With a few gaps in my diary I've equally been dreading and craving, I've been on the drawing board and figured out what to do with them. Put myself first.
Since starting this album when I was 16, I've been constantly drawn to the sidetrack with all kinds of sideman projects, and I know I always will. Some downright incredible with experiences I couldn't otherwise imagine let alone attain, some creating lifelong allies, some serving a purpose I've since outgrown, and a couple I'd word as "formative"!
Of course the regulars shall continue, the sporadics when circumstances align, there are some new adventures in the pipeline, and one-off collaborations with inspirations and close friends I'm always open to, but also when chances arise to put myself first a little bit, I probably sometimes should.
And now all of a sudden I'm nearly 27. Of course, nothing in the grand scheme of things, but I've frighteningly realised that aside from a few singles and solo gigs I can count on the same hand, I don't have anything out there that's mine. But I do have periods of free time in the foreseeable, which I'm going to be insanely protective over for the first time ever to get this done amongst other ventures.
I'm very lucky to be regularly asked to embark on new projects, but I've made a pact to myself to only say yes if 1. we're already compatible as people and creatives to an extent where forces beyond us render the plunge mutually, naturally, and utterly inevitable or 2. you're, like, Brian May or something.
I'm also paving the way to substantially up my session and production work, and have been having super positive chats with a very close friend of mine, at a place where vibe and environment are at no risk of my current fluctuation. It's early days, but promising.
So yes, lots of good things to come. In the meantime, here's where you can say hi to me this month.
Friday 10th - James Hodder - Album Launch at The Betsey Trotwood, Central London (SOLD OUT!)
Monday 13th - Acoustic-ish Open Mic @ The Iron Horse, Sidcup
Friday 17th - Hope and Anchor Islington with The Aim (SOLD OUT!)
Saturday 18th - Broadstairs Blues Bash with Nine Below Zero
Friday 24th - The Plough And Harrow, Welling (a rare solo gig!)
Sunday 26th - Dennis Greaves' Blues Jam at the Pelton Arms, Greenwich
Monday 27th - Acoustic-ish Open Mic @ The Iron Horse, Sidcup
Thanks for listening, and hopefully now, I'll have something sonic for you to listen to much much sooner than 2043. Probably even 2023. And this half of it. Now I'm off to the studio to record a song by me x
📸 Chris Hennis