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 🙂
Stuart O'Connor 
amazing night…what a fantastic days!