As 2008 is nearly over, I suddenly had a real sense of pride in all my hard work and what I've achieved this year music-wise. So I wanted to share my accomplished mood and thank anyone who has helped me or been a big part of what I've considered a pretty good year!..
In no particular order:
1) My Website: louisegolbey.com was officially launched. Special thanks to Craig Gell for his amazing design skills - and for creating my logo - which I absolutely love love love!
2) My Acoustic Sessions EP was released. Special thanks to Rochelle & the SEB collective for all their help producing the CDs and for making my EP Launch night extra special.
3) Acoustic EP release on iTunes
4) Radio & Newspaper: My own whole page newspaper feature in the Bournemouth Daily Echo (see previous blog for details), a live radio interview on LifeFM and various other stations playing my tracks.
5) My Music Video for my single 'Cling to Me', and release of the track on iTunes. Special thanks to the very talented directors: Paul Vickery & Khaled Lowe.
6) Support Slots: Supporting UK soul legend: Omar (Bernie grants Arts centre), Vula (Basement Jaxx) and Kele Le Roc (both at Jazz cafe). I Blame Coco (Hideaway).
7) Playing at venues I've dreamed of performing at: The Jazz Cafe (twice), The Roundhouse and Ronnie Scotts to name a few…
8) Guest Appearances and Collaborations: I've done backing vocals this year for the very talented: Broadcast 2000 and Lyric L, recorded vocals for UK Hip Hop act Example, various advert pitches & a few other artists. And I even got on stage to do guest vocals at a couple of low key acoustic gigs with Mr Hudson (who is now working with Kanye West. He's doing alright really...!!). I also continue to write with Yolanda Charles, John Landau, James 'Chas' Chappell, FM Umlaut and Natural Habitz (U.S).
9) Millions of Gigs. (well about 60 to be exact) in all sorts of venues across London and beyond from seedy basement bars to the Royal Ascot Racecourse! Not forgetting singing at various friends' weddings throughout the year! Special thanks to my wonderful talented musician friends for playing on these gigs. Howard Peacock, James Chappell, Matt Dufour, Olly Blackman, Matt Calvert, John Calvert, Mat Smith, Lee Hayter, Robin 'Rescue Cat' Sherwood, Johnny du Toit, Jnay, Joseph Junior, Nadine Allen & Ama Oliver . You are all amazing.
6) Working with Mercury Music Prize Nominee producer Drew 'Beats' Horley, most famous for producing UK Hip Hop act TY and Soul sensation Natalie Williams. (Watch this space for my new tracks coming very soon.) Get excited. I am!
7) Professional Photos by Alex Winn: alexwinn.com & Ruth Roxanne Board. Two very talented people. It was a pleasure working with you both.
8) Being a Finalist at the Indy Music Awards 2008 for best Soul, Jazz Funk act – getting to go to the red carpet awards ceremony at The Forum.
9) Thank you to my friends for coming to support me at gigs and buying my EP.
10) SPECIAL THANKS to my three favourite J's: Johnny du Toit, for being so talented & always helping me out at the last minute. Joseph Quashi for his constant support & encouragement (& for rapping on my new track!), and last but not least my dear brother Jonathan Golbey – you are amazing, I owe so much to you for all your help this year.
So there you go. Who knows what 2009 will bring. Onwards and upwards I say.
Have a great Christmas y'all and a very Happy New Year!
Love from Louise xx