Happy to report the album’s done and you can listen to it on facebook, it’ll be available at the launch gig at Glee Club Birmingham on October 26th, and you can order now

I must also let you know that the Nottingham show on October 27 has been cancelled, all tickets will be refunded or you can do an exchange for Birmingham gig on 26th.

I do hope you can make it to the show on October 26th, Peter Bruntnell is travelling up from Devon to play, which makes it a very special event.

Take care
Dan

ps: Last week I did an interview with Chris at Brum Notes magazine

> So, a full length album on its way – how does you feel? Relieved, excited or
> a bit of both?
You guessed right Chris, a bit of both. But mainly I feel grateful to producer Michael Clarke for capturing the sounds in my head.

>What can fans expect from the record, any surprises?

Would it still be a surprise if I told you?
There is spoken word, and some instruments I’ve not worked with before such as accordion, banjo, ukulele and theramin. We also managed to make a percussive loop out of an electric screwdriver…see if you can spot it!
Compared with my previous releases this is quite a fragile, stripped back affair, lead by my acoustic guitar and voice. Listeners might have to turn it up and really tune in to the lyrics to find the treasure.

> And for those who’ve not heard you before, how would you describe your sound
> or style?
Simple & direct.
Somebody else recently described my sound as a cross between Cat Stevens and The Streets.
One of the best things about the internet is that we don’t have to read descriptions of sound anymore…you can just click and listen instantly. www.dan-whitehouse.com

> How was the recording process itself, was it a DIY affair, or did you work
> with other musicians/producers?

This record is a collaboration with Michael Clarke, of Rogue States, he produced and mixed the album. I also co-wrote several songs with musicians June Mori (Piano) and Steve Clarke (bass).
Aside from travelling to London to capture the pedal steel of BJ Cole, the majority of the album was recorded at Michael’s flat in the Jewellery Qtr, with a wide range of welcome visits from musicians.

Michael and I began with rehearsals, coffee time, exchanging songs on email, sharing ideas and started recording in March 2011 with a 3 day session at my parents house in Wolverhampton. I went travelling for the whole of April, and then we spent 1 or 2 days a week together at Michael’s flat throughout the summer months of June and July. I have some lovely memories of the morning walk across Birmingham City Centre from my flat to Michaels….it only took 15 minutes, but my excitement grew with every step towards the studio! Knowing that we were going to dive in to the creative world for an entire day, and that I was truly free to express myself.
I also recorded one or two things (BVs mainly) myself at my flat and a friend’s cottage out in Staffordshire.

Michael brought a lot to the table, he’s a fantastic, singer songwriter, producer and plays a wide variety of instruments. Recording with him was a real treat, especially recording vocals as he really understood the fragile nature of vocal performances.

There are lots of great Birmingham based musicians on the record, Tom Livemore (Carina Round, Mickey Greany, Alt Dubstep Orchestra) played Theramin, Helen Lancaster of The Old Dance School Viola, Catherine Gough played Accordion, John Large drums and Lee Mitchell, Tom Bounford (Saturday Night Gym Club) Stuart Baxter Wilkinson, Fran Lancaster and Jamie Clayton all sang background vocals.

> Like many solo performers you started off in bands when you were younger.
> Did you find that solo was a better creative outlet to make the music you
> wanted to make?
I can see benefits to both!
Other people are really interesting, and so it’s great to create stuff with others regardless of whether you are solo or in a band. Other people have taught me everything I know, and it’s other people who have given me the confidence to perform solo too.
Being solo allows you a lot of freedom and with the 3 EPs (Balloon/Bubble/Box) I really enjoyed treating each song as an island and collaborating with different musicians on different songs.
During the process of recording this album it felt almost as though Michael and I had formed a band…and I think that’s the nature of any producer/artist relationship.

> You’ve made the short migration from Wolverhampton to Birmingham, do you
> find any notable differences in the musical output from the two cities?
Not really.
One of the best things about the West Midlands is the variety of cultures and musical output.

> Does Wolverhampton itself find its way into your writing do you think?
I hope so. I think it’s a Wulfrunian trait to be honest, to tell it like it is.

> It’s produced some great songwriters over the years, most notably Scott Matthews
> recently, is there a natural scene or environment for musicians to flourish
> or is it always a case of looking to Birmingham for gigs?

There’s a concentrated scene. I would encourage musicians to curate their own, bespoke live events to suit their music. Newhampton Arts Centre is a wonderful venue for live music, Lighthouse Media Centre is interesting too.
Musicians writing original material have to work hard. I think there is a difference between hearing and listening that’s getting lost somewhere in this digital age.

> You’re selling some pretty interesting bundle packages to hand deliver
> albums and perform at people’s houses, how did that idea come about?
It’s sort of inspired by Dave Gorman’s recent project where he went around playing games at the homes of people he met on twitter, and also the interesting stuff going on at pledge.com…I think I’d like to set up a campaign on there for my next album.

> …and are you afraid of encountering any Alan Partidge-esque fan stalkers?
Not until you mentioned it!
No, I am certain that anyone who chooses to buy my album is very interesting and intelligent, both intellectually and emotionally! And I would love to meet them, sing for them, (or with them!) and have a coffee.

> Aside from the prospect of playing in a stranger’s kitchen, what’s the  strangest gig you’ve done?
Wow. Good question. I’ve been a working musician for 10 years now and done an assortment of curious gigs….erm….how about a Chinese New Year celebration at the Royal Courts of Justice, where the support act was an exotic dancer with indoor fireworks attached to her…or the house party where they asked be to perform on a diving board, 50ft above a swimming pool full of dancers/swimmers – the load in for that one was particularly tricky!

> The Glee Club seems a natural choice for your album release gig, what is the venue like for performers? The intensely attentive atmosphere must be quite  intimidating to perform in?
It’s a beautiful place to perform. Promoter Markus Sargeant has worked tirelessly to create a listening culture amongst the audience and in doing so provides the perfect platform for artists to express themselves.

> What’s the plan after the album release? Have you got new material already  in mind, or are you just hoping to enjoy this album for as long as possible?
Yes I have other material in mind…I enjoy writing a lot, and have a big appetite for recording/creating.
I have recorded 5 songs for the next album, with my band and producer Ryan Pinson (he did the 3 EPs). It’s a different sound from this album: big, expansive, epic, at times frantic, and fast paced. When time and circumstance allow we’ll be back in to record another 5 tracks and plan to release in 2012. I plan to set up a pledge campaign to help fund that project, the working title is Landscape.

Thursday June 10th 2010 @ Glee Club Birmingham

Buy Tickets Here

Hello there,

The Miserable Rich have a wonderful new album ‘Of Flight and Fury’ and they have kindly invited the band and I to perform at the launch show in Birmingham.

NME described their music as “ …so heartbreakingly beautiful, it reduces anyone who hears it to a weeping mess.” and the studio room at The Glee Club is the perfect, intimate place to watch them live.

I will be playing with a four piece band and doing some new material in addition to songs from the Balloon, the Bubble & the Box (have you claimed your free downloads yet?! – if not get clicking!)

If you live up North, I am also playing a solo support show to TMR at Band On The Wall, Manchester on June 8th.

And finally, Elena Thomas is currently hard at work sewing some very limited CD bags which will be available exclusively at these shows – hope to see you x

Were you at Huntingdon Hall last Tuesday? If so – THANK YOU!

Tom and I had a brilliant night supporting Peter Green and Friends. The venue is a converted church which has been lovingly restored, the staff were lovely and cooked us a chilli con carni, and the audience shocked us with their warm response to our music. 

I am now looking forward to supporting The Miserable Rich this Thursday at Birmingham Glee Club:

March 4th: Supporting The Miserable Rich @ Glee Club Birmingham

They are a breathtaking band from Brighton who have received wide spread critical acclaim and appeared on Radio 4s Loose Ends last weekend. I am honoured to have been invited to open up for them at what will be a special night.

Buy tickets here

March 13th: Joint Concert with The Brewood Singers at Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

We will perform separate sets before joining forces for a finale (which is the really exciting part!) Please book your tickets to guarantee a seat and don’t miss this ‘one-off’ event.

This is the first time I have ever collaborated with a choir and whilst I am sure there’ll be some nerves I am very excited and honoured that David Brookes accepted my request to be involved.

Buy Tickets Here

If you missed the song I wrote for Ray Gosling that was featured in BBC Inside Out Programme, you can watch it here

Take care,

Dan

Steve’s comment is the one left ringing in my ears this morning, following an evening jam packed full of warm greetings, tender exchanges and startling performances. Last night was the launch party for the box ep, my third and final offering of 2009, and I really enjoyed myself…thank you!

Michael Clarke opened the event with a collection of beautiful songs and gave us a sneak peak at some new material which contain some of his most poignant lyrics to date. Everyone (myself included) seemed to instantly warm to ‘The Boy and The Buffalo’ and was excited to hear talk of a new album of ‘acoustic stuff’ (let us know when it’s ready Mike!)

Vashti Anna travelled up from North London to join us, and we were treated to her debut show with new drummer/percussionist Alan. She ripped it up. When she performs she appears to lose control (in a good way), and connects with with something ethereal I can’t quite put my finger on but I know is there!

She mountaineers across a varied landscape of moods, from brooding melancholy (think Joan As Police Woman) to the uplifting jam ‘Infatuation’ (think Feist). Drummer Alan accents and follows her lead effortlessly and I am honoured to have witnessed the early stages of what could be a great bond.

My set was funny, with a good bit of banter with a fake moustache wearing heckler early on!

I want to say thank you very much to my band, who played beautifully, what I love the most is the way that they listen as much as play, makes for an interesting and fulfilling conversation! x

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

The Box EP is almost complete! 

I will celebrate this release with a special show in the studio theatre of The Glee Club Birmingham.

Vashti Anna and Michael Clarke have kindly agreed to perform as very special guests.

Vashti is currently touring with Charlie Winston and has previously supported Tom Baxter at the Glee. Michael is lead singer with Rogue States who have just released their debut Lights EP.

Tickets are 5 GBPin advance from the Glee Club site.

Thank you to all those that come to see the band and I perform this year and bought the first two EPs.

Hope to see you at this grand finale!

Dan x

Little Civic 31 01 09

I am pleased to announce two new gigs:

BIRMINGHAM: Friday Feb. 20th @ Glee Club, Hurst St. On stage 8:30.

I shall be supporting Jonatha Brooke, one of a select group of artists to be given access to the thousands of previously unheard lyrics written by Woody Guthrie, legend of American folk blues. Jonatha has set Guthrie’s lyrics to new, contemporary music, and the results are revelatory. For more info on Jonatha visit her site: www.jonathabrooke.com

I will play a stripped back, acoustic set of songs; mostly ballads, and i’ll be accompanied by June Mori on Melodica and backing vocals.

Click for tickets

LONDON: Wednesday March 4th @ Old Queen’s Head, 44 Essex Rd, Islington. On stage 8pm.

Voga Parochia Label Launch. Featuring music from The Supernovas, Super Luckies, Yo Zushi, and hosted by Olly the Octopus.

I’ll play a minimal set, accompanied by John Large on percussion and backing vocals.

Tickets are ?5 on the door.

3 EPs: Click to buy the Balloon,
The Bubble is currently ‘in the mix’ and will be launched on May 23rd at Newhampton click for tickets