Wow.

Okay this has been a strange week, I’ve had lots of ups and lots of side steps. Following on from last weeks empowering first solo gig this weeks’ second was a bit of a mixed bag. Met by hissing for not having an item of PA equipment (which was not included in the ‘please bring with you’ correspondence) I was then determined to completely go to the limits of what I was capable of and deliver a damn good show.

As you can see the banjo had its first public outing and I did at least feel like I did that so musically it was a good gig but after my set I was met by downplays and one guy even approached me asking me about the quick reference I’d made to who I’d written The Thatcher about so I explained, in great length, as he seemed interested. He then said, 'okay I didn’t want to know I’m just saying either explain yourself or say nothing.’ Right. I was so taken back I texted my friends immediately asking if it was just me! ‘No’ they replied haha.

That wasn’t really the end of it but lets just say the evening finished with a carrot being dangled in my face and someone basically saying oh you can’t have the carrot unless you’ve got a band backing you. As I’ve told many people of late I’m not looking to replace anyone and am frankly enjoying the free time and opportunities that come with being solo.

I am currently listening to the first mixes of Geography with a critical ear - which is proving harder than once thought as I keep joining in with the singing ><! There are definitely some surprises on this album, guitars that sound like pianos for one. It’s nice to hear songs that were about to be dropped completely come alive and even better to hear songs that I thought would skeletal be bulked with vocals and unexpected twists. I am a bit taken back by it to be honest with you, here I have a completely different album from what I set out to make but I’m quite proud of it. It is different, it is not Evergreen II it stands alone which is something I always hope to say about each album. I think the most wonderful thing about this album is the clear influence of 1950s pop on 'Happiest when Barefoot & Kissing’ which happened purely by chance in an effort to fill in for the lack of bass. I was raised on Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Eddie Cochran and I think it’s never been clearer in my music than now so it’s nice to have something to pay homage to those legends.

So getting back to the big ol’ plug ;) Geography is just about on track to be released on September 10th at The Queen’s Theatre. Kiera Osment is confirmed for support and she will be joining me on some original tracks which we’ve begun practising. Honestly I know I always say this about Kiera but she really is phenomenal, I am very much looking forward to sharing the stage with her once more :-)

Phew so there you have it! I’m going to have a bit of a rest now til the 17th then it’s off to Japan! Scary how fast time is going now!

Talk soon x

Rose