0 New Zealand Tour Blog Continued…..

Folks may have noticed that my tour blog follows no specific pattern of time. This is because I simply prefer to write it as and when I’m feeling it. I finished the NZ tour in May 2013 but I’m still writing it now.

So basically – Never expect a concurrent theme to these blogs. They are just rambles from my non sensible existence.

Onstage @ the Fringe Bar – Wellington

My journey through the land of the long white cloud continued south. I was lucky enough to play a show near Napier where I met a an awesome girl called Pip. She told me it would be possible to stay in her room in Wellington while she was away working for the student break. So upon arrival in Wellington I was introduced to a house full of creative people. Art students and musicians. The front room had this incredible atmosphere with challenging music blasting out through the stereo while folks would be busy drawing and creating their own works. Rowan would pace around the room often talking at length with mass enthusiasm for the music he had chosen to play. Tim & Dan (the other 2 housemates) were always welcoming and yet never overbearing. I felt very much at home among misfits 😀

2 shows in one day. The first show was a case of playing one song from each album. The 2nd show was an acoustic performance where again I played 3 different songs.

San Fran Bath House Setlist Links:- Alaskan Sky (From the Album ‘Go‘), Time & Places (From the Album ‘Autonomous Debut‘), Time Lost Tradition (From the Album ‘Scenic‘), Ons (From the Album ‘Bright‘),  Distance From Ear to Ear (From the Album ‘The Distance from Here‘), Varit (From the Album ‘Forth‘), Pish (From the Album ‘Good Times with Evil‘)

Fringe Bar Setlist:- Initiate, Map of Shibuya, Modern Life

My series of shows in Wellington were a total mish mash between pub crowds to established venues. Despite being hailed as the cultural capital of the country I have never found it to be much other than apathetic towards small time musicians like myself touring through.

With my friend Jowe outside one of my Wellington shows on Cube Street in the heart of Wellington.

The saving grace stories from this chapter came only in the form of the housemates from heaven. I was brought to a squat party one night where I really begun to understand the community of artists that occupied the City. It was also these same folks who came to my aid for a booking taking place at Bodega (one of the cities ‘Name’ venues). ‘Dan Untitled’ stepped up to play a support spot. It was him and Dallas (the other support) who really worked to bring a crowd. I was lucky to have a few random folks from earlier in the tour put in an appearance and my thanks to them for showing up on the night. But apart from that I had spent many days flyering the city centre and to the best of my knowledge it brought nobody to the show.

A couple of days prior to the Dirty Projectors.

Following my final performance in Wellington I was done not just for the city but also for the North Island of NZ.

Next morning I boarded the ferry for my return to the South Island. Possibly the most scenic place on the planet.

0 New Zealand Tour Blog – Part 3 – A Grand and Unlikely Discovery

South I head to the town of smelly sulphur – Otherwise known as Rotorua

I play a show organised by the wonderful Rogue Stage.

An audience member captured some of the show here:

Anyway after I played I got chatting to someone who`s an old family friend from the UK. Her name’s Margaret and although the last time I met her was when I was still in nappies she remembered me well.

She moved to NZ some years back and once she saw the inlay to my Vinyl LP (which has a picture of my Father inside it) she told me she had footage of an old Rugby match from 1965. It has my Dad playing in it.

Now the thing is my Father passed sometime back when I was very young. I`ve made a bit of a mission within recent years to try and find out more about him; and so to be on the other side of the planet almost as far from home as I can get. And to discover a video of him from nearly 50 years ago.

This almost melted my tiny mind.

Myself and My Father Terence O`Connor (Circa fall 1980)

But that`s the journey I`m on and it`s things like this that re-enforce it aswell as it being a worthy path to walk.

Following the show in Rotorua I Headed south to play a bunch of shows in Mount Maunganui & Hawkes Bay.

Brewers Bar Setlist

The shows were totally across the board from busy to empty to crazy to subdued.

Some were relaxed and other seemed very intense.

Sideline Bar Setlist – Notice the Smashing Pumpkins Cover 2nd to last.

From there I would return North for a couple more shows in Rotorua and at the night Market (which is actually an afternoon market)

Belgiun Bar Setlist – Rare performance of ‘One Schizophrenic’. A member of the audience at this show would go on to make a music video to the song.

You can watch that here 🙂

0 New Zealand Tour Blog Part 2 – And We`re Off!!!

Having got myself some wheels and successfully done a beg steal and borrow for bits I needed it was off to my first (on the road) destination. The Prana festival in the Coromandel.

Prana Festival Promo Poster

I drove there by night and loved the clear moonlight route listening to `Sea Change` by Beck and `Man with a Movie Camera` by the Cinematic Orchestra.

The festival location was beautiful with a private beach and a vibrant friendly atmosphere.

Opoutere Beach

I played 3 times over the festie including a big ol Jam session on the final night. I got to connect with some wonderful Kiwi musicians like Karen Hunter, Matiu Te Huki & Sunny Ray (All of whom would be touring and playing in Europe in 2013)

Karen Hunter

Matiu Te Huki

Sunny Ray

I left the festie the next day heading an hour south to play Waihi Beach. I had a hitchhiker with me. A young Scottish lad called Joe. A real friendly guy and good companionship. When I arrived at the venue I set up as normal. Only to discover I had left something behind. MY LOOPSTATION!!!!!! The panic hit my and cold sweat set in. Where was it. SHIT SHIT SHIT!!!!! It`s in a field somewhere in the Coromandel.

Not even having enough time to think about how much of a total twat I had been I began frantically texting people. In the mean time I played my show loopless and awaited with anticipation. Eventually word cam back that it was still on the festie site.

Thank Fuck!!!!!

Anyway being without the Loops was weirdly refreshing once I came to terms with it. Obscure tunes and even a couple of cover versions seeped into the setlist.

Setlist from Waihi Beach Cafe. ‘We’re On Fire’ is a cover of the band ‘Crashland’ and ‘Been Smoking Too Long’ was originally written by ‘Robin Frederick’. Both songs had not been performed for years.

There was also a table of old men who hated me at first but loved me by the end. Always nice to create a turnaround 🙂

From here I will head further south eventually crossing to the South Island.

0 New Zealand Tour Blog – Part 1 – Getting Settled

So off the boat (plane) I arrive fresh from Tokyo. Ecstatic but exhausted from the flight and bewildered by the time and location shift.

Map of New Zealand

I am met at Auckland airport by one of my closest friends Geoff, who has been a pillar of support and inspiration for many years. I would possibly not even be a touring musician had Geoff not opened my eyes to the ways of travel. He is an infectious enthusiast for living life.

Suddenly I`m out of the airport and sharing a barbecue. Lovely times ensue.

My first port of call is to gather all my stuff together that I have shipped to NZ from the UK. Guitar amps and CD`s and Vinyl. Then I must work out what it is that I need. Various stands and leads. These I hope to beg for from other local folks who are willing to help.

My schedule is immediatly hectic and within 48 hours of landing I have my 1st show in Auckland.

A bar called Tabac owned by Crowded House frontman Neil Finn. The show is a chance to get comfy in my new surroundings and despite the venue doing no promo I`m cool to get the ball rolling to the few of my friends who`ve turned out for it.

 

2nd Windsor Castle Guest Spot Setlist

From there things busy up as I have a hectic stint of shows in the city over the next fortnight.

This also includes a trip across to Waiheke Island for a one off show in the community Theatre space.

The Ferry Route From Auckland city to Waiheke Island

Also lets not forget the pure beauty of these places.

I also have the envious task of finding a tour Van. I have decided to buy one this time around as hiring and borrowing in the past has always resulted in a costly outcome.

Geoff takes time out of his busy schedule to help me look as we jaunt around test driving different wheels. Some of them are ok and some are just a pure joke. One has a flat tire, won`t start and was clearly once involved in a crash concealed by a bad paint job.

Geoff`s partner Orla is pillar of support also as they allow me to invade their front room and Orla give me free use of her Car whilst short of my own wheels.

Eventually I am successful. A Toyota 96 Hi-Ace imported from Japan. She`s rugged but stirdy. I decide to take the plunge. My hope is she survives the tour and I can sell her at the end.

Me and My Toyota 🙂

With myself set up for the long journey ahead (nearly 5 months on the road) I am lucky enough to have Geoff and Orla`s place to myself for a couple of days while they travel to Australia.

With this rare opportunity of space I cram the house with Dutch prostitutes and Colombian Cocaine.

Or I just stay alone and rehearse this song.

Now I`m ready for the long road ahead.

First stop is the Prana Festival in Coromandel over New Years.

0 4 New Shows Added to New Zealand North Island Tour

Additional shows have been added to an already busy tour schedule.

Extra shows will be played in Auckland, Coromandel, and 2 in Hawkes Bay.

Head over to the shows page now to see the full itinerary.

And incase I don’t blog before hand. Have a great crimbo!!!!!

🙂

0 First New Zealand Dates Added to the Shows Page

It gives me great pleasure to able to say I’ll be playing shows between Auckland and Wellington over Christmas and through to late January as a part of the North Island leg of my NZ tour.

I’m looking forward to seeing this wonderful country 🙂

North Island New Zealand - South Island Dates to Follow in the Coming Weeks.

The dates booked so far can be seen on my shows page.

Cheers 🙂

0 New Album – Scenic – Details

 

go forth bright SCENIC

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 Album was released physically as a Double Gatefold 12" LP Limited to 444 copies.

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.

Haco - Live Collaboration from Japan

Additional artwork was added to the Gatefold layout which taken by Rob Mchale - Rob took the cover artwork for the 3 pervious albums.

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.

Mogura Ka Maigo (with mole costume - Welcome to Japan)

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.

Fugazi - A Decent Sample from a Decent Band

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.

Rachel Steadman - A Wonderful Talent

I must also give special shout outs to Nick Hall Lazzerini for the mixing and John Mercer for the mastering.

Nick Hall Lazzerini devoted many hours to help me mix and finish this album

I had not worked with neither John nor Nick since the recording of my 1st album ‘Autonomous Debut’ in 2006.

John Mercer - Took on the Mastering for the album.

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

0 New Album – Bright – Details

 

go forth BRIGHT scenic

TRACKLISTING:

13 Tracks which focus very much upon the Singer/Songwriter side of music.

1. Ace Cloned
2. Slow Start
3. Ons
4. Compromise
5. She is your Microscope
6. Bold Bright
7. That Cough You Gave Me
8. Contact Approved
9. Probably
10. Modern Life
11. Success Aint What They Teach / Bright Scenic Reprise
12. Navigate (Feat Craig Harris)
13. All Suspense

The Album was released physically as a Tape Cassette Limited to 44 copies.

The album has been released on ‘Tape Cassette’ and also includes material on side B that cannot be found anywhere else. This includes a performance by Stuart of the song ‘Recordeddirecttothiscassette’ which
has been recorded through a boom box cassette recorder to each of the individual 44 tapes in order to make each cassette unique. The song has been recorded 44 times in 44 different locations with various
musicians in attendance for each performance.

go forth BRIGHT scenic Tape Cassette Release

Craig Harris

The Album is a Result of many various recording sessions on and off the road between 2006 and 2012. Concluded by Craig Harris in 2012. Bringing these songs to Craig was a nerve racking experience for me as I knew the material was in varying states of completion. I knew I would need help to salvage the album and to get it finished; and so when Craig suggested a collaboration that would lead to the song ‘Navigate’. I realised that there was a good connection and level of respect between us both that could work well in the future.

You can listen to the entire album here:

http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/album/bright-2

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-cassette-tape

 

Full Cast of Musicians:

Drums / Keys / Vocals / Guitar / Bamboo Flute / Signals / Glitches / Santoor – Craig Harris
Piano / Fuzz Piano Treatment – James Harrison
Keys / Synth – Dave Smale
Keys / Percussion / Ukulele / Bass – Ollie George
Vocals – Julia Bell
Synth – Chris Hollis
Violin / Viola – Rachel Steadman
Flute – Amy Lazzerini
Mandolin – Joel McDermot
Trumpet – Vicky Flint
Double Bass – Riad Abji
Autoharp – Joe Davin
Vocals – Marcus Harley
Guitar / Vocals / Banjo / Mandolin / Percussion / Glockenspiel – Stuart O’Connor

0 New Album – Forth – Details

 

go FORTH bright scenic

TRACKLISTING:

10 Tracks which focus very much upon the Band ensemble side of music.

1. Lac Encode
2. Squeaky Doors
3. Default: Escape
4. World Is Plenty
5. Varit
6. You Know What You Are
7. Resonate
8. When You Go Home
9. Note That Says / Bright Scenic Reprise
10. 1-2-Seppuku (Feat. NolenNiu-de-Ossi)

The Album was released physically as a CD Limited to 444 copies.

Included in this are 4 additional tracks which are available uniquely to this format and will not be available as a part of the download release. These include demo’s from the sessions and a live track taken from the bands first ever live show back in 2008.

go FORTH bright scenic CD release

As mentioned before this album draws upon the solid collaboration with the band of musicians.

These players have been so supportive of my music over the last 4 years and sharing a stage with them live is something I relish whenever the opportunity is there.

The members of the band are:

Dave Smale - Keys, Backing Vocals

I first met Dave when we both became members of the band ‘PhoenixDown’. Despite sharing opposite ends of the stage it was clear a musical connection was there to be built upon. He guested on my first album ‘Autonomous Debut’ prior to there being a band and has contributed consistently fantastic musicianship on every album since then. Truth be told I cannot imagine these songs without Dave’s unique take on the situation. A truly lyrical player.

Leon Camfield - Drums, Electronic Percussives, Backing Vocals

Leon and myself have worked together since 1998. His musical intellect and depth of detail has proved essential towards the development of the songs. His professionalism in the studio and consistent playing has worked to ensure these songs on the ‘Forth’ album have taken shape well. He is in demand as a session player and is progressively minded.

Riad Abji - Double Bass, Backing Vocals

I started working with Riad in 2007 between album 1 and 2. I true gent and a natural on almost any instrument. This new collection of songs has seen Riad contribute as a writer as well as a player.

Riad can also be found as a member of many other projects. The essential backbone to the band unit.

Vicky Flint - Trumpet, Flugelhorn and backing Vocals

Vicky’s involvement in my music came from randomly over hearing her playing whilst jamming with Dave back in 2008. Through the walls of her house we were astounded is she practiced freely from the floor above. A quick ring on the doorbell and the rest is history. On this new album ‘Forth’ Vicky excels herself. a truly great talent who finds her way through the most complex of arrangements. Some of her big band recording have left me purely baffled. Yet for her it seems completely natural. She possesses a very progressive approach to music and has embarked upon a very psychedelic approach in recent times.

You can listen to the entire album here:

http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/album/forth

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-cd

0 New Album – GO – Details

GO forth bright scenic

TRACKLISTING:

12 Tracks which focus very much upon the electronic side of music.

1. Laced Once
2. Bright Scenic
3. A Watchful Eye
4. Stored in the Bottom Drawer
5. Alaskan Sky
6. Still MIA
7. Suburban Sway (Feat Harlequin Knights)
8. This College Year (Feat Zero Call)
9. As Stubborn as a Sandfly
10. Could This Be Sadness?
11. Dumb Mathematics (Feat Shamanic Technology)
12. Klingending

The Album was released physically as a USB Pen drive Limited to 44 copies.

Also included as a part of this unique release is an additional reworking of the tune ‘You Know The Score’ A song originally released in 2008 on Stuart’s ‘Distance from here’ Album. This song has been completely re-recorded for this release.

Also included is 4 sets of 10 photos taken by wonderfully gifted photographers Stuart met over the last 6 years of touring.

And finally there is also an additional 4 albums of secret material which can only be found on these 44 copies.

The pen drive is presented in a unique storage pouch. This has been hand made in Japan out of the same material used to make Kimono's.

Produced and Mixed by Chris Hollis (www.chrishollis.co.uk)

You can listen to the entire album here:

http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/

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-usb-wav-mp3

Full Cast of Musicians:

Keys / Synth – Dave Smale

Programmed Drums / Synth / Vocals- Chris Hollis

Live Drums – Leon Camfield

Trumpet/Flugelhorn – Vicky Flint

Programmed Drums / Synth / Harp – Ollie George

Electric Guitar – Ollie Friend

Glitch Laughter – Rob Burton

Bass / Vocals – Owen Stephen

Synth / Double Bass, Programmed Drums – Riad Abji

Vocals – Marcus Harley AKA. Harlequin Knights

Analog Synth / Drums – Andrea Possiedi & Francesco Federici AKA Zero Call

Synth / Programmed Drums / Treatments – Chris Hare AKA Shamanic Technology

Signals – Craig Harris

Guitar / Voice / Treatments / Synth / Programmed Drums / Percussion –
Stuart O’Connor