Song 4 wrapped

It's been a bit quiet on the music front, in case you were wondering. Our last recording session - September 9 - was spent re-recording one of the vocals we weren't happy with, which didn't really count as progress in my mind although the result was much better, and since then we've been on another mini-hiatus what with one thing and another. Sore throats, other projects and commitments have conspired to mean the September 9 session will be the only one this month, and an autumn release of Weird & Wonderful (the title of our second album) is looking increasingly unlikely.

On the upside, it's given Annie the time to concentrate on production, and last night she announced that she'd finished work on our fourth recording: Sovereign Stranger.

All this is relatively relaxed and comfortable, but that's about to change. In an effort to promote our stuff, Annie recently suggested we do a local live gig. Chorlton is a thriving centre for live music. Mainly artists building a reputation by gigging their way around local pubs and clubs but it also has its fair share of famous names - the Bee Gees and Badly Drawn Boy to name but two. So with that in mind she's approached one of the bars which regularly hosts live events to see if they'd be interested in putting us on.

Have to admit the thought of it gives me a clenched sphincter. Apart from the odd karaoke session (a relatively safe environment with the words scrolling up right in front of you) I haven't been on stage since I was 9. I've determinedly - and so far successfully - avoided being roped in to any of the Chorlton Players productions during the nine years I've known them. Now it looks like I won't be able to avoid the spotlight. Assuming bars have spotlights.

Don't go running off with the idea that I can remember the lyrics to our songs just because I wrote them. Unfortunately it's not that easy. MUCH practice will be required!