AMAZING THINGS!

It has been a while...

Life gets busy, that's my excuse and sticking with it!
My life involves, dealing with the ups & downs of Autism, Sensory Processing, Anxiety and ADHD .. it therefore, gets extremely busy sometimes!
Trust me, I am not complaining, it also fills my world with joy, happiness and an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
I recently gave a good friend, a piece of advice, take something fantastic from each day. There are so many wonderful moments hidden within each day, so grab them and embrace them my friends.

Talking of AMAZING things .. Music ranks highly on that front -very highly!!
There is a reason, music is used in therapy, it is empowering beyond limits. Yes..it is used in a variety of  therapeutic practises but the bottom line is, it's ALL MUSIC .
For me, there is nothing better than cranking THAT album you love, or that moment you hear, one of your all time favourite tunes on the radio and just have to drop everything, close your eyes, feel the song wash over you and lose yourself in the magic of every beat. That is when you dance ... truly dance .... with your heart and soul. Moments like that I treasure and that's what makes Music, an  'Amazing thing.'

So, this 'Amazing' medium is shaping up quite nicely this year. There are some awesome albums on the cusp of being released.
Some from well known bands, others who are establishing themselves and some that are up and coming.
Each are important as the other, for a variety of reasons but mostly for sharing their next / debut offerings of 'amazingness.'

There are also, some truly awesome tours and festival offerings on the agenda.
My gig calendar is looking very healthy for this year already (Yehhhhhhhh)
Make sure if you can, to support some of the smaller bands and venues too. I know, we all want to catch Myles Kennedy, Guns N Roses at Download, Def Leppard later in the year ( yes, I know not all of you ) but there are some cracking bands out there at the moment, that you can see, for a matter of a few pound - even free sometimes!  They really would appreciate your support and in turn, helps keeps our small venues rockin n a rollin too.
Remember, all bands, were an 'up and coming' band at some point!

For me, January has already kicked off nicely ....
I got to see the epic King King at one of my favourite London venues - Shepherds Bush Empire.
There is a real beauty within the walls of Shepherds Bush Empire, it deserves to be treated with respect and be honoured, with breath taking acts and  King King did just that.
What can you say about Alan Nimmo's voice??  Other than, it needs to be bottled!  It's pure class , liquid gold even and reminiscent of early Whitesnake .

King King, feel their music,  that is plain to see. They produced spine tingling rock and blues  performances that night, all entwined with a soulful edge. Absolutely stunning!
If you have yet to check out the band, let me recommend their most recent album 'Exile and Grace'. A sensational album, that eases the crossover, to a more classic rock edge for King King, and it works a treat.

Next up and admittedly very different, was an intimate Q&A with the Party maestro himself - Andrew WK.
I first came across Andrew WK, a good ten years or so ago, whilst flicking though Scuzz Tv channel.  The song 'Party Hard' was on and instantly put a huge grin on my face, it's a feisty rock track but with a melodic undertone & catchy lyrics, that you will be compelled to shout along too and I have done so, since my first encounter with it.
Andrew WK has a new album out at the beginning of March - 'You're Not Alone' and currently receiving a tonne of airplay, across many radio stations for his single  'Music is worth living for' from the forthcoming album.

Daniel P carter hosting the intimate Q&A event with Andrew WK

The evening was hosted by my fellow Essex dweller and all round, awesome Radio 1 Rock show presenter, Daniel P Carter. Andrew WK arrived in his notorious off white jeans and t shirt and sat amongst the exclusive gathering, within the throng of guests, was Andrew's new found friend - Luke Mitchell.
If you are a keen tweeter, this name may ring a bell.. Luke was pulled over on the M4, after speeding along to Andrew WK's new song, being aired by Daniel P Carter. After tweeting his misdemeanour, Andrew WK stepped in and offered to cover the £100 penalty, taking responsibility for 'the sonic party power' that caused Luke to speed!  In the spirit of the tweet thread, Thames Valley Police also added  - You may 'want fun' and to 'party hard ' but we want you to be safe. Drive safely dudes and party on ( responsibly) . Perfect concluding tweet .

Myself and Luke Mitchell, the Party hard speeder!

Back to the event, Daniel commenced the evening with Andrew WK, asking him questions regarding his new album. There was a genuine respect and understanding from Daniel for Andrew's new album, that brought a warmth to the proceedings. Andrew WK answered eloquently and sincerely, he may be THE party man but he is kind, real and his motivational talking, really shines through too.
I really look forward to hearing the album properly, its an album that has taken some time and I think from Andrew's answers, one that has been more thoughtful in its process and allows Andrew to show his inner thoughts further.

Andrew WK answering questions from the audience.

The evening draw to a close with questions from the audience , mine included and then, we all had the pleasure of meeting Andrew WK after.  Not one to miss out on an opportunity of a photo and a chatta, I went straight over to the main man. He instantly thanked me for my question and for coming along, and amiably spoke with me for a few minutes. A true rocking gentleman.
You may recall earlier in this blog, I said about taking something fantastic from each day  - that was my piece of fabulousness that day.

Last up in my January summary, is not a gig or an event but the awesome Debut album from Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. The album is 'The Age of Absurdity' and after seeing the band a few times last year  (and being blown away each time) to say I have been excited for this release, is a huge understatement !

The band consists of the 'one and only' Phil Campbell (eeeek) on guitar, his sons - Todd on guitar, Dane on drums, Tyla on bass and then the man with the vocals, is the awesome Neil Starr.
I have listened to the album, only a few times so far, do I love it ? Yes, I do... It's everything I hoped and wished for - punchy, heart pounding, burly Rock n Roll.
If, I met someone who had no idea what this Rock n Roll genre was , 'THIS' is the album I would play them.  Guarantee, they would be a rock convertee,  just like that !

'Get on your knees' may just be my track of the year too!
I know it's only January but hell yeah, this track encompasses everything .... guitar riffs, awesome lyrics and a rebellious rock n roll streak that throws back to the 80's, get ready to punch the air my friends.
This is an album, that your are never gonna tire of, if anything, it's gonna get better on every spin!
And, that's exactly what I am gonna do.  I have a lengthy car journey on Saturday, so if anyone should see / hear a car, literally rockin along the M3, I'll put my hands up now, that will be me & Phil Campbell and The Bastard sons!

That's my January folks... Keep rockin and remember, life is better with music in your heart and soul .

Xx G xX