Thanks so much to everyone who came along to show in the sugar club.
The albums been out 2 weeks, what more fitting celebration of that then to play my first dublin headline show. And the fact that it was also my first ever sold out show, well that was just unexpected magic.
I’ve decided that for the first little while it will just be my and my nylon string guitar. There were a few reasons for making that decision. As a musician i’ve always felt completely at home when i’m writing and recording, but the connection with playing live has eluded me. I think it’s probably because up to this point i’ve never had a set of songs that i’ve 100% loved and understood. With this album i know i have a piece of work that i’m immensely proud of, so i thought if i was ever going to find that connection, i would have to take a leap and just play, find the core of each and every one of the songs on my own. And low and behold it seems that it’s worked, I’m finding a joy in these songs beyond what i previously thought was possible. I’m excited to play them to as many people as i possibly can, as often as i possibly can. It’s quite the sea change!
It took me about 20 minutes on friday night to actually get my head around the fact that it was my show, i wasn’t opening up for another act, all those people were there for me. Once i grasped that notion i had so much fun. I chose some of my favourite cover songs to play as well, i even threw in a Joanna Newsom song
called 81 off of her new album, even though i didn’t know the chords and had only written the lyric down from memory an hour beforehand(twas mistakes galore, but such a glorious tune).
Its safe to say i was staggered by the response on the night, during the show and afterwards. I feel so lucky to be able to do this, so thank you to everyone who came up and wanted to speak to me, or take a picture, was happy to oblige.
Got a few days off over the weekend, then it’s back to more shows towards the end of the week, then onto London the following week. Can’t wait to get over there and play, i lived in London for a while in 2008, it’s one of my favourite cities on the planet, so bustling and filled with endless things to do and see, to play there will be a pleasure. To play anywhere right now would be a pleasure!!
I’ve added the lyrics to my website if anyone is interested, they’re safely tucked away in the discography section. Also thanks to everyone who’s sent me pictures of the show last week, as silly as i felt up there with the smoke machines and the lighting rigs, it really dig come across great visually. So hats off to you lighting guy, where ever you may be.
Until we meet again,
James
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