This past week marked a year since I arrived in Wellington, a city which felt more like home than the city I have lived in for most of my life. I have thought fondly of my time spent in New Zealand, and most importantly, the people I met there. The general friendliness of Kiwis remains one of my fondest impressions about my experience there. There was always someone smiling at me, and it helped me to feel like less of a stranger than I truly was. I have discovered that Canadians and Kiwis share an inexplicable connection that makes the process of meeting new people and friends effortless. If you have ever thought about traveling to New Zealand, do so, because none can rival the hospitality of Kiwis.
Wellington is a city full of art and culture. Everywhere you go in the core of downtown, you will find street performers and artists, music of all kinds, and friendly people going shoeless. The city is very pedestrian-friendly and so you see more people in a given day than you would trapped in a vehicle necessitated by suburban sprawl. If you go to the Cuba Street Mall, (which is not a mall by Canadian standards, it's a street) you're bound to see someone you know, even if you know very few people. This constant face-to-face contact with other residents develops a very strong sense of community, one which I have not experienced anywhere else I have ever been. Wellington is a remarkable place.
All of the people that I met in New Zealand have a special place in my fondest memories, during the best summer I have ever had. Well, so far.
Also, I am dying for a Moro Gold chocolate bar.
Showing posts with label Wellington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wellington. Show all posts
My Last Day in New Zealand
My travels here are coming to an end soon. I leave for Vancouver tomorrow, and I'm already packed to go. I'm really going to miss this place, though I am certain I will be back some day. I would really like to go on tour here some time. I've met a lot of cool people here in Wellington.
Tonight I will be playing my last performance here, at a new open mic event. It's only in its third week, and that's where I'm having my farewell get-together. It seems appropriate to be spending my last evening playing music and hanging out with the open mic crowd.
Tonight I will be playing my last performance here, at a new open mic event. It's only in its third week, and that's where I'm having my farewell get-together. It seems appropriate to be spending my last evening playing music and hanging out with the open mic crowd.
Two Weeks Left
With my departure two weeks from tomorrow, I have been trying to fill up my schedule with as many awesome things as possible. Tomorrow I am going on a three-day trip to Kaikoura, to work with another writer to rewrite a few episodes of a web-series that will be shot in Auckland sometime early this year. While I'm there, I've also worked out a gig at a local bar for Thursday night. Upon returning on Saturday, I will be preparing to play on the acoustic stage at the 350 Birdman Competition on Sunday.
Tonight, though, I have to pack for my trip and go to a new open mic event at Meow here in Wellington. It's a busy week, but I'm sure it'll be a good one.
Tonight, though, I have to pack for my trip and go to a new open mic event at Meow here in Wellington. It's a busy week, but I'm sure it'll be a good one.
It is important to travel once in a while.
It is such a healthy thing to go somwehere away from home until you miss it. Just once in a while, so that you can remember what you miss about home. Because once you have a little time and distance from it all, you start to forget about the things that didn't matter, or which bothered you. And you realize which things you actually miss about home. You get a clear sign of the things you miss, and the things you don't, and it's amazing for self-reflection. You realize what is was about the things you did that you truly enjoyed.
You also gain exposure to new things when you travel. I have started listening to all kinds of new artists since coming to Wellington. I have spent all week listening to Amanda Palmer's album "Who Killed Amanda Palmer." I also cleaned my iPod. I took off everything, and only put music on it which I have recently acquired, focusing on new artists I want to experience, with a very few classic album exceptions. I added Weezer's Pinkerton, because I use it to induce sleep. Not because it's a boring album, but because I have a Pavlovian association between Pinkerton and sleep.
Since I decided to come home early, I have enjoyed myself more. I have relaxed about the whole financial thing, and really taken the time to do the things that interest me. It has been so amazing. I recommend this interesting TED talk, which explains many of the wonderful things I am experiencing on my holiday in New Zealand.
You also gain exposure to new things when you travel. I have started listening to all kinds of new artists since coming to Wellington. I have spent all week listening to Amanda Palmer's album "Who Killed Amanda Palmer." I also cleaned my iPod. I took off everything, and only put music on it which I have recently acquired, focusing on new artists I want to experience, with a very few classic album exceptions. I added Weezer's Pinkerton, because I use it to induce sleep. Not because it's a boring album, but because I have a Pavlovian association between Pinkerton and sleep.
Since I decided to come home early, I have enjoyed myself more. I have relaxed about the whole financial thing, and really taken the time to do the things that interest me. It has been so amazing. I recommend this interesting TED talk, which explains many of the wonderful things I am experiencing on my holiday in New Zealand.
Mixed News
I have changed my original plan to stay in New Zealand until April. I have decided to return home on February 2nd, for a whole host of reasons. The most pressing reason is that I haven't found a job, and staying til April would leave me in financial ruin. My trip would be tainted, and so far, it's been amazing. If I leave now, it will be an wonderful and much-needed holiday. If I wait it out, it might be the worst decision I've ever made for my finances.
In addition, I am trying to start up a musical project with and old friend, Kristel. (She isn't old, the friendship is.) I'm really excited about it, and since I came to New Zealand to further my musical career, it would be foolish not to come home for an opportunity like this one. And the opportunity wouldn't have happened if I had stayed at home. I needed this trip more than I ever could have imagined. I will never forget this place.
So I now have about 4 weeks to enjoy what I can here in New Zealand. I hope to do a trip to the south island sometime soon. With the money I'll save leaving early, I can actually do things here, and enjoy the time that I have left.
It was saddening to actually change my flight, but I know that it's the right decision, for so many reasons.
In addition, I am trying to start up a musical project with and old friend, Kristel. (She isn't old, the friendship is.) I'm really excited about it, and since I came to New Zealand to further my musical career, it would be foolish not to come home for an opportunity like this one. And the opportunity wouldn't have happened if I had stayed at home. I needed this trip more than I ever could have imagined. I will never forget this place.
So I now have about 4 weeks to enjoy what I can here in New Zealand. I hope to do a trip to the south island sometime soon. With the money I'll save leaving early, I can actually do things here, and enjoy the time that I have left.
It was saddening to actually change my flight, but I know that it's the right decision, for so many reasons.
Welcome, 2011.
I spent New Year's Eve busking around downtown Wellington. There were a lot of buskers out there, and most of them had amplifiers. This left my friend, Tamau, and me at a great disadvantage. It was not as wildly profitable as I had hoped, but it was still a lot of fun.
Due to the fact that I have not found employment, I might be returning to Canada sooner than I had planned. As much as I would like to stay here for longer, if I do have to head home early, I won't be sad about my trip. It has been exactly what I needed it to be, and much more. The fact that I haven't been working has actually been one of the best parts of this trip. I had no idea how badly I needed to unwind until I had the time to do so. And the repeated job searches have led me to a bunch of opportunities that I would otherwise have missed out on, including the chance to help rewrite scripts for a comedy that's going to be shot in Auckland sometime early this year. I have always been interested in screenwriting, and now I have gotten a start. I like scripts. I would never have known that if I had found a job right away.
I've written a fair bit of music, and had time to reflect on the shortcomings of my songwriting. I have met some great people, and had a blast here. I have no regrets about what has happened so far. Don't get me wrong, if I found a job tomorrow, I'd be ecstatic. But if I have to go home early with the experiences that I have had here so far, this trip will still have been a bigger success than I was hoping for.
Due to the fact that I have not found employment, I might be returning to Canada sooner than I had planned. As much as I would like to stay here for longer, if I do have to head home early, I won't be sad about my trip. It has been exactly what I needed it to be, and much more. The fact that I haven't been working has actually been one of the best parts of this trip. I had no idea how badly I needed to unwind until I had the time to do so. And the repeated job searches have led me to a bunch of opportunities that I would otherwise have missed out on, including the chance to help rewrite scripts for a comedy that's going to be shot in Auckland sometime early this year. I have always been interested in screenwriting, and now I have gotten a start. I like scripts. I would never have known that if I had found a job right away.
I've written a fair bit of music, and had time to reflect on the shortcomings of my songwriting. I have met some great people, and had a blast here. I have no regrets about what has happened so far. Don't get me wrong, if I found a job tomorrow, I'd be ecstatic. But if I have to go home early with the experiences that I have had here so far, this trip will still have been a bigger success than I was hoping for.
Christmas
In Canada, if you're bad, you get a lump of coal. In New Zealand, you get a sunburn. I burned my face pretty badly Christmas day, and now it looks like my face is falling apart.
But it was still a fun Christmas. I went to my friend Tamau's family gathering in Petone, a suburb just north of Wellington. He showed me around the area, including along the river, where I got most of my sun damage. The meal was fantastic, and was sort of a barbeque, because it was outside in the sun.
It's just me and the cat at the house now, because my other flatmates have gone their own ways for Christmas til the new year. It's been nice and quiet. I look forward to days of quiet practice while I wait for new skin to arrive.
But it was still a fun Christmas. I went to my friend Tamau's family gathering in Petone, a suburb just north of Wellington. He showed me around the area, including along the river, where I got most of my sun damage. The meal was fantastic, and was sort of a barbeque, because it was outside in the sun.
It's just me and the cat at the house now, because my other flatmates have gone their own ways for Christmas til the new year. It's been nice and quiet. I look forward to days of quiet practice while I wait for new skin to arrive.
Busking vs Marathon
Except for the fact that they are the exact opposite, running a marathon and busking all night are quite similar activities. There are lots of people clumped together at the beginning, and they thin out at the end. Not all people make it to the end. In a marathon, you run past the audience; busking, they run past you. But the visuals are the same. I suspect that you see more drunken audience members while busking than you would at a marathon. I've never had any desire to "attend" a marathon.
Toward the end of busking, your fingers are tired and sore, so you take longer breaks. But then a group of people will come by and encourage you to play a song. It's like cheering you on to the end. You want to quit, but you have to keep going.
It's a really good way to force myself to play a lot. I don't have to be playing terribly difficult stuff. Just as long as I'm playing. I find it much easier to avoid distractions on Cuba Street than in my room where I normally practice. Plus, you get paid to practice. How cool is that?
Toward the end of busking, your fingers are tired and sore, so you take longer breaks. But then a group of people will come by and encourage you to play a song. It's like cheering you on to the end. You want to quit, but you have to keep going.
It's a really good way to force myself to play a lot. I don't have to be playing terribly difficult stuff. Just as long as I'm playing. I find it much easier to avoid distractions on Cuba Street than in my room where I normally practice. Plus, you get paid to practice. How cool is that?
Sabbatical is the greatest thing in the universe.
I have begun to experience just how profoundly relieving a sabbatical period can be. To simply have the calendar free is wonderful. Nothing looms over you. There is no "but I have to go to work later," or things you should be doing because you have projects or assignments due soon. I take things on of my own choosing, and it's a wonderful feeling. I highly recommend finding a way to afford some time for sabbatical.
I've been working on quite a few different projects since I got here. I have my weekly open mic nights, which I prepare 6 or 7 songs for every week, although it's usually polishing up songs I already know. I have started to learn songs from my #1 hits list, to have more songs with mass appeal, for busking. I have been working with another writer to rewrite 6 episodes of a comedy that will be shot in Auckland early next year. I have also been trying to plan some concerts and a tour for when I get back to Saskatoon in April or May. I have a bunch of guitar compositions on the go, as well as a handful of songs. I have also found my first guitar student for early January.
And nobody told me I had to do any of these projects. They are my own. And that is the fundamental difference between sabbatical and work or school.
I've been working on quite a few different projects since I got here. I have my weekly open mic nights, which I prepare 6 or 7 songs for every week, although it's usually polishing up songs I already know. I have started to learn songs from my #1 hits list, to have more songs with mass appeal, for busking. I have been working with another writer to rewrite 6 episodes of a comedy that will be shot in Auckland early next year. I have also been trying to plan some concerts and a tour for when I get back to Saskatoon in April or May. I have a bunch of guitar compositions on the go, as well as a handful of songs. I have also found my first guitar student for early January.
And nobody told me I had to do any of these projects. They are my own. And that is the fundamental difference between sabbatical and work or school.
The Busker and the New Idea.
I went busking with a friend on Saturday. We played until 5:00am, and it was a lot of fun. After splitting the money, I walked away with $41 (New Zealand Dollars, approx. $30 CDN) for six and a half hours of playing. It certainly isn't the most profitable work I've done. But it was a lot of fun.
I learned some very valuable lessons while out busking. First, my song list that I have made for playing at a venue is poorly suited to the environment of busking. It's a list of microphone music. I need outside music. Also, it's all somewhat obscure music, which I like about it. But when I'm busking with someone else, if I play any Canadian music that isn't Neil Young or Terrible, nobody will recognize it. Which is fine for the people walking by, but bad for busking avec someone.
So I spent the greater part of a day looking through billboard lists for #1 hits from 1958-2009. There's a lot of crap (I'm looking at YOU, 1975!), but there's also a lot of good music. I picked just under 40 songs I want to learn, and tracked down the lyrics to them. I'm going to print them and add them to my binder. I'll make a few notes for how to play them. Next time I go busking, I'll have a better inventory.
I plan to make a full list of songs and laminate it, and see if I can make money for doing requests, or doing Acoustic Karaoke. I've had this idea for a while, but I always imagined it in a venue. Having thought about it, though, I think it works better while busking. We'll see by the weekend.
I learned some very valuable lessons while out busking. First, my song list that I have made for playing at a venue is poorly suited to the environment of busking. It's a list of microphone music. I need outside music. Also, it's all somewhat obscure music, which I like about it. But when I'm busking with someone else, if I play any Canadian music that isn't Neil Young or Terrible, nobody will recognize it. Which is fine for the people walking by, but bad for busking avec someone.
So I spent the greater part of a day looking through billboard lists for #1 hits from 1958-2009. There's a lot of crap (I'm looking at YOU, 1975!), but there's also a lot of good music. I picked just under 40 songs I want to learn, and tracked down the lyrics to them. I'm going to print them and add them to my binder. I'll make a few notes for how to play them. Next time I go busking, I'll have a better inventory.
I plan to make a full list of songs and laminate it, and see if I can make money for doing requests, or doing Acoustic Karaoke. I've had this idea for a while, but I always imagined it in a venue. Having thought about it, though, I think it works better while busking. We'll see by the weekend.
I still have not found work here yet. The recession is kind of a problem. And many of the jobs I would qualify for are not looking for someone on a temporary visa. But I'm still remaining hopeful. It's still been a great experience here in Wellington, and I really feel like I'm having a much-deserved sabbatical.
My flatmate Mark and I have similar tastes in television, and I've been getting into a few BBC series that he has on his computer. I mean... "on DVD." Anyway, I just caught up in Peep Show, a show about two flatmates. They shoot the scenes as they would be seen through the eyes of a character. While it's from their perspective, you also get to hear the inner voice. It's quite interesting.
The other show I've been watching is The Mighty Boosh. It's one of the weirdest shows I have ever seen, but it's quite funny. I'm actually using one of their weird songs as the basis for a guitar piece that I'm writing. It should be a fun project.
My flatmate Mark and I have similar tastes in television, and I've been getting into a few BBC series that he has on his computer. I mean... "on DVD." Anyway, I just caught up in Peep Show, a show about two flatmates. They shoot the scenes as they would be seen through the eyes of a character. While it's from their perspective, you also get to hear the inner voice. It's quite interesting.
The other show I've been watching is The Mighty Boosh. It's one of the weirdest shows I have ever seen, but it's quite funny. I'm actually using one of their weird songs as the basis for a guitar piece that I'm writing. It should be a fun project.
A Down Week
Last week, my flatmates' cat Madox died. We think he was hit by a car down the road. Murray, the other cat, has been mourning the loss of his little companion. It's been a sad week.
I've been sick for a week now. I have a head cold sort of thing, and it wasn't very fun over the weekend. Plus, I added a hangover to the mix, which was not wise.
The advantage of being sick was that I didn't have the energy to do much but stay in my room, so I've been doing a lot of practicing lately. I've been trying to practice up "Spiritual Groove" by Antoine Dufour for tonight's open mic. My throat and voice have not fully recovered, so I'm sticking with instrumental pieces tonight. I'm bound to make some mistakes, but that's alright. I need to know what kind of troubles I have playing it live, as opposed to practicing at home.
I've been sick for a week now. I have a head cold sort of thing, and it wasn't very fun over the weekend. Plus, I added a hangover to the mix, which was not wise.
The advantage of being sick was that I didn't have the energy to do much but stay in my room, so I've been doing a lot of practicing lately. I've been trying to practice up "Spiritual Groove" by Antoine Dufour for tonight's open mic. My throat and voice have not fully recovered, so I'm sticking with instrumental pieces tonight. I'm bound to make some mistakes, but that's alright. I need to know what kind of troubles I have playing it live, as opposed to practicing at home.
I hate making a title for my posts.
I finally got around to chopping up my radio appearance from a few weeks ago, so that one can listen to one song at a time. The setlist is available here.
My brain is convinced that time is going backwards. Or that it has stopped. It's a little bit confused, because there isn't any snow. I am aware of the date, but there's a part of my brain that is in some serious denial. I was in a store the other day, and saw a Christmas tree. My initial thought was that it was way too early to see Christmas trees. But then I recalled that it is, in fact, a month until Christmas. My brain just doesn't know how to handle it all yet.
This past week I tried out two very new songs. I actually don't know the words very well, so there were pauses while I had to consult my lyrics sheet. And the best part was that I was totally fine with the mistakes that I made. Mistakes used to get me all flustered, and everything would fall apart. I'm getting much more comfortable with the reality of live music. It's not that I want to make mistakes, but when they happen, they happen, and you need to move on and keep playing. Open mic opportunities are good for that, because most of the people in the room are musicians as well, and know what it's like. In that kind of crowd, you are almost expected to step up and try something that might go horribly wrong, because it shows that you're not holding back. I choose to embrace mistakes as a part of the learning process.
My brain is convinced that time is going backwards. Or that it has stopped. It's a little bit confused, because there isn't any snow. I am aware of the date, but there's a part of my brain that is in some serious denial. I was in a store the other day, and saw a Christmas tree. My initial thought was that it was way too early to see Christmas trees. But then I recalled that it is, in fact, a month until Christmas. My brain just doesn't know how to handle it all yet.
This past week I tried out two very new songs. I actually don't know the words very well, so there were pauses while I had to consult my lyrics sheet. And the best part was that I was totally fine with the mistakes that I made. Mistakes used to get me all flustered, and everything would fall apart. I'm getting much more comfortable with the reality of live music. It's not that I want to make mistakes, but when they happen, they happen, and you need to move on and keep playing. Open mic opportunities are good for that, because most of the people in the room are musicians as well, and know what it's like. In that kind of crowd, you are almost expected to step up and try something that might go horribly wrong, because it shows that you're not holding back. I choose to embrace mistakes as a part of the learning process.
Terry's Songwriters Show: Power On
My session on Wellington Access Radio is now available online. I was putting off blogging until it was ready, but that took much longer than expected. I actually got a recording of it in the mail before it was available electronically.
Having listened to it, I definitely, ummm....need to stop saying "ummm." I also need to say "thank you" less. Clearly I need more experience in interviews. But it certainly could have been more awkward. It would have been much worse a few years ago, so I'm relatively pleased with the outcome.
I have been trying not to play the same songs at the same venues since coming to Wellington. I've been using a spreadsheet to keep track of what I play where, and the names of the people I meet. I'm starting to run out of original songs that I haven't played yet, but the good news is that I'm writing more as I go. It's really good motivation, because now I have a goal in mind: to finish and memorize two songs for open mic next Wednesday. It's quite possible that I'll have three ready, because I finished one yesterday, and have two more that are almost done. Mind you, it's the memorizing that will be the tricky part.
Another observation about cats: they can, and often do, use their hind feet as pillows. I think that's pretty sweet.
Having listened to it, I definitely, ummm....need to stop saying "ummm." I also need to say "thank you" less. Clearly I need more experience in interviews. But it certainly could have been more awkward. It would have been much worse a few years ago, so I'm relatively pleased with the outcome.
I have been trying not to play the same songs at the same venues since coming to Wellington. I've been using a spreadsheet to keep track of what I play where, and the names of the people I meet. I'm starting to run out of original songs that I haven't played yet, but the good news is that I'm writing more as I go. It's really good motivation, because now I have a goal in mind: to finish and memorize two songs for open mic next Wednesday. It's quite possible that I'll have three ready, because I finished one yesterday, and have two more that are almost done. Mind you, it's the memorizing that will be the tricky part.
Another observation about cats: they can, and often do, use their hind feet as pillows. I think that's pretty sweet.
Right Place, Right Time.
I played at Open Mic at the Fringe Bar on Tuesday. After I performed, I was approached by a local radio show host named Terry Shore. He asked me some questions about my original songs, and after some discussion, he said that he needed someone for his radio show for the next morning. A last-mintue cancellation opened up a spot, and he asked me if I could do 5 songs the next day at 10:00am.
It was a bit rough waking up early for the first time in a while, but it was worth it. It was a lot of fun, and a good experience for me, since I haven't had much experience singing until lately. I sang 5 original songs, interspersed with some interview clips. It's airing in Wellington at 2:30pm on Saturday, but it will be available online eventually as well. I'll post a link as soon as I can.
This is all further proof that Wellington is an awesome city.
It was a bit rough waking up early for the first time in a while, but it was worth it. It was a lot of fun, and a good experience for me, since I haven't had much experience singing until lately. I sang 5 original songs, interspersed with some interview clips. It's airing in Wellington at 2:30pm on Saturday, but it will be available online eventually as well. I'll post a link as soon as I can.
This is all further proof that Wellington is an awesome city.
I call it..."Song-taking"
Wednesday morning, I awoke around 4am to the sound of a bird I had never heard before. And it kept singing its tune, and it was damn catchy. So in the darkness of way-too-early morning, I scribbled some mostly legible notes in my music notebook. I returned to sleep, and in the morning, I had myself a sweet bass line, plagiarized from nature itself. Now I just have to wait for a bird to sing me a sweet chorus, and I'll have myself a song.
Tomorrow I have to get a new new bank card. I forgot which pin I selected for my new account, and in the process of trying to figure out which of my regular pins I chose, the bank machine ate my card for security reasons. Classic. As a side note, I will also spend part of tomorrow editing a script for a comedy that's going to be shot in Auckland, New Zealand. Seriously.
Oh, and it's Guy Fawkes Night here in New Zealand, which for me means that we celebrate yet another movie starring Natalie Portman. With fireworks.
Tomorrow I have to get a new new bank card. I forgot which pin I selected for my new account, and in the process of trying to figure out which of my regular pins I chose, the bank machine ate my card for security reasons. Classic. As a side note, I will also spend part of tomorrow editing a script for a comedy that's going to be shot in Auckland, New Zealand. Seriously.
Oh, and it's Guy Fawkes Night here in New Zealand, which for me means that we celebrate yet another movie starring Natalie Portman. With fireworks.
It's Cold.
I have neglected to write about the weather here, and it's truly something that requires some attention. It's cold. And not because it's actually all that cold. The high today was 14 degrees, which is 5 degrees warmer than Saskatoon today. The catch is that it's the temperature both outside and inside my house. We don't have a furnace here. We have small space heaters in each of our rooms, but when people leave for the day, they open all the windows and let the house air out. My flatmates are used to that here, whereas I am used to my house being a small bubble of hot air amidst the cold weather.
I'm slowly adjusting to the cold here, but I do wish that I had packed more warm clothing. I was not anticipating the spring to be so bone-chillingly cold. I suppose the humidity helps to magnify the cold, too. Luckily, the best solution seems to be to get out of the house and go for a walk. Every time I go downtown, I return sweating a bit from the climb up the hill.
I'm slowly adjusting to the cold here, but I do wish that I had packed more warm clothing. I was not anticipating the spring to be so bone-chillingly cold. I suppose the humidity helps to magnify the cold, too. Luckily, the best solution seems to be to get out of the house and go for a walk. Every time I go downtown, I return sweating a bit from the climb up the hill.
Wellington is Good for Creativity
Since arriving here, I have started writing six new songs. I have finished a song which I have been struggling with for over 5 years. I have made some progress on at least two other old pieces, including an instrumental. There are four open mic events per week (that I know of so far), and I've been trying to use them as motivation to finish off some of my songs. It provides me with a nice cycle of potential deadlines to meet in order to perform some of my original music.
The weekend has been particularly productive. I keep trying to go back to the stuff I wrote down in the last few days, with the intention of working on some lyrics. Instead, I get my guitar in my hands, and something new happens, and I've started another song. And I'm not going to complain about it. I'll let the flood of musical ideas come out, and worry about the lyrics when I have an overwhelming urge to write lyrics. I never like to force my writing too much. Just...nudge it when it's feeling too cautious to proceed.
The weekend has been particularly productive. I keep trying to go back to the stuff I wrote down in the last few days, with the intention of working on some lyrics. Instead, I get my guitar in my hands, and something new happens, and I've started another song. And I'm not going to complain about it. I'll let the flood of musical ideas come out, and worry about the lyrics when I have an overwhelming urge to write lyrics. I never like to force my writing too much. Just...nudge it when it's feeling too cautious to proceed.
On Cats
First off, I played at another open mic night last night. I felt a little out of place, since it was a blues bar, and I wasn't at all playing blues. Oh well. It went quite well. I think I sang better than I've sung before, and I like any exposure I can get.
Continuing my list of observations:
4. I love cats. I usually can't get near them, though, because of my allergies. However, I seem to be tolerating the two cats that live here quite well. There are several things about cats that I enjoy.
a) Cats can sigh. That's just cool.
b) Cats have dreams. And they get all twitchy, and it's funny to watch.
c) Two or more cats often have epic battles. Yesterday Murray (named after Murray in Flight of the Conchords) and Maddox (sp?) waged war in the living room and laundry room, complete with bath breaks, nap breaks, and over-furniture stalking. I was a little disappointed that I didn't see an elbow drop when Murray had the chance, but there's still time to train him.
My dislikes include when they drink the water from my glass and when they leap from your lap suddenly, using their claws to get more grip.
Continuing my list of observations:
4. I love cats. I usually can't get near them, though, because of my allergies. However, I seem to be tolerating the two cats that live here quite well. There are several things about cats that I enjoy.
a) Cats can sigh. That's just cool.
b) Cats have dreams. And they get all twitchy, and it's funny to watch.
c) Two or more cats often have epic battles. Yesterday Murray (named after Murray in Flight of the Conchords) and Maddox (sp?) waged war in the living room and laundry room, complete with bath breaks, nap breaks, and over-furniture stalking. I was a little disappointed that I didn't see an elbow drop when Murray had the chance, but there's still time to train him.
My dislikes include when they drink the water from my glass and when they leap from your lap suddenly, using their claws to get more grip.
Wellington Performance #2
Last night I attended an open mic night at a place called Bodega. It's just a few blocks away, and they run that event every Wednesday. I met quite a few more local musicians, and it was good to see who else is out there for acoustic performers.
It has been my goal to expose Kiwis to some Canadian artists who don't have a following here. Last night I opened my set with a song by Hawksley Workman, and followed it with a song from Matthew Good. I ended with "Talk Show Host" by Radiohead.
Through some of the people I met last night, I found out about another open mic night tonight. This one has a band of talented musicians who will play along to whatever you want to play there, including originals. I plan to spend most of the day practicing up for tonight. I hope to play a song that I have been struggling to write for 5 years, but could never get past the first two lines. I finished the song this morning, so I have to commit it to memory pretty fast.
It has been my goal to expose Kiwis to some Canadian artists who don't have a following here. Last night I opened my set with a song by Hawksley Workman, and followed it with a song from Matthew Good. I ended with "Talk Show Host" by Radiohead.
Through some of the people I met last night, I found out about another open mic night tonight. This one has a band of talented musicians who will play along to whatever you want to play there, including originals. I plan to spend most of the day practicing up for tonight. I hope to play a song that I have been struggling to write for 5 years, but could never get past the first two lines. I finished the song this morning, so I have to commit it to memory pretty fast.
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