Big thanks to Chris Lyne at CKCU FM31.0 for including my song Chopping Wood on his Bedtime Stories show
Radio
Revamp, Songwriting, Radio & gigs 2015
This weekend whilst I was soaking up the vibe of Halloween, Day of the Dead and trying to write a Christmas song I also took it upon myself to update my website. It’s still a gradual work-in-progress but is now much snazzier and more organised 🙂 ACHIEVED!
To celebrate this, I bring news..
Last month was the return of Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge. I had intended to enter this for a couple of years now but 2014 was the year I actually put it into action. The challenge was to go to View Two Gallery in town (Liverpool) and pick a piece of artwork to write about. This was a really interesting undertaking for me as I haven’t written many songs in this way before. I enjoyed it a lot and here is my offering below. I have been selected as one of the 10 finalists and will be performing at the finals on 21st November at View Two Gallery, Liverpool. There are some really strong contenders among the other finalists and it will be a great night. So…if you fancy, come along and see what’s going on!
In gig news…. I have been confirmed as a performer at January’s Great British Rock & Blues Festival in Skegness. This is very exciting for me! I will be doing an hour long show on Sunday 25th Jan on Blues Matters stage @ 1.15 – 2.15 pm. Hope to see you there!
Finally…Last week marked the return of the one and only Bob’s Folk Show. Bob was one of the first to hear/play my debut album Cycle Grace Pulse Break in 2010 and has been an encouragement ever since. His show is always a great listen of folk and roots artists and the first one (including my track Chopping Wood), can be heard here..The show is every Tuesday at 9pm., go and check him out.
That’s all for now…stay warm and creative!
Jo x
Stay busy create keep warm!
This month has been creative and busy. Keep moving keep warm 🙂
A few weeks ago I mentioned I had been asked to provide vocals for the fab band Bowker. These guys have written a concept album called Sail to the Deep and needed someone to be their ‘Valentina’. I was really honoured to be asked, it was also a pretty big challenge but very exciting! I have never just provided vocals before and for this one it was also vocals with no words…so…listen I did…over and over to the amazing atmospheric chunky guitar/bass/drum track they sent me. After I felt I’d suitably absorbed the music I started to get a feel for the character and it was a lot of fun singing my heart out for this.
The launch was a few weeks ago at Lomax, Liverpool and I went along to perform. Cracking night. Here are a couple of pics.
me as ‘Valentina’
The song was included on the Roots and Fusion radio show last week so for a listen head over to the mixcloud 🙂
The album is released in November.
Another guest appearance for me came in the form of Tiki Black. Tiki is a fantastic songwriter and though we have crossed paths at gigs and she has also been very supportive of my music, we had not yet worked together. Tiki asked me a couple of months ago if I would play some guitar on her track ‘Free Like Smoke’. It’s a beautiful song and when I had a closer listen I could really hear some vocal harmonies in there too. So, I jumped in and had a play. Luckily for me that was appreciated…. The track sounds great and I will update when and where this will be available once I know. This was also featured on Roots & Fusion and can be heard here.
SUMMER STUFF– Over the summer I had lots of fun playing at various festivals. One of which was on my doorstep at the Sefton Park Food & Drink Festival. I had the opportunity to combine my two favourite things of coffee and music and played at the Liverpool Live TV/Quills Coffee stage. LLTV were ace enough to wield their video skills and recorded my song Woollen Hearts…
and finally…..
This weekend I discovered that my song Sun shines under water (from Chasing Tales EP) was included on Tom Robinson’s MIXTAPE (BBC6 Music Introducing.. Fresh on the Net): I have been lucky enough over the last year to have 2 other songs (Chopping Wood & This Garden) from the EP also featured on the show. It’s a top resource for independent musicians and I’m very proud.
That’s it for now! You’ll find me walking around in the Autumn air finding inspiration for new songs.
x
Festive videos and Happy New Year
Last post of the year for me just before I run off to do my Christmas shopping and prepare for indulgences!
I’ve had a great year. Many trips out from Bob’s Folk Show in Jan, Songs from the Shed in June, Roots and Fusion session in Sept and the London Folk and Roots Festival in October.
The year has drawn to a close with me enjoying writing and recording some new songs and a nod to festive spirit in my first ever Christmas song: Little Christmas (Chasing Fairy Lights). The song birthed when I was asked to be a part of a Christmas album of independent artists by Andy Jones who plays in a fab duo called Just By Chance. Andy’s record label Searching For Dandelions released the album in December and it is available to download and is called A Searching for Dandelions Christmas 2.
To add a further sprinkling of festive to my tune myself and the very special Blythe Cooper drew up and created a stop motion animation video of cuteness to warm the cockles on those cold winter days. The video and song have had some great support of which I massively appreciate 🙂
cover artwork to the festive tune by Jo Bywater
I hope you all have a fab festive time and best of luck for the new year. I shall see you in 2013 with a renewed and ever more enhanced creative spirit.
Until then 🙂
Jo x
Roots & Fusion session
Last Friday I went over to Stockport on the train to meet up with Roots & Fusion host Rick. The session’s been booked in since January when it was recommended to me by Bob’s Folk Show so I was pretty excited that it had now come around.
I met Rick and soundman Jay at Stockport college and we headed to the gym where we were to record. The guys have been recording live sessions for the show in various places around Stockport. The initial thought for my show was the roof of the college but weather not permitting we headed into the boxing gym. The first time I have been interviewed and recorded my music whilst being surrounded by weight machines and a boxing ring., it was great.
The session was an easy flow and a happy memory. I like meeting people who are interested and passionate about new music and music in general..
the link to the session is HERE 🙂
Enjoy x
Jo Bywater 