When I wrote the song Rouse Ye Women about the Cradley Heath Chainmakers’ strike, I knew it needed a singer of super strength and spirit to sing it. I was so pleased when Elizabeth J. Birch accepted my invitation and delivered a powerful and emotive vocal...
Two men in their 70s do Tai Chi at the park. Wearing matching sleeveless bomber jackets, warm jumpers and khaki cargo pants – their bicycles discarded by a nearby tree. As if lead by a conductor, they move effortlessly and gracefully in sync. I imagine a...
Writing – whether it’s songs poems or diary entries – is my reset. It’s my cleansing routine, it’s my “Excuse me I just have to go and freshen up”. Writing is my therapy and my friend. Writing allows me to escape but doesn’t punish me for the privilege...
Sit around the online ‘Songwriting Campfire’ with singer-songwriter/composer Dan Whitehouse and artist mentor Katie Whitehouse for a day and write several songs (or song sketches). Working by ear, and improvisation, not music theory based, use simple musical games and...
I’m sat on the opposite side of the glass this morning, as the coffee shop’s closed for New Year’s Day. Japan closes down for the first 3 days of January; pretty much the only time of year you’ll witness such a universal shut down of business. Last night was busy!...
