Exciting new band The Mummers asked if I could do some press shots for them before they begin their summer run of festivals. First off was a session with lead singer Raissa, which took place in her beloved camper van and around my garden and house. http://www.themummers.co.uk/
The magnificant One Taste Collective are hosting a free day of music in Hyde Park this Sunday, which means picnics, pimms and sonic treats for the ears.
I first stumbled across this talented bunch of musicians as the sun was rising on the final morning of The Big Chill last year. I was drawn towards their inspiring sounds from afar, and spent the next two hours dancing uncontrollably as some 20 people took to the stage with percussion instruments. Individually and en mass this force knows how to bring people together and feed the soul through music.
It's been ages since I went roaming Camden, so I chose a quiet weekday last week to amble around the market and canal with my trusty old Pentax. I finally got round to attempting some home developing last night, and here are some results.
I have been thinking a lot lately about going on some adventures overseas, since it feels a long time ago that I trod on fresh soil. For the past year I had a strong urge to return to Africa and explore Ethiopia and some of the eastern coast, but now my instinct is leading me back to Asia. If all goes to plan I'll be off next year, starting in Northern India. It was my love for Cambodia that started my fascination with the Asian continent, so I've rooted out some pictures from the vault of some of my travels there between 2004 and 2006.
Last weekend I made it home as the sun was rising and the Thames floated by peacefully sleeping, made some tea, and got myself geared up for a a journey to the seaside. It was a beautiful day in Brighton, which set the scene for a musical and visual extravaganza amongst the alleyways of Kemp Town. The main stage was brimming with local talent, including the uplifting melodies and skanking basslines of the almighty Resonators, and the hugely entertaining Justice Force 5. It was the perfect way to see in the beginning of Summer surrounded by smiling faces glistening in glitter!
It was a year ago this week that I drove a carload of hungover boys and battered instruments to a dockyard in Oxford, where a beautiful barge awaited to begin the River Rat Pack tour. There I was acquainted with a fine group of fellows who would become my trusty steads for the week ahead as we cruised down the river, stopping off at sleepy towns to inject some musical mayhem into their otherwise quiet village life. The days and nights merged into a marathon of adventures, jam sessions, serenades and hoe-downs which I was honored to be part of. On board last year were: Beans on Toast, Mumford and Sons, Josh Weller, Nat Jenkins, Derek Meins, Six Nation State, Naked and the Boys, with appearances along the way from The Golden Silvers and Jay Jay Pistolet. The good news is that the River Rat Pack is returning this year - due to set sail on September 1st and we have another superb line-up of new talent, including Smokey Angle Shades and Wild Wolves. I for one, cannot wait.
Listening to: 'Oh Swing it' - Jimmie Revard & His Oklahoma Playboys
Last week I went to meet my sister in an abandoned warehouse in Victoria to help assist on a photo shoot for two of her dresses. The models were exquisite, and Kirstie's creations looked extraordinary against the bare walls with the bright sunlight shining through the windows.
