I Like Music have selected my new song ‘She is Your Microscope’ for inclusion on their new playlist.
http://www.ilikemusic.com/post_playlist
To hear the song please click here:
http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/track/she-is-your-microscope
The constant focus of Andrea was not apparent as he swerved his way around mountain sides and valleys during the hour or so drive from Perugia to Orvieto. It was a good chance for the two of us to chat and exchange music suggestions and theories. He is a man of great ambition on his own band ‘Zero Call’ aswell as co running the Sanday Agency who have brought me hear to Italy for a second time.
The show tonight was also a repeat performance for me at the Venue Magazzino. It’s run by a bunch of hip and happening progressives who are strongly passionate about the arts and wine. Simone and Lorenzo provide the perfect comedy banter upon arrival and just the vibe is enough to lift my spirits further. Italian words and expressive hand gestures bring a smile to me as they heighten my awareness of being out of a everyday environment.
Apparently the character in the poster above is a famous Italian film director. He was known for directing cult B movies.
My copy of ‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac . I was onto the final chapter after nearly a year of slowly reading it. It`s influence had come at a perfect time for me as I was searching for some kind of justification for my existance both on and off the road. This book helped to guide when it came to some of the lyrics for songs on `Go Forth Bright Scenic`. It also helped me remember to look towards a new horizon and to not be afraid to get back onto touring.
So back to the show at Magazzino. The place was wonderfully busy and bussling as the audience members sought to get themselves comfortable for the performance. Some were sat on the floor others on chairs and others were stood behind them. I was at the centre of this. As much as my nerves were kicking the jitters out of me I was loving it.
I opened the set with the tune `Initiate` from my second album. This song always helps to calm my nerves. It also gives the audience a taste of folk playing and guitar percussion but without the loops and effects. It`s often good to try and make clear to you audience that despite all the technology involved. You can still play your instrument to a competant level. This song I hopes sends out that message.
Next Came `Varit` from the album `Forth`. This segwayed into `Map of Shibuya` and `Pish` taken from `Good Times With Evil`. By this point I had begun to find my stride and following these tunes I had a good chance to try my best to communicate with the audience who I think needed the 4th wall broken. Clap alongs followed aswell as a sense that we were in this together.
The audience was an array of cool and beautiful. Some of the most stunning people I had ever seen seemed to be out that night. There to see or be seen this Magazzino was the place for it. Sometimes a Town or City has a way of leaving you wanting to stay for many days. Orvieto was one of these places. But alas the tour must continue and I must move with it.
`The Distance From Ear to Ear` was my slap happy follow up. The social hustle seemed to shift and move at the bar area during this point and I feared I could be losing them. The smoking law did it`s bit to keep the audience transient at times. But I was pleased to see that by the time of the songs conclusion all was back to full momentum.
New Tune `As Stubborn as a Sandfly` came next with it`s twisted synth intro coupled with chime bar loops. These eventually dropped down to a slow build of notes on top of notes culminating into a psychedelic mish mash of noises until `Sleep Tight` broke through the chaos.
I wrapped the set up with other new tune `Default: Escape` and big riff closer `You Know the Score`.
When requested for a closing track I opted for `Watching Paint`. However the Italian Power system had other ideas and the set was ended premeturely by a mains cut out. Still the audience were totally supportive and the night seemed to have been a success.
So onwards the tour must go, The Following day saw 5 to 6 hours of driving in order to reach my destination so no time to get caught up in the social. I think I must have hugged half the room by the time I set off with Andrea. Another great night on the road and another bunch of connections made with some wonderful locals 🙂
Next Stop Northern Italy 🙂
| Date | City | Venue | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Go Forth Bright Scenic Tour | |||
| 03/11/12 | Fujimi 2-17-27 Asahi Building. 3rd floor, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 2-17-27 Asahi Building. 3rd floor | Toppers | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 04/11/12 | Shimokitazawa, Tokyo (Close to the South Exit of Shimikitazawa station) | Mona Records | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. Address: 〒155-0031 東京都世田谷区北沢2-13-5 伊奈ビル2F&3F. | |||
| 06/11/12 | Tokyo, Setagaya-k | CCO Bar | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. Address: Daizawa Rapashion,. | |||
| 07/11/12 | Tokyo, Chiyoda ku | Club Goodman | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 08/11/12 | 1F 1-8, Hibino, Mihama-ku,Chiba-shi, Chiba 261-0021 | Anga | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 13/11/12 | Tokyo, Chiyoda ku | Club Goodman | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 15/11/12 | 1-13-3 EBISU-NISHI SHIBUYA-KU TOKYO | What The Dickens | Japan |
| Time: 9:00pm. Venue phone: 03-3780-2099. Also playing are The Watanabes | |||
| 16/11/12 | Tokyo, Suginami-k | Cafe Mignon | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 17/11/12 | 2-45-9 Daizawa, Ikenoue, Setagaya, Japan | Bar Gari Gari | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 18/11/12 | Gakugeidaigaku Tokyo Japan, 〒153-0053 Tokyo Meguroku Gohongi 3-18-7 iijima building partⅡ | MAPLEHOUSE | Japan |
| Time: 7:00pm. Venue phone: 03-6272-5282. | |||
| 19/11/12 | Otsuka, Near Ikebukuro, Tokyo 大塚MEETS 〒170-0005 東京都豊島区南大塚3-50-1 | Meets | Japan |
| Time: 7:00pm. | |||
| 20/11/12 | B1 L-Grazia Higashi-Koenji, 1-7-23 Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo | 20,000v | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. Venue phone: 03 6304 9970. | |||
| 21/11/12 | Tokyo, Setagaya-k | CCO Bar | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. Address: Daizawa Rapashion,. | |||
| 22/11/12 | B1F Ohyama Bldg, 2-13-15 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku Tokyo 106-0031 | Juke Joint | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 24/11/12 | 166-0001 Tokyo Suginami-ku, Asagaya-kita 2-12-5 Takuei Building 2F-3F | Gamuso | Japan |
| Time: 7:00pm. Venue phone: 03-5364-9096. | |||
| 28/11/12 | 大阪市中央区西心斎橋2-9-36 カサドマートビルB1F/B2F Osaka | Hokage | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. Address: KASADOMART buildings B1F/B2F,2-9-36,Nishi-Shinsaibashi,Chuo-ku,Osaka-City,JAPAN #542-0086. | |||
| 29/11/12 | Kobe – 〒651-0096 兵庫県神戸市中央区雲井通2-5-12-5F | Backbeat | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 30/11/12 | 〒651-0096 兵庫県神戸市中央区雲井通2-5-12-5F | Merseybeat | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. Venue phone: 078-231-6960. | |||
| 02/12/12 | Nishimura building, 14 Mochiidonochou, Nara | The Wembley Crown | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 03/12/12 | 神戸市 | 神戸VARIT | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 04/12/12 | 〒602-8125 京都市上京区大宮通下立売下ル菱屋町815 | JITTOKU | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
| 05/12/12 | 〒651-0096 兵庫県神戸市中央区雲井通2-5-12-5F | Socrates | Japan |
| Time: 7:00pm. | |||
| 06/12/12 | Osaka 〒651-0096 兵庫県神戸市中央区雲井通2-5-12-5F | Unshudo | Japan |
| Time: 8:00pm. | |||
Following the show in Rome we drove direct to Perugia.
I slept the entire way as Franscesco and Luca shared the wheel.
I woke up early the following day and went for a solitary walk. It was a nice moment where the gravity of the reality hit home. I’m back in Italy and back on the road. Apart from a month playing shows in the UK this was the first time I had toured out the new album I had spent so long making. ‘Go Forth Bright Scenic’ and here I was going forth. I decided to go forth for a coffee and ice cream 🙂 When in Rome (or near it)
The evening show was a repeat booking from my first tour back in 2011 – Siesta Del Alcalde.
The atmosphere within the venue was loud and frantic and so I felt it best to keep the set upbeat.
This show set a record I think for the most clap alongs from the audience. Most of it down to one REALLY drunk guy. He continued to clap along to almost everything and bellowed loudly into the air with enthusiasm.
After the show he presented me with a hat he had furnished from a cardboard box. Please see below:
Apart from the single tune ‘Reality & Pretence’ all the set was a battle to stay louder than the audience.
Next stop Orvieto.
Sanday Agency have done it again 🙂
8 shows in 8 days across Italy. So great to meet an agency who are true to their word. Because so many are not.
I landed in Rome having not slept in over 48 hours. I was met at the airport by Francesco and Luca from the agency. They made it their duty to show me the wonderful sites of Rome. We saw many wonderful places including the Colosseum and Fontana de Trivi.
Had I not been so dead on my feet I think I would have relished the sites even more. But I definitely enjoyed and appreciated the moments from a zombiefied perspective.
We made it to the venue and got sound checking out of the way. I found one of my pedals had broken during the flight and was gutted to have brought it out for the tour and I wouldn’t get to use it once. Truth be told I was really pissed off but I’ll put most of that down to being so knackered.
The set was fairly safe given my fatigue level. What with touring out 4 new albums of material it’s tough to play stuff from each new album at the shows. But I got one in from ‘Go’ and one from ‘Forth’.
Touring the new material internationally has officially begun. 🙂
After earlier this week having the song ‘Default: Escape’ played on BBC 3 Counties Radio.
http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/track/default-escape
It give me great pleasure to say the song ‘Bright Scenic’ was today played by amazing radio.
http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/track/bright-scenic
Check out the station whilst you’re at it as they seem to play some great stuff – Ahem!……and me
For anyone who missed it. My interview on BBC 3 counties radio with Nick Coffer can be heard here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00ywg40
I am on the show between 3:32 and 3:50.
I was talking about life on the road the craziness of recording and releasing 4 albums at the same time 🙂
OK, So I know I am writing this little blog well after the fact.
But this was the final show of the whole Japan tour and pretty much the final show of the ‘Good Times with Evil’ Tour. It had been an amazing time touring out the album and I was sooo happy to have been to the places and seen the things I had seen. It’s tough sometimes to equate success but I know that I’ve enjoyed the experience and life on the road has been an exceptional one.
Soo many happy memories.
For my final show in Japan I was joined by a guest and good friend Adam Erdossy. This was to be our final show together for god knows how long and it was a true joy to be able to go out in this way.
I started the set with a couple of solo tunes ‘Pish’ (From the album of the tour ‘Good Times with Evil’) and ‘The Distance From Ear to Ear’.
But from that point forward it was Adam and myself enjoying the experience of sharing a stage.
The songs selected for the duo part of the set were by Adam who has a keenness for my Debut album ‘Autonomous Debut’. So we played 2 tunes from that and ended with the riff-tastic ‘You know the score’.
Following the show I felt a little subdued and the gravity of my return to the UK and life off the road was imminent. After telling myself it’s what I wanted. I now wasn’t so sure.
Little did I realise my experience in the studio would be 4 times more work than I was anticipating 🙂
TRACKLISTING:
9 Tracks which were self produced and recorded throughout 2008 – 2012.
1. Clean Code 2. Normal Scheme of Things 3. One Schizophrenic 4. MENO 5. Organic (Like the Plague) 6. Time Lost Tradition / Bright Scenic Reprise 7. Eternally Grateful / The Penny Drop 8. Conversations 9. Your Guitar (Tsukinohi)
The second disc is a live collaboration (unique to this format) recorded in Japan between Stuart and one of his favourite musicians Haco. The concert was recorded in Kobe at the live music venue ‘Varit’ on 30th September 2010. The concert was on the whole completely free and improvised however a part of one of Haco’s songs ‘Less than Lovers, More than Friends’ is performed. The concert lasted just under 35 mins and is separated across the two sides of the LP.
To come to Japan and have the chance of performing with Haco was like a surreal dream coming true. For me personally it really affirmed my role as a musician and to have the complete concert put to vinyl represented how special the experience was.
Also recorded as a part of this album was my first cover version to be released. A track originally written and performed by Mogura Ka Maigo (The Lost Mole). I fell in love with the melody of the piece (Tsukinohi) when I saw Mogura Ka Maigo live in Tokyo. I wanted to recreate my own version of the song to work with lyrics I had in mind.
Also aside from this being the first album to involve a cover version it is also the first album to involve a sample.
I built a song around a sample from the song ‘Closed Captioned’ written by the Washington D.C. Post Hardcore band ‘Fugazi’. I emailed the band sometime back and they were decent enough to give me a response clearing me to sample the track granted that they hear it first. After I sent them a copy of my tune ‘One Schizophrenic’ I was lucky enough to get the go ahead and I believe it to be one of the more immediate tracks on what is otherwise a more obscure and challenging listens.
A special mention must go out to Rachel Steadman who worked into the piece a wonderful wall of string parts that I believe really add a special intensity to the music.
I must also give special shout outs to Nick Hall Lazzerini for the mixing and John Mercer for the mastering.
I had not worked with neither John nor Nick since the recording of my 1st album ‘Autonomous Debut’ in 2006.
It was a pleasure to have them both involved in the project. As ‘Autonomous Debut’ was also self produced this felt like the ideal bringing together of minds reuniting to finish an album.
Although John and Nick have never met each other.
You can listen to the entire album here:
http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/album/scenic
The entire album can be downloaded from £1.
But can also be ordered in the physical format from here (whilst stocks last):
http://goforthbrightscenic.bigcartel.com/product/go-fourth-bright-scenic-2×12-lp
Full Cast of Musicians:
Keys / Synth – Dave Smale
Trumpet / Flugelhorn – Vicky Flint
Percussion – Leon Camfield
Violin / Viola – Rachel Steadman
Flute / Vocals – Amy Lazzerini
Bass /Vocals – Nick Hall Lazzerini
Tenor Sax – Roger Pride
Vocals – Julia Bell
Omnichord – Eric Gebow
Autoharp – Joe Davin
Signals – Craig Harris
Double Bass – Riad Abji
Guitar / Vocals / Harmonica / Glockenspiel / Synth / Rhythm Synth / Percussion / Log Drum / Bass Metallophone / Button Bells / Mandolin / Acoustic Guitar / Bass Guitar / Electronic Beats / Monotron -Stuart O’Connor
