Hello all.

It's my birthday and I appear to have become white trash. It's only 11am and I'm already on the beer, wearing a football top and waiting for the sport to begin. Getting old disgracefully seems to be my intent.

Please check out Mr. Julian Perretta in my top mates. I've been working on a few songs for his debut album and he's put a song on today that is one of my favourites. It's called "Words To Love Me" and his vocals are fantastic on it.
He's also a fantastic dancer, his particular favourite being Vogue by Madonna.

Anyway, I've got to make a huge hangover for tomorrow morning so better get on it.

Dave.

This is a review from the Jazz Bar gig in August. Haven't had a review in years!


Chris Townsend, a relative newcomer supporting David Sneddon, opened the show and gave a confident performance. He has a strong voice, tuneful in the upper range, with a pleasingly gruff edge when he projects at a lower register. His guitar style is robust but does not drown out his singing. Whilst performing, he created on-the-spot layers to his music by line-looping on a synthesizer to produce background bass, guitar and drums.

With one exception his material was his own. Some songs, e.g. 'What are you waiting for', were taken from his EP of that name. All you can say was a brand new number getting its first airing. All of his songs were well-crafted with good lyrics. He also has the ability to put across a song which was evidenced in his only cover, a version of Crowded House's Don't dream it's over, which went down a storm with the audience. Chris Townsend will be recording his debut album in October (due for release next January). He is definitely a performer worth looking out for

David Sneddon in his alter ego is the lead singer of an upbeat band called The Martians. Much of his time, however, is spent performing acoustically in clubs. In this world premiere performance he was ably accompanied on acoustic guitar by fellow Martian, John Kielty. (Kielty is currently working on Sundoe, a musical about Zombies commissioned by impresario, Cameron Macintosh and due for performance at Eden Court in Inverness this November.)

David on stage is very much a fresh-faced, cheeky chappy until he gets behind his piano and then the serious performer takes over. He puts his heart and soul into his music. He played all his own songs, seven in all: the rather poignant, One old soul; the autobiographical Time; Lady Lullaby; Insomnia; Wish you well - my personal favourite; 'White noise', the title track from his current album and finally, by audience request, Stop living the lie.

Sneddon is strong on the piano and is undoubtedly a good singer. His delivery is honest and unaffected which allows the audience, not only to enjoy the natural qualities of his voice, but also to focus on his lyrics which are at some times touching whilst at others provoking and edgy. They are always thoughtful and intelligent. He comes across very much as a person who does not take himself too seriously but as someone who has given total commitment to his music. He clearly enjoys performing.

The audience last night was quick to pick up on this and an immediate rapport was established. As he said, music has been good to him. By forsaking the bubblegum world of pop offered to him through his success in 'Fame Academy' and allowing his depth to show, David Sneddon has in turn been good for music.

© Ruby Soxer. 25 August 2007. First.published on www.EdinburghGuide.com



Not bad eh? You'd almost think I actually know what I'm doing ;-)

It' s a bloody pain in the arse. Chris Townsend and I ended up walking about for ages (till about 5am) with no success after our show. Is it too much to ask that a couple of songwriters get some chips after a hard nights drinking, after a hard nights work? I shall write to my MP. Except my MP is in London, so not sure he'll care to be honest.

Edinburgh was magic. All 3 nights were sold out and the audiences were immense (have to say Saturday in particular was mind blowing!!) If I can keep doing what I love as a writer but play these sorts of gigs, I'll die happy... not sure I'd be happy about dying but you know what I mean.

It was also good fun to join The Martians for a couple of songs on the streets of Edinburgh where it all began 5 years ago. They were in top comedy form as always and it made John look like he had an extra friend... so good for him.

Went to see Razorlight supported by Editors the other night. It was so good, I am now officially a fan of both. Always liked the music but now I will find out where they live and send them items of my clothing, asking for something from them in return, like hair or blood.

I am going to set up some more gigs in the coming weeks although my schedules are starting to clash a little, but I think it's fixable. I am playing party in the park at Scunthorpe FC on the 9th September, so fingers crossed the weather will be ok.

That's all. Am off to sleep for a few days as I haven't since last Wednesday.

 

Dave x

It's nearly time for the Edinburgh Festival. Fekin magic.

It's been 5 years since I was last there (can't believe it) with The Martians and it's nice to know not much has changed! I am planning on going out busking with them (they want to kill me but it won't stop me, I'm dangerous like that) and my good friend (I actually hate him) John Kielty is playing guitar for me during my 3 night run at the Jazz bar on Chambers street on 23/24/25 August.

I remember how weird some of the other buskers were the last time I was at the festival. There was this one guy with a violin, who came over to us at the end of our set and asked us to stop because we were taking up too much of the crowd. Kielty got so mad and starting going on about our rights and it being a free street and other pish like that. I thought he was going to hit the guy with his own violin. Since then John has had serious help for his rage issues, and is a firm animal rights activist working on stopping animal testing. So serious is he about this matter, that he has started to test make up on himself to take the pressure off some of the lab rabbits. You can often find him at the clinique counter in Debenhams.

Dave Mullins is going on holiday next week so is missing the gig on the 18th and the festival. I find this unacceptable and he shall be dealt with severely. Perhaps a dose of Anthrax will teach him.

Jay and I have been writing some hard core R n' B for an exciting project in the last few weeks. It's been fun. I usually write music based on melody, so it has been a good learning experience for me to work on music focused on beats and production. I have been doing the guide vocals for the tracks. I am Beyonce'.

GOOD BYE

ps Have you heard the new James Blunt song? The music snobs will hate it, I think it's great. Sounds a lot like Fleetwood Mac.

I AM SOOOO SORRY ABOUT THIS!!

There have been some major fuck ups today regarding gig cancellation! I have no idea where the problem has risen from (nothing to do with me) but I think there was a situation with instruments at gigs. Anyway, I am told that live at the lake will be on 18th Aug and party at the park has been re-scheduled for 9th September. I'm going to wait till tomorrow to put them back on here, but it seems it's fine. The gig on the 1st Sep is still off as far as I know.

SORRY!!!

Dave x

I've just heard that the Party In The Park gig this weekend at Scunthorpe football ground has been cancelled due to the continued bad weather we are having. I'm sorry to anyone who had made arrangements to travel, but I've only just found out myself. This show will be re-scheduled in the coming months when the weather eases.
I was looking forward to it... bloody weather.

Think I'll go to the cinema instead. Transformers and Simpsons are both out this weekend, so not all bad.

So, have been presenting Keep Off The Grass on BBC radio Scotland. So far the feedback has been great. People saying I sound very calm, relaxed, funny and natural. All very kind. Now let me tell you the truth...
I'VE NEVER BEEN SO FEKIN TERRIFIED IN MY LIFE. Sorry for shouting.

On the first show, the first 5 minutes sound like I've swallowed a bucket of speed. Not only were my palms sweaty (as often happens in moments of high anxiety) but my ARSE was sweating (which is not so common). The entire thing passed in a blur, which has twice included my proclaimed love of old people. I'm starting to sound like a romancer of the elderly.
I've done some crazy shit in my time (I suppose Fame Academy being the most surreal) but I've never been so scared and unprepared for something in my life. Thing is, I'm enjoying it too. It's the first time in a while I've been out of my comfort zone and I think it's good for me. The traveling back and forth from London is starting to do my head in a bit, but I can put up with it (apart from people who snore REALLY LOUDLY on planes. How the hell can you snore louder than A JET ENGINE?!)
Anyway, I'm a bit more calm about the show now, so good times.
Shame about Andy Murray missing Wimbledon. I think he's awesome. Some people don't like his moaning attitude but tennis can be so fucking boring I think you need someone like that. Don't you think Wimbledon would be more interesting if the tennis balls were set on fire?

I have a man in my bathroom today. I haven't got him tied up in there or anything, but he's fixing all the pipes. It's weird having a stranger in your house. You feel like you have to tidy up everything for fear of what the plumber thinks of your hygiene. Also, he's only been here 10 mins and I've already offered him tea, coffee, Juice, squash, breakfast, dinner, lunch and some gold. Aren't people weird?!

More gigs to be announced soon.
All good x

I haven't been on this site for about 3 weeks. Have to admit, it's good to get away from it for a bit and live in the real world. I've also been without emails cos we moved house. It has been quite nice. Like an electronic holiday. Not like Tron, which would be an actual electronic holiday. More like when you have a black out and sit in the dark with candles, or go out looting for electronic devices and leather bound books.
I've been busy though. Trying to get as much writing out of the way as I can before I start my radio show next week. Still can't really believe I'm doing it. It's a scary thing to do with my limited knowledge of music and football, but I'm sure I can distract the audience who see through my charade with some clever tact. Perhaps the promise of a biscuit or Jack-in-the-box.

I watched Scotland defeat the mighty Faroe Islands last night. We were an unstoppable juggernaut on our way to massive European success, (Thank God for Shaun Maloney's free kick, I was starting to panic). I love being a Scotland supporter. We're the most unreasonably optimistic football supporting nation on earth. I genuinely believe that we'll qualify for Euro 2008, even though we're in a group stage with the 2 world cup finalists, and the Ukraine who have Andre Shevchenko (although he's been a bit poor this season at Chelsea). Football is good. It cancels out all pain including hangover.

I've got a gig on the 29th July at Scunthorpe Football ground with a full band. Can't remember any of the details right now but will put them on here.

That's all.

David

ps If you haven't yet discovered the wonder that is Heroes, I urge you to seek it out and glory in its' easy watching television splendor.

Good Times.

Sooooooooo....

Gigs! Good. It's nice to be thinking about playing again. Although I have forgotten all my songs and learned a whole bunch of new chords. The last 8 weeks have been very rewarding as a writer, and it's odd having to think about my own songs again. Am rehearsing today for the first time in ages, and I have a great new way of teaching Dave Mullins my new songs. If he plays a wrong chord, I shall set him on fire. I'm also thinking of using that as the finale to the set... although I would have to keep a hose nearby so that he only suffers superficial burns (I do have 4 gigs coming up).
I've a few other gigs that I will announce on here soon.

My dates for Keep Off The Grass have changed. It will now start on the 16th June. (Same times and everything)

What's the deal with Cricket? I've been writing from home at times, and had the world cup on in the background. I watched it for 10 mins once and no one made any runs but everyone seemed really pleased. It also appears to me that the Australians are robots who can't be beaten. Also, how can Scotland possibly have a team at the Cricket World Cup? I have never once seen anyone in Scotland play the game, or stand around at the bar asking over a pint if anyone had watched the cricket.
I have seen a child eat a cricket, but that's an insect, not a sport.

So, in conclusion, everything is good.

Dave x

As of Saturday 2nd June this year, I will be presenting a new radio show for 5 weeks on BBC Radio Scotland called "Keep Off The Grass". It'll be an afternoon show taking over from "Off The Ball" (my favourite radio show by the way) during the football close season. It's basically going to be me taking a look at summer without football, including transfer rumours, other sports, music, and anything else I feel like talking about.
We recorded a pilot a few weeks ago and it was pretty funny, so I'm really looking forward to it.
You'll be able to hear it on Radio Scotland or live on-line (I usually listen on sky channel 0116!)
As I'm writing like  crazy son of a bitch at the moment the gigs are on the back burner, but for anyone who managed to get a ticket for the Oban gig on the 23rd this month (now sold out) I'm going to be playing some new stuff, so see you there!

Good Times.