‘Human beings are social animals. Biological evolution equipped men and women for a communal existence, hunting and foraging in tribes of between twenty and forty people. We could never have survived this ecological niche by ourselves. We don’t have the strength, speed or agility of other animals…. But we do have language. We can communicate …
It’s an inescapable fact that the music business is a male-dominated industry. Lately I’ve noticed a springing-up of more discussion groups and surveys focusing on the roles of women in touring, and why there aren’t more of us. As you’d expect, I get asked about it a lot. There are some brilliant organisations, like Soundgirls, …
Exactly 20 years ago today I began my life as a professional sound engineer! At 9 am I walked into RG Jones Sound Engineering in London full of a heady mix of ambition and terror, having driven my wordly possessions down from my northern roots and moved into a tiny bedsit the day before. …
Stress: more is being demanded of you than you feel able to deliver. For much of my adult life I was a one-trick pony. I simply mixed sound for bands for a living, my touring schedule dictated when I was away, and being home meant not working. No kids, no complications, no stress. …
Stress Attack – How To Deal When It All Gets A Bit Much Read More »
‘Let it go.’ ‘Chill out.’ Surely two of the most trite and irritating phrases to come out of the 20th century – I mean, talk about easier said than done! – but behind the bumper sticker slogans lies some sage health advice. What do you think are the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle? …
The great spiritual foundations of…. poo and sleep. Read More »
Ohhhh, Cranachan. Raspberries, oats, honey…. and shortbread, whipped cream and whisky. So good and yet so bad….. So here’s a very simple but more virtuous version if you’re on the home straight of that January health kick! You’ll need… (1 serving) A generous handful of raspberries (frozen is fine) Greek yoghurt (fat-free works too, it just …
Carrot Cake This is dense, moist and delicious, as well as being one of your five a day. Possibly two if you go in for seconds… Ingredients 2 cups of plain wholemeal flour (if you don’t eat wheat, you can use spelt or rice flour) 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1/3 cup agave nectar ½ …
Why are you here? I don’t mean visiting this website – it’s always lovely to see you and I like what you’ve done with your hair – but why are you here, in human form, on planet Earth. What do you, all stardust and consciousness, plan to do with your time here? Are you going …
The Journey Within – How to Find Your Purpose and Live with Intention Read More »
‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness- only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate – only love can do that.’ Dr Martin Luther King The horrific events in Paris on Friday shocked the world, and hit the industry which I and many of my friends call home, the touring music business. These murderers …
Touring – a tribute to our strengths in times of darkness Read More »
Freelance (adjective): Self-employed and hired to work for different companies on particular assignments. Fear (noun): An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. Freelance Fear: Post-tour dread that the phone will never ring again (despite the fact this has not come to pass in your long career…. and you have it …
