My bloody mouth....

 ....

I’m writing from a place of recovery. I’ve been in hospital for  a ‘routine’ nose operation. No, not a nose job - although some might say it would have been appropriate. Not the NHS who are strict about the essential nature of such things. It’s called a Septoplasty. Nasty. The hope is, I will be able to breathe more easily. Anyway, ‘recovery time’ gives me the opportunity to do all the things I normally fret over having too little time to do. That was the plan anyway…....

 ....

That’s the thing about being a bit poorly. You don’t actually feel like doing very much. Which is why the clever doctors prescribe rest. Rest and drugs. I’m pill popping pain killers and re-discovering daytime tv.....

 ....

Warning: too much daytime tv can lead to brain rot and adds to a growing paranoia. Is it just me? I’m not convinced Tamiflu is the answer?....

 ....

Although, on the upside,  I now know the value of a pair of Royal Doulton candlesticks circa 1956. Have a good idea what it would take to score an average of 8 in Come Dine with Me (lots of booze and meat, no party tricks especially magic and nudity). And lastly, I’m quite suspicious of that Jessica Fletcher who always seems to be at the murder scene…but is never a suspect?....

 ....

The best news is, it doesn’t seem to have affected my voice. I picked up the guitar today – nothing wrong with my hands – and belted out a number. Well, in my own way. ....

 ....

Some might say the operation will enhance my singing voice. Here’s hoping I get to sing for you again.....

 ....

It’s time to log off and wash away the taste of blood. ....

Apologies to the squeamish.....

 ....

I wish you all good health.....

With blessings....

dx

LOOK
Two great bits of news. The first is my EP 'Happiness + Victory' has been included in the latest ZINE from Artist 'Best One' - available in London's 'b store' on Savile Row.

Last night saw the launch of the Fanzine/Art journal 13 and installation within the store. Using imagery and artwork from the zine, alongside his latest collage work, and was also mentioned on 6 Music today (nice one!). It's on until March 2nd. Copies are £15 and extremely limited so don't miss out!

The mix of work also includes contributions including photographic images from established photographers, RETTS WOOD, NEIL CHESTER and TOMMY ROBINSON, illustrations from REY GAUTIER and BEN ROBINSON, an exclusive piece of artwork from MEHRNOOSH KHADIVI & CAROLINE SMITHSON of art collective CRAFTWORK and drawings by SAHAR GHANBARI.
 
b Store, 24a Savile Row, London.
http://www.bstorelondon.com/art47.aspx

LISTEN
Please tune in to BBC Southern Counties and if possible text/email in with your feedback live on Sunday evening. Phil Jackson has selected to play 'The Brave Favour The Sea' as part of the weekly demo panel, which will take place on his popular show 'South:Live' this coming Sunday (Feb 8th) on both BBC Southern Counties Radio and BBC Radio Solent. Full details below!

It's a great opportunity and I appreciate your participation - so tune in and sing along... 'and the brave .. favour the sea... but it's toooooo cold for me....'


7-9pm Sunday evening
BBC Southern Counties Radio and BBC Radio Solent
Listen in Brighton on 95.3
FM Listen in Sussex & Surrey 104-104.8 FM
Listen in Solent & Hampshire on 96.1 FM
Listen in Dorset on 103.8 FM
Listen on-line www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties
Listen on-line www.bbc.co.uk/radiosolent


I have lots more to tell. Soon. Very. Very. Soon.
Thanks for looking. And listening...
X

Things have been crazy-in-a-good-way!

I can't wait to share with you all, the new recordings, the EP with its lyric booklet and superb photography (by Gill Orsman) and the footage recorded during these exciting times! I took my camera along on the shoot (with eco stylist Rachel Holland) and attempted to capture some 'video-diary' stuff. Also, Ben from Cathartic Studios has been following our live shows and that will soon be edited into what I hope will provide a wonderful insight into this part of the journey!

Next up, further along the coast, in BOURNEMOUTH at THE BOURNEMOUTH FOLK CLUB
on SUNDAY 5TH OCT we'll be supporting ALEX ROBERTS, £5 entry.

Then...
Hold on to your pants...
It's our EP LAUNCH PARTY at THE SANCTUARY CAFE, BRIGHTON.
WEDS 8TH OCTOBER

If you don't have tickets already...
Tickets are on sale now through TICKETWEB at £5, or on the door...
The night will be spectacular - with great performances lined up and
special treats in store!

Here's the link:
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_south&query=detail&event=288092

Then, just added, we're playing at The Hope in Brighton supporting Christian Cuff from the States no less!!

The EP 'Happiness + Victory' is in production now and I'll forward more news on how to get a copy soon. In the meantime - be great to see you at a gig perhaps?!

All the best, and thanks for your support.
Love + Light
Donna Xx

Apologies, I've been gone too long.
Bad girl.

Here are some of the activities from the last few months...
My 'excuses' if you will...

1 Recording 5 tracks (some you'll know, some are new!) to form the fabulous new EP
2 Discovered the joy of playing the glockenspiel
3 Quick jolly to Italy, the lakes, amazing...
4 Bit of tanning involved in No.3, more 'crinkles of happiness' but worth it
5 I've written more poems but I'm hiding them
6 A singing retreat in Seaford, yes, singing at a retreat
7 Saw The Copper Family at The Greys this week, I chose whiskey over ale...
8 Set up 'Lyrically Speaking' to release my music and produce interesting live shows
9 Signed up to Twitter, I'm not sure why
10 Wrote a new song on the tanglewood, capo on 4, about envy


Ten is enough!
What have YOU been up to?

i'll be honest whilst everyone else is preparing for The Great Escape, I have escaped. I'm in Torquay, Torbay - what IS the difference? Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the 3 day extravaganza that is Brighton on music heat. Unless I'm playing, I'm not staying, I said. Not in a drama-diva manner you understand... but having explored this particular escape before - both times - I felt this was the correct escape response this year.

So, I'm staying in a caravan. Laugh all you want. This is Britain. This is real living. I may not have tattoos and bring home cases of Grolsch for the evening like my neighbours (in Van R3) but I feel certain realism exists here.

I'm with family. Ranging from 3 to 70 plus. Four of us including me. We have our plot of land. The van consists of - as advertised - 3 bedrooms - you can't argue with that fact, however mine was made for a child. I sleep mostly in a V shape - that is I can't stretch out my legs. I may return with a permanent curvature of the spine (please don't pass comment at the next gig). It's knees up (back position) or legs out (side position) - however - don't be fooled into thinking the latter is any real possibility - it isn't for any real length of time (i.e a night's sleep).

Sleep depravation aside, it's been fun. I've barely written a thing and left the guitar home alone - purely down to car space. I've eaten lots of Devon fudge, I've played lots of scrabble and cards (crib, benny, killer - hardcore family card games we were taught to play at a tender age - developing my competitive streak early on).

It's been mostly sunny bordering tropical. Today a change in weather. Straight to thunder storms, lightening, downpours... this is where the 3 year old really comes into his own. A plastic gun (also known as a bang bang) is required to get through the night. So, good night, sleep tight with a bang bang close by and don't let the mini-bed bugs bite.

Same Same, but Different.
Blog from Thailand - Week 2

My carbon footprint weighs more than a tuk tuk full of noodles. I’ve clocked up plenty of miles. From Brighton to Bangkok, to Cambodia to Koh Samui. There’s more to come...

I’m staying over night in Na Thon - the ferry port, so, fairly touristy in contrast to other parts of the trip so far...

Highlights include a blessing from a Buddhist monk, a lone elephant trotting alongside the Mekong River and swinging in a Thai cotton hammock...
I should therefore also mention some contrasting experiences... gunshots in the apartment upon arrival Cambodia, an invasion from the ’ant army’ - red ones - THEY BITE, and a terryifying ’slash’ exhilarating boat ride to reach Koh Phan Ngan in the darkness of night...

...all add up to a wonderfully rich experience so far.

In the jungle I consoled myself with the question "what creature makes that noise?", and reached for the ear plugs...

Things I’m enjoying in no particular order... my ipod (new purchase and loaded with some cracking tunes great for bus journeys), mozzie net (lifesaver, literally), mozzie relief cream (self explanatary), photos so far (digital slide show plus pics from home...), Singha Beer (pronounced ’SING’ - perfect!!) and of course the glorious sunshine (I hear it’s raining back home...?)

Next up... Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.
Toodle Pip,
Donna X

Note to Self...
I am tempted to start a lot of songs with '...And'.
It's as though I'm constantly mid-conversation, or thought.
Which is an accurate description really... always doing something... going somewhere...

Anyway, 2008 - what a start.
Gigs have been flowing in quicker than you can say MONKEY CHEWS!
Talking of which I took up the opportunity to record our gig there in February so watch out for more on that... I'll post something you can let your ears rest on.

Rejuvenated by a stripped back sound - myself on guitar, vocals and melodica with Nelson Day on guitar and backing vocals. It works. I'm sure the cello and percussion will be re-introduced when the time is right, but for now this is it, and it's plenty.

We supported Phoenix Williams for Deuce at the newly refurbished Sanctuary Café - with its bare walls and pregnant silence. It was a knock-out night with great performances from Phoenix, Meri and Afterspark.

Radio too... Local Radio-Star Sean Creed of Radio Reverb, invited me on the Show. It took a while to follow up his offer but it was fun and paved the way for more. I'll post some of that up here too. We had a good gossip about band ethos, songwriting approach and other obscure diversions that only radio can get away with...

Progress has been made on the website and press pack...
I'm working with local Promoter and Management team KONG PROMOTIONS since they ventured into more acoustic, americana arenas... suiting my mood and tender offerings. They are working out support tours and things for the South East initially, then the world.

The next releases - still undecided whether it will be 'the album' or a 'very special' EP, are underway.

I've hand printed some new flyers and made limited edition book marks.
Well, it wouldn't be me otherwise?

But really its all about the songs.
So far, I'm thrilled with the new ones... like babies you set them free and hope they can stand on their own.
I'm passionate about Hello Shanghai, Stone and Changing Man. All will feature on the next release.

Check back soon for more.
I may even write from Bangkok, off there this week.

Well, why not?
I write more when I'm in motion....

Enjoy the Spring bloom and all she brings,
Peace + Light
Donna X

ps a massive thanks if you came to a gig, showed your support, bought a cd, became a myspace friend, signed up for the mailing list or showed an interest in my work. Much appreciated xx