Wow ... this feels daunting ... I haven't written a blog for well over 6 months ... I'm actually concerned that I don't have anything interesting to say ... the feeling I get whenever I'm in the company of a beautiful woman, or somebody I hold in high esteem, or someone that's considerably funnier than me ... but I used to find that talking utter 'kawongle' in my blogs actually earnt me a small following. So why change what comes naturally!
Anyway. I must formally begin by saying Peace, Love and Good Health to all of my fellow Human Beings. Humanity in its entirety qualify as my extended family and you're all welcome.
During my last blog I discussed the temporary lodgers I had at the time and my plans for the year. Well, both situations changed. I'd outlined my plans to launch a revolutionary cafe with my soulmate George along with my desire to kickstart the record label that has for so long been waiting in the shadows. However I forgot the most important thing in my life. My Music. Undoubtedly the label would have some sort of impact on my art but I set sail on this voyage a long time ago, and not even to marry Kate Beckinsale would I abandon this ship.
So I've been spending the last 12 months writing and recording this album, doing my usual juggling act with job and life taking the form of the other two fire wielding clubs. And it's been awesome! The album is coming together in a big way now. I have around 80% of it complete. A couple of verses here and there, a few choruses and then the final mixdown of everything and we should be good to go. Mixdown time is usually a tedious process for most but my tracks are 3/4's mixed by the time I've recorded everything as I mix when I'm making the beat, tweaking the beat, and recording the vox. Very efficient me. I even bake cakes and make lemonade.
In between this solid studio graft I've had the most amazing year of my life!!!
It started with an incredible trip in March to The Galgael, an amazing community project in one of Glasgow's poorest neighbourhoods, Govan. This involved meeting the beautiful people that make this project work and one of THE all time legends and hero of mine Alastair Mcintosh (check websites for both in my links section to the right).
We then went to Glastonbury in June. Not only the world's best festival but we had the world's best weather! It was beyond all comprehension. Just incredible. I perfomed on the Thursday night opening the Croissant Neuf tent alongside my brothers George Hardwick and Luke Concannon. Personally it wasn't my best performance due to a lack of recent gigs and just a natural nervousness that crept up on me. But it was immensely enjoyable and a night that I'll never forget. George and I engaged in a battle which had the crowd entertained for some time in between acts. It was Classic! That festival was up there as one of the best things I've ever done! Amazing.
I then had a trip to Wales for my birthday to a cottage which has a special place in my heart with two of my soul brothers. And was paid a visit by a man whom I consider a legend. Great times. This was followed by more epic festival antics at Croissant Neuf's own Summer Party, and more stupendous weekends with the people I hold close to my heart.
And I've been creating a masterpiece which I truly believe is going to get me some recognition after all this time honing my craft and trying to master my art.
So where the plan has changed. I now intend to release this album in Spring/Summer 2011 and hit the road. I will have a rucksack full of CD's and will be looking to perform at every open mic, poetry night, acoustic jam and Hip Hop event in the country. I'm gonna be cycling and 'training' my way around the UK sleeping in a tent. Basically I am looking to risk everything to make my dream happen. Go out on a limb in the name of art. Put everything on the line to spread my message and reach out for what I believe in. Follow my heart. Be the change. Give my Soul to the World!!! I'm gonna have a shit hot website and some great merch to go with it. But this album is my seminal piece of work. I've written and produced over 200 hundred tracks since I first picked up a pen and created a beat and only now do I feel that I have something worthy of presenting to the world. This is it. This is Destiny, and this my Fate. Going the distance however long the fight takes. One chance to embark on the journey, look to my sleeve see my heart on my jersey. They can't stop this, could never hold me back, this wasn't a choice it's been embedded in my soul to Rap. Belief, Passion, Commitment and Discipline I look up to the sky I'm never giving in!
So there you have it. I've reintroduced myself. And I promise that from now on I'll be sticking to my original intent for this Blog which is to post an interesting read about those things outlined just under the title.
See you again soon I hope
Peace and One Love
Jimmy
