Tonight, Tuesday 26th of June, we are playing a show at The Underground Bar in Dundee. This is our first home game for a while so I look mighty forward to it. We only found out about it yesterday morning so it's been a hectic one to plan for.
Over the last month or so we have been visiting Aberdeen and Edinburgh, trying to sow the Descartes seed into the hearts of those North and South of us. It has been fun. Though I'm sure one or two of us enjoyed it more than the rest (Paulo you DAWG!).
After tonight's gig we play Dundee again this coming Saturday as part of a two day new bands gathering which coincides with the cities annual "Blues Bonanza". I look so forward to causing as much trouble as possible. Dundee's blues bonanza is an event that takes place over one summer weekend in every year, and is something of an excuse for dead old middle aged knob heads to crawl out of their Holby City induced slumber and go out on the town. They get pissed quickly and stagger about trying to reclaim their lost youth, and no doubt have sex with the lights on for the first time in months. This is also a weekend when the number of pricks in the street having a pop at us for wearing silly clothes or having big hair almost doubles. I'm so glad I get to stand onstage with a microphone in front of the crowd. Oh yes I am.
About 20 minutes ago, a posh old man came into my work, right poncy old fucker who expected to be treated like a king, he pulled out his wallet to pay for a coffee costing a couple of pounds maximum and shows a wad of cash containing, at glance, surely more than £300. I can't help but feel it would be sweet justice if the old fucker got mugged.
So there you are McFarlane. Y'Happy? Are ya? Jeeez man.
LUVS.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Balmy Nights and Dream Filled Days
I'm a borderline insomniac at the best of times, work, gigs, rehearsals, accidental drunkenness and a small social life all play their part, but over the last week or two I've taken the recommended number of hours and laughed in their face. On the odd occasion when I am left to my own devices to nab a few hours I find myself laying awake, twitching like Ian Curtis during a severe bout of bed bugs.
I blame this damn band. Since recording our latest demos my nightly attack is usually concerned with who to send demos to, whether they will actually get listened to and if so what are people going to think. Before that I was bothered by what songs to record, we have many, but what combination of four songs would create a beautiful 15 minute intense blast of what we are all about? It's not fun.
You constantly hear major bands and recording artists saying how they don't care what others think and that they don't bother reading their reviews and the likes, but I can't help thinking this is a load of balls. I follow this rule to a certain degree, when making music and writing I couldn't give a toss about anyone else, and when playing I don't care to act in a manner which pleases others, doing what the fuck we want is a prime aspect of this band, we could play certain songs and do certain acts (I don't mean fellatio) which would make lots of people jump up and down, but we wouldn't be doing what WE want. Surely honesty is the most important aspect to any good music.
But sadly I do care, once the songs are written and recorded I want people to understand what they are about and where they come from. If someone has a particular argument about why they are shit I want to be able to tell them exactly why they can fuck off. I'm sure that if we "make it" I will care less, as I wouldn't need to give a shit anymore, once you have a platform you can just let the music do the talking, but being the little guy you always have to be prepared to fight your corner. Something I shall gladly do.
It's a major character flaw, I'm sure of it, but one that's not going away anytime soon and although I may now resemble a scruffy, red eyed sleepless monster, I'm sort of glad it's there.
x
I blame this damn band. Since recording our latest demos my nightly attack is usually concerned with who to send demos to, whether they will actually get listened to and if so what are people going to think. Before that I was bothered by what songs to record, we have many, but what combination of four songs would create a beautiful 15 minute intense blast of what we are all about? It's not fun.
You constantly hear major bands and recording artists saying how they don't care what others think and that they don't bother reading their reviews and the likes, but I can't help thinking this is a load of balls. I follow this rule to a certain degree, when making music and writing I couldn't give a toss about anyone else, and when playing I don't care to act in a manner which pleases others, doing what the fuck we want is a prime aspect of this band, we could play certain songs and do certain acts (I don't mean fellatio) which would make lots of people jump up and down, but we wouldn't be doing what WE want. Surely honesty is the most important aspect to any good music.
But sadly I do care, once the songs are written and recorded I want people to understand what they are about and where they come from. If someone has a particular argument about why they are shit I want to be able to tell them exactly why they can fuck off. I'm sure that if we "make it" I will care less, as I wouldn't need to give a shit anymore, once you have a platform you can just let the music do the talking, but being the little guy you always have to be prepared to fight your corner. Something I shall gladly do.
It's a major character flaw, I'm sure of it, but one that's not going away anytime soon and although I may now resemble a scruffy, red eyed sleepless monster, I'm sort of glad it's there.
x
Saturday, 9 June 2007
Lump In My Throat
Descartes is a terribly amused little group at the minute.
We recorded a new demo EP last week at Dundee's Seagate studio. The end result was more than I had imagined. Much more. The help of Graham the genius producer was much appreciated as he made us sound huge, yet kept the chaotic live feel.
There are dodgy notes all over the place and bits of suspect timing but it all adds to the lovely feel. And the response from folk has also been tip top, our myspace page has been buzzing for days now, I love it. Currently trying to annoy some music industry types into listening, but that's a right tricky task.
Also, the man from Club NME Dundee just asked us to support The Departure in October. Oh my gawwd, The Departure. I love that band. The nostalgia of their first album and all the odd nights of my life that it sound-tracked brings a warm feeling to the chest. Can't believe we are getting to support them. Happy times.
Be Safe.
x
We recorded a new demo EP last week at Dundee's Seagate studio. The end result was more than I had imagined. Much more. The help of Graham the genius producer was much appreciated as he made us sound huge, yet kept the chaotic live feel.
There are dodgy notes all over the place and bits of suspect timing but it all adds to the lovely feel. And the response from folk has also been tip top, our myspace page has been buzzing for days now, I love it. Currently trying to annoy some music industry types into listening, but that's a right tricky task.
Also, the man from Club NME Dundee just asked us to support The Departure in October. Oh my gawwd, The Departure. I love that band. The nostalgia of their first album and all the odd nights of my life that it sound-tracked brings a warm feeling to the chest. Can't believe we are getting to support them. Happy times.
Be Safe.
x
Monday, 4 June 2007
Spelling and Basic Grammar
Tomorrow, Tuesday 5th June 2007, we are going into a little studio in Dundee to record some of our new songs. And mercy me, I can't wait.
Our first lot of recordings as the new and improved Descartes we're reasonably good, but they were the first songs we really ever wrote together, and we hadn't ever played live so didn't have a clue how things would sound. The nerves are there for all to hear.
BUT THIS TIME!!!! Oh this time, we are ready. Been playing a lot recently, learned to sing a bit (well, more a case of realising that we can't sing, so just screaming things out like caged beasts), and generally spent time writing. We are buzzing, and want to shove these new recordings right up the anus of this gasping scene which really needs a good youthful,energetic kick in the nose.
This week I have also gotten into ....And You Will Know Us By Our Trail of Dead, and Battles. Went out on a mad whim after hearing a ...Trail of Dead song on BBC6 music, bought one of their albums for a fiver from fopp. It took a couple of listens to get right into, but now I'm hooked. Bought the Battles album after hearing from many a source that it is the "new sound". I have no idea what to make of it, not even how to listen to it, but boy I enjoy it. Sounds more like a future film soundtrack than a contemporary music album. Wild stuff.
Peace Out sisters.
Our first lot of recordings as the new and improved Descartes we're reasonably good, but they were the first songs we really ever wrote together, and we hadn't ever played live so didn't have a clue how things would sound. The nerves are there for all to hear.
BUT THIS TIME!!!! Oh this time, we are ready. Been playing a lot recently, learned to sing a bit (well, more a case of realising that we can't sing, so just screaming things out like caged beasts), and generally spent time writing. We are buzzing, and want to shove these new recordings right up the anus of this gasping scene which really needs a good youthful,energetic kick in the nose.
This week I have also gotten into ....And You Will Know Us By Our Trail of Dead, and Battles. Went out on a mad whim after hearing a ...Trail of Dead song on BBC6 music, bought one of their albums for a fiver from fopp. It took a couple of listens to get right into, but now I'm hooked. Bought the Battles album after hearing from many a source that it is the "new sound". I have no idea what to make of it, not even how to listen to it, but boy I enjoy it. Sounds more like a future film soundtrack than a contemporary music album. Wild stuff.
Peace Out sisters.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Hometown Blues: Part Two.
Its now Monday. Two days since the last thrilling instalment.
We played at Dexters on saturday night. It was fair rubbish. Though the night in general was good as expected. The bands we were playing with, Cardiac and The Paranoid Monkeys, we amazing. Really mind blowing live bands. And as usual the people and staff of Dexters were ace. But no one was there. By the time we took to the stage at about 23.15 the few folk who had been there began to filter out, leaving a few folk stray folk and couple of our friends. We are hugely greatful to those who came down, though in that sort of situation it does feel like a bit of a sympathy fuck, like people come to see you because no one else will. I just pray that one day people will come see us due to loving our music. Though I guess thats up to us to create loveable music.
One day I will crack the marketing code, finding out how to get a load of people into a room infront of us, as I'm sure that given the chance we could blow the minds of many.
Anyway, we take to Aberdeen on Thursday for a gig at The Lemon Tree, which should be a step up from some of the venues we have played over the last couple of months.
AND....in six days, yes six little days, we are going to record four new songs. Four songs that eclipse anything we have done before, and that will hopefully prove to some people that Descartes will fuck you up. Yes we will.
x
We played at Dexters on saturday night. It was fair rubbish. Though the night in general was good as expected. The bands we were playing with, Cardiac and The Paranoid Monkeys, we amazing. Really mind blowing live bands. And as usual the people and staff of Dexters were ace. But no one was there. By the time we took to the stage at about 23.15 the few folk who had been there began to filter out, leaving a few folk stray folk and couple of our friends. We are hugely greatful to those who came down, though in that sort of situation it does feel like a bit of a sympathy fuck, like people come to see you because no one else will. I just pray that one day people will come see us due to loving our music. Though I guess thats up to us to create loveable music.
One day I will crack the marketing code, finding out how to get a load of people into a room infront of us, as I'm sure that given the chance we could blow the minds of many.
Anyway, we take to Aberdeen on Thursday for a gig at The Lemon Tree, which should be a step up from some of the venues we have played over the last couple of months.
AND....in six days, yes six little days, we are going to record four new songs. Four songs that eclipse anything we have done before, and that will hopefully prove to some people that Descartes will fuck you up. Yes we will.
x
Saturday, 26 May 2007
Hometown Blues
It's just gone 6pm, I have just finished work (familiar topic, boring bastard) and have to go sound check for a gig tonight at 6.30pm. Thankfully we are playing at Dexters Bar in Dundee which is about 100 paces from my work, so I have the opportunity to run off and grab some dirty food before we start, chips and cheese undoubtedly. A favorite. Perhaps with gravy, just to be a bit continental.
Playing hometown gigs at this stage in the life of Descartes is always an odd thing. At least when we play away we know that we will be playing to near empty rooms, but in Dundee you never can tell. The general gig going demographic of this city is odd. The most popular gigs are those by local bands with lots of friends who play a particular sort of indie, when bigger NME bothering bands hit town the students might surface but when more alternative local acts who are made up of groups of "Jonny no mates" you never can tell.
The only real tool you have to recruit (due to the towns strict fly postering laws) is Myspace. And that is a fairly contrived little world, where I imagine most people will spend their Saturday night in their own homes posing at awkward angles.
So, I have no idea if anyone will turn up tonight. I hope so. But I have a bee in my bonnet, so whoever does show up is going to be treated to a display of madman shouty twitchy fun. What more can one desire. Ha.
That's wasted a good 7 minutes. Now I must go do my hair and make-up then head out onto the streets where I imagine I'll get amuse from passing neds. Lets just hope I make those 100 paces in one piece.
Much Love.
x
Playing hometown gigs at this stage in the life of Descartes is always an odd thing. At least when we play away we know that we will be playing to near empty rooms, but in Dundee you never can tell. The general gig going demographic of this city is odd. The most popular gigs are those by local bands with lots of friends who play a particular sort of indie, when bigger NME bothering bands hit town the students might surface but when more alternative local acts who are made up of groups of "Jonny no mates" you never can tell.
The only real tool you have to recruit (due to the towns strict fly postering laws) is Myspace. And that is a fairly contrived little world, where I imagine most people will spend their Saturday night in their own homes posing at awkward angles.
So, I have no idea if anyone will turn up tonight. I hope so. But I have a bee in my bonnet, so whoever does show up is going to be treated to a display of madman shouty twitchy fun. What more can one desire. Ha.
That's wasted a good 7 minutes. Now I must go do my hair and make-up then head out onto the streets where I imagine I'll get amuse from passing neds. Lets just hope I make those 100 paces in one piece.
Much Love.
x
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
The Horrific, and the Grand
My oh My Oh My Oh My.
Without meaning to sound like some diddy boy from Hard-Fi or some other "we liked the Jam and steal our songs off the clash" bands, I feel the need to say, WORK IS RUBBISH.
Really rubbish.
I spend my days working a coffee shop, in Dundee town centre. I have done for about three years, occasionally full time, and occasionally part time when I decide to take up some half arsed college course or other. Every day is quiet, then a little busy, then a bit slow again. Everyday.
The customers are a lifeless bunch, waiting for death as opposed to just accepting that they are alive. Most see human interaction as a dirty thing, a muttered please and thank you are rare and joyful occasions.
I often find myself staring longingly out of the window praying that a six foot drag queen or midget in a tall hat would walk through the door, stun me with their visual wooha then ask me a personal question about the shape of my genitals. Anything to break up the grind.
I often stand convincing myself to storm out, throwing my milky apron in the air and telling everyone of the grey faced army to lick my man part, but I forever see sense, as I have annoyingly developed a bond to my brothers and sisters in dull, daily union.
After escaping last night I skulked off home in a quiet rage as usual, but was swiftly revived when I cranked on the Moore stereo system. Got me the new Cribs album you see, and its pure genius. Sitting listening to the first nine tracks was a mad hook filled joy, then....then....then I heard the track named Be Safe, which has Lee Ronaldo from Sonic Youth speaking over it. Purrrrrre amazing. Sounds like nothing the Cribs have done before, so epic and beautiful. Made me the happiest little lad in all the land for the rest of my night.
It's the little things you see.
Ahhhhhh.
x
Without meaning to sound like some diddy boy from Hard-Fi or some other "we liked the Jam and steal our songs off the clash" bands, I feel the need to say, WORK IS RUBBISH.
Really rubbish.
I spend my days working a coffee shop, in Dundee town centre. I have done for about three years, occasionally full time, and occasionally part time when I decide to take up some half arsed college course or other. Every day is quiet, then a little busy, then a bit slow again. Everyday.
The customers are a lifeless bunch, waiting for death as opposed to just accepting that they are alive. Most see human interaction as a dirty thing, a muttered please and thank you are rare and joyful occasions.
I often find myself staring longingly out of the window praying that a six foot drag queen or midget in a tall hat would walk through the door, stun me with their visual wooha then ask me a personal question about the shape of my genitals. Anything to break up the grind.
I often stand convincing myself to storm out, throwing my milky apron in the air and telling everyone of the grey faced army to lick my man part, but I forever see sense, as I have annoyingly developed a bond to my brothers and sisters in dull, daily union.
After escaping last night I skulked off home in a quiet rage as usual, but was swiftly revived when I cranked on the Moore stereo system. Got me the new Cribs album you see, and its pure genius. Sitting listening to the first nine tracks was a mad hook filled joy, then....then....then I heard the track named Be Safe, which has Lee Ronaldo from Sonic Youth speaking over it. Purrrrrre amazing. Sounds like nothing the Cribs have done before, so epic and beautiful. Made me the happiest little lad in all the land for the rest of my night.
It's the little things you see.
Ahhhhhh.
x
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