So tonight is my final gig of 2008. Playing alongside the brilliant Kate Walsh, the up-and-coming and scarily accomplished (he's only 19 for christ sake!!!) Luke Hyttner and sharing the stage for the first time with the ever popular Sweet Sweet Lies. It's the lovely Sandra from the Cella's birthday and we're all there to wish her a fabulous day.

This year has been a massive leap for me. For those of you that actually read these boring rants I quit my day-job as a phone monkey for American Express pretty much a year ago...and what since?...

well - there were as many highs as there were lows. some peaks were disguised as troughs and vice versa...so that was confusing. I've gigged loads and expanded the 'band' as I went. First off the addition of Dorie Jackson's backing vocals has been a blessing, shaping the sound as we go. Then Rachael Wood's brilliant guitar mastery and the addition of a 3rd harmony...then most recently Chris Britt on bass, you've got to watch the quiet ones...he's fucking great!

We played the Apple Store with Gabriela Cilmi and Wallis Bird (she was an absolute legend..a great girl), I joined Dorie's band and we played a UK tour supporting Francis Dunnery, after griping that 'nothing ever happens' I ended up on page 3 of The Sun with Pete Doherty (neither of us topless thank god!) and then supported him at The Opera House in Bournemouth and my favourite gig ever Hackney Empire....

most importantly I've made some great mates this year and seen some amazing musicians along the way. It's not a bad job I suppose!

But for now... I'm going underground for a couple of months. I've been shortlisted for the Arts Foundation 2009 Songwriting Fellowship which, if I'm successful could free me up properly to make my first record. Canadian Music Week is on the horizon as is another UK tour in March/ April...details to follow.

Keep everything crossed for me...if you don't mind.

Merry New Year...


Emily


xxxx