I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on what a massive project November has been for me.
In many ways, the song was a punching bag. I went through one of the darkest periods in my life, and really, the end result was November. It also focused me, and gave me something concrete to keep me busy and active. Even to this day, I kinda miss it, in terms of not having anything to do with it now. It's done, and up for all to see. I keep wanting to re-work elements of it even, so ingrained has it become.
I want to thank an absolute swag of people. You really know who your friends are, when they can hear "something" in your voice; and when they hear that something, all of a sudden the burden gets managed by more than just you.
November's history:
November had become little more than an embryo, when my daughter Jacqui looked across to me and said "what's that? I REALLY like it".
November had grown a little more when my long time friend, band mate and song co-writer Rod Colquhoun, jumped on board, fixed a few lyrical issues (as only he can). Soon after, two other long time band mates, John Greer and Fab Cicero also leaped across. We hadn't played together in 5 years, but it was just like yesterday when we coaxed a little more out of the song. John wrote the fantastic middle 8 and Fab as usual had plenty to say in terms of song structure and polish.
Enter, Peter Blyton, Producer and God of bass. Peter was our Producer in Cherrypickers since we started, and again, hearing that little "something" in my voice brought him down to the 'gong to help with the delivery. He brought along a specialist Surgeon in John Spence, maestro extraordinaire, who just happened to have a string section in his pocket.
Thus, November was born. An incredible team of creative people bound by years of gigging, touring and recording. Man.. have I missed them.
The video came about with another bunch of geniuses. Ben Shepherd, Chelsea Buckley, Trish Farriss, John Zelvis, Dave Layland. Peter Benjamin, Blue Mountains Matt and really, the list goes on and on.
The amount of willingness and support I received during this process was amazing. The feedback I continue to get from people who are seeing it now validates how I felt about it when the song came to life.
November must be a sombre time of year. Guns 'n' Roses captured it perfectly in "November Rain" and I've since found myself jumping on board the "
Why the hell is November such a month of contrasts" band wagon with my little tune.
I hope you like it.
James
November