Whether it’s meeting people, chewing the fat, caffeine hit, clarity of thought, lists, dreams, decisions, reflective thoughts. You can achieve a lot over a cuppa, and that’s why it made it onto my album…

The track (my stupid face) features a field recording of Michael Clarke (producer) drinking coffee in the bull ring, blended with the sound of me drinking a cup at New Street station. The song marks half-time on the album, the midway point where traditionally you would have to turn the record over to side b. The sort of forced silent moment that has been lost in our trigger happy digital age where if you’re not getting your kicks, you click.

It’s a very reflective lyric and I wanted to represent a personal, quiet moment of self analysis. I tend to have over dramatic facial expressions. People walking in the street, or fellow drivers on the road often mis-read me and presume I giving them a dirty look. I don’t mean to do it, I just tend to worry a lot and have a furrowed brow!
What i’m saying in the lyric is that no matter how ugly or silly my face looks, my ears are open and ready to listen.

Hope to see you out on the road this month.

Dan x

It is always so lovely to hear tales of songs resonating throughout the wider community. Just got this email…

“I sent your video to my Dad who has a heart condition and has just had a pacemaker fitted. He played it 3 times … then replied to say how much he likes it.”

My Heart Doesn’t Age (It Just Gets Older) Video

I’ve worried and doubted a lot of things throughout my life, but never the power of music. The power of music is a strong pillar in my landscape.
In addition to songwriting I do a lot of music workshops with adults with learning difficulties, using music in a therapeutic way. Working with small groups of people in various arts centres, schools, day centres and care homes across the West Midlands.

Some participants are classified as having ABI (acquired brain injury) and suffer from memory loss. With these participants I use songs and melodies that act as memory triggers. Together we compose short bursts of melody and lyrics that remind them of names, dates, family members, holidays past and future, any events in their life story. I also dip into popular music repertoire, usually looking for songs that were significant in their life, remind them of times gone by, previous relationships or pre accident events.

This work hasn’t radically changed my perception of the power of music, it’s been a process of affirmation. Music has always been there for me and now I’m more confident than ever that music, and specifically the process of music making MAKES LIFE BETTER! x

My next gig is a full band show at Water Rats, 328 Gray’s Inn Road  London, Greater London WC1X 8BZ. We’re supporting Glen Matlock, formerly of The Sex Pistols.

It’s on Wednesday April 4th and we’ll be on stage at 8pm.

I have a batch of reduced tickets, so if you’re planning on coming please email me:

dan@dan-whitehouse.com

Tickets are £7, as opposed to £10 from the Water Rats site.

This show marks the start of a busy patch, with dates across the UK.

West Midlands based folks should be aware that tickets are on sale now for Glee Club Birmingham on Friday April 13th. It will be a very special night, with guests Timberwolf (Michael Clarke) and Paul Liddell playing too.

See you soon

Dan

Pleased to announce an exciting forthcoming gig supporting the Ivor Novello-award-winning singer songwriter Scott Matthews.

Friday May 4th at Newhampton Arts Centre Wolverhampton. Tickets will be on sale very soon priced £12.50 adv from the Newhampton site.

Needless to say I’m looking forward to this special occasion:)

It will be a real honour to support Scott.

Dan x

But then, I would say that.

Happy New Year

Dan x