The Micawbers

Colorless Green Ideas Sleep Furiously

2011-12-13T02:54:00.000-08:00

The one thing which insults most is mediocrity. I can't tolerate it around me and I certainly can't associate with it. This accounts for the long drawn out silence of The Micawbers.

I was playing some of The Micawbers demos to my friends The Small Hours a few days ago. Needless to say narcotics were to blame for this reveal, but it may of helped.

Everything has been deleted. Ground zero.

It begins in earnest....

John Lennon (9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980)

2011-12-08T02:46:00.001-08:00

If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or music, then in that respect you can call me that... I believe in what I do, and I'll say it. (John Lennon)

The Micawbers Playlist - November 2011

2011-11-10T19:18:00.001-08:00

Chelsea 3 Arsenal 5

2011-10-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

Five Facts About The Micawbers

2011-10-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

Five facts about The Micawbers this week.

1) Listening to lots of Led Zeppelin.
2) Obsessed with two new shows - American Horror Story & Homeland.
3) New song in the works, Good Dog Down.
4) Second new song in the works, White Coats & Red Walls.
5) Despite our best efforts we just can't get into (American) Football.

Many Flavours

2011-09-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Yet another successful night in the studio. Things are interesting now. Many flavours. Getting more and more excited.

Moving Forward

2011-09-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

Yes I know it has been a long time since there's been an update on anything music related, and for a band I appreciate that this is a bit weird. But hey, who said conventionality was the goal? What I can let you know is recording has been moving along nicely and, although nothing is ready to be heard outside of these four walls, things are moving in the right direction.

For now we'll keep updating our Facebook wall with things that cheer us up, and we are often chatting on Twitter (although a little less lately since we've been working on music...what a novel idea!)

So thanks for your patience and here's to moving things forward.

The Micawbers

The Micawbers Playlist - August 2011

2011-08-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Does Katy Perry REALLY make Hot 100 History?

2011-08-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

When an artist that I perceive as shit makes it into 'HISTORY' I get really really annoyed. The press clamber on top of the story without really thinking about the implications of what they are writing about. This isn't me being dramatic, this is me guarding the vaults. Is the name 'Katy Perry' really equal to 'Michael Jackson' as an artist? According to the press...yes.

All of the songs on Bad were written by one man, Michael Jackson, apart from Man In The Mirror which was written by Siedah Garret & Glen Ballard. Looking at Katy Perry's album we have the following writer credits -

Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Benjamin Levin, Bonnie McKee, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Sandy Wilhelm, Ester Dean, Joshua Colman, Stacy Barthe, Monte Neuble, Greg Wells & Brian Thomas.

I mean COME ON!!!! Can we please not belittle the massive achievements of geniuses by comparing them with talentless morons who can't even sing a note let alone write a song like Dirty Diana.

Jog on.

Move it forward...

2011-07-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

When you spend so long on something it becomes massively diluted to an extent that it no longer means anything.

I think that we've hit that wall.

Self imposed deadlines have been drawn.

R.I.P Gerard Smith of TV On The Radio

2011-04-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

We are truly saddened by this news. Our thoughts to his family, friends and fans.

The Micawbers x

Happy Birthday @soundtrackfan93

2011-03-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

Disaster in Japan - Donate to the Red Cross

2011-03-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

Title says it all. Help Japan by donating to The American Red Cross HERE.

The Will To Power

2011-03-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

"Try not to make a sound, as you creep across the ground, they are waiting for you."

New Edition to The Micawbers Family - Oli

2011-03-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

We would like to introduce the newest edition to The Micawber family, Oli the chihuahua! He is Ziggy's (The Micawber's chihuahua) British cousin. We look forward to meeting him later in the year when we visit the MotherLand.

The Micawber Studio Shots VI

2011-02-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

I hate to admit that we've done more work in the studio the past three days than we have for the entire year. That's really awful. But when the moment takes you, it takes you. I think we've finally hit our stride.

In the past four days we've programmed the drums for four tracks, along with a rough bass track for each. Even at this early stage we are beginning to get that excited feeling.

Here are a few shots from the studio that we took today:

More can be found on our website here.

Much love,

Adam

The Micawbers

The Micawbers - Favorite Tweet Of The Day: Part 2

2010-11-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

Bacon is our bitch. We want it all the time! RT @Freyza_: @TheMicawbers bacon is my loverr!!

The Micawbers Studio Shots V

2010-10-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Lyrics are still a work in progress but much closer than a week ago.

The Thunder Conts

2010-09-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Pub quiz. Good times. Team name - The Thunder Conts.

The Micawbers Studio Shots IV

2010-09-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

LBM: The Micawbers

2010-09-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

"And the sound of it falling away was just so compelling...

And through your fervor it shows." (LBM: The Micawbers)

All Hail William S. Burroughs

2010-09-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Successful lyric writing, but now time to cut-up. Here come the madness letters...

The Micawbers - Favorite Tweet Of The Day: Part 1

2010-08-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

win > @TheMicawbers: Spotted Dick > @notwoodyallen: a tijuana ham sandwich! > @tornadoliese: name a food that is funnier than a taco salad.

All you need is love

2010-08-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to @meggytron & @supjoya for the above.

Follow us on Twitter @Themicawbers

Su, Su Studio...

2010-04-28T21:04:00.001-07:00

The Micawbers Studio Shots III

2010-04-16T22:26:00.001-07:00

The Micawbers in San Francisco

2010-03-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Micawbers were on holiday in San Francisco this last weekend...good times! Soundtrack for the weekend? Easy:

Rolling Stones

NIN

David Bowie

The Veils

Depeche Mode

The Beatles

The Velvet Underground

The Notwist

Brian Eno

The Beach boys

My Visor

The Doors

The Micawbers give away free pin/badge

2010-03-03T21:10:00.001-08:00

Click on image to make bigger.

The Micawbers Studio Shots II

2010-02-27T02:01:00.001-08:00

The Micawbers Studio Shots

2010-02-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Superbowl USA!

2010-02-07T11:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Superbowl USA!

The Micawbers album is coming along nicely. Big thanks to you all for your support and patience. Twelve tracks will be the minimum on the album, and this week the 7th was completed.

Much love,
The Micawbers

p.s. Remember to follow us @TheMicawbers on Twitter.

The Micawbers Hit The Studio...Again

2010-01-19T20:40:00.001-08:00

I literally just finished in the studio and I had to come online and tell everyone about it. This was the first time I'd hit the studio for 2010, and the first time I've written a new song without Williams in the room. That said, I didn't stop until I'd achieved something...and that achievement was another song for The Micawbers album.

Although the lyrics will undoubtedly change I've walked away extremely happy with the results. It is safe to say that this is a little more mellow than anything else on the album, but that can always change once Williams gets his hands on it. I can't wait for you all to hear it!

P.S. There is a competition in the works (more of a game) to give some people the chance to get a copy of our album two weeks before it officially hits... I will keep you posted.

Add our Twitter to keep up with the latest @themicawbers

Happy Birthday David Bowie

2010-01-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

It is hard to convey just how important David Bowie’s back catalog is to me. David Bowie, Man Of Music/Man Of Words or Space Oddity (whatever you want to call it) was one of the first albums that I became obsessed with. Of course it wasn’t until Hunky Dory (one of my favorite albums of all time) when I realized that this guy was out of this world.

His song writing, above everything else, is what kills me every time. From the apocalyptic Five Years to the synth driven Warszawa everything he seems to churn out blows his contemporaries out of the water…and when I say churn out I mean that literally – look at the dates of his releases;

* David Bowie (1967)
* Space Oddity (1969)
* The Man Who Sold the World (1970)
* Hunky Dory (1971)
* The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)
* Aladdin Sane (1973)
* Pin Ups (1973)
* Diamond Dogs (1974)
* Young Americans (1975)
* Station to Station (1976)
* Low (1977)
* "Heroes" (1977)
* Lodger (1979)
* Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) (1980)
* Let's Dance (1983)
* Tonight (1984)
* Never Let Me Down (1987)
* Black Tie White Noise (1993)
* The Buddha of Suburbia (1993)
* 1. Outside (1995)
* Earthling (1997)
* 'Hours...' (1999)
* Heathen (2002)
* Reality (2003)

I know of no other artist (or band) who has written so many influential albums in such a short time. Happy Birthday Mr Bowie…here is to another 63 years!

p.s Interestingly Bowie shares his birthday with some guy called Elvis Presley. Check out this fun article showing similarities in their careers.

The Micawbers would like to thank everyone...

2009-12-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

So the year is coming to a close. Our band was formed, we began working on a 12 track album, the world economy collapsed and some guy called Obama became the President of some magical place called The United States of America. What a year it has been. Now I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, mainly because I never follow them, but 2010 holds great expectations for The Micawbers.

I know many of you are asking “where are the songs people?” and we totally understand your frustrations. Believe me when I say, I wish we had them finished and available for you to listen to - we would certainly have more than a few hundred fans on our Facebook page! That said, a big thanks has to go out to everyone who began following us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Myspace…we know it was a leap of faith.

We could easily begin posting some rough cuts of songs but that would be doing our work an injustice. We feel very passionate and confident in the songs so we want you to hear them in their finished form. I’m sure you can understand…first impressions are everything and we want to make the strongest one.

If you haven’t already please add our Facebook page (since this appears to be the best forum to reach everyone.) Once we have the album uploaded to our Myspace I’m sure that will be the best place to hear us.

P.S - We have a little debate on the best album of the decade over at Facebook, and we would love to know your thoughts!

All the best,

Adam

The Micawbers set 2010 release

2009-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

So the album is halfway done and we are looking to release the 12 tracks middle of 2010. After much debate (three minutes) we will be selling a physical release of the album as well as a digital form.

Track listings are difficult, since some of the songs do not have names yet, but titles circulating are as follows;

Loves Bitter Mystery
The River
Contact
The Beautiful Ones Are Always Far Away
She’s Holding You Down

These could change at any moment.

If you haven't already add our Facebook / Myspace & Twitter account...

Success In The Studio For The Micawbers

2009-11-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

So Mr. Williams and I just walked out of the recording studio and we are exhausted. We blasted through The River in about an hour and a half adding riffs, bells and whistles…it is sounding massive.

We are starting another track tomorrow night, one that I’ve had in the pipeline for a few months now; The Beautiful Ones Are Always far Away. I have high hopes for this song but you never know with these things.

We will be posting pictures soon…

P.S. Add our Twitter account @TheMicawbers

Complain to UPS

2009-09-22T19:51:00.001-07:00

Oh we are pissed off! UPS, the so-called delivery company, just updated my tracked package status to -

THE RECEIVER WAS UNAVAILABLE TO SIGN ON THE 1ST DELIVERY ATTEMPT. A 2ND DELIVERY ATTEMPT WILL BE MADE

How the fuck is that possible?! I've sat by the door all night whilst refreshing my damn computer. This has happened about three times to us now. No note. No knock at the door. What. The. Fuck UPS?! Also...we've had at least four packages delivered by UPS just left on the doorstep with no signature needed. I want to complain to UPS so much but guess what...that's even more impossible than getting a delivery from them! No number to complain, no UPS 24 hour hotline. NOTHING.

If anyone knows how to complain to UPS then comment below. Hopefully more people will be able to spread the word on how awful UPS delivery service really is. I mean...if we all complain they have to listen...right?

Seems I am not alone either - More complaints.

Adam Chamberlain gets his Star

2009-09-22T19:19:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Adam Chamberlain on finally getting his Star on the Hollywood walk of fame. Sadly they got the category wrong...

The Killers at The Hollywood Bowl

2009-09-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

I went too see The Killers last night at the Hollywood Bowl and I have to admit they gave a kick ass performance. I love The Bowl (apart from the parking situation) so I was really excited that we were able to get hold of tickets too see The Killers perform. The last time I saw The Killers was during the Sam’s Town tour back in Berlin so I’ve not seen any of the new material live…I wasn’t disappointed.

I get to my seat, beer in hand, and all of a sudden the support band walk on…wait a minute…isn’t that the Psychedelic Furs?! Ahhhh what a cheeky bonus! Awwww they didn’t play Pretty In Pink?! Gutted.

Once The Killers walked onstage you knew they were going to perform their hearts out and I’m happy too say that Brandon’s voice was phenomenal. Good times. Opening with Human then hitting us with Somebody told me…ouch! Oh and the Psychedelic Furs came onstage during The Killers performance and sung Pretty In Pink. Fantastic.

Adam (Williams) gets into LAX next week and we start tweaking and writing together. It’s going to be epic. Of the eight demos I have circulating I’m hoping at least half make it onto the album and that the next few sessions with Adam result in another twelve ready to go.

Follow our Twitter @themicawbers to get all the latest on our studio sessions. Good times.

The Gibson ES325

2009-09-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone who contacted me regarding my search for the Gibson ES325. I never knew there were so many out there! If I haven't gotten back to you about your offer it is simply because I do not have the funds yet. I'm still saving. That is unless you wanna sell it to me for $900 then we can certainly have a discussion...

Again a massive thanks to everyone who contacted me...please remember to come back in a couple of months time if your beautiful guitars are still available...

Studio Day 4

2009-09-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Day 4 in the studio has seen an evolution of This just ain't your city...for the better. This is Demo 4 for of song and it has gone from a slow acoustic moody song all the way and up again to a samba feel right back down to a synth-driven track. I have no idea what I am doing. I do love my Micro Korg though. Will keep you posted.

Noel Gallagher quits Oasis

2009-08-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

So the reports are coming through that Noel Gallagher has quit Oasis. That’s actually rather sad. I know many people believe they will simply get back together again but I’m not so sure; it sounds to me that Noel has reached his breaking point.

The guys were set to perform at the festival in Paris but hopes of any performance were crushed when a message flashed on the screens either side of the stage saying, "as a result of an altercation within the band, the Oasis gig has been canceled." How pissed off would you be!

I know Noel did this about ten years ago but so much has changed since then. He knows they will never break America. He knows his song writing days are getting shorter and shorter soon to come to an end. The guy wrote some of the most beautiful songs of the ‘90s but he can’t get it back. His only real chance of getting the vibe back, in my opinion, is too change tact and write some solo stuff. I mean come on, love or hate em, he wrote Live Forever.

Studio Day 3

2009-08-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Yet another day filled with problems and set backs. With no workable solution the only way forward was to write. The template for This Just Ain't Your City is still sounding fresh but a long way away from being mastered.

I'm sending the guitar tracks Matthew's way and he is going to pop some beats over the top. I will keep you posted.

Why Americans are stupid part II...

2009-08-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

Oh no, leathermaniac is angry!

Im not from england
SECOND do u know america imported the greatest minds of the world
Do u know that TESL the greatest genius of the world came from my countrie
Croatia!
So arogant but u don’t know einstein was from germani
Oh and like 2345 scientists from SSSR
America imports smart people
And my friend! That’s a fact!
And for your info I come from like 4000 year old counrtue
America is too young for us

Bless. I think he means Nikola Tesla is from Croatia (although to be 100% accurate he was born in the Austrian Empire I believe – now part of Croatia).

My simple yet polite reply was;

1) Having studied Modern German History at University I am fully aware that Einstein was born in Germany. I have no idea why you even brought this up.
2) I was not here to argue where the greatest genius of all time came from. I was laughing at your ignorant claim that America has the largest percentage of ‘dumb people’ in the world.
3) Are you claiming America didn’t exist before Europeans discovered it? Did it not exist before then?

Classic.

Inglourious Basterds review

2009-08-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

What the hell am I missing? I just finished watching Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds and I’m shell-shocked. I’m not shocked because of the horrendous historical mistakes (I will probably list them at the end) because I know that’s not the point of this movie, I’m shell-shocked because it simply wasn’t that good.

I’m not going to continue with this as I’ve just read a review which is eloquently written and explains my issues much better than I ever will.

Read this, it sums it up perfectly.

Oh and just so you know Goebbels was not the ‘Number 2’ (Goering was) and killing Hitler, Goebbels and Goering without killing Himmler….ugh what’s the point of even going there.

Go see the film…you know you will anyway regardless of what I say. Let's just file this one under ‘Adam tries to be controversial and say something that everyone else likes is shit again’ section.

Why Americans are stupid...

2009-08-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

So I’m watching some videos on Youtube and I come across a clip labeled The best Angus Young Solo Ever!!! Now I like ACDC, and I’m pretty certain their album Back in Black is the second largest selling album in history, but something caught my eye...

Whilst listening, to what is clearly NOT the best Angus Young solo ever(!!!), I read the following comment from username leathermaniac

“Surveys have shown that the americans have the biggest procentage of dumb people in the world u faggot
And all industrial revolutiones where in britain,
There would be no america without it”

Now I have no idea why this message was there as I couldn’t be bothered to research previous comments…but I did feel compelled to reply. Here was my posting:

1) Surveys have not shown that America has the largest percentage of 'dumb people' in the world. Fact.

2) Only ONE Industrial Revolution happened in Britain. Then all the other European countries used Britain's example and improved even more (leaving Britain to struggle for the next decade)

3) Leonard Kleinrock, J.C.R. Licklider, Larry G. Roberts, Bob Kahn, Vint Cerf, Radia Perlman - know any of these people? Probably not as you are arrogant. Well they all helped invent the internet. Yes, they are ALL American. So I guess they pushed forward the Technological revolution.

4) America existed before the Industrial Revolution.

5) It is 'were' not 'where.'

6) I am British and I live in America. If you are from England you embarrass me.

The only response so far is from username mcvitiethebiscuit who simply posted LMAO. I’m glad one person enjoyed my response.

I feel bad that I responded so harshly and I probably shouldn't of said anything about his/her use of 'where' and 'were' (my posts are just as bad) but I’m really fed up with ignorant Europeans spouting bullshit about America. I mean if you ARE going to attack a countries' intelligence at least spell check your post!

Why Americans are stupid – because leathermaniac says so.

Don’t worry though...he’s not a reliable source.

p.s procentage?

p.p.s I don't even know if 'Technological' is a word...but I used it anyway.

Remember to add us on your Twitter @themicawbers

Depeche Mode at The Hollywood Bowl

2009-08-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

So I had the pleasure of watching Depeche Mode perform last night at The Hollywood Bowl but I can't help feeling slightly disappointed. I only got into Depeche Mode a few months ago (which is weird as my other band .Sub have been compared to some of their more industrial recordings) and I was pumped when I saw how close we were to the stage.

Gahan is clearly ill and his vocals sounded fucked up but worst of all I couldn't help but feel some of the new arrangements were timid (especially for Never Let Me Down).

Maybe it was just me but when I saw them perform for Jimmy Kimmel they blew me away.

Note: More updates on The Micawbers debut album coming soon...

Follow us on Twitter @themicawbers

iTunes Insight

2009-08-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

We love doing things like this...regardless of how embarrassing!

Directions: Open iTunes/iPod or Windows Media Player to answer the following. Go to your library. Answer, no matter how embarrassing it is.

How many songs: 3834

Sort by song title…
First song: A.K.A I-D-I-O-T – The Hives
Last song: 1999 – Prince

Sort by time…
Shortest Song: NPG operator – Prince
Longest Song: All Apologies – Nirvana

Sort by album…
First Song: Ant Music – Adam & The Ants
Last Song: Hurrah! Another Year, Surely This One Will be Better Than The Last; The Inexorable March Of Progress Will lead Us All To Happiness – Youth Movie Soundtrack Strategies

Top 5 Most Played Songs…no cheating
Oxytocin – .Sub
I'd Go To War - .Sub
Feeding Time - .Sub
Nausea - .Sub
Bling (Confession of a king) - The Killers

First 5 songs that come up on Shuffle…
Rendez Vu – Basement Jaxx
Thunder - Prince
Neon Tiger - The Killers
Girl - .Sub
Heavens In Here - Tin Machine

Search…

1. “Sex”–How many songs come up: 16
2. “Death”–How many songs come up: 18
3. “Love”–How many songs come up: 197
4. “You”–How many songs come up: 421
5. “love” and “you” –How many songs come up: 58

District 9 review

2009-08-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of the best movies that I have ever seen…period.

The advertising for Peter Jackson’s District 9 began about twenty years ago but word of mouth is all that’s going to be needed to push this masterpiece forward at the box office – although I fear that this multilevel piece of genius will fail to make more than that Transformers II embarrassment…such is life.

I wont bother condensing the plot, as you can find that here, but I wanted to highlight why I loved this movie so much.

First of all Peter Jackson has finally shown all movie makers how to use CGI in their films. I don’t even know if I could tell you what was CGI and what was real – ahhh that’s my point! The level of gore and violence is 100% justified and it helps immerse you into the dark and filthy District 9 world.

Having studied The Third Reich for 4 years the obvious references to Jewish concentration camps hit hard, but Peter Jackson has many more historical references;

Native American references –

When Wikus says too the camera before arriving at District 9,“They need to understand that this is our land and they need to give it back.” The fact that the aliens did not understand the term ‘eviction,’ and the frustration Wikus has when Christoper questions the legality of the MNU’s evictions…it was all so brilliant.

Apartheid references –

MNU's eviction and relocation of the aliens is based on District Six. I’m falling in love the more I think about this film.

…and of course the Nazi references –

Concentrating all of the ‘prawns’ into one area while District 9 fast becomes a Ghetto full of disease and death.

One point which bothered me, but this was more a consequence of audience reaction than Peter Jackson, was when the audience roared with approval at Mumbo and his gangs’ demise. Weren’t they trying to harness the power of the alien’s weapons like the government were? What was the difference? I didn’t hear any cheers at white people being blown up. Am I being too sensitive?

Despite that one gripe, please go see District 9 as soon as you can. It is a dark disturbing look into the mirror. It is genius.

Patrick Wolf please don't cry...

2009-08-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is really uncool Patrick Wolf! We all know from touring and playing at small venues that most stage crew/organizers are low payed hard working people who deserve a little gratitude (and certainly don't deserve to be spat at). Curfews are set by the council/govt not the poor woman with the time sheet Mr. Wolf.

I’ve had it with you ‘Trend Tweeters’

2009-08-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

What the hell is up with these people who only tweet trend topics in an attempt to get people to notice them. What annoys me more than their ridiculous tweeting is the fact that they think we are stupid. We are not stupid.

Why would an ‘indie band’ tweet about Lady GaGa and Les Paul when they claim to be against mainstream pop and play Fenders? Ummmm so people who like Lady GaGa will want to listen to your music?

The sad thing is these people are giving Twitter a bad name. It reminds me of those ‘friend trains’ Myspace had a few years ago or those auto-play bots that show a zillion plays on a band's page while they still can't sell 10 copies of their EP.

If a billion zillion people read your tweet that’s awesome, but with a strategy that completely ignores your audience and makes you look idiotic and desperate is just embarrassing.

I have a new game though. It’s called ‘Spot the Twidiot’

Rules:

1) Find an unsigned band’s Twitter.
2) Read their tweets for a few days to see if they have a ‘trendy’ pattern forming.
3) If the ‘trendy’ pattern has evolved begin predicting what they will tweet next by looking at the trend topics listed.
4) Good times.

The Micawbers - iTunes Playlist 1

2009-08-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Recently played on our iTunes (in order) -

1 - Kasabian - Where Did All The Love Go?
2 - David Bowie - Black Tie White Noise
3 - Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone
4 - Depeche Mode - World In My Eyes
5 - Radiohead - Coke Babies
6 - Donovan - Turquoise
7 - The Notwist - Trashing Days
8 - Tool - The Pot
9 - Mansun - Wide Open Space
10 - Lenny Kravitz - More Than Anything In This World

Studio Day 2

2009-08-11T19:00:00.001-07:00

Working out a solo for This Just Ain't Your City.
50% there...
Inspiration...hello?!

Studio Day 1

2009-08-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

I’ve only recorded a rough acoustic and bass track for This Just Ain’t Your City but the results speak for themselves. Tracy Hill took charge of drumming duties for the session and within 30 minutes we had ourselves a rough structure.

The running time for the track is 2:40. Epic.

The search for the Gibson ES325 continues...

2009-08-06T19:58:00.001-07:00

I'm still saving...still searching. Anyone know where I can get this guitar?! I need the mini B's for a clearer sound!

Song writing still going strong.

Studio this Sunday.

When Gremlins Attack

2009-08-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

I’ve had nothing but nightmares trying to record today. Cubase keeps crashing as my laptop is six thousand years old and the old Sony cassette recorder has died (basically as soon as I tried to use it).

The only positive thing to happen today was the beginnings of a new track – I recorded a demo on my phone.

If anyone wants to give me some money so I can finally begin recording I would be most grateful.

Big Brother is watching

2009-08-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

I stayed up late last night watching Michael Radford’s film adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984. I first read the book about ten years ago and wasn’t particularly blown away (this disappointed me since Animal Farm is my favorite book). However, the second time I read the novel I was blown away and fell completely in love with Big Brother.

I’m still trying to make up my mind on how good the film was since there was so much content left out. Without reading the book will people know that Winston is changing news articles to fit in with Oceania’s version of history? Is it even clear that Winston loves Big Brother at the end? I don’t think so, but then I’ve probably ruined the book by saying that. Sorry.

What I will say is read the book before you see the film. This is not because I’m pretentious and believe books to be better than movies (although they inevitably are) I just think you will enjoy the film much more with all the facts.

Check out the trailer of the movie here.

On a different note I’m recording simple demos tomorrow in a final act of editorial on This just ain’t your city. I spoke with Adam (Williams) today and he is really looking forward to hearing the trumpets. I know he won’t be disappointed. Will keep you posted.

Adam (what a great name)

2009-08-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

I should be going into the studio during the week to get This just ain’t your city down. I’m so excited to finally hear what it sounds like with the trumpets I may even post a small clip!

On a different note I went to see the film Adam today. You can see the trailer here. It was a really strong film and Hugh Dancy’s performance took me by surprise. If you get the chance go see it!

Perez Hilton - Love Him or Hate Him?

2009-08-01T17:04:00.001-07:00

Perez Hilton gets a bad rap these days. I guess I can appreciate why some people find him extremely annoying, but why do people fear him so much? I know there is a load of fuss about ‘web 2.0 marketing’ blah blah, but people have to understand one thing – people will no longer be coerced into liking something they wouldn’t normally like.

Take me for example. I’ve been reading Perez’s blog for well over a year and a half. It has been an immense source of entertainment, especially on those slow song-writing days.

That said, I still think his taste in music is pretty awful and I know if he liked a movie it would probably turn out to be some cheesey film that some major studio payed him to say was good.

I don’t want people to think that this is an attack on the man himself as it is not. Yes I liked it better when he was ‘behind the scenes’ highlighting the ludicrous nature of celebs Vs him becoming some what of a ludicrous celebrity…but more power and love to the man. He is making a living and having a damn good time.

Word of caution to Perez and his Record Label – pick good acts that already have a following. Don’t think that by putting a few clips on your blog will make your freshly signed artists sell millions of records (you did not make Lady Ga-Ga sell records – this would of happened anyway).

Think of it this way - If you write awful music and 30 billion people hear it…. that’s just 30 billion more people who will think your music is awful. Fact.

The quest for The Gibson ES325

2009-07-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Indie bands make no money - I accept it.

How am I going to afford the Gibson ES325 you ask?

Recycling of course!

America is an amazing country and I've enjoyed being over here for so long. I have to say that their recycling service is phenomenal. Today I took four bags full of cans and bottles (ever since the quest began I've asked friends and family to save their bottles etc) and came home with $21. That's an average of $42 a month for the guitar! I will keep you posted on my progress.

Check out this video - Turning Bottles into Fences. Amazing!

If it's good enough for The Beatles

2009-07-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

With my laptop still dead I've gotten my hands on a Sony Cassette player/recorder. Yeah you can't do all the fancy pants stuff like you can on Cubase/Pro Tools...but it don't half get the job done. Sadly I will be spending about 20 dollars a week on batteries. Laptop cord should be here soon!

Going to the park is dangerous!

2009-07-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

I've re-worked This just ain't your city down to 4 minutes and it's sounding really strong. I'm also lucky enough to have a friend in L.A who has a great recording studio which I'm using this weekend free of charge. I can finally lay down a rough acoustic track and arrange some trumpets and strings. Photographs will follow...

On a different note I just got back from the park. We have this beautiful park about 20 minutes away (2 minutes if you drive) so I decided to get some yogurt and chill. Everything was going lovely...that was until a massive crashing sound broke the peace. Looking up I see a massive branch falling to the floor landing about 2 feet from a couple with a baby. I'm telling you...they are lucky to still be alive!

You can't even go to the park without fear of death.

Recording is dangerous!

2009-07-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Being in an indie band has its advantages - money is certainly not one of them. Needless to say, when I saw my laptop begin to smoke last night I knew nothing good would come of it...

I guess we could call this 'Day 1' in the recording studio but that would require a big ol' stretch of the imagination. Laptopless I am currently working on the structure of This just ain't your city and it's beginning to sound pretty tight. It's the usual songwriting process of stripping a 12 minute song down to its bare bones and hitting the 3 - 4 minute mark. Hopefully more progress will be made once my new power cord arrives (allow 3 - 6 working days).

On a more positive note I just got back from watching (500) Days of Summer. Watch the trailer, it's pretty funny. Marc Webb has done an amazing job directing the movie - the dance scene alone is worth the admission price. Zoe Deschanel plays the same character she usually does (indie chick) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers an awesome performance. I would highly recommend it (anything with a The Smiths reference gets the nod from me).

The Micawbers Band Blog

2009-07-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Micawbers band blog.
You will soon be able to hear our sounds once everything is recorded, packaged and ready to be released into the world. Until then you will just have to listen to me ramble on.

So what can you expect from The Micawbers band blog?

I’m going to keep you up to date on the happenings and doings of The Micawbers, and I guess my very own personal ‘doings’ as well. Expect some photographs, links to interesting stuff and, more importantly, some treats; free new songs are a personal favorite of mine.

Free new songs may be a while though….so bare with us.