Ready, set, and off!

Blog post No 8 August 2015

I know I say this a lot, but August really has flown by! It’s been a whirlwind of preparation for the tour, which starts in just a week. Eek! I feel as ready as I can be — though of course, you never truly know until a real audience responds. For now, I’m trusting my 42 years of experience to calm the pre-tour nerves.

This month I’ve spent a lot of time in the Workspace cafés I mentioned last month — especially Noa’s Bakehouse on the quay in Douglas and Cycle 360 at the business park just outside town. Both offer great food, a comfortable setting, plenty of outlets, and excellent Wi-Fi. You may remember I said the internet in our tiny but perfectly formed studio flat just doesn’t cut the mustard for all the uploading, downloading, and editing I’ve been juggling. So, these new modern luxuries have been brilliant.

I’ve been finalising setlists, ordering videos into their correct slots in the Keynote app I use, and writing notes to remind myself what to say between songs. Once the adrenaline kicks in, so much I thought I knew simply vanishes, leaving me with those deer-in-the-headlights moments! I’m hoping I’m better prepared than usual this time — fingers crossed.

I’m especially excited to bring several songs into the fold that connect with Children Of The Sea but weren’t part of the original project — and haven’t been heard live in years. Yes, I’m being deliberately mysterious … you’ll have to come along to find out! And while I’m on the subject, a gentle plea: if you haven’t already bought tickets for September, please consider booking in advance. It really helps venues keep supporting artists like me. Hope alone won’t keep the doors open, but advance sales make a world of difference. And of course, do feel free to encourage a few music-loving friends to come along too. Thank you!

Another highlight this month was my whizzy new-to-me iPhone — complete with waterproof case. Let me tell you, it’s the best thing! I had a week of fine weather, crystal-clear water, and sunlight dancing across seaweed in bronzes, ambers, and emeralds. Pure magic — OMG gorgeous! I was so thrilled with the results that I immediately made a video for YouTube using Like A Mermaid from Feminine Logic. Even better footage now adorns the tour videos. In case you missed it, here's the video:

There’s been time for soul-nourishing gatherings with friends too: forest walks, dips in rivers and sea, the occasional sauna, and golden evenings with food, laughter, and sunsets along the coast. I feel blessed. A few Reels can be found HERE and HERE.

On August 8th — Lion’s Gate — I rose at 5am and went with friends to Cashtyl Ny Ard, a wonderful ancient site in the northeast of the island. The cows and calves in the field nearby were curious about our early arrival, but gracious in sharing the space. We watched the sun rise in silence, gave thanks for the beauty of this world, and remembered how much there is to be grateful for, despite the turbulence around us. Not least: life itself.

Once all the planning was in place, rehearsals began in earnest. My lovely brother and sister-in-law, Colin and Rachel, kindly let me set up my PA, projector, and screen in their garage, where I’ve been practising all week. I promised my nephew Aaron a special concert since I’m not performing on the island this time round — and he is my biggest and bestest fan. I love him so much!

An unexpected adventure came on Sunday 24th, when my dear friend Dave Armstrong — writer, director, and filmmaker extraordinaire — asked me to do a few “pick-up” shots for his film The Catch. It involved me standing in the sea at Ramsey Beach, fully dressed, up to my ribs, for about an hour! My small (but dramatic!) role was to drag the unconscious body of a man floating nearby to safety. It was such fun … and there was cake afterwards to celebrate a job well done. As an added bonus, I managed to book in with Green Creek Hut Sauna at Laxey Beach on the way home - my third sauna/dip in four days! I love it!

The very next day, I was in Dave’s studio recording a gorgeous new version of Motherless Child, for which he’s created an ethereal, Celtic-tinged backing track - very atmospheric. I love laying down weird and wonderful harmonies. Once he’s happy with the mix, I’ll ask if I can share it with you.

And finally, this morning (Sunday 31st), we wrapped up August with a joyful garage concert at Colin and Rachel’s. Aaron sang along with everything — my heart could have burst. Pure joy.

So that’s August in a nutshell! I’ll be on the road throughout September and truly hope to see some of you at the shows. If you can book ahead, that would be wonderful.

Here's a wee video that covers most of the adventures I've shared for August. I used an abridged version of a song I wrote with Mike Slamer, "Edge Of The World" - just because.

Until next time — be well, keep rising above the turbulence, and stay curious.

Much love,

Christine x