Songs nobody asked me for

The glamour, the joy....blue smarties and yellow m and m riders. Well. Not exactly. This is my slightly anxiety filled experience Alot of pain for an hour or so of exquisite joy ... :)

meet the Ragdolls! Really great indie band giving me a real nostalgic feel for playing in London in the late 80's early 90's.90's.We talk influences and aspirations, double basses and drums, and the 'joys' of playing to dog walkers in an outdoors cafe :). Really lovely people playing great music.. ....track down their music now!

My conversation with Holly last episode made me want to look back to really ponder on whether playing original music successfully was actually any easier in the 90's than it is today. I also share my one rejection letter I still have from a record company....can't get much more exciting than that!! #musicthecurve #originalmusic #islandrecords #wearecords

My first foray into the folk universe brings me into a really engaging conversation with Holly.We talk song writing, songs and their complicated emergence into the world, music politics and more about the origins of songwriting as a sometimes lost part of childhood.We also share our love of all things Oli :).

How do you answer the question of who are your influences? And what does it mean? How come you might be influenced by someone who's music is nothing like yours. Here we consider complex influences that can make it harder to think about creativity and exactly how they influence what we do. #original music #songwriting #davidbowie #xtc #thejam #genesis #elviscostello #joejackson

so. Having mentioned it in many of the puds, please have a look at this announcement for our first event, at the Roundabout pub, Plymouth, on the 24th April 2026. Please spread the word, but most importantly, please come along!! #musicthecurve #RobCForce #craig_osment_music

extrovert... introvert...what lies between the ears of someone who doesn't like being the centre of attention, but wants to stand on stage in front of everyone....Discuss.... :)This is a link to a BBC video about the power of being an introvert...https://youtu.be/o1Y4Z0oh1GE?si=P4qiU21rpTeT1odx

So. Writing songs is complicated. When to bring them to the band, how to sit on your songwriter desire to keep bringing new songs in....its all about throughout!! :)#musicthecurve #songwroting #originalmusic

well we are back with another great interviewer; this time the up and coming Cat Rose. We talk about what it's like to try to be a performer today from a working class background, what it's really like to do a tour and find the perfect metaphor for the struggle to write a song . #catroseofficial #musicthecurve #originalmusic #florenceandthemachine #touring

So being in a band is cool...mostly:). And you can get singing or playing an instrument...maybe extra cool. But then, if your the front person, you also have to say something (or not) between songs, beginning and end, etc. So today we think about this. Finding the right vibe for the right audience, wishing I could cultivate a small, and remembering never to diss your 2 person audience!!

Not all gigs are equal. Some are more equal than others :). Let's consider bad gigs, such as discovering the venue you are playing at is huge when you thought it was going to be small, and the food, playing a festival in the sunshine on Cornish clifftops. And then the bizarre....:)#gigs #maker #musicthecurve #soagetti westerns

So. Not my easiest subject of conversation, but it's time to talk faith baby. I share my early terrible experience of playing in a worship band and my later good experiences. And for me, the spirit talks to me more in music....#musicthecurve #worship #vineyardmusic

Here we go, two guys setting the world to rights.... Great to spend time with Rob hearing about his musical journey, the Plymouth musicians co-operative, songwriting and surviving the music scene.Warning....we both like to chat :). Had a great time and hope you enjoy our chat.#robc #Genesis #musicthecurve

In this episode I share my experiences of the Plymouth musicians co-operative ahead of my upcoming interview with Rob C, and my wonderful experience of setting up a band within my role in mental health. Warm memories which reminds me of the power of music on our mental wellbeing and kept me feeling connected to music and creative when I lacked other contacts on the music scene..... #musicthecurve #mentalhealth #mind #pmc #robc

My old music collaborator, Pav is back, and this time in the same room as me, so good sound and a warm chat :). We haven't lost our hedenistic 'life on the edge' rock and roll life style either, as we cram our chat into the 20 minutes we have while I'm roasting potatoes. 'Rrroocckkk 🤘#musicthecurve #brilliantbut #originalmusic #songwriting #elviscostello #roastpotatoes

Today I talk about my theory of why it's hard to be out playing original music in today's environment. We consider historical pressures (the amazing back catalogue available to covers bands, how the way we listen to music has changed,) and the horizontal eco system of original acts, covers bands and tribute acts.It might almost seem that I have some idea of what I'm talking about! #musicthecurve #ecosystems #originalmusic #songwriting

Today I sit down for a chat with my friend Shaun from Horce Divorse.We talk about dads, magic, playing good at awful gigs, playing awfully at good gigs, songwriting and saving the world with love :).I think Shaun is wonderful. Come and see why...#horcedivorse #musicthecurve #songwriting #originalmusic #guitars #tavistock

Well.... basically the realisation that I'm easily pleased. A good gig, an interested audience and promotion to league two.....#musicthecurve #gig #bbar #originalmusic #songwriting

I figured that if I did a Christmas episode I should do a new year one. I'm left with dodgy time line memories, a journey through New Years past, and hopes for this year. Not a new year resolution in sight!!#newyear #musicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #plymouth

well. It's not George and Andrew... but hey, I made it to Christmas and here we are still going strong. And now a period of pause, working on new songs, blooding new band members and a host of Christmas pasts... And...i wrote you a little Christmas song too :). Humbug I say.....#musicthecurve #christmas #poptarts #special #songsnobodyaskedmefor #originalmusic #songwriting #plymouth

Band members assemble....it's time to do battle, though what the parameters of the battle are might be a bit vague.Time to explore this odd but fun experience, as I shared some of my experiences, pains and pleasures of this titanic struggle between covers and originals... Gaaarrr

New logo! Snazzy huh!Today we look at one of the great joys of playing original material...going to the recording studio!What's it like to record on a shoestring? Ow hard is laying down double vocals?first experience and how do you deal with your drummer using a quarter of your really expensive time to do a reverse symbol crash.. #musicthecurve #recording #studio #originalmusic #songwriting

Why indeed! I felt the need for some more history this week, my different experiences of life and their impact on song elwriting and determination! And yes...I was once a rent collector, and a City boy!

So excited to be interviewing Craig. Fantastic singer songwriter based in Devon. Long history of different bands, trying to 'make it' in London, holiday camp bands, German marching songs and a small moped too!#craigosment #musicthecurve #singersongwriter #originalmusic #rattrap #johnnycash #guitar

In this episode I've finally gone live with the podcast!I'm nervous, I'm excited, I'm technology challenged....and other stuff :). #misicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #podcast

Well. It's all kicking off today. Singers passing out at gigs, did the Plymouth acoustic cafe have canopies or canapé 's on the ceiling? Playing gigs with a drum machine and having to borrow a guitar.... and the dogs are back! .wow. all in one pod :)...#musicthecurve #singersongwriter #originalmusic #sunstroke #songwriting #Plymouth

So in this week's episode I have to won my guilty secret of having been to see a tribute acts and enjoyed it! I know, terrible behaviour for this podcast.But today I'm interested in what it's like to be a tribute acts, what would make me enjoy one, and what I could never see. And a plea for Bruce to contact me for a chat... A man can dream :) #musicthecurve #brucespringsteen #jonimitchell #originalusic #songwriting #tributeacts #tribute

Finally get to meet with my London collaborator Pav, but no.....the sound is awful, but yes.....I'm putting it out anyway!! Please hang in there.We consider, punk as an influence, drunk drummers, and gigs with Eddie Izzard....#musicthecurve #eddieizzard #punk #london #original music #gigging

My first 'emergency podcast ' to explain why episode 12's run was interrupted on some platforms. What does it say about getting your stuff out there. Mostly....an apology. Back in the swing again next week!! Xx#streaming #musicthecurve #original music #songwriting #music #richardosman #garbage #shirleymanson

And on we go. Nigel is feeling groovy and glad to be alive. He talks, good gigs, Glastonbury, the multiverse of artists, the ups and downs of song writing and being stopped by the Police (where is sting when you need him! )#musicthecurve #groovy #originalmusic #songwriting  #scissorsisters #charlixcx #pulp #alanismorissette #biffyclyro #the1975 #lewiscapaldi #Lorde #raye #gracieabrams #lolayoung #ezracollective #MaribouState

In my second interview I meet with John, my long term collaborator and bass player in The Curve.We discuss how we met via a music shop ad, Polish thrash metal bands, playing covers as a backing band for a choir and what happens when you fall on your guitar. Here is a link to the YouTube video of 'Want': https://youtu.be/N20jPg-6ce4?si=ikyPXg2MIp5AN4Si #musicthecurve #bass #thrashmetal #plymouth #platypusuk #theemotions #queen

today we look at the tricky issues of song lyrics. Like most song writers I'm reluctant to explain what I'm writing about, but today I try...a bit ... Hiding in lyrics, misinterpretation corny lines and the need to rhyme....a minefield best left muddied!! #musicthecurve #lyrics #songwriting #original music #words #jonimitchell #elviscostello #everythingbutthegirl

Why do we seek to find a comparison to match something new with? Gigs with table tennis tables, warm vibes and sore throats, and... Could we play an Eagles cover if we needed to???#musicthecurve #songwriting #originalmusic #sting #thebeautifulsouth #jamiroqui #pingpong #cheerful

So. The moment of my first interview arrives! Whoop whoop! Meet Brad. Guitarist and all round Essex geezer from The Curve. We are two Essex boys living in Cornwall, and listen to my accent getting broader as I catch up with Brad :).Brad shares his music roots, 'nearly making it' and what it is like to play in both covers and originals bands. #musicthecurve #coversbands #originalsbands #essex #guitarists #walthamstow #bowie #thesweet #slade #1970s

So. Here we go, I say hello, say a bit about why I'm doing this, moan a bit, whilst smoothly balancing this with some positivity, etc etc!! What four things do you need to succeed a a songwriter....listen and learn :) #songwriting #musicthecurve #beginnings #originalmusic

nurture...nature....nature...nurture. In this episode we delve deeper into what enables the creative spark to grow.Featuring radio 2, prod rock, alcoholic classical guitar tutors and strange children's entertainment groups. Oh and a folksy John Denver audio cassette :) #musicthecurve #classicalguitar #prodrock #johndenver #childhood #nurturenature #letusentertainyou #gretchguitars #elviscostello

First off, I have a bad throat, so forgive the occasional splutter. This is the first of two episodes considering early influences, class struggles and messages, grandparents, what led into all of this and where music was around me as I did my angry young man learning to play bit.....Grrrr. #musicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #youth #youthfulness #essex

time for some positive energy and the best things about playing and writing your own material.And merch!And toe tapping.....come pick up the constructive vibe!! #musicthecurve #happy #creativity #livemusic #songwriting #originalmusic #reasonstobecheerful

what did I do wrong? Maybe what did I do right is a better question. We look at unsuccessful fly posting, cold calls, hiding behind emails and trying to find spaces to 'turn on the charm! :). Was it harder or easier to promote yourself before social media? The blessings of being n bands with lovely people....#musicthecurve #promotion #songwriting #socialmedia

What makes one musician focus on playing their instrument to perfection, whilst another focuses on what they can write with it? What influences us growing up to effect this? The art of resisting 'knowing your place', and learning chords. And what IS that noise behind me?? #musicthecurve #thebeatles #elviscostello #johnmayer #originalmusic #genesis #ledzeppelin #deeppurple #prince #ericclapton #songwriting

does anyone ever have a normal first gig? What keeps you going or makes you quite?Join me for a look at how this all began for me, playing with no strings, being clueless about equipment and and setting up a school band in the early 80's. #musicthecurve #songsnobodyaskedmefor #gigs #music #original music

why make original music when nobody cares? How did i get onto this? Who the hell am I? Why do I keep doing this? Here's the trailer for my new podcast on songwriting, failing, trying again and generally swimming against the tide of covers and tributes, down here in the real world....coming soon...#musicthecurve #indiefunk #songwriting #newmusic #musicpodcast