In addition to doing live gigs, I have been playing on the streets of towns and cities for years, and I have had some interesting experiences and opportunities come my way as a result. Recently I was approached to contribute a track to an album featuring music by some of the world’s finest buskers. TheContinue reading “New Buskers Initiative…”
Tag Archives: music
New old song…!!
This is a pop/punk track that I’d completely forgotten about. I used to play it with a band called Mind of a Toy in about 2007..? It’s a decent recording and as I could use it on my upcoming album (might have to re-record the vocals though). I don’t play this kind of stuff muchContinue reading “New old song…!!”
Antony – New Name, New Planet?
At a time so much in flux, who better to speak to us about the challenges we all face than trans musician Anhoni. Previously known as Antony Hegarty, this artist always used his/her experience of transgender identity to offer fresh perspectives on how we might all live together on this planet. Whether you call thatContinue reading “Antony – New Name, New Planet?”
How I dumped Facebook…(for a week)
I remember when I set up my facebook account in 2009. I uploaded some photos to my profile, as you do, and sent out some friend requests. And then I saw a status update that has always stuck in my mind. It was by a female musician who was in a prominent band at the time;Continue reading “How I dumped Facebook…(for a week)”
Caving In…
It was Christmas Day and my step-mum had just given me a present – a DVD of the Nick Cave documentary 20,000 Days on Earth. As I studied the cover she told me: “They were talking about him on Radio 4. They’ve reassessed his life and career…you like him don’t you?” “Yes, I’ve heard aboutContinue reading “Caving In…”
My Ten Best Points…
Cultural end-of-year lists are so fucking smug. They’ve already started appearing, and I’m having to avoid the Sunday papers where cultural hacks declare which books, films and albums were the most essential. What a lot of great shit I’ve missed (as usual). There’s nothing wrong in theory with writers looking back at their personal highlights,Continue reading “My Ten Best Points…”
Discovered over Coffee
Things you find by chance are often more precious than things you find by looking. I spend a lot of time in cafes writing, reading and generally hanging out; and occasionally a piece of music comes on the establishment’s stereo that I have to know more about. If I’m feeling sufficiently self-confident (it’sContinue reading “Discovered over Coffee”
Bands That Time Forgot #1
Once upon a time Black Kids were the band of the moment. Their debut album Partie Traumatic, released in 2008 (was it really that long ago?) was voted one of Spin magazine’s top 40 albums of that year and included catchy anthems of dancefloor angst like “Hurricane Jane” and “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your BoyfriendContinue reading “Bands That Time Forgot #1”
Do You Listen to Song Lyrics?
Recently I was reading a blog post about the debut album by one of my favourite bands, Dire Straits. As well as celebrating the spell-binding guitar and characteristic vocal style of Mark Knopfler, Another Grumpy Commuter paid attention to the excellent lyrics on the album. “Down to the Waterline” is a tale of teenage liasonsContinue reading “Do You Listen to Song Lyrics?”
Where Do Songs Come From? (a writer’s guide)
Can I start by saying that this is not an attempt at a “how-to” article for budding songwriters. For one thing, I dislike tuition in popular music, but also in an important sense, I don’t really know how I write songs anyway. For me, there is a fundamental mystery at the heart of the creativeContinue reading “Where Do Songs Come From? (a writer’s guide)”
Tom George 