As promised but slightly late – that is, just the same as always – I have finished the 2nd mix down of the new batch which I’m calling My Funny Little Life. It’s another sort of EP. Next week I’m meeting up with Paul to get a couple of my rather plodding keyboard parts improved with his glorious talent. Shouldn’t take long to mix those in so the actual launch date will be next weekend 3rd / 4th July.

There’ll be a page of previews, first 45 seconds of everything, and to start with I’ll be giving out a download link to those who registered an interest when I mentioned it on here before.

After that? I’m planning to revisit the vocals on the Narrow Road recordings and put that out again. And then there will be another release, say 4 more songs, by the end of the summer I hope.

I keep wondering who will be the first person to comment on one of these entries. I get some stats, and can see that people drop by but not who or where from. And no-one ever says a word…are you all a bit shy?

PS I found an old audiogram from 2008, in fact the last time my hearing was tested, so I scanned it in and you can find it on the Deafness page. Take a look when you’re feeling a bit down…

I had an interesting conversation last week about the fact that because I can’t always hear myself singing (live that is) I have intellectualised pitch rather than just ‘knowing’ it or feeling it instinctively. Not surprisingly this does sometimes lead to some unexpected results…

Now obviously I expect to be judged alongside everyone else pushing themselves forward as singers, songwriters, performers of all kinds whatever their circumstances but sometimes I’m not sure that anyone is actually getting the point. Forgive me if you are.

Here’s the thing…how would it be if I got up and gave really good performances every time? Just like a hearing person? I’m a ‘disabled’ guy with half my hearing gone AWOL. I can’t change that.

If I could do this faultlessly you’d all say “look at that guy, there’s no problem with deafness – you can just get a couple of hearing aids and you’ll be just like everyone else”. Believe me, this is nowhere near right.

If I get up and give a good, tuneful performance it’s due to a huge effort on my part plus a very large amount of luck. If I don’t, then that’s just one of those things, I’ve done my best.

I’m sorry if that means that some don’t want to hear it.
There’s nothing I can do about it and I’m not going to stay at home just in case I mess it up.

But I am sorry.