Oct 4 2007
Thanks to everyone who can along to the gigs on my birthday. I was overwhelmed and just want to say thanks for the pressies, cards and home made cards too. The red went down very well thanks A, D and C. The last month or so has been a turning point for me in my life on many levels and it was important to see my family and friends at this time. It meant a lot really. I am in the process of getting my passport renewed as a trip to the US is scheduled in Feb/March 2008. I am going to travel for a bit prior to making my 4th album. Should be a ripper and the UK is in my sights too so I'll be away for a couple of months.
I am looking forward to gigs coming up at Sovereign Hill this weekend. Had a rehearsal with Kerri Simpson at my house last night and we are gonna have some fun that's for sure. Our Sunday residency at the Prince Albert in Williamstown is going to be a chance to play some new songs and I enjoy the intimate and down to earth atmosphere plus I get to be an audio engineer. Why is it that there always has to be a smart arse in the venue when you sound check who follows on from your "one, two" with a "three, four, five, six." Either that or they grunt and mimic you. It's as though they think you're just doing it all for kicks, like you want to have to say stuff through the PA in front of them. I don't know about you musicians/engineers out there but I really dislike sound checking in front of crowds. It's wrong and it's frustrating. Then you have to say as you fire up an instrument or two, "this is sound check everyone!" It never matters what I play in sound check, it always sounds bad. I think something in my brain says, "this isn't the real gig, don't play properly." So instead I bumble my way around the frets on my guitar and make up stupid lyrics and the bad thing is that some people think you're playing for real. Ha ha, oh the joy of it all. I know now though, given so many years of dealing with strange and challenging live music environments that you could drop me on the moon and I'd be able to pull off some type of performance. It may include moon walking and vocals through a helmet but I'd do my best to make it happen. That's just what you have to do and hey, I'm not complaining. If Neil Armstrong was an entertainer maybe he could have sung the words "one small step for man..." to the tune of Old Man River or even Thriller just to tie in with the moon walking part of his landing.
So anyway, we have quite a few gigs coming up including an anti nuclear gig so keep an eye out for dates on this site or my myspace page as I'd love to see you folks. Ok, so I'll sign off now. Keep rocking out there people and if today isn't the greatest day you've ever had don't worry 'cause you can turn it all around with a positive attitude. Life is tough sometimes but it's amazing what is offered up if we are brave enough to try.
Love and peace, Monique