We, The Dreaded

Good day folks, I know it's been a while!

We've had a bit going on lately, both on a music and personal front, and I kept intending to post an update, and well..  as they say.. the best laid plans… ;)

We've found a somewhat semi-regular home at Tin Shed Distillery in Nairne - often there on a Thursday night for their open mic, and then occassionally there on a Saturday night for a longer set.  Last Saturday was fantastic - had a request and gave it a crack, and can now say we've done a fair job all things considered of “Hotel California” and “Hurt”.  When you see us playing, don't be afraid to come up and ask for a song…  We'll likely have a go!

We are booked in advance for the Woodchester Markets, and are pursuing a few other leads as well.. If you've got anyone looking for a duo, let us know!

Look forward to seeing you all on the trail..

So we're into Spring, and the odd spot of sunshine has started to draw folks out of hibernation!  I hope winter was kind to you!

So over the past few months… Aimee and I got married at the end of May, played at a Welcome to Strathalbyn community event, the local Soccer club gala and the 5th birthday show for Lofty 88.9 Adelaide Hills at the TInshed Distillery in Nairne.  All were an absolute blast, and were well received performances.

With the changing season we'd love to get out more and entertain you so if you're a venue, or know a venue looking for acts, get in touch!

A couple of shots from the past few months…

I notoriously undercharge.  I'm working on it but its still a work in progress. I recently got asked to breakdown some costs for an event I'd run, and for comparison I got a quote from a friend who does similar work but on a grander scale, to provide what I provide… It came in double what I was charging! 

I love music. I love sharing it, promoting it, playing it, listening to it, and understanding the underpinnings of it. That's why we perform, provide sound services and run events, teach it, and I host a radio show to share local artists and music. 

It's often said that musicians are the only professionals that will pack $5000 worth of gear into a $2000 car, to drive 500 kilometres to get paid $50 bucks, or in even worse… Exposure… 

We recently played a gig for a venue, even chucked in an extra hour, for free.. Or exposure.. Because we liked the place and wanted to play there again.  As far as we were told everything went great, no complaints… But then no phone calls to book us in again. In the end all we got was a coffee, and the pleasure of being recognised in town at a different venue by some folks who'd seen us at that venue. 

I know I can't complain - I offered to do it, I took the risk and they have a business to run.. Of course they're going to keep costs down when they can. 

But I don't see it happening to any other trade.  Electricians and Plumbers don't learn their craft and invest in their equipment to work for exposure or future possibilities. 

Everywhere we've played we've had great feedback. I'm getting more confident in our ability to deliver.. 

Imagine, though, going out on a Friday or Saturday night and it's silent. TV Show with no jingles or advertising inserted…

Musicians are still desperately trying to recover from bearing the brunt of the pandemic lockdowns… Many are giving up the idea of making money from it, the fortunate few are doing it at least for love if not money… 

Music value adds so much to our lives, provides a rich soundtrack to our everyday existence that without it, our lives wouldn't be the same. 

So appreciate the value that it brings to you… And support those that value it as well… 

And let the music play on! 

Last Saturday saw us do our first real competitive Open Mic, at The Haus Restaurant in Hahndorf, SA.  The room was full and the talent definitely stacked!  Carly and the team ran a great night.

As with most of the shows like this it does go to the person with the most people in the room - and unfortunately much of our support came from afar.. That said, the winner and runners up were very well deserving and we look forward to seeing where their music careers go!

We opened with Starting Over, ‘cause you can’t have a beard like mine and not rock some Chris Stapleton, then Kiss Me from Sixpence None The Richer, Meant To Be, my song Advance Australia Fair Now and finished up with Solid Rock by Goanna.  All were well received and there was some great opportunities to talk to new fans after the show!

They're going to do the night again at the end of June - if you're interested in being part of it, I recommend getting in touch with Haus!  And a big thank you to Carly from Haus for the photos.

Rocking Out!

The nights' performers - Chelsea, Marco, Chayse, Us, Megan, Joy and Zebulon, and Carly from Haus, the event organiser!

A friend recently forwarded me an email from a student that was looking for answers to a survey on songwriting…. She didn't have the capacity to reply, but thought I might, so I sent back what I share here… Amateur tips, sure, because I'm not a professional songwriter… yet… ;)

1. Generally, how long does it take to write lyrics for a song?

It's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question, sometimes they come quickly, half an hour and I've got on a flow and produced the bones of it, then I go through a constant process of refinement - theres a saying that art is never finished, only abandoned... 

2. What is your biggest piece of advice for new writers?

Write. Even if it's trash. Diamonds are found by sifting coal, but you have to dig the coal out first, if the metaphor makes sense. Also, work on increasing your toolkit - learn different types of writing and increase your vocabulary.  Art is generally built on the shoulders of other art. 

3.  What is the best process for writing a song?

The best process is the one that works for you. I know plenty who start with lyrics, some start with a riff or beat or a chord progression. Be open to whatever is inspiring you in the moment. 

4. What skills should a songwriter have/improve?

As mentioned before - vocabulary is key - the more words you know, the more colours you essentially have to paint with. Learning to use websites like Rhymezone that will give you options on synonyms and non-rhyming words.

There are only 12 notes and keys, then the break down of major and minors, seventh and suspendeds, augmented and so on... Understanding as much as that as you can and being willing to explore what works for you, and that so called rules are there to be broken.. Will help you produce your own unique sound. 

Do I do all of these?  No, but they're tips I've picked up along the way… 

What are your thoughts?

Hayden