Thursday 28 April 2011

FOM FOM FOM

Happy Thursday, blog readers. Just to let you know, my good name is now visible on the front page of the Friends Of Mine Festival website, I'm going to be playing on the Lake Stage at the fest I think, on Sunday 22nd. I'm listed above EIOH which I reckon is odd because they're really good and more popular than me, but I'm also listed above Wild Palms which I think is funny because they're also more popular than me, but a really shit and boring group. So, being interesting and nice pays over being popular and all cool with lots of friends. Yah boo sucks to Wild Palms.

I'm really looking forward to playing the festival, I really hope you can make it as it's going to be a great one. I actually think I prefer playing up in the north now, those northerners are always awfully friendly towards me. If, like me, you are from the south, do come up for the festival anyway: it'd be great to see you there.

All for now!

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Gavin Watson & Kendal

Today I went from my crap home in Clapton to sunny Shoreditch to do a photo shoot with one Gavin Watson. A load of people turned up to look at me doing it, which was daunting (I did know most of them, but even so).

Gavin is known for his Punks and Skins work as well as... other stuff. Look at his blog here.

Here is a picture of Nick Fraser, who was there.


And here's a picture of Tim, who was there as well.


And here's me. Gavin's a good photographer!


In other news, I'll be playing in Kendal for the Kendal Calling house party on the 29th July. More details to follow soon.

Friday 22 April 2011

Flats for the flatless

Next Friday (29th April), London's best punk band Flats will be playing at The Victoria in Mile End in support of the homeless charity Shelter. Other bands on the bill include Miss Cosmos and Cold In Berlin; I'll be coming down to spin a few records as well.

£4 on the door, all proceeds to the charity, it's going to be fun.


Thursday 21 April 2011

M.E.N.

My good friend and label boss Tim Burgess has been kind enough to mention me in the Manchester Evening News, which I'm very pleased about. At the risk of sounding very pretentious, It's also the first time I've been correctly identified as a writer, and the first time Arthur has been mentioned in the same context as me, which is good.

Have a butcher's.

Monday 18 April 2011

Sunday 10 April 2011

God Don't Like It @ The Old Queen's Head

Just another reminder about the show on Tuesday 12th at the Old Queen's Head on Essex Road; the poster is again posted below, and I'm told that I'll be onstage at approximately 9.20.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Thursday 7 April 2011

Only when the loved person is out of reach/Does the love become complete.

Chapter 1

CONVERSATIONS IN ARCADY

'His guardians would fain have had it supposed that the castle did not contain any such guest.'
- The Little Duke

The sun came into the room like pale green underwater light. That was because the tree outside was just budding. The light washed its primrose yellow cover, over the big arm-chair and the couch, and the bookcase which was full of advanced reading. There were some early daffodils in a vase which had been bought in Sweden, and the only sounds were a fountain dripping somewhere in the cool out-of-doors and the gentle voice of the earnest young man with the rimless glasses.
"The great thing, you see, is not to worry. You've never had your share of the war for the time being, Mr Digby, and you can lie back with an easy conscience."
The young man was always strong on the subject of conscience. His own, he had explained weeks ago, was quite clear. Even if his views had not inclined to pacifism, his bad eyes would have prevented him from being of any active value – the poor things peered weakly and trustfully through the huge convex lenses like bottle-glass; they pleaded all the time for serious conversation.
"Don't think I'm not enjoying myself here. I am. You know it's a great rest. Only sometimes I try to think – who am I?"
"Well, we know that, Mr Digby. Your identity card..."
"Yes, I know my name's Richard Digby, but who is Richard Digby? What sort of life do you think I led? Do you think I shall ever have the means to repay you all... for this?"
"Now that needn't worry you, Mr Digby. The doctor is repaid all he wants simply by the interest of your case. You're a very valuable specimen under his microscope."
"But he makes life on the slide so very luxurious, doesn't he?"