So I didn’t get a chance to write a new diary entry on Friday at Gone AWOL because rather than drinking coffee and listening to music there, I was the music:D I played for about 2hrs, and sold a couple of CDs!

Last week a friend of mine who works in JB HiFi offered to put up some posters around the music section of the store, which was super cool! So I made some posters and took them in, along with some fliers and promo CDs. The whole music department loved what I’d done! They’ve been super supportive of me and even setup a stand to showcase my music with some give aways and whatnot in the store:D Being one of, if not the most visited stores in my city I’m hoping I’ll win a few new fans:D
To start selling CDs there I need to go through a distributer, which they gave me the contact info for, so I’ll get onto that in the next few days!

With summer fast approaching I’m thinking the time is right to start busking, so next weekend I’m going to give it a go at Salamanca Markets! Some of my songs may be a little quiet without an amplifier, but I’d like to keep it unplugged if I can!

So yeah last week I made some posters to stick around the place! I made 5 designs with some info like my website and Facebook links. I’ve shown a few people the designs and even had a few put up around the place like JB HiFi and Brookfield, and so far the responses have been really positive!

I played at the Village Cafe yesterday and received some good comments! It’s a good place to just try out new songs and techniques. And I was even visited by two lovely friends, which was a super nice surprise!

This week I’m planning to update my website, I’ve got a few ideas for a new home page layout to just make it a little more engaging:)

On Thursday I have three gigs! One in the morning for a radio breakfast, one playing over lunchtime, then one in the evening supporting a blues guitarist. And on Friday evening I’ll be playing for a function! Then on Saturday I’ll be busking and probably playing at the Village Cafe again.

I’ll upload some pictures of the posters and where I’ve played in the next day or two. I’m thinking a visual journal could be good to keep as well!

I’m just in the sun listening to The Cruel Sea with my mate Tom! On days like today I think Tasmania is the best place on earth! After 11 months of winter this weather is a nice offset!

I’ve written two new songs in the last week, which are still both a work in progress but have already made their way into my sets. Making some more YouTubes is still on the agenda, and I’ve started planning out my instrumental album. ‘Small Giraffes’ is the title, and it’l have 10 tracks:) I would like to start recording in January or February next year, which should still give me enough time to write a few more songs for it and practice the ones I already have. I’ve been thinking about my playing ability and style and where I’m at as a guitarist. These last few months since I left my job to pursue guitar have seen what I think is a big improvement in my playing. I’m loving practicing guitar more than ever now, and I think that I’m at 50% of my playing potential. By this time next year I’d like to be at about 75%. But who knows:P

Housebird is gaining momentum! I’ve moved about 250 copies, and it’s been about 2 months since I got them printed. So I guess for a small indie artist that’s pretty good:)
I’m going to do a follow up album next year to Housebird once I’ve finished my instrumental album. An instrumental album has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and I have more and more people asking if I have an album with songs like Little Seed and Oceans on it. I have a few rough ideas on how I’ll tackle the recording process, but first I want to get 10 stellar tracks that not only look good live but sound good recorded as well!

Thanks very much for reading! Have a lovely day or evening or morning or night! Or if your in Tasmania maybe a little bit of each!

Much Love:)
Alan

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10