to put up with this...
TUES 15 APRIL
Solo show @ Wollongong Uni
Music from 4pm at the Uni Bar.
And maybe this...
SUN 20 APRIL
Full Band Show @ The Brass Monkey
Supported by Jak Housden (The Whiltlams)
and Kitch (Kitch)
Bookings on 9544 3844
www.brassmonkey.com.au
(This one will be a good one!)
And finally a few observations from the week that was:
Monday:
Nothing significant to report.
Tuesday:
Same as monday.
Wednesday:
Went to Adelaide for a show - it was great! They call it Radelaide down there... or the "Big A". I actually really like the place. Thanks to the Grace Emily once again, and to all you folks (Jaan, Alice, Eli et al...) to happened to wander down for the gig. Unlike the last trip, it was just my own show this time round, so I got to play through a fair bit of material - including a few old songs that I rarely get the chance to play any more. Based on the way I played them, I think I should probably practice playing them a bit more often, but there you go - lesson learned. How cool is the Grace Emily?! It's very cool. Almost didn't get to the show however, courtesy of my making the check-in time by about 2 seconds... In fact, I was so late that my bag had the "Last Bag" tag on it when I collected it at Adelaide Airport. And as late as I have been in the past, I don't think I have ever had the honour of being the "Last Bag". This is not something I will be trying to replicate...
Thursday:
Ikea for breakfast!
No, we didn't try to eat the store, although I'm sure you could probably eat parts of it if you really wanted to.... In fact, a friend of mine took me to Ikea to get a cooked breakfast for $1.95. No sh... $1.95!! This includes Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Brown, Baked Beans, Tomatoes and Toast. Also, you can get bottomless Coffee for $2.00. Now this is not a cooked breakfast to write home about, but it fills the hole pretty well, and I did manage to circumnavigate the entire Ikea store.... nearly twice in fact... without buying a single thing! An Ikea store is both fascinating and terrifying all at the same time... Also, when you've finished walking round the store, you can buy a hot dog and bottomless Pepsi for $2.
And on the subject of meals, the Exeter Pub in Adelaide does a great Curry on Wednesday nights.... And the Grace Emily (where I ended up again - to watch a gig) serves a great Pint of Coopers Pale. (Pint in South Australia being a Schooner in New South Wales of course.... I never get that... there must have been someone who did it first... and then did they change the name each time they started a new state? Surely there are more effective ways to give a new state it's own drinking identity....).
Now I did at some point on Thursday afternoon manage to do an interview and a couple of live songs at Radio Adelaide with a lovely girl by the name of Lisa - who happens to be traveling to Nepal in a few weeks time to make a documentary on women in the media. I suggested that if she wanted to do a documentary about women in the media, there were probably easier ways to go about it than catching a bus 10hrs north of Kathmandu - but hey what an experience! As for the interview, I think it well, but I may have sounded like a tosser.... In which case I am fortunate that it is being aired in another state, and I most likely will never have to hear my incessant rambling. Which sounds like this blog would sound if you read it out aloud, only much worse I am sure...
(Did anyone actually try reading the blog out aloud there? I hope not....)
Friday:
Home sweet home.
Thanks Cookie for your spare bed.
There is a good fish burger shop in Surry Hills.
Saturday:
Much of life is about swallowing ones pride. If you want a really good mouthful, I suggest playing a covers gig to a room full of drunk people and coming to terms with the fact that the applause you get for a bad version of "Brown Eyed Girl" could potentially exceed anything you are ever likely to receive for your own music...
Sunday:
Manu Vatuvai scored two tries for the Warriors.
Until next time, stay well peoples.
Renny
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 3
Welcome Back!
The 3rd Edition of the weekly is a day late... courtesy of it being my birthday yesterday, so I gave myself the night off. Notice there I said night and not day - a reference to my more than impressive knack of leaving the "weekly" till the very last moments of "the week" (ie late Sunday evening) before I actually think about typing anything. Well not this time, I just let the deadline sail right past! In fact I think I was out having a beer somewhere... but enough of all that... I don’t mind being a year older - I’m cool with that.... and I am taking the extra year on the road to celebrate:
WED 9TH APRIL - SOLO @ GRACE EMILY, ADELAIDE
ON STAGE 8.30PM - FREE ENTRY!
Those of you who have been keeping track of things lately will have noticed that I am currently recording an album of some description. You may also have noticed that I am getting quite good at talking about it, but perhaps not quite so good at coming up with the final product. Well I checked the old RF Scoreboard the other day, and I think I have discovered a potential reason...
Procrastination 29
Discipline 3
So you see there is progress being made, but sadly at this stage it appears not the type of progress that would produce an entire album. Perhaps a makeshift 4-track EP with a couple of bonus scratch tracks, but that’s not really what I am going for... So April is shaping up as the month of organisation! Hoping to have a lot more of this damn thing finished before i head to Thailand, so when i get back in June I’ll be able to apply the finishing touches. That’s the plan. Whose idea was it to self-produce an album anyway...
This past week was a good one. Decent gig at The Hoey on Thursday night - must give a shout out to good friends Tammy Ingram, Brendan Maclean and Three Quarters Hazel. We had a great bill assembled. Shame about the last guy...
I had an epiphany too this week - I realised how lucky we are as musicians to be able to find so much inspiration in what we do for a living - through art, through new ideas, new approaches, new songs. I think this is the benefit of following the less certain path - maybe it’s like a risk-reward thing. But yeah - that was my epiphany, and I think it was a good one. (Not all my epiphanies are great you see... there was one about wearing a Bandana as a trademark item of clothing - not one of my best that one - I looked like a Chump - good thing there was a reverse epiphany the morning after the first Bandana gig).
Anwyay the weekly must rest for a while... I’ll leave you with the last two days of the March Walkabout. More stories next week from my quick trip to Adelaide this Wednesday, which I am really looking forward to. Who knows, I may even write another song in between nearly being arrested twice ... just like the last time I was there... (it’s a long story).
Farewell.
Renny
PS - Congratulations to Shane and Bree (you know who you are and what for). You guys rock.
----------------------------------
MARCH WALKABOUT CONTINUED:
Sat 15th March - Woojam @ The Blue Mountains Folk Festival.
Woojam, for those of you who didn’t know, was a great little open Mic night that some friends of mine used to run at Bar Me in the Cross. It was awesome - once a fortnight on a Monday night, and most of the time you could barely find a seat from the first act right until the end. The Woojam stage up in the Blue Mountains was basically a selection of us people who used to play at Woojam all the time (The Tragics...), and on the Saturday we got to play in the Baroque Room at the Carrington Inn - just a beautiful place to perform.
Now the trip from Wollongong was not without it’s challenges, as once again the Friday night in "The Gong" ended up keeping us awake till around 4.. which I can never understand, but that seems to be the way of things down there. It was fun, but the drive not so much... via Sydney... Lots of driving remember I just drove back from Melbourne Via Wagga 2 days earlier... Fortunately during the course of this tour I was reminded of how much your stage craft improves when you are playing every night. Not a huge thing, but little subtle differences that you notice from having to sing so much. Reminds me that it’s important to make the effort to tour more often. So I will. Has anyone got some suggestions? I will come to you!
The Saturday night at the music festival was good value (Great value in fact - especially with the performers pass!). Higlights for me were Brett Hunt, The Fumes, and the Ukalele guy - Joe? Jake? I can’t remember, but he was a you-tube sensation, so you can find him on there, and he can play a mean Uke! Some others were less impressive, but it all made sense with apple sponge cake at 11pm.
Woo to that!
Sun 16th March @ Will and Tobys, Sydney
And with the final leg of the tour negotiated safely, it was back to Will and Toby’s for the last show. Nice to be back in the room actualy- it will always hold fond memories because of our show there last October. I hadn’t done a band gig in over a year, and I locked one just for the hell of it... In many ways, that show renewed my faith in music - it made me realise how great it was to have a full new set of songs to play, and how important it is to set yourself new challenges creatively. So with this in mind, I was really looking forward to this gig - the last one on Walkabout. Plus I had again managed to organise a little bevy of musicians to help me out - namely Matt Field Drums, Pat Savina bass, Simon Rudston-Brown Guitar, Sarah Humphreys backing vox, Tom Trathen trumpet and Kent Eastwood accordion. Always fun with a few different players on the stage throughout the night.
For this show, we were joined again by our friends Cookie and Jaan from Adelaide, who played great. Really dig the tunes. Nice to share the stage also with Lyall Adonis and his band The House of Kings. Great band, and hopefully we’ll get to do another show soon together. Makes me think I should have a "and the....." name for my band. But they are always different players... Any suggestions? Tammy’s band was good the other night - Tammy Ingram and the Sound - I liked that one. Maybe I could be Renny Field and the ... and the ... and the .. and the NFI.
The main part of the night wasn’t till right at the end - where I had arranged a crowd sing-a-long for one of the songs on the New Album - "Our Time" (I think you can hear a live version at www.triplejunearthed.com/rennyfield). (You see this is all part of the limited progress I was talking about earlier...). Anyway we all had a sing, and it was great that so may stuck around to help out so late on a Sunday night. Turns out I got exaclty what I needed, and i think it’ll sound great when I finish the rest of the track. So thanks to everyone who was a part of it - you are all now officially the "Our Time Choir". Almost caused myself heart failure trying to set up all the recording gear, but I think it was worth it.
And that, my friends, was the end of that. The end of the tour. Thanks to everyone that offered me a show, thanks to those of you who helped my along the way, and thanks to anyone who took the time to tune in.
And I’d like to write something profound here, but from memory I already tried a couple of times this blog and it didn’t quite work...
So for now - farewell, and I’ll catch you soon. I’ll leave you with my favourite quote....
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
~Theodore Roosevelt
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 2
Hello Weekly! We seem to have a problem.... I have neglected you till a tad too late on this particular Sunday. So you see whilst I am currently achieving the short-term goal (that being to write something every Sunday), I am also typing this at 10.30pm on a Sunday night when I really should be sleeping courtesy of some late nights this weekend... This is unfortunate, but for all you people - all 3 of you - that actually pay any attention to the weekly, I will press on.
BUT, before I do - a word from my sponsors:
THIS THURS 3RD APRIL!!
Full Band Show - The Hopetoun Hotel
Renny Field Band on Stage 10pm
Supported by:
Three Quarters Hazel
Brendan Maclean
Tammy Ingram
Tickets $10 at the Door. Should be alotta fun.
Woo.
----------------------------------
This week has been a good week. Many of my friends it seems are reaching that age when getting engaged and married is the done thing. And I think thats great for them - brilliant in fact.
Typically, I have not often thought about that sort of thing happening to me any time soon. Those of you who know me will realise this is not because I am some sort of international superstar rock god with a woman in each town (not even a folk rock god with a woman at each festival), but rather because these things take time - and I seem to be pretty good at taking my time, which is fine by me - no real rush is there.
But you see this week there was a minor "bombardment" of sorts. In fact there were 2 engagement parties and a wedding. Plus someone else asked me to be a best man (slight exaggeration to achieve effect - that was last week....). And as I made my way through the various celebrations, I have to admit to getting caught up in the emotion a little bit. Couldn’t help it really... lots of happiness, lots of good times. And in a sea of emotion such as this, the mind starts to wander - thoughts take hold and suddenly I am thinking to myself "you know what, one day I will have to start thinking about all this stuff....". And one day I might....
BUT - for the time being, I have tours to keep me occupied, and shows and recording - and so instead of carrying on with the current reflection on my martial status or lack thereof, I will instead turn my attention back to the world of music - specifically the March Walkabout tour - which I was only half way through....
-----------------------------------
MARCH WALKABOUT Cont’d:
WED 12 MARCH - THE ESPY, ST KILDA
Well the crowd at Ruby’s the night before didn’t hate me for my boot story, in fact some of them even bought a CD, which was nice of them. Armed with my millions, thoughts turned to the night’s accommodation, which I had hoped might be a quaint little bed and breakfast where a woman resembling the Grandmother in Happy Gilmore would gently wake me in the morning after 10hrs sleep and give me Scones and Hot Chocolate before waving me on my merry journey.
Alas, the Bed and Breakfasts all seem to be a little out of the price range. In particular the one I called that offered me the honeymoon suite and a personal butler for $278 - that may have been a bit extravagant, even for International Rockstar gods with women in each town. So instead of waking up to the smell of freshly baked scones and hot chocolate, i had to content myself with the sun streaming in through the window (all the windows...) of my 1986 "Autumn" (that’s the official "colour") Toyota Corona. Fortunately, unlike the previous night in said Corona, this time I found a 24-hour Woolworths not so far from the gig - which sold me two large blankets for $44 - and you know what they actually kept me pretty warm. A lot warmer it must be said than the night before - where my missing sleeping bag (how does one lose a sleeping bag?) made it necessary to employ the use of a hoodie and my beach towel, and a particular "Curled Up" position that my old dog once taught me.
So armed with a "better" night’s sleep - I was all set to head back in to town and check out the Nick Cave exhibition at the Arts Centre. Here I must say that if you are passing through Melbourne, you really do have to check it out. Whether you are a Nick Cave fan or not (and I have to confess to not having the greatest knowledge of Nick Cave and his work aside from the ones that everyone knows...), it really was a fascinating exhibition. Here is a man who has dedicated an entire lifetime to being an artist in every sense of the word, and reaped the rewards as a result. It was pretty damn inspiring to be standing amongst old notebooks and personal possessions, and reading about what has been such a fascinating career. Another moment, and there has been many in the past year, where I am reminded of how important it is to follow the path, and remain on the journey.
Armed with this inspiration, my drive to St Kilda was one of great expectation, and the show did not disappoint. My good friend Cara Lanyon joined me on the keys, and it sounded fantastic. It’s fun trying to collaborate with different people where possible, and it was nice to have someone else on stage with me in a different town. Even if it was just for 2 songs - thanks Cara - you Rock! I always enjoy playing at The Espy, and I will continue to do so as much as possible. Shame I couldn’t do more Melbourne gigs on this trip, but there were a few shows waiting for me back near Sydney, so I set off later that night, and found myself a nice service centre about 100km north where those $44 blankets once again came in handy.
Oooh - and before I forget - Lucy you also Rock - for showing up in another state! Word.
FRI 14TH MARCH - HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI
I just realised how much i typed for that last day.... Oh Dear... Are you still with me?? I think not...
Waking up in a service centre is good. The coffee is crap, but it’s drinkable. And the "breakfast stop" is out of the way immediately, which usually gives you a few solid "punch-it-out" hours before needing to stop again. (Assuming you didn’t eat the stale Bacon and Egg Rolls that were left over from the day before... they have a habit of getting through the digestive system a little faster than normal...).
Anyway Wednesday I returned to Sydney Via Wagga to pick up some PA gear from Bess... and on this trip, I discovered a new artist - who has become a favourite. Bess gave me an Album by a fella called Mike Clifford from the States. And long drives are good for getting right into a particular CD - especially when the i-pod is out of batteries. Now I’m not sure if my interest in the music was brought about my my semi-delirious state whilst I once again tried to amuse myself by playing I-Spy against.... myself...., but I’ve had a few listens since and this guy is GOOD! Check it out - Mike Clifford - New York. (But beware Googlers.... there is also a Michael Clifford who is a bucket hat-wearing Country music dude from Texas(?) - it’s not him, it’s the one in New York...).
On the Thurs-day, Renny created Sleep.
On the Fri-day, that was when we did da gig:
It’s been a while since we last played The Heritage Hotel, but the room is still one of my favourites, and despite there being a wee crowd on hand, it was a really nice night. Good to have the band back as well, and we got to run a few newbies. We were joined tonight by Alisa Fedele (not Alicia as I almost typed) and a friend of mine from Adelaide who goes by the name of "Cookie Baker". Not that she bakes anything in particular you see, but hey it’s a memorable name, and it was a memorable first-up effort for her NSW tour, because how she pulled off that outfit in the Bulli pub I will never know! I thought it looked GREAT, but the regulars who just come down to bet on the Dapto Dogs - I don’t think they were so sure... Anyway, top tunes and a great night. Gideeeeup. AND - No need for those $44 Blankets - the hotel had a room for us! Gideeeup again.
Right this is ridiculous - my talent for meaningless rambling is apparently carrying on despite my lack of sleep, and I need to wake up early in the morning....... so I will leave it at that - with 2 more shows left on the tour - because then there’ll be something to write about next week.
Ciao for now.
To be continued....
-----------------------------
PS - THANKS to Corrina Steel and Bill Chambers for having me on the bill last Wednesday night at the Excelsior - it was cool man.
PPS - CONGRATULATIONS to anyone who got engaged or married this week - you are also cool man.
PPPS - I wrote a new song the other day. I am yet to determine if it is cool man
BUT, before I do - a word from my sponsors:
THIS THURS 3RD APRIL!!
Full Band Show - The Hopetoun Hotel
Renny Field Band on Stage 10pm
Supported by:
Three Quarters Hazel
Brendan Maclean
Tammy Ingram
Tickets $10 at the Door. Should be alotta fun.
Woo.
----------------------------------
This week has been a good week. Many of my friends it seems are reaching that age when getting engaged and married is the done thing. And I think thats great for them - brilliant in fact.
Typically, I have not often thought about that sort of thing happening to me any time soon. Those of you who know me will realise this is not because I am some sort of international superstar rock god with a woman in each town (not even a folk rock god with a woman at each festival), but rather because these things take time - and I seem to be pretty good at taking my time, which is fine by me - no real rush is there.
But you see this week there was a minor "bombardment" of sorts. In fact there were 2 engagement parties and a wedding. Plus someone else asked me to be a best man (slight exaggeration to achieve effect - that was last week....). And as I made my way through the various celebrations, I have to admit to getting caught up in the emotion a little bit. Couldn’t help it really... lots of happiness, lots of good times. And in a sea of emotion such as this, the mind starts to wander - thoughts take hold and suddenly I am thinking to myself "you know what, one day I will have to start thinking about all this stuff....". And one day I might....
BUT - for the time being, I have tours to keep me occupied, and shows and recording - and so instead of carrying on with the current reflection on my martial status or lack thereof, I will instead turn my attention back to the world of music - specifically the March Walkabout tour - which I was only half way through....
-----------------------------------
MARCH WALKABOUT Cont’d:
WED 12 MARCH - THE ESPY, ST KILDA
Well the crowd at Ruby’s the night before didn’t hate me for my boot story, in fact some of them even bought a CD, which was nice of them. Armed with my millions, thoughts turned to the night’s accommodation, which I had hoped might be a quaint little bed and breakfast where a woman resembling the Grandmother in Happy Gilmore would gently wake me in the morning after 10hrs sleep and give me Scones and Hot Chocolate before waving me on my merry journey.
Alas, the Bed and Breakfasts all seem to be a little out of the price range. In particular the one I called that offered me the honeymoon suite and a personal butler for $278 - that may have been a bit extravagant, even for International Rockstar gods with women in each town. So instead of waking up to the smell of freshly baked scones and hot chocolate, i had to content myself with the sun streaming in through the window (all the windows...) of my 1986 "Autumn" (that’s the official "colour") Toyota Corona. Fortunately, unlike the previous night in said Corona, this time I found a 24-hour Woolworths not so far from the gig - which sold me two large blankets for $44 - and you know what they actually kept me pretty warm. A lot warmer it must be said than the night before - where my missing sleeping bag (how does one lose a sleeping bag?) made it necessary to employ the use of a hoodie and my beach towel, and a particular "Curled Up" position that my old dog once taught me.
So armed with a "better" night’s sleep - I was all set to head back in to town and check out the Nick Cave exhibition at the Arts Centre. Here I must say that if you are passing through Melbourne, you really do have to check it out. Whether you are a Nick Cave fan or not (and I have to confess to not having the greatest knowledge of Nick Cave and his work aside from the ones that everyone knows...), it really was a fascinating exhibition. Here is a man who has dedicated an entire lifetime to being an artist in every sense of the word, and reaped the rewards as a result. It was pretty damn inspiring to be standing amongst old notebooks and personal possessions, and reading about what has been such a fascinating career. Another moment, and there has been many in the past year, where I am reminded of how important it is to follow the path, and remain on the journey.
Armed with this inspiration, my drive to St Kilda was one of great expectation, and the show did not disappoint. My good friend Cara Lanyon joined me on the keys, and it sounded fantastic. It’s fun trying to collaborate with different people where possible, and it was nice to have someone else on stage with me in a different town. Even if it was just for 2 songs - thanks Cara - you Rock! I always enjoy playing at The Espy, and I will continue to do so as much as possible. Shame I couldn’t do more Melbourne gigs on this trip, but there were a few shows waiting for me back near Sydney, so I set off later that night, and found myself a nice service centre about 100km north where those $44 blankets once again came in handy.
Oooh - and before I forget - Lucy you also Rock - for showing up in another state! Word.
FRI 14TH MARCH - HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI
I just realised how much i typed for that last day.... Oh Dear... Are you still with me?? I think not...
Waking up in a service centre is good. The coffee is crap, but it’s drinkable. And the "breakfast stop" is out of the way immediately, which usually gives you a few solid "punch-it-out" hours before needing to stop again. (Assuming you didn’t eat the stale Bacon and Egg Rolls that were left over from the day before... they have a habit of getting through the digestive system a little faster than normal...).
Anyway Wednesday I returned to Sydney Via Wagga to pick up some PA gear from Bess... and on this trip, I discovered a new artist - who has become a favourite. Bess gave me an Album by a fella called Mike Clifford from the States. And long drives are good for getting right into a particular CD - especially when the i-pod is out of batteries. Now I’m not sure if my interest in the music was brought about my my semi-delirious state whilst I once again tried to amuse myself by playing I-Spy against.... myself...., but I’ve had a few listens since and this guy is GOOD! Check it out - Mike Clifford - New York. (But beware Googlers.... there is also a Michael Clifford who is a bucket hat-wearing Country music dude from Texas(?) - it’s not him, it’s the one in New York...).
On the Thurs-day, Renny created Sleep.
On the Fri-day, that was when we did da gig:
It’s been a while since we last played The Heritage Hotel, but the room is still one of my favourites, and despite there being a wee crowd on hand, it was a really nice night. Good to have the band back as well, and we got to run a few newbies. We were joined tonight by Alisa Fedele (not Alicia as I almost typed) and a friend of mine from Adelaide who goes by the name of "Cookie Baker". Not that she bakes anything in particular you see, but hey it’s a memorable name, and it was a memorable first-up effort for her NSW tour, because how she pulled off that outfit in the Bulli pub I will never know! I thought it looked GREAT, but the regulars who just come down to bet on the Dapto Dogs - I don’t think they were so sure... Anyway, top tunes and a great night. Gideeeeup. AND - No need for those $44 Blankets - the hotel had a room for us! Gideeeup again.
Right this is ridiculous - my talent for meaningless rambling is apparently carrying on despite my lack of sleep, and I need to wake up early in the morning....... so I will leave it at that - with 2 more shows left on the tour - because then there’ll be something to write about next week.
Ciao for now.
To be continued....
-----------------------------
PS - THANKS to Corrina Steel and Bill Chambers for having me on the bill last Wednesday night at the Excelsior - it was cool man.
PPS - CONGRATULATIONS to anyone who got engaged or married this week - you are also cool man.
PPPS - I wrote a new song the other day. I am yet to determine if it is cool man
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The Weekly... Volume 1
I had an idea this morning... to write a weekly blog of some sort. Not that it will make much sense to begin with, but I figured it might be a nice way to document the trip so to speak. Whereby the "trip" is not just a vacation, but more a musical journey which began several years ago, and will continue for many a year to come.
Now I have tried to do this sort of thing before, but it rarely gets past a few entries, and then I am lost to all the crap you get lost to when you get busy - stuff that isn’t really that important most of the time, but which has this uncanny ability to make you rushed off your feet... to the extent that at times you forget what it is you’re rushing about for in the first place...
SO - here we are - week one. Let me create a short-term goal then - to at least write SOMETHING every Sunday for the rest of this year and see what happens. Sometimes I will write stories, sometimes they will be rants, sometimes I might write poetry.... I am not exactly sure, but it might be fun. I am opening this first installment with a short diary of the March walkabout. Read on if you like....
Cheers,
Renny
MARCH WALKABOUT TOUR 2008
SAT 1ST MARCH - NORTH BONDI RSL
I like Bondi. Not always, but most of the time. Despite it’s well-deserved tourist trap status, there is this funny sense of "home" about it - comes from the beach I suppose. The gig was supporting a band called Three Quarters Hazel - who do a lot of independent touring and had PLENTY of energy to go around. My thanks to them for having me along. Now I am not sure how many people were actually listening to what I was playing (Aside from those of you who came to watch - thank you!) - they are a noisy mob down there - but it was cool. I have a strategy now to deal with noise - it involves asking for as much sound on stage as possible. Thereby I am drowned out by myself, and I can happily sing away without really paying much attention to the rest of the room. Does that make sense? Maybe...
Music lovers please note. The Parking around there is tricky - the place where you first park your car (ie right outside the RSL) suddenly decides to become a no stopping zone at 10pm. Conveniently when your favourite band is about half way through their first set, meaning you will be completely oblivious to the vultures (parking officers) hovering around your vehicle at 9.59 waiting to strike. There is a reason that Bondi apparently has the highest revenue from parking fines of any Council in Sydney. So check the signs!
SAT 8TH MARCH - FAT TONY’S TATHRA
Ah yes - should have mentioned that the "Walkabout" involved "sitting about" in Sydney for the first week... Well that’s just the way I booked it for some reason. The thing I love about getting out of Sydney and driving through regional Australia is that you always see things that make you laugh. Like the street in Wollongong that won 3rd place in the "Tidiest Street" competition back in 1998, but which still proudly displays the sign alongside the street name..... or perhaps the "Island View" caravan park - a few hours south - that appears to be nowhere near an island as far as I could tell, and has a view which consists mainly of the highway and not much else... I love that people are proud of what is theirs, and for the most part seem to be able to embrace their life for what it is. This is not something we are used to in the big smoke. Always more more more. I am as guilty of that as anyone too, although I try not to be...
Which brings us to Tathra, and my good friend Mort - the man who booked me the gig. Several years ago now my brother actually me Mort when he was down at the Tathra pub one Friday night preparing for his yearly "Greatest Day in History" the following morning, which involves a surf on the south coast followed by a Dash to the snowfields and finally a night out in Thredbo. Anyway, Mort is one of our favourite people, precisely for the reasons I mentioned earlier. Always welcoming, always happy, always willing to share what he has and see the best in people. Again these are personality traits we are not always used to seeing in Sydney. Mort used to work at the pub, but chose to book me a show at Fat Tony’s this trip, which was a nice new little restaurant on top of the hill. Great tucker too.
I arrived in Tathra on the Friday night. Well just outside Tathra actually - at Mort’s favourite camping spot. Mort would not have us visit unless we spend at least a night or two out at Lake Wapengo - a beautiful spot, famous for it’s superb Oysters. A feast ensued upon my arrival, followed by a beer by the campire and of course a few tunes on the guitar (which I think collected a considerable amount of ash from the fire, but it was too dark for me to tell....).
The following night at Fat Tony’s was memorable for the tucker, and as is always the case when i am in Tathra, memorable for the people that were there. The location of the gig wasn’t great - up the front of the room near the bar where only about 10% of the restaurant could actually see me, but I was there to provide some tunes and that’s what I did. And it was fun playing through a bit of the older stuff too. In any case, how could I ever complain - I was in one of my favourite parts of Australia, playing my own music, getting paid, and most imporantly - Mort and his Wife Sue were having a ball!
SUN 9TH MARCH - TOURIST HOTEL, WAGGA WAGGA
Well it was early Sunday morning, and as I woke I felt quite pleased with myself. I had somehow managed to avoid drinking 5000 bourbons with Mort, and the drive across to Wagga now seemed achievable... Even looked like I would be on time. Despite my protestations, Mort insisted that I have a couple of eggs for breakfast (I think he’d had about 3 hours sleep...), hence just like when we first came down to Tathra, I was looked after from Start to finish.
So that drive to Wagga - well it was long. And I won’t bore you with details, except to say that there is a fair in Adelong on Sun 13th April, and in Tumut there is a "Valley View" motel - being a Motel which is in the valley, rather than a motel in the surrounding snowy mountains that has a view of the valley... Go figure.
I had payed a solo set once before at "The Touro" when I was on tour playing keyboards with "Wormholes Exist". This show was pretty cruisy, and as was the case in Tathra, people tuned in when they felt like it, and tuned out when they didn’t. I had fun. They also do a great Sunday roast - which went down a treat at about 9pm when I finished my 3.5hr set. My thanks to my good friend Bess who had me to stay in the west wing of her parents house just outside town - quite a creation I can tell you. Fortunate it had so many rooms as I was able to leave my PA gear there before heading to Melbourne - hence giving me the option of laying the seats down in the back of the Corona and calling it a "bed" - a tactic which I would be employing on several occasions in the next few nights. Gotta love station wagons.
TUES 11TH MARCH - RUBY’S LOUNGE, BELGRAVE & THE FIRE BOOT INCIDENT...
Now those of you who have continued to this point, you are mad... but you also might have noticed that I skipped a day, which I deemed necessary after playing a whole 2 shows (!) in a row... But it wasn’t a boring day. in fact, it was on Monday that I realised properly for the first time that the Corona’s air conditioning just doesn’t cut the mustard. With the 40-degree heat bearing down on me between Wagga and Melbourne, I was forced to take the shirt off, and drive with the windows down. Which, as you might imagine, made no difference whatsoever. In fact, i just gave me a headache. But I did make it to Melbourne in time to have a quick Jam with my friend Cara Lanyon, who would be joining me in two days time to play keys for my show at the Espy. I am really enjoying collaborating with different people a the moment - it’s great to hear different interpretations, and it makes each gig unique.
The Fire Boot Incident...
I had finished my rehearsal with Cara, and following a brief meal was heading up High Street in Northcote when I heard a fire engine behind me. Naturally, I pulled over to the side of the road to let the truck pass, which it did without incident..... EXCEPT FOR a boot falling out of the side of the truck. A fire boot in fact. The kind that the Fireman would need to fight the fire. But the truck didn’t stop, it just kept going, which either meant they were a man down when they got there, or they had a spare set of boots, or there was a truly heroic firefighter in Melbourne that night...
Anyway I looked around, and there was no-one else on the road. Actually there was no-one as far as the eye could see in either direction. So of all places, why had this boot decided to fall out of the truck right next to my car? In the one place there was another vehicle on the whole of high street?? It was a serendipitous moment. I was convinced - it was a sign. It had to be. Boots just don’t fall out of fire trucks. Do they? Surely not. Never in all of my life have I seen a boot fall from a fire truck. I didn’t choose the boot - the boot chose me.
So in the morning I awoke with a sense of anticipation. An eagerness to return the boot, and a sense of certainty that in doing so the reason for the boot’s fall wold become apparent. I called the fire brigade, and sure enough the boot had fallen from a truck that had left from the Northcote fire station. I am not sure what I expected when I drove to the fire station, but what I got was a slightly overweight fireman smoking a cigarette on the seat out the front. Still, I was prepared for the possibility that the reasons for the boot choosing me would not necessarily become immediately apparent....
So I handed the boot back to its rightful owner. And he said thanks. And I said no worries. And that was that.
I turned around to walk away. Did so slowly in fact in case something was about to happen - braced myself for a miracle, a chance meeting, a circumstance which could not possibly have presented itself if it wasn’t for my returning the boot.....
But still nothing.
However all was not lost, because whilstever I was in Northcote, I was still in an area that I would not have been in had I not had to return the boot. So you see there was till time for things to unfold. So I went to breakfast. And there I was in this nice little cafe.... eating a bowl of museli.... reading the paper.... and....
Nothing.
I was starting to lose hope. So I read the paper some more. Drag it out I thought, and it will become apparent.
But alas, as the minutes passed, and the minutes turned into hours, an I gradually made my way from Northcote to Belgrave for my gig, I realised that my great hope - The Boot - had in fact been nothing more than a boot alone. It did not lead to anything in particular, aside from the cafe where I had breakfast. Now this was a nice breakfast, but not something I would write home about. It is possible I would go back there on a future trip to Melbourne, but no more than any other cafe. So that wasn’t it.
In fact, there was absolutely nothing that took place that morning which was so out of the ordinary that it could be directly linked to a change in circumstance as brought about by the boot falling from the fire truck. Words couldn’t express my disappointment....
And the moral of the story?? Well there really isn’t a moral to the tale, however I did learn two valuable lessons:
(i) That a trip from Wagga to Melbourne in a Red Oven (namely my Toyota Corona) with no air conditioning will cause the mind to work in funny ways....
(ii) That I should not have recounted my tale of "The Boot" to the audience at Ruby’s Lounge, because any respect I had earned with the first few songs was quickly lost... to be replaced by a general belief in the room that I had lost the plot. And maybe I had. But imagination is fun isn’t it?
TO BE CONTINUED.....
Now I have tried to do this sort of thing before, but it rarely gets past a few entries, and then I am lost to all the crap you get lost to when you get busy - stuff that isn’t really that important most of the time, but which has this uncanny ability to make you rushed off your feet... to the extent that at times you forget what it is you’re rushing about for in the first place...
SO - here we are - week one. Let me create a short-term goal then - to at least write SOMETHING every Sunday for the rest of this year and see what happens. Sometimes I will write stories, sometimes they will be rants, sometimes I might write poetry.... I am not exactly sure, but it might be fun. I am opening this first installment with a short diary of the March walkabout. Read on if you like....
Cheers,
Renny
MARCH WALKABOUT TOUR 2008
SAT 1ST MARCH - NORTH BONDI RSL
I like Bondi. Not always, but most of the time. Despite it’s well-deserved tourist trap status, there is this funny sense of "home" about it - comes from the beach I suppose. The gig was supporting a band called Three Quarters Hazel - who do a lot of independent touring and had PLENTY of energy to go around. My thanks to them for having me along. Now I am not sure how many people were actually listening to what I was playing (Aside from those of you who came to watch - thank you!) - they are a noisy mob down there - but it was cool. I have a strategy now to deal with noise - it involves asking for as much sound on stage as possible. Thereby I am drowned out by myself, and I can happily sing away without really paying much attention to the rest of the room. Does that make sense? Maybe...
Music lovers please note. The Parking around there is tricky - the place where you first park your car (ie right outside the RSL) suddenly decides to become a no stopping zone at 10pm. Conveniently when your favourite band is about half way through their first set, meaning you will be completely oblivious to the vultures (parking officers) hovering around your vehicle at 9.59 waiting to strike. There is a reason that Bondi apparently has the highest revenue from parking fines of any Council in Sydney. So check the signs!
SAT 8TH MARCH - FAT TONY’S TATHRA
Ah yes - should have mentioned that the "Walkabout" involved "sitting about" in Sydney for the first week... Well that’s just the way I booked it for some reason. The thing I love about getting out of Sydney and driving through regional Australia is that you always see things that make you laugh. Like the street in Wollongong that won 3rd place in the "Tidiest Street" competition back in 1998, but which still proudly displays the sign alongside the street name..... or perhaps the "Island View" caravan park - a few hours south - that appears to be nowhere near an island as far as I could tell, and has a view which consists mainly of the highway and not much else... I love that people are proud of what is theirs, and for the most part seem to be able to embrace their life for what it is. This is not something we are used to in the big smoke. Always more more more. I am as guilty of that as anyone too, although I try not to be...
Which brings us to Tathra, and my good friend Mort - the man who booked me the gig. Several years ago now my brother actually me Mort when he was down at the Tathra pub one Friday night preparing for his yearly "Greatest Day in History" the following morning, which involves a surf on the south coast followed by a Dash to the snowfields and finally a night out in Thredbo. Anyway, Mort is one of our favourite people, precisely for the reasons I mentioned earlier. Always welcoming, always happy, always willing to share what he has and see the best in people. Again these are personality traits we are not always used to seeing in Sydney. Mort used to work at the pub, but chose to book me a show at Fat Tony’s this trip, which was a nice new little restaurant on top of the hill. Great tucker too.
I arrived in Tathra on the Friday night. Well just outside Tathra actually - at Mort’s favourite camping spot. Mort would not have us visit unless we spend at least a night or two out at Lake Wapengo - a beautiful spot, famous for it’s superb Oysters. A feast ensued upon my arrival, followed by a beer by the campire and of course a few tunes on the guitar (which I think collected a considerable amount of ash from the fire, but it was too dark for me to tell....).
The following night at Fat Tony’s was memorable for the tucker, and as is always the case when i am in Tathra, memorable for the people that were there. The location of the gig wasn’t great - up the front of the room near the bar where only about 10% of the restaurant could actually see me, but I was there to provide some tunes and that’s what I did. And it was fun playing through a bit of the older stuff too. In any case, how could I ever complain - I was in one of my favourite parts of Australia, playing my own music, getting paid, and most imporantly - Mort and his Wife Sue were having a ball!
SUN 9TH MARCH - TOURIST HOTEL, WAGGA WAGGA
Well it was early Sunday morning, and as I woke I felt quite pleased with myself. I had somehow managed to avoid drinking 5000 bourbons with Mort, and the drive across to Wagga now seemed achievable... Even looked like I would be on time. Despite my protestations, Mort insisted that I have a couple of eggs for breakfast (I think he’d had about 3 hours sleep...), hence just like when we first came down to Tathra, I was looked after from Start to finish.
So that drive to Wagga - well it was long. And I won’t bore you with details, except to say that there is a fair in Adelong on Sun 13th April, and in Tumut there is a "Valley View" motel - being a Motel which is in the valley, rather than a motel in the surrounding snowy mountains that has a view of the valley... Go figure.
I had payed a solo set once before at "The Touro" when I was on tour playing keyboards with "Wormholes Exist". This show was pretty cruisy, and as was the case in Tathra, people tuned in when they felt like it, and tuned out when they didn’t. I had fun. They also do a great Sunday roast - which went down a treat at about 9pm when I finished my 3.5hr set. My thanks to my good friend Bess who had me to stay in the west wing of her parents house just outside town - quite a creation I can tell you. Fortunate it had so many rooms as I was able to leave my PA gear there before heading to Melbourne - hence giving me the option of laying the seats down in the back of the Corona and calling it a "bed" - a tactic which I would be employing on several occasions in the next few nights. Gotta love station wagons.
TUES 11TH MARCH - RUBY’S LOUNGE, BELGRAVE & THE FIRE BOOT INCIDENT...
Now those of you who have continued to this point, you are mad... but you also might have noticed that I skipped a day, which I deemed necessary after playing a whole 2 shows (!) in a row... But it wasn’t a boring day. in fact, it was on Monday that I realised properly for the first time that the Corona’s air conditioning just doesn’t cut the mustard. With the 40-degree heat bearing down on me between Wagga and Melbourne, I was forced to take the shirt off, and drive with the windows down. Which, as you might imagine, made no difference whatsoever. In fact, i just gave me a headache. But I did make it to Melbourne in time to have a quick Jam with my friend Cara Lanyon, who would be joining me in two days time to play keys for my show at the Espy. I am really enjoying collaborating with different people a the moment - it’s great to hear different interpretations, and it makes each gig unique.
The Fire Boot Incident...
I had finished my rehearsal with Cara, and following a brief meal was heading up High Street in Northcote when I heard a fire engine behind me. Naturally, I pulled over to the side of the road to let the truck pass, which it did without incident..... EXCEPT FOR a boot falling out of the side of the truck. A fire boot in fact. The kind that the Fireman would need to fight the fire. But the truck didn’t stop, it just kept going, which either meant they were a man down when they got there, or they had a spare set of boots, or there was a truly heroic firefighter in Melbourne that night...
Anyway I looked around, and there was no-one else on the road. Actually there was no-one as far as the eye could see in either direction. So of all places, why had this boot decided to fall out of the truck right next to my car? In the one place there was another vehicle on the whole of high street?? It was a serendipitous moment. I was convinced - it was a sign. It had to be. Boots just don’t fall out of fire trucks. Do they? Surely not. Never in all of my life have I seen a boot fall from a fire truck. I didn’t choose the boot - the boot chose me.
So in the morning I awoke with a sense of anticipation. An eagerness to return the boot, and a sense of certainty that in doing so the reason for the boot’s fall wold become apparent. I called the fire brigade, and sure enough the boot had fallen from a truck that had left from the Northcote fire station. I am not sure what I expected when I drove to the fire station, but what I got was a slightly overweight fireman smoking a cigarette on the seat out the front. Still, I was prepared for the possibility that the reasons for the boot choosing me would not necessarily become immediately apparent....
So I handed the boot back to its rightful owner. And he said thanks. And I said no worries. And that was that.
I turned around to walk away. Did so slowly in fact in case something was about to happen - braced myself for a miracle, a chance meeting, a circumstance which could not possibly have presented itself if it wasn’t for my returning the boot.....
But still nothing.
However all was not lost, because whilstever I was in Northcote, I was still in an area that I would not have been in had I not had to return the boot. So you see there was till time for things to unfold. So I went to breakfast. And there I was in this nice little cafe.... eating a bowl of museli.... reading the paper.... and....
Nothing.
I was starting to lose hope. So I read the paper some more. Drag it out I thought, and it will become apparent.
But alas, as the minutes passed, and the minutes turned into hours, an I gradually made my way from Northcote to Belgrave for my gig, I realised that my great hope - The Boot - had in fact been nothing more than a boot alone. It did not lead to anything in particular, aside from the cafe where I had breakfast. Now this was a nice breakfast, but not something I would write home about. It is possible I would go back there on a future trip to Melbourne, but no more than any other cafe. So that wasn’t it.
In fact, there was absolutely nothing that took place that morning which was so out of the ordinary that it could be directly linked to a change in circumstance as brought about by the boot falling from the fire truck. Words couldn’t express my disappointment....
And the moral of the story?? Well there really isn’t a moral to the tale, however I did learn two valuable lessons:
(i) That a trip from Wagga to Melbourne in a Red Oven (namely my Toyota Corona) with no air conditioning will cause the mind to work in funny ways....
(ii) That I should not have recounted my tale of "The Boot" to the audience at Ruby’s Lounge, because any respect I had earned with the first few songs was quickly lost... to be replaced by a general belief in the room that I had lost the plot. And maybe I had. But imagination is fun isn’t it?
TO BE CONTINUED.....
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
I need YOU for the new album
OK so here's the plan...
THIS SUNDAY 16th MARCH @ Will and Tobys, 134 Oxford Street..
I will be recording the crowd sing-a-long to the song "Our Time", which I need to do for the new album. So basically, I need as many people as possible at the show to help me with the song - that way it will sound better on the CD!
At the end of the night, there will be a list at the door for all of the "singers" to put their names down for inclusion in the liner notes for the new album. That way, if anyone ever asks you "Have you made a CD?", the answer can be "Actually, yes I Have!". And you'll have the proof!
The catch:
Well there's no catch, but in addition to helping me with the recording, you will also be playing a small part in helping to fund the album... ie by puchasing a ticket to the show...
BUT
For only $10, how can you go wrong! Plus you not only get to see the Band in full swing, but you also get 2 fantastic support acts -
Lyall Adonis and the House of Kings (9pm)
Cookie Baker (Adelaide) (8pm).
Tix are available now online - www.moshtix.com.au - $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Dinner and Show options are also currently available on Moshtix for $20.
Doors open 7.30pm. Don't miss out!
Hope to see you there,
Renny
THIS SUNDAY 16th MARCH @ Will and Tobys, 134 Oxford Street..
I will be recording the crowd sing-a-long to the song "Our Time", which I need to do for the new album. So basically, I need as many people as possible at the show to help me with the song - that way it will sound better on the CD!
At the end of the night, there will be a list at the door for all of the "singers" to put their names down for inclusion in the liner notes for the new album. That way, if anyone ever asks you "Have you made a CD?", the answer can be "Actually, yes I Have!". And you'll have the proof!
The catch:
Well there's no catch, but in addition to helping me with the recording, you will also be playing a small part in helping to fund the album... ie by puchasing a ticket to the show...
BUT
For only $10, how can you go wrong! Plus you not only get to see the Band in full swing, but you also get 2 fantastic support acts -
Lyall Adonis and the House of Kings (9pm)
Cookie Baker (Adelaide) (8pm).
Tix are available now online - www.moshtix.com.au - $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Dinner and Show options are also currently available on Moshtix for $20.
Doors open 7.30pm. Don't miss out!
Hope to see you there,
Renny
Friday, February 29, 2008
March Walkabout
Hi Everyone,
Thanks to all of you who came along to The Excelsior Hotel last
Saturday night. Really great show, and glad you could be a part of
it. Welcome also to anyone who is making their mailing list debut!
May this be the start of a long and beautiful friendship... or
something like that....
Anyway enough of my ramblings... Certainly there must be a point to
this email.
Ah yes - The March Walkabout Tour - please see attached flyer. There
is a brief description of the shows below. A few road trip
possibilities too if you're feeling adventurous - one to Tathra/
Wagga, and another to Bulli (near Wollongong) and the Blue Mountains.
Should be a lot of fun. Might see you there.
Please feel free to pass this on to anyone else who you think might
be interested. It all helps!
Cheers,
Renny
----------------------------------------------
WALKING ABOUT IN MARCH: (*)
SAT 1/3 - NORTH BONDI RSL
Solo Show - On Stage 8PM.
Supporting Three Quarters Hazel.
www.myspace.com/threequartershazelhappy
Free Entry!
SAT 8/3 - FAT TONY'S, TATHRA
Solo Show - 9PM.
Bega Street, Tathra.
South Coast New South Wales.
Book for Dinner and a Show.
(02) 6494 4550.
SUN 9/3 - TOURIST HOTEL, WAGGA WAGGA
Solo Show - Music from 5PM.
97 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga.
(02) 6921 2264
Free Entry!
TUES 11/3 - RUBY'S LOUNGE, BELGRAVE
Songwriters Night. Free Entry.
On Stage 9PM.
www.rubyslounge.com.au
WED 12/3 - THE ESPY, ST KILDA
The Esplanade, St Kilda, Melbourne.
Solo Show - On Stage 8.30pm.
Free Entry!
THURS 13/3 - TBC....
FRI 14/3 - THE HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI
FULL BAND SHOW.
Supported by Alisa Fedele (www.myspace.com/alisafedele)
Book for Dinner and a Show.
Or... Why not come down and spend the night!
Dinner/Show/Accomodation packages avail.
More info at www.heritagehotel.com.au
SAT 15/3 - BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Solo Show - On Stage 5pm.
Woojam Stage, Carrington Inn, Katoomba.
Free Entry!
www.bmff.org.au
SUN 16/3 - WILL AND TOBY'S
FULL BAND SHOW.
(The Supper Club - Oxford Hotel)
134 Oxford Street, Sydney.
Supported by Lyall Adonis & The House of Kings. (www.myspace.com/
lyalladonis)
& Cookie Baker (Adelaide).
Notes Re This Show:
Will & Toby's have some great $10 Dinner Deals on offer. So come
along for dinner and a show.
Bookings are open now online - book early so you don't miss out.
Should be a busy one. See link below.
http://www.moshtix.com.au/record.asp?lEventID=17402&caller=moshtix&
SUN 17/3 - ST PATRICKS DAY....
Well I am having a rest on St Patricks Day but a good friend of mine,
Michael Garnett, is playing a few tunes at The Nag's Head Hotel in
Glebe.
Perfect for a pint of guiness or 5...
162 St Johns Road, Glebe. Music from 7pm.
(*) Disclaimer: "Walking" may involve stints in my Red 1986 Toyota
Corona.... actually the official colour in the manual is "Autumn" -
which is the current season, so there you go.
--------------------------------------------------
LOOKING AHEAD....
Plenty Happening - In Brief:
THURS 3RD APRIL - Hopetoun Hotel
Full Band Show
With Three Quarters Hazel, Brendan McLean, Tammy Ingram
TUES 8TH APRIL - Wollongong University
Solo Show - 4.30pm.
WED 9TH APRIL - Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide.
Waymouth Street, Adelaide.
Solo Show - On Stage 9pm.
THURS 10TH APRIL - S.A TBC
SUN 20TH APRIL - BRASS MONKEY, CRONULLA
Full Band Show.
Supported by Jak Housden (The Whiltams)
Book for dinner and a show.
More info available at www.brassmonkey.com.au
SOLO MAY RESIDENCY
Twin Palms Hotel, Phuket.
Nightly throughout May at the Catch Club from 8pm.
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
UK / EUROPE TOUR - Dates to be confirmed.
But for the time being, all you London People - lock in
WED 16 JULY @ The Hundred Club
100 Oxford Street, London.
Solo Show - from 8pm.
Lots more news to come. The Album is still in "recording" status, but
it's coming along pretty nicely. Just spent a full day with Carl the
Violist on Wednesday, which was great.
Thanks to all of you who came along to The Excelsior Hotel last
Saturday night. Really great show, and glad you could be a part of
it. Welcome also to anyone who is making their mailing list debut!
May this be the start of a long and beautiful friendship... or
something like that....
Anyway enough of my ramblings... Certainly there must be a point to
this email.
Ah yes - The March Walkabout Tour - please see attached flyer. There
is a brief description of the shows below. A few road trip
possibilities too if you're feeling adventurous - one to Tathra/
Wagga, and another to Bulli (near Wollongong) and the Blue Mountains.
Should be a lot of fun. Might see you there.
Please feel free to pass this on to anyone else who you think might
be interested. It all helps!
Cheers,
Renny
----------------------------------------------
WALKING ABOUT IN MARCH: (*)
SAT 1/3 - NORTH BONDI RSL
Solo Show - On Stage 8PM.
Supporting Three Quarters Hazel.
www.myspace.com/threequartershazelhappy
Free Entry!
SAT 8/3 - FAT TONY'S, TATHRA
Solo Show - 9PM.
Bega Street, Tathra.
South Coast New South Wales.
Book for Dinner and a Show.
(02) 6494 4550.
SUN 9/3 - TOURIST HOTEL, WAGGA WAGGA
Solo Show - Music from 5PM.
97 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga.
(02) 6921 2264
Free Entry!
TUES 11/3 - RUBY'S LOUNGE, BELGRAVE
Songwriters Night. Free Entry.
On Stage 9PM.
www.rubyslounge.com.au
WED 12/3 - THE ESPY, ST KILDA
The Esplanade, St Kilda, Melbourne.
Solo Show - On Stage 8.30pm.
Free Entry!
THURS 13/3 - TBC....
FRI 14/3 - THE HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI
FULL BAND SHOW.
Supported by Alisa Fedele (www.myspace.com/alisafedele)
Book for Dinner and a Show.
Or... Why not come down and spend the night!
Dinner/Show/Accomodation packages avail.
More info at www.heritagehotel.com.au
SAT 15/3 - BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Solo Show - On Stage 5pm.
Woojam Stage, Carrington Inn, Katoomba.
Free Entry!
www.bmff.org.au
SUN 16/3 - WILL AND TOBY'S
FULL BAND SHOW.
(The Supper Club - Oxford Hotel)
134 Oxford Street, Sydney.
Supported by Lyall Adonis & The House of Kings. (www.myspace.com/
lyalladonis)
& Cookie Baker (Adelaide).
Notes Re This Show:
Will & Toby's have some great $10 Dinner Deals on offer. So come
along for dinner and a show.
Bookings are open now online - book early so you don't miss out.
Should be a busy one. See link below.
http://www.moshtix.com.au/record.asp?lEventID=17402&caller=moshtix&
SUN 17/3 - ST PATRICKS DAY....
Well I am having a rest on St Patricks Day but a good friend of mine,
Michael Garnett, is playing a few tunes at The Nag's Head Hotel in
Glebe.
Perfect for a pint of guiness or 5...
162 St Johns Road, Glebe. Music from 7pm.
(*) Disclaimer: "Walking" may involve stints in my Red 1986 Toyota
Corona.... actually the official colour in the manual is "Autumn" -
which is the current season, so there you go.
--------------------------------------------------
LOOKING AHEAD....
Plenty Happening - In Brief:
THURS 3RD APRIL - Hopetoun Hotel
Full Band Show
With Three Quarters Hazel, Brendan McLean, Tammy Ingram
TUES 8TH APRIL - Wollongong University
Solo Show - 4.30pm.
WED 9TH APRIL - Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide.
Waymouth Street, Adelaide.
Solo Show - On Stage 9pm.
THURS 10TH APRIL - S.A TBC
SUN 20TH APRIL - BRASS MONKEY, CRONULLA
Full Band Show.
Supported by Jak Housden (The Whiltams)
Book for dinner and a show.
More info available at www.brassmonkey.com.au
SOLO MAY RESIDENCY
Twin Palms Hotel, Phuket.
Nightly throughout May at the Catch Club from 8pm.
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
UK / EUROPE TOUR - Dates to be confirmed.
But for the time being, all you London People - lock in
WED 16 JULY @ The Hundred Club
100 Oxford Street, London.
Solo Show - from 8pm.
Lots more news to come. The Album is still in "recording" status, but
it's coming along pretty nicely. Just spent a full day with Carl the
Violist on Wednesday, which was great.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The February Rant
There are two things I would like to patent:
1. The variable-font subject line. So emails can look cool before you
open them. (This may already exist...)
2. A new punctuation mark that is in between a full stop (somewhat
disinterested) and an exclamation mark (incredibly excited!!). We
need a middle ground!! (I was excited there...).
Anyway - when I am not thinking about important things like this, I
am playing gigs, and there are a few good ones coming up:
(Yes I hear you - could be argued not my best introduction ever, but
can't blame a guy for trying something....)
SAT 23RD FEB - THE EXCELSIOR, SURRY HILLS
FULL BAND - HEADLINE SHOW
Supported by:
Rupert Reid and Band - www.myspace.com/rupertreid
The Uncomfortables (UK) - www.myspace.com/theuncomfortables
Larissa McKay - www.myspace.com/larissamckay
Doors Open 7.30pm. Tix $10 at the door.
Music from 8pm.
As with all the full band shows these days, you can expect special
guests, backup singers, instruments aplenty etc etc. That way you
always have something interesting to look out on stage - takes the
focus off my bald melon....
Come along if you can - All of that for 10 Bucks - What a deal!!
(Still excited there...)
Other Stuff a-comin':
Wed 27th Feb - Solo Show @ Manly Boatshed.
Free Entry
On Stage 9.30pm.
Sat 1st March - Solo Show @ North Bondi RSL
Tix $10 at the Door.
Supporting Three Quarters Hazel.
Should be a great night. Looking forward to it.
Touring in March:
Sat 8th March - Fat Tony's, Tathra
Somewhere on the South Coast.
Solo show 9.30pm.
Sun 9th March - Tourist Hotel, Wagga Wagga
There are two Waggas - I am not sure which one this is in.
But it's on Fitzmaurice St.
Solo show - from 5pm.
Tues 11th March - Ruby's Lounge, Belgrave
Somewhere south of the other two...
www.rubyslounge.com.au
Solo Show - Free Entry
On stage 9.30pm
Wed 12th March - The Espy, St Kilda
Solo Show - On Stage 8.30pm.
Free Entry!
Sat 15th March - Blue Mountains Music Festival
More Info to Come.
And then Back to Sydney:
Sun 16th March - Full Band @ The Supper Club, Will and Toby's
Supported by Lyall Adnonis and the House of Kings.
And Cookie Baker (Adelaide).
Thurs 3rd April - Full Band @ The Hopetoun, Sydney
With Three Quarters Hazel
Brendan Maclean
Tammy Ingram
Full details for all shows available at www.myspace.com/rennyfield
OK... I am running out of steam a little (which you may be thankful
for), but I can tell you that in other news, there is a May residency
in Thailand, and the UK tour dates will be rolling in shortly...
London folk you can start with Wed 16th July at the Hundred Club - Woo!
Album is still being recorded - Launch dates etc TBC once it's done.
Stay tuned.... It's a process...
In the mean time, you can check for regular updates and that sort of
thing on the web:
www.myspace.com/rennyfield
CD's available online at:
www.rennyfield.com
And some voting goes on here, if you're that way inclined:
www.triplejunearthed.com/rennyfield
Thanks very much for your continued support ^**
Renny
(^** - Insert new punctuation mark here)
1. The variable-font subject line. So emails can look cool before you
open them. (This may already exist...)
2. A new punctuation mark that is in between a full stop (somewhat
disinterested) and an exclamation mark (incredibly excited!!). We
need a middle ground!! (I was excited there...).
Anyway - when I am not thinking about important things like this, I
am playing gigs, and there are a few good ones coming up:
(Yes I hear you - could be argued not my best introduction ever, but
can't blame a guy for trying something....)
SAT 23RD FEB - THE EXCELSIOR, SURRY HILLS
FULL BAND - HEADLINE SHOW
Supported by:
Rupert Reid and Band - www.myspace.com/rupertreid
The Uncomfortables (UK) - www.myspace.com/theuncomfortables
Larissa McKay - www.myspace.com/larissamckay
Doors Open 7.30pm. Tix $10 at the door.
Music from 8pm.
As with all the full band shows these days, you can expect special
guests, backup singers, instruments aplenty etc etc. That way you
always have something interesting to look out on stage - takes the
focus off my bald melon....
Come along if you can - All of that for 10 Bucks - What a deal!!
(Still excited there...)
Other Stuff a-comin':
Wed 27th Feb - Solo Show @ Manly Boatshed.
Free Entry
On Stage 9.30pm.
Sat 1st March - Solo Show @ North Bondi RSL
Tix $10 at the Door.
Supporting Three Quarters Hazel.
Should be a great night. Looking forward to it.
Touring in March:
Sat 8th March - Fat Tony's, Tathra
Somewhere on the South Coast.
Solo show 9.30pm.
Sun 9th March - Tourist Hotel, Wagga Wagga
There are two Waggas - I am not sure which one this is in.
But it's on Fitzmaurice St.
Solo show - from 5pm.
Tues 11th March - Ruby's Lounge, Belgrave
Somewhere south of the other two...
www.rubyslounge.com.au
Solo Show - Free Entry
On stage 9.30pm
Wed 12th March - The Espy, St Kilda
Solo Show - On Stage 8.30pm.
Free Entry!
Sat 15th March - Blue Mountains Music Festival
More Info to Come.
And then Back to Sydney:
Sun 16th March - Full Band @ The Supper Club, Will and Toby's
Supported by Lyall Adnonis and the House of Kings.
And Cookie Baker (Adelaide).
Thurs 3rd April - Full Band @ The Hopetoun, Sydney
With Three Quarters Hazel
Brendan Maclean
Tammy Ingram
Full details for all shows available at www.myspace.com/rennyfield
OK... I am running out of steam a little (which you may be thankful
for), but I can tell you that in other news, there is a May residency
in Thailand, and the UK tour dates will be rolling in shortly...
London folk you can start with Wed 16th July at the Hundred Club - Woo!
Album is still being recorded - Launch dates etc TBC once it's done.
Stay tuned.... It's a process...
In the mean time, you can check for regular updates and that sort of
thing on the web:
www.myspace.com/rennyfield
CD's available online at:
www.rennyfield.com
And some voting goes on here, if you're that way inclined:
www.triplejunearthed.com/rennyfield
Thanks very much for your continued support ^**
Renny
(^** - Insert new punctuation mark here)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Australia Day Update
IT'S NOVEMBER!
Hello!... I have devised a plan. It involves music, computers, CD's, texta, Australia post - and me and you.
So....
Slowly the pieces of the puzzle are coming together for the next Album. It's been a fairly long process of saving the money, getting the songs together and getting the gear I need, but it's all taking shape pretty nicely now - I am looking towards a release date sometime early next year which is pretty exciting.
However I am aware it's been a long break between recordings, and thus I've come up with a special offer for the faithful few. (That means you!).
You may recall that back in August I did a live recording at Bar Me in Kings Cross. Turns out we had 13 songs that ended up being good enough for me to want to hear them again...... (I think that left 3 or 4 that were ... err..... crap.....). Anyway, as a way of thanking you for sticking with me through this long break between CD's, I am offering a copy of this live recording for $10.00!!
That's 13 Tracks for $10!!
Too cheap you say? Well yes, but this is not an official "release" so to speak - I am actually going to burn you a copy of the live recording, write the track names for you, and post it out.
"But what about the texta?" I hear you say. Ah the texta - yes - the texta. That's the part where I write you each a personal message on the CD - possibly also an illustration if I am feeling particularly creative at time of burning - which will ensure that everyone gets a truly unique "limited edition". No two copies will ever be the same!
Essentially I will be using the money from this exercise to put towards finishing off the new album, but I guess it's also a preview of a few of the newer songs, and a chance to hear some of the old ones in a different setting.
TO ORDER THE LIVE RECORDING:
Please send an email to renny@rennyfield.com with the details of how many copies you would like and who they are for. Also please clearly state the address you would like your CD(s) sent to.
As this is an offer for myspace friends and the mailing list, I am assuming everyone is on-line... so payment will be via EFT on the internet. Total cost will be $10 + $3 P&H.
Once you have placed your order, I will forward you payment instructions. Then it's just a matter of transferring the money, and the CD will be on it's way!!
Too easy.
This offer is also extended to friends/relatives who are not yet on the mailing list - all they need to do is sign up by sending an email to info@rennyfield.com . So if you think there's someone out there who could use a burned CD with some artistic markings and a few decent tunes, then send them over this way!
See you soon then.
Cheers,
Renny
Hello!... I have devised a plan. It involves music, computers, CD's, texta, Australia post - and me and you.
So....
Slowly the pieces of the puzzle are coming together for the next Album. It's been a fairly long process of saving the money, getting the songs together and getting the gear I need, but it's all taking shape pretty nicely now - I am looking towards a release date sometime early next year which is pretty exciting.
However I am aware it's been a long break between recordings, and thus I've come up with a special offer for the faithful few. (That means you!).
You may recall that back in August I did a live recording at Bar Me in Kings Cross. Turns out we had 13 songs that ended up being good enough for me to want to hear them again...... (I think that left 3 or 4 that were ... err..... crap.....). Anyway, as a way of thanking you for sticking with me through this long break between CD's, I am offering a copy of this live recording for $10.00!!
That's 13 Tracks for $10!!
Too cheap you say? Well yes, but this is not an official "release" so to speak - I am actually going to burn you a copy of the live recording, write the track names for you, and post it out.
"But what about the texta?" I hear you say. Ah the texta - yes - the texta. That's the part where I write you each a personal message on the CD - possibly also an illustration if I am feeling particularly creative at time of burning - which will ensure that everyone gets a truly unique "limited edition". No two copies will ever be the same!
Essentially I will be using the money from this exercise to put towards finishing off the new album, but I guess it's also a preview of a few of the newer songs, and a chance to hear some of the old ones in a different setting.
TO ORDER THE LIVE RECORDING:
Please send an email to renny@rennyfield.com with the details of how many copies you would like and who they are for. Also please clearly state the address you would like your CD(s) sent to.
As this is an offer for myspace friends and the mailing list, I am assuming everyone is on-line... so payment will be via EFT on the internet. Total cost will be $10 + $3 P&H.
Once you have placed your order, I will forward you payment instructions. Then it's just a matter of transferring the money, and the CD will be on it's way!!
Too easy.
This offer is also extended to friends/relatives who are not yet on the mailing list - all they need to do is sign up by sending an email to info@rennyfield.com . So if you think there's someone out there who could use a burned CD with some artistic markings and a few decent tunes, then send them over this way!
See you soon then.
Cheers,
Renny
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
November Offer
IT'S NOVEMBER!
Hello!... I have devised a plan. It involves music, computers, CD's, texta, Australia post - and me and you.
So....
Slowly the pieces of the puzzle are coming together for the next Album. It's been a fairly long process of saving the money, getting the songs together and getting the gear I need, but it's all taking shape pretty nicely now - I am looking towards a release date sometime early next year which is pretty exciting.
However I am aware it's been a long break between recordings, and thus I've come up with a special offer for the faithful few. (That means you!).
You may recall that back in August I did a live recording at Bar Me in Kings Cross. Turns out we had 13 songs that ended up being good enough for me to want to hear them again...... (I think that left 3 or 4 that were ... err..... crap.....). Anyway, as a way of thanking you for sticking with me through this long break between CD's, I am offering a copy of this live recording for $10.00!!
That's 13 Tracks for $10!!
Too cheap you say? Well yes, but this is not an official "release" so to speak - I am actually going to burn you a copy of the live recording, write the track names for you, and post it out.
"But what about the texta?" I hear you say. Ah the texta - yes - the texta. That's the part where I write you each a personal message on the CD - possibly also an illustration if I am feeling particularly creative at time of burning - which will ensure that everyone gets a truly unique "limited edition". No two copies will ever be the same!
Essentially I will be using the money from this exercise to put towards finishing off the new album, but I guess it's also a preview of a few of the newer songs, and a chance to hear some of the old ones in a different setting.
TO ORDER THE LIVE RECORDING:
Please send an email to renny@rennyfield.com with the details of how many copies you would like and who they are for. Also please clearly state the address you would like your CD(s) sent to.
As this is an offer for myspace friends and the mailing list, I am assuming everyone is on-line... so payment will be via EFT on the internet. Total cost will be $10 + $3 P&H.
Once you have placed your order, I will forward you payment instructions. Then it's just a matter of transferring the money, and the CD will be on it's way!!
Too easy.
This offer is also extended to friends/relatives who are not yet on the mailing list - all they need to do is sign up by sending an email to info@rennyfield.com . So if you think there's someone out there who could use a burned CD with some artistic markings and a few decent tunes, then send them over this way!
See you soon then.
Cheers,
Renny
Hello!... I have devised a plan. It involves music, computers, CD's, texta, Australia post - and me and you.
So....
Slowly the pieces of the puzzle are coming together for the next Album. It's been a fairly long process of saving the money, getting the songs together and getting the gear I need, but it's all taking shape pretty nicely now - I am looking towards a release date sometime early next year which is pretty exciting.
However I am aware it's been a long break between recordings, and thus I've come up with a special offer for the faithful few. (That means you!).
You may recall that back in August I did a live recording at Bar Me in Kings Cross. Turns out we had 13 songs that ended up being good enough for me to want to hear them again...... (I think that left 3 or 4 that were ... err..... crap.....). Anyway, as a way of thanking you for sticking with me through this long break between CD's, I am offering a copy of this live recording for $10.00!!
That's 13 Tracks for $10!!
Too cheap you say? Well yes, but this is not an official "release" so to speak - I am actually going to burn you a copy of the live recording, write the track names for you, and post it out.
"But what about the texta?" I hear you say. Ah the texta - yes - the texta. That's the part where I write you each a personal message on the CD - possibly also an illustration if I am feeling particularly creative at time of burning - which will ensure that everyone gets a truly unique "limited edition". No two copies will ever be the same!
Essentially I will be using the money from this exercise to put towards finishing off the new album, but I guess it's also a preview of a few of the newer songs, and a chance to hear some of the old ones in a different setting.
TO ORDER THE LIVE RECORDING:
Please send an email to renny@rennyfield.com with the details of how many copies you would like and who they are for. Also please clearly state the address you would like your CD(s) sent to.
As this is an offer for myspace friends and the mailing list, I am assuming everyone is on-line... so payment will be via EFT on the internet. Total cost will be $10 + $3 P&H.
Once you have placed your order, I will forward you payment instructions. Then it's just a matter of transferring the money, and the CD will be on it's way!!
Too easy.
This offer is also extended to friends/relatives who are not yet on the mailing list - all they need to do is sign up by sending an email to info@rennyfield.com . So if you think there's someone out there who could use a burned CD with some artistic markings and a few decent tunes, then send them over this way!
See you soon then.
Cheers,
Renny
Friday, October 26, 2007
Music Oz Top Ten
Hello Friends...
Acutally the last one is best I think - space - spaceoids - sort of a mix of sci-fi / cyberspace / uberspace...
Anyway I digress - I am sitting in Bathurst library and there is a stuffed dog on the couch behind me that looks pretty menacing - I don't want to be on the computer for more than the allotted time...
The folks at MusicOz have kindly adjudged "Our Time" to be in the top ten songs in the live category. Many thanks to the people who were at Bar Me in August for the live recording - I think if it wins then I'll have to credit my 80 or so backup singers!
Apparently there is voting of some sort - and you can win a Maton guitar! (But you have to write something funny....)
But even if you don't want to vote, why not try logging on to the website and checking out some of the great new Aussie music that's on offer. It's free to listen!
www.musicoz.org
Cheers for now,
Renny
PS - There's a new song up on my page. And there'll be another one next Monday. Check 'em out if you have time, and let me know what you think.
Sh..... here comes the dog......
Acutally the last one is best I think - space - spaceoids - sort of a mix of sci-fi / cyberspace / uberspace...
Anyway I digress - I am sitting in Bathurst library and there is a stuffed dog on the couch behind me that looks pretty menacing - I don't want to be on the computer for more than the allotted time...
The folks at MusicOz have kindly adjudged "Our Time" to be in the top ten songs in the live category. Many thanks to the people who were at Bar Me in August for the live recording - I think if it wins then I'll have to credit my 80 or so backup singers!
Apparently there is voting of some sort - and you can win a Maton guitar! (But you have to write something funny....)
But even if you don't want to vote, why not try logging on to the website and checking out some of the great new Aussie music that's on offer. It's free to listen!
www.musicoz.org
Cheers for now,
Renny
PS - There's a new song up on my page. And there'll be another one next Monday. Check 'em out if you have time, and let me know what you think.
Sh..... here comes the dog......
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Andrew Morris - Sime Nugent - Renny Field - September tour.
How fortunate I was to be able to tour with two amazing singer-songwriters. amazing in their ability, but also their approach to music in general. In a time when so many seem hell-bent on making a grab for fame and fortune, it was refreshing to see two people who had taken a step back from all the bullsh... and re-directed that energy towards the only thing that really matters - the music.
A good lesson for me anyway.
The tour kicked off with a lengthy drive up to Brisbane. Never can quite understand the Pacific Hwy between Sydney & Brisbane - seem to be racing along until I hit Coffs, then disaster strikes by way of roadworks and variable speed-limits galore for the rest of the trip, ensuring the remainder takes an absolute eternity... (or so it seems).
2/9/05 - OPENING NIGHT was at the Troubador, where a good crowd had rolled in to see the show - Andrew Morris headlined the gig in his home town, and it was nice to hear the tunes from his band again after they played with us earlier in the year at the Brass Monkey album launch. A tight unit - great bunch of musicians. 'Twas the first night I had heard Sime Nugent, and found his songs both unique and engaging - I sensed they would be growers as the tour progressed and I was right. His stage manner is honest and unassuming with a touch of wry humour thrown in here and there for good measure.
Not content to learn our lesson the first few times, it seems this was another tour where the temptation of opening-night festivities would get the better of us.....
3/9/05 - NIGHT 2 - JOE'S WATERHOLE, EUMUNDI
Eumundi is tucked away inland - somewhere near Coolum (where we were staying - thanks to CS), although to be honest I was just following the signs and by the time I got there I had lost all sense of direction. It was dark, and I was agitated because I was missing the Bledisloe Cup...
Well the Wobblies ended up losing the match, and up here in Queenslander country, I can only assume that the game was one of the factors that led to a pretty quiet night. Probably about 10 people, plus the other bands. Shame really, because it's such a nice room. James Blundell had 50 payers the night before, so for the 3 of us relatively unknowns, it was always going to be a bit of a struggle. Eumundi not the most convenient of locations for the coastal holiday-goers, so people really need a good excuse to make the trip. (And we were a good excuse, just that they didn't realise it yet...)
Next day was an epic 12-hr stint back to Sydney. Absolutely no thoughts of trying my luck on the inland route - no matter how good those Anzac bisuits in Tenterfield are...
8/9/05 - CLARENDON GUESTHOUSE, KATOOMBA
Never played the Clarendon before, but had been there a couple of times, and it's a really nice place. Very intimate, but enjoyed the opportunity. Just the Renyn Field Band and Sime tonight. Seemed to be related to most of the people in the audience... Thanks!! (Thanks also to the Acylicians - you know who you are...). And Christine & Michael...
9/9/05 - THE VANGUARD, NEWTOWN
Pretty good crowd - Andrew Morris + band joined us from Brisbane and kicked it off. Always love the Vanguard, although I think all the shows this year were starting to take a toll. Seemed to be missing some of the energy which I had a couple of months ago - and as much as I am aware, and try to find it when I am up on stage, there is still something missing. The performance is as good as it needs to be - but missing the extra bit that turns a good show into a memorable one. I can feel it, I think the band can feel it - not sure about the audience.
Still, not a bad night - and some cause for celebration (though I only figured it out a week later) - it is exactly 2 years since the first gig for the Renny Field band. And my brother, the pillar of support that he is, has been there the whole time bashing away on those drums like it's the one thing he was meant to do.... You legend!
(Not forgetting Andrew on the Bass and Jeff on Guitar....)
(And Caddie on the Cello tonight...)
10/9/05 - HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI
Pretty good show at the Heritage - about 40 people on hand to watch. Quiet, but it's a nice room and by the time we were on, most of the people there had been drinking for long enough that we couldn't really lose...
Earlier in the day, we played the Cronulla Spring Fair. A good opportunity, as we had one of the main time slots - 3pm in the afternoon. The audience (made up of mainly parents and YOUNG children) went into a minor state of shock when I uttered the s.... word. Only my continuous apologies for the rest of the set managed to get me out of trouble...
11/09/05 - BRASS MONKEY, CRONULLA
A nice gig - always is down here, as I have said many times before. Not to many people unfortunately, but I think this can be attributed to the footy finals, and our Sat and Sun performances at the Cronulla Spring fair, which were a lot of fun, but took the crowd from the Monkey.
Might I take my hat off to Jad and the crew once more though, for no matter what sort of night it is, we are made to feel so welcome every time - almost like we are part of the family. That's a nice feeling, and one that is rare around the traps. I hope I can be playing there in 40 years time... seriously...
14/09/05 - LIMELIGHT LOUNGE, GEELONG...
Well people firstly let me recommend that if you are playing a sequence of shows in which you must get up and drive for 8-10 hours every day for 5 days running, probably best not to do it by yourself.... And certainly don't go off buying the Leonard Cohen double-CD to get some inspiration during the trip. Man the thinking, thinking, thinking...
Limelight Lounge in Geelong is a great place. Just me and Sime played this one. I was greeted half way though my set by a 50-person pub crawl which had an Emergency services dress code. Basically, that meant that there was a whole bunch of Ballyhoo, which carried spectacularly across the polished wooden floorboards into the music area, and made the latter partof my set all but inaudible. Fortunately they left for Sime - man I really do love his stuff.
Managed to score myself a brand new CD carrying box - really a fine work of craftmanship form a local down this way who has a dream of putting these things in rural service stations in Victoria, whilst broadcasting his own pre-recorded radio station from an MP-3 player onto the service station's stereo system - the radio station only to play music from the independent artists on display in one of these aforementioned CD boxes. Has to be seen to be believed. Please come to a show and check it out - I will give you the full story. Promise...
15/09/05 - GRACE EMILY HOTEL, ADELAIDE
My first ever show in Adelaide! ALmost killed myself onthe way over. Thought I was doing fine till I pulled up on the outside of a line of cars in what seemed to be an ovetaking lane, only to discover that a Lorry was coming over the top of the hill and heading straight for me. Thank god I got some new brakes a few weeks ago. Also managed to find a brand new way from Geelong to Adelaide via Mt Gambier, which was an extra 2-3hrs. Me being stubborn again, not getting the proper directions, but rather happy to settle for the "Straight down the highway love" version from the old lady at the Gas station... Speaking of Gas stations.... what about the price of petrol!! Yet another reason I should have taken someone else with me..:)
Grace Emily Hotel - a great little pub indeed. Really cosy little back room where the music happens. Again, just me and Sime - but a decent little crowd on hand. Thanks to Hat etc. for coming along. Also a free bed here, which was a nice surprise at the end of a long trip. Did I need to go out after the show??
16/09/05 - GRAINERY LANE, BALLARAT
No I didn't need to go out after the show... What an idiot...
The "Powernap can save your life" signs on the Victorian roads were starting to take on a whole new meaning... Fortunately I managed to get the correct directions this time...
Grainery Lane Theatre is an AMAZING space - quite a large area tucked away out the back of this cool little bar. Tonight was a quiet night, and the three of us (Andrew Morris had joined us..) played in the front bar area. We were competing with the Swans - St Kilda AFL match, so Victoria wasn't the best place to be playing a gig when the whole state is praying that the only Victorian side left will make it into the Grand Final the following week. Sydney won - I was cheering in between songs...
17/09/05 - FINAL NIGHT - CORNISH ARMS, BRUNSWICK
A great night to finish up. A really nice sized crowd on hand to check out the show. Decided just to play the piano tonight, as the other two were on the guitar and it seemed like the right way to go. Thatnks to those of you who came back to see another show in Melbourne. Really like the Cornish Arms.
The end of a great tour, in which I learned a lot about myself, about music, about life, and about being true to who you are and what you are trying to achieve. Seems corny, but that's the way it is... Helped in no small way by two fantastic performers in Sime and Andrew, who have inspired me to think more about the art, which really is the most important part. Thanks for having me on board...
www.simenugent.com
www.andrewmorris.com
Managed to find myself stuck in Albury on the way home after a blown tyre about 20 mins out of town..... Hip hip hooray... Heading home looking forward to a rest from the gigging life....
Will be back soon folks...
A good lesson for me anyway.
The tour kicked off with a lengthy drive up to Brisbane. Never can quite understand the Pacific Hwy between Sydney & Brisbane - seem to be racing along until I hit Coffs, then disaster strikes by way of roadworks and variable speed-limits galore for the rest of the trip, ensuring the remainder takes an absolute eternity... (or so it seems).
2/9/05 - OPENING NIGHT was at the Troubador, where a good crowd had rolled in to see the show - Andrew Morris headlined the gig in his home town, and it was nice to hear the tunes from his band again after they played with us earlier in the year at the Brass Monkey album launch. A tight unit - great bunch of musicians. 'Twas the first night I had heard Sime Nugent, and found his songs both unique and engaging - I sensed they would be growers as the tour progressed and I was right. His stage manner is honest and unassuming with a touch of wry humour thrown in here and there for good measure.
Not content to learn our lesson the first few times, it seems this was another tour where the temptation of opening-night festivities would get the better of us.....
3/9/05 - NIGHT 2 - JOE'S WATERHOLE, EUMUNDI
Eumundi is tucked away inland - somewhere near Coolum (where we were staying - thanks to CS), although to be honest I was just following the signs and by the time I got there I had lost all sense of direction. It was dark, and I was agitated because I was missing the Bledisloe Cup...
Well the Wobblies ended up losing the match, and up here in Queenslander country, I can only assume that the game was one of the factors that led to a pretty quiet night. Probably about 10 people, plus the other bands. Shame really, because it's such a nice room. James Blundell had 50 payers the night before, so for the 3 of us relatively unknowns, it was always going to be a bit of a struggle. Eumundi not the most convenient of locations for the coastal holiday-goers, so people really need a good excuse to make the trip. (And we were a good excuse, just that they didn't realise it yet...)
Next day was an epic 12-hr stint back to Sydney. Absolutely no thoughts of trying my luck on the inland route - no matter how good those Anzac bisuits in Tenterfield are...
8/9/05 - CLARENDON GUESTHOUSE, KATOOMBA
Never played the Clarendon before, but had been there a couple of times, and it's a really nice place. Very intimate, but enjoyed the opportunity. Just the Renyn Field Band and Sime tonight. Seemed to be related to most of the people in the audience... Thanks!! (Thanks also to the Acylicians - you know who you are...). And Christine & Michael...
9/9/05 - THE VANGUARD, NEWTOWN
Pretty good crowd - Andrew Morris + band joined us from Brisbane and kicked it off. Always love the Vanguard, although I think all the shows this year were starting to take a toll. Seemed to be missing some of the energy which I had a couple of months ago - and as much as I am aware, and try to find it when I am up on stage, there is still something missing. The performance is as good as it needs to be - but missing the extra bit that turns a good show into a memorable one. I can feel it, I think the band can feel it - not sure about the audience.
Still, not a bad night - and some cause for celebration (though I only figured it out a week later) - it is exactly 2 years since the first gig for the Renny Field band. And my brother, the pillar of support that he is, has been there the whole time bashing away on those drums like it's the one thing he was meant to do.... You legend!
(Not forgetting Andrew on the Bass and Jeff on Guitar....)
(And Caddie on the Cello tonight...)
10/9/05 - HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI
Pretty good show at the Heritage - about 40 people on hand to watch. Quiet, but it's a nice room and by the time we were on, most of the people there had been drinking for long enough that we couldn't really lose...
Earlier in the day, we played the Cronulla Spring Fair. A good opportunity, as we had one of the main time slots - 3pm in the afternoon. The audience (made up of mainly parents and YOUNG children) went into a minor state of shock when I uttered the s.... word. Only my continuous apologies for the rest of the set managed to get me out of trouble...
11/09/05 - BRASS MONKEY, CRONULLA
A nice gig - always is down here, as I have said many times before. Not to many people unfortunately, but I think this can be attributed to the footy finals, and our Sat and Sun performances at the Cronulla Spring fair, which were a lot of fun, but took the crowd from the Monkey.
Might I take my hat off to Jad and the crew once more though, for no matter what sort of night it is, we are made to feel so welcome every time - almost like we are part of the family. That's a nice feeling, and one that is rare around the traps. I hope I can be playing there in 40 years time... seriously...
14/09/05 - LIMELIGHT LOUNGE, GEELONG...
Well people firstly let me recommend that if you are playing a sequence of shows in which you must get up and drive for 8-10 hours every day for 5 days running, probably best not to do it by yourself.... And certainly don't go off buying the Leonard Cohen double-CD to get some inspiration during the trip. Man the thinking, thinking, thinking...
Limelight Lounge in Geelong is a great place. Just me and Sime played this one. I was greeted half way though my set by a 50-person pub crawl which had an Emergency services dress code. Basically, that meant that there was a whole bunch of Ballyhoo, which carried spectacularly across the polished wooden floorboards into the music area, and made the latter partof my set all but inaudible. Fortunately they left for Sime - man I really do love his stuff.
Managed to score myself a brand new CD carrying box - really a fine work of craftmanship form a local down this way who has a dream of putting these things in rural service stations in Victoria, whilst broadcasting his own pre-recorded radio station from an MP-3 player onto the service station's stereo system - the radio station only to play music from the independent artists on display in one of these aforementioned CD boxes. Has to be seen to be believed. Please come to a show and check it out - I will give you the full story. Promise...
15/09/05 - GRACE EMILY HOTEL, ADELAIDE
My first ever show in Adelaide! ALmost killed myself onthe way over. Thought I was doing fine till I pulled up on the outside of a line of cars in what seemed to be an ovetaking lane, only to discover that a Lorry was coming over the top of the hill and heading straight for me. Thank god I got some new brakes a few weeks ago. Also managed to find a brand new way from Geelong to Adelaide via Mt Gambier, which was an extra 2-3hrs. Me being stubborn again, not getting the proper directions, but rather happy to settle for the "Straight down the highway love" version from the old lady at the Gas station... Speaking of Gas stations.... what about the price of petrol!! Yet another reason I should have taken someone else with me..:)
Grace Emily Hotel - a great little pub indeed. Really cosy little back room where the music happens. Again, just me and Sime - but a decent little crowd on hand. Thanks to Hat etc. for coming along. Also a free bed here, which was a nice surprise at the end of a long trip. Did I need to go out after the show??
16/09/05 - GRAINERY LANE, BALLARAT
No I didn't need to go out after the show... What an idiot...
The "Powernap can save your life" signs on the Victorian roads were starting to take on a whole new meaning... Fortunately I managed to get the correct directions this time...
Grainery Lane Theatre is an AMAZING space - quite a large area tucked away out the back of this cool little bar. Tonight was a quiet night, and the three of us (Andrew Morris had joined us..) played in the front bar area. We were competing with the Swans - St Kilda AFL match, so Victoria wasn't the best place to be playing a gig when the whole state is praying that the only Victorian side left will make it into the Grand Final the following week. Sydney won - I was cheering in between songs...
17/09/05 - FINAL NIGHT - CORNISH ARMS, BRUNSWICK
A great night to finish up. A really nice sized crowd on hand to check out the show. Decided just to play the piano tonight, as the other two were on the guitar and it seemed like the right way to go. Thatnks to those of you who came back to see another show in Melbourne. Really like the Cornish Arms.
The end of a great tour, in which I learned a lot about myself, about music, about life, and about being true to who you are and what you are trying to achieve. Seems corny, but that's the way it is... Helped in no small way by two fantastic performers in Sime and Andrew, who have inspired me to think more about the art, which really is the most important part. Thanks for having me on board...
www.simenugent.com
www.andrewmorris.com
Managed to find myself stuck in Albury on the way home after a blown tyre about 20 mins out of town..... Hip hip hooray... Heading home looking forward to a rest from the gigging life....
Will be back soon folks...
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Serena Ryder Tour - Jul-Aug 2005
And so the tour begins...
Before I start the diary, my thanks goes out to Johnny Howard (although I probably should be thanking the dude before him, or maybe even the one before that.... who knows), for a little clause which exists in our Australian immigration laws which goes something along the lines of "any touring international artist must have an Australian artist supporting them on the bill" - which meant that, two weeks before this tour was about to start (originally only with Serena Ryder and Hawksley Workman - both Canadian), I was given an unexpected call-up to jump on the at the start of each night and add an aussie element to proceedings. What a great opportunity! Go Johnny!!
27/7/05 - Geelong, VIC
1st night of the tour - The Limelight Lounge in Geelong, VIC - very cool little bar underground. Really looking forward to seeing Serena Ryder play and also checking out Hawksley Workman, who I know only from reading the album liner notes from Serena's latest CD (he produced it.)
Hawksley walks in in some sort of mad grey jacket (was it wool?) with a large Hawk sewn into it on one arm (I think on the arm...) and one of those train-driver type hats which is pulled to one side on an angle - almost American hip-hop style but not the same type of hat. You get what I mean? Not really, neither do I...
Anyways so I get up and play a few songs - only guitar tonight. A bit jaded, had driven the great ocean road all day and only just made it to Geelong in time to have a quick shower and do the sound check. Got myself through it...
Hawksley gets up and, not for the first time on the tour, launches into some sort of speel about nothing in particular and throws some music in for good measure. A friend ofmine described him as a frustrated stand-up comedian - whilst that doesn't exactly give him the credit he deserves as a musician, it is probably in some respects a fair comment, as the on-stage rambling is hilarious! Aside from that, What a voice! No wonder this guy has a deal with Universal over in Canada, although must be a bit strange for him coming "Down Under" and playing to these little rooms... Anyway, loved the set - plays a Tele guitar which gives the whole thing such a great feel - has got the Amp dialled in to absolute perfection... I guess we're all used to the acoustic guitar thing down here in OZ, so the electric really got my attention, and he plays it so well...
He remained on stage to back Serena up - she has such a presence. Every word of every song is sung with so much energy. I was amazed when I got the chance to play with her last time she was here - wasn't sure what I was going to think this time around, but nothing had changed. Only this time she had an electric guitar filling the songs out and some backup harmonies, which made for a really nice dynamic. Such a refreshing energy on stage which draws you in and almost makes you feel you are a part of the song. At this stage, really looking like this is going to be a great tour, and very happy to be on board...
28/7/05 - Republic Bar, Hobart, Tasmania
Flew to Hobart with just my guitar - prob. a bit of an expense, but felt the need to play some Renny Field tunes down in Tassie. Hobart felt a lot like the UK - similar climate, similar buildings and streets... Anyway, that's only my opinion... Gig was really great - heaps of people came to watch Serena play. Rather than describe the show though, I'll leave you with a thought from Hawksley about half way through his set which had everyone in stitches...(prob. not quite exaclty as he said it, but close...)
"Gee it's great to be here in Tasmania. We used to learn about it at school a long time ago. And I bought an atlas once - when I was a kid I owned an atlas and I used to read it before I went to sleep, and I remember looking up Tasmania back then. Yeah,... I used to read my Atlas just after I masturbated... so I guess my first association with Tasmania was kind of a post-orgasmic type of thing, and ...(looks around the room)... that's kinda how it feels right now..."
Hawksley Workman 2005.
Well said sir...
29/7/05 - Ruby's Lounge, Belgrave, VIC
Flew back to Melbourne - Ruby's is a bit of a drive out of town (sort of like going to the Blue Mountains when you are in Sydney I guess). A great venue - really artsy - old school, but quite a large room. ALL the big indie acts seem to tour through here and you can see why. Very much a place that people living in the area will come to, regardless of who is playing on the night. That's not to say that people hadn't come down to see Serena, but there were a lot of people there that didn't really know who she was - as usual, she won them over....
Was in the toilet getting through a number 1 before my set and looked at the wall on my right to see a poster of myself... Scared the crap out of me...
And Ruby's is home to the best "Table for one" I have ever seen (always occupied...). Picture a big room with a pretty big stage people sitting round the edges on table etc, then a tall table, siting by itself in prime position with ONE bar stool next to it, and people taking turns to sit at this table for One - never would they venture there with anyone else, even people that came with a group of freinds would go and take the seat alone and return to their friends after a solo beer... strange - perhaps there was something I didn't know about....
Needed some dinner after the show - ventured across the road to what initially seemed to be the standard yeeros/pizza type joint, only a little restaurant attached as well, so we thought we might sit down... What would you recommend?? The old guy who ran this place was as close as you would ever get to the "Papa Guiseppe" stereotype - funny Chef's hat drooped to one side, massive big grey mustache etc etc. He launched into an explanation of the finest feast ever known to man, by the time he had finished, the display of energy in describing this feast was such that it would have been rude of us to turn him down....
Think ENOURMOUS plate of creamy Chicken pasta with vegetables mixed in (all very good) and topped off (like i mean literally on top of the pasta and the chicken....) with, ...........wait for it............... fried Calamari..... Ah yes, the old Chicken Pasta - Fried Calamari combo... And he tried to charge us $50!! - Thanks for the food man, but next time I'll remember to stick to the Yeeros...
30-31/7/05 Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Had to play an in-store at HMV in the middle of Melbourne on the Saturday at 2pm. Rocked up with my guitar, a mic, and a speaker, cranked it up to full volume and wailed away for about 30mins. Not sure if I sold too many CD's but did succeed in making quite a racket for a solo acoustic guitarist. Also managed to get a few people dancing (thanks to you - you know who you are..) and by the end of the set there were some new fans who had taken up a seat on the floor about a metre in front of my stool.... slightly discomforting...
Northcote Social club is kind of like some old RSL club, with the standard RSL tables and chairs. Sound check has to be finished by 6pm so they can get everyone in for the "Roast of the Day" dinner special, then kick them out again by the time the show starts at 9pm (at which point they move all the tables and chairs out of the room). Surprisingly a great gig - these shows the most obvious flow-on so far from the shows that Serena had done with Missy Higgins earlier in the year. A really good PA system, and prob. about 150 people in each night. Finally got to play my Piano on this tour...
Serena was joined by Terepai Richmond on the drums (drummer for the Whitlams, DIG and others...), with Hawksley moving to the bass guitar. The band worked so well together - yes they are all professional musicians, but there was defnitely a chemistry there that gave it an extra quality and gave the songs a whole different dimension. Outstanding!
Had too many beers, slept in the back of my Tarago out the back of the club... 9hrs sleep - the most sleep so far on the tour - go figure...
03/08/05 - The Vanguard, Newtown - Sounds Like Cafe Launch..
This show a break from the Serena Ryder tour - good to be back with the band at the Vanguard. Playing tonight with "Dion Jones & the Filth" and Lana DeAngelis. Just about a full house at the Vanguard - really enjoyed the other two bands as well. Home at midnight.. - had to be up at 6.30 the following day for the trip to Byron - back on with Serena...
4/8/05 - Great Northern, Byron Bay, NSW
Thursday night in Byron - free door charge. We got free accomodation! As happened at the Northcote Social club, evidence of Hawksley's profile in Canada comes by way of Canadian backpakers who happen to be in the area and come to the venue, scarcely able to believe they can see Hawksley playing this type of gig (ie fairly small crowds, supporting Serena Ryder...). Pretty good night - mainly just Byron locals who came in to check it out.
5/8/05 - Sound Lounge, Currumbin RSL (Gold Coast), QLD
Dragged myself up to HMV Surfers Paradise for an in-store in the middle of the day. Prob. the best HMV store I have ever seen - like a little novelty building that you might have seen perhaps in a nursery rhyme or something similar - show was from 2-2.30pm. A difficult one, but as is always the case, just happy that I was asked to play there, and the exposure is great.
No surf today... bummer. I brought the board up...
Sound Lounge is a newly created venue on the 1st floor of the Currumbin RSL. People seem to get down here on a Friday night, regardless of who is playing. Having said that, there were plenty who had come along to see Serena and Hawksley. Long room, but a great vibe when there is plenty of people. Maybe a couple of hundred in for this show (??), but enough to make it feel great. And a very appreciative audience. Serena & Band sounded the best I have heard them yet on this trip.
6-7/8/05 - The Troubador, Brisbane, QLD
Not before another HMV in-store, this time at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast... a bit tragic...
I had heard plenty about the Troubador, but still not really what I was expecting. (Not in a bad way - just I had a picture of it I guess and it didn't end up being anything like that). Located in "The Valley" (Fortitude Valley) - which has a crapload of bars, restaurants etc. Pretty cool vibe about the place. Troubador is long narrow room with couches and those soft cube-stool thingys (can't describe them any other way...). Very lounge-bar-esque. Quite an intimate Vibe, and not quite the crowd everyone was expecting I suppose, but still a pretty good turnout nonetheless...
Saturday night after the show was spent wandering "The Valley" looking for a decent place to have a beer and eventually settling for a joint that looked like everyone had gone back in time to New York in the early 80's (and maybe now a bit...)- the whole underground rock'n'roll vibe thing happening - same fashion sense, same feel to the bar. A cool place, but wouldn't have expected to find it in Queensland! Sunday another in-store at HMV Queen Street mall, Brisbane - tucked away up the back of the store, but not so bad... Had a ten-pin bowling challenge with my brother. Best of 3 - Matt 2, Renny 1. So pissed off.... This has become our "thing to do" when out of town.
Had to drive back to Sydney on Monday - went completely the wrong way. Almost fell asleep about 1000 times. Had to stop for coffee every 20mins. Highlights were, in no particular order, the Anzac Biscuit in Tenterfield (no I don't know why I was there either - but it was a bloody good Anzac biscuit!), the Chinese dinner in Scone (which almost came back up on the way to Sydney), and a killer steak sandwich in god knows where... Happy to report that the upgraded Toyata Tarago (now a '93 edition...) is running like a DREAM!
9-10/8/05 - Brass Monkey, Cronulla
Brass monkey back to its best here again - always love it, always will. Excellent.
11/8/05 - The Basement, Sydney
Best show of the tour as far as numbers were concerned. A fantastic night. Having said that, made an unsuccessful foray into the McDonalds "Salads Choice" menu, and a wise person reminded me that McDonalds is there for a reason, and that doesn't involve Salad, nor should it....
13/8/05 - Green Rock, The Gaelic Club, Surry Hills
Back with the Renny Field band tonight - Serena and Hawks were down in Canberra. This night was put on by the NSW greens in aid of Chilout and the Asylum Seekers centre - both are Charities which try to assist in the fair treatment of refugees in Australia. An important cause, and great to be offered the gig - on the bill with Gelbison, Waiting for Guiness and The Stiff Gins. A superb night, really quite a surprise actually - we were on first and prob. still got a crowd of around 150, which made for a great atmosphere. The other three bands were all fantastic, particuarly Waiting for Guiness, who had the room moving around like you wouldn't believe... I am told the night raised a few thousand dollars for the aforementioned charities as well, so hats off to everyone involved!
14/08/05 - Heritage Hotel, Bulli
Smallish crowd on hand to see the last show of the Serena Ryder tour. The Heritage Hotel has without a doubt the BEST Steak sandwhich you will ever eat - not to be missed folks! A nice vibe, but definitely somewhat of a "wind down" show for us all I think. Still love the Heritage - look forward to getting back down there with the band in September.
Thanks to Serena for having me on the tour - a really great experience, and enjoyed checking out some venues that I have never been to before. Thanks also to Hawksley for his encouragement, in particular his assistance that I continue to play "The Black Keys". Thanks also to Kate the tour manager for all your hard work.... and to John Sinclair in Melbourne for his hand in setting it up.
And finally thanks to eveyone who came along to a show - particularly to those of you who came and said hi, or offered words of encouragement. This was without a doubt the best bill I have played on so a bit hard to make an impression in those circumstances and it was nice to be appreciated. (If you've made it this far I am amazed - quite an epic this entry - I am going to be more brief in the future, but this was my first full-length "tour" so to speak, so you'll have to forgive me...).
Keep an eye on the gig page for all the details of upcoming shows near and far..
Cheers for now.
R
Check Out:
www.serenaryder.com
www.hawksleyworkman.com
www.rennyfield.com
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