Sooo... It's nearly 1am and as usual, I'm not tired in the slightest, so... I feel a blog coming on. How obvious...
For the past week or two we've been working on some new songs, sounding good. In fact, really good if I do say so myself. Well impressed with the way we've written these new songs. One of them stemmed from a drum fill. Darren has his moments of genius, so he can take the credit for the newest song. Or not! Apparently I wrote it in an awkward time signature, it was really just the stupid drum fill time. I don't actually understand any of this 4/4 or 6/8 malarky.
We're currently scraping together some cash for some new toys. This week we should HOPEFULLY finish our shopping for the time being so we can get these new songs recorded. I think I said that in my last blog, but really, we've even picked out the stuff we want now.
Darren turns 27 this Friday. According to great rock'n'roll tradition, this will be his last year as a musician. He hasn't quite decided how he's going to make his great escape, but I'm sure he's plotting it. Hopefully he won't get something stuck in his teeth and decide that a shotgun is a good implement for removing it. Messy...
We're playing a gig this Friday in Skinandi's with The Jyrojets, shouldn't be that bad apparently.
We've had a couple of reviews done this past while. If you check out our Myspace page, link on the the right btw, then you can check them out. Not bad for a few hairy Highlanders I think.
Anyway, as they say in frog land... haw-he-haw.
Cya biy
Jamie
June 25, 2008
June 11, 2008
Oh Aye...
Our album is on iTunes... download it motherfucker!
And... we got a review. It was good. It's on the "Is This Music?" website.
And... we got a review. It was good. It's on the "Is This Music?" website.
It's Been A While...
Hey, admittedly, I've not updated this in a very long time, but what the hell... a lot has happened since I last posted in February.
Where to begin. The Studio I suppose. We were in the studio for the best part of a week... it wasn't long enough if you ask me, but I'm a choosy fucker anyway. It was great crack though. Late nights playing Guitar Hero on Playstation 2... Stevie thought he was the fucking king.... I mean, the boy can barely stand up... playing Guitar Hero? Haha... you're having a fuckin laugh right?
A story:
I should tell you right now that Stevie is a modern day Richey Edwards... he can't play bass to save his fuckin life... in fact, we had to pay some poor cunt to come in an play bass for him.
Now that I've dropped that bombshell, I shall continue.
Ah yes, the studio. A time of wine drinking(rose, yes, we're fags), Vodka(non) drinking. It took Darren 3 days to drink one glass. Give Darren his dues, he did make us breakfast, I was a lazy cunt and never made anyone breakfast. Fuck that, it's bad enough that I have to be in their presence most of the time, nevermind maintaining their existence!
We tracked 3 songs in 3 days. It was a great experience. Had a load of time to sit around and be picky about things. Mark was a pleasure to work with yet again. His attention to detail was great and he really knew how to get the best out of us. Yes, Mark threatened to kill us. He had Darren in a chokehold for a few seconds which scared the shit out of Stevie and I(quite literally in Stevie's case, it was more watery than normal though.)
Renaissance, our debut mini-album, was launched in March at a gig with Theatre Fall(yey) and some band from Glasgow who's name honestly escapes me right now. It's ok, they never really spoke to us much anyway. Theatre Fall were gentlemen of the highest order though. We spent most of the day with them, I highly recommend that you check them out. Great band and nice chaps to boot.
We played with Hayseed Dixie again in March... I think it was March, it's a bit of a blur to be perfectly honest. It was in Wick... a bit of a non-event really. Wick is hardly rock capital of the world.
We went to Aberdeen and Dundee in March. Mark, our producer, was doing sound in The Moorings... it was a bit of a shock walking on stage in a strange place with the sound man shouting "HI BIY" through the monitors. A pleasant surprise none the less.
I should probably take this moment to introduce our good friend and of course, the newest "member" of Astronot. Kevin "ehhh" Macleod. He's a fine chap, he carries our gear, he gets drunk, he gets Stevie even more drunk, he says "ehhh" A LOT, he mumbles and takes a hell of a lot of cheek. He's a good man though. He does the sound in Skinandi's when bands are playing, so he's a fine chap to have on our side.
What's happening now then? Well, since we recorded our mini-album in March, we've written three new songs. Well, I should rephrase that. We've finished one and have another two in the pipeline. We can't be fucked going to studios now, it's fucking expensive for a start. We're going to record ourselves and release our new tracks online via our website...aren't we? I think so, I haven't told Darren about the website thing yet, but yeah, that's the plan. So, not only do we give away free keyrings, stickers and sign male nipples, we're gonna give our music away now too. We'll package it into EP type things or release them in groups or something. I haven't quite decided yet, but I'd like to have some stuff available by the end of summer.
Finally, a bit ironic really, especially since I slagged fuck out of them in an earlier blog. We're playing with The Jyrojets at the end of this month. Yipee... or not.
I should note, that my earlier comments stand about them. I was voted against 2-1. Nevermind... sure it'll be grand.
I'll update again soon, promise.
Jamie
Where to begin. The Studio I suppose. We were in the studio for the best part of a week... it wasn't long enough if you ask me, but I'm a choosy fucker anyway. It was great crack though. Late nights playing Guitar Hero on Playstation 2... Stevie thought he was the fucking king.... I mean, the boy can barely stand up... playing Guitar Hero? Haha... you're having a fuckin laugh right?
A story:
I should tell you right now that Stevie is a modern day Richey Edwards... he can't play bass to save his fuckin life... in fact, we had to pay some poor cunt to come in an play bass for him.
Now that I've dropped that bombshell, I shall continue.
Ah yes, the studio. A time of wine drinking(rose, yes, we're fags), Vodka(non) drinking. It took Darren 3 days to drink one glass. Give Darren his dues, he did make us breakfast, I was a lazy cunt and never made anyone breakfast. Fuck that, it's bad enough that I have to be in their presence most of the time, nevermind maintaining their existence!
We tracked 3 songs in 3 days. It was a great experience. Had a load of time to sit around and be picky about things. Mark was a pleasure to work with yet again. His attention to detail was great and he really knew how to get the best out of us. Yes, Mark threatened to kill us. He had Darren in a chokehold for a few seconds which scared the shit out of Stevie and I(quite literally in Stevie's case, it was more watery than normal though.)
Renaissance, our debut mini-album, was launched in March at a gig with Theatre Fall(yey) and some band from Glasgow who's name honestly escapes me right now. It's ok, they never really spoke to us much anyway. Theatre Fall were gentlemen of the highest order though. We spent most of the day with them, I highly recommend that you check them out. Great band and nice chaps to boot.
We played with Hayseed Dixie again in March... I think it was March, it's a bit of a blur to be perfectly honest. It was in Wick... a bit of a non-event really. Wick is hardly rock capital of the world.
We went to Aberdeen and Dundee in March. Mark, our producer, was doing sound in The Moorings... it was a bit of a shock walking on stage in a strange place with the sound man shouting "HI BIY" through the monitors. A pleasant surprise none the less.
I should probably take this moment to introduce our good friend and of course, the newest "member" of Astronot. Kevin "ehhh" Macleod. He's a fine chap, he carries our gear, he gets drunk, he gets Stevie even more drunk, he says "ehhh" A LOT, he mumbles and takes a hell of a lot of cheek. He's a good man though. He does the sound in Skinandi's when bands are playing, so he's a fine chap to have on our side.
What's happening now then? Well, since we recorded our mini-album in March, we've written three new songs. Well, I should rephrase that. We've finished one and have another two in the pipeline. We can't be fucked going to studios now, it's fucking expensive for a start. We're going to record ourselves and release our new tracks online via our website...aren't we? I think so, I haven't told Darren about the website thing yet, but yeah, that's the plan. So, not only do we give away free keyrings, stickers and sign male nipples, we're gonna give our music away now too. We'll package it into EP type things or release them in groups or something. I haven't quite decided yet, but I'd like to have some stuff available by the end of summer.
Finally, a bit ironic really, especially since I slagged fuck out of them in an earlier blog. We're playing with The Jyrojets at the end of this month. Yipee... or not.
I should note, that my earlier comments stand about them. I was voted against 2-1. Nevermind... sure it'll be grand.
I'll update again soon, promise.
Jamie
February 28, 2008
2008... Wtf have we been doing?
Yo! We've been kind of busy this past while. I've been busy with stuff that isn't really all that important, so now, I should bring you up to speed...
What have we been doing?
Well, we've been locked up in the rehearsal studio writing and reworking some songs. It's been fun, dull and tiring... all at the same time. We've got 3 new songs that most of you won't have heard. One of them isn't even finished yet... well, it's 90% finished.
Played any gigs?
Ayeeeee.... Played with this band, christ... erm, Electric 6? Ever heard of them? From the USA? Did a song about a Gay Bar or some carry on like that? Anywho... supported them on February 22nd in Inverness. It was superb. The crowd were amazing and they were really on our side, it was indeed, a touch overwhelming.
Recording eh?
Yeah, indeed we are... a few days at The Byre with Muse engineer, Mark Thomas. We'll do three, maybe four songs. We should have a CD ready for March 29th.
Any gigs planned?
If you take a look at our Website or our Myspace page, then you can check that shizzle out yeah. March 29th in Skinandi's. We've got Theatre Fall and 2 Thirds Of Youth coming up to play with us that night. It should be good.
So, that about wraps it up for now. I'll do a studio blog next week and you can check it out.
Cheers
Jamie
What have we been doing?
Well, we've been locked up in the rehearsal studio writing and reworking some songs. It's been fun, dull and tiring... all at the same time. We've got 3 new songs that most of you won't have heard. One of them isn't even finished yet... well, it's 90% finished.
Played any gigs?
Ayeeeee.... Played with this band, christ... erm, Electric 6? Ever heard of them? From the USA? Did a song about a Gay Bar or some carry on like that? Anywho... supported them on February 22nd in Inverness. It was superb. The crowd were amazing and they were really on our side, it was indeed, a touch overwhelming.
Recording eh?
Yeah, indeed we are... a few days at The Byre with Muse engineer, Mark Thomas. We'll do three, maybe four songs. We should have a CD ready for March 29th.
Any gigs planned?
If you take a look at our Website or our Myspace page, then you can check that shizzle out yeah. March 29th in Skinandi's. We've got Theatre Fall and 2 Thirds Of Youth coming up to play with us that night. It should be good.
So, that about wraps it up for now. I'll do a studio blog next week and you can check it out.
Cheers
Jamie
December 07, 2007
An End Of Year Message... Pt 1?
Howdy all, It's getting near the end of the year, so... what's happening with us? Well... bit and pieces actually.
We've just finished two songs. We had a third song but we're going to re-work it. I have to admit, the two new songs are brilliant. I really like them. We're titled them "Keep Your Dreams" and the other is called "One Man". One Man is my favourite Astronot song... ever! I know I'm hyping it up, but I really enjoy it.
We're playing on the 16th Of December. It's our last gig of the year... a busy year, which saw us play pretty much every city in Scotland, at least once. Ok, we played Inverness three times, but we played every other city at least once :) After that, it'll be back to the rehearsal room to practise, practise, write, write and then practise.
We're going to be recording again in March. Yeah, it seems like ages away, but I'm sure it will fly by. The plan is to get another three songs recorded at The Byre(to add to the three we already recorded there last July) and release a mini album in Spring. I'm pretty sure it will be six tracks... six good tracks. I know what's going to be on it... I think. Maybe we'll write something better before then though, you never know.
A tour is planned for after that... a world tour... of Scotland! Ok, we don't actually know where. Anywhere is possible. If the Jyrojets can go to Moscow, and lets face it, they're pish... then why can't we?
Hopefully we'll get this album up for sale on the internet through some retailers, so even if you don't make a show... you'll be able to pick it up online. Possibly even track by track. We're good like that...
Anyway, to all you millions of people who read this, have a good Santmas when it comes and a "sensible" New Year... pah, as if that's going to happen.
Jamie
October 14, 2007
Working hard...
Another one. We've got more news which I thought we'd keep seperate.
So, As you can see by our website and our myspace, we've got no further gigs this year... well, ok, that's a lie. We've been invited to do a Youth Forum gig. It's gonna be really intimate. Small. It'll be in the local Youth Club. A good place for people to get up close and personal. More about that when we know. Should be December sometime though...
But anyway, we've got fuck all else planned gig wise.
The rest of the year, we're going to be concentrating on writing. We've got 3 songs musically complete. We're really happy with the arrangements so far. All we need to do is put down a melody and some lyrics. Hopefully we'll complete that task in the next couple of weeks and get them done in a decent demo format shortly after.
We're writing in a different way than before I think. Usually I'd go away and work on riffs and come back with what would be an almost complete song. Stevie and Darren have got involved in this process now and I'm a lot happier with this. Takes some of the pressure off and really involves them. It's great to be working as a band.
The lyrics are the next step and I think we're all going to get stuck in about that very soon. I'm looking forward to what we can do together lyrically. Usually this is left to Stevie, but I think we all have stuff we'd like to say.
We'll be back in the new year, with these new songs, a better show and hopefully, a new release of some sort.
Jamie
So, As you can see by our website and our myspace, we've got no further gigs this year... well, ok, that's a lie. We've been invited to do a Youth Forum gig. It's gonna be really intimate. Small. It'll be in the local Youth Club. A good place for people to get up close and personal. More about that when we know. Should be December sometime though...
But anyway, we've got fuck all else planned gig wise.
The rest of the year, we're going to be concentrating on writing. We've got 3 songs musically complete. We're really happy with the arrangements so far. All we need to do is put down a melody and some lyrics. Hopefully we'll complete that task in the next couple of weeks and get them done in a decent demo format shortly after.
We're writing in a different way than before I think. Usually I'd go away and work on riffs and come back with what would be an almost complete song. Stevie and Darren have got involved in this process now and I'm a lot happier with this. Takes some of the pressure off and really involves them. It's great to be working as a band.
The lyrics are the next step and I think we're all going to get stuck in about that very soon. I'm looking forward to what we can do together lyrically. Usually this is left to Stevie, but I think we all have stuff we'd like to say.
We'll be back in the new year, with these new songs, a better show and hopefully, a new release of some sort.
Jamie
Busy.... Well, kind of..
Ok, so... where did I leave you? Oh yes, middle of September.
Right, well, we went down to Edinburgh and Glasgow. We played. We were told it would be shite before we went, it was. Edinburgh was ok I suppose. The sound was fine. The stage was perfect. Nice and small. The venue was pretty ace actually.. a little dingy intimate place. There was a few people we recognised there. In fact, I'd go as far to say that we had as much of a crowd as any of the local bands. Go you Thurso folk. Muchos appreciated. We'll perhaps get back later in the year.
We had our first bit in a major paper... The Herald, we were the only band registered to play in Edinburgh that night... nice!
We made a video documenting our little trip which you can find on our youtube site. There should be a link on the right.
We went to the Zoo on Friday morning... they tried keeping us in, but we had a gig to play.
Glasgow on the Friday night. We played in the Classic Grand. The venue(once a porn cinema) was indeed, grand, but the gig itself was shit. The people looked at us like dicks. The venue was like a fucking wine bar(nice if you like that kind of thing, too nice for loud rock music). The other bands were dirt. Jesus to fuck... where are all the Glasgow rock bands? No, not you... the real fucking rock bands. You know, the ones with loud guitars and drummers who can smash cymbals?
Oh, there are none? Right... well, one of those bands rolled into town and rolled out again. We played good, you missed out.
I'm fairly certain that bands from Glasgow(I'm pigeon-holing, so shoot me) are up their own fucking arse. No cunt really spoke, they looked at us like a bag of shite and most of them seemed pretty rude.
Mental note: play in a shithole next time, we're more suited to that sort of place.
Another blog to follow....
Jamie
Right, well, we went down to Edinburgh and Glasgow. We played. We were told it would be shite before we went, it was. Edinburgh was ok I suppose. The sound was fine. The stage was perfect. Nice and small. The venue was pretty ace actually.. a little dingy intimate place. There was a few people we recognised there. In fact, I'd go as far to say that we had as much of a crowd as any of the local bands. Go you Thurso folk. Muchos appreciated. We'll perhaps get back later in the year.
We had our first bit in a major paper... The Herald, we were the only band registered to play in Edinburgh that night... nice!
We made a video documenting our little trip which you can find on our youtube site. There should be a link on the right.
We went to the Zoo on Friday morning... they tried keeping us in, but we had a gig to play.
Glasgow on the Friday night. We played in the Classic Grand. The venue(once a porn cinema) was indeed, grand, but the gig itself was shit. The people looked at us like dicks. The venue was like a fucking wine bar(nice if you like that kind of thing, too nice for loud rock music). The other bands were dirt. Jesus to fuck... where are all the Glasgow rock bands? No, not you... the real fucking rock bands. You know, the ones with loud guitars and drummers who can smash cymbals?
Oh, there are none? Right... well, one of those bands rolled into town and rolled out again. We played good, you missed out.
I'm fairly certain that bands from Glasgow(I'm pigeon-holing, so shoot me) are up their own fucking arse. No cunt really spoke, they looked at us like a bag of shite and most of them seemed pretty rude.
Mental note: play in a shithole next time, we're more suited to that sort of place.
Another blog to follow....
Jamie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
