Hiya Si, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks, half a sugar, or a sweetener if you have it.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
I’m originally from Nottingham…and still here!
I was kind of born into the industry, as my Dad is/was a very well-known [in the early 60’s] British rock n roll pioneer, Vince Eager [Google him!]. He was a peer of Marty Wilde and Joe Brown, so I guess I’m a budget version of Kim Wilde or Sam Brown.
As a ‘ahem’, mature artists, I have been gigging in originals and covers bands since the 80’s. I’ve been writing original material on and off since then. The early bands I was in did the usual merry go round of demos, showcases, trips to London, plus some touring and a bit of TV, without the elusive record deal. Eventually life changed and we all moved on. I carried on as a pro muso for a while, then joined civvy street. I never stopped writing and gigging though.
What’s the live music scene like in Nottingham right now?
It’s really blown up in the past 5 years. Ironically the originals scene seems to be thriving, and the pub covers circuit is in decline. That’s the opposite of the case for many, many years, and great news.
Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
I don’t get to many emerging artist gigs, but the recent success of Divorce has really flown the flag.
It’s also great to see all girl bands doing well. Marty are one to watch, and Girlband have just landed support for a tour with Sting!
Do you think it’s easy to become a victim of our surrounds sometimes?
Of course. It’s hard to avoid, I think. How it shapes you as a songwriter is the interesting bit for me.
Whan I first starting writing, many years ago, songs came easily. Looking back on those tunes both musically and lyrically, the energy was great, but I would pluck subjects out of nowhere; probably because I was so young. Writing now is far more autobiographical.
What are your ambitions for you as an artist?
I’ve been around a while, so I think ambitions change. I’d like to feel as valid and present as possible, but primarily just hope people enjoy listening to what I produce.
What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
I jump between Insta & Facebook. Probably driven more by the core demographic of my audience!
We believe it’s essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to all the different types of audiences out there, what’s your thoughts on that?
I agree, but have stepped away from X, given its ownership profile and associated politics.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
It’s hard to be original, given what’s gone before, but there is an audience for a traditionally well-crafted and produced song. It’s also insanely easy to make, and release songs. End to end, anyone can do it. From an idea to a fully mastered release ready song, in hours.
Thankfully, like fashion, and visual art, it all keeps coming full circle, with bands currently recording to tape and releasing on cassette and vinyl, just like the early 80’s all over again!
Whats your thoughts on AI generated music?
It’s a fine line. If you’d told me 15 -20 years ago, that I could make demos to the current standard, utilising things like Logic Pro Drummer, I’d have snapped your hand off!
As a mainly solo writer, AI can help with writers block too. At the other end of the spectrum, pumping in an average poem, and asking AI to make it into a song ‘in the style of’, is not really cricket…
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Probably, to make music for yourself, and hope other people like it. If your mates or family enjoy it, then ask them to help you promote it, and if they have skills that you don’t, rope them in!
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
I tend to switch between old & new stuff. BBCR6 will be on in the background most of the day, so that’s where you get to enjoy newer bands, like Divorce, Big Thief, Khruangbin. If I’m going back, then a good dose of Neil Young or any Gram Parsons makes me a happy bunny.
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
Way back in the days before PAT testing and risk assessments, it was not unusual to occasionally get an electric shock off a microphone. Sometimes a fizzy tickle, but I know people that were thrown across stages! If it was a muti band bill, with only line checks, you had to suck it up and just make sure your lips didn’t touch the mic for your entire set!
Got any fun, funny stories from life on the road?
Hundreds! Any that can be published? Not many.
We were on a tour as a support band. The headliners were a reasonably successful Scottish pop outfit [let’s leave it there.
They wouldn’t share any kit, backline, nothing – which is not uncommon, and fair enough. Last night of the tour, after they had the obligatory hours of soundcheck, we were squeezed on for a quick line & mic check, prior to opening the bill. House lights go down, walk in music goes on, and everyone starts the pre gig ritual.
In the very dim light of the stage, we managed to cling film the main bands keyboard rig and deposit a ton of talc on the snare drum.
The cling film was discovered prior to them starting their set…the talc was not.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
I have an album out on June 29th. It’s called ‘9 Magpies’. 9 tracks, all original, all new.
The songs on were primarily written and demoed in lockdown. I played the demos to my good friend Tony ‘Doggen’ Foster. He loved them and persuaded me to do an album with him, and agreed to produce, and play on most of it.
Tony plays guitar in Spritualized and Starsailor, plus works on the Dave Gahan Soulsavers projects, amongst many, many other things, so scheduling was the tricky bit! We dragged in Kev Bales, who plays drums in Spritualized, and apart from my sister-in-law on BV’s, that was it. Lyrically the album is about, and for, people; all coming from a place of love.
Musically, I struggle to define a genre, suffice to say, my many years of living, listening and playing have seeped into these songs.
What was the recording process like?
Sporadic, due to Tony’s other commitments, but when we worked together, it was quick.
Guide tracks, drums, most guitars & basses were done at The Mouse House in Nottingham.
That’s Tony’s original studio and has played host to tons of recording and rehearsal sessions.
Quite a lot of the vocal tracking was done remotely.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Everything, and nothing! As a solo artist, without formal management, it’s impossible to be objective. This recent project has taught me to step back and try and look at the music as a painting. Ignore the individual brush strokes, and try to view the whole, not the parts. I’m looking forward to hearing people’s thoughts on the tracks.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I’d obviously love to know what people think of the new music and hope they can find something that musically or lyrically resonates with them. I’ve got new tunes in the demo stage, ready for an E.P. early next year, plus, I’d love to play these songs live. On stage is where I feel at home.
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