Wonder

 I saw an advert today that reminded me of the plans that I was starting to form pre-pandemic. It was an advert for flights to Norway. I can't remember if thats exactly where I was thinking of travelling - I do however remember it being to see a gig. It's feels a bit strange thinking back to this now, how everything was seemingly cancelled all at once. I hope I never have to encounter a year like the ones with national and regional lockdowns ever again. Not that it's completely over now, Covid is still around but no one wants to talk about it anymore.

I've not been very focused lately, bar a couple of productive days. I had JEM over in the studio the other day and we've been working on a few tracks again. Other than that, I've been thinking a lot about my funk project. I always fear sharing the name of the project in case the name gets pinched (I think it's quite a good one that can lead to some interesting themes that suit) I downloaded an app called wonder, unfortunately it's one of those awful subscription apps (I really hate subscription models in apps) but it did offer a free trial which I made full use of for 3 days. The app creates artwork using AI and I've had some interesting results stemming off the themes of my project. I've saved so many to my phone and will most likely use some as album art, whether I combine a few. I've also thought of sending some over to my cousin as an idea to improve on. To give you an idea, most of these images consist of strange looking iguanas or lizards and tropical holiday vibes. I found the app really impressive. There's an option to buy the app without subscription but even at nearly £40 I'm not sure its worth it. I think I'd rather dip in a fiver for a week when I need some art inspiration on the fly.

Kill The Moon have a gig this weekend which means we'll be rehearing this week too. This Saturday we're playing a full show at The Gate Inn at Kimberley. It will be the fist gig that I provide my new PA (new to me) made up of a couple of cheap disco speakers and a four channel amp donated by a friend which I could do with tweaking (there's something stuck in the aux input that I need to remove at some point) I'm wanting to set it all up again beforehand to test it out since I've not connected it all up since June when I first got it. I also want to try it with my Soundcraft too so I know I'll potentially have a back up system. This all stuff I'll need to do tomorrow ideally so I'll know if I need anything else which is unlikely but then at least I've still got a few days.

I've still got a lot of stuff to be rid off too and my mum and dad have brought much more stuff back from the caravan that's now sold on. The Campervan is here and has taken my parking spot. It's most likely not going to move very much. It's a little harder for me to load now and I have to pull forward a little to make it easier. I guess ultimately I'll see what it's like on Saturday when I'm all loaded up. I'm really looking forward to this gig, hopefully it will be a busy one!

Home Stress

28. Struggling. Desperate for another sort out to clear more space (vaguely ongoing - sorted a small bag to donate already) my main problem is I'm so cramped and it's not just my room. The whole house is full of shit everywhere and it's certainly not all mine. Mum and Dad seem to want to save EVERYTHING they don't use or need anymore so the dining table is mostly unaccessible these days as well as the floor space surrounding the TV. The front entry is filled with my dads work stuff mostly paperwork piled up to the side which I step on every time lately, especially when loading for a gig. I have no turning space. 

This has made me think about moving out quite a lot lately but the reality is that I wouldn't be able to afford it on my own. I have no one to move out with so that leaves me stuck and unhappy living in a mess of a house. I get that I probably sound ungrateful, I'm lucky to have a roof over my head etc, etc - yeah, fair enough but it's becoming a dumping ground. My parents are obviously currently more bothered about "holidays." We have a camper on the way and it looks like I'm losing my space on the drive for it - the space that allows me to access my rear barn doors easier. If I move across I'll struggle to load in for gigs. It's already hassle enough without making it more difficult.

I need to take my amp(s) for repair soon. The Marshall that I bought recently needs fixing, it might just be a new valve or something but I have no idea. My Laney needs sorting too with the same issue but it's not as much of a priority (Marshall has always been more a favourite) It's been annoying really though, I had only had the Marshall for about a month when the power (sound) dropped then cut, I've been power ampless for a couple of months now but I've been advised to drop it in at The Music Inn soon anytime after the 10th for them to send it off to someone to have a look at. It's exciting to think it might be sorted again very soon - hopefully by the end of the month but I don't know for sure. It was to be expected mind, the amp is around 20 years old if not older I believe - it's a TSL 100.

Having a bit of a day out with mum day once she's back home from work. I think we might be going to my cousins pub, The Hayloft at Giltbrook. It's been done up recently, they're the new landlords and we love it there. It's nice for the family to have a pub. We've been invited up Christmas day but I'm not sure what we're doing yet. I've already said I'd love to go. Sounds lovely. Home politics makes it a slight impossibility but I hope we get past it and attend, though how likely that is at the moment I really don't know.

I've been toying with a little Boss Katana Mini since the Marshall blew. I quite like it, sounds alright to say it's only 5w but not so much when you start to push it. The built in delay helps clean up the distorted sound a little or at least makes it more tolerable and if it's late I can just plug in my headphones. I should probably have another play this evening, I've not been playing all that much lately and its most likely because of the amps breaking. Kill The Moon have a gig tomorrow so I have that to prepare for too, not that it'll take much - backline and PA is provided so should be a nice easy one it's D.H. Lawrence Festival and we're at The Conservative Club playing at 4pm. Hoping we have a decent crowd as this free festival is usually popular.

Kill The Moon autumn gig listings 2022

I've been looking at lighting for upcoming gigs we have booked for the start of October that's completely DIY and we don't have any as of yet. I think I might just buy a cheap pair to place on the floor either side of the stage. I saw a set on Amazon for less than £20 so maybe it will do. I'll ask the guys what they think tomorrow