// Daniel McDonagh // Smoke Fairies

Daniel McDonagh's album is out today; the first recording session was at the tail end of my experience with long covid, a fun experience involving waking up every morning feeling like I'd been run over by a tank and feeling that way all day. I was a bit apprehensive about the session 'cos I thought I might just have to lie on the floor for the whole thing. It was fine though, and I think it actually helped. Give the album a listen.

Smoke Fairies release the latest track off their forthcoming EP, featuring some of my viola drones. Oh, and there's also a gig coming up at Omeara.

I also keep forgetting to share this playlist of stuff I'm currently listening to. Time happens, and time is feeling very unusual at the moment. #ToriesOut #ToriesOut #ToriesOut

In Pursuit of Spring

I played some reverb drenched guitar on the latest track by builder poet Daniel Mcdonagh, it's the last offering before the album comes out:

From Daniel's IG:

"There are certain writers who reconfigure you aesthetically. They help you see the world anew. Cormac McCarthy being my first literary love affair. The other formative writer is word-hoarder, outdoorsman and scholar Rob g Macfarlane

Not only is his own writing of the highest order and importance he introduced me to such luminaries as Nan Shepherd, J. A. Baker, John Muir, Roger Deakin, Eric Ravilious and Barry Lopez. But most relevant to this tune is poet Edward Thomas.

Thomas’s poetry so beautifully encapsulates what England means to him (and to me!) Thomas suffered from severe bouts of depression and recurrent psychological breakdowns, feeling creatively repressed by the endless reviews and ill-paid commissions he had to do to support himself and his family. The countryside around him became for him respite from his depression. His many walks content for his marvellous poetry.

This song explores that, borrows as it's name a title of Thomas' own work and, I sincerely hope, honours his legacy."

Part Of It All

I can't remember if it was before or after the Greenhouse gig but at some point around then Kaf and Jess Smoke Fairies said they'd written a bunch of songs and would like me to put some viola on them. Part of It All is the first fruit from those recording sessions, and they were interesting sessions with Kaf and Jess recording everthing themselves through an SM58 microphone, embracing the limitations and carefully considering every note I played.

Looks like this is the first Smoke Fairies release I've played on for eight whole years; time is an absurd thing. There's a good, albeit bleak Stuff You Should Know Podcast epidsode about time, how your perception of time changes as you get older.

Anyway, give the song a spin.

#listeningto new music playlist

Here's our new music playlist, give it a listen and a like/follow. Thanks.

MAPS

 No, not the song that has been listened to a hundred and thirty three million times on Spotify, the less interesting but quite useful Google version that has roads and shit. 

The Old Library Bar has recently(ish) opened and it's a really good spot. It's a refurbed section of the Music Rooms rehearsal place in New Cross, and they've done a really good job, decent local beers on tap, warm modern decor and lots of greenery which extends out to a really lovely garden. They're only open Friday-Sunday at the moment but they're also looking at putting on more events, both in the bar and the main studio.

Apparently you can follow people, or as Google call them, 'Local Guides' now, if that's your thing here I am. 

Favs of 2022

 

2022 has been a bit of a blur for a variety of reasons, but there have been some fantastic albums released so far this year, our favourites documented above - we've tagged the albums over on the socials

Firestations recording

I recently had the fortune of being asked to join Firestations in the studio to play bass on a collection of songs that may form a part of some sort of release further down The Line, be it a Fishing Line, Shopping Line, Line of Duty, Line of Best Fit...  all I know is the songs are a real step on, and a good time was had. Ah, the studio, Otterhead Studios, a beautiful place tucked away next to a farm not too far from Rugby station and only a couple of hours drive from that London (thanks for the lift Tom). 

Here's a photo of me doing my best Carol Kaye impression. 

Follow them on Twitter for updates...

New Model Army tour

 Shattercones will be joining the New Model Army tour for a few dates next week.

Ticket links on our Link Tree

 

Shattercones Paper Dress photos

Mike Urban posted some snaps of our show last night at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney:

 

 

Japan Review & Guests at Sebright Arms - 23rd March

 TICKETS 

  TICKETS 

 

 

 TICKETS 

 TICKETS 

 TICKETS 

 TICKETS 

 

 

 

Pleased to be hosting the London branch of Japan Review's UK tour on the back of their album Kvetch Sounds on Reckless Yes records, one of our favourite albums of 2021. 

 Hope to see you there.