Amazed & Confused

Grown men playing with sock puppets... life's little pleasures

I will never fully understand the innovative / comedy mind of my husband.  There is an aspect of the surreal and absurd that tickles him and often takes me by surprise.  I love it.  He, Tom and Jim were set the challenge of coming up with a way to let people know that the Push Community album 'Everybody' was out and after a little arts and craft and a lot of laughter this was the result... 3 men, 2 sock puppets and 1 album...

I kind of love it.  There's a nostalgia and honesty to the humble sock puppet :)  Find out more about the Push Community worship and creative collective and get their first album on iTunes or Bandcamp.

'Everybody's here! New music from the Push Community - you decide what it costs

I love being part of the Push Community.  I get to be with my hubby, worship with my friends and be a small part of seeing talented people get their new music out there.   

Today is a good day for that!  Today the Push Community has released it's debut album 'Everybody'... and you don't even have to pay for it if you really don't want to.  

One of the core values of the community is to produce music that serves the Church so if you want to listen to some fresh congregational songs, intimate balads and kooky folk tunes written by worship leaders for worshippers, then go to our bandcamp page, download and make a donation if you're able :)

Once you've had a listen tell me what you think in the comments below.  My particular favourites are tracks 1, 4 and 11 :)

Look Mum I'm in a music video... sort of...

24-7 Prayer peep by day, covers band signer by night; it may be cheesy and but I love it. Since 2007 Steve and I have gotten together with Nathan, Steve C, Jimmy E and a few lovely extras to have some fun and be a part of making people's celebrations rock a little harder.  The DeLoreans, as our band is called, has been growing over the years and 2012 seems to be no exception.  The summer is looking rather full already (gulp!)

As we don't play many public gigs we decided it was high time we put a little promo video together.  The talented and lovely Tom Deane joined us for a (long) day at the Revs Venue before Christmas and the result is above.  What do you think?

I foolishly thought that making a music /promo video would be a glamorous affair.  How wrong could I be.  To make the above 3 minutes and 35 seconds of footage in this video we spent 10 hours playing the same songs and busting out the same moves over and over again. By the end I couldn't remember my name let alone the words to Crazy in Love!  Hehe - it was a blast though and I think the result was well worth the exertion! 

The DeLoreans get a face lift

via www.thedeloreansband.com

The lovely Mr Elliot, famed for his furious fingers (er... he plays guitar) has been working his magic on the DeLoreans website. The facelift / spruce up / funkifying affect is quite pleasing. Bravo young man, bravo. My favourite aditions include the juke box of our repertoire, the TV that plays videos of us and the testimonials laid out like a Back to the Future style newspaper. Nice.

In other DeLoreans related news (said in my best Veronica Corningstone voice), I saw the first cut of our recently shot promo vid. After I got over my initial yuck-I-don't-like-seeing-myself-on-film reaction I quite liked it! I never thought our musical experiment to have fun and hang out together would still be going strong six years later. The secret's in the dedication to Sausage Club/Fest.  Hurrah for the DeLoreans and here's to more Weddings, parties, bah-mitzvahs etc. in 2012.  

What's all the fuss about?

 

Friday night was the culmination of weeks, nay months, of prayer and preparation.  The Push Community, our recent labour of love, said a big hello to the world as the website went live and we worshipped with friends.  I spent a lot of my free time last week collaborating with Steve in editing the above video for the launch.  Check it out.  (No serious - stop reading and press play; my limited video editing ability meant hours of work!)

The first song from this worship and song-writing collective is available to stream for free on the site and will be available to download from iTunes this week.  It's called "God you are good" and I've had it pretty much on repeat all weekend.  Sophia who wrote it has been leading me in worship through my iPhone headphones.  It's gorgeous and only beaten in my estimation by her most recently finished song 'Jesus you're more'. It gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it.  I think it'll be released some time in the near future.  

I'm always proud of my lovely husband, but Friday I was particularly glowing.  The Push Community is about everything Steve was made for - worship, developing/investing in/loving people and pushing creativity in music.  He's already given so much in time, skill and energy into this community, it's amazing to start to see the fruit.  

Let's push things forward...

Two days and counting until the Push Community says a big hello to the world. The worship and song writing collective that Steve is at the hub of, has been preparing for this week for months.  My free time has been spent editting videos, writing blog posts and generally helping out as Steve works on website content and rehearses for Friday night's gig.  It's all looking pretty good and the first track they're releasing at the weekend sounds great.  I have little energy for any other writing so this blog may be a bit quiet for a few days.  I'll be back soon though.  

A Passion for Pioneering - birthing the Push Community

 

I'm incredibly proud of my handsome husband at the moment.  At the end of this month the worship/songwriting collective he's been part of pulling together, will say a big hello to the world.  For years now Steve has longed to try something a little different in the sphere of music development.  In 2010 he found two friends who felt the same way and together they began Push. 

The Push Community is not terribly easy to describe because it doesn't fit neatly into previous industry categories.  At it's heart it's a community of Jesus followers who are particularly passionate about worship and creativity in song writing.  They're from different churches, different towns across the UK but they come together to create together and share what's working with the world.

Steve, Tom and Doug are committed to seeing each one be able to stay in their local community whilst being developed spiritually and musically.  They've already begun recording the songs that could be used nationwide and aim to help each song writer get their song out there without having to sign a record contract that locks them in beyond that song (often it can be for a number of albums or years.)

This very open approach to development and publishing could backfire I guess, but I love that there's only community and the value of growing together, rather than a piece of paper, that's going to keep everyone in this.

The first larger gathering of song writers was Sunday night. As they worship, prayed and shared the songs they were working on I was moved by the depth and passion in the room.  There will be some amazing sounds to fill our churches coming out in the next few months.

I've been supporting Steve and helping out where ever I can with writing (er blogs not songs... my songs would suck), editing a cool little video, and generally taking notes, offering social media advice, praying and making tea.  There's a real energy to this stage in their development.  Reminds of what it's like every time the 24-7 community takes a plunge off the deep end following God somewhere new.  There's something in me that lives for these times.

The boys are working on a website as a hub for those interested in connecting with the community and I'll let you know when their cyber home and their Twitter account, Facebook page and YouTube channel is up and running.  If you're in the south of England they're launching with a live event in Bognor Regis, in the church of the first worship leader they're publishing.  The lovely Sophia Jenkins is just 17 years old and has a beautiful heart and voice.  I'll be there, let me know if you will be too :)

Great Scot it's Saturday!

Another Saturday, another DeLoreans gig. The crazy summer season starts to wind up through September, Steve and I will begin to reclaim a few Saturdays a month; but, that's not today, today is a performance day!  This morning has been full of song words, set lists, and costumes.  We've just finished wolfing down lunch watching Back to the Future 3 (the perfect DeLorean warm up!) and soon we'll be packing lugging gear and packing our van.  I'm not sure whether tonight I'm going to wear my hawaiian halterneck (above) or a sparkly little mini dress.  Guess I'll see how high the stage is.  

I have to say that being the lead singer of The Deloreans (Chichester's premiere covers band according to The Observer - check us out) is a pleasure.  The boys are lovely, singing is a blast and I get paid to have fun at parties... got to be one of the best jobs ever.  Definitely in my top two.  Better stop typing and start warming up.  Whatever you're up to this fine Saturday I hope you're having fun :)

Guess what I did yesterday...

Oh yes!  That's a real DeLorean.  It IS kitted out like Back to the Future car.  No, sadly, I didn't get to drive it at 88mph.  Shame.  

The DeLoreans took a step toward updating our band photos yesterday with the very lovely Mr Peter Ward and our friend Brian's DeLorean.  It was a lot of fun.  You cannot stand next to that car and not feel like a kid.

The above photo was taken in 2007 shortly after the band began - look how young we are!  Everyone seems to have more hair for some bizarre reason.  We're awfully shaggy.  We realised that apart from one or two gigs where a great photographer shared snaps with us we were seriously lacking on the decent, recent photos of the band front.  In a weekend with two gigs we squeezed in a wee shoot.  I'll make sure a selection of what was taken makes it way onto the blog :)

Eeek! I'm on iTunes!

I was singing in a choir tonight for a recording of the upcoming Ishmael album (legend), when I was suddenly reminded of a late night recording session I'd done last year.  Steve, with his good friend Mr Paul Burton, has produced a series of Christian worship compilations called Encounter Worship. They choose some old classics you love belting out on a Sunday - ah that warm glow of a good chorus - and some of the most engaging modern songs, then re-record them with flare.  The aim is a decent resource for churches around the world.

During the production of Encounter Worship 5 last year Steve called me into his vocal booth and asked if I'd sing something for him.  A little while later I stumbled out and pretty much forgot all about it.  As I was adding my 'aaaa's to tonight's recording I wondered whether that forgotten singing session had turned into a track... it totally has!  Oh my gosh - I know this is normal for some people but this is my first lead vocal on a track available on iTunes, Amazon, etc.  Eeek!  You can have a listen to a sample here.  I love to sing and though I'm nothing spectacular it is very gratifying to get to sing such a great song on an album like this.  :)

Oh Holy Night

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

I love Christmas music. I don't just mean the latest ballad with sleigh bells plastered across every radio station (though they do make me smile). I mean the old school give you goosebumps carols, songs and hymms that should be sung outdoors at night, preferably whilst holding candles in the snow. There's nothing like a rousing rendition of Hark the Herald or the First Noel to remind me of the beauty and wonder of the nativity. Top of my list though is a song derived from a 19th Century french poem. Oh yes, my favourite is most certaily Oh Holy Night. To bring a little peace into your day I thought I'd share with you a version of the song my husband and I recorded. As you listen to the words why not pause and invite the peace of God's favour to rest on you today...

Oh Holy Night

 

The DeLoreans Live Recording... Oh My Gosh!

 

So for those of you who may not know I moonlight as the lead singer of a funky little functions band called The DeLoreans.  About four (!) years ago some good friends came to Steve and I asked we fancied having a bit of fun and making a bit of cash... who wouldn't answer yes and yes?  Rees/Steve, Nath, Jimmy, my Sven and I became the The DeLoreans and a fun little musical experiment has turned into quite a nice little side business that helps Steve and I afford to pursue our passions of music production and 24-7 Prayer respectively.  Over the years we've played at Weddings, corporate functions, Birthday parties, charity balls, supported bands like Delirious at Shepherd's Bush Empire and Bjorn Again at Wiston House.  It's been brilliant to have an outlet for the drama queen that lurks inside me.

In recent years with new jobs and babies the line up of The DeLoreans has grown and interchanges so we decided recently that we needed to record all our material for deps to learn.  We lugged some recording to a couple of gigs, crossed our fingers and hoped for the best.  My lovely hubby has just finished mixing the live recordings and oh my gosh they're kinda good!?  I of course have my cringeworthy moments - it is live - I don't hit every note - but generally I would totally dance to us.  Phew!  Good to know.  We're redesigning our website over the next few months but until that's done and the tracks are live here's a little sample... 

03 Blue Suede Shoes _ Great Balls Of Fire

A Happy Birthday Song... With Puppets!

This video was one of my greatest highlights from 24-7's IAM10 celebrations... a glimpse into the creative mind and big heart of Mr Jon Bilbrough.  This little ditty was a total surprise as Jon and the Romford community kept their project under wraps until the day of our celebration.  I hope you enjoy it and it brings as big a smile to your face as it did to mine. 

Readers may remember I blogged about a free track Jon made available through his site about a month ago.  I highly recommend checking out his more serious music!  Keep up with Jon on his blog and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more musical gems.

Loves of the Last Year #2: The DeLoreans

 

When Nathan Evans asked me if I’d be interested in singing in a covers band I have to confess I was uncertain. I’d not performed since my degree in Dance and I hadn’t sung to any significant level in many years. Would I cut the mustard or would I quietly exit stage left to be replaced by someone more experienced…

The DeLoreans is one of the most creative answers to prayer I think God has ever pulled out of the bag. In January 2007 Steve and I were looking for new ways to earn a little more so we could both continue to pursue the careers we loved, rather than the careers that guaranteed to pay the bills. When we accepted the invitation to try out as the lead vocalist and keyboard player a new adventure began.

The band has been a great source of joy for the last three years… an exciting holiday from responsibility and computer screens into a world of heavy gear, fast food, new friendships, stretching my vocal range, rapping and buying pretty costumes (amazing how many purchases you can wangle under that category. ;)

Being a functions band there’s something really amazing about being present at so many significant events in the lives of strangers. We’ve been a part of Wedding’s Birthdays and coming of age moments. We’ve assisted the celebration of life, Christmas and the raising of money for worthy causes. Each gig has been unique and I’ve felt very privileged to entertain so many.

In the last year or so The DeLoreans family has expanded from just Nath, Steve, Rees, Jim and I to include Ed (trumpet), Mark (Sax), Tom (2nd Guitar & Bass) and Ali (2nd Bass) when they’re around to help us out. Getting to know each one has been a delight, I truly couldn’t pick a better bunch to spend a lot of time waiting around with. As I look ahead to the year to come - my gosh it’s filling fast! Looks like the DeLoreans are going strong into our forth year and though I cannot reveal details yet, there is a strong possibility that we may be supporting a big act in front of maybe 10,000 people some time in Spring…

Hmm if it comes together I wonder if it would justify a new dress (only joking Steve… well only half joking).

Jim Elliot our lovely guitarist put his media degree to good use for us over Christmas and put together this day in the life video. Hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed living it.

Gravity

What a stunningly beautiful and inventive video.  Wow - true creativity is alive and well. Thanks Adam for sending it my way xc

Tunes of 2008

I am a creature of habit. This is my summation from examining my most played list in iTunes.  Many of the big hitters of 2007 make a repeat appearance so maybe a resolution for 09 should be expanding my musical horizons.  Oh well, regardless these are the tunes that have made me go 'Mmmmm' this year...

Trouble by Ray LeMontagne

I love this album and has now risen to the heights of my affection alongside Shawn Colvin, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Jackson.  If you haven't heard it then buy it now.  My favourite is the title track though every one is beautiful.

Little Voice by Sara Bareilles

I like it, I like it a lot.  Love her voice, love the optimism of the vibe and catchy melodies. She has now kinda been replaced by Sia's new in album in my playlist though...

Jump Around Presents - Hip Hop Classics

I'm a sucker for classic 80's and 90's HipHop.  It's probably up there in my play counts because it's my favourite genre for walking.  Noted favs include: Jump Around by House of Pain, Boom Shake the Room by Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and You Can Do It by Ice Cube. These tracks are mostly responsible for my public dancing outbursts.

Version by Mark Ronson

I really loved this album and when I want a fun party vibe it's still my go to album.  Ok you could argue he's not really contributed much to it using such a fab band and all but I say he was bright enough to have the idea and make it into an album... like those people who paint a canvas all one colour and call it art...

Burning Calories

I swear I must burn like 5000 calories during one DeLoreans Gig. Our time-traveling-covers-band has been going all guns blazing recently and building quite a nice reputation I'm pleased to say. New enquiries seem to be coming in weekly and we're racking up some new songs to give the old timers something new to enjoy. I've been a little poorly the last five days - just an annoying head cold but I've been so tired (and yes stressed) the last month that it kinda knocked me for six. I was drugged up to the max to make it through Friday's gig (Beachams cold and flu tablets, Paracetamol, several Lemsips and copious amounts of Echenatia - I felt like a dancer again!) It only occurred to me on Saturday that most of those contain paracetamol and I probably was over the recommended dosage. Ah well - I'm alive and the gig went well. I love celebrating with people, even complete strangers, I think we add a lot of joy and fun to people's events, it's fun to be part of something special in someone's life: a wedding or birthday. You get a glimpse into the joy in a strangers life for a night and hopefully help them enjoy it even more. Good clean fun :) xc

DeLoreans Rocking the Vestry Saturday Night

We rarely do public gigs so if you're in the area of Chichester tomorrow evening (Sat 19th) then pop to the Vestry Pub on South Street for a Back to the Future extravaganza! The DeLoreans are playing the beautiful Smiles's 26th Birthday Party and it's going to be a blast. With a chunk of new material under our belt and potentially the best cover a band of our like has ever done... I will say no more as it's a surprise this will be a blast. Hope to see you there.

All Welcome

The DeLoreans are playing at the Venue in Chichester on the evening of Saturday 19th January. The gig is open to everyone so if you're in the area and fancy a boogie come down and join us. If you're a particular fan of my lovely husband Stephen then you'll be pleased to know that the 19th is also his 30th Birthday! Looking forward to seeing some friendly faces. Have a great new year! xc

Deep Breath

So the set's been decided, I have two outfits to choose from (do I go for my classic 50s red number or my new 40s green one?) and we're counting down in days not weeks to the moment I have to sing in tune in front of two thousand people. Help! Nathan sent me this thread from the Delirious website this morning. It made me laugh and cower all at the same time... appreciated the compliment though :) Ultimately regardless of nerves I'm resolved to have fun and give it my all. It's only 40 minutes of my life... eeek! xc

Cheesy Tunes

The DeLoreans played a Wedding in Petersfield on Friday night and I have to say I think we rocked. I do love being in a band with my lovely husband and some great guys. We wailed, rocked and funked out all night belting out such classics as Aretha's Respect and Gloria's I Will Survive: definite hits with the ladies...

The DeLoreans support Delirious: Shepherds Bush, Dec 18th

I can't decide whether I'm terrified or excited but it's official, The DeLoreans are supporting Delirious at Shepherds Bush Empire! It's their annual Christmas shebang and for some bizarre reason they've decided to give us a thrill and let us open for them... aaaaaaaaaahhhhh I'm gonna sing at Shepherds Bush!!!!!! Ok I'm being cool about it. They do sell out pretty quick so it's worth buying tickets early if you can make it to London. Find details of this gig and the rest of the tour here.

DeLorean's Gig: Friday 28th, Chichester

Welcome, welcome one and all to the Chichester Watersports bar from 8.30pm this Friday. The DeLoreans will be playing our party tunes that span the decades and will make you wanna boogie on the deck over looking the lake. If your in or near Chi on Friday night it's free entry so come down and join us. Check out their website and find directions on Google maps. I can't wait to sing beneath the stars and Brian is planning on bringing his DeLorean Car that featured in our photo shoot if the weather stays fine. It's gonna be awesome! xc

Coldplay - better than U2

This morning I'm sitting infront of my computor with dry eyes, thick makeup, a strategically placed cap and a sense of inner contentment. Last night I may not have slept much but I did experience one of the best gigs I've ever been to. Yesterday afternoon Steve, Benny, Smiles and I made a traffic wraught journey up to Crystal palace to join the thousands of other Coldplay fans pouring into the arena...

U2 Baby

Saturday morning I awoke slick with sweat wondering where I was. I rolled over, opened my eyes and saw my room before me but something felt strangely out of place. Then I realised, I was burning up, my pjs were clinging to me wet with sweat, was I sick, had someone tipped water over my bed whilst I was asleep, no... the minor heatwave of England had begun and my suntrap of attic bedroom had grown as hot as a Swedish sauna!

The Frames

The Frames are not an awful Folk Band that an old fogy would listen to Mr Freeman! The Frames rock! Last night I fought my way through the London Underground towards Islington to meet my parents, Lisa, Adam and Liam at the Carling Academy to watch… yes you’ve guessed it, The Frames…