LET'S GET WIRED: INTRODUCING AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SCHOLARS

INTRODUCING THE SCHOLARS, FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH THE BAND AND THEIR **NEW SINGLE** WIRED.

Introducing The Scholars.

Since being directed to their MySpace page about a year ago, The Scholars fast became one of my favourite new indie bands. Now, indie is not a genre as many will scream and shout and I agree, it is not. But then, indie in the context I use it frequently refers to the independent nature of whatever it is that is being discussed. In my honest opinion, the fact The Scholars are an unsigned band is a heinous crime given the star quality of not only what has come from them before but even more so with the phenomenal music they are producing today. Their latest single Wired is released on Monday 8^th October as a FREE download. Check it out for yourself and get on board! Share the music, get in touch with the band via their Facebook page, and offer your comments, thoughts and suggestions. Most importantly talk about how great they sound and demand their tunes get played on your favourite radio station and that they must play gigs in your towns. It's still about word of mouth these days folks or tweets of tweeps, if that's your thing.

There are some fine radio stations and shows out there but there’s a whole heap of junk too. The same repetitive noise some of them play should warrant their controllers and presenters be jettisoned into deep space (without breathing apparatus or space suits). What is needed is for them to embrace the true music stars of the future and they need look no further for inspiration than The Scholars. Naming the band as one of a few of my own Bands of the Moment, I’ve featured them on my podcast no less than three times already. While they continue making such kick ass songs like Turbulence, This Heart’s Built To Break and the latest, Wired I will continue to play them again and again. This band is what modern music should be all about! It drives it on for a fan of real hard working musicians like myself and hits home the message that there really are so many amazing acts out there that, for all their brilliance remain just under the radar. Only just though, as these guys are primed and ready for launch. The bottom line is your support for highly professional talented bands like The Scholars, is needed and very much appreciated.  

The band itself emerged in a rather gradual manner, beginning with Adrian Banks and Chris Gillett back in 2007. Both were playing in various other bands until they finally started writing together by the time that year was out. They started big too, by way of writing a full 10 track album called Turbulence. Recorded on a 4 track, they managed to persuade a local producer to record it for them. Cue the addition of a drum playing friend and an initial 3 piece set up was born. Unfortunately, they were a band with an album but no gigs with which to showcase it.

Various individuals came and went as the early days was no doubt more about testing what worked and with whom in what way. How would they build up a live performance making music fans take notice and want to hear and see more from them? How were they going to take those early accomplishments to the next level? It was a constructive process that paid off when a quintet finally emerged by the middle of 2008. Then it was show time as the new complete line-up was ready to be unleashed on unsuspecting (but very lucky) audiences.

That initial album, Turbulence, consisted of various demos of a number of different styles. I’d say it was a work of raw creative genius. I mean this in the sense that maybe not all of the tracks would have been perfect, ready to release or indeed great (they may very well have been all these things, I must add) but much more importantly they were a way, for Adrian and Chris at least, to figure out what they were capable of together musically (and in turn, as a band) and exactly what they may be able to achieve in the future. Five years on and they are still writing together, having produced some of the finest alternative electronic rock songs I’ve had the pleasure of coming across. I was so enthused I found myself returning regularly to their MySpace page anticipating new releases.

Turbulence, the album, may not have been released to the world but the title track was released as a single in 2009 and led to an interview on BBC6 Music with Tom Robinson. Listening to the song it's easy to understand why it generated such interest following its release. It has everything needed to grab your attention and pull you in for more. Superbly written lyrics, striking vocals from Adrian and utilising sounds that embed themselves deep down in the musical parts of your brain. Festival slots throughout that summer followed so The Scholars were on the move at last. Their inclination for doing things on a grander scale seeped into their live endeavours as they won a BBC Introducing Battle Of The Bands after just a few weeks out on the road. The momentum kept building as they were spurred onwards, working hard at playing shows and writing new material. Going on to share bills with the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, The Boxer Rebellion, The Cinematics, The Big Pink, Chapel Club, Animal Kingdom, Wintersleep and A Silent Film, they have also played the wonderfully laid-back and independent Truck Festival as well as Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.

2010 saw the guys become heavily involved with an independent feature film. Turbulence was its name and musical romantic comedy was its game. They played a major role in this venture and Adrian had a starring role, satisfying the acting side of his professional ambitions. Producing the soundtrack for the film as well as being an important part of the story itself meant more exposure for those early songs, especially the terrific tune that is Turbulence but also the likes of Blood Runs Blue. Although still at an experimental stage with regards their sound, the seeds planted from the work on that initial unreleased 10 track album were growing fast and bearing sumptuous tasty fruits. Emulating some of the styles of their favourites bands to an extent, which is only a natural part of the process, The Scholars' own distinct sounds were emerging from their hard work and dedication.



Debut EP, Arrival/Departure was released in 2011 and it was after hearing this I was well and truly hooked on to them. No way was I letting go. My initial thoughts were, sounds similar in style to the Editors. As a huge fan of that band I didn't want just an imitation of course but there was no worry about that with Arrival/Departure because Adrian's uniquely distinct and engaging vocals married with the sweeping electronic synths and powerful melodies provided the perfect mix. Indeed, after hearing this I wanted a full album immediately. If you don't have this EP in your collection I urge you to rectify this situation quick smart. A direct link to where you can purchase this at iTunes is >>here<<.

This Heart's Built To Break was the second single to be released but in January this year and fans got this little gem all for FREE. It is still available as a FREE download so make sure you grab your copy and share the information and link (below) with the world. Again, following the release of this single I desperately wanted an album from the band and while this is selfish of me, I think it will be hard for you not to agree this is something that MUST happen, in time. In order for us to help make it so, we need to ensure we all get right behind this amazing trio right now. That's right, they recently lost two band members but no, not in the sense of having left them behind somewhere. Adrian, Chris and Leigh are not that careless. Producing such great stuff, they cannot be. You will find out a little more about this recent change in line-up from the interview below as well as discovering loads more from the guys themselves.  

Interviewing The Scholars

As the first band interview to be featured on this blog, I shall be eternally grateful to Adrian and Chris who kindly answered this barrage of questions I sent to them. All this for you wonderful readers, listeners and fans of great musical taste to learn more about them and the band. As they launch their latest single, Wired on 8th October let's delve in and when you're done if you haven't already check out the unofficial video for Wired at the top of the page. From Monday 8th I'll also embed the single so you can simply click and be able to download your own copy.

Wired is the first of five new songs the band have for us and what a start for their 'relaunch' as a trio again. I say relaunch but the efforts of former members Tim and Josh are not and never will be forgotten. Wired has everything required to propel The Scholars back into the stratosphere of the modern music world. Brimming with a quality sorely lacking on the radio playlists today it should only be a matter of time before we are hearing them added to such lists in order to do the all important job of vastly increasing the quality of radio output. 

Starting with answering a question about the conception of the band, a brief history from the beginnings up to today, I used some of this information for the above write up. Here's what else Adrian had to say:

We've been lucky enough to do a lot of things a lot of bands at our level haven't but we've had just as many lows as highs and it's still to this day a struggle to make a serious mark in the music industry. It's a broken industry and for any band out there it's so so hard but we keep battling on! Recently we changed to a Trio again. Two of our very close friends just couldn't commit the time anymore and we respected them for there honesty and was so proud of the work they did and the place they got us to today. They will be sadly missed and this year has been particularly hard for us. BUT we're still here and we'll still be making music. 

Who came up with the name The Scholars and how was the name settled upon?

A: Way back in the formation of the band we were struggling for a name, but it came from a visit to Stratford upon Avon when my Dad saw "Scholars Lane" and told us….and it was as simple as that! No legendry story I'm afraid to say! 

As a collective how do you approach the song writing and the recording process? Is there primarily one member who writes etc…? 

A: Me and Chris write the music together, it's just kind of worked that way - we were never adverse to other members contributing, but being brothers and living under the one roof meant we could knock out demo's at a great pace, it just seemed to work. Normally when a demo's finished, we would offer it up to the rest of the band and they would tell us if they liked it or not. We'd work on demos we liked and they developed in our live shows and sift out which ones worked and which didn’t! 

What kind of effect, if any, has the recent alteration in the line-up had on how you make music together as a group?

A: Being a 3 piece has made this process a lot easier and almost more collaborative - Leigh has some great synth pads which he adds for texture and we've been able to really fill out our live shows with some of our new gear which is all operated from the drums! We've also embraced the extra space in our music and explored more keyboard and harmonic ideas. We've written some new songs recently which we are so proud of and can't wait to road test them on new audiences!  

For those reading about you for the first time, having not heard any of your songs, how would you sum up your overall sound? What about the kind of sound you are aiming for?

A: Wow..okay.. a mixture of Electro Rock and 80's new wave with a moody dance feel..something like that.. We never aimed for a sound but it evolved from early demos to definitely the more darker elements of Alt Rock. Due to my low singing voice and aggressive guitars we do get compared to bands we like, but I think its certainly moving away from that into a more defined sound that seems to be quite refreshing to new audiences, which is great! I think in the early days we sounded very like the bands we admired but that’s a natural thing I think. You listen to bands you like, you write music, there will always be crossovers. It's just what you do after that makes things interesting.. 

Chris: The other day someone compared us to The Chameleons, which I thought was pretty cool. It's good that we mostly get compared to decent bands.

Considering Social Networks, it has become evident to me that certainly in the early days and even for a number of years to follow, it requires bands (or indie artists of many areas) to really work hard and relentlessly at self-promoting. Are there still times when you feel like giving it all up and just playing Skyrim instead or heading to the pub after work? What encourages you to keep at it?

A: All the time! And For the record, me and Leigh are massive Skyrim fans and we still somehow fit it in. It’s bloody hard to keep doing. Ideally you want a company to jump on board and manage that side for you.. but its all money. Tim, our former 2nd guitarist and PR man was incredible at keeping the band alive online and working around him not being in the band has been a massive challenge. Chris has really taken it on board to crack on with the emails and talking to management types - with regards to social networking - I like to do that myself - I also design posters and have quite a large say in artwork and image for the band. Leigh is a dap hand at making our videos and editing various things to keep our visual online marketing interesting. We all talk to each other and all have opinions on our online structure and so far it seems to work. Having our own little areas just builds into the larger picture. It’s a lot of time and effort but the buzz we get from playing live and the reaction we get from people when we release stuff is enough to keep going. We all love music and playing and writing – that’s what it’s all about….time for a drink ;) 

Do you think Social Networks (and/or even the internet in general) are helping or hindering real quality emerging talent? Why? (Although let’s face it, Simon Cowell has done his best to annihilate quality talent via the television).

A: It's great exposure for any emerging talent, but at the same time its so saturated its hard to know where to look. The likes of X Factor esq shows really blind what the reality is to make it as a successful act with a career and not quick cash for covers. Some blogs are useful for sifting through the shit – and spotify is a great tool. Anything that exposes people in the right way that can benefit upcoming bands is invaluable to reach the right audience. If you dig a little you’ll find so much more than what TV and Radio1 expose us to.

  

What are your thoughts on how the music industry itself operates these days?

A: Battling with the economic fall and the internet age has shifted the industry to a place where money is few and far between. There's not much trust anymore and it's trying to work itself out, except no one seems to know how. Once the problem with illegal downloading can be worked around things will hopefully pick up, but until then bands are going to have to find new and more inventive ways to get out there – the industry now is enough to put people off getting into making music, maybe we’re crazy?    

What would you say has been your biggest challenge as a band so far?

A: Adjusting to a 3 piece for me, I think we would all say various things - but that or just trying to get out there and finding new ways to do it! Always trying to write a better song is the goal.

C: Agreed. Trying to capture our sound on record has been something that has driven me to insanity over the last 4 or 5 years, and if something is not right to me, it can really create a pretty tense atmosphere. With these new tracks, it was the most relaxed I've ever been in a studio.

  

As musicians, there are no doubt numerous bands and individuals of all kinds of styles that have influenced you all, both in terms of general jamming for fun and professionally. Name just ONE each that you’d have to say has had the most impact on how you ‘make’ music right now.

A: This will divide people but I don’t care….Chris Martin

C: John Frusciante. But Simon Green (AKA Bonobo) has also had a huge impact on the way I make music.

Would any one of you ever appear on a reality TV show if it meant getting the band some exposure? If not all of them, which ones would you refuse point blank to do?

A: Road to V? Otherwise, none of them. We refuse to watch any of them but we can understand why people want to use it as an exposure platform. Just not really us. It does more damage than good. 

You have five really great songs ready to unleash on the world, the first of which, Wired is released on Monday 8th October as a FREE download. What is the impetus for a) releasing them one at a time as opposed to a full EP and b) why for free?

A: We've been advised by companies and friends that singles are the way forward. People are unfortunately losing interest in albums and releasing singles can get you way more exposure than an EP - unless you’re in a position where you have a big enough fan base. 

Explain what Wired, is about?

A: Lyrics I write about are normally based on a personal experience or an onlookers view to a situation. I try to, on the most part get away from telling the listener what I’m thinking and instead provide them with a story or an idea that they can make fit into their world. It always pleases me when people explain their idea of a song I've written even if it's not what I've envisaged. It’s boring to be told what to think, right? Wired is about how someone gets under your skin and knows how to push your buttons. “You know how I’m wired” refers to the fact that everyone feels in control but when someone can control you – just how hard it is to escape them and the effect they have on your life.

What hurdles are in the way of you making a full album and can you see these being conquered? What kind of shape might such a longer record take?

A: One word. Money. – If we were to record an album, it would have to be with some money behind us to really capture what we would want on record. 

Are there any big named bands you would love the opportunity to support on a UK (or even beyond) tour? Which ones? 
A: For me - Coldplay, The National, Muse, Interpol....any pioneering band that we grew up listening to really. I’d love to play with Elbow, just from an advice point of view – they are a real hardworking band.

What about collaborating with any other people musically, bringing them into the band for a project perhaps? Alternatively, any specific music producers you want to work with?

A: Too many to write down but I think we'd all be open to working collaboratively if it was done in the right way with the right people and was interesting for us all! Crossing genres can either really work or ruin you. I guess it’s who you’re aiming for. In terms of producers…umm…really admire Peter Katis, Jacknife Lee, Brian Eno and Jeff Saltzman.

You’ve made it through and are heading out on your first UK headline tour. What qualities or sound in a supporting act(s) would you look for?

A: I’d want to look for a band who have been on the unsigned circuit a while who we may have played with who deserves a break. 

What would you consider has been your biggest and most accomplished gig so far? Does this differ from what you’d choose as your favourite gig?

A: Biggest gig would be supporting The Boxer Rebellion with We are Augustines last year around the release of our EP - it was a fantastic day playing with two bands we hugely admire. 

C: Our Arrival/Departure EP Release party at The Regal in Oxford will always live long in the memory - incredible venue, soundguys and lighting.

Do any of you have any pre-gig rituals?

A: Paying for parking and grabbing a quick dinner…oh and deciding on a setlist. I normally sing in the car to warm my voice up.

How do you like to best unwind after a show?

A: Gah, I wish we say we could but the reality is we don’t. We often pack up and head home. The nearest is probably listening to BBC4 on the way. If the bands we're playing with are good we'll stick around and enjoy the show. Leigh likes to grab a few beers, he's a laid back kinda fellow, except when Tottenham lose. 

Can we expect some shows to come following the release of Wired? Where would you most love to play?

A: We will be doing a few shows around the Midlands following the release. Would love to play...err….SO many! Wembley, Reading/Leeds, Roundhouse and Glasto. Well, in England anyway. Shameless plug, but for our shows, best visit our facebook!  

If you weren’t in a band or into music like you are, what would you be doing with your lives instead?

A: I’m a jobbing actor as well as juggling a music career. I think I’d always want something involved in the arts.

C: If I wasn't in a band I'd still be looking for a job within music.

Music guilty pleasures: Name an album or band/artist you owned or liked when you were a kid/teenager that makes you want to go back in time and have a word with yourself? (if there is one) 

A: I brought a Stained album once. God, it was tripe. Why did I do it?!

C: I bought the single 'Escape' by Enrique Iglesias. No regrets.

I’m aware Adrian is an actor. What aspirations do you have regards that part of your professional life?

A: I grew up acting and it was music that I got into later. I love both though. I trained as an actor and I’m lucky enough to have a great agent who puts me up for loads of stuff - Ideally I’d love to be involved with a comedy series or feature film – but as long as I’m working in either I’ll be happy. I get a different buzz off each. Acting you get to put your stamp on someone else’s idea where as music exposes what you make. You can't hide behind someone else’s work.

You were involved in the making of the independent film Turbulence which has recently been selected for a premier at Edmonton International Film Festival. This should expose the band to more people in a completely different setting, what are your thoughts and hopes on this? 

A: We are so lucky to be involved in this film and I was extraordinarily lucky to be a main character as well as being involved in providing the soundtrack. It’s been some time since we did the film but its great to see it still make waves, especially abroad! It certainly gives us a new audience. It was a fantastic project to work on and we’ll have to wait and see what comes of it.

What are amongst your most important non-musical influences? 

A: For me, the Media in general. I write a lot about how devastating it can be and how it moulds people’s perceptions. I really hate it and the effect it has on society but it’s great to draw on. Other than that….Art, friends and family.

What kind of plans do you have for, say, the next twelve months? 

C: I think we've been doing this long enough to now be realistic with our goals. As long as we can stick to our plans for the releases, and continue to write better songs, then we will be heading in the right direction.



Once again, my sincerest thanks to Adrian and Chris for the above and all the best with the release of Wired.  Keep fully up to date with all things The Scholars at their official page via Facebook. As Adrian pointed out you will find all these gig dates on the Facebook page so go hit that all important 'like' button and prepare for some awesome live shows. Get along and support the band, let's help them get to where they deserve to be!

Banbury Folk Festival - 12th October

Oxjam, Purple Turtle, Oxford - 13th October

AKA, Banbury - 26th October (Free Entry)

The Bell, Adderbury - 3rd November

The End, Birmingham - 23rd November

Winter Warmer, Fat Lil's, Whitney - 16th December

The Scholars are:
Adrian Banks
Chris Gillett
Leigh Taylor

You can (and should) follow The Scholars on Twitter @TheScholars.

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Meet Joe Vampire

Joe Vampire by Steven Luna: A Review

What a deliciously scrumptious tasty treat this book is! Buy it NOW! If you need reasons then please read on although the author’s charming way with the words is magic enough to pull you in once you start reading.

Having finished my previous book I started this one while waiting for a train out of Brighton after a few days away. There I was sitting at the train station, eyes transfixed on my Kindle. I even resisted what is usually a strong urge to people watch while waiting for a connection out of London Euston; I just couldn't tear myself away from the story unfolding before me. For the final leg of the journey home you guessed it, I was glued to Joe Vampire thanks to the masterful skills of author Steven Luna in constructing such a gripping yarn. It became, quite literally, un-putdownable (why is this not yet a word? Come on dictionary peeps, get on it!). It’s a wonder I managed to get myself on to the correct trains although I honestly wouldn’t have minded ending up in the Scottish Highlands if it meant I got to carry on reading this book as I made my way back again.

A refreshing take on the vampire tale, Joe is an ordinary dude who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and for which his reward, or punishment if you prefer, is being turned into a vampire. This, as the ‘event’ becomes known, follows what turns out to be a monumental yet comical misunderstanding while out on a group date. Lesson learned – don’t go on group dates, folks!

The combination of humour and suspense Steven builds up around what actually happened that night as well as maintaining an eventful and observant pace throughout is pure joy. Various plot developments keep you thinking and guessing right up to their respective revelations. So, even when you are forced to stop reading - to ensure you feed and water yourself, shower and change underwear, that sort of thing - the wonderfully constructed style of Joe’s blog keeps you well and truly hooked in. There’s entertainment and plot twists aplenty.  

Steven has managed to write a truly original and thought provoking story in a genre that has become largely lacklustre and monotonous over the past decade. Vampires may well not need the air themselves but this author has breathed some much needed new life into the field. While the set up and story are radically different to, say that of The Sookie Stackhouse novels, it nevertheless delivers something as beautifully unique as did the earlier books in that series which no doubt led to it being picked up for television (And yes I do think Joe Vampire should be adapted thus, or a movie perhaps). Writing it in the form of a blog may not be a completely original idea itself but employing the method the way Steven does makes all the difference here.

He also pokes fun at the glamorous yet trashier Hollywood types of vampire franchises, mentioning no specific names. However, this never comes across as insulting or derogatory, instead it fits incredibly comfortably with the style of comedy utilised. Joe has a very dry sense of humour and a sarcastic wit so sharp you will end up checking your neck for vampire bites when you do manage to pull yourself away. ‘The girl behind the counter was a shade past Oompa Loompa,’ is just one observational line that had me startle those in my vicinity as I read and yelped out with laughter. (What? There is too such a thing as yelping with laughter.)

Joe isn’t the only well rounded character in the mix either as the lonesome newbie vampire details his relationships and interactions with best friend Hube, who is the kind of selfless, even overly helpful at times (he offers to be Joe’s food source but not in a sucker fucker way), buddy you’d need if you were to ever be subjected to this. When he shifts to the nightshift at work Joe is also befriended by a vampire he describes as, ‘a female Yoda with knee socks and knitting needles’. Then there’s the ‘overweight, socially-networked media-marketed vampire hunter from the south, Bo, who likes mud bogs and domestic beer’ oh and doing quite a bit of DIY.

There are even more though so get buying and reading to find out how becoming a vampire can have some really quite serious, if laughable consequences when it comes to the dating game. Dispel all those myths about the Nightwalkers and learn what it’s like from the real deal itself. From the sheer ferociousness of vampire toenails to the best way to round off your fangs several times a day and how to keep your skin from looking too sickly pale. This is very much a vampire book that breaks the mould, treating the subject in a way that instantly connects the reader so much more closely to the main character.

With Joe Vampire, Steven Luna has managed to stamp originality all over a heavily saturated market. If you haven’t already done so then get buying it because at such a fantastic price it’s an awesome not-to-be-missed bargain! Plus, you’ll want to get this first story done and dusted before the follow up is released in the coming months. I’m really excited to find out what may be in store for Joe, Hube and Co and if you read this first volume I’ve little doubt you will be too! 

Check out Steven's Joe Vampire blog for much more about Joe and the author himself with regular updates on what's going on. Steven works tirelessly via Twitter helping to promote fellow indie authors and I'm always happy to retweet these as and when I see them in my feed. Kindle and online publishing is one way forward in this digital age so if you do read Joe Vampire or any other book published this way please take time to share it with your friends. Whether this is by word of mouth (there are still book clubs, right? Oooh, idea sparked for a Kindle based book club maybe?), writing a review for Amazon (or wherever you purchased it from) or via social networks such as Facebook, Twitter & Co, it would be very much appreciated by the authors.

Joe has a page on Facebook > here too.

Music of the Moment:

Each and every time I mention this bit I say how much more of it there is that I'm listening to. I didn't think it possible but this time round there is even more still, so my reviews and specific music-related posts aside I will have to remain very brief.

Of particular note has to be the astounding Sam Beeton. Words really aren't required if you'll just go and check out his website. A 23 year old singer-songwriter from Nottingham, the talent I believe he's already shown is nothing less than phenomenal. 

He's set up something called The Record Club which you can read about on his website. It's a unique idea that puts this artist in direct contact with you in a way that makes you truly feel like these songs are written and recorded for you as fans. I've subscribed to season 2 which has only just begun so it's not too late for you to join and if you do Sam will send you all the the songs already released in that season so you won't miss out if you join later on.

I received my signed, personalised Volume 1 CD this morning with two gorgeous sounding tracks, Call Me the Loner and Something Out of Nothing. 

Needless to say I'll be purchasing the deluxe double CD of Season 1 pretty sharpish. Featuring 22 tracks I cannot wait to hear all the tunes Sam has to offer. I'm already loving the likes of Storyteller, Lie Low Lie while Good Natured Child and Rain Down On You just blew me clean away. Like I said this guy has a talent that belies his young age but this is certainly no bad thing. Something I'm finding so refreshing about Sam is the versatility he demonstrates in the songs I've heard so far.

Check out some of these below along with Sam talking about his Record Club.

 

Also - don't forget to check out Band of Badgers Presents. Episodes 1 & 2 are available via the sidebar or go the relevant posts to download or for the links. Sam will be featuring in the next episode.

Books:

I'm still to start Leiyatel's Embrace by Clive S. Johnson but this should finally be remedied this weekend. It's going to be a book that requires complete and full attention so I want to give it the respect it deserves as opposed to only grabbing an odd 15 or 20 minutes snippets. I do so require more time in which I can do all these things. I believe the recently released sequel Of Weft and Weave is going well. This also has a Facebook page you can check out and like > here!

A very good Twitter friend of mine, Dionne Lister also recently released her book, Shadows of the Realm (The Circle of Talia). Although I read quite widely when it comes to genre, fantasy is probably the one that features more than the rest so having read the blurb I'm really excited about reading this. You can check it out via the link above which takes you to Amazon or it's also available at Smashwords and there's a paperback edition you can get at Amazon via this link > here!

I bought my Kindle copy but will certainly invest in a hard copy too. Just look at that book cover and tell me you wouldn't want that showing off on your book case? I won't be getting it just for that of course but I do still have a fondness for traditional hard copy books.

There are just so many I need to be reading right now. I desperately want to start Game of Thrones by George R R Martin. Not just because I love the TV series which is back for its second season, as much as I really love it.

Films:

If you haven't been to see The Avengers movie yet then I apologise in advance for having to hunt you down and slap your face repeatedly with gigantic stinky wet kippers. Following all the tweetviews I was reading in my Twitter feed after it had been released I was expecting something special and I was not disappointed one bit. It is an amazing film. So beautifully shot and put together. No specific character (nor even the bigger named actors in their roles) hogged more screen time than the other and although there was so much going on and so many of them to keep track of, it didn't once feel too rushed or jumbled up. Mr Buffy, Joss Whedon did everyone proud with this masterpiece. 

And I know this probably means I'm a total geek but there were a number of moments where I actually got goosebumps. I kid you not. 

I highly recommend you get out and see this film, like NOW! Remember if you don't you're going to get a very red face and smell of bad fish!

Tweet Tweet to @roberto_baggins

Interlude #2: Update

As you can tell I'm having to just interlace these blog posts with write ups for reviews for last year's gigs. At least I'm still including them. There just isn't enough time in the day for me to complete everything I want to. I'm not complaining though (well perhaps just a little bit) because I'm actually writing more than I have done in years (technically not including last November's NaNoWriMo but that was fantastic practice), which is the whole point to wanting to write I suppose. Quite why I didn't just do this long before now I don't know. Better late than never so they say. 'It's never too late...' sang Kylie.

I have decided not to write up anything about last year's Seth Lakeman gig purely because I'm attending a gig on his current tour this month (actually this Saturday *excited*). Therefore I will write up a more comprehensive review of that one. I must add, however, he is  a very humble and charming individual to meet. I was fortunate enough to meet him after the gig at the Derngate Theatre last May. He signed my ticket as I'd already got all of his CD's (but foolishly didn't take one along) and it was here I purchased Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman's second album, 2. And thus is how my love affair with Kathryn's voice started! Thankfully I was not in the completely inebriated state I was when I met Tom Mcrae after the first of his gig's I attended in November 2003.

Alas! The podcast isn't ready for publication yet and the article I am writing has turned into a three part series taking in the recording of it, editing it and finally publishing/uploading it to a website. The first part has been really well received so that must mean I'm doing something right.

It shouldn't take me too much longer however, the editing is what will delay me. What can I say? I try and be a bit of a perfectionist even though errors do seep in. Those tricky pesky little bastards! I'm sure they must lie in wait for you to hit the submit or send button confident you've rid your work of all of them. Hit that button and forget about it for a little while. Next day or the day after go back for a quick glance over, just to make sure you really did get the writing voice and flow as it should be. What do you know? A little sneaky bitch of an error. A your instead of you're. This usually annoys me in general posts, updates and emails. I'm not perfect of course and I never make a fuss for this and many other reasons but that doesn't mean I can't still feel annoyed by it.

I've almost finished doing a write up on the bands and artists on the playlist for the pilot so I at least do the right kind of promotion for them directing people to the websites. It's pretty straight forward but time consuming in itself. It is nevertheless interesting as although these are people I've read about in coming to their music there are parts I'd only skimmed previously for some of them. I've loved it all so far and hope I can carry it on.

Anyway things seem to be coming together quite nicely this year and I have several things on the way to keep me busy so expect some write ups of more stuff in the coming weeks.

I've almost finished a review of the Cyndi Lauper gig from last June - what an awesome dudette she truly is.

I want to get up a review of Troll Hunter because for me that film was a real breath of fresh air. I recommend it to anyone looking for something different. This weekend gone I also watched The Iron Lady, the biopic of Margaret Thatcher. Meryl Streep is amazing isn't she? Is there any role she can't play? I'd put good money on her even pulling off a turn as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. Or perhaps Brad Pitt's part in Fight Club? I mean this just to emphasise how great she is. Other actresses must really hate her. Jealousy only of course. She deserves all the success that comes her way and can be forgiven for the Mamma Mia fiasco.

Next weekend I'm seeing Noah and the Whale in Wolverhampton followed by Texas band Shearwater in Brighton the following evening. Then there's the play Anne Boleyn, commissioned by Shakespeare's Globe (Shakespeare's Globe sounds to me like some kind of medieval medical complaint) also in Brighton.

In between trying to work through my 'to read mountain', writing weekly articles for the Graduate Game website, planning and recording Band of Badgers Presents..., updating this blog and planning a late summer trip to Norway I do not know how I'm finding time to sleep at all. Add to this trying to keep up with new music, attend gigs, catch up with TV series I follow (I rarely ever have the TV set on, ever but The Apprentice starts up again this week meaning my BBC iplayer desktop is going to fill up quickly...note to self - must watch Dirk Gently ASAP) and writing my own stuff I really do need to get that time machine sorted. Or at least get working on the time freeze machine Valerie (the banjo playing badger) began before he fell in love with playing the banjo.

Until next time people. Keep well and stay happy!





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