And so this is Xmas
It doesn't feel like 10 minutes ago that I was sat writing a short blog about 2007, what it brought it, where we were and what our plans for the coming year was. Whilst several of those hopes and dreams were hampered somewhat, The Carnabys are still going strong and we're sounding, playing and writing better than ever.
Back in January we parted company with Andy Lees (lead guitar) after we got to a stage where we felt we'd begun to go off in the wrong direction. Our melodic, acoustic songs we'd written had turned into powerful, driven numbers and it was too much a step in the direction of what we wanted to stay away from. Regrettably we didn't think that Andy was the one to help us back into our 60's bubble that we'd began to endanger and burst and in January 2008, we announced as much and made steps to take the band forward, or backwards, depending on how you view it.
Kevin Evans, a long time fan and friend of the band initially stepped in for us at our 'Carnaby Street Club Night' and being on the theme of "All You Need Is Love" we quickly decided our stand in could step in full-time. After that, there was a real baptism of fire for Kev as we finally got ourselves gigging, supporting Little Man Tate in our home town Leicester and doing Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham and Hinckley in fairly quick succession.
It was like a mini-tour that really tightened us up and began to push us on a level. We had some songs written from 2006 that were suddenly brought to the sets and the over all sound with Kev switching from electric to acoustic really enhanced the set and gave us a nice, all round sound.
2008 would also see changes on the drums however, with Chris Featonby now in the band, being our 4th drummer of the year. In June, Simon Walker decided that after 18 months, it was time for him to call it a day and concentrate on family life with his new family addition in his kid Ellis with his partner Tracey.
Between Walker and Featonby, we temporarily had Lee Happs (The Jack Of Hearts Band) playing for us whilst Phil also filled in at the Birstall Gala back in July. But between Walker leaving and Featonby rejoining (initially left the band in 2006) we had months where relatively little happened and because of it, things went a little stale.
So much in the same way as last year, what were the highlights? Well it's a tough one to call and it now seems so long ago but the February Club Night, Kev's first gig with us, was a blast and absolutely rammed. I had to play promoter, singer and bouncer during the night which was unexpected but a right laugh whilst we were on good form and had the adrenaline carrying us through.
Developing songs with Lee on the sticks was also a massive highlight because without that, we might not have made it through the year the way things were going. Without realising it, some of those sessions were vital. Playing in a packed Charlotte supporting Little Man Tate was a rewarding nights work too whilst the re-introduction of Featonby on drums was by far and away the most important moment for the band and its future progress.
The best gig ultimately was the most recent as we supported 90's Britpoppers Dodgy at The Musician in Leicester on what was a really Xmassy sorta night with a great atmosphere, packed house and a fellow support band on a similar pop ilk in The Falling Leaves.
Disappointments, unfortunately, are to frequent when looking back on 2008 however. The scheduled recording week in Liverpool with Lee Happs on drums and working with producer Fran Ashcroft was sent up in smoke just days prior to our expected departure when Lee had to pull out.
Our gig supporting The Great Northwestern Hoboes was full of nightmare moments including spending the first night in a Travel Hostel with some witch doctor guy who spent the whole night praying and burning incense being one of them. The following morning, we all felt like we'd been drugged and it was fucking horrible. We then supported The Hoboes but were pushed on the bill last at 1am in the morning. Pointless really and we felt a bit aggrieved about the whole thing.
Our recording session earlier in the year at The Cabin in Coventry proved a fruitless experience too when we did a 4 track EP which we ended up throwing away to never be played again. We were not happy with the polished finish, the production, our performance, and the reverb…..any of it. But it was as much our fault as the Paul Samson the producers as we more-or-less left him to it.
But other than that, things were Ok. Are we any further now than we were 12 months back? Well in some ways yes and some ways no. Our songs are better, we're now playing and sounding much better and we think that we finally have it sounding how it originally sounded in mine and Paul's head when we sat down and wrote songs together. But it also feels like January through to October were just a bit of a waste of time. But I guess its in our hand to put that right.
Our plans for 2009 is recording at Toerag Studio's in London and we aim for this to be the recording that makes up the majority of the album that, if we don't have label interest come the end of the year, we'll release ourselves independently.
Toerag is like stepping back in time with old style recording gear, techniques and minds at the mixing desk. So I hope and pray that when I read this in a years time, I'm not thinking, how didn't that happen?
From Toerag, we'll also aim to bring out a single in the Summer which will be met with a six week spell where we gig up and down the country promoting and flogging it to all and sundry. But ultimately, it is vital that we, as a five are kept together and things move forward as a group.
If the last two years are a lesson of any type, its that you can't waste time doing things the wrong way.
2008 was also a sad year, especially for Paul who lost his Mum in the later stages of the year due to illness. Maureen was a huge support to Paul and the music and as an original Beatlette in the 60's, she knew exactly where we was coming from and would happily tell folks of how proud she was of Paul and the band. Our sympathies and thoughts went out to Paul and his old man Les and still do as the year draws in.
Thanks goes to Kev and the guys down at The Shed who as ever were top guys and gave us their continued support in 2008. Nick and Sarah down at Pi Bar for being open minded to us hosting Day Tripper Unplugged at their great bar on Narborough Road and to all the numerous bands we have shared a billing with or supported.
Once again, thanks to all family and friends that have supported us on our journey thus far. To our partners Jade, Laura and Justine who I am guessing are finding it all as frustrating as at any other point since we started and to all those who have come to the gigs we are grateful and very appreciative of the amount of times you guys turn out at our gigs, club nights and ventures to show your support.
Special thanks as with last year, to Rob Baverstock who's helped us along the way and put his hand in to promoting, chairing band meetings and researching all the time for new avenues for us to get ourselves out there. And once again we thank him for all his help and support.
So as you read this, I wish you all the best for both Christmas and the new year and hope that 2009 is prosperous for you and us in every way possible.
Spread the love and enjoy the rock 'n' roll.
All the best,
Luke Williamson - The Carnabys