I bought a packet of christmas cards the other day and last night I was very cold in bed (!), two strong indicators that the end of the year is nigh and it is high time I released the box ep, the final part of the trilogy!

I will release the EP with a launch gig at the Glee Club on Friday November 27th. The studio room at the Glee is a beautiful, intimate setting to experience music so I am looking forward to this gig.

Friday Nov. 27 2009
The Glee Club Hurst St, The Arcadian Birmingham B5 4TD
Doors Open 7.30pm. No Entry After 8:15pm
Purchase advance tickets for only £5

There are some very special guests too:

Vashti Anna: I encourage you to take a break, make a cup of tea and have a listen to Vashti’s new EP ‘Stronger in My Skin’. These intimate recordings are performed, produced and recorded by Vashti in her bedroom and reveal a striking, raw talent. West Midlands folk may have seen Vashti previously appear at the Glee Club as a guest of Tom Baxter, she also claims to have learnt to play piano in a cowshed(!) Read more @ BBC.

Michael Clarke:  Going by the name Clarkesville Michael released the critically acclaimed album ‘the Half Chapter’ on Wildstar Records. “The songs I relate to best aren’t the ones that tell me how it is, but let me explore how it is.” Michael is on form and currently recording some of his best work to date with his brother Steve on bass, Stuart Baxter Wilkinson on drums and Birmingham indie- space-rock inventor David Wright on lead guitar. Rogue States have recently released their debut Lights EP. This is a rare opportunity to witness the tender side of Michael’s writing with a personal and exposed solo acoustic set.

________________________________________________________________________________

The Box EP

The Balloon: The Bubble & The Box: 3 EPs

The final part of the trilogy is almost complete and will be available to buy at the launch gig on November 27th. In the meantime I have posted 3 songs on my myspace.

If you enjoy discussion about music recordings then read on, if not then I shall say goodbye, it has been a pleasure and I hope to see you at the Glee Club show.

“This is one of the very best releases of the year. Really. I’ve been listening to it on a daily basis for quite some time and it never ever disappoints. Never loses its emotional intensity. Never ceases to surprise with its musical invention.” (Read more) – Steve Morris WCR FM Roots and Branches Show (Thursdays 22:00-00:00).

I have been working on the songs for this EP for sometime (though I do hate that phrase ‘working’ and prefer to think of it as growing). The oldest song is ‘Right Here’ which was written in 2000 and is the ‘title track’ of sorts as it refers to the box in the lyric (keen listeners may have noticed a theme running through the last track on all 3 EPs… No? listen more carefully!)

Box recording sessions began in February this year and thanks largely to the patience and commitment of sound engineer Ryan Pinson progress has continued steadily, through ’til the final session last week.

The production of the EP was a real collaborative effort; and I owe a depth of gratitude to the group of musicians that have come to form my ‘core band’ of John Large drums, Steve Clarke bass, June Mori Piano and Tom Bounford on Violin. We rehearsed, arranged and recorded the structure of the songs mostly live in the studio, before inviting several different musicians to contribute.

Highlights included a spaced out Sunday morning of tape delay/space echo lead guitar from David Wright (Rogue States) on ‘If I Grow Old’, knock out gospel from soul sisters Yvonne and Margerat Gordon on ‘Right Here’, the sort of perspective shifting ideas and electrified experimentation that I have grown to expect from Andy Bole and a grand finale of an impromptu choir hosted by the Turnstyle Theatre Group.

I am particularly pleased with the song Where Is The Love?  co written with Eric Barlow and featuring the voice of Carina Round and pedal steel of BJ Cole.

Once you have had a chance to listen and digest the new music do feel free to share your thoughts in person or online.

I also welcome any suggestions of other musicians you think I should collaborate with or play gigs with, get in touch.

All the best

Dan

I am happy to announce that my friends and I have been busy in the studio and the Box EP is almost complete.

We have arranged a gig at Newhampton Arts Centre on Oct 10th to celebrate the new music with a full bodied performance! Lisa De’Ville and Lee Mitchell have kindly agreed to be our guests and play what I am certain will be wonderful live sets.

For those of you that missed our previous show at NAC, here is a live version of ‘How Does It Feel?’ filmed at the Bubble EP Launch:

Tickets are selling fast, it is £5 advance but will be £7 on the night.

Purchase x1 ticket for £5 inc p&p

Purchase x2 tickets for £10 inc p&p

Check out the Facebook Event

The Box EP is currently being mixed by our very own musical master chef Ryan Pinson. This is a delicate, lengthy process and although we are all excited about tasting the finished product, we must be patient!

However, if like me you enjoy licking the spoon occasionally then please have a listen to the first mix of ‘IF I GROW OLD’. Grab a free download of the track here – the password you need is tigerdan.

In other news, my talented friend and bass player on the 3 EPs Steve Clarke has released an epic EP with his band Rogue States. The EP features some beautiful, dedicated performances, take a listen here. You can order a CD from their website now.

Hope to see you on Oct 10th!

Dan and band x

Good afternoon,

Hope you have all thawed out after the recent big freeze – now keep warm and read my blog…

In addition to the regular activities of working, sleeping, and eating I have written a few new songs, ‘Holding My Head Under’ ‘ I Saw The End’ and ‘If I I Grow Old’ – I can’t explain the themes in one sentence; so don’t read too much into the titles! ( I am not depressed – honestly!) please come and see me play on January 31^st at Little Civic, Wolverhampton for the full story….

You can buy a ticket right now for only ?3, but it will be ?5 on the night

Click Here For Tickets

I also just checked my mail and received two reviews of ‘The Balloon EP’, and before you say anything NO I didn’t’ write them myself! It seems that some people like the music, and it is lovely to know that someone is listening, and receiving the right messages. This coming weekend I will be getting on my hands and knees and covered in paint producing the next batch of discs…Click Here to buy one of the few remaining copies of the first run.

“Very original, very very tasty and very very very unputdownable! ”

“Whitehouse writes beautifully poised songs that are both emotional and dramatic whilst still being somehow uplifting and magnetically compelling”

“I had listened to his tracks on MySpace a fair few times, and the richness of the CD is something else”

Scroll down to read the EP reviews in full.

I am looking forward to a full band rehearsal tommorow, and recording the final part of the EP trilogy ‘The Box’ has been booked for February.

Hope to see you at the Little Civic on Jan. 31st,

Take care,

Dan x

1.

Dan Whitehouse – The Balloon EP

Hey, this is pretty dramatic stuff from Wolverhampton singer songwriter Dan Whitehouse!! Very original, very very tasty and very very very unputdownable!   On the acoustic side dynamically but with oodles of big dramatic statements and a fantastic feel, ‘The Balloon EP’ is real top quality stuff -  a more than pleasant change from some of the more banal stuff out there at the moment, Whitehouse shows great all-round musical skill, educated and mature writing and a frightening ability to hold the listeners attention.

If I had to make comparisons I’d have to point you in the general direction of Damien Rice; Whitehouse’s wonderfully easy vocal delivery is quite similar, his emotionally charged songs are not unlike Rice’s and his general appeal will probably be with Rice followers. Saying that, Dan Whitehouse isn’t trying to emulate the great man, it’s just that there are similarities – and hey, that aint a bad thing anyway!!  Actually, Whitehouse is possibly more commercial than Rice; his music is possibly more expansive and more all-encompassing but less morose and generally somewhat ‘lighter’ in feel!

Whitehouse writes beautifully poised songs that are both emotional and dramatic whilst still being somehow uplifting and magnetically compelling. Whitehouse’s press pack outlines his musical pedigree and it’s pretty impressive so he’s already earned the right to whatever plaudits he may now get. Certainly I like Dan Whitehouse’s music; it’s mature but not too challenging, it’s different without being self-indulgent and it’s got masses of commercial tendencies.  Whitehouse builds on a theme, what might start out mellow and haunting often opens up to be something that’s breathtakingly robust, anthemic and pretty tangible and real.

Although Whitehouse is putting this out as an EP, with seven quite stunning tracks it’s more of a mini-album – great value for money and a pretty full-on look into Whitehouse’s eclectic and diverse musical world. This guy has talent by the shed-load and ‘The Balloon EP’ is a fantastic chance to experience the man and his music.  Go on, seek him out and give Dan Whitehouse a try – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!  ‘The Ballon EP’ by Dan Whitehouse is the absolute mutt’s nuts!

Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)

2. Mr Dan Whitehouse’s new Balloon EP arrived in the post today,

=)

The modest Ink Refill Man envelope and 100% recycled cardboard CD sleeve, containing a CD whose production values are far more epic, symphonic, orchestral, and beautifully rich and lush sounding than the modest packaging or indeed, accoustic Balcony TV appearences, and tinny MySpace recordings, imply. The packaging is terribly endearing however, with a free Balloon gift sticking out the top, and an inside sleeve that looks sweetly hand drawn in marker pen on the one side, and yet boasts a detailed black and white photo of band members on the other, with text that reads: “This music was lovingly nutured by a group of passionate and talented musicians.”

What to expect?

Think singer/songwriter guitar pop with ambient electric guitar, complimentary and momentum-building piano, choruses of strings, crescendo-building drums, and Dan’s trademark vocals. You’ll get an idea of his sound at http://www.myspace.com/mrdanwhitehouse but I had listened to his tracks on MySpace a fair few times, and the richness of the CD is something else (or it might just be that I bothered to plug in the satellite speakers and sub woofer for this one, ^_^). I had been worried where production would go now that (genius) Tom Greenwood (Dan’s old production partner during the Sonara days) is stateside, but I find myself listening to what Dan and his new band have done, and trying to figure out how to achieve such a good sound, as opposed to finding any faults to highlight.

The lyrics give plenty to identify with and read into, although the CD only just arrived in the post this morning, so I haven’t had it all sink in yet, but the mood is in keeping with Dan’s themes of containment – balloons, bubbles, boxes, etc, as implied by titles such as “It’s Good to Getaway”, and lyrics like “here’s hoping you don’t get tied down to the Carousel”.

I’ll be able to elaborate on lyrics once I’ve listened to it a bit more.

In fact, I’m probably writing prematurely here. So I’ll go listen some more, and let my opinions properly formulate.

For now, I just wanted to share my excitement, and urge you all to support Dan’s effort.

The EP is for sale on his MySpace page for about £7.

click here.

Hope you are enjoying the summertime and reading this on a paradise island somewhere…

I am just about to go to France for a little break myself, via Swansea to visit to my dear friend Maia and am in reflective mood:

You may already be aware that over the last few months (since Feb) I have formed a new band, played a few gigs and recorded lots of songs in the studio at Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton.

It’s been busy, but also the best time ever thanks to the tireless enthusiasm and hard work of everyone involved: Ryan, June, John, Steve, Tom, Salene, Andy Bole, Helen, Fran, Emma, Andy Pell, Michael Clarke, Tariq, John S, Shelly, Catherine – Thank you  x x x

The songs are currently being mixed by Ryan, and he will soon be sending over finished mixes for our feedback, and we plan to meet in September to make any final alterations.

I think I will release the music as 2 EPs: ‘The Balloon’ and ‘The Bubble’….the titles refer to types of hideaway, states of mind within which we exist – sometimes by choice and at other times we just wake up one day and realise we are inside a bubble, or a balloon.

I have ordered 700 recycled cardboard CD sleeves and together with local artist Rosalind I shall be screen printing each individual cover in her kitchen!

Primarily, I will sell the discs at gigs, and via my site, though they will also be available for digital download through a Birmingham based company called Ditto music.

I have two very exciting events planned at the Light House, on September 25 and then again on November 22. 2 lovely chaps (mjhproductions.com) have agreed to film the gigs, and we shall be performing songs from the two EPs; with a string quartet!….stick the dates in your diary now!

All the best,

Dan

Whitehouse @ Light House Next Thursday 19th & Captain Beefheart Guitarist Recording News

I am starting to get excited about next weeks gig/party/gathering at Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton.

We’ll be playing as a four piece with John on Cajon, June on Piano and Tom on Violin and Mandolin. It’s going to take place in the gallery, which a lovely room – and the venue have promised cushions on the floor this time to make it comfy for everyone!

I really hope you can come (and bring a friend or two!) its free to get in and the lock works café do great coffees/beers/wines and salads and cakes (this is the most crucial info of course!).

See you at 7:30pm Thursday 19th June.

Lock Works Cafe within Light House Media Centre,
The Chubb Buildings Fryer Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 1HT

For more info: http://www.light-house.co.uk/lockworks.shtml

Meanwhile, recording has been continuing in earnest with the variety of guest musicians in the studio almost (but not quite!) matching the vast array of sugary snacks and strong coffees!

Guitarist Andy Bole was a real highlight, he arrived with a literally a van load of stringed instruments ranging from bouzouki to dobro to mandolin and a beautiful 50s Gibson electric guitar. He was also well stocked up on effects pedals and poured generous helpings of ambient sounds, booms, clicks and noises over the meat and two veg main we had already prepared. He played on the latest Captain Beefheart record and has worked with Clapton and Stevie Winwood too…though he so very modest you’d never tell. It was exciting to collaborate with a mind of such deep experience, and I have made a mentla note to go and see his own band ‘Fret and Fiddle’ as soon as.

Andy’s partner Sal played violin and viola (beautifully) and proved she has true Olympia studio stamina by gracefully enduring hour upon hour of mumbo jumbo muso speak and misguided direction (from me) and clear orientation (from John Large) on what she  ought to play on ‘Carousel’ and ‘Somebody Loves You’. Please check out the pics by Steph here: www.stuffbysteph.co.uk/photos/danwhitehouse

Tom Bounford was also silly enough to make a second visit down to our dingy den on what was possibly the brightest Sunniest Sunday of the year so far and added some great violin to ‘You Can’t Give Me Anymore’.

I think the recordings are sounding good, although today I cannot be sure. If you picture my record as a stress ball : many different people have been picking it up and shaping it recently , and I feel like I need to get it back in my bosom for a bit of a love (not that I’ve ever  loved a stress ball).

I am starting to think that I may stagger the release these songs in the form of two 7 track EPs. The first would come out on Sept 3rd (my birthday and launch gig!) and be entitled ‘Please listen’ and the second would come out in March (my sisters birthday) and be called ‘Before You React’…which of course completes the line from which hit single?!?

But who knows, I’ll probably change my mind by next week. If I do I’ll be sure to tell you all about it…

xxx

The recording process is going well, this Thursdsay and Friday we’re back in the studio doing some strings with Sal and lead guitar with Andy Bole. In the meantime I’m doing two tiny solo shows in Birmingham tonight and Tuesday:

Tonight is a 6.40pm on stage time at Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath supporting Howie Payne, and tickets are £5.

Tuesday: ida maria is wonderful! and I am so very excited to be supporting her this Tuesday at the Glee Club, Hurst St, Birmingham.

Please get in touch if you would like guest list for that show, i may be able to arrange something for you.

Ok, it’s midday and i’m still in the Gower in Wales…so i better get a wriggle on.

Dan x

In between all that eating John and Steve managed to record drums and bass for 10 songs:

01. LOST THE FIGHT
02. RIGHT TO CRY
03. GRAVITY HOLD
04. CAROUSEL
05. RIGHT HERE (IN FRONT OF YOU)
06. HOW DOES IT FEEL?
07. IT’S GOOD TO GET AWAY (Lose Myself)
08. I WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING
09. SOMEBODY LOVES YOU
10. YOU CAN’T GIVE ME ANYMORE

The next recording date is May 3rd and I can’t wait…ideas are flowing freely, and we’re in the mood to explore!

The target date for album completion is my birthday Sept. 3rd, when we’ll have copies for sale at a launch gig.

Bye for now,
Dan x