So, the last two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for me – so much so that it’s tempting to dump it all into one big post. But perversely, it would be less of the sum of the parts to do that – and better focus on each event individually – not to do so would be to dilute their contents. So I drove up to Scotland on the 8th of October to spend a week in the company of Katie Spencer & Iona Lane at a songwriting retreat in Kinlochmoidart. I’ve been paying for the retreat in instalments for a couple of months (thanks, Iona), but way back six months ago, I almost didn’t go. I was having anxiety about it being super awkward as I failed to “come up with the goods”. Songwriting is a relatively new thing for me – this is my 3rd year, and it’s not like I punch them out on a weekly or monthly basis. It’s much less an art, science, or craft to me than some strange alchemy I don’t understand. As such, I’m never really sure if my last song – is indeed the Last Song – and this weird period of creativity will pass away. I’m perhaps a bit less unsure of the thing than I was two years ago – but all it takes is a couple of months between songs to make me wonder if this purple patch has run its course. Sometimes, I think creating a song is like approaching a wild animal. I’m thinking of horses for some reason. Songs need to be approached gently, slowly – and I must sidle up to them for fear of spooking the poor creature and it running away from me across the hills.
I’m so pleased I didn’t listen to those doubts. There were so many things that made the week worthwhile. Not least, my first ever drive around Loch Lomond and through the Trossachs National Park. I forgot how many times I said, “Wow. fucking. wow”. My only regret was not giving myself more time to pull over in Clemintine, the big orange campervan, and breathe and take in the view. The first lovely surprise on arrival was discovering two pals from “Talent is Timeless” songwriting weekend hosted by Boo Hewerdene were there. It was reassuring to see two faces I recognised and to be reminded of the small world we still live in. The second lovely surprise to find our cook was also the Mother of Malin Lewis, so not only did she cook terrific food – but was also in the presence of the woman who brought Malin into the world – I’m going to say this is while I hung around the kitchen so much – and not because I’m vacuum cleaner when it comes to other peoples food.
In case you don’t know, Malin is a super-talented Scottish folk musician. I first heard their music when they supported Iona at Bishops House, Sheffield (lovely Tudor house and music venue – check it out). I was also lucky to hear them play at FolkEast, sandwiched between Maddie Morris and the Goblin Band. Malin’s debut LP is out on Hudson Records (is there a Sheffield Folk Mafia developing?). Her most recent release is working on the soundtrack for the major motion picture “The Outrun” starring Saoirse Ronan. I think my favourite track is Malin’s “A Clearing”. I don’t know if there’s mournfulness that touches my soul. What can I say, enjoy being mournful. 😀
Part of the week was a collection of collaborations – and well-thought-out partnerships, which allowed me to focus on the music and singing, which is a bit of a treat – to work with someone who writes the bulk of the lyrics, which we then finish and fettle. I know that might sound odd but if you think about it – songwriting isn’t just about the words despite the word writing. It’s as much about the music and the sounds of those words and how they scan – how they feel in the mouth and what they make the listener feel. I’ve been listening loads to Gentle Good’s album — fantastic stellar guitar playing – soaring vocals – all in a Welsh. I haven’t a got scooby-do what he is saying. But just like World Music, in some ways, it doesn’t matter. I just hope he isn’t singing the phone book at me. But he is – god, what a phone book…
Alongside the collabs, we gathered each evening to share our songs. I loved this as it reminded me of beloved sessions in Derbyshire. Sadly, my health has stopped me from getting out to those and seeing my pals like Joe Ash and Ed Hulse. I’m having to meter out my time to match my physical capabilities. So, whilst the songs and gigs are coming, I must prioritise that. So these were “songwriter sessions” in the main – with folks sharing their old and new material with the odd fun cover or sing-a-long.
Another little treat was a command performance by Katie & Iona. And the chance to get a sneak request. One of my favourite songs by Katie is “Goodbye”. I was treated to a version on Katie’s Gibson ES-125 (they are a great bit of gear, and for a vintage guitar with P90s, a fraction of the cost of other Gibson instruments – the warmth of the P90 really shines. I’ve got the usual suspects in the rack – Strat, Tele, Gretsch, Epiphone Sheraton – but it’s the ES-125 that I play every day – almost as much as its companion, the tenor ETG-150 – which is the same configuration but as a four-string transponder – I love the blend of the sound thru my Boss Acoustic Amp and VOX AC-15 – one day I will find a way to reproduce that sound without very heavy amps!).
I forget now what Iona played – the memory isn’t as good as it used to be. But from her EP “Bring the Tide in” she did play “Suilven. Despite being an utter townee and born in the industrial north-east – I’m increasingly attracted to and interested in nature. But there will always be a Evan Dando part of me that feels “I lied about being the outdoor type“. So the lines about “I hate it halfway up this hill” is one that chimes for me.
Running alongside that was glorious food, walks, and a guest performance by Malin, who’d come up from Glasgow to play for us (and hopefully catch up with their Mum!) – in the gaps in between, we were working on our own song – based on the landscape. Now I’m going to fess up that I had a number of toons and words/ideas stored up on the phone. But these were mainly fragments, nothing much more. So, I wasn’t starting from less than zero. I’d have to say word-wise, I had about 5-10%, which is mainly just an idea about how the wind (the environment) shapes how trees grow. Of course, the whole thing isn’t about trees or wind or even the environment – but that other ‘environment’ the one we grow up in and shapes us, often without us even knowing – unless, of course, as adults, we move away from that environment – and see it with fresh eyes. Is that cryptic enough for you? So I wasn’t sure if the song was shit or not, but I went with it. And shock, horror – it’s not shit. Phew! And I think I am on to something – and with a bit of spit and polish – I think there’s a good chance it will appear on next year’s EP. I’m planning a single for Winter in January and another EP in July.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. I’m no spring chicken, and I won’t be on this planet forever – and when I’m dead and gone, there won’t be much of me left behind except my recordings. My books on IT aren’t really going to stand the test of time. They are probably already in the landfill. So I figure if I output an EP every year, by the time I pop my clogs, there should be a body of work left behind that will be a marker of my brief time on this planet. I’m leaving the music creation thing a bit late in the game. I know this is late, but it’s the only way I know. So now is not the time for dillydallying but for getting one’s proverbial together and getting out. Time’s winged chariot and all that.
So, all in all, a great weekend was spent with lovely people in the company of two of the best young (so young, darlings, so young) singer-songwriters in the UK.
What’s not to love?
And if you are considering it next year and having doubts like me – don’t be such a silly sausage.